Transcripts For CSPAN EPA 20240703

We take you live now to the house science, space, Technology Committee hearing featuring epa administrator Michael Regan. The hearing will review the Environmental Protection Agency Science and technical activities and their use in policymaking. The committee will come to order. Without objection, the chair is authorized to declare recesses of the committee at any time. Opening statements. I would like to also request unanimous consent to submit chairman lucas Opening Statement for the record. Now recognize myself for five minutes for an Opening Statement. I would like to welcome everyone to this mornings hearing for science and technology at the Environmental Protection agency. I am pleased to welcome epa administrator Michael Regan for the first time in front of the Science Committee. In fact, this is the first time any epa administrator has testified since 2019 so we certainly have a lot to discuss. While i appreciate you joining us today, your testimony was sent to the committee unacceptably late we require witnesses to share their written testimony no less than 48 hours ahead of our hearing. This is not an arbitrary deadline. Members need time to review the statement so we can fully review for these questions. We invited you to testify in july so you have plenty of time to meet this deadline. While i know you have an internal review process, Previous Administration witnesses have had no problem getting us through testimony on time. Given the importance of science at epa, it is my hope and chairman lucas that the administrator will come before this committee regularly in the future so i expect that the next time you join us we will have your testimony ahead of time so we can have the most productive discussion possible. When necessary, deregulatory agendas. Although it has been a while since we have heard it, every epa administrator that has come before our committee has stressed the need for scientific integrity at the epa and the importance overlying the expertise of career staff and scientists when crafting the regulations and policies of the agency. That reliance is especially important today, given the fact that the biden administrations epa has promulgated 1083 rules to date. That is nearly 55 rules a month since the president took office. There is no industry exempt from the wide range of topics. From pesticides and agriculture to admissions for power plants, the chemicals and manufacturing regulations have the potential to hamstring our economy. Administrator reagans epa has set very ambitious goals, reducing emissions from the power sector by 80 , having two thirds on the car on the road be zero mission and eliminating methane emissions in the country, to name a few. Admirable as those may be, we simply cannot set goals about analyzing the economic and social costs to achieve them. We cant just flip the switch, offer Domestic Production unless we have affordable and reliable replacements. Otherwise, hospitals and military bases would go dark, families would struggle to make ends meet, businesses would close and lives would be lost. We have to be realistic about what these goals require from the people we serve. Additionally, todays hearing is an opportunity to get an update from the administrator on the influx of funding the agency has received through the ira. No matter what side of the political spectrum you sit on, this is spending and is vulnerable to the waste, fraud, abuse. This funding is set to positively impact crucial sectors of our economy and has the potential to fund wasteful projects that line the pockets of select environmental groups and prop up technologies that will never achieve success on their own in the market. We must carefully examine the agencys processes, to set of new programs, get money out the door and monitor the progress well into the future. I want to thank the administrator for being here today and i will end with this. Testifying is a lot like a doctors appointment. While we are perfectly looking for things that are wrong you will hear criticisms on how things look. It is because we want to event actions from turning into a problem. Everyone wants an effective, smoothly running Environmental Protection agency and today is a necessary step to ensure that. I hope we can Work Together to ensure epa is doing things for people and not to people. I now would like to recognize the Ranking Member, the gentleman from california for Opening Statements. I thank you very much. Thank you for being here with us today. Before saying anything else, i just want to say how delighted i am to see chairman lucas back here. On behalf of all members and staff, we are wishing you continued success on your recovery. We stand ready to do whatever we can to assist and it is really terrific to see you back. I also want to discuss the epas research and development work. The epa has a unique and Important Mission to put humans and Environmental Health at the center of everything they do. The office of research and development serves a crucial role in that mission. The office drives the science that the regulatory offices rely on to ensure they are setting help protective standards. It puts out stateoftheart assessments that state, local, tribal governments rely on to protect their residents. Epa laboratories across the country monitor air pollutants, soil for contaminants, and water, to track viruses including covid19. All americans, whether they know it or not, depend on epa to deliver on its clear mandate to Prioritize Health and safety above all else. Under your leadership, this epa has made incredible efforts to bring this issue to Environmental Justice communities. These communities have been on the front lines of devastating pollution by industry and sometimes by the federal government itself. Some bear an incredibly high risk of cancer due to dumping by chemical companies. Others worry that environmental contaminants and anemic government responses will have irreversible impact on their childrens development. They have been neglected in programs that have prioritized and Climate Resilience and other better resource areas. Epa new office of Environmental Justice and external civil rights is an important step in addressing these needs and connecting these communities with muchneeded information and resources. I am proud of the work we did in the last congress to fund this effort. The Inflation Reduction Act provided 41 billion to the agency to advance justice and the infrastructure law included 50 billion to include Water Infrastructure and quality. I look forward to hearing how congress can continue to support this important work. Today we are hurtling toward a Government Shutdown. They are taking priority over the functioning of our government and, by extension, the health and wellbeing of all americans. Administrator regan is a perfect witness. This year, we have seen at least 23 weather and climate related disasters with losses exceeding 1 billion. In the thick of hurricane season, how will epa determine it is safe to drink the water . Epa provides Rapid Response to manmade disasters as well. What if there is another catastrophic chain Train Derailment like we saw in ohio . Epa cant effectively respond and inform evacuation orders if their hands are tied by this manufacturing crisis. How many serious consequences of this shutdown that we face would exist . As you know, from my previous comments, i want to raise the issue of the last leaded fuel in transportation and that is a leaded fuel in general aviation airlines. We have a situation where children are being poisoned by the lead in these fuels. We have a study out of my own county showing that the airborne particles from emissions in small planes have elevated the lead in the blood level of children near that airport to rival flint, michigan. We need to do something soon and aggressive about this Health Problem and i am hoping you can talk further about that is this hearing goes on. With that, i look forward to our witnesses testimony and our opportunity to ask questions. I yield back. Thank you to the Ranking Member. I know my official Opening Statements have been entered into the record but i would like to take just a moment to think was the Ranking Member and all of the subcommittee chairmen who handle the hearings while i have been gone. For that member, this committee is a very productive committee. We are very focused. Why may move a little slower, i have Great Expectations about why what we are going to accomplish in this session. Thank you to all of my colleagues. You have been wonderful. Thank you, mr. Chairman. I would like to recognize the gentleman from North Carolina to introduce our witness. Thank you. It is wonderful to see chairman lucas back. We have missed him and he has been a great leader of this community. It is a privilege to introduce my friend and fellow north carolinian administrator Michael Regan. Administrator regans distinguished service at the North Carolina department of environmental equality set a strong example for other states around the country. Now we are sharing him with the whole country. He has been a real champion in addressing contamination. My North Carolina colleague have seen worldclass Water Treatment facility on the river and our state and local governments would not have gotten to this point without the administrators outstanding work in this area. Now, at the epa, he and his staff are working tirelessly to tackle the contamination problem and many others. He recognizes that we have a duty at the federal level to protect the health and safety of our people, our communities and our environment. Thank you for your leadership and i look forward to hearing your testimony. I yield back. Thank you, administrator regan. You are now recognized for five minutes. Good morning, everyone. Thank you for personally inviting me in april at the House Agriculture Committee to join you today. I am glad to be here. I appreciate the opportunity to appear before you today to discuss the role here. Protecting Public Health. As a sciencebased agency, sound and reliable science is central to all of our work. Epa continues to uphold the biden administrations commitment to rely on science with Public Health and environmental challenges like the Climate Crisis, lead, air quality, wildfires, Childrens Health and many others. We are guided by the fundamental belief that the health of people, of our environment and our economy, go handinhand. We have a golden opportunity not only to make immunities healthy and safer bet to deliver lifechanging programs in these communities that can catalyze local growth. We are committed to scientific integrity to help us achieve our ambitious climate and economic goals. Our dedicated and talented staff work on so many critical issues. Over the past two years, we have taken strides to ensure that all people have access to clean and save Drinking Water. Communities across the United States have been exposed to harmful. In 2021, epa released the strategic roadmap. A coordinated strategy to protect the public and deadly from this chemical compound. As the science continues to develop, we know more now than ever about pfas and how it can cause Adverse Health impacts that can devastate entire communities. Earlier this year, epa proposed the firstever legal limits for pfas, informed by the hard work and analysis. We expect to issue a final Drinking Water will in the coming months. While sciences helped us make significant progress, we increase our understanding. Our scientists are focused on tech. They are understanding the risk that pfas has on our health and ways we can reduce what is already in our environment. Every stakeholder, including congress will enact and implement pfas solutions to stand the test of time. Science is not just about finding problems. It is about fixing them. That is why i am grateful to congress for providing 10 billion from the bipartisan Interest Rate law to address contaminants which we have begun distributing. I am hopeful and optimistic that epa science would lead to a cleaner and healthier future for all. Epa is using science to help address many of the issues for our health and to our environment. Over the past 20 years, the numbers of acres burned annually due to wildfires in the United States has doubled. Wildfires are a major source of air pollution and emissions can travel thousands of miles, impacting the help of millions. This past summer we saw the smoke from wildfires in canada bring dangerous air pollution to the midwest and east coast and last month, we saw how wildfires in maui brought unimaginable loss to families, homes, and businesses. Epa scientists are developing new ways to model and monitor those emissions and are working to understand what additional toxins might be present in the smoke, particularly wildfires that cross into urban areas and burn manmade structures. Lastly, i would like to speak about the work our agency has done involving lead exposure. The science is clear. There is no safe level of exposure to lead, period. Epa has and is a leader in president bidens approach to protecting families and children from lead exposure. To date, this administration has funded the rule of over 100,000 lead services and that number was significantly increased, thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law. Our scientists will continue to research and develop new ways to reduce lead exposure until we meet president bidens goal of replacing 100 of lead. Epa is committed to taking actions that are backed by quality and peerreviewed science. From our action to address and cleanup pfas to providing information that helps people during wildfires, to decisions that protect our drinking and recreational water, science is the backbone of the epa. While i am proud of the foundation, there is much more work to do to ensure that all of our children have safe, Healthy Places to live and play. Thank you for being here and thank you for submitting testimony to the record. I look forward to achieve these ambitious yet necessary goals. I thank the administrator for his testimony. The chair recognizes himself for five minutes. Chemistry companies in ohio generate roughly 3. 5 billion in earnings and 1. 5 billion in taxes and exports from the production plan, exceeds 6. 5 billion. That is why i am concerned by the update for the new chemicals regulation under the Toxic Substance Control Act, particularly as it relates to the manufacturing of semiconductors. The Semiconductor Industry association went as far as seeing this proposed action would have a devastating effect on u. S. Competitiveness and would result in the Semiconductor Industry being unable to manufacture devices in the u. S. Has epa measured the economic consequences of these actions and has the epa sought input from the department of commerce which is investing 50 billion in u. S. Semiconductors that your agency might complete the shutdown . I would like to say that during my time as state regulator, i spent time with families and mothers and children that have been poisoned by pfas. I have seen it firsthand. I brought that experience to epa. We are developing very responsible regulations. I have met with the leadership of the National Association of manufacturers. I have met with the american chemistry council. There is a way that we can do this where we protect the environment and people. They are not mutually exclusive. I have been in these conversations as late as last week with Industry Leaders and i think there is a path forward. We dont have to compromise global competitors while we protect our families. Have you been working with the department of commerce at all or sought any input from them in general . We have. The president pledged that approaching pfas would be a government approach. I sat down and had conversations with the secretary of defense. The epa is not doing any of this work because we understand the impact that it has on our society. In march, i wrote you along with several of our colleagues, requesting information that the epa has taken and cleanup efforts for the East Palestine Train Derailment in my home state of ohio. A week or so ago, inner agencies obtained showed that several chemical and Environmental Monitoring experts were not part of the Disaster Response until a full month after the derailment. Even more alarming, two of the own scientists discussed their concern regarding the test, a highly toxic chemical, even the former director of the National Toxicology program set of epas response, lots of thinking went on. Administrator regan, are there actions epa is taken to remedy this, specifically related to dioxin sampling and public trust for scientific finding . Epa was onsite within hours of the derailment. We have been working hard around the clock. What we have done, in terms of having our conversation internally and externally is looking at the appropriate response to what the science determines. We never believe that he was present but, because the community was aloft and because so many people asked for that, we decided to Institute Additional testing, which we did not find but we wanted to do that not only to alleviate the concerns of those in the community but we exported the waste to other facilities across the country. My decision was, we need to do the testing, do it very quickly because we dont need any interruption in the cleanup and the export. I stand by the science and i believe we have done exactly what we need to do to protect that community. This has been the agencys difference and giving so much authority to them for conducting sampling to do so in response to our letter. The epa says there is no plans to perform longterm studies that other organizations will undertake. Does epa still stand by that plan . What step do you take to verify the accuracy of these studies . I said this, fairly simple from day one. We will hold perpetrators accountable. Just like any other perpetrator, it is on the hook to foot the bill and do the work with the appropriate oversight from epa. We have been overseeing the cleanup work from day one. We have done everything to date that we have asked for. We saw from the president s executive order that there are other agencies involved. We will continue to sample. We will continue to monitor. We will continue to stay there but there are also other agencies that have been brought in to do longerterm studies and looking into