Transcripts For CSPAN2 EPA 20240703

Protection agency Michael Regan testified on use of science and technology in epas regulatory decisionmaking process before the house science, space and technology committee. He also spoke with a potential Government Shutdown could impede the epas work including protecting vulnerable communities from pollutants. This event is just under three hours. [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] the committee will come to order. Without objection, that shares authorized to declare recesses of the community at any time. Opening statements, before mcveigh say but i would also like to request minimus consent to submit chairman lucas Opening Statement for the record. T i now recognize myself for five minutes when Opening Statement. I would like to welcome everyone to this mornings here in size and technology of Environmental Protection agency. I am pleased to welcome epa administrator Michael Regan for the very first time in front of the Science Committee. In fact, this is a first time in epa administrator has testified since 2019 so we certainly have a lot to discuss so thank you for coming. While appreciate you joining us today i had to see her testimony was sent to the committee unacceptably late and we require witnesses to share the written testimony no less than 48 hours ahead of ourur hearings. This isnt an arbitrary deadline. Our members need time to review yourto statement so we can fully prepare for these discussions and ask thoughtful and informed questions. We invited you to the spot in july so you plenty of time to meet this deadline. While a know you have an internal review process, previously administration witnesses have no problem getting as the testimony on time. Given the importance of science its my hope and chairman lucas that the administrator will come before this committee regularly in the future so expect the next time you will join us will have her testimony ahead of time so we can have the most productive discussion possible. I anticipate that much of todays conversation will focus on the use of science and technology in epas regulatory and when necessary the regulatory agenda. And although its been an while since weve heard it, every epa administrator that is come before our committee has stressed the need for scientific integrity at the epa and importance of relying on the expertise of career staff and scientists when crafting the regulations and policies of the agency. That relies on site is especially important today given the fact the biden administrations epa has promulgated 1083 rules to date, nearly 55 rulesti a month since the president took office. There isal the industry and exet from the wide range of topics that these rules cover. From pesticides and agriculture to emissions from power plants, to chemicals in manufacturing regulations have the potential to hamstring our economy if not achievable and based on science. Epa has set very ambitious goals, reducing emissions from power sector by 80 of having to third on the car be zero emission and nearly eliminating all nothing emissions in the country just to name a few. Admirable as those may be, we simply cannot set goals without analyzing the economic and social costs to achieve them. We cant just flip the switch off domestic also for production of the script reliable and affordable replacements. Otherwise hospital and military bases would go dark, families would struggle to make ends meet, businesses would close and life would be lost. We need to be realistic about what these goals required from the people we serve. Additionally todays hearing is an opportunity to get an update from the administrator on a 100 billion influx of influx of funding the agency is received through the iija and ira. No matter what side of the political spectrum you sit on, this case the spin is undeniably vulnerable to the waste, fraud, and abuse. This funding has set the potential tost positively impact crucial sectors of our economy but also has a potential to fund wasteful projects that line the pockets of select environmental groups at prop up technologies that will never achieve success on their own in the market. We must carefully examined the agencies processes to set up new programs, get money out the door and monitorse the progress well into the future. I want to thank the administrator for being here today and am in with the sentiment. Testified as a lot like a doctors appointment. While we are purposely looking for things that are wrong and you their criticisms on how things look, its because want to prevent actions of turning into an unfixable problem. Everyone here once an effective smell the running Environmental Protection agency antedate is an assistant to ensure that. I hope wee can Work Together to ensure epas doing things for people and not to people. I now would like to recognize the Ranking Member, the gentleman from california for Opening Statement. Thank you very much, and thank you administrator regan for being here with us today. Before saying anything else i just wante to say how delightei am to see chairman lucas back here. Mr. Lucas, on behalf of all members and staff on the side of the aisle we are wishing you continued success on your recovery. We stand ready to do whatever we can to assist, and its just really terrific to see you back. I also want to discuss the epas research and development work. The epa has a a unique and rey an important mission, to put human and Environmental Health at the centeri of everything ty do. The office of research and development serves a crucial role in that mission. The office drives the signs that the regulatory offices depend on to ensure they are Setting Health protective standards. It puts out stateoftheart assessments that state, local, and tribal governments rely on to protect the residents pep laboratories across the country monitor air for pollutants, soil for contaminants like pfas, and water to track viruses including covid19. All americans whether they knowo it or not depend on epa to deliver on its clear mandate to Prioritize Health and safety above all else. Now under your leadership this epa has made incredible efforts to bring this mission to Environmental Justice communities. These communities have been on the front lines of really devastating pollution by industry and sometimes by the federal government itself. Some bear an incredibly high risk of cancer due to unfettered 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 prioritize clean water, energy efficiency, and Climate Resilience and other better resourced areas. Epas office ofle Environmental Justice and external civil rights is an important step in addressing these needs and connecting these communities with much needed information and resources. I amne proud of the work we didn the last congress to fund this effort. The Inflation Reduction Act provided 41 billion to the agency to advance Environmental Justice, and the bipartisan infrastructure long included 50 billion to improve Water Infrastructure and quality. I look forward to hearing how congress can continue to support this important work. Now i would be remiss not to note the larger context of this meeting today, were hurtling towards the Government Shutdown. Theres infighting taking priority over