Ponder the News January 30, 2022

Today's News

The Treasury Department is planning on scaling back on Emergency Rental Assistance, in spite of the fact that less than two-thirds of the $46 billion of rental aid has been disbursed or allocated over a year after the program launched. (Source)

Apparently, there is currently a lawsuit, West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), that is challenging the EPA’s ability to regulate carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions under the Clean Air Act (CAA). (Source)

North Dakota's Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem has passed away. (Source)

Apparently, the Biden Administration has been flying illegal immigrants into the U.S. in the dead of night, on the taxpayers' dime, according to leaked video footage showing federal contractors flying illegal immigrants into New York. This has prompted U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson (R-IA, 1st) to introduce the "Stop the Betrayal Act", legislation that would prohibit taxpayer dollars from funding secret charter flights transporting illegal immigrants into the interior of the U.S..

FINAL RULE PROMOTES ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE

Washington, D.C. - June 1, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement in support of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler's announcement of the agency's final rule on Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. The final rule will help accelerate the construction of energy infrastructure projects across the nation:

“I applaud President Trump and EPA Administrator Wheeler for their final rule that will prevent further abuse and politicization of Clean Water Act Section 401 authorities. Some states have abused Section 401 authorities to block the construction of critical energy infrastructure projects for reasons completely unrelated to water quality. This new rule maintains strong standards for water quality, while also supporting the high-paying construction jobs needed to build pipelines, export terminals, and other critical energy projects. This important rule will provide common sense reforms to ensure our nation’s waterways are protected, while putting an end to the radical tactics some states are using to pursue their 'keep it in the ground' agenda."

EPA finalized this rule pursuant to the direction of Executive Order 13868, “Promoting Energy Infrastructure and Economic Growth.” In this Executive Order, President Trump directed EPA to review Section 401 and EPA’s related regulations and guidance to determine whether the agency’s policies should be updated or clarified.

Section 401 of the Clean Water Act gives states the authority to review whether a federally permitted project will impact the water quality of navigable waters within state borders. While this authority is important in protecting water quality, Section 401 has been abused by some states to deny critical and legitimate energy infrastructure projects for reasons unrelated to water quality. The final rule limits reviews to water quality impacts and requires a final decision be made by states within one year. The final rule:

Specifies statutory and regulatory timelines for review and action on a Section 401 certification—requiring final action to be taken within one year of receiving a certification request.

Clarifies the scope of Section 401, including clarifying that 401 certification is triggered based on the potential for a project to result in a discharge from a point source into a water of the United States. When states look at issues other than the impact on water quality, they go beyond the scope of the Clean Water Act.

Explains EPA’s roles under Section 401.

Reaffirms the agency’s statutory responsibility to provide technical assistance to any party involved in a Section 401 water quality certification process.

Promotes early engagement and coordination among project proponents, certifying authorities and federal licensing and permitting agencies.

In October 2019, Scalise signed a letter in support of the EPA's proposed rule regarding Section 401 of the Clean Water Act.

Conservation Groups Challenge EPA's Gutting of Clean Water Protections in Federal Court

Charleston, SC - April 29, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- Conservation groups challenged in federal court the administration's effort to gut clean water protections from wetlands and streams that feed drinking-water sources for 200 million Americans and 32 million people in the South, or seven out of ten Southerners. The legal challenge, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, opens a major court battle over the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' re-definition of what waters are protected under the Clean Water Act that leaves many waterways unprotected as well as the communities and wildlife that rely on them.

The Southern Environmental Law Center filed today's challenge on behalf of American Rivers, Charleston Waterkeeper, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, Clean Water Action, Defenders of Wildlife, Environment America, Friends of the Rappahannock, James River Association, National Wildlife Federation, North Carolina Coastal Federation, North Carolina Wildlife Federation, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER), Roanoke River Basin Association and South Carolina Coastal Conservation League.

The lawsuit contends that the agencies' wholesale stripping of protections was an unlawful departure from decades of bipartisan practice. Among other things, the agencies failed to explain or evaluate the impact of their actions on the nation's water quality or give Americans a meaningful opportunity to comment on the elimination of scientifically-based protections for streams and wetlands.

The lawsuit contends the rule is contrary to the Clean Water Act's central aim to protect the integrity of America's waterways and ignores basic science – a point underlined by EPA's own Science Advisory Board, which warned that the proposed rule flew in the face of established studies and research.

The challenged rule ignores the intent of the Clean Water Act, which a bipartisan Congress passed in 1972 because state-by-state efforts to clean the nation's waters failed.

The agencies' bid to dramatically reduce water protections was met with overwhelming opposition, with the bulk of more than 600,000 comments submitted from across the country opposed to the stripping away the Clean Water Act's reach.

Comments from the groups who filed in federal court today to protect clean water follow.

"Every family and community across America relies on clean water, but these agencies ignored all that to facilitate unlimited water pollution across the nation," said Blan Holman, senior attorney and leader of the Clean Water Defense Initiative at the Southern Environmental Law Center which is representing the conservation groups in court. "This unlawful rule puts the water used by hundreds of millions of Americans for drinking, bathing, fishing, and business at risk as well as countless communities that deal with floods and hurricanes. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to know that pollution dumped upstream flows downstream, but the agencies shut their eyes to science and common sense. That violation of the law is why we're going to court to protect clean water."

"The Trump administration's Dirty Water Rule would reverse 50 years of progress protecting clean water in our country," said Bob Irvin, president and CEO of American Rivers. "It ignores science and threatens the health and safety of hundreds of millions of people who depend on rivers and streams for clean water. We will continue standing up against this administration's reckless rollbacks to our clean water safeguards because our nation's health, security and future depend on it."

"It's hard to imagine a worse idea," said Andrew Wunderley, Charleston waterkeeper. "Aggressive growth is threatening our freshwater wetlands and there are no state or local protections to fall back on in South Carolina. Removing these protections now means more flooding and more pollution--that's not good for anyone.

"As surely as water flows downstream, the Dirty Water Rule endangers the waterways where millions of Americans swim, fish, boat, and draw our drinking water," said John Rumpler, clean water program director for Environment America. "Revoking Clean Water Act protections for streams and wetlands defies common sense, sound science, and the law."