some of the things that go along with very serious disasters like this one. The one thing i will say is, if you can talk to the president and get him to talk to East Palestine, he says that he would. It would mean a lot to the people there, regardless of political affiliation. It would mean a lot for everything they have gone through. I now recognize the Ranking Member for five minutes. Administrator regan, i want to ask you a question first about the subject i referenced in my Opening Statement. It is something i have been dealing with for quite some time. Leaded fuels are the primary fuel for piston engine aircraft. Jets dont use leaded fuel. It is just the small engine aircraft which complies with the bulk of the general aviation sector. The centers for Disease Control and prevention has concluded, based on scientific studies that there is no known safe level of lead in the water. What this means is that residence near aviation airports live with lead exposure in the air and ground every day. As i mentioned, there is a small airport in the district i represent, the hillview airport. The county of santa clara commissioned a Scientific Study and found that the levels of children in the neighborhood surrounding the airport had lead levels that were rivaling that in flint, michigan. It is very important that we get the lead out of this last part of transportation and protect the children of this country. Congress instructed the faa to come up with an alternative to leaded gas but they have not been able to get the job done. Various groups have petitioned the epa to finalize their endangerment finding related to leaded gas. I am hopeful that the finding force to the faa and industry to come up with a plan to stop poisoning children with leaded fuels. Can you provide us with an update as to where this effort stands . I would agree to you that there was no acceptable level of lead for any of us, especially our children. We are making significant progress and we believe that we will have that endangerment finding wrapped this fall. This process is in a very scientific way. We are in the fall. We can expect this quite soon . Yes. It will be done this fall. I dont want to prejudge or predetermine the outcome but we have been very methodical and disciplined on making this. I just want to touch on another matter. The House Majority has us on the brink of going into what i think is a very irresponsible Government Shutdown. I dont think Speaker Mccarthy seems to have a plan to keep the government open. I think that is going to cause real harm to the country and real harm to our constituents. I am really concerned about the efforts and effects of this shutdown on the epa. Can you describe the shutdown on the epas work while we have some good systems in place, there is a trusted verified method to that. All of our Hazardous Waste facility or superfund facilities are suspended. Our Drinking Water, those inspections will be suspended. I think you all are very thoughtful with congressionally directed projects that will help your districts. That work will be suspended. The emergency personnel, and those essential personnel will be there to handle emergencies. A lot of essential work the toxic review gets new chemicals so that our farmers are not getting the work. I have great concerns about the shutdown. I thank you for your testimony, for answering my questions, for being here today. I yield back the balance of my time. Thank you. Thank you to the Ranking Member. I now recognize the chairman. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Administrator regan, thank you for accepting the invitation to come testify before the Science Committee. We had a good discussion that day, the committee did, on both sides of the room and, clearly, the issues that we both addressed, this committee and you and your agency are so intertwined. It is important to be here. Let me ask about an issue that is near and dear to my heart. The epa is expected to shortly finalize its methane proposal which includes the super emitter response program, allowing private entities, including nontrained, nongovernmental officials to report super emitter events and require followup action without any Agency Involvement for data verification. It is equally alarming to me the proposed rule, as it appears to be headed our way, would establish two Technology Standards, a less stringent one for the nontrained thirdparty so prescriptive in the technologies is allowing too used to detect emissions but has a much lower standard for environmental activists. Will the epa maintain a list of false reports and set up prohibitions on repeat offenders . You see where my concern is coming from. I do. I appreciate the question. Let me just say, we have received over 500,000 comments on this proposal. That says something. I personally spent time with a number of industry ceos talking about these very issues. What i can say is we take the Comment Period very seriously. We are looking at how to strengthen all of the series so the final rule will address all of these issues. Let me just say that we do not want any adverse impact or unintentional consequences to receiving any kind of false data or any kind of data that jeopardizes scientific integrity that we have built into this program. We are looking at every single issue raised and i can guarantee we are responding. We dont want to create a system that would appear to the outside world to be hiring bounty hunters who have a lot more flexibility than those who are being pursued, so to speak. I appreciate that. This same methane rule calls for new compliance requirements at facilities within two months of the rule being finalized. Number of Industry Groups have flagged the supply chain constraints for a range of equipments are certain to cause delay, meeting that short deadline. At the same time, i am aware of only one application to the epa from a Company Seeking to use new technology in detecting leaks at oil and natural gas facilities. Administrator regan, given the current state of supply chains and the lack of Innovative Technologies approved to lighten the burden, will epa consider pushing the deadline for complying with the agencys forthcoming methane rules . Give a little more flexibility . We have given a lot of thought to compliance flex ability and compliance deadlines. Again, just last week, i sat down with the industry ceos to talk about this very issue and how we balance the potential impact to the supply chain. We are having these discussions. I want to continually say that the proposal is just that. Is meant to spark a lot of good conversations. Quite frankly, i am proud of the conversations we have had about how we think about these very complex issues. We all believe that there is a technical solution. The question is, how quickly can we get there . As you know, where i live in oklahoma is the Traditional Oil and gas area. Methane is money. The way the equipment, the way the Transmission System is handled has changed dramatically. If you lose methane, you are losing money. They understand that. I appreciate that and we will keep a close eye as these rules work their way through the process. Thank you for coming. I suspect that over the course of the coming months and years, there will be a number of opportunities where we will invite you back to discuss our common focus on the science and the effective use of it. With that, thank you. I yield back. Welcome back, chairman lucas and administrator regan. I want to start by aligning myself with the Ranking Member laughlin as a representative for hillsborough airport. Mr. Administrator, protecting Public Health and the environment, which is the epa admission, requires strengthening, not cutting programs that are proven to work. Thank you for your commitment that the work of the epa will be informed by rigorous and quality science. The Climate Crisis is causing more dangerous airquality. In 2021, the transportation sector contributed nearly one third of Greenhouse Gas emissions that amplified climate events and effect vulnerabilities. There are Effective Solutions to d carbonized the transportation sectors. For example, in northwest oregon, the School District is investing in quieter and healthier electric school buses. Portland has an electric firetruck, which i got to ride on. We are leading the way to the Trucking Industry. In light of record high temperatures, we need to scale up and expedite the work. Administrator regan, needless to say, i am concerned about the Budget Proposal that would cut funding by 42 and zero out funding for the agencys Vehicle Electrification effort. Would these cuts affect epas research and development of emission reducing technologies. Thank you for the question. I think that in prioritizing people first, we know that these emissions from vehicles are very harmful for Public Health and human help, especially when we think about our children, our most precious cargo that ride to and from school each day reading those fumes. Than we think about what you just talked about which is exacerbating the Climate Crisis. The technologies and the markets are driving this electrification. What we try to do is propose regulations that can capture that, while also thinking about fuels and others that contribute to the whole low Carbon Technology transition that we want to see that defenses our technology. It really does protect Public Health. We cant do that without the proper budget. We need the scientific rigor. We need the Technical Analysis and we need Economic Analysis to go with the efforts. Now was not the time to be cutting epa budget. Administrator regan, the Supreme Courts decision has narrowed the definition of waters of the United States which limited the epa to regulate under the clean water act. In light of the opinion, how is it working to protect clean water and how might these efforts be made more difficult by a potential Government Shutdown . The Supreme Court spoke and we immediately sprang into action to address the prescription that they gave to us. With that, we are having to look at all of our programs to be sure that we are leveraging all of our resources and our Statutory Authority to promote our Drinking Water. We have to do this. It is good for the ecosystem. As you all know, we serve as natural filters for some of these emerging compounds. We will use all of our authorities. A Government Shutdown just hampers our ability to effectively engage, especially with our Rural Communities who are dealing with these emerging contaminant issues. We want people to have confidence in their Drinking Water. If we are not at work, we can do that. This is a reminder that many of our environmental laws have bipartisan support and many were signed into law by then president nixon. This should not be a partisan issue. As i yield back, i want to note that in your testimony, you mentioned that your researchers studying how native grass can store carbon and increase coastal resilience to flooding. As a cochair of the bipartisan oceans caucus, i am leading the effort on eight bipartisan carbon bill which would be just that. Plus, create jobs in coastal and Rural Communities. I am hoping that we can move that bill forward soon and i look forward to talking about that in the committee and with the epa. It is a great opportunity to use the helps growth as a carbon thing but also to restore habitat. Yield back. Thank you. I now recognize mr. Posey for five minutes. Good to see you. Last month, a company that makes outdoor motors for its customer, u. S. Navy seals, was rated by the epa. I tried to get together and talk to you about this but it was enforcement sensitive. I was not able to do that. Since this case involves the National Security, i just wonder how the epa dealt with the request seeking regulatory clarity involving National Security exemptions. Thank you. I do have some limitations in terms of that specific case because of the office of Inspector Generals investigation. What i would say is the Clean Air Act gives us the flexibility to look at Clean Air Act flexibilities for vehicles as it relates to international National Security interests. We want to think about whether or not this case fits into a future discussion with the Clean Air Act flexibility. Do you think it might be possible to expand the exemption to First Responders like fire, emergency medical services, Law Enforcement . We have had some conversations with those entities as well, along with manufacturers. We have not really seen the need for that flexibility. Most of our flexibilities are reserved for National Security interest but we are open to those discussions. I would love to get our staff together. This committee has come to learn that the epa has spent 10 million on advanced combat for enforcement operations. Can you briefly explain why we need advanced combat equipment in the Environmental Protection agency . I am not quite familiar with that piece there so i would have to get back to you. I have more questions about that issue but i will respect that and get back together on it. The epas Inspector General sent a memo to the agency in april identifying that grant recipients were not required to disclose reports after receiving a grant. This means that an epa grant recipient could receive both federal funding and foreign support during a grant period of performance. That also means a country like china could influence the environmental findings that the epa uses. Just wonder if you are familiar with this memo. It is from the epa and inquiring about what steps the agency might take to ensure full transparency from grant recipients since receiving the memo. This memo was dated april 13, 2020 and its management implication report, research and grants. I am not quite sure if i know specifically what is in that memo. I can tell you that we have taken a number of steps to strengthen Research Grants consistent with the nda a of 2021. We have also responded to concerns raised by our office of Inspector General and we have updated the terms and conditions of our Research Grant to ensure that grantees provide disclosures about sources of funding both before they get the grandstand on an ongoing basis once they receive those grants. We have responded to the suggestion there. That is what i want to hear. I now recognize ms. Stevens. Thank you. I wanted to give you some accolades because you are the right person at the right time meeting your agency. We have so appreciated your dedication to issues important to us in michigan. I will never forget being with you on belisle after we passed the infrastructure law, celebrating the cleanup money that had been dedicated to the great lakes. Thank you for your time in michigan and for your great leadership of the agency. As you probably know, the United Nations estimate that the equivalent of 2000 garbage trucks of plastic is dumped into the worlds oceans, rivers, and lakes, every single day and addressing plastic pollution and improving recycling infrastructure is absolutely essential. I have long been a supporter of this work. My very first year in congress, as the chair of the research and technology subcommittee, we convened the firstever Committee Hearing on recycling in about a decade and we called on the epa to create the National Strategy for recycling. I was pleased to see the epa released it in 2021 and then we went on to find the Congressional Plastic Solutions Task force. I wanted to ask you this, administrator. Can you provide an update on the National Strategy to prevent plastic pollution and how this strategy will support the epas work in reducing plastic pollution . Thank you for your leadership in this area. As i have traveled the country, i have been to more than 35 states in 10 countries. The number two issue young people talk to me about our plastics and recycling. In april, we released our draft National Strategy for reducing plastic pollution. We reduced that and released it for comment. We have received over 100,000 comments that we are coming through right now. We plan to do our due diligence, following the data and come up with a very strong strategy. Then, i am really excited, thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law, thanks to congress, we have distributed over 275 million in solid waste infrastructure for recycling grants to help state and local governments with this very issue. We are on the job. We recognize how important it is and we pay attention. We salute your agency for the grants work and look toward the future of the infrastructure work that we are doing in congress to support recycling infrastructure. Seems like we are learning new things on an everyday basis as it applies to recycling opportunities. Something else i wanted to ask you, the epa is conducting Vital Research across the board but, particularly with water, aquatic life sentiments and the epas Research Vessel is the largest Research Vessel in the epas fleet and the largest on the great lakes. Having this critical asset comfortable and Mission Ready to fly over the safety of our nations great lakes. I just wanted to give you a minute to provide any updates on the vital work of the Research Vessel lake harding is doing guarding the great lakes and why this is important to the future of these lakes. Anything that you can add around cuts to epa and the work of this vessel. I think this is a vessel that we are extremely proud of. I think this is truly ecosystems research. We know that the impacts and effects of Climate Change are changing the physical structure of our great lakes. The great lakes provide Drinking Water to millions of people. This vessel is critical in terms of ecological balance and also preserving the security for Drinking Water for so many. We are proud of the work that the vessel is doing. We are at a significant cost to the people that rely on the great lakes for recreation and for sustenance. We are continuing to advocate for those Research Dollars because science will drive the way to a lot of solutions that provide a lot of Economic Opportunity as well. We have seen, from times of prosperity in the past, that cuts to personnel have greatly damaged some of the work that my constituents rely on to maintain the health and safety of our great lakes. With that, i am going to yield back. Thank you. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Mr. Administrator, thank you for showing up and talking to us and answering questions. The epa has proposed multiple rules for regulating Greenhouse Gas emissions from the power sector. I want you all to refer to this rule. This rule aims to cut the power sectors Greenhouse Gas pollution 80 by 2030 but in reality, according to some, this rule will only serve to cost hundreds of millions of dollars, significantly raise customers power bill and require a rapid transition away from reliable american produced natural gas without a realistic plan to fully replace that generation. But i really want to focus on is my feeling that this rule is based on politics, rather than science. One article quoted six people who said, the white house sent the epas original proposal back to your agency and requested that it had more stringent requirements. Several questions. Did the epas original proposal include regulations on existing gas plants only . What we have done is we have had a back and forth in interaction with experts in the white house on the construct of that rule. Collectively, we agreed that the rule should include existing resources or existing production. It seems to have devolved the way. Did the white house ask your agency to change the proposal to include existing gas plants, in addition to the future plans . We had a robust conversation internally at the epa and the white house. The rules that came out of epa is a rule that is really grounded in our technological rigor and sound of science. We are proud of the rule that we propose. I understand. What has happened since the ruling has proposed. Did that require cold plants by 2035 or to retire . Our rule is a reflection of epas staff analysis. We have had conversations with the white house but i want to push back on the premise of that question because it sends a signal that the white house is dictating the rules. Eight does send that signal. Please confirm or deny that the white house did have some level of input on the proposed ruling . Absolutely we have conversations about the white house on all of our rules. How many staff scientists are employed by the White House Office of Climate Policy . That question has to be directed to the white house. How many scientists does the epa employee . I can get you that answer. Many. I want to be exact. Do you believe that epa employees who are scientists are some of the best minds in their field unknowledgeable in the most uptodate science . I absolutely agree with that part. You can probably see where i am going with this. Can you explain why epa scientists are being overruled . Even if that is not the case, or you say so, dont you think the very fact that they get to set the targets and then the scientists have to crunch the numbers to make it happen and make it get there . That would make for a skeptical public of this proposed rule. Would you agree that the significant public distrust in the epa is a massive problem . I would have to ask that question as a top political appointee and say i listen to my scientists and i think they would corroborate that. That rule reflects what i think is a really hard technical river. I have met, in the past two to three weeks, with industry ceos on a lot of these issues and we are receiving a lot of feedback. I think that the final rule will reflect the thinking of our scientists, plus industry scientists in how we land this final rule. Thank you very much. I still have a little bit more time. These six individuals, where i believe came out of the epa, that spoke with this group, gave us this information. Were those six individuals scientists . I am under the impression that they were. Thank you all. I will yield back. Thank you. The chair now recognizing mr. Bowman. Thank you so much, mr. Administrator, for being here today and for your exemplary leadership in protecting our environment and our communities. I would like to ask you about the environments Technical Assistance centers which you have played a key role in funding and selecting. These 16 centers will be instrumental in helping vulnerable communities take advantage of climate infrastructure and funding. They will be crucial for making justice a reality. How has the epa helped get off the ground and how do you plan to get involved in a process to make sure they are a success . They will help coordinate between the state and local governments and communities applying for funding . Thank you for that question. We are proud of these Technical Assistance centers. The federal government should not dictate. We have 17 centers all across the country. Ngos, people to provide the Technical Assistance for those on the front lines working in those communitys. To your point, yes, our regional administrators will be involved. So will our National Office of Environmental Justice and external civil rights, serving as a facilitator for the work we do to ensure Environmental Justice and equity is central to everything we do. Thank you so much for that answer. I would also like to ask about how our k 12 Public School system fits into your vision and plan for ira implementation. Also, secretary granholm, joining us a couple weeks ago about this. Public schools, as you know, the heart beats of our communitys. Our next generation, Public School students. As you know, too many schools have improper infrastructure, inefficient infrastructure and extreme Climate Change driving weather. Many of these questions have to be addressed hole stickley. Can you tell us what is happening at epa in coronation with other agencies to help Public Schools take full advantage of all relevant funding opportunities . The first thing i would say, d. O. E. Is very strong as a partner in t. I. C. T. A. C. The purpose of t. I. C. T. A. C. Is for our state and local governments to understand the full breadth of Resources Available to reduce pollution and climate pollution. We are excited in terms of our partnership with d. O. E. And other agencies. The Inflation Reduction Act allows state and local governments to apply for pollution reduction acts, which we are excited to say our cities, schools, locality should be able to dissipate in the process. How many School Districts across this country are applying for the electric schoolbus and lowcarbon schoolbus grant . This is really revolutionizing how our children get to school and reducing the burdens so many of them faced, especially having asthma attacks, respiratory distress, before they can get to the classroom at 8 00 a. M. Were really excited about that. Thanks for that. One final question, can you give us an update from epas perspective . What are some successes so far and some challenges . Listen, i will say this again. I believe that we have designed a program and process at epa to ensure that the most vulnerable are the first in line. Whether you are in appalachia, West Virginia, or in the alabama, there are communities that have been on the receiving end disproportionately. In many of our programs, we have not only met, but exited. When i think about resources, from our superfund program, brownsville program, when i think about programs where we distribute our Water Quality resources, were ensuring that communities that have not had a seat at the table have a seat at the table to get the protection. By the way, many of our Rural Communities across the country fit into the very category. Thank you so much. Thank you for your exemplary leadership. I yield back to the chairman. Thank you. Thank you. I now recognize mr. Baer for five minutes of questioning. Thank you, mr. Chairman. We really appreciate you being here today. Anyway, the question i have really goes on with what congressman babbitt was talking about, section 111 proposed rule. It mentioned, specifically, this proposed rule, indicating carbon capturing is a technology that can be used to comply with this rule. Carboncapture projects, in many states and regions, requires the epa to issue classics wells for the injection of carbon. My question is how many classics have the epa issued this year . I will have to get you the specific number this year. I know the most recent, were on track for West Virginia and louisiana participate in our class programs. Understand texas, in august, recently made a classics application. I will say this, that the president has pledged that Carbon Capture technologies will be a part of how we move forward. The classic swell program is aligned with that. Theres a commitment at epa to get these permits out. Along the same line, do you anticipate more being in the pipeline . I do. We really figured out program inefficiencies, especially as we worked with louisiana, West Virginia, and we have identified a number of efficiencies and are prepared this is much as possible, as much as possible. Not everywhere, but some parts across the country. I think you make a good point. Because it helps answer the situation. How do utilities have plans if it doesnt require these plastic permits . A comment in order for them to move forward. We need to be moving forward with classics permits. Okay. No another area i would like to go into, mr. Miller, my colleague from ohio brought to your attention to discuss the epas handling of the East Palestine Train Derailment in february. Without a doubt, i hold the highest assurance for heritages building in my area to handle their material. However, i felt the process was somewhat disorganized, as it was laid out, and as my constituents at extreme concerns about the fact that this material is moving to rhodes bill, indiana. So, send sharon and i wrote you a letter back in march. Took about 55 days to get an answer to that. Anyway, the questions that i have relate to that letter, and if the chairman will allow, i would like to submit that letter for the records. Without objection. I guess im down to try and figure out why some of the facilities were not approved, yet the road still indiana, and other sites of victory, ohio, liverpool, ohio, some of those sites were not selected. Thank you for that question. Thank you for the question. We have a perpetuating incident like the one in east l. A. Stein, they are responsible for selecting the site. Norfolk southern there was a list of sites that they thought were capable of handling these particular streams. They lost 8 in ohio, so they started to look at other states as well. Its our job, once Norfolk Southern submits the desired location to approve or disapprove based on the certification. So, thats what we did during the process. I know, because East Palestine was so highly visible, that there was a lot more controversy ron who was receiving this, but i would agree with you, that Companies Like heritage and others across the country receive these kinds of waste on the time and handle the with the utmost integrity, and we didnt anticipate anything different on this. Thank you very much for that answer. I see that im out of time. So, i just think that really needs some constant reviews. Thank you. Thank you, mr. Barry. Recognizing ms. Ross, five minutes of questioning. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Again, thank you administrator redan for being with us today. I also want to thank all of your employees at the Research Triangle headquarters. I visited with them recently, and they are inspired by your work in doing cubillos work there. Lets hope the government doesnt shut down for compromise paycheck for next few weeks and months. Back to the foss issues, that issues affects our air we breathe, the parks bring it to our home, and they have contaminated more than 2300 sites across 49 states, polluting Drinking Water of an estimated 200 million americans. Including thousands of households in North Carolina, as you know very well. These forever chemicals have been associated with a wide range of Serious Health effects. Including problems with cancer, thyroid disease. Lowered fertility, and more. We know very little about what these chemicals really are, where they are manufactured and used, and how the American People are being exposed. It is vital for epa to define this in a way that will not. They can do private agencies, congress, states, and the public for information necessary to address the harmful effects efficiently and effectively. Lead Bipartisan Legislation that has twice passed the house that would direct the epa to use a simple definition of pfas, one, fully correlated carbon atom, consistent with the International Consensus definition. This definition would ensure that we have a full picture of the nature and extent of pfas effects. That will come from the effective problem. The reporting will for pfas for the Toxic Substance Control Act will help us capture the full picture of contamination in the u. S. How will they say the definition actually reflects the scope of the aleutian crisis and the wide range of chemicals our communities are suffering from. In particular, pfas from pollution , from floral polymers in North Carolina. Congresswoman, thank you. So, weve recently issued our third test order on this pfas substance, because we are in a continual question order for the Health Effects are. To the point made, so many, local compounds are out in our environment that we dont understand the health implications. So, in terms of following the signs and the law from a regulatory standpoint, we have tests and requirements under the improvement of our standing, and we have a National Strategy for pfas that spans not only our program, but our cleanup grams, our programs, and our water programs. Were really trying to get our arms wrapped around what do we do with what is already in the environment and how we work with industry to ensure we dont continue to put it into the environment, there. Okay. Great. On a different topic, this administration has made significant investment in the transition to electric vehicles, especially as made possible through the Infrastructure Investment and jobs act, and the Inflation Reduction Act. We had the privilege of speaking with secretary granholm in this Committee Earlier this month about what the department of energy is doing to advance this transition. Can you elaborate on the work that epa is undertaking to advance this transition . I can say that we have a proposed rule for our cars and trucks that looks at the opportunity for electric vehicles to lower carbon pollution, along with advanced biofuels and other technology that can pull carbon out of the air. I laughed, because i think that what we are doing is trying to codify a technology that industry is out the gates with as the Major Car Companies running, milliondollar super bowl ads talking about how quickly theyre going to electrify the future. We have over 500 billion in private sector investments in manufacturing and ensuring that we can do this domestically, where our Technology Standards for cars and trucks and vehicles insured that we leveraged the full potential of electric vehicles to meet the demands of the Emission Reductions and the Climate Crisis. I think we are in line with where the industry and technology is going. Going to be sure that we give industry the regulatory certainty to continue to make those major investments. Thank you. I yield back. Thank you. I now recognize five minutes of questions for mr. Obrien. Thank you, mr. Reagan, for your willingness to be here today. Id like to ask a question about the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund that the epa is attempting to establish, trying to get 20 billion out the door this year, it is obviously a staggeringly large amount of money to try to move in one here. I recently had a freedom of information act request reveal that the epa had a series of meetings last february with potential awardees of grants from that fund, and that raised concerns that the epa was picking winners and losers, essentially. Is it normal practice to have exclusive meetings with potential awardees and grants from a fund, particularly with public Comment Period for that fund not closing yet . Yeah. I would have to say, i think we met just about everybody under the sun to try to articulate the design or the intentions of the program. I would argue that, you know, once we got beyond the initial conversations, we did the design of the program, we have the proper safeguards in place to be sure, number one, no one was unfairly advantaged. Number two, those who could potentially be recipients would not be involved in the design discussions i can say, i met with parody equity with capital, wall street, commercial bankers, but also met with cfis, state and local government. So, we really tried to be sure that we understood for the full breadth of the impact of this program. I think you recognize that we designed competitions so that those who are experts in leveraging capital can take that 20 billion and pull hundreds of billions of dollars off the sideline to advance to invest in lowcarbon technologies. Sure. Well, speaking of the safeguards, the things revealed through that freedom of information act request was the fact that a former senior attorney for the sierra club was one of the required attendees for the epa at a meeting that included the sierra club. Is that a conflict of interest . Would that fall into something that would be impermissible . I have to look into the specifics of that. That is the first time i have heard of that. Again, a number of conversations have instructed our office, Inspector General, on how to conduct and design these programs, and as far as i know, we are meeting that letter of the law. All right. I appreciate if you can look into that and get back to us on it. Obviously, we would never want the public to think the government had its thumb on the scale when it came to who is eligible for and received the funding from this grant fund. Absolutely. Talking for a moment about Nuclear Energy, and i know that were all aware that we have a big problem with the disposal of nuclear waste. Regardless of what ones thoughts on Nuclear Energy, i think we should all agree that spent sites at these decommissioned powerplants is not best practice or in the keeping of her obligation to protect the environment. What is the epa doing to try to propagate longterm solutions to this problem . I would say, we work very closely with the department of energy on that waste storage issue, but let me be clear. Im from North Carolina, over 50 of the baseload is Nuclear Energy. We see Nuclear Energy as a low Emissions Technology that can help us combat the Climate Crisis and Public Health issues. I think we have to stay laser focused