Legislative Activity New Congress As a result of the November 8 elections, we will have a new Administration and Congress taking office on January 20, 2017. For a comprehensive view of what to expect for the energy, environment and natural resources community, click here for our 2016 Post-Election Analysis. WOTUS Also on Tuesday, November 8, … Continue Reading
Legislative Action Comprehensive Energy Bill While leadership continues its discussion, it is possible that the Senate may consider a vote to proceed to conference on the comprehensive House and Senate Energy bills before July 15. Should a vote for conference succeed, Senate conferees would need to be selected and conference would not begin until after … Continue Reading
Legislative Action Flint and Water Infrastructure Funding In our continued tracking of the package of federal funding for Flint’s water crisis,the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee recently favorably reported its Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which authorizes $220 million in funding in a combination of grants and loans for both Flint and for drinking water … Continue Reading
Legislative Action Senate Energy Policy Modernization Act Last week the Senate voted to pass S. 2012 the Energy Modernization Act of 2016 with a strong, almost unheard of bi-partisan vote of 85-12, including numerous amendments impacting a majority of the United States. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) has since been … Continue Reading
Legislative Action Senate Energy Policy Modernization Act As a result of continued opposition to the Flint water funding package and an off-shore oil revenue amendment, the Senate continues to remain in a holding pattern on floor action for S. 2012, the Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016. Renewables in FAA Reauthorization The Senate prepares for … Continue Reading
Legislative Activity This week, the Senate could return to floor consideration of S. 2012, the Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016. Last week there was progress made toward hotlining a procedural proposal to separate consideration for a potential agreement on Flint, MI water funding and the Energy bill in order to vote on the two items … Continue Reading
Regulatory Activity Deepwater Horizon Spill Restoration The Department of the Interior’s draft Phase IV Early Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessments regarding the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill currently proposes 10 early restoration projects. The Department is extending the public comment period on its draft until July 6. Greenhouse Gas On Friday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of … Continue Reading
Regulatory Activity EPA to Hold Public Hearings on Clean Power Plan This week, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold public hearings in Washington D.C., Atlanta, Denver and Pittsburgh to receive comments on its proposed Clean Power Plan. EPA’s Clean Power Plan intends to reduce carbon emissions from existing power plants to 30 percent below … Continue Reading
Regulatory Activity EPA Approves New Measurements for Ozone In significant news for entities attempting to maintain or attain the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQSs), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced it has approved four new testing methods that are now allowed for measuring ozone and related pollutants in determining compliance. The alternative tests can … Continue Reading
Legislative Activity Senate to Consider Environmental Nominations On Tuesday, May 13, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will hold a full committee hearing to evaluate President Obama’s nominations for key environmental positions. Dr. Monica Regalbuto is being nominated for Assistant Secretary of the Department of Energy (DOE) to oversee the department’s Office of Environmental … Continue Reading
Regulatory Activity Ozone A court order issued last week instructs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue its proposed rule concerning ozone by December 1, 2014, and a final rule by October 1, 2015. This action would finalize the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) that are expected to significantly impact cities, counties, transportation systems … Continue Reading