"The administration's new rule completely undermines the core purpose of the Clean Water Act, which is to restore and maintain the integrity of our nation's waters. It will put the health of communities throughout the country at risk," said Jennifer Peters, national water programs director at Clean Water Action. "Even kids understand we all live downstream and that small streams and wetlands are vital to overall health of our drinking water sources. Instead of acting like drinking water matters, EPA is prioritizing polluter profits with this illegal and unscientific rule and standing its mission to protect human health and the environment on its head."

"The Trump administration's reversal of protections for clean water is reckless and irresponsible. Wetlands, streams and freshwater bays provide important habitat diversity to many imperiled species like the southern bog turtle, Florida manatee, Eastern hellbender, Rio Grande cutthroat trout and more. We are heading to court to fight the administration's rollback that threatens thousands of streams, wetlands, and bays in the U.S. and the wildlife that call them home," said Lindsay Dubin, staff attorney, Defenders of Wildlife.

"Clean drinking water, a fishable and swimmable James River, increased river-based tourism and economic development – all of these we owe to the protections of the federal Clean Water Act. The EPA's rule puts our local waterways at risk and threatens to erode decades of progress to restore the health of the James River," said Jameson Brunkow, riverkeeper and senior advocacy manager with the James River Association. "We are speaking up to defend protections for critical headwater streams and wetlands, which science shows support downstream water quality and healthy waterways."

"This rule effectively guts the Clean Water Act by permanently removing protections for approximately half the nation's streams and wetlands," said Jim Murphy, director of legal advocacy for the National Wildlife Federation. "It should be shocking, but it isn't, that the EPA did not examine the impacts of this rule on water quality or public health. The agency has openly admitted it did not do a substantive analysis of which streams and wetlands would lose protections and which pollution permits would be invalidated as a result. We think the courts will agree that federal rules should be based on sound science and that this one is not."

"The repeal of Clean Water Act protections would put North Carolina's water resources at risk by removing protections from smaller headwater streams and tributaries, and would undermine our state's resiliency during flooding events by eliminating protections on millions of acres of wetlands that safeguard our communities," said Tim Gestwicki, CEO of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation. "As North Carolina continues to rebuild from the past two years of hurricanes and historic flooding, the rollback repeals are especially egregious. We need restored wetlands, streams, and floodplains, not less protections.

"Wildlife need clean water and hunters and anglers know that without it, there won't be ducks to hunt or fish to catch," added Gestwicki. "Folks who love our streams, rivers, and wetlands deserve better, which is why this grievous repeal must be fought in court."

The agencies have 60 days to respond to the lawsuit.

For more than 30 years, the Southern Environmental Law Center has used the power of the law to champion the environment of the Southeast. With over 80 attorneys and nine offices across the region, SELC is widely recognized as the Southeast's foremost environmental organization and regional leader. SELC works on a full range of environmental issues to protect our natural resources and the health and well-being of all the people in our region.

Environment and Climate

Today's News about Environment and Climate Issues

Senior US military officials tour the Arctic as the region copes with changing climate and shifting security demands
Source: US Air Force
May 1, 2019
A contingent of senior Air Force leaders and other high-ranking officials are visiting multiple locations across the Arctic April 27-May 3 in an attempt to better understand operational challenges and refine approaches for meeting the changing security dynamics in the region

Read more...

Free Market Groups Oppose House Attempt to Reinstate Harmful Paris Treaty
Source: Competitive Enterprise Institute
May 1, 2019
The Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI), joined by 16 organizations – including Heritage Action, FreedomWorks, and Americans for Limited Government – sent a letter today to the House of Representatives opposing H.R. 9, the Climate Action Now Act. The legislation, if enacted, would reverse the decision made by President Trump to withdraw the United States from the damaging Paris climate treaty.

Read more...

Phillips Co-Sponsors Bipartisan Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act
Source: Dean Phillips (D-MN, 3rd)
May 1, 2019
“We didn’t leave the Stone Age because we ran out of rocks. We found a better way of doing things,” said Phillips. “Climate change is an urgent problem and we need to reach a solution as quickly as possible. The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act empowers a new generation of innovators to do just that. Everyone has a stake in preserving our planet and finding ways to make a green economy possible.”

Read more...

Mucarsel-Powell Urges Prioritization of Climate Change Research in FY2020 Appropriations
Source: Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D-FL, 26th)
May 1, 2019
“Not only is President Trump denying the threat to South Florida posed by climate change is real, but he is impeding our country’s ability to fight it by not prioritizing scientific research,” said Mucarsel-Powell. “The effects of climate change are getting worse by the day: our coastlines are crumbling faster, our drinking water is becoming dirtier, and extreme weather patterns are becoming more common. We must spur innovation to address climate change now. Trump’s attempts to eliminate climate change research from the budget are reckless and put South Florida in danger. Congress should do right by South Florida and fully fund climate research today.”

Read more...

AMS celebrates two years of building the case for conservative, pro-growth solutions to climate change
Source: Alliance for Market Solutions
May 1, 2019
AMS supports a pro-growth policy that would eliminate harmful regulations and replace them with a revenue-neutral carbon tax that enables markets, instead of government, to allocate resources, stimulate innovation and capital investment, support clean energy, and effectively reduce carbon pollution.

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Congressman Francis Rooney Urges Congress to Consider the Effects of Damaging Chemicals on our Coral Reefs
Source: Francis Rooney (R-FL, 19th)
April 29, 2019
Congressman Rooney sent a letter to Chairman Grijalva and Ranking Member Bishop of the House Natural Resources Committee requesting a hearing on the Defending Our National Marine Sanctuaries from Harmful Chemicals Act (H.R. 1834).

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Pallone and Piscataway Officials Stress Need for Federal Energy Efficiency Program to Combat Climate Change in New Jersey
Source: Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ, 6th)
April 29, 2019
Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), State Senator Bob Smith, and Mayor Brian Wahler touted the need to pass legislation to authorize funding for state and local energy efficiency and conservation programs to help reduce the effects of climate change in New Jersey.