on how to store waste and proliferation as we begin to also look at new and advanced models in nuclear technology. But i want to be clear, we work very closely, handinhand with the department of energy on how we handle the storage of that waste. Great. Lets keep working on solutions, because i think its something that is a goal we all share. Lastly, talking about some of the pfas regulations your agency is propagating, i want a cautionary note, we want to provide clean, affordable Drinking Water for all americans. Its not enough to establish new technologies and new regulations, because if were not giving her water agencies the tools to remove those hazardous chemicals from water, we really havent accomplished anything. We can pretend we put a new regulation on an problemsold. If there is not the technology to remove that water or if it is too expensive or forcing these same agencies to build that into the cost of Drinking Water that makes it unaffordable, you know, we really havent sold to the program. Im hoping we can all work on that. I did my time has expired. Thank you so much for being here today, your willingness to testify before the committee. I yield back, mr. Chairman. Thank you. I now recognize mr. Sorensen for 45 minutes of questioning. Thank you, member lofgren, for convening this hearing and administrator reagan, your willingness to appear before us. Also, it was really great to see chairman lucas back at our Science Committee this morning. I would like to thank administrator again for visiting my hometown of rockford, illinois, earlier this year, to witness replacement of lead Service Lines into homes. Families were solving the problems. The district that i represent, illinoiss 17th congressional district, have some of the highest percentages of lead Service Lines of any district in the country. Last congress, we passed a bipartisan infrastructure law, which included funds for lead pipe replacement. Im proud of my colleagues for the work they put into the bill and the work that were doing today. Were all doing it today, keeping communities safe and healthy. But as were all aware, congress is facing an appropriation. As of right now, we do not have a set plan to fund the government be on this weekend. Should the Government Shutdown, what would be the impact of that shutdown for beneficial programs like lead Service Line Replacement . The epa is implemented at. Well, thank you for hosting me, your district. It really was a good day. Its always a good day when you watch the extraction of lead Service Lines, and ec families throughout the neighborhood celebrating. We run the risk of not having those celebrations. Simply put, the work just cant get it done. Weve got 15 billion we want to get out to eradicate lead Service Lines, both on the public and private side. This money tackles both of those. Without the epa employees in place to do the work, we hit the pause button. That exposes children, the elderly, everyday families, exposes them more to lead in the Drinking Water. Before i was elected to congress, i served my community as a meteorologist for 22 years. I was one of the first people to talk on local television about the impact for Climate Change. I represent family farmers. Western illinois. They have generations i have seen these old weather records that go way back. People understand theres a change, as you and i do as well. Im proud that john deere and company is focused on precision ag, lowering inputs, and emissions. Im proud that the new evidence on the epa trucks are built in my district, and the administration. Im thankful theyre focused on the Climate Crisis, implementing a whole of government approach. Can you elaborate on what role the epa is playing in this governmentwide, but also public and private approach to addressing the Climate Crisis . Can you expand on how the epa is engaging in smaller communities to solve the crisis . I appreciate that, you know, and i spent a lot of time with secretary milstead thinking through how we use voluntary and regulatory tools for our small, Rural Communities, as well as our larger communities. I think it takes a holistic approach. So, im spending a lot of time engaging the private sector. We cannot solve this problem without the private sector. We have great opportunities like this for Greenhouse Gas Reduction Funds, questions raised about billions of dollars in investments. We also have the responsibility to engage with the regulating community, with the agricultural community, how do we get the best technologies at the commercial scale to ensure we are combating the Climate Crisis and using every tool in the toolbox. So, i have a great deal of respect for usda, commerce, d. O. T. , and the president indicated from day one, we would all Work Together. Im really glad we all like each other, because we all working together very closely. I hope youre feeling that here, from the Science Committee as well. This is a people, here, in congress, that are here to solve the problems of the American People. We put politics aside in this room, and we solve the problems because we know there are real people. We know theres another generation and the generation after that that are going to look back into 2023 that say, what to do as things are changing . Its got to be a scientific approach. I appreciate what you do at the epa. Chairman, i reeled back my time. Thank you. Mr. Cochran, now recognize for five minutes of questioning. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Mr. Reagan, appreciate you being here. The epa said, the vulnerable species, pilot, which i have some concerns with i think most people in ag and forestry, other pesticide users, share that concern. Acquirements for this proposal could be impossible to comply with, which would prevent producers from protecting crops and other property. In fact, four out of five producers claim they will no longer be up to continue farming operations if these regulations are enacted. Obviously, it would jeopardize the livelihoods of Rural Communities. My question is can you expect me why the epa feels the need to put in place severe restrictions without first looking at the science to determine is there a risk to endangered species, or how does this approach reconcile with the epas response ability under the endangered species act to conduct risk assessments . I appreciate that question. You and i both share frustration here, which we had 30 to 35 years of a lack of compliance with the endangered species act. As i discussed quite frequently with secretary milstead, trying to collectively tackled this issue, the courts have now taken the driver seat into the setting the bar pretty high with an epa not responding to and losing litigation in court. So, what weve attempted to do his work very closely with usda , resolve some of these litigation issues and begin to expedite some of the reviews that would comply with the courts guidance, but also bring new products to the market. We do not want them waking up and guessing every single day what is going to be on or off the shelf. You mentioned ive her did you tell two different numbers if coordinated with, have a good working relationship with usda. My question is have you coordinated with fish and wildlife on this particular proposal . If not, how does that reconcile with epas responsibility under the 2018 bundle and the fi23 requiring coronation with fish and wildlife . Im giving you credit for having coordinated with usda, because you have indicated you have other co federal regulators are not committed to the epa federal pesticide regulations. We have. I have looked at this issue through a very freshgraded lens, because i inherited a mess. We have to solve it. I dont mean to interrupt you. My time is interrupted. If im understanding you correctly, a lot of this is now in the wheelhouse of the courts. Is that correct . A lot of it has been. The courts have made rulings where you will see a slight difference, sometimes, with usda or u. S. Fish and wildlife, is the court is telling epa it has to meet the measure, then, quite friendly, maybe usda or u. S. Fish and wildlife have a higher appetite for risk. Doj is serving as our fertility. They say, epa, you cant afford x, y and z producing a robust response across multiple agencies. Break the, courts like the ninth circuit and others have set a really high bar. That bar would not have been that high if we have been on the offense instead of the defense. I think we can agree, this is very frustrating process. I definitely think we agree on that front let me switch gears real quick for 2020, epm eye on scientific risk assessment, triggered the risk from Light Manufacturing emissions are excitable with an apple margin of safety with other regulations necessary. Despite that, the epa is currently proposing to revise the National Emission standards for hazardous air pollutants for the Light Manufacturing center due tabling in the dc court case with an economics analysis of the epa proposal the mistreating that the rule would impose capital costs of almost 1 billion on an industry with only an annual revenue of about 2. 3 billion. That would impose significant costs without an up reviewable Public Health benefit. Was you adopt these Clean Air Act to minimize the Light Manufacturing . What we want to do is ensure we are meeting the letter of the law with as much possibility as possible. I think we have to be reasonable. I think we want to do is protect Public Health and ensure that these industries can be productive, because of course all of us rely on food, fuel and what the industry produces. Thank you. I appreciate you being here today. I will yield back the rest of my time thank you, mr. Cochran. Malcolm ms. Salinas, five minutes of questioning. Thank you, mr. Chairman. I want to welcome back terrell lucas. I have really appreciated leadership on this committee and the Ranking Member for holding this important meeting, i thank you. Administrator reagan, i want to thank you for being here today. From clean water and air to ensuring a smooth energy transition, the epas work is truly essential to oregons health and prosperity. I am really grateful for your work to implement the bipartisan infrastructure law. That is already making an impact for my constituents. In february, epa awarded oregon 18. 9 million to address pfas and other emerging determine its intricate water. Investments really do target are smaller, Rural Communities and are disadvantaged areas. In april, you testified and we discussed the closing americas wastewater skeptical assistance program. You assured us, then, that you were working closely with usda on 11 pilot projects for the committees to scale up testified assistance and a supporting model across the city. For my immunity, the issue of Technical Assistance has been a parody since they one, i was first sworn in, small town, small farmers. Historically, really, at a disadvantage in trying to access some of these grants. You know, or have any kind of assistance in terms of staff capacity. They dont really have the legal expertise. Some of the capacity to hunt down these grants in the first place. Certainly dont have the expertise to apply for them. Its my understanding that the american Wastewater Program was meant to equipped communities with what they need for the fall of 2023, this year. My questions are are we on track to hit that target, and are there key lessons you have learned so far in that process . Thank you for that question. We are on target. We are learning a heck of a lot from these 11 communities. Strategically, we chose these communities, because we knew it would model specific solutions. So, we are prepared, the epa and usda, to take those learnings from those 11 and export those to assure that they reflect the breadth of rural, smaller committees ready for these resources. We are now on track. Our office of water is feeling really good about having the capability to make sure that these communities are competitive for these billions of dollars. Great. Once the Pilot Program wraps up his their intent to expand the program nationally . I think the goal is two fold. We will assess whether or not we need to continue to pilot. We will see if we can export that level of learning and Technical Assistance to those who need it the most. We believe that this 11 is reflective of the country, and we believe that those learning schools help us get that across the finish line. And is there anything that you need from congress in order to make sure that this program is successful . Listen, i would say that the 50 billion that we received from bipartisan official a law to focus on our feeling Water Infrastructure was a huge shot in the arm, but we have over 700 billion in need. So, what im hoping is that congress will see that epa has used these resources statistically and wisely so that when we put forward more resources to help more people there will be a compelling case to do so. Thank you. Then, as you know, shifting gears here, china dominates production of many Critical Minerals essential to this transition, including lithium and cobalt, using batteries, poly and silicon. A key material for producing solar panels. With the chips in science act and the ira, chris said emission and climate goals while also seeking to reduce our dependence on foreign country. Priorities, for me, often seem at odds. The issues, exclusive to the energy center. I have herded from intel employees in oregon, this is top of mind for Companies Like these that rely on minerals to produce semiconductors and other electronics. How has epasupported research supported sustainability in mining . More importantly, how do you think about expanding production for environmentally responsible ways . What i would say is we believe that we can do it in an environmentally responsible way. We believe that we have to have responsible domestic mining, because we cannot rely on china, and since the Inflation Reduction Act, i believe we have seen over 45 billion of investments in Battery Supply investments and supply chain Critical Minerals and supply chain issues. And so, what we do with the Regulatory Authority is watch what the market is doing, watch where the technologies are going, and in our regulations for Technology Standards, we try to incorporate best Management Practices and the best technologies to keep this country globally competitive. Thats the goal. That is epas. Thank you. I yield back. Thank you. I recognize ms. Tennyson for five minutes of questioning. Thank you, chairman lucas, mr. Miller, and also, thank you, mayor warren lofgren. Once the thank you, administrator, for your service, for being here, forgiving and sharing transparent answers on the operation of the important functions. Thank you, again, chairman lucas. Congratulations. Here now, but glad to see him back, back in action. I just have for the sake of time i just want to not give you an Opening Statement, but i really want to dive right in, administrator. Asking you a series of questions, i would appreciate, straightforward, yes or no answer on these if you could. My first question is are you familiar with barreboulet advisors . Barreboulet advisors . Barreboulet advisors. I am not. Okay. Are you familiar with a federal Acquisition Regulation councilmans proposal titled, and a quote, disclosure of Greenhouse Gas emissions and climaterelated financial risk, close quote . Thats the proposed rule, which would require major federal suppliers to publicly disclose Greenhouse Gas emissions and climate related financial risks, as well as said sciencebased reduction targets . I havent. Okay. This rule was proposed by dod, esa, and nasa, collectively comprising the council. Did the epa have any involvement, consultation, coronation, or otherwise in this role . We may have had a peripheral. Typically, we participate in all interagency processes. You didnt directly get involved with this . As far as you know . Our agency could have. Could have, but you didnt with your staff . No. I didnt, personally. Did you think the premier agency should have had some kind of consultation in putting forth this role on climate emissions, especially affecting major suppliers and entities all over the country . I believe that our agency may have participated in our agency. I am just answering you straightforward. All right. Do you know if the council on a bimetal quality was consulted . I assume that they were, because they are part of the interagency process, but as you know, that counsel is in the white house. Im not. Okay. The rule requires major contractors to have the climate targets validated by a Company Called sciencebased target initiative, orfor short. Are you familiar . Im not. Okay. The criteria is a good rule of thumb for companies to align their emission targets with so you may want to know who they are because theyre going to be actually doing some oversight on behalf of your agency. They will be telling u. S. Businesses who they need to align with. Let me also since you dont know sbti, it is a british company. It interests me silly because it is aligned with u. S. National security interests, but i just want to say, so everyone knows, i am on the same page, including you, i just want to inform you, sbti is a hybridforeign company that both sets Emission Reduction targets, not only for private companies for a fee, but according to the epas website this is the agency you run the epas center for corporate climate leadership is a Resource Center for all organizations looking to expand their work in Greenhouse Gas measurement and management. It goes on to say that the Center Offers resources to help organizations conduct, axis and reduce their scope one, two and three ghd omissions. From what you understand and i described for your center in sbti conducting those activities . Im very , with the center for climate leadership. Okay. Im very familiar with that organization, which, to your point, i think is a voluntary program that we run as a private sector that asks for ways. The proposed rule is not voluntary. The center for corporate climate work is. It is a voluntary program. But this will and im talking about it is actually going to be if enacted, is going to be mandatory. So i wanted to ask you, between the center, as i hear and he preaches the voluntary relationships youre talking about with reporting, it covers 85 to 95 of all of the usda emissions. Do you think the epa could at least be compared and offering