the functioning of our government, and by extension the health and wellbeing of all americans. Administrator regan is a a pet witness to put this into perspective. This year we have seen at least 23 whether and climate related disasters with losses exceeding 1 billion. In the thick of Hurricane Season how epa determine its safe to drink the water following the next devastating storm . Epa provides Rapid Response to manmade disasters as well. What if there is another catastrophic Train Derailment like we saw earlier this year in ohio . Epa cant effectively respond and informed evacuation orders if the hands are tied by this manufactured crisis. I hope your testimony, mr. Reagan,ra can inform the larger body of just how many serious consequences of the shutdown that we face would exist. As you know, from my previous comments i also want to raise thewe issue of the last leaded fuel in transportation, and that is leaded fuel in general aviation airlines. We have a situation where children are being poisoned by the lead in these fuels. We had a study out of my own county showing that the airborne particles from emissions in small planes have actually elevated the lead in the blood level of children near the airport to rival flint, michigan. We need to do something soon and aggressive about thisfr health problem, and im hoping you can talk further about that as this hearing goes on. With that, mr. Chairman, i look forward to our witness testimony and our opportunity to ask questions. I yield back. Thankwi you to the Ranking Member. I would now like to introduce the chairman of the full committee mr. Lucas for Opening Statement. Thank you, mr. Chairman. I know my opening official Opening Statement has been entered into the record. But it would like to take a moment to thank the Ranking Member and all the subcommittee chairman who have handled the hearings while i have been gone. For that matter the membership on both sides of the room. This committee is a very productive committee. We are very focused. Your ability to accomplish things in my absence i am very appreciative of him and while i may move a little slower for a little bit longer, i have Great Expectations about what were going to accomplish in the rest of the session. And again thank you to all my colleagues. You have been wonderful. Yield back, mr. Chairmans mark thank you, mr. Chairman. I would delegate mechanize the gentleman from North Carolina ms. Ross to introduce our witness. Thank you, mr. Chairman, and again its wonderful to see chairman lucas back. We have missed him and just been such a great leader of this committee. It isrt a privilege to introdue my friend and fellow north carolinians, administrator Michael Regan. Administrator regan is distinguished service of the North Carolina department of Environmental Quality set a strong example for other states around the country. And now we are showing him with the whole country. He has been a real chip in addressing pfas contamination in particular. My North Carolina colleague congressman browser and ive seen the worldclass water to the facility on the river and our state and local governments would not of gotten to this point without administrator reagans outstanding work in this area. Now at the epa he and his staff are working tirelessly to tackle the pfas 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 ourre environment. In order to move this country forward. Thank you for yourr leadership, administrator regan, and i look forward to reading your testimony. Thank you, mr. Chairman and i yield back. Thank you. Administrator regan, you are now recognized for five minutes to present your testimony. Good morning, everyone and chairman lucas thank you for personally inviting me in april of House Agriculture Committee to join you today. Im glad to be here. Ranking member lofgren, a was of the committee, appreciate the opportunity to appear before you today to discuss the role of science at Environmental Protection agency. Protecting Public Health and environment as epas privilege and greatest responsibility. As a side space agency found a reliable science is centralal to all of our work. Epa continues to uphold the bidenharris administrations commitment to rely on science to address Public Health and environmental challenges like pfas, the Climate Crisis, lead, air quality, Water Quality, wildfires, threats to childrens health, and many others. As we do this important work we are guided byl the fundamental belief that the health of people of our environment and our economy go handinhand. We have a golden opportunity that only to make a healthier and safer but to deliver lifechangingof programs in thee communities that can catalyze local Economic Growth in goodpaying jobs that were committed to scientific integrity to help us achieve our ambitious climate and economic goals. Our dedicated and talented staff work of so many Critical Issues and im looking forward to sharing some of our work with you today. Over the past two years weve taken strides to ensure all people have access to clean and safe Drinking Water. Far too long communities across the United States have been exposed to harmful pfas. Thats why in october 2021 epa released its pfas strategic roadmap, a core Data Strategy to protect the public and environment from this deadly chemical compound. As a science continues to develop, we know more now than ever about pfas and how it can cause Adverse Health impacts that canan devastate entire communities. Earlier this year the epa proposed the first ever legal limitde for pfas, informed by te hard work and analysis of epa scientists. We expect to issue a final Drinking Water rule in the coming months. While scientists has told us mixing of your progress we still a lot of work to do. To increase our understanding of pfas. Our scientiststo a focus on methods to detect and measure pfas and understand the risk pfas has her help and it ecosystems and ways we can reduce pfas that already in our environment. Epa will continue making progress by working close collaboration with tribes, states, communities and other stakeholders including congress to enact into about pfas solutions that follow the signs and you stand the test of time. Science isnt just about finding problems. Its about fixing them. Thats what im grateful to congress for providing 10 billion for mama person for such a law to address emerging contaminants which we have begun distributing. Im hopeful and optimistic epas sites science would lead to a cleaner and healthier future for all. Epa is also using science to address many of the issues wildfires present presed work environment. Over the past 20 years the numbers of acres burned annually due to wildfire in the United States has doubled. Wildfires are a major source of air pollution, and emissions can travel thousands of miles impacting the health of millions. This past summer we saw the smoke from wildfires in canada bring dangerous air pollution to the midwest and east coast. Last month we saw how wildfire in that we were unimaginable loss to families, homes and businesses. Epa scientists are developing new waysre to model and monitor those emissions and are working to understand what additional toxins might be present in the smoke, particularly from wildfires across into