February 15th, 2024
U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works
Subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials
Hearing entitled “Safeguarding American Prosperity and People’s Livelihoods: Legislation to Modernize Air Quality Standards”
Witnesses:
Christopher Netram
Managing Vice President, Policy, National Association of Manufacturers
John Eunice
Deputy Director, Georgia Environmental Protection Division
Paul Noe
Vice President of Public Policy, American Forestry and Paper Association
Seth Johnson
Senior Attorney, Earthjustice
Key points from the hearing:
Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA): In a polarized discussion, E&C Chair Rodgers criticized the Biden EPA's recent PM 2.5 standard, arguing it would devastate the U.S. economy. She contended that such regulations exceed the original intent of the Clean Air Act, stating, "This new rule goes well beyond the original congressional intent first laid out in the Clean Air Act, which stated goal was to promote ‘reasonable actions’ to limit or reduce emissions and pollution." E&C Republicans emphasized the need for balance, suggesting that the act should be modernized to protect the environment without hindering economic growth.
Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-NJ): Conversely, E&C Ranking Member Pallone defended the EPA's updated standards, highlighting the public health benefits of adhering to science-based pollution controls. He criticized the Republican draft bill for prioritizing corporate interests over public health, asserting, "Since 1970, the Clean Air Act has directed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set health-based air quality standards based solely on the latest science and medical evidence." E&C Democrats praised the Clean Air Act's success in improving air quality and public health, opposing the Republican proposal as a threat to these achievements.
February 14th, 2024
U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works
Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security
Hearing entitled "Powered Up: State Utility Regulators on Challenges to Reliable, Affordable Electricity"
Witnesses:
Jim Huston
Chairman, Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission
Nick Myers
Commissioner, Arizona Corporation Commission
Tricia Pridemore
Commissioner, Georgia Public Service Commission
Keith Hay
Senior Director of Policy, Colorado Energy Office
Key points from the hearing:
E&C Republicans voiced strong concerns over the impact of President Biden's environmental policies on grid reliability and energy costs. They criticized the shift away from baseload generation sources like coal and natural gas towards less reliable, weather-dependent renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar. This transition, they argued, has led to increased electricity prices, reliance on out-of-state energy sources in places like California, and elevated risks of blackouts during severe weather events as seen in Texas and several Southern states. "President Biden’s rush-to-green environmental policies and regulatory restrictions are driving up costs and jeopardizing this legacy and our grid reliability," they stated, emphasizing the critical role of state utility regulators in maintaining grid reliability amid these challenges.
E&C Democrats highlighted the evolving nature of grid reliability and the benefits of competition and clean energy introduced over the past 25 years. They argued for the necessity of transitioning to a clean energy grid to mitigate the climate crisis and improve public health by reducing emissions from fossil fuel plants. Citing the challenges posed by Winter Storm Elliott and the unreliability of fossil fuel infrastructure, Democrats emphasized the importance of investments made through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act in enhancing grid reliability and promoting energy efficiency. "We can build an affordable and reliable grid that is powered by clean energy," Pallone remarked, advocating for a comprehensive approach to grid reliability that includes investments in new technologies and infrastructure upgrades.