the services and activities instead of sbti . Because you are a u. S. Based government agency, not a private entity funded by outside donors, to which have ties have political ties . We have a Greenhouse Gas reporting program. My question, though dont you think that we should go to the epa for six going to this sbti . Im not negating that didnt come to epa to consult with the epa on the Greenhouse Gas reporting program that we already have in place. I think we have two, Greenhouse Gas reporting program, and the center for corporate climate leadership. Both could have gone into the far process, and that could have happened with Senior Leadership in the epa. Im about to run out of time, but this company is listed as yours. This is the sole source for getting this information. Dont you think that we should have choices, we shouldnt have a politicallycharged, you know, with this sort of to not have a choice . Under sbti and the proposed rule, there isnt a choice. They must go. Out of time. Sbti is actually funded by barreboulet advisors , ultimately, which is funded, for lack of better words, left wing political sources. I will take a look into this, because i just sort of reject the premise that we dont have choice. We have a number of programs that are wellestablished, that could start an interagency process. So, i dont want to negate. I agree with you. Thank you, gentlemens comments expired. Appreciate you. Appreciate you. Recognize ms. Boucher for Public Comment questioning. Thank you, mr. Chair and mr. Reagan for holding this hearing today. I, too, happy to see chairman lucas back into the Committee Room today. Administrator reagan, welcome. I am pleased to have this opportunity to discuss epa science with you today. For the agencys Research Activities are such a significant and welcomed presence in my district. Of course, as always, its a pleasure to welcome fellow north carolinian to the signs community. My district of North Carolina is one of the nations leading clubs for Environment Research and epa Research Programs, a huge part of that. The office of air quality planning and standards, and the center for Public Health and environment will acceptance are both based at epas rtp campus, where i was pleased to visit earlier this year, as well as other critical epa facilities, like the National Computer center, center for computational toxicology and exposure, and the first environment Early Learning center. Missioncritical rural class scientists and politicians im concerned about if we are, indeed, headed towards Government Shutdown. I would like to learn more about how epa supports its Research Programs in rtp and ensures that they have everything they need to continue their essential work on behalf of the American People. Thank you for that question. I smile, because i think you know in 1998 i interned in research trying to park, where i got my start with the agency. Listen, just so folks understand, the campus and rtp is considered a headquarter office. The number of personnel we have, the worldclass capacity, is so large that congress deemed that they would set up that separate campus in North Carolina. We rely on those individuals at ord to continue our leading research on the air quality impacts of wildfires, on looking at how we really begin to address the chemical compounds and emerging compounds. Also, as we think about, you know, expediting and pushing for our control. If we face a shutdown, and if we lose folks in ord and Research Triangle park, we will see a pause in the work that happening on a national and global level. So, administrator reagan, can you assure me that, under your leadership, epa is prioritizing scientific programs in researching trying to park and helping with the budget they need, the staffing they need, and the highlevel back end they need to conduct their work . You know, this is why i come before congress, often to ask for those necessary resources, and its imperative. I think i have stressed, from day one, that scientific integrity is the north star for following the signs, following the law. So, i pledged that commitment to all of my scientists across the agency. Were trying to push as many resources and as much opportunity for that scientific voice to be heard in all the work that we do. Also want to take this opportunity to discuss an important oversight priority. For over a decade, epas iris program has been working on updating its assessment of formaldehyde. From aldehyde is a known carcinogen. We came to this conclusion last year. It was a draft conclusion. Last month, the National Academies provided its stamp of approval on the assessment. A short time, in nine years, affirming the progress we had made. Gao and its Science Committee investigation found, during the trump administration, political influence derailed this important assessment from being finalized, and as the academy said, it is imperative that epa finalize this assessment. So, will you push to finalize this by the end of next year . So, Key Stakeholders across and beyond the federal government can incorporate it into health protective policy that . We are currently reviewing the nas and the external peer reviews as we speak. We are moving on an expedited timeframe, along with looking at hundreds of other studies, as well, that we have to consider. We understand the sense of urgency. So, i can commit to you that we can put the necessary resources and personnel up for this issue to move along expeditiously. Thank you, mr. Administration. I yield back. Thank you. I now recognize mr. Mccormick for five minutes of questioning. Thank you, my fellow marine, mr. Chairman. Thank you. Mr. Reagan, for your testimony, today, i also thank you. Mr. Reagan, i want to talk about epas role in another part of the committees districts, which is space. A spaceport in georgia went through a sixyear process for the final back statement. It is estimated that Camden County spent nearly 10 million on various studies preparing for environment learning impact statements in consulting. Im glad it has finally moved forward, finding 0 impact in 2020 one. Took a decade and 10 million for the the element to clear all paperwork required, largely because the bimetal review process. Can you. Out some concrete stats for the epa process, and remove bureaucratic red tape from the commercial space industry specifically . I think what we have done, at epa you know, obviously, the process involves more than just epa but what we have done is we have streamlined our permitting process and are mental review process. We have automated a lot of these processes. As you mentioned, this sounds like it has been in the making for 10 years. The past three years, we recognize that, in order to get the eis done, in order to get permits out the door, we have to use technology and more efficient measures so that we can ensure that our state and locals get those so that the economy can thrive. I can tell you that we have looked at how we can make processes more efficient, have automated processes, and we have also expanded our external stakeholder outreach. Our state and local government, under the epa, is much more robust and muscular right now, and we have more of a finger on the pulse. I would agree, actually, because i have seen it take about half as much time for everybody to get their approvals. It is obviously working. Kudos to you guys. The epas role is to protect humans in their environment. Seems, often more focused on the bureaucratic red tape. It is what we burton people with, although bureaucrats also attempt to add onto that, that it is a job. For trouble, my own district, my road in roswell, 700,000 into a study that lasted 18 months, just a road that is going to get repaved anyway. But it costs almost 3 4 of 1 million, delaying it for a year and a half of people go other bum polls, and the process is so dragged out, that we know it is pretty much inevitable anyways, but looking for ways we can streamline this process and get rid of the inevitable delays that have been making peoples lives miserable. After all, we can have so many certain people that make your life better. Can you speak to that . I dont know if i can speak to paving roads, the expediting of that process. I can say, with a bipartisan infrastructure law, as far as the whole of government approach, there are a lot more resources to look at how we stabilize our roads, our bridges, our transportation. When i can say is our involvement in these environmental assessments, under my watch, has moved much more expeditiously. I can say that because, as a former state regulator, ive been on the receiving end as a state regular tried to work with the federal government. I have tried to bring that state dollars to the federal government and work in an expedited manner to get these reviews done. Time is money. You are absolutely now you sound like a business guy. A bureaucrat. I like that. Whats interesting, which is allocated 40 billion to a study, basically, last cycle for the budgeting, and i was curious if you had talked about the efficiency and the timeliness, which was supposed to be part of this review system you talked about how you are making progress. Can you tell me where that 40 million expand your ability to digest that, make it more timely and efficient . You mentioned ai, but other things that the 1 4 Million Dollars that can make you better . Im not quite sure if i recognize the 40 million you are speaking to. I will specifically the Inflation Reduction Act will be allocated 40 million for a study to develop more efficient, accurate, timely review process in the epa. Let me get back to you on the specifics of that. Holistically speaking, i can tell you that we spent a lot of time, money and resources on efficiencies all across the agency, i want to answer your question directly about that 40 million. I want to be accurate there. Thank you. I know a nice five minutes of questioning. Thank you, mr. Chair. Thank you so much, administrator reagan, for being with us today. This is a great conversation. One of the reasons i wanted to serve on this committee is to help oversee the implementation of chips in science, as many collaborators, as well as the Inflation Reduction Act. I know your agency has quite the role to play in that, and one of the things that you have the oversight of his 41 billion in distressed unities to discuss advancing Environmental Justice, and i know that might seem like one of those dc bubble phrases, but it certainly is. It is impactful and a necessary conversation to have, because in bimetal justice means access to safe Drinking Water, clean air, addressing the pollution of the past, making sure things like the river does not catch on fire again. We know that pollution does not know geographical boundaries, as well as congressional boundaries, state boundaries, but its impact can also be disproportionate, and specifically, to talk about my district, ohio 13, because i represent the city of akron, uniontown, and communitys that are working to address these longstanding in bimetal issues that we inherited, maybe generations ago, and we also want to make sure we get our fair share of the 41 billion. Can you talk about the difference those funds are going to make in our committees and how they are being admitted across the country now . Absolutely. First, i would like to say, thank you for your leadership, locally, and also, your role on the Congressional Black Caucus in bimetal Justice Task Force as a culture. An you know and understand that there are so many communities like the ones you have identified that have just not had a seat at the table, have been left behind, that dont have the infrastructure to respond to that disproportionate illusion that they faced, which is why i wanted to say, my first actions to take was establishing a new national program, in bimetal justice and external civil rights program. This program is on par with all of our other National Media programs, air water, lans, chemical pogroms, to ensure that all of the resources that we get appropriated, in addition to the resources from the historic pieces of legislation, reaching the communities that need it the most. Whether you are in your community or appalachia, loudoun county, alabama, the disproportionate impact and lack of infrastructure and investment is astounding. And so, i have not only set up a national program, but we have also set up metrics and guidelines with policies to ensure that every regulation, every policy, contracts and procurement, has this lens of justice and equity applied. Thank you so much. I appreciate you saying, appalachia, because i know you are a legitimate person. Some people like to say, appalachia. That is not correct, as we often are corrected in ohio. I want to build upon something and moved to another topic. Specifically, the community of union town, and the state of ohios epa isnt working with the union town since the 1980s to fix the industrial access landfill. Some of the work we have your agency because of the work of your agency being remediated, affected residents were hooked up to municipal water supplies, away from well water, but this process is arduous, longterm, and becomes very difficult to sustain in the presence of one of the four dioxins, which is a dangerous chemical. So, we dont have as much time for me to ask you to go into this too deeply, but if you could just blink twice, let me know that you are going to continue to work with the state, ohio epa, and i will take that as your commitment to working with our community. But i do want to talk about East Palestine, because, one, i want to thank you and the members of your staff for coming so quickly to the aid of folks in East Palestine. Not in my district, but certainly appreciate your effort and people in the governors administration. Their appreciation. I also want to express that to you, publicly, and i know we often hear about the administration, what theyre doing, and i can attest, i have seen it a couple of times, you were there, but unfortunately, the thing that members of congress, as numbers of Congress Push on the administration, dont push enough on our own colleagues that even pass Bipartisan Legislation like this act. We can do something to help fix this. That is passing the rail act, a bill that has not received any hearings in committee. That can happen, and that can be very impactful, but to your point earlier about Norfolk Southern, holding them accountable, i know they had a recent executive order for the president to ensure that the administration is overseeing network, and they would adopt it several months ago in East Palestine. Can you talk to us in 10 seconds or less about how you are enforcing that and making sure Norfolk Southern is doing what they promised to do to the people of East Palestine . We ordered Norfolk Southern to clean up the mess. They have responded to our orders to date, and have dotted every i, crossed every t. We are almost complete cleaned up the waist we will continue to monitor the soil and water for the foreseeable future, and the president s executive order spelled out what we, at epa, have already been doing, which is provide timely updates directly to him so he has the same amount of proposals. Thank you. Now, recognize mister williams, five minutes of questioning. Administered reagan, we have never met. I want to say how much i appreciate you can find me in the corner appreciate your direct and relevant answers today. Also, admire your command of the issues that are under your jurisdiction. So, please, accept my sincere appreciation. Thank you. One of the key lessons that i have learned about research and development for my business experience, as well as my experiences in equity engineer, training as a nuclear engineer, in the navy, is that scientific innovation or invention does not always lead to broad adoption of new technologies or new solutions. In fact, actual broad acceptance of innovation is quite rare in actual practice. And as a society, we tend to assume that once a new Technology Like solar panels, Carbon Capture, Hydrogen Fuel, is first invented or innovated, it will inevitably be adopted and be a good solution for the market. However, in my experience, it simply is not the case. New technologies face the greatest hurdles after they are invented, or the innovation occurs. There are many, many hurdles to adoption, and then, beyond that, even, a broad acceptance into our society. New products face significant difficulties expanding. This is quite clearly captured in Jeffrey Moore whos excellent scientific studies on this cycle of innovation that have been done for many, many decades. So, i hear from my colleagues across the aisle that every regulatory action by the epa is urgent and necessary to save the planet, but i would urge you to place an even higher emphasis on a priority to stop impoverishing working families through higherenergy costs. In my state of new york, extremists, environmental policies, have rapidly driven up energy costs for rate payers. It is a request of the facts that is unfair. Specifically, im concerned that the epa and this administration have failed to properly consider this issue of crossing the zone. The cost in difficulties of scaling up and implemented new technologies. Take the proposed section 11 10that epa released earlier this year. This rule, if implemented, would burden existing natural gas plant we rely on for power today with strict and unrealistic regulations to employ Carbon Capture and Hydrogen Fuel blending, which there are many technical challenges to, including hydrogen and battlement of metals. Many of the utilities will be subject to this rule have warned that bringing these technologies online and in commercial will require hundreds of billions of dollars in new investments. This doesnt take away from their profits. This gets passed on to rate parish, and will significantly increase energy costs for consumers and businesses. So, under your leadership, is the epa and the mandating of these Massive Technology investments utilities, are you accounting for the rapid rise in energy costs to all americans . Well, all the standards we propose to take economics into consideration. I think that affordability and reliability, along with the technical availability is what we are discussing. I think we proposed a rule. We received a lot of comments in the past two or three weeks. I met with multiple utility ceos. I met my team has