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Congressman Pappas reacts to EPA's PFAS standards and reports of DoD pressure to weaken them
Source: Chris Pappas (D-NH, 1st)
April 26, 2019
On Thursday the EPA announced new standards on the issue of PFAS that are at odds with recent health studies. A recent report by the New York Times reveals that the Department of Defense played a part in pressuring the EPA to weaken the newly released standards. New Hampshire's First Congressional District has been significantly impacted by the presence of PFAS contaminants, including communities across the Seacoast near Pease Air National Guard Base and communities around the St. Gobain factory in Merrimack.

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Kaptur Introduces Legislation to Reestablish Civilian Conservation Corps
Source: Marcy Kaptur (D-OH, 9th)
April 24, 2019
“The magnitude of the Civilian Conservation Corps and the incredible work it accomplished is hard to overstate,” said Rep. Kaptur. “At the height of the Great Depression, the CCC successfully lifted millions of Americans out of poverty while constructing hundreds of national, state, and local parks – parks that countless Americans enjoy to this day. The 21st Century CCC will emulate the success of the original program, while taking steps to address the unique and important issues we face today, including the effects of climate change.”

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REPRESENTATIVE ADRIANO ESPAILLAT ADDRESSES IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Source: Adrianno Espaillat (D-NY, 13th)
April 24, 2019
During remarks before the Full House Foreign Affairs Committee Markup to address various issues, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) spoke on the urgency to put forth policies that will address the existential threat of climate change and the impact to communities around the nation.

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CASTEN, NEGUSE, AND LEVIN LEAD FRESHMAN LETTER URGING PRIORITIZATION OF CLIMATE ISSUES IN FY2020 APPROPRIATIONS
Source: Sean Casten (D-IL, 6th)
April 24, 2019
“As you consider the Fiscal Year 2020 (FY 2020) Appropriations bills, we urge you to provide robust funding for our nation’s climate change research programs,” reads the opening of the letter from Neguse, Levin and Casten. “We have an opportunity and a moral obligation to act on climate, and this responsibility must be built on the foundation of robust and sustained climate research funding. As the freshman class of the 116th congress, we urge appropriators to recognize the timely nature of this crisis by robustly funding climate science in FY 2020 and beyond,” the letter goes on to say.

Read more...

MCCOLLUM, TOP DEMOCRATS ALARMED BY EPA CONTRACT WITH GOP OPERATIVES

By Betty McCollum (D-MN, 4th)



Washington, D.C. - January 5, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.), Ranking Member of the House Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, and Democratic leaders of the Energy and Commerce and Transportation and Infrastructure committees sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt today expressing their serious concerns regarding a no-bid contract awarded by EPA to Definers Public Affairs.

The Democrats voiced concerns that the $120,000 contract – recently terminated by Definers after press reports brought the contract to light – was awarded without full and open competition to a company with no apparent experience in providing these services to a Federal agency. The Democratic leaders also wrote that they were “deeply troubled” by Definers staffers’ involvement in an apparent witch hunt against EPA employees who may have publicly or privately expressed concerns about the agency or its leadership.

In addition to McCollum, the letter was signed by Energy and Commerce Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Transportation and Infrastructure Ranking Member Peter DeFazio (D-OR), E&C Environment Subcommittee Ranking Member Paul Tonko (D-NY), and T&I Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Ranking Member Grace Napolitano (D-CA).

“We have become increasingly concerned about the secrecy and lack of transparency from your administration, and this latest report is an alarming new development,” the Democratic Committee leaders wrote to Administrator Pruitt. “Hiring a firm that offers services attacking the press and surveilling your employees threatens the functioning of your agency and potentially the freedom of the press guaranteed by our Constitution.”

As part of their inquiry, the Democrats are requesting answers to a series of questions and additional information from Administrator Pruitt, including:

What was Pruitt’s role in selecting Definers for this award? In addition to Pruitt, which EPA political appointees were involved in selecting Definers?

Were Pruitt or other EPA political appointees aware of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests filed by Definers employees against individual agency employees before the contract was awarded?

Was Definers, America Rising, or any of their agents involved in creating or funding the website ConfirmPruitt.com?

Were Pruitt, his agents, or any current EPA employees involved in generating or reviewing the content of the website ConfirmPruitt.com, or providing or raising funds for the site?

What work did Definers perform for EPA pursuant to the contract? What was the total amount of taxpayer funds EPA paid Definers during the duration of the contract?

On December 10, The New York Times published an article identifying an alarming decrease in enforcement actions brought by the EPA under Pruitt’s leadership. EPA issued an unusual press release in response, which has since been removed from the agency website but continues to be cited by conservative media sources. What role did Definers play in the agency’s response to the December 10th article?

Provide any correspondence between EPA and any representative of Definers, America Rising, America Rising Squared, and the Need to Know Network regarding the December 10th article.

What firewalls were in place in the contract with Definers Corp to ensure that Definers firewalled the media monitoring services provided under the Contract from its services that would violate the Publicity or Propaganda Prohibition and Anti-Lobbying provisions?

Please provide a copy of the contract between EPA and Definers Corp. including any statement of work.

The letter to Administrator Pruitt is available HERE.

See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site

EPA Refuses to "Settle" in Further Lawsuits

Washington, D.C. - October 18, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced they will enact the position outlined in Congressman Jason Smith’s taxpayer protection legislation that passed the U.S. House of Representatives in September. The policy would prevent radical liberal groups from taking Missourians’ tax dollars and imposing burdensome government regulations.

“There was a massive loophole called ‘sue and settle’ that has been hurting Missourians for years, and I’m glad the EPA has joined me in stopping this harmful practice,” said Congressman Smith.

The wasteful “sue and settle” process occurs when a federal agency accepts a lawsuit from an outside advocacy organization and then, rather than defend itself, the agency settles the lawsuit out of court in a closed-door agreement.

“Sue and settle” agreements usually involve the U.S. taxpayer paying attorney fees for the radical organization. Between 2009 and 2012, these lawsuits resulted in more than 100 new regulations and tens of millions of tax dollars spent on compliance costs.

