GOP measures to roll back Biden’s climate agenda: Outcome uncertain
House Republicans Push to Undo Biden Administration Climate Regulations
As lawmakers return to Washington and focus on funding the government, provisions passed by House Republicans to undo Biden administration climate regulations are up for negotiation. These provisions, attached to appropriation bills that must be passed to avoid a government shutdown, aim to withdraw funding for Democrats’ signature climate bill and reverse several environmental regulations set by the executive branch. However, Senate appropriators on both sides of the aisle consider many of these provisions to be nonstarters, potentially dooming their chances of success.
Environmental Riders and Policy Repeals
Several policy riders included in the bills would repeal the Biden administration’s rulemaking. This includes undoing the Environmental Protection Agency’s revised definition of “Waters of the United States,” revoking protections for certain organisms under the Endangered Species Act, and prohibiting the EPA from enacting rules on greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, funding for the administration’s Climate Corps would be banned. Other amendments would halt efforts to tighten efficiency standards for appliances such as commercial ice makers, gas furnaces, and air conditioners.
These environmental riders have faced opposition from Democratic senators, who argue that they do not affect federal spending and are an attempt by Republican lawmakers to bypass congressional debate. Republicans on the committee are also holding firm on not including the riders in any final agreement.
Challenges and Uncertainties
Passing individual spending bills before the appropriate deadlines is a challenge for lawmakers. The clock is ticking, with a deadline of January 19 for four appropriation measures and February 2 for the remaining eight bills. Negotiating an aid package to Ukraine, including major immigration policy reforms, is another priority for leadership.
There is concern that the time has run out for passing individual spending bills, leaving appropriators with three options: passing a yearlong continuing resolution, negotiating an overarching spending bill known as an omnibus, or facing a government shutdown. Some House Republican appropriators expressed frustration at the time crunch, highlighting the extensive work required to pass bills through regular order.
Despite the challenges, some Republicans remain optimistic about meeting the government deadlines and reaching a successful outcome. They believe that a top-line number and allocation will be agreed upon, allowing sufficient time to address the bills.
Overall, the negotiations surrounding these provisions and funding for the government are expected to be intense and closely watched by both parties.
How does the Biden administration’s rule on Waters of the United States impact smaller streams and wetlands that were not previously covered by federal regulations?
Waters of the United States, which expanded federal jurisdiction over bodies of water. The Biden administration’s rule aimed to protect smaller streams, wetlands, and other water sources that were previously not covered by federal regulations. House Republicans argue that this rule would impose unnecessary burdens on landowners and hinder economic development.
Another policy rider aims to overturn the Department of Interior’s decision to indefinitely suspend oil and gas lease sales on federal lands and waters. This decision was made as part of the Biden administration’s efforts to address climate change and transition to clean energy sources. House Republicans argue that this suspension would lead to job losses in the energy sector and decrease domestic energy production.
Additionally, House Republicans propose defunding the Environmental Protection Agency’s efforts to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. The Biden administration has been actively working to combat climate change by setting stricter emission standards for power plants. House Republicans believe that these regulations would have a negative impact on the economy by increasing energy costs and stifling job growth.
Opposition from Senate Appropriators
While the provisions passed by House Republicans reflect their strong opposition to the Biden administration’s climate policies, these measures face significant challenges in the Senate. Senate Democrats, who hold a slim majority, are unlikely to support measures that would reverse the environmental regulations put forth by the Biden administration.
Moreover, some Senate Republicans have expressed reservations about the inclusion of these policy riders in the appropriations bills. They argue that using appropriations bills as a vehicle to address controversial policy issues undermines the purpose of funding the government and risks derailing the negotiations.
Democratic and Republican Senate appropriators have emphasized the importance of working towards a bipartisan agreement on funding the government and avoiding a shutdown. They believe that negotiations should focus on areas of common ground, such as infrastructure investments and public health measures, rather than contentious climate policy issues.
The Path Forward
The fate of the provisions aimed at undoing Biden administration climate regulations will largely depend on the outcome of negotiations between the House and Senate. Both chambers will need to reach a compromise on the appropriations bills to fund the government and avoid a shutdown.
Given the opposition from Senate Democrats and reservations expressed by some Senate Republicans, it is unlikely that all of the provisions passed by House Republicans will be included in the final appropriations bills. However, there may be room for negotiation on certain aspects of the Biden administration’s climate regulations, such as the scope of federal jurisdiction over waters and the suspension of oil and gas lease sales on federal lands.
Ultimately, the final outcome will reflect the delicate balance of power in Congress and the Biden administration’s ability to advance its climate agenda. As lawmakers continue their work in Washington, the discussion surrounding these provisions will shed light on the ongoing battle between House Republicans and the Biden administration over climate policy.
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