met with greater reliability experts, congas, and bill johnson conveying a very productive conversation around this very topic. The proposal is just that, and we will continue to evaluate the comments that come in, engage with industry. Our ratepayers and others. Hopefully, the final rule will reflect something that is ambitious, but also doable. And the folks that you listed that were at the table, i dont hear strong representation, except through elected members like myself of the helplessness that working families feel for forces that are being put upon them, costs that are being put upon them. Quite honestly, sir, by your agency in the mandates that you require, that are simply unaffordable. Im sorry, it is literally impoverishing working families. Please respond if you would like. Time has expired. I would like to say, job bri to the table that my staff met with. We are meeting and talking with everyone, because we understand the impact of the work that we do. Thank you, sir. Five minutes of questioning, now recognized. Thank you, mr. Chair. I also have been hardened by the return of chairman lucas and would like to thank him and Ranking Member for holding this hearing today. Thank you administrator reagan for speaking to us. Colorados only Major Petroleum refinery. Its a critical piece of local Energy Infrastructure and our economy. So much so that if we see issues at the refinery with production, my constituents feel the pain at the pump and i agree that affects working families. That being said, this refinery is right next to underserved communities. And the their emissions are compounded on the other air pollution in the denver metro area and generations of children have grown up around this polluting entity. I have seen that impacted in my clinic, where i treat children affected by asthma. I was encouraged to see the rpa award to institutions that are doing research to address the drivers and environmental impacts of Energy Transitions in underserved communities. Some of these projects even address the situation some of my constituents find themselves in, which is living across from petroleum refineries. What is the epa hoping to do and how do you see it affecting the important work that you all do . Well, thank you for that question and i think the research it will help do two things. First, we see constantly the position of people having to choose between employment and breathing air and living. Its very tough situation. So as we think about the transition to a cleaner economy, we have to think about the communities that are there that we dont want left behind. What we hope to learn in our research are a couple of things. The first is, understanding the total Economic Impact to these communities while also asking some of these facilities to pursue cleaner technology. At the end of the day, epas focus is on advanced technologies that reduce emissions. If refineries and other constituencies can find that technology that allows for them to move forward and keep communities safe, that is priority number one. I think the intersection of that is cost. And so the question becomes, if the refinery cannot find a Cost Effective way to protect the communities, what happens then . We are doing a lot of research to make sure we are working with the industry and the community so they transition together and no one is left behind. I appreciate that balance which is something the districts like mine, we strive for every day making sure we are protecting communities, but also knowing that impacts on their pocketbooks are real. If the research the epa conducts is successful, what would you recommend that Congress Look into to authorize programs that might uplift the results of these projects . I think that we have a broader administration wide program looking at communities that are transitioning that we are participating in. That involve doe and usd and others. Collectively, we will have some reporting that will come back to congress that demonstrates that we can responsiblely either add controls to protect communities or transition in a way where we dont leave anyone behind. I would just ask congress to be on the lookout for these results. These are very good, solid results that are coming from multiple agencies. Were working together on that. I appreciate that work and certainly well be on the lookout for those results. Switching gears, i wanted to talk to you about west nile virus. In colorado, we are unfortunately leading the nation in the number of cases being reported. We tend to do that most years and i recently led a bipartisan effort to secretary asking him to put together a federal response to this uptick in cases. Which may be worse next season depending on our water situation. The reason i wanted to talk to you about west nile virus is that because of the storm Water Infrastructure has, whether its ineffective or lacking in playing in these cases, excuse me. Weve had a wet year in colorado, which we appreciate in the west. Given that we are usually in a drought. Because of that, our storm Water Infrastructure hasnt been able to keep up with the process and the amount of water that we have gotten in an efficient manner. The bipartisan infrastructure law authorized the creation of centers for excellence for storm Water Infrastructure technologies in the last appropriations. I was hoping for an update on where you are with standing these centers up. Were excited about these centers and we recognize storm water control is key to west nile and so many other issues. That money is flowing through the process and in this case, we are setting up the centers, but we also have state funds that receive resources annually. As the states apply for these billions of dollars, we are judging their projects based on the solutions on the ground, which this is one that were closely looking at. I think there are two categories. There are the state funds that come annually, where we are grading these states on exactly what problems they are solving, and Research Centers we are actively working. I appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you. I want to start by capturing something you said early on, and having a discussion around that. You said essentially that the mission is to protect the environment and they are not mutually exclusive and try to maximize both of those missions. Would it be fair to also include in that the premise that National Security should also be a primary measure of merit in your mission . We have in my district, i represent north l. A. County district, which when people hear los angeles, they dont think about the train in our district. Wide open high desert. We have, though, in the middle of my district, one of the most critical National Security assets. Its called plant 42. This is where we are currently building the next generation, stealth bomber, the b21. Its about 30 of the f35 production is done at plant 42. The next Generation Air dominance vehicle is there. Its taken close to a century to build this and to replicate this plant 42 anywhere else in the country, the Carbon Footprint of rebuilding that would be massively prohibitive to the environment, but also economically. The work force is all there. You have a new proposed rule that basically changes the way these businesses that operate there, its a part government facility, but also a part industry facility. And this clean air change is changing the practice of measuring emissions for future Growth Opportunities once they bring in a new piece of hardware, the legacy way of compliance was to look at the average emissions that the new hardware or that new facility would put out. The rule change you proposed is instead of taking the average emissions for offsets, to take the highest level of emissions for that equipment or that facility in the determination of offsets. Which isnt really rational. Its arbitrary to say hey, in order to put a piece of equipment here, im requiring you to offset to the highest emission output rather than the average of that service life. I would like for you to touch on this. I have, you know, local elective officials in palm dale and lancaster. Many of them are democrats and they are also conservationists, which i am. I want to protect our environment and protect our planet. But their hair is on fire about this, because by the way, you know, hair on fire has a Carbon Footprint as well, trying to avoid all fires, right . They are fearful of losing the economic development. Im fearful of that, but also the National Security implications of threatening these very precious, these are the crown jewels of our nations security right now within the d. O. D. Can you talk to what the scientific rational was going to a worst case emission mind set rather than an average emission for new development either projects or assets being put into these facilities . Yes, i think youre referring to our rule, which we hope to finalize soon. I will say that when i proposed rules of this magnitude, i do consult across multiple agencies. I appreciate that. Less process and more of the rational. I think we have seen in our prior rules that we left a lot of people unprotected. And so what does that mean unprotected . We have seen Adverse Health impacts from p. M. 2. 5 all over the country in ways that escaped our previous rules. We looked at how can we design this rule in the most protective manner while also recognizing that the state Implementation Planning process is a process where you can build in compliance flexibilities to achieve we have flexibility to give waivers for plant 42 . Flexibility that the state will have flexibility in the state Implementation Plan that they will work with the federal government to comply with this rule that takes in the population. Number two, the National Security interest as well. Okay, i think thats very important. When we want to protect everyone, i dont disagree with that statement, but the assets being developed are meant to protect the entire country, frankly, and our allies from this very real china threat and growing and expanding is very dangerous to every single human being in this country and even around the globe. So with that, i encourage you to look at this again and figure out how we can support protecting the environment and National Security. They are not mutually exclusive. You are compromising our nations security with this current rule. Im out of time. I yield back. I recognize ms. Lee for five minutes of questioning. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Thank you administrator reagan for honoring this invitation to be here today. As the first black woman, i recognize the weight of responsibility on your shoulders as the epas first black leader. Your tasked with leading an agency that works to address and combat environmental racism and the lingering effects of red lining that theyve had on the quality of air and water in our communities. Last week, secretary granholm from the department of energy sat before this committee. The Amazing Things going on in my district and the abundant opportunities the future holds for clean, renewable, Energy Economy in the region. Today, i look forward to discussing with you the opportunities we have and must take to rectify the mistakes of the past that separated, stifled at times utterly destroyed environments and communities that have been prominently populated by black and brown individuals. Im not okay with communities like the one im from in western pennsylvania. Being sack official lambs in the name of continued fossil fuel exploration, for example. Having a good job and a Strong Economy does not mean we have to undo every piece of environmental policy we have fought for for decades. Clean water and air are priceless and precious gifts that far too many people in our country have not been afforded. You can tell how long youre likely to live, whether your children should develop asthma or copd, or the water flowing through your pipes should poison you, based on the zip code you live in. Why should communities be defined by five digits that are often beyond ones control . We all deserve to have air we can breathe and water we can drink. That will not end our lives prematurely. We all deserve leaders who will fight for the marginalized and the vulnerable in our society to ensure we can all enjoy our rights, the life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That said, mr. Reagan, how is the epa ensuring communities are being better equipped to advocate and protect themselves from environmental polluters . Well, thank you for that. I agree with you, that zip code doesnt matter. Race shouldnt matter. How much money you have in your pocket shouldnt matter. And so we have stood up an entire National Office, the Environmental Justice and external Civil Rights Office to ensure that every Senior Leader across the epa is coordinating and ensuring that everyone has a fair seat at the table. This sort of touches on the question i was just posed, which is why we are doing it differently. Its because weve seen that it has not been protected to certain communities across the country. I believe we can do both at the same time. The way you do that is bring the community in, have conversations and have them as a part of the solution. Were also setting up Technical Centers all across the country. 10million in 17centers all across the country to partner with communities. Let me just say this. Solutions dont start at the top. We dont pretend to have all the solutions for the communities. Its high time we get these federal dollars to these communities that have had solutions for decades. Part of that is through the 3 billion of the Environmental Justice and climate resources that come from ira. But its also part of justice 40. So we have the metrics built in place to ensure that communities are involved. We set up a National Office and everything we do is through that lens of equity and inclusion. Thank you. Last year, you completed your journey to justice toward spotlighting environmental communities across the nation that have been neglected or ignored. As you may be well ignored, pipeline instra to support research and development and reducing methane emission tprs abandoned mines across the country. How is the epa using research and development into modeling and mitigate the emissions impact to communities that have born the most adverse socioeconomic from the Health Outcomes of Energy Resources . As we looked at the new proposed Technology Standard to control methane emissions, we had industry come to the table and said we are losing product, we are poisoning people in our community. Theres a solution, and we believe that there are technologies that exist today, but will exist in the future that we have not quite thought through. So we are working on a very flexible regulation that takes into consideration technological advancement, but we have the Environmental Justice communities at the table. We now have the ngos at the table. We have visit at the table. And in concert with our regulations, were matching that with these Historic Resources that will allow for localized solutions, federal regulations. Thank you for your time. I recognize mr. Franklin for five minutes of questioning. Thank you administrator for your response today. You have been candid with your response, i appreciate that. I want to follow up on the questions mr. Williams talked about, as well as the security implications from my colleague, mr. Garcia. Its my understanding that the epa is in the process of finalizing regulations that are ultimately going to rapidly increase the sale of both passenger electrical vehicles as well as medium and heavy duty electric vehicles, everything from delivery vans to long haul trucks. June report by the u. S. Chamber of commerce found epas regulatory analysis of proposed power plant rule ignores massive amounts of electricity demand resulting from epas own ev and hydrogen mandates. This report, im not sure if youve seen it or not, from the chamber of commerce, says that the epa is ignoring 371 hours of electricity resulting from its own rules and this is equivalent to 9 of the nationwide demand or one and a halftimes the electricity used each year in the state of california. Its easy for administrators to claim that a proposed rule doesnt cost anything. If it ignores the real world cost it required to comply with it. That is not the reality. And understand that even good ideas depending on the timing and how they are implemented can have unattended consequences. Thats a tough position youre in, how do we implement advance technologies while making a Cost Effective, also protecting our National Security . Is it fair to say that these proposed rules if finalized will add significant demand to our electrical grid . Well, sort of frustrating to hear that when ive sat in front of utility ceos who are talking about the new demand that will come and what we need to work on is reliability and affordability, and i sit with my staff who do the proposed rules for cars, trucks, and power plants and they are working for hours to make sure that these things Work Together. So we recognize that demand shifts. There are new technologies out there and that the utility providers will have a new constituency while another constituency is sunsetted. The Business Models that the private sector is looking at both on the transportation side and utility side are speaking to one another. We are taking these things into consideration. And again, i think we had a number of conversations on reliability, cost, and affordability. What weve done is proposed a rule. Weve received over 12 ,000 comments. I have been in conversations with utility ceos since the proposals. All of these things should reconcile themselves and hopefully well end with a final rule that doesnt do what you describe, but do something that is in harmony with the economy, and where product and technology is going. So you do think that the epas aggressive time lines with those in mind, that the nations power grid will be able to keep up with what youre pushing on in a fairly short period of time . I think what were doing in real time is analyzing the comments and the data that we are receiving from the industry, from the grid managers, from Technology Providers and making sure that were all working with the same data and then we can determine whether or not the time lines align or their assumptions are correct. We have taken a lot