Under the Obama Administration, there were almost twice as many settlements as there were during both President Bush and President Clinton’s Administrations combined.

In his announcement, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt said, “The days of regulation through litigation are over. We will no longer go behind closed doors and use consent decrees and settlement agreements to resolve lawsuits filed against the Agency by special interest groups where doing so would circumvent the regulatory process set forth by Congress. Additionally, gone are the days of routinely paying tens of thousands of dollars in attorney’s fees to these groups with which we swiftly settle.”

Like Smith’s legislation, the EPA’s directive removes the incentive for outside groups to sue the federal government by barring the federal government from paying the attorney’s fees in any environmental law case arising under the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, or the Endangered Species Act.

Congressman Smith has a track record of success in fighting against the sue and settle practice. In March, Smith introduced the Stop Taxpayer Funded Settlements Act with seven cosponsors. This legislation was attached to the Interior Appropriations Bill and approved by a bipartisan majority. The bill passed on September 14, 2017.

“It’s wrong for Washington to leave the ‘sue and settle’ loophole open and waste Missourians hard-earned money paying attorney fees for radical environmentalist groups and other radical, left wing organizations,” said Congressman Smith. “I’m proud that my legislation to fix this problem was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and that the EPA is following suit with closing this harmful loophole.”

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Statements on the EPA’s Proposed Rule to Withdraw from the Obama Clean Power Plan (page 3)

Continued from Page 2

On Tuesday, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that begins the process of repealing the EPA’s Clean Power Plan, environmental protections aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from existing power plants.



John Delaney (D-MD, 6th)

“The seeds of climate change catastrophe are planted on days like this, when the President and his allies roll back some of the few carbon pollution measures we have.

“Like pulling out of the Paris Agreement, this is a massive mistake that really hurts the country. In addition to undermining our environment, this is going to hurt our public health, hurt our ability to create new jobs in the industries of the future and hurt our economic leadership in alternative energy. Like so much of what the Trump Administration is doing, this is handing our global competitors a golden opportunity.

“Instead of working in a bipartisan manner to combat climate change, the Trump Administration is doing everything they can to leave us with a dirtier and more impoverished future. It is incumbent upon members to work together on this issue. I’m proud to author carbon tax legislation that uses market forces to reduce carbon emissions and provides impacted coal industry workers with substantial benefits.”

Ted Deutch (D-FL, 21st)

Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL) and Congressman Carlos Curbelo (R-FL), founding co-chairs of the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus, led a bipartisan Caucus letter to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt, affirming their "support for the Clean Power Plan regulations on the building of new power plants" and urging the Administration to maintain the regulations and "work to achieve solutions that will provide good jobs, economic growth, and a safe climate for us and future Americans."

"Reasonable people can disagree about how to respond to the risks of climate change," the Members of Congress state in the letter. "But there should be little disagreement that something must be done. We must work towards addressing the challenges posed by a changing climate."

The Members of Congress recognize that "Climate change is already a threat to life and property, as it drives rising temperatures, sea levels, and worsening impacts from severe weather events."

The Clean Power Plan was estimated to "result in a 32 percent reduction in carbon emission by 2030. Such a reduction in carbon emissions is critical to addressing the growing threat posed by climate change to our states and communities."

Reps. Deutch and Curbelo were joined by fellow members of the Climate Solutions Caucus: Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez (D-NY), Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Congressman Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Congressman Jerry McNerney (D-CA), Congressman Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Congressman John Delaney (D-MD), Congresswoman Anna Eshoo(D-CA), Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Congressman Matt Cartwright (D-PA), Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Congressman Peter Welch (D-VT), Congressman Charlie Crist (D-FL), Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA), Congresswoman Ann Kuster (D-NH), Congressman Daniel Lipinski (D-IL), Congressman John Larson (D-CT), Congressman Scott Peters (D-CA), Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy(D-FL), Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Congressman Brendan Boyle (D-PA), and Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY).

On Monday, the EPA will insert the Clean Power Plan repeal proposal in the Federal Register.

Dear Administrator Pruitt,

We affirm our support for the Clean Power Plan regulations on the building of new power plants, also known as the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS). The Plan recognizes that states can regulate the construction of new power plants to significantly reduce the emission of carbon and support a favorable environment for a clean energy economy.

The Plan will ensure that the construction of new power plants incorporates technology that will result in a significant reduction of carbon emissions. Upon being finalized, it was estimated that the Plan could result in a 32 percent reduction in carbon emission by 2030. Such a reduction in carbon emissions is critical to addressing the growing threat posed by climate change to our states and communities. Climate change is already a threat to life and property, as it drives rising temperatures, sea levels, and worsening impacts from severe weather events.

Reasonable people can disagree about how to respond to the risks of climate change. But there should be little disagreement that something must be done. We must work towards addressing the challenges posed by a changing climate.

The Climate Solutions Caucus, of which we are all members, seeks effective market-based solutions to address this serious issue. Given the reductions we’ve already seen, our government and private sector are positioned to make the United States the leader in the fight against climate change. We urge you to consider how you can put your own agency to work to achieve solutions that will provide good jobs, economic growth, and a safe climate for us and future Americans.

Given its importance, your Agency should maintain the Clean Power Plan standards for the building of new power plants. We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to continuing to work with you in the future.

Sincerely,

Tom Emmer (R-MN, 6th)

“The Obama Administration’s Clean Power Plan - which was estimated to cost more than $30 billion dollars - was promulgated without Congressional approval, making it the perfect example of federal overreach. It has been proven time and time again that a one-size-fits-all policy does not work for our state and I am pleased the Trump Administration has taken this step. I am proud that Minnesota companies and elected officials have taken it upon themselves to work to reduce carbon emissions without the heavy hand of the federal government demanding so. In fact, even without the constraints of the Paris Accords or the Clean Power Plan, Minnesota is still on track to meet previous reduction goals, proving that Minnesotans are capable of implementing policies that work for Minnesotans and are in the best interest of the future of this nation.

“I applaud the Trump Administration’s decision to roll back the overreaching Clean Power Plan, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress and the Trump Administration towards an all-of-the-above energy plan so that we can maintain a prosperous economy and healthy environment that generations to come can enjoy.”

Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA, 18th)

“The Trump Administration’s decision to begin the formal repeal of the Clean Power Plan is a monumental attack on the health of the American people. It will increase the output of carbon pollution in the air and do nothing to help the coal miners the President vowed to defend. The Clean Power Plan is a job creation plan, an economic policy and a climate policy. It represents a critical step to protecting our planet for our children and grandchildren, and without it, the U.S. cannot reach the goals established by the Paris Accords.

“Even without the plan fully in effect, states like my home state of California are already moving ahead of the targets established by the Clean Power Plan, but federal help is crucial. These are not tangled senseless regulations. They are safety measures to protect the health of our people, our country and the planet.”

Continue Reading on Page 4

More House Statements on Clean Power Act

Continued from this page (click HERE)

Washington, D.C. - October 13, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt and the Trump Administration issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) proposing the repeal of the Clean Power Plan.

The Clean Power Plan was an Obama Administration policy which sought to reduce the United States’ contributions to climate change. It was proposed by EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy in June of 2014, and finalized in August of 2015.

The Clean Power Plan is the first and only federal limit on carbon pollution from existing power plants. Supporters of the plan claim that by cutting carbon pollution, it is one of the best available tools to combat climate change and to take steps towards reducing air pollution that harms the public’s health.

Below are statements by House Representatives concern in the recension of the clean power act rules by the EPA:

Don Beyer (D-VA, 8th)

“Climate change is one of the gravest threats facing the human race in the 21st century. Scientists have carefully and accurately described the causes of climate change, predicted its consequences, and offered solutions. The Clean Power Plan represents a big step in the direction of confronting the dangers of climate change, and it has the added benefit of driving the creation of our clean energy sector, with hundreds of thousands of jobs and a big boost for local economies across the country.

“Turning our back on this progress by ending the Clean Power Plan is dangerous, it will hurt our economy, and it will further damage our reputation around the world. American leadership is urgently needed now, and we cannot ignore or pretend our way out of this crisis. We must stand up, we must fight for future generations, and we must act on climate.”

Diane Black (R-TN, 6th)

"Administrator Pruitt's decision to repeal the Clean Power Plan is a victory for communities across the country, and for our own power plants here in Tennessee. The Obama administration's continual executive overreach at the state level is finally being corrected by an Administration committed to giving our local industries the support they need to thrive. By working alongside stakeholders, the Trump administration is putting jobs and those affected by these regulations first rather than a bureaucrat's idealized political agenda.”

Steve Cohen (D-TN, 9th)

“The Trump Administration’s move to repeal the Clean Power Plan is another representation of a backslide on U.S. and global climate goals. Despite all of its shortcomings, the Trump Administration ought to have little difficulty in grasping the severe economic repercussions of repealing a strategy meant to lessen the wide-ranging damage caused by unchecked carbon emissions and climate change. Instead, EPA Administrator Pruitt and President Trump have decided to burden taxpayers with the costs of climate change, increasingly frequent and severe instances of extreme weather, and air pollution.

“I support the Clean Power Plan and the Paris Climate Agreement. The Trump administration’s retreat from both plans of action will put America on a path toward more instances of extreme and destructive weather, toward more asthma attacks, more missed days of work and school, and more premature deaths caused by carbon pollution.”

Joe Courtney (D-CT, 2nd)

“The decision by Mr. Pruitt is not a pro-growth, pro-economic decision. It is simply responding, unfortunately, to political forces that drove this administration to power from the fossil fuel industry. The only saving grace of Mr. Pruitt's order is that he allows a large and long public comment period for the people of this country -- who do care about clean air and who do care about our environment -- to weigh in on this reckless decision that turns the clock back for public health and safety, and for our economy.”

Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota)

President Trump and his Administration have come through for North Dakota, and frankly for energy consumers throughout our country. It has always been clear to North Dakotans that the EPA has overreached its legal authority by going outside the fence line of individual power plants and North Dakota is a good example of arbitrary and capricious emissions standards.

Mike Bost (R-IL, 12th)

“The Obama Administration’s addiction to over-regulation threatened to wipe out hundreds of jobs in Southern Illinois and many thousands nationwide,” said Rep. Bost.  “The impact of such a serious hit to the coal industry led to unpredictable home energy prices for hardworking families already struggling to get ahead. I applaud the administration’s decision to secure the reliability and resiliency of America’s electrical grid.”

CEI’s Myron Ebell Hopes EPA Court Filing Will End Clean Power Plan “In Its Entirety”

Source: Competitive Enterprise Institute

Washington, D.C. - October 7, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- In anticipation of the Environmental Protection Agency’s upcoming filing in the litigation concerning the so-called Clean Power Plan, the Competitive Enterprise Institute’s Myron Ebell said:

“If it had gone into effect, the ‘Clean Power’ Plan rule to limit greenhouse gas emissions from coal and natural gas power plants would have been one of the most expensive regulations ever imposed, causing electric rates for consumers to go up and threatening the reliability of the electric grid.

“We hope that in its court filing the EPA will propose to rescind the so-called Clean Power Plan in its entirety. Whether it should be replaced by a more modest regulation is something that can be discussed, and it is our understanding that this is what the EPA plans to do with an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.

“The Supreme Court blocked implementation of the rule in February 2016. There is little doubt that the court would have eventually decided that the rule is illegal. Thus the EPA under Administrator Scott Pruitt is not only doing the right thing for the economy, but is also simply following the laws that govern regulatory activity.

“Scrapping the ‘Clean Power’ Plan is a key part of President Trump’s de-regulatory agenda, which is designed to get the economy moving again. This rule and other greenhouse gas emissions rules are depressing investment and job growth in resource and manufacturing industries.”

See more from CEI on the Clean Power Plan here.

