House committee holds hearing on new EPA regulations

The House Science, Space and Technology Committee held a hearing Thursday to address proposed and recently finalized Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations that have drawn criticism from some legislators and industry groups.

Witnesses included representatives from health, science and industry organizations who covered EPA regulations including the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule, the Clean Air Plan and the proposed revisions to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ozone.

“The so-called Clean Power Plan is a power grab that will force states to reach arbitrary and often impossible targets for carbon emissions,” committee chair Lamar Smith (R-TX) said. “The EPA also seeks to impose stricter ozone standards that analysis conducted by EPA shows would cost at least $15 billion annually. Once again, these costs come with few benefits.”

The hearing also addressed the expansion of power included in the WOTUS rule, which was finalized last week and gave the EPA jurisdiction over waters that only occur seasonally and after little rainwater. That presents the potential for increased permitting requirements for farmers, manufacturers and business owners.

“These rules will cost billions of dollars, place a heavy burden on American families and diminish the competitiveness of American industry around the world,” Smith said.