Regulatory Activity
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold a panel to consider proposed rule changes to amend and extend the medium- and heavy-duty vehicle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards beyond the model year 2018. According to the EPA, the proposed changes are likely to include “more stringent engine and vehicle GHG emission and fuel efficiency standards.” The action is expected to impact several types of vehicle manufacturers including those that produce on-road vehicles, semi-trucks and trailers, pickup trucks, vans and buses. EPA is accepting nominations for the panel from entities that may be most impacted by the proposed rule by April 16.
Legislative Activity
This Week’s Hearings:
Nominations for EPA
Tuesday, April 8: The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will hold full committee hearings to consider the nominations for two Assistant Administrators of the Environmental Protection Agency, and a nomination for Member of the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board.
FY 2015 Funding Requests for EPA
Wednesday, April 9: The Senate Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, will hold a hearing to examine the President’s FY 2015 budget request for the EPA.
Potentials for BioFuels
Tuesday, April 8: The Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee will hold a full committee hearing on advanced biofuels and to examine any related job creation and fuel price reduction from the fuels.
Forest Management
Wednesday, April 10: The House Natural Resources Committee will hold an oversight hearing titled, “Tribal Forest Management: A Model for Promoting Healthy Forests and Rural Jobs.”