Climate Change Legislation is Moving Forward
Senate Republicans offered their own solution to the ongoing energy debate with the Clean, Affordable, Reliable Energy Act (CARE), which aims to expand domestic fuel production while exploring ways to produce new sources of power. This bill reiterates many of the goals Republicans have repeatedly called for in a new national energy policy, including opening up reserves in the outer continental shelf and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, removing environmental and regulatory barriers for development, and providing incentives for alternative energy sources.
The Waxman climate bill is likely to pass the House this week. Congressman Waxman (D-CA) and Agriculture Chairman Collin Peterson (D-MN) agreed USDA, instead of EPA, would run the program overseeing agricultural activities used to meet cap-and-trade.
Transportation – Reauthorization may be on Hold
House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman James Oberstar (D-MN) is pushing ahead with the 6-year highway and transit bill before the current $286 billion law expires September 30th. Subcommittee approval is clearing the way for a full committee markup in July for passage this summer. The Senate would still need to pass companion legislation before the deadline, which is unlikely because Senator Boxer along with President Obama support an extension.
DOT estimates the Highway Trust Fund will run out this summer and is asking lawmakers to inject $20 billion into the account to keep it afloat through March 2011, when the 18-month extension would expire. It is unknown where the $20 billion would come from. There is less than $20 billion remaining in the $48 billion the stimulus gave to roads, rail, transit and airports. As of June 19, DOT obligated $19 billion and set aside $8 billion for a nationwide high-speed rail system.
Appropriations
Both Houses increase funds for sewer and water projects. The Senate Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee approved the $32.1 billion FY10 spending Interior bill for land, water and firefighting, 16% higher than this fiscal year's spending levels. EPA was allocated $10.2 billion, $2.5 billion (33%) above FY09. It includes $3.6 billion for water and sewer infrastructure improvements. Added to economic stimulus funds, this would mean an unprecedented $11 billion provided to states to fund water infrastructure over a 2-year period.
Water
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee passed significant water legislation including the Clean Water Restoration Act (S.787), which broadens the Clean Water Act by replacing navigable waters with waters of the United States; the Clean Coastal Environment and Public Health Act of 2009 (S.878), which doubles grant money for state and local government programs to monitor pollution in coastal waters and the Great Lakes; and the Great Lakes Legacy Act (S.933), which increases the appropriation from $50 million a year to $150 million a year under the five-year measure to remove contaminated sediments.
Foreign Assistance
Both the House and Senate authorized Pakistan aid legislation. The PEACE Act (HR1886) passed the House June 11th. This week, the Senate passed the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009 (S.962) sponsored by Kerry (D-MA) and Lugar (R-IN), authorizing $1.5 billion in nonmilitary aid for each year from 2009 to 2013. The bills will be reconciled in the coming weeks.
Contact: Robin Black, Director of Government Relations, blackrn@cdm.com