urban areas and burn manmade structures. Lastly, i would like to speak but the were our agency is done in involving lead exposure. The site is clear. Theres no safe level of exposure to lead, period. Epa is and has been a leader in president bidens whole of government approach to protecting families and children from lead exposure. To date this administration has cited the removal of over 100,000 lead Service Lines and that never will significantly increase angst to the bipartisan infrastructure law. Our site is will continue to research and develop new ways to reduce lead exposure until we meet president beit scope of replacing whenever of lead Service Lines. Epa is committed to taking actions that are backed by sound, quality and peerreviewed science. From our action to address and cleanup pfas to providing information that helps peoples doing wildfires come to decisions decision that protect our nation striking and recreation waters, science is the backbone of all we do at epa. While im proud of the foundation relayed it is still much more work to do to ensure that all of our children have safe, Healthy Places to live, learn and play. So thank you all for the opportunity to be a today i just met testimony for the record. I look forward to our continued partnership and to achieve these ambitious yet necessary goals, and welcome all questions. Thank you. I think the administrator for his testimony. Thank you again. The chair recognizes himself for five minutes. Chemistry copies in ohio generate roughly around 3. 5 billion in earnings and 1. 3 billion in taxes and exports from the production plants, exceed 6. 5 billion. Thats what im concerned but epas proposed update to the new chemicals regulation under to the new chemicals regulation under the toxic substance control act. Gs known as tsca, particularly as relates to pfas and the manufacture semiconductors. The Semiconductor Industry association with us for a saying 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. Administrator regan, has epa measured economic consequences ofof these actions . And has epa sought input from the department of commerce which is investing 50 billion and you semiconductors that your agency might completely shut down . First i would like to say that during my time as state regulator i haveon spent time wh families of mothers and children that have been poisoned by pfas. I have seen a first in. That being said, i brought tht experience to epa. I believe were developing very responsible regulations. Yes, i bet what the leadership of thed National Association of manufacturers. Have met with the american chemistryan council. Merican ive met with ceos from industry. There is a way we can do this when we protect the environment and people and economic dilemma. They are not mutually exclusive. I have been in these conversations as late as last week withh Industry Leaders and green ceos and i think theres a path forward. We dont have to compromise Global Competitiveness while we protect our families and our commute is. Thank you for the answer but if you been working with the department of commerce at all sought any input from them in general . We have yes. I think the president pledged from day one approaching pathos would be a whole of government approach. Now dont get the department of commerce can i set and had conversation with the secretary of defense at the secretaries of agriculture to epa is not doing any of this work in a vacuum because we understand the impact it has on our society. Communication is key i agree. In march i wrote to you along with several of my colleagues request information on process and procedures the epa is taken and cleanup efforts with East Palestine Train Derailment in my home state of ohio. A week or ago Interagency Communications obtained by foia mac showed several monitoring experts were not part of the disastrous response to a full month after the derailment. More alarming, two epas own site is discussed dickenson regarding the lack of testing for dioxins, a highly toxic chemical given the former director of the National Toxicology program set of o epas response, lots the thinking went on exclamation point. The actions epas taken to remedy this delayed response specifically related to dioxin sampling and its a public trust in scientific finding . First i would like to see epa was onsite within hours of the derailment. We are still there. Weve been working hard around the clock. What, weve done in terms of having our conversation both internally and externally is looking at the appropriate response to what the science determines. We never believed dioxin was present but because the community was alarmed and because so many people asked for that we decided to Institute Additional testing for dioxinwe which we did not find. But we want you to not want to alleviate the concerns of those in the community but as an exported the waist to other waste facilities across the country, they had those questions as well. My decision was we need to do the testing, do it very quickly because we dont need any interruption in the cleanup and export ofr that waste. I stand byss the science and i believe we have done exactly what we need to do to protect that community. Thank you. As major criticisms of epas response of an Agency Deference to the Railroad Company and giving so much authority to them and conducting sampling the protocols to do so. Response to another epa said there are noun plans for the agency to perform longterm studies and that of the organization to undertake. Does epa still stand by that plan . If so, what steps do you take to verify the accuracy of the studies and protect the citizens of ohio . Our . I think i saidpl it fairly simple from day one. We were going to hold the perpetrator accountable. Norfolk southern chiswick in other perpetrator is on the hook to foot the bill and do the work with the appropriate oversight from epa. Listen, we have been overseeing the cleanup work from day one. Norfolk southern has and everything to date that weve asked for and i think you saw from the present executive order last week there are other agencies involved. We will continue to sample, we will continue to monitor, we will continue to stay there with the people of these palestinian but there areke other agencies that are been brought into do longerterm studies and looking into some of the things that go along with very serious disaster like this and. Thankll you. The one thing i will say and i will wrap up and he could do me a favor and it really do mean that, if you could talk to the present and get them to come to these palestinian. Would. We would like him to and it would mean a lot to the people regardless of political affiliation. I think would mean a lot for everything they have gone through. I yield back and i recognize the Ranking Member for five minutes of question. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Administratorm regan, i want to ask you a question first about the subject ire referenced in my Opening Statement. Its something ive been dealing with for quite some time. Leaded fuels are the primary fuel for piston engine aircraft. Just dont use commercial airlines dont use leaded fuel. Its just the piston engine, small aircraft. Which comprise the bulk of the general aviation sector. The centers for Disease Control prevention, cdc, has concluded based on scientific studies that there is no, no safe level of lead in theth blood. What this means is that residents near general aviation airports live with lead exposure in the air, and ground every day. As i i mentioned there is a sl airport in the district i represent. The county ofad Santa Clara Commission a Scientific Study and found that the blood levels of children in the neighborhood surrounding airport had led to levels that were rivaling lead levels rivaling that in flint, michigan. So its 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 have not been able to get the job done more recently, various groups have petitioned epapa to finalize thr endangerment finding related to leaded gas. Im hopeful that the finding will force 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. Was first of all i would agree with you that there is absolutely no acceptable level of lead for any of us but especially our children. Epa has been very active in this area. Working very hard following the science following the process for late endangerment finding in this area. We are making significant progress and we believe we will have that endangerment finding wrapped up i believe this fall. So the process is moving along in a very scientific and orderly way. So we are in the fall. We could expect this quite soon pgh yes, yes. Will be done this fall. Maybe late fallis but this fall. I dont want to prejudge a predetermined outcome of what i want to kill because weve been very methodical and discipline on making this determination. Thank you very much. I just want to touch on another matter. As you know im suret as i goig in america knows, 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 have a plan to keep the government open. And i think thats going to cause real harm to the country and real harm to our constituents here i am really concerned about the efforts and effects of a shutdown on the epa. Could you describe the effects of a shutdown on the epas work . Im gravely concerned as well. I think the epa has a mission to protect Public Health and the environment. While we do have some good systems in place, that is a trust but verify method to that all of our inspections of our houses waste decisions come superfund facilities, those inspection we suspend. The inspections of our Water Quality, our Drinking Water, those inspections will be suspended. I think you all were very thoughtful in congressionally directedd projects that will hp your districts. That work will be suspended. The Emergency Personnel and those essential personnel will be there to handle emergencies but a lot of essential work will begin to slow down. Either way whenri we think about pesticides and herbicides and or toxic reviews to get new chemicals in the market so that our farmers are not guessing, that works low stender ive great concerns about potential shutdown. Thank you, administrator 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 rich rt member. I now recognize the chairman mr. Lucas. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Administrator regan, thank you for accepting theg invitation o come testify before the Science Committee. We headed to we had a good discussion that they are both sides through and cleared the issues we both addressed come this committee and you and your agency are so intertwined, its important to be here. But 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 i fear nontrade, nongovernmental officials to report super in the dense and require followup action without any agencyop involvement or data verification. Equally alarming to me, the proposed rule as it appears to be headedto our way would establish two Technology Standards, a less stringent one for the nontrained to third parties, and the more stringent one for the industry. So i ask this. Why is a proposed rule so prescriptive in the technologies industry is allowing to use to detect emissions but has a much lower standard for environmental activists . Will the epa maintains a list of false reports and set up prohibitions on repeat offenders . You see what my concern is coming from. I do. I do and appreciate the question. Question. Let me just say we have received over 500,000 comments on the proposed rule. I purposely spent on speeders that says something when you get that many comments. I personally spent time withc a number of industry ceos talking about these very issues. What i can say is we take the Comment Period very seriously. We look at how to strengthen all of the issues you raised so that the final rule will acceptably address all of these issues. Let me just say that we do not want any adverse impacts or an potential consequences to receiving any kind of false data or any kind of data that jeopardizes the scientific integrity that weve built into this program. So we look at every single issue raised and i can guarantee you that we are responding in kind. Because we dont want to create a system that would appear to gas a group to be hiring bounty hunters of a lot more flexibility than those who are being pursued, so to speak, right or wrong. I appreciate that. They say nothing rule proposal calls for new compliance requirements at facilities within two months of the role of being finalized. A number of Industry Groups have lagged the supply chain constraint for a range of equipment are certain to cause delay in meeting that short deadline. At the same time i am aware of only one application to the epa from agr Company Seeking to use new technology in detecting leaks at oil and natural gas facilities. So administrator regan, given the current statesa of supply chain and a lack of an event technologies approved to lighten the burden, epa considered pushing the deadline for complying with the agencies forthcoming methane rules . Give a little more flexibility . We have given a lot of thought to compliance, flexibility and compliance deadlines. I didnt just last week, the week before last i i said thas some industry ceos to talk abouten history issue and how we balance the potential impacts to the supply chain. So yes, we are having these discussions. I want todo continually say thaa proposal is just that, its meant to spark a lot of good conversation. And, quite frankly, i am proud of the conversation we had with api, with excellent, bp and others about how we think about this very complex issues. We all believe theres a technical solution. The question is how quickly can we get there. I think were having positive conversations. As you well know where i live inho oklahoma is a traditional l and gas but primarily natural gas area. And nothing is money. The way the equipment, the way the transmission system, the way the process is handled has changed dramatically in the last 40 years. To lose methane you are losing money. They understand that. Well, i appreciate that and we will keep a very close eye as these rules work their way through the process, but again thank you for coming. And i suspect 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 science and effective use of it. With that, mr. Chairman, thank you. Mr. Administrator. I yield back. Thank you, mr. Chairman kind of recognize ms. Bonne amici provided. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Walkaboutck chairman lucas and administrator regan thank you for joining us today. Once you start by aligning myself with Ranking Member lofgren as representative for hillsboro, oregon, airport i want to emphasize again the importance of addressing lead pollution. Mr. Administrator, protecting Public Health and environment which is a epa mission requires strengthening, not cutting, programs that are proven to work. Thank you administrator 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 as we briefly experience from the dense smoke caused by the canadian wildfires we experience wildfire disasters in oregon as well. In 2020 with with the transportation sector contributed nearly onethird of Greenhouse Gas emissions in the United States which amplifies climate events in this report affects Vulnerable Community spirit that are Effective Solutions to decarbonizing the transit and transportation sectors are for example, the northwest oregon the beaverton, oregon, school dishes is investing in quieter and healthier school buses. Portland has an elective firetruck what you got to ride on. And im thean truck is leading e way to electrified commercial trucking industry. But in light of record high temperatures we need to skip up and expedite this way. So administrator regan, needless to say im very concerned about the majorities that your proposal that would cut funding for the epa science and Technology Account by 42 and zero out funding for the agencies Vehicle Electrification effort. So how would these cuts affect epas research and development of Emission Reducing Technology . Thank you for that question. Listen, it would significantly hamper process after progress. In prioritizing people first win of these emissions from vehicles are very harmful for Public Health and human health, especially when you think about our children, our most precious cargo the right to and from school each day reading those diesel fumes. Then we think about what you just talk of which is exacerbating the Climate Crisis. I would like to say that the technologies and the markets are driving this electrification. So what were what ws proposed regulations that can really captured that what also thinking about fuels, advanced biofuels and others that really contribute to the whole low Carbon Technology transition that we wantec to see that advances our economy, combats the Climate Crisis and really does protect Public Health. We cant do that without the proper budget. We needsi the people, we knew te scientific rigor, we needed Technical Analysis and we need Economic Analysis to go with this effort. Absolutely agree. Now is that the time to be cutting the epa budget. Administrator regan, the Supreme Courts decision in sackett versus epa narrow the definition of waters of the United States. Which limits the epas scope of authority to regulate under the clean water act. Soundbite of that opinion how is the epa working to protect clean water, and how might these efforts be made more difficult a potential Government Shutdown . Listen, i played some day one to follow the signs and follow the law. The Supreme Court spoke and we really sprang into action to address the prescription that they gaver to us. With that come with having to look at all of our programs to be sure that were leveraging all of our resources under statutory authorities to protect Water Quality, our Drinking Water, i wetlands. We have to do this to get good for the ecosystem, but as you all know i wetlands serve as natural filters for some of these emerging compounds as well. Were going use all of our authorities to do so while complying with the law. Government shutdown just hampes our ability to effectively engage especially with our world committees who are dealing with these emergent contaminant issues that we want people to have confidence in their Drinking Water, a we are not at work we cant do that. 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 this is a reminder that many as i yield back, i want to know edin your testimony you mentiond your researchers are studying how native seagrass and increase coastal resilience to flooding. Cochair of the bipartisan notions caucus i am leaning everyone on bipartisan blue carpet bill which will do just that plus jobs and coastal Rural Communities so i hope we can move that forward soon and i look forward to talking about that in the committee and the epa, a great opportunity to use seagrass but also restore habitat at the same time. Good to see you. Last month the company my district works in customer u. S. Navy still with it epa and i tried to get together too talk about this so i wasnt able to do that. Since this involves National Security, i wonder how the epa that with request involving National Security. I do have some limitations in terms of that specific case because of the office of Inspector Generals but what i would say is the mean air act is the possibility to look like clean air flexibility for vehicles as it relates to National Security so i would love for our back to get together and think about whether or not this is the case outside the investigation with the queen air act. Do think it might be possible for First Responders fire emergency medical services, Law Enforcement . Our folks have had conversations with those entities along with manufacturers not seen that need for flexibility. Most is reserved for security interest but we are open to those discussions so i would love to talk about that. This committee has come to learn the epa spent 10 billion on advanced combat equipment for enforcement operations. Can you briefly explain why we need advanced combat equipment Environmental Protection agency . Im not too familiar with that piece, im about to get back to you on that piece. I have some more questions but ill get back to you. Switching subjects seems identifying it was not required to support after receiving a grant. This means a grant recipient could receive both underfunding and firm support during the grant period of performance and means a country like china could influence what the epa uses so i wonder if your familiar with this memo from who epa and inquire what steps the agency might take to ensure full transparency from grant recipients receiving it. I asked unanimous consent april 13, 2020 management implication report for epa researcher grants. Im not quite sure if i know specifically that normal. I can tell you we have taken a number of steps to strengthen disclosure garments with the ndaa 2021. Weve also responded to concerns raised by office of general and updated the conditions about Research Grant to ensure grantees provide disclosures about sources of funding both before they get theto grant andn ongoing basis once they receive those rents. Thats what i wanted to hear. I yield the remainder of my time. Wanted to give some accolades because youre the right person at the right time. We have so appreciated your dedication to issues important to us. Ill never forget being with you after we passed the infrastructure long celebrating the queen of money dedicated to the great like so thank you for your time in michigan and your great leadership. As you probably know the United Nations estimates 2000 garbage trucks plastics dumped into the worlds