Seniors, Elections, DACA, NFL, Tom Price, Puerto Rico, Tax Reform, health care, Environment, Medicare, Homeland Security, Hemp, Fire Fighters

The Ponder News
September 30, 2017
(If you are receiving this via email, you may access all the links at:
http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/09/seniors-elections-daca-nfl-tom-price.html )

Daily Quote:
Just because the numbers say one thing doesn't mean one number can't change everything. -- Shonda Ponder, editor

Seniors

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REPS. FRANKEL, ROS-LEHTINEN INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO PROTECT SENIORS DURING NATURAL DISASTERS
Lois Frankel (D-FL, 22nd)
Representatives Lois Frankel (FL-21), and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27) introduced a bipartisan bill, the Protecting Seniors During Disasters Act, to analyze how senior citizens and nursing home residents can be better cared for during natural disasters. Senators Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio introduced a companion bill in the Senate.
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Elections

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Rep. Trent Franks Reacts to AL Senate GOP Primary Results
Trent Franks (R-AR, 8th)
"This election is nothing but a rebuke of business-as-usual by the Senate and the arcane, extra-Constitutional filibuster that Democrats use to turn Republican bills into left-wing gobbledygook then force it down the throat of the American voter."
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DACA

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Rep. Gabbard on Twitter: Empowering DACA Recipients in Hawaii
Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI, 2nd)
1/Congress must pass permanent solution to #DACA. Young ppl brought to the US as minors through no choice of their own should not be deported
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REPS. ROYBAL-ALLARD, LUJAN GRISHAM, GUTIÉRREZ STATEMENT ON OCTOBER 5TH DACA DEADLINE
Luis Gutierrez (D-IL, 4th)
“The Trump Administration first rescinded DACA, upending the lives of nearly 800,000 Dreamers, young patriots who have done everything right. Then, DHS proceeded to issue an unrealistic and arbitrary DACA renewal deadline of October 5th. This meant that 154,000 Dreamers had 30 days to find legal assistance, fill out renewal paperwork and pay a $495 fee or risk losing their status and getting deported. DHS has not done any outreach or provided support to these 154,000 Dreamers to ensure they can meet this unrealistic deadline and keep their status. Instead, DHS Acting Secretary Duke has chosen to undermine DACA renewal efforts by creating more fear by stating that DACA recipient data can be shared with ICE.
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NFL

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Gaetz Tells NFL Tax Breaks to Take a Knee
Matt Gaetz (R-FL, 1st)
The NFL League Office has received a special tax carveout since 1966, when the tax code first listed “professional football leagues” as trade organizations. Though individual teams are not tax-exempt, the NFL League Office is. They are responsible for the construction and development of new stadiums, paid for with over 6.5 billion taxpayer dollars. Tax-exempt revenues for professional sports leagues are higher than $2 billion. According to the Internal Revenue Service, businesses that conduct operations for profit on a “cooperative basis” should not qualify for tax-exempt treatment, yet a special exemption is made for professional football leagues.
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Tom Price

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Rep. Ruben Gallego Statement on the Possible Firing of HHS Secretary Tom Price
Ruben Gallego (D-AZ, 7th)
“There is a culture of corruption in the Trump administration. Whether it’s unqualified hacks like Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke spending taxpayer money on private jet flights in the Caribbean, or otherwise qualified longtime public servants like David Shulkin going to Wimbledon and taking a European river cruise on the people’s dime, the dishonesty and depravity is pervasive.
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HHS Secretary Tom Price resigns amid criticism for taking charter flights at taxpayer expense
Washington Post
Tom Price, President Trump’s embattled health and human services secretary, resigned Friday amid sharp criticism of his extensive use of taxpayer-funded charter flights, the White House said.
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Puerto Rico

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Reps. Hunter and Garamendi Raise Concerns Over the Trump Administration’s Decision to Waive the Jones Act
John Garamendi (D-CA, 3rd)
Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA) and John Garamendi (D-CA), Chairman and Ranking Member respectively of the Subcommittee on the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, raised concerns over the Trump Administration’s decision to issue a 10-day waiver of the Jones Act to allegedly improve the flow of relief shipments into Puerto Rico. The Jones Act requires that goods traveling between U.S. ports of call be carried on U.S.-made and U.S.-flagged ships and manned by American crews. Contrary to many published reports, adequate domestic shipping capability exists, and waiving the Jones Act requirement will not speed up relief for Puerto Rico.
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Tax Reform

