Congressman Brett Guthrie, Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, announced on Apr. 17 that the House has passed legislation aimed at reducing certain Clean Air Act requirements, supporting domestic manufacturing and energy production, and preventing penalties for pollution beyond American control.
The passage of these bills is intended to lower costs for families and help manufacturers by removing what supporters say are unnecessary regulatory burdens. The changes focus on streamlining environmental reviews and clarifying how foreign emissions are considered in air quality standards.
The Reducing and Eliminating Duplicative Environmental Regulations Act (RED Tape Act) eliminates a requirement for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to review environmental impact studies when other agencies have already conducted them. The Foreign Emissions and Nonattainment Clarification for Economic Stability Act (FENCES Act) aims to ensure states are not penalized for pollution originating outside U.S. borders or from natural events like wildfires.
“Energy and Commerce Republicans are delivering commonsense legislation that addresses the burdensome requirements holding back American energy and manufacturing. The RED Tape Act eliminates an outdated and redundant review requirement for the EPA, while the FENCES Act ensures American communities and manufacturers aren’t penalized for pollution they did not create,” said Chairman Guthrie. “Together, these bills provide foundational permitting reforms our communities need to onshore manufacturing and create family-sustaining jobs. Thank you to Congressman Joyce and Congressman Pfluger for their work on these vital pieces of legislation.”
Congressman Joyce said, “The passage of the RED Tape Act is a critical step toward restoring efficiency and predictability in the federal permitting process. Unnecessary and duplicative regulations drive up costs, delay projects, and prevent necessary development that would benefit our workforce, businesses, and constituents.” Congressman Pfluger added that his bill “is a win for American businesses and workers who have been unfairly penalized for pollution beyond their control,” explaining it will bring more fairness to air quality standards by excluding foreign emissions from consideration.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee oversees legislation related to energy policy, health care issues, environmental protection measures such as those addressed in this package of bills, telecommunications policy changes, as well as consumer matters according to its official website. Over time it has played a role in shaping national policies involving energy innovation efforts, broadband expansion programs, pharmaceutical pricing rules according to its official website, stands among the oldest standing committees in Congress according to its official website, tracing its roots back to 1795 when it began as the Committee on Commerce and Manufactures according to its official website.
Supporters believe these legislative steps could help encourage investment in U.S.-based industries while maintaining protections against harmful pollution.