oceans, rivers and lakes every single day and addressing plastic pollution and is likely the structure is essential. I have long been a supporter of this work in my first year in congress the chair of the Research Technology subcommittee week convened the first ever Committee Hearing on recycling in about a decade and called on the epa to create National Strategy for recycling and i was pleased to see the epa recycling in 2021 and we went on to found the Solutions Task force so i wanted toa ask you, could you provide an update on the National Strategy to prevent plastic pollution and how this will support this . I want to say thank you for your leadership as i traveled the country, often probably two more than 45 seats in ten countries. The number two issue people talk about is plastic and recycling so april we released our National Strategy plastic solution. We have received 100,000 we are combing through so we plan to do our due diligence, follow the science and data and come up with a strong strategy. I am reallyna excited about the bipartisan infrastructure law, we have distributed to 75 million in solid waste infrastructure recycling to help state and local governments so we are on the job and recognize how important it is. We think your agency for the grant work and look toward the future of the structure work we arery doing to support recycling infrastructure and learning new things on almost every day basis as it pertains to Plastic Waste and recycling opportunities. Something else i want to ask you is the epa is conducting Vital Research across the board but particularly water settlements and heir of the great lakes and the epa Research Vessel is the largest Research Vessel in the epa week and the largest on the great lakes and having this critical asset functional is vital to the safety of our nations great legs so i want to give you a minute to provide any update on vital work of the Research Vessel and why this is important to the future of these lakes and anything you could add around cuts to epa for the health and safety of our great lakes. This is a vessel we are extremely proud of, most people think it is research, we know the impacts and effects of Climate Change are changing the physical structure of our great lakes. The great lakes provide Drinking Water and vessel is critical for research in terms of ecological balance but also preserving security for Drinking Water for so many millions ofof people and we are proud. Cuts in this area are at significant cost to those who rely on the great lakes for recreation and sustenance so we are continuing to advocate for those Research Dollars because clients will have a lot of solutions that provide economic opportunity. And the monitoring remains critical that cuts to greatly damage my consumers rely on. I am going to yield back. Thank you, mr. Chairman and thank you for showing up and answering questions. The epa proposed multiple rules for regulating Greenhouse Gas emissions from the power sector. I refer to it as the proposed 11 rent. It aims to cut Greenhouse Gas solution 80 by 2030 but in reality according to some utility providers themselves, this will serve to cost hundreds of millions of dollars, significantly raise customers particles and require rapid transition away from reliable American Natural Gas without a realistic plan to fully replace thought. Whatever they want to focus on is mybi feeling that this is bad on politics rather than science. One article quoted said the epas original proposal back to your agency and requested that more stringent requirements so several questions if the epas original proposal includes regulation on existing gas plants only, yes or no . What weve done is back and forth and interaction on the construct of that rule. Collectively we agreed proposed rule should include existing production but seems to have devolved away. To the white house as for agency to change the proposal to include existing gas plants in addition to these plans . I think we have a robust conversation at the epa but the rule out of epa is a rule granted in technological rigor and i think we are proud of the rule. I understand but what happened the rule is proposed as different. If the white house request the proposal requiredd will plants 90 by 2035 ought to retire, yes or no . Our rule is a reflection of epa staff analysis. We had conversations with the white house but only to push back on the premise because it sends a signal the white house is dictating the rule proposed. Please confirm or deny the white house did have some level of input on the proposed rule. Absolutely we have had conversations with all of our rules. Comedy scientists are employed for the White House Office of Climate Policy . I would have to be directed to the white house. Comedy scientists does the epa employee . I could get you that its a. I want to be exact. Do you believe employees who are scientists of the best minds in their field is knowledgeable in the most uptodate science . I absolutely agree. You can probably see where im going with this, can you explain why they are being overruled by appointees . Even if its not the case or you say so, dont you think the fact that political appointees set targets and the scientists after crunch the numbers to make it happen and make it get there, that wouldnt make for skeptical public of this proposed rule. Would you significant distrust in the epa massive problems to the agenda . Out how to answer that as an appointee and i listen to scientists and i think my scientists would collaborate that so that rule reflects what i think is hard technical rigor but 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 the final rule will reflect the thinking of our scientists was industry scientists and how we land this final rule. Thank you very much. These six individuals i believe came out of the epa and spoke with this group this information, for those six individuals scientists . Are not sure the six individuals who are referring to. All right, thank you. The chair recognizes you for five minutes of questioning. Thank you so much for being here today and ask about the Technical Assistant centers which has played a key role in funding. These are going to be instrumental helping vulnerable communities taking advantage of inan infrastructure and funding they will be crucial to make justice a reality. How did they get off the ground and how you plan to stay involved in a process to make sure they are a success . Will they help coordinate between state and local governments and communities of funding . We are proud of these Technical Assistance centers because itpr demonstrates the solutions are topdown the federal government shouldnt dictate all the solutions in our communities so we are providing Technical Assistance as you prstated using 17 Centers Across the country, each of the seven awarded approximately 10 billion. They have connected with local universities and local ngos and people to provide technicalco assistance to those on the front line and working these communities. Our regional administrators will be involved but so will our new National Office of Environmental Justice is served as the facilitator for the workweek to to ensure justice and equity is central to everything we do. I like to ask about how Public