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Goodlatte Statement on Tax Reform Framework
Bob Goodlatte (R-VA, 6th)
“It’s been 30 years since the last major tax code overhaul. In that time the tax code as we know it has only grown more complex and unfair. Congress has the opportunity to create a tax system that works for the American people, and it’s important that we act now. The tax reform framework unveiled today is a positive step forward in getting tax reform signed into law that lowers rates for individuals and families and helps level the playing field for American businesses. I look forward to reviewing the legislative text produced by the House Ways and Means Committee as this process continues. We must provide tax relief that creates a simpler, fairer tax code, allows hardworking families to keep more of their money, and encourages businesses to invest in the United States.”
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Rep. Tom Graves Statement on Tax Reform Framework
Tom Graves (R-GA, 14th)
“This framework turns the page on our complicated and broken tax system. It’s simpler, flatter and fairer than the current tax code. It will put more money in the pockets of hard-working Americans. It also promotes economic growth and private-sector job creation by slashing the corporate tax rate – currently the highest in the developed world – and ensuring fair treatment for small businesses. Congress needs to get the final product to the president’s desk as quickly as possible.”
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REP. HARPER STATEMENT ON REPUBLICANS’ UNIFIED FRAMEWORK FOR TAX REFORM
Gregg Harper (R-MS, 3rd)
“Today, with the help of the President, Congress has taken a huge step towards fixing our country’s broken tax code and bringing real reform to middle-class families, small businesses, and Mississippi’s family farms who cannot afford to keep the current system any longer,” said Harper. “This plan is aimed at delivering a simpler, fairer tax system that will create jobs, grow our economy, and deliver much-needed relief to the hardworking men and women who are hurting under the burdensome tax code.”
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Hartzler Statement on Newly Unveiled Tax Reform Plan
Vicky Hartzler (R-MO, 4th)
Our tax reform plan will immediately benefit the average American and small business owner. For example, a farmer can now buy a tractor and immediately expense the cost of this new investment, and the maximum tax rate for small and family-owned businesses will drop down to 25 percent. Families will see an increase in their child deduction tax credit, and most Americans will now be able to fill out their taxes on a paper the size of a postcard. The days of spending hours poring over complicated documents and exemptions will be replaced by a simpler system with much lower taxes for small businesses and the middle class.
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Hensarling Statement on Tax Reform Framework
Jeb Hensarling (R-TX, 5th)
“Texans and Americans are sick of the status quo in Washington. From Mesquite to Rusk, our citizens are crying out for relief from our complicated and onerous tax code. Today, Republicans are answering the call by offering a solution to fix our broken system with meaningful reforms.
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Rep. Hice Comments on Tax Reform
Jody Hice (R-GA, 10th)
“I really like what I’m seeing so far with the tax reform framework,” said Congressman Hice. “This bold, new proposal is just the first step toward creating a system that is both competitive and fair. I’m pleased that it will empower Americans to take home more of their hard-earned paychecks and enable businesses of all sizes to grow and thrive. We're moving in the right direction, and I'm proud to be a part of this long overdue reform effort. As the tax-writing committees continue to flesh out the specific legislation, I look forward to being a partner in the discussion so we can send a final bill to President Trump’s desk as soon as possible.”
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STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN BRIAN HIGGINS ON TAX REFORM FRAMEWORK
Brian Higgins (D-NY, 26th)
“Over the past several decades we’ve seen a stark gap between the very wealthy and struggling Americans. The McConnell/Ryan tax proposal only serves to broaden that divide. A plan centered on the failed trickle-down premise delivers greater tax benefits for millionaires at the expense of hard-working middle-class families.
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Higgins Issues Statement on Tax Reform Framework
Clay Higgins (R-LA, 3rd)
It’s been more than three decades since we’ve reformed our tax code. The current 74,608-page federal tax code is outdated and overly complex. American families deserve to keep more of their hard-earned paychecks, and we need bold reform to really grow our economy. That’s what this GOP foundational tax reform framework delivers. Of course, my colleagues and I will engage in vigorous debate regarding details and concerns, and this initial framework will change. However, this cornerstone upon...which we will build...does indeed reflect a fairer, simpler tax code that strengthens our economy, creates job growth, and allows individual Americans, as well as all American businesses, to keep more of what they’ve earned. I strongly support significant reform of our tax code so that everyday American families and small businesses can take charge of their finances and spend, save, or invest however they see fit. I urge all of my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle to come together and get this thing done for all Americans.
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Hill’s Statement on Republicans’ Tax Reform Framework
French Hill (R-AR, 2nd)
“We need a tax code that supports American families while promoting financial growth and giving our businesses the certainty needed to grow, expand, and create jobs for Arkansans and Americans. The tax code and its regulations have grown to over 70,000 pages. There is nothing simple or fair about that. It’s been over 30 years since we’ve made any significant changes to the tax code, and it’s time to deliver a simpler, flatter, and fairer tax system.
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HUDSON SUPPORTS TAX CUTS FOR WORKING PEOPLE
Richard Hudson (R-NC, 8th)
“We can all agree our current tax system is broken and too complex. It shouldn’t be that way. It should be so simple that most Americans can do their taxes on a postcard. The bottom line: fixing our tax code means more money in your pocket, and more jobs."
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Huizenga: Reforming the Tax Code Will Improve the Lives of all Michiganders
Bill Hulzinga (R-MI, 2nd)
“The tax reform framework released today is a positive first step in the effort to deliver much needed tax relief. The next step is to take this framework and meet with local manufacturers, agricultural producers, and families across West Michigan to get their input,” said Congressman Huizenga. “By doubling the standard deduction, low and moderate income families across West Michigan will be able keep more of their hard earned money. By reducing tax rates on small businesses, West Michigan job creators will be able to grow, export more goods, and create good-paying jobs here at home. Lastly, this proposal will help families save for college, purchase a home, or plan for retirement depending on their stage in life. I look forward to working with the President to grow our nation’s middle class as well as our economy by making the tax code simpler, fairer, and more competitive.”
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Hultgren Welcomes Tax Reform Blueprint to Fix Broken Tax Code and Restore Jobs and Hard-Earned Resources to Working Americans
Randy Hultgren (R-IL, 14th)
“Our current tax system does not reflect our workforce or our economy. It is costly and time consuming for individuals and families, and hurts the ability of Americans businesses to grow and create new jobs. We need real reforms that simplify the tax code, lower taxes on all Americans and their families and stimulate job growth,” said Rep. Hultgren. “I am very encouraged by this significant step toward reforming a tax code that for too long has obstructed economic growth in this country.
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Health Care

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Griffith Bill Would Save Taxpayers $3.4 Billion, According to New Study
Morgan Griffith (R-VA, 9th)
“Paying pharmacists what they are promised is only fair. Ending retroactive payment reductions would let pharmacists, especially in rural areas, focus on serving their customers, and, according to the study, it would save the Federal Government billions. Wakely Group Study shows that customers, pharmacists, and taxpayers would all benefit.”
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Environment

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Rep. Gene Green Requests Answers Following EPA Report of Dioxin Exposure at the San Jacinto River Waste Pits
Gene Green (D-TX, 29th)
“The health of the people and the communities impacted by Hurricane Harvey are my upmost concern,” said Green. “The San Jacinto River Waste Pits continue to be a threat to public health and the environment for communities near the site. The damage to the cap and exposure of dioxin, a cancer-causing pollutant, in the San Jacinto River is unacceptable. After this announcement, it is clearer than ever, that Administration Pruitt must follow through on the EPA’s recommendations last year and fully remove the waste pits.”
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Homeland Security

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Grijalva: DHS Program Targeting Social Media Data of Immigrants is Orwellian
Raul Grijalva (D-AZ, 3rd)
Rep. Grijalva released the following statement after reports confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security has submitted a new regulation into the Federal Register to begin collecting social media data and histories to add to the files of U.S. immigrants as soon as October 18th. Individuals that will be susceptible to this overreaching surveillance program include permanent residents, naturalized citizens and all other immigrants living in the United States. Rep. Grijalva’s statement also comes after recent revelations that the Department of Justice is seeking the personal information of Facebook users who are “anti-administration activists.”
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Hemp