of comment in. Were combing through that data. Were having a lot of conversations. And proposals are never perfect. You put out proposals to seek comment. The good thing is, epa is listening. By the way, we do not want to jeopardize this countrys global competitiveness. We dont want to rely on china. We want to figure out how we can go to market with these rules and provide longterm certainty. I hope youre right. As weve seen this week, ford was in the process of doing a big plant in michigan that was going to do batteries. In that was in conjunction with a chinese manufacturer. Theres a lot of concern that were pushing at a pace that our own autoindustry is not going to be able to keep up with. Would you agree with that assessment . I would say were in conversations. Our autoindustry spends 3 and 4 million spending super bowl commercials about how quickly well electrify america, and we see the realities of the dayto day. Theres a reconciliation what is truth and what is advertisement and what we are capable of doing. And we are carefully looking at the facts versus the commercials. I would say that i think that what weve proposed is reasonable. Were going take that data in and the final rule should reflect what the Auto Industry can do. I would ask that as you make those assessments, you do fairly weigh all the costs and the impacts and not the ones that selectively help make the case. Appreciate your time, i yield back. Thank you. Thank you, i now recognize mr. Mccollum. Thank you administrator reagan for being here today and for your work to protect human health and Environmental Justice in our communities across the country. It is my fundamental believe, that everyone regardless of zip code, socioeconomic status, race, deserve to breathe clean air, drink clean water. And to that end, the work that the epa and the biden, Harris Administration are doing for Environmental Justice is critically important. Because Business Community has always had a seat at the table. Utility ceos and their lobbyists had a seat at the table. The people in the communities where power plants go, where pipelines go, where often they destroy communities. They destroy historically black or indigenous communities, or they are concentrated in communities where people dont have a voice. They have an over abundance of pollutants and not surprisingly, end up with some of the worst Health Outcomes. I represent a lot of those communities, like hopewell, as you know, has a number of chemical plants that have repeated violations of epa rules. And you and i exchanged correspondents around that. I want to follow up on representative lees question about how the epa is empowering the communities that are affected by repeated toxic Chemical Exposure or an over abundance of projects in their area that lead to more pollutants. If theres anything else youd like to add to your answer to her or more importantly, tell us how congress can help, you do your job to give these voiceless communities a voice and a seat at the table. Thank you for that. I can say that congress has done an excellent job in the Inflation Reduction Act, awarding 3 billion for Environmental Justice projects. That is one way money is talking and actually will bring people to the table with resources and the technical capabilities to not just be at the table, but participate in the conversations. Listen, i said from day one that epa will use its full Enforcement Authority where we see people cheating and violating, especially in these communities that are impacted. I think we have a track record that represents that. I have also done a journey to justice tour, that in 2023, we still have communities that have a lack of access to clean Drinking Water, disproportionately impacted by pm2. 5 and other pollutants. We are designing our policies and regulations through that lens of Environmental Justice, were using our enforcement arm and were designing programs to be sure that communities like the one you just layed out will have access to that 3 billion so they can Fund Solutions that are on the ground. Thank you for that. And earlier this year, i wrote a letter, power plant emissions, and along with a few of my colleagues on this committee sent a letter for strong and transparent regulation of plastic containers under the toxic substances rule. I look forward to updates from you on this and with a Government Shutdown or long term on the horizon. I am looking forward to the ability to provide assistance to those communities that need it most. Can you talk about the impact of a shutdown or longterm continuing resolution would have on your work protecting these communities . It continues to make our communities vulnerable. If we dont have the personnel on the job focused on Community Outreach, ensuring communities are competitive for grants, ensuring they have a seat at the table as we think through how to design regulations, it continues to disproportionately impact those who are already burdened. So, a shutdown doesnt do our economy any good. It doesnt do any of us good. It harms those who are on the front lines of pollution. Thank you, i agree wholeheartedly and again, want to thank you for your work, giving these communities that have over the years and in some cases, over the past century, been over burdened by pollution in the name of energy and making sure that you are helping to give these communities a voice and a seat at the table Going Forward as well as addressing the disproportional impact that environmental policy and industrial policy decisions have had on those communities. Thank you very much. Thank you. I yield back. The gentle lady yields back. Quite the Nuclear Expert is recognized. Thank you mr. Chairman. And mr. Administrator, i did want to come back specifically. I have been at a Nuclear Event and i left and i came back. I wanted to extend my sincere thanks to you and your folks at e. P. A. For over 12 years, i have worked very hard in the Nuclear Legacy cleanup area. Represent the oakridge reservation. We worked very hard and i heard your comments about how you work so well with the department of energy. With the department of energy, to getting new disposals out. We needed a disposal cell. We could not have gotten that completed without the help of our local and state partners and the department of energy. And then if youll recall, sir, you were kind enough to take my call quite some time back and your Agency Signed off on that. So you were our partners and you actually sent people to the Ground Breaking that we did a couple of months ago. So my sincere thanks for that. Our entire community in oak ridge will benefit for that and Legacy Environmental cleanup can continue. So thank you, sir. Thank you, and i would like to say that your call, our conversation, your partnership, we would not have gotten it done without that effective communication. I appreciate your leadership on that. Thank you, sir. If i may, mr. Administrator, i have a question from our friends. Our home builders. Weve heard from them despite ep a and the core announcement that the confirming lotus rule was effective upon publication. Most core districts are still unable to process requested approved jurisdictional determinations. Our constituents are reporting that the core Field Office Staff is still waiting for guidance on implementing these recent lotus rule from e. P. A. And core headquarters. Unfortunately, the rule did not define key regulatory terms. These include relatively permanent and a continuous surface connection. Two concepts of federal jurisdiction under the ruling. The agencys failure to provide a clear definition of these two terms is paralyzing core districts from beginning the federal wetlands permitting process. In the mist of a Housing Affordability crisis across the nation due to inflation, regulatory red tape, the cost of homes is skyrocketing. My question, how is the agency staff interpreting key terms like relatively permanent, and interpreting continuous surface connection in the field . And when will the interpret guidance regarding these definitions be shared with the public . I thank you, sir, for your response. Thank you, ill get back to you on the exact date of that interpretive guidance. What ill say is, we have been working very closely with the corps to walk and chew gum at the same time. We are working on how we can do this interpretation in a legally safe way while responding directly to the Supreme Court. Supreme court spoke, they gave a very precise ruling. We are now trying to put a rule in place that responds directly to that. Ill say, we dont want to appear to be trying to be cute. We are trying to respond directly to the Supreme Court while also working with the corps on timely issues and reconcile that process. I will have my staff follow up with yours directly on some of these jurisdictional determinations, but its my understanding that we are doing a pretty good job getting some of these out while trying to respond to the Supreme Court. Yes, sir, i thank you for your response and again my thanks for all the work that youve done with this in oakridge. Thank you mr. Chairman. Ill yield back. Thank you. You are recognized for five minutes. Thank you, mr. Chairman. And thank you for being here mr. Secretary. Id like to ask you some questions about how you are thinking about carbon co2 pipelines and regulation, which seems to be a lot of them going up right now and change some of the frameworks and hopefully youll clarify for me. I started, maybe is this a bad analogy. If i was to apply to build a natural gas pipeline, the permitting for that process would be largely independent. Entirely independent of the permitting of downstream uses. Somebody installing a boiler or gas turbine. So i guess my first question is, if somebody is applying for epa review of a co2 pipeline, will that permit be independent of the permitting of the injection site downstream where the co 2 will be stored in what we are seeing right now is e. P. A. Go through the classic permitting process, which is squarely in our court. I think we have in our proposed 111 rule, Carbon Capture technology as one of the technologies of choice and as we think through the comments and finalize that rule, obviously theres a larger conversation as you are aware, just looking at permitting efficiencies across the government. We just dont own the whole pipeline permitting process. So let me im sorry to interrupt. The reason why i ask that first question is because the only reason were building the co2 pipelines, is because we want to sequester the co2, which is a function of both the pipeline operating and the injection site being permanent. And so as you review these permits, to what degree are you requiring throughout that entire piece of infrastructure, that the co2 is permanently stored . It depends on when the applicant provides the permit. We have applicants right now who are forecasting, who are looking at title 6. Obviously, when you go through the pipeline permitting process, our role in that is a 401 water certification process. We would have to have the project in hand and work on a real time line. I think that doe, epa, army corps, were all working to streamline in our permitting process through the hypothetical. But the entry point by which these projects start, really do matter. Some are starting at the class six. Some may start with another permitting process that might start outside of our agency. Were trying to get our arms wrapped around that as a government and working with the private sector to be sure we are working from the same sheet of music. Okay, well let me maybe try this another way then. If i submitted a permit that said, i have a higher degree of certainty that half of the co2 is going to leak out ten years from now, would that permit be approved . It just doesnt happen that way. What would happen is, someone would put in a permit for a class 6 well ask demonstrate carbon would not leak into the ground and have an impact on Water Quality or safety issues. That is the way the permit comes into e. P. A. I just cant be the grand master of ccs projects because congress hasnt given me that authority. Well, okay, but there are pipelines being built. What im trying to get my head around and by the way, we sent a long list of questions and hopefully we can clarify this with your staff. If i build a site that has a permanent pollution risk, you know, maybe some manufacturing site with a disposal issue, and i say this is someone who used to build a will the of power plants, i would often have obligations to place some permanent amount inescrow for permanent liabilities. Were sitting here saying were going to build these assets that are obligating ourself to store co2 under ground. Not for the next administration. Not for the life of this asset. Not for the life of this company, but for geologic time. And if you as the epa administrator are providing these permits that are essentially making a promise over geologic time, who bears the liability if theres a leak . So, what ill say is, there are two ways to look at this. The first is, epa can approve these class six well storage permits and were also going through a process where the states are asking for that delegated authority. Theres an accountability measure built in both the federal and state process to hold a depositor of that carbon or whatever it is. They have the accountability to ensure it wont affect Public Health. The accountability relies to the person applying for the permit. They have to meet certain thresholds to receive the permit. Lets continue the conversation because we have way too many examples of that risk being, you know, somebody bankrupts out at the risk and all of a sudden, the risk is born by the community, which youve been a strong advocate for protecting these communities. As i sit here, its not clear to me that we arent just punting that risk on to future generations. I yield back. Some of that is built into our authority. We can talk further. We are fixing to talk. I recognize myself for five minutes. We are glad youre here. Following up on what he was asking you about, hes a pretty good straight man, by the way. In december of 2022, texas filed the application to take that primary responsibility for the permitting of geologic carbon facilities as class 6 injection wells. Now let me give you a side note about my district 14 in texas. We have the largest Carbon Storage facility in the country in port arthur, texas. Okay . While e. P. A. Staff stated they were able to apply Lessons Learned from louisianas recently approved application to this texas application, the final louisiana rule has not been published in the federal register for comment. Are you aware of that . Yes, i am. So could you give us a time line for texas application reaching a Decision Point and hopefully being published in the federal register . Would you give us a time line for that . Would it be within a year . As recently as august, texas has submitted the materials for the classics application. Youll have it by the end of the year. Were looking at the completeness of that application. Let me let my staff get back to you on the steps and the time line. Let me just say this. What ive pledged to the president and this administration is class 6 wells play a significant role in leveraging and using Ccs Technology to combat the climate process. We want to move as quickly as possible, but we want to be sure the states followed all the rules so we can protect our communities as well. Im glad you told the president that, and told congress you can taking steps to speed up the time frame to two years. Would you commit to two years here today . Whatever we committed to on the record, we can commit to. I think there are Lessons Learned from West Virginia and louisiana that will help us meet the mark that weve committed to. Okay. Well were quickly approaching a year of no action. So if we are going to hit the twoyear time frame. Lets be clear. I think the state of texas would agree, as of august, the state of texas is saying that they turned in their application. So the application hasnt been at e. P. A. For a year. The state of texas as of august saying we have now turned in a completed class 6 well application. Well have that discussion. Did you learn any lessons from the louisiana permit that would help you expedite this process . Absolutely. We learned some best practices. Weve learned some ways we can more efficiently engage communities and bridge the gap between the state outreach and Community Outreach to build trust in this process. So this is a sensitive issue, as you know, for lots of people. I think weve learned some efficiencies. From the outside looking in, it looks like the e. P. A. Is waiting to complete the review and complete the louisiana process before it goes on to the texas process. I was hoping you could walk and chew gum at the same time. Thats not the case. Okay. Obviously, its my home state, so im interested in it. In your discussion with congresswoman celinas, i forget what she was mentioning about. But the e. P. A. Watches the market to keep the u. S. Competitive. I dont know if you remember that exchange or not. Yes. Okay. So now we move on to regs for businesses where you have Greenhouse Gas reporting, for example, you had that discussion with congresswoman kinney, sometime after that conversation. When you talk about Greenhouse Gas reporting requirements, do you in that instance consider the cost that will be imposed on those businesses . We do. Weve had a green house Gas Reporting Program in place for 15 years. That the largest emitters participate in. And we have, i believe the question was posed that the center that really focuses on a voluntary program where the corporate interest has come in and asked us for Technical Advice on how to quantify the Greenhouse Gas emissions. If you consider the cost where you want the u. S. Market to be competitive and you rightfully so mentioned china in some of your earlier comments. What matrix do you use to compare those costs to the marketplace, number one, and number two, is there a separate part of e. P. A. That does that . Or who does that . What we do, we look at the goals we set for mission reductions based on Economic Vitality and technological availability. Thats u. S. Versus china. It is looking globally. How can we look at Cost Effective technologies that as you know, as we know many of our companys are international