School system fits into your vision and plan and i asked secretary granholm when she joined us a few weeks ago. The heartbeat of our community, our next generation of visionaries of Public School students and too many schools are struggling with toxic pollution, crumbling infrastructure, and Efficient Energy systems and impacts. Many cases these issues have to be addressed holistically. Can you talk about whats happening in epa and coordination with other agencies toe help Public Schools take fl advantage of all relevant funding opportunities . The first thing doe is a Strong Partner and the purpose is to ensure all of these communities understand the full breadth of Resources Available so we are excited about but in terms of partnership with doe and otherd agencies. Inflation reduction act creates billions ofct across state and local government to apply for pollution grants which we are excited to say cities and localities and schools should participate in the process. The thing im most proud of is how many schools across the country are applying for the electric school bus and low Carbon School bus grant. This is revolutionary schools and reduce burdens to so many states especially having aspect test respiratory attacks before they can get to the class at 8 00 a. M. So we are excited about the. Thank you so much for that. One final question, can you give us a status update on justice for the implementation from epas perspective what you see asat success so far and some challenges so far. Ive said this before and ill say it, again, i believe e designed the program and process to ensure the most vulnerable are the first inn line whether you are in appalachia, or alabama, there communities on the receiving end disproportionately so our programs we have not only met but exceeded. I think about resources from our program. When i think about programs we distribute Water Quality resources, we are ensuring committees have not had a seat at the table have a seat and get those. Any of our Rural Communities across the country fit into that category. Thank you so much and thank you for your exemplary leadership. I go back. I recognize mr. Bear five minutes of questioning. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Weti appreciate you being here today. The question i have really goes with what carlson was talking about section 111 proposed rule andd mentioned specifically this proposed rulee indicates Carbon Capture is the Technology Used to comply with this rule so the projects in these regions require to issue past six wells so my question is, how many class six has epa issued this year . I have to get the specific member, i know the most recent we are on track for looking at West Virginia and louisiana can participate in the program and texas is recently incl august of an application so i will say the president pledged Carbon Capture technologies will be part of how we move forward. Class program is aligned with that and a commitment to get these out. Along the same line, do you anticipate more being in the pipeline as we move forward . I do. I anticipate that weve really figured out some Program Deficiencies especially as we work with louisiana and West Virginia. Weve identified a number of efficiencies and prepared to move forward as expeditiously as possible because we see this as part of the solution. Everywhere but in some places. I think you make good points, it helps answer the situation helping utilities make plans if they dont have and it requires these permits so i guess im just making a comment for them to move forward we need to move forward class six comments. Another area i would like to go into, my colleagues brought to your attention the epas handling of East Palestine Train Derailment in february and without a doubt, i hold the highest assurance for heritage of the building in my area. However, i felt the process was somewhat disorganized as it was laid out in my judgment and extreme concerns about the fact that material is moving coming to indiana so senator and i wrote you a letter in march and it took about five days to get an answer to that so the question i have relates to the letter and the chairman will allow, i would like to submit that letter for the record. Without objection. I guess im down to trying to figure out why some facilities were not approved yet indiana is white distance from East Palestine so how that process worked by other sites like liverpool, those sites were not selected. Thank you for that question and when we have a purpose incident like the oneha in East Palestine, they are responsible for selecting the sites so Norfolk Southern gave us a list of sites they thought were capable of handling these. I know they exhausted the number so they started to look at other states as well. It is our job once they submit the desired location to approve or disapprove so thats what we did the process. Because hes promising was so heavy physical theres a lot of controversy around who was receiving these found agree Companies Like heritage seven across the country receive these all the time and handle them with the utmost integrity we didnt anticipate anything different on this one. Thank you very much for that answer, i see i am out of time. I just process really needs constant review. Thank you. Thank you. G. Thank you for being with us today. I also want to thank all of your employees of the Research Triangle headquarters. I visited with them recently and they are inspired by your work and doing fabulous working in the hope the government should doesnt shutrn down so that i he compromised paychex over the next few weeks and months. As you know chemicals affect our Drinking Water crops, the air e breathe and products we bring into our home and they 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 chemicals have been associated with a wide range of Serious Health effects including probable links to cancer, thyroid disease, lower fertility and more that we know little about what the chemicals really are. Where theyal are manufactured in use and how thehe american peope are being exposed. It is vital for epa to define it in a way that will not surprise the agency, congress, state and the public of information necessary to address horrible effects efficiently and effectively. Let partisan legislation twice past the house that would direct epa to use a simple definition. One fully coordinated carbon avenue. That is consistent with International Consensus definition. This would ensure we have a full picture of the nature enabling congress and the administration to formulate an effective plan of action to address the problem. I am hopeful the epas keep the rules under the Toxic Substances Control Act will help us capture the full picture of contamination in the u. S. And how is epa going to ensure it definition accurately reflects the scope of the pollution crisis and wide range of chemicals our communities are suffering from. In particular, the solution from oil polymers in North Carolina. Thank you for that question and weve recently issued our third order on this we are in collection mode of what the effects are. There are so many comments out in the environment that we dont understand so in terms of following the law, we have hit requirements under the order that will