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Grothman Cosponsors Bill to Legalize Industrial Hemp
Glenn Grothman (R-WI, 6th)
Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) today joined nine other Republicans and fifteen Democrats as a co-sponsor of Rep. James Comer’s (R-Ky.) Industrial Hemp Farming Act (H.R. 3530). H.R. 3530 amends The Controlled Substances Act to exclude industrial hemp from the definition of marihuana.
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Fire Fighters

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REPS. HOYER, PASCRELL, KING, REICHERT, JOHNSON INTRODUCE BILL REAUTHORIZING FIRE SERVICE GRANT PROGRAMS
Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD, 5th)
Each year more than one million fire and emergency services personnel respond to over 30 million emergency calls across the country. This bipartisan legislation would ensure that our over 30,000 fire departments continue to have access to the necessary training, equipment, and staffing to conduct emergency response missions and to continue to reduce community risk.
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60 MEMBERS OF CONGRESS CALL ON EPA TO PROTECT AMERICANS FROM DEADLY PESTICIDES

Source: House Representative John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI, 13th)

Washington, D.C. - September 1, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- 60 Members of Congress, led by Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) and Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), today sent a letter to Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Scott Pruitt, requesting information on the steps the EPA is taking to protect Americans, bees and other pollinators from harmful pesticides.

The letter notes that last year, “EPA scientists concluded that the agency should ban chlorpyrifos, a commonly used pesticide, on farms across the country due to significant evidence of the harmful effects it has on farmworkers and young children.” Research shows that prenatal exposures to chlorpyrifos are associated with reduced IQ, loss of working memory, attention disorders and delayed motor development. In March, the Trump Administration reversed this decision and instead chose to keep this pesticide on the market. Chlorpyrifos was previously banned for household use in 2000.

According to news reports, EPA Administrator Pruitt met with Dow CEO Andrew Liveris on March 9th, just 20 days before reversing the Administration’s decision on pesticides. The Members wrote,

“Given the precedent this action has created at EPA, we are deeply concerned that your agency has adopted a new standard of pesticide review and will start making pesticide registration determinations based on recommendations from pesticide manufacturers instead of basing agency decisions on sound, independent science.”
Congressman Conyers said,

“The science is clear. These pesticides are a severe risk to Americans’ health and pose an equally concerning risk to our food supply. It appears that the EPA, an agency long tasked with protecting Americans’ food, air and water, has spent more time listening to chemical companies and industry interests rather than its own scientists and the American people. I call on Mr. Pruitt to carefully evaluate the mission of the EPA and return to keeping Americans, and our food supply, safe.” “The Trump administration has ignored basic science time and time again, and the decision to reverse the ban on this dangerous pesticide is yet another glaring example,” said Blumenauer. “Our constituents demand answers, and the EPA has a responsibility to protect the health of the American people. The administration should reverse course on its decision and demonstrate that it is capable of making objective, science-based decisions.”

Ending the EPA’s Billion Dollar Green Energy Rip-Off

Washington, D.C. - August 8, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- In recent years, the Environmental Protection Agency has created its own power of the purse independent of Congress by negotiating broad settlements with alleged violators of environmental statutes that require them to pay for the president’s—not Congress’s—political priorities. The Volkswagen settlement is the most recent example. In order to mitigate penalties paid to the U.S. Treasury for its “defeat device” scandal, the car company agreed to spend $1.2 billion on electric vehicles, despite the fact that Congress had rejected President Obama’s request for $300 million for this same purpose. The Competitive Enterprise Institute’s latest report, Ending the EPA’s Billion Dollar Green Energy Rip-Off, provides the context and the solution for ending the agency’s political slush fund.

“While the Trump administration has taken the right steps to put an end to this attempt by the EPA to act with the power of the purse that it doesn’t have, more can be done both by the agency and Congress to ensure this political behavior doesn’t return,” said CEI Senior Fellow and report author William Yeatman.

See Yeatman’s report Ending the EPA’s Billion Dollar Green Energy Rip-Off.

Environmental Protection Agency

Following Proposed Cuts, King Pushes for Full Funding of EPA Brownfields Program to Support Rural Maine Economic Development Initiatives
Senator Angus S. King Jr. - (I - ME)
April 19, 2017
In the wake of the Trump Administration's proposal to slash funding for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) this week signed a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee urging them to fully fund the EPA’s Brownfields Program in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 budget. The EPA's Brownfields Program assists states and local communities as they assess, safely clean up, and reuse Brownfield sites – properties that contain a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant, which hinders the potential to reuse or redevelop the site – for economic development projects.
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Gillibrand, With 24 Senate Colleagues, Urges Appropriations Committee To Designate $154 Million To EPA Brownfields Program In Fiscal Year 2018
Senator Kirsten E.Gillibrand - (D - NY)
April 19, 2017
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, with 24 Senate colleagues, urged federal appropriators to include $154 million in federal funding for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Brownfields Program in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 budget. The EPA’s Brownfields Program is a federal program that provides funding and technical assistance to assess and clean up contaminated property sites for redevelopment, and help promote local economic development in communities across the United States. This program allows communities to convert liabilities that otherwise might never be developed into productive local assets. Brownfield funds have laid the groundwork for manufacturing plants, commercial spaces, housing, community recreation facilities, and parks.
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Booker, Pallone & NJ Advocates Stand in Solidarity Against Trump Anti-Environment Agenda
Senator Cory A. Booker (D-NJ)
April 3, 2017
“It’s simply shameful that President Trump continues to put the interests of corporate polluters ahead of the health and safety of New Jersey families,” said Sen. Booker. “The Administration’s repeated denial of clear science and proposed gutting of the EPA not only jeopardizes the welfare of all Americans, but it recklessly puts New Jersey’s shore communities at greater risk of catastrophic storms like Sandy and threatens our nation’s economic growth. Under no circumstance should we allow the fundamental right of each and every American to live in a safe and healthy environment be undermined by such destructive ad irresponsible policies.”
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