companies. So i spent a lot of time talking with ceos about this. Also spend a lot of time with governor gordon in wyoming and governor bergmann in north dakota. To countries like china and india as we compete globally to reduce these carbon emissions. So epa does take all of this into consideration. Glad to hear that. I want to make one more final comment. Our grid needs to be resilient and growing. The permitting needs to be fast. Theres a move to push for electric vehicles. Back in the day, which something got ahead of something else, we were putting the cart before the horse, you remember that . Yeah, i do. It looks like we might be putting the evs before the horse. We have to be careful. Im going to yield back and before i do, i want to say mr. Mueller of california, you are recognized next for five minutes. Thank you mr. Chair and thank you administrator reagan for being with us today. I wont belabor the point you made and others made about the Critical Role that epa plays in the urgent fight to address Climate Change. In my district in california, we know firsthand how quickly we need to act on climate. Earlier this year, we saw unprecedented atmospheric rivers causing problems in the San Francisco bay area. The White House National climate adviser told Bloomberg News this week the effects of a lapse in appropriations from a Government Shutdown would be seismic and cascade not just through the federal government, but into the real economy. Into our ability to support communities and protect them. Bloomberg goes on to note regulators may have stop working on regulations, limiting pollution from car and power plant admissions. So, administrative reagan, can you reit gait how it could impede the rule making process with respect to pollution control measures and other critical regulations that directly affect Climate Change . I can assure you that Government Shutdown be detrimental to any work being done on regulations that it would help us stay globally competitive and take advantage of technologies that we want to corner the market on. The regulations to protect our most vulnerable communities, our children from horrible pollutants. We are doing critical work to stay ahead of these wild fires that were seeing all across the country, and we have to be in a position where our staff is doing the research and can stay ahead so we can alert our communities of the Adverse Health impacts that come from the smoke. Were also trying to respond to the drought situation that this was in from climate impacts as well. What you do is you reduce our ability to respond to climate impacts. And you prevent us from protecting Public Health. By the way, i would say those inspectors that are on the job to ensure that our Water Infrastructure is following the rules. Those will be relegated to their homes if we have a shutdown. Thank you for that. So switching gears just a bit. In june, i introduced hr4296 the weatherization resilience and adaptation, which will help low income homeowners, manufactured Home Communities and affordable home providers protect their homes from the disastrous effects of Climate Change as part of such a program, various agencies including epa would have a role to play in setting standards and guidance for communities on how to make homes and property more resilient and adapted to a changing world. In your testimony, you mentioned e. P. A. s research in this area helping communities improve their resilience to floods and wild fires. You mentioned how the agency is studying Natural Solutions to coastal resilience, such as using native sea grass to store carbon. Could you share a bit more about the research epa is doing and how you are coordinating with other agencies such as fema to the extent that you are . We are looking at a whole governmental approach. I would argue that, you know, whether its sea grass that were looking at to sequester carbon or the crops that im constantly talking with secretary vilsack about to sequester carbon or wetlands that help us filter pollution. We are looking at an all of the above approach to sequester carbon and filter pollution through natural opportunities. And i would like to say that as we look at these Natural Solutions, we believe that we can do a lot of them through voluntary programs. Through market based incentive programs that dont have a heavy Regulatory Framework associated with them. So this is an all hands on deck approach. We want to be pragmatic. We want to be, you know, on that front leg really ready for the race. And i think were doing a good job working with usda, dod, dot, doe, commerce, all across the board to make sure we are deploying every tool we have. Appreciate the answer. Thank you for your leadership and i yield back. Administrator reagan, i want to let you know that weve been all bouncing around. We have several committees going on. Ive been following you and watching and listening to your answers. I want to tell you, you do give thorough answers as people are talking to you. I appreciate that. A lot of times we see people with binders and they are flipping back and forth just to try to figure out what the answer is. The candid answer. I want to go with two different areas real quick, because the epa is purchasing millions of dollars worth of advanced combat equipment. I heard a little bit about this earlier on a slightly different question. A lot of this includes night vision. And so why does the epa need military equipment . Well, and ill give the same answer i gave before. I need to really look into this particular issue and the reasoning behind our enforcement arm making these purchases. Id like to give an honest answer. Id like to get back to you on that. You arent going to war against anyone, right if theres no one to go to war against. I believe our permitted and regulated constituency are partners and were trying to do these things together. And i guess i just want you to know, how are americans supposed to feel about an agency . A lot of us feel our rights are trampled on and especially when youre stocking up on weapons. So you know, i would love to have some sort of detailed answer into that. Especially if there isnt a war on the horizon for the e. P. A. Absolutely. Another area i want to quickly go into, just as my background is trucking. I have been in the private sector for over 30 years and this is my first term in congress. I spent my entire life in the Trucking Industry, building a Trucking Company with my wife. And you have proposed a new rule that will impose more burdens on the commercial Trucking Industry. And so if you have your way, these new emissions standards are going to make new trucks even more expensive. Now our truck prices have gone up as t a lot. It has an adverse effect. The new emission rules that we have out there, the sensors are shutting down trucks left and right. Im sure you see them up and down the interstate. Its over some sensor we cant get the sensor to replace. Its causing a huge burden and making trucks even more expensive. Its hurting trucking overall. With 98 of the Trucking Companies out there, ten trucks or less, 95 are three trucks or less. Do you understand the hardship, the Economic Hardship that these types of regulations are putting on truckers . Especially with Small Businesses . I appreciate the Trucking Industry and moving commerce and keeping our economy going. And we have proposed a rule, i will say i met with the American Trucking Association Since that proposal. We received thousands of comments. We are combing through that. The points that youre making are pragmatic and rational. Were listening to those. So what we are trying to think through is whether or not this proposed rule really addresses the full sweep of technologies that are available, have the appropriate information in terms of the cost associated and then time frames were looking at to make some of these transitions. All of that is up for discussion and were in that Comment Period right now. I understand that. What do you say to truckers that are trying to compete . What do you say to them . High prices on everything. They are the people moving the products up and down the road. And frankly, we feel Like Washington bureaucracy live in fantasy land. Ill say that were listening. Ill say that we have made a proposal based on estimates and technology and information. You know, a crude way of saying it is, we have done things academically and now its time to test those theories with actuallity and implementation. We have people sitting at the table from your industry and others that are saying listen, your asuggestions may be a little aggressive or off or the technologies may not be available as quickly as you think. Were listening to that. Were taking it into consideration. Ill be honest with you, and ill finish with this. In my career, i have seen where the Trucking Industry has made Great Strides and even fuel economy. And then all of a sudden, the epa will come out with some rule. That rule will increase the amount of oil that we use in our trucks, per truck, and decrease the oil change intervals, and decrease the fuel mileage you get out of those trucks, and decrease the life of the engine. And it seems like i dont know who the e. P. A. Talks to or listens to, but its not the Trucking Companies trying to make a living. So with that, ill yield back. And the chair now recognizes mr. Frost from florida for five minutes. Thank you mr. Chairman. Mr. Administrator, thank you very much for being here today. My district includes the small rural community. Both federal and local. Because of Illegal Dumping and abandoned gas stations, toxic chemicals have leaked into the ground water. Most folks in this community cant afford deep wells or Water Filtration systems. So people dont understand or have a public water source. Its something we are hoping to help them fix. When were out there chatting with residents, people are scared. They dont know the quality of water is they are drinking. As a result, residents have a higher rate of cancer, brain diseases, etcetera. And its not just that, because the community lacks real infrastructure, social programs, the Environmental Issues on top of that, its exacerbated drug addiction as well. Being out there is difficult. Its a difficult situation. Suicide, overdose, etcetera. I had a great conversation with regional administrator and he had committed to coming out to take a tour, which we are hoping to get on the schedule soon. The communities with the greatest needs are oftentimes the ones without the resources or know how to secure the funding needed to take care of these problems. Administrator, how the e. P. A. Know grants like the clean water and Drinking Water grants reach smaller communities with little experience with the federal grant making process . I appreciate your questioning. There are a couple things. Thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law and the Inflation Reduction Act, we have resources we can put to use to provide Technical Assistance to those communities so they are in a Competitive Position to receive these resources. The first is, we have gone back and looked at our traditional funding at the state level through appropriations to see where the governors are spending their money. Weve added criteria in these evaluations to ensure that communities like the one you just listed have a seat at the table and can be competitive for these resources and their decisions arent made arbitrarily. Right now, theres a more competitive opportunity for communities like bithlow to be seen and heard. There is 50 billion to funnel to those communities. The other thing i would say is, 40 of those resources by law have to go to communities that are disadvantaged or lower income. Or lack the infrastructure to provide for their communities. So if your community that you just mentioned is a prime target. And the third is, again, we have really ramped up our outreach. In addition to that Technical Assistance, you now have regional administrators, like in region 4, that will come, spend time, listen to the community, and help them think through how to work through the system to get those resources. We have a wholistic approach there. Thank you, mr. Administrator. What can our office do to have a productive visit . Well get some good photos. Well show them around. What can we do to prepare so we can have real resources . I think that your office should ask for a meeting, which ill make sure happens. I think that the understanding of the community makeup, the infrastructure makeup, the unique challenges that this community faces. If we understand that before we get to the meeting, we are better prepared to provide answers and insurances. I think a preliminary meeting would be advisable. And listen, i think what were learning is so many communities have been left behind. They have so many different challenges. There isnt a one size fits all. The best way we can be prepared is be armed with the information. Thank you. What would a Government Shutdown mean for communities across the country, having to live with undrinkable water, cancer causing water, what would a Government Shutdown mean for those communities . We cant have meetings like the one you want to have. We cant have our regional experts talk through solving these solutions. We cant send inspectors to make sure the water is safe. We cant look at those billions of dollars that were dedicating to small, Rural Communities to combat contaminants. We cannot do this work. Communities will left behind if the government shuts down. Those communities impacted will be further left behind. Thank you for being here today. I yield back. The chair now recognizes mr. Tonko for five minutes. Thank you mr. Chair. I thank the chair and Ranking Member for holding this important hearing. And administrator reagan, thank you. Protect Public Health and the environment. I applaud your efforts to prioritize and rebuild integrity at the agency, after the disastrous political interference during the last administration. Scientific integrity is something i have focused on during my time in congress by offering and fighting for the scientific integrity act. Going forward, i believe it is crucial that we continue working together to strengthen and to improve policies across the federal government. I was excited to see the office of science and Technology Policy release a framework for federal scientific integrity in january. So administrator reagan, can you provide an update that the e. P. A. Has made in building an updated scientific integrity policy . Were excited about it. You know, under this administration, scientists have a seat at the table. Were listening. You know, it has really invigorated our employees. Were actually hoping that well have a new policy as a result of the leadership you demonstrated by this winter. New guidance, a new way of instilling confidence that science, not politics, leading the way. Thank you. And administrator, can you speak to the role of epa Scientific Integrity Office in providing advice to employees and addressing potential issues before they become full pledged violations of the agencys scientific integrity policy . We take it very seriously, and im excited to see cooperation at all levels within the agency to be sure that we are not prohibiting the best available science to move forward. Were also responding to the oigs recommendations of how we can do that better. I personally have had a number of conversations with our Inspector General on how we can really follow the guidance that he has given us. So im very proud of the scientific integrity process at e. P. A. Its something taken serious by all of our leaders and i think were seeing the ate general si make significant strides in this area. Wonderful. How important is it for e. P. A. Employees to feel comfortable bringing complaints to and seeking advice from e. P. A. Scientific Integrity Office . All of our employees must know their work will be done and received in good faith and not face any kind of retribution. We want to follow the science. We want to follow the law. Thats our mission, that is our goal. In order to get the best products out of our employees, they have to feel safe, comfortable, and they have to believe they will be listened to and this administration is doing that. Thank you. Earlier in my tenure in congress, i made it a goal to bring a lot of attention to Water Infrastructure and that Network Needs to surface, or hidden infrastructure is incredibly important to our communities, certainly to our way of life, and to the businesses that require sound water. And so as we did many tours along the eastern sea board, one of the discoveries that was repeated over and over was there was not attention brought to that area of infrastructure. Yesterday i was thrilled epa and announce it for 20 million, a Grant Funding for developing career opportunities. Our water workforce is central to protecting and Bar Mental Health from our rivers and lakes, our infrastructure is in dire need of restoration and make this a need for human such a buildup the sectors facing staff shortages, so can you speak to the current need of the water sector and how these grants will help bolster the next generation and attract Young Professionals that we require to careers in water . Thank you for your leadership. This 50 billion we are not investing in Water Infrastructure so that personal can have something they are proud to manage. So some of these crippling facilities now will be revived and will need a good skill set to manage. We are spending these resources because we have spent time on the ground with mayors, with operators understanding there is a huge workforce gap. It is about instilling pride bringing back educated individuals to run these facilities and ensure their communities are receiving good quality water. We have connected those dots, we are invested in the structure and the people and i believe now we are on track to get more people clean Drinking Water than we have had in a long time i am very much encouraged by the getting so much attention and focus. Again, i thank you for your leadership. We are always open to a repeat visit and you have always been ahead and we thank you for that work with that, i yield back. I want to thank the administrator for joining us today and members for the questions. The record will remain open for 10 days for questions from members. This hearing is adjourned. Thank you