improve our understanding and we have a strategy that spans or Cleanup Program and work program so we are really trying to get our arms wrapped and how you work with industry to made possible through the Infrastructure Investment and jobs act and inflation reductionon act. We had thedu privilege of speakg with secretary granholm and his Committee Earlier this month about what the department of energy is doing to advance. Can you elaborate on the work epa is on . We have a proposed rule for cars and trucks that will have the opportunity for electric vehicles to lower Carbon Pollution along with advanced biofuel and other technology that can pull out of the air. I laughede because what we are doing is trying to codify technology that industry is out with. You have Major Car Companies running 1 dollar super bowl ads talking about how quickly they electrify the future. We have over 50000 billion in private Sector Investment and manufacturing and ensure we can do this drastically. Our Technology Standards are cars and trucks and vehicles to ensure leverage full potential of electric vehicles to meet the demands of reduction for the Climate Crisis. I think we are inclined with the history and technologies are going and want to be sure you get the industry certainty to make your investments. Thank you and i healede back the market and recognize for guidance of questioning. Thank you for your willingness to be here today. I would like to ask about the Greenhouse Gas reduction from epa is attempting to establish trying to get 20 billion this year which is Staggering Amount of money. I have freedom of information the series of meetings and it raised concerns the epa was picking winners and losers. Exclusive meetings with potential awardees and. I think we met just about everybody try to articulate the tips of the program. I would argue once we got initial conversations, we had to put safeguards in place to ensure no one was really a Strategy First 50 a specific fluffy involved in the discussion. I met with her equity and wall Street Commercial bankers but also met with the fi state and local government so we really try to be sure we understood and we Design Competition so those who are experts in leveraging capital can taketa the 20 billin and hundreds off the sidelines. One of theng things revealed was the fact that former senior attorney was one of the required attendees from the epa at the meeting included this year, is that a conflict of interest fall into somethingin purposeful . Out how to look into the pacifics, is the first time ive heard that. Had a numberve of conversations with our Inspector General on how to conduct and design these programs and as far as i know we are meeting that letter of the law. Week with numeral the public to think government had his thumb on the scale when it came to who is eligible for an acute funding from the sprint and. Talking about Nuclear Energy, i know we are aware we have a big problem with Nuclear Waste and regardless of ones thoughts and Nuclear Energy, we should agree fuels on site these Nuclear Power plants is not best practice or obligation to protect the environment,or whats the eta doing to promulgate longterm solutions . Ipr would say we work closely on that issue but let me be clear, i am from North Carolina, we see Nuclear Energy as a low Emissions Technology that can help us combat Climate Crisis so we have to stay laser focused on how we store ways as we begin to look at new and advanced Nuclear Technology but i want to be clear we were closely handinhand and how we handle the waste. Will stay working on most solutions because of something we all share and talking about the regulations, i just want to send a cautionary note providing clean and safe and reliable Drinking Water. Its not just enough to establish technologies and new regulations because if we are not giving agencies the tools to remove chemicals from the water we havent accomplished anything that we can protect we put a regulation on and problem solve but it does not technology to remove that its too expensive for forcing agencies to build that and it makes it unaffordable, we havent solved the problem so hope we can Work Together on the. To witness replacement into homes, families, solving the problem. The district represent we have some of the highest percentages of lines of any district in the country. Ask congress to pass the bipartisan infrastructural which included funds for the replacement. I am proud of my colleagues for the work they put in to the bill and the work we are doing today to keep communities safe and healthy. We do not have a set plan to fund the government beyond thisi weekend. Should the Government Shutdown . What wouldbe be the impact of te shutdown for beneficial programs like levin Service Line Replacement of the epa is implementing . Thank you for hosting me, it really was a good day and its always a good day when you watch extraction of led Service Lines and families and neighborhoods celebrating. We run the risk of not seeing celebrations, the work just cant get done, 15 billion want to get out eradicate clients both in the public and private side. Without employees in place, we hit the pause button and it exposes children, the elderly and everyday families and exposes them to the water. I serve my community as a meteorologist for 22 years and one of the firstme people to tak on local television about the effects of Climate Change. I represent family farmers in western illinois generations, books of old leather records that go way back. People understand the change as you and i do as well. Im proud the company is very important emissions and had the amazon delivery trucks built and prmy district and the administration, i am single focused on the Climate Crisis implementing the whole of government approach can you elaborate on what role the government line but also public and private approach to address the current crisis, can you expand on how the epa engaging, communities. I appreciate that and i spent a lot of time thinking through how to use voluntary and regulatory tools for our small Rural Communities as well as larger communities. I think it takes a holistic approach so im spending time, we cannot solve this problem so we have great popular like this question raised about investment but we also have the responsibility to engage with the community how we get the best technology that the commercial scale to shortly combat Climate Crisis so i have a great deal of act usda and commerce and the president sets the current indicated we would Work Together and im glad we all like each other because we all Work Together closely. I hope youre feeling that here as well because this is a group of people here in congress to solve the problems of the american people. We put politics aside in this room and solve the problems because we know there are real people, another generation in a generation afterth that will lok back to 2023 and say what did we do as things were changing . Its got to be a scientific approach and appreciate what you do and i yield back. Thank you, mr. Chairman, thank you for being here. Epa offered a proposal which i have concerns with and i think most people in order street and Pesticide Use is true that concern and it can be impulsively it would