Environment Update
October 25, 2001
Volume II, Number 12
Jeffords to Push Multi-Pollutant Bill
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW) plans to hold a legislative hearing October 25, 2001 on the "Clean Power Act of 2001" (S. 556). The measure directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue regulations for reducing powerplant emissions of four pollutants - sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, carbon dioxide, and mercury - by January 2007. The committee's chairman and primary sponsor of the legislation, Senator Jeffords (I-Vermont), says he plans a mark up in early November - despite objections from industry and the White House. The bill is popular with environmentalist but has been criticized by the utility industry for its lack of regulatory relief or flexibility. An EPA representative is expected to testify at the hearing but has commented that the agency has not completed its own multi-pollutant proposal because the agency has been dealing with the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on September 11. The EPA has hinted that its proposal will have tough standards consistent with S. 556, but will not contain regulations on carbon dioxide. The EPA proposal is expected to provide regulatory relief, changes to the New Source Review program and elimination of the Regional Haze Rule.
Economic Stimulus Package
On October 9, 2001, the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) sent a letter to Senate leadership requesting that a number of programs be included in the Senate's Economic Stimulus Package. This includes increases in funding for the Disaster Unemployment Assistance Program; transportation infrastructure; environmental remediation; flood control, navigation, restoration, and shoreline protection; and clean water and drinking water infrastructure. In particular the request emphasized the need for accelerating improvements in water security and recommended funding between $1 and $5 billion in State Revolving Fund Grants. A considerable amount of negotiating is expected before the Senate takes up its package. The House passed its Economic Stimulus Package (H.R. 3090) on October 24, 2001.
Senate Has Pressure to Move the Energy Package
On October 22, 2001, Senate Republicans introduced their version of an energy package, the Homeland Security Act of 2001. The Republican package would increase domestic oil supply by opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and reforming federal energy programs. The introduction of the bill has put pressure on Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) to schedule a floor debate before the end of the year. This week, President Bush and Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham urged Senator Daschle to take up energy legislation soon. Secretary Abraham, stressing the importance of the legislation was quoted as saying, "[w]ithout energy security, you can't have national security". Senator Daschle will wait until he receives the Senate majority's version of an energy package drafted by Senator Bingaman (D-NM). Senator Bingaman and his staff have not pin pointed a date when the majority's version of the energy plan will be finalized.
Planning Underway for NCSL's Winter Meeting
NCSL's Joint Assembly of Federal Issues and Assembly of State Issues Meeting will be held December 5-7, 2001 in Washington, D.C. The meeting will have several sessions focusing on states involvement in national security. The newly appointed Secretary of Homeland Security, Tom Ridge, has accepted a speaking invitation for the Thursday luncheon plenary "The States and National Security". Topics to be covered by the AFI Environment Committee include: response to environmental crisis; carbon dioxide emissions; overview of a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision on "takings" (Palazzolo v. Rhode Island); and a roundtable discussion with James Connaughton, Chair, White House Council on Environmental Quality. Attached is a preliminary agenda for the meeting.
Appropriations Update
|
FY 2002 Appropriations |
Bill |
Conference |
|
Interior |
(H.R. 2217) |
House and Senate have appointed conferees |
|
Energy and Water |
(H.R. 2311)/ (S. 1171) |
House and Senate have appointed conferees |
|
VA-HUD |
(H.R. 2620)/ (S. 1216) |
House and Senate have
approved conference report |
NCSL Contacts:
Molly Stauffer
Committee Director
(202) 624-3584
Laurie Holmes
Staff Assistant
(202)624-8695
|
