Executive Branch Activity On Monday, President Trump is expected to begin signing executive orders intended to roll back some of President Obama’s actions to protect the environment. Early anticipated orders could include ones that would: (1) remove the public lands coal leasing moratorium; and (2) revoke CEQ’s guidance to agencies that recommends climate change and greenhouse … Continue Reading
Legislative Activity Senate Energy Policy Modernization Act While there is interest in resuming Senate floor consideration of S. 2012, the Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016 this week, the bill continues to be held up largely by Democrats led by Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) due to the lack of agreement as to how to address the … Continue Reading
Legislative Activity Senate Floor Consideration of Comprehensive Energy Bill The Senate has been trying to conclude its floor consideration of S. 2012, the Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016. Last week, a motion to invoke cloture was offered but the Senate failed to reach the 60 votes needed to end debate on the bill. Democrats refused to … 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 Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council The Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council has announced a two-step application process for entities seeking funding for council-selected projects “to restore and protect the natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife habitats, beaches, and coastal wetlands of the Gulf Coast region” as a result of the Deepwater Horizon … Continue Reading
Regulatory Activity Clean Water Act The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will extend its public comment period on the proposed “Clean Water Act Methods Update Rule for the Analysis of Effluent” until May 20. Background on the proposed rule can be found here. Mineral Activity on the OCS The Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean … 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
