Dear Chair DeLauro and Ranking Member Granger:
As the Committee prepares to mark up the Fiscal Year 2023 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce urges you to consider several important funding and policy priorities.
Waters of the United States: The Chamber urges Congress to require the Agencies to suspend work on the proposed rule until the Supreme Court issues its forthcoming decision in Sackett v. EPA, as the Court’s decision is likely to be highly instructive on the issues at the heart of this rulemaking, including the limits of the Agencies’ authority under the CWA. th
AIM Act Implementation and Climate Innovation: The Chamber urges you to fully fund implementation of the phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons, and technology innovation to drive greenhouse gas emissions reductions.
Solid Waste Recycling Program: The Chamber urges you to include $10 million for Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) pilot grant program to build innovation in the recycling industry.
Streamline Permitting Process: The Chamber encourages the committee to oppose efforts that revert to outdated and ineffective National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) policies from the 1970s, but to support EPA and the Council on Environmental Quality efforts to streamline agency permitting processes and accelerate decision-making to support investments designed to improve America’s transportation, water, broadband, energy, and other critical infrastructure. The energy infrastructure investments should focus not only on carbon capture utilization and sequestration (CCUS) and renewable energy projects as identified in the budget request but be applied to major energy infrastructure projects of all kinds.
USE-IT Act Implementation: The Chamber also encourages funding for EPA to initiate implementation of the Utilizing Significant Emissions with Innovative Technologies Act (USE-IT). Passed by Congress in December 2020, the Act authorizes $85 million for carbon utilization and direct air capture research activities.
Diesel Emissions Reduction Act: The Chamber urges full funding for EPA’s recently authorized Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) program at the requested level of $150 million. Expanded funding for this successful and well-managed program would allow EPA to accelerate the pace at which older diesel engines are retired or retrofitted, particularly in areas with significant air quality challenges.
The Chamber appreciates your consideration of these recommendations as you prepare to mark up the Fiscal Year 2023 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.
Sincerely,
Executive Vice President,
Chief Policy Officer,
and Head of Strategic Advocacy
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
cc: Members of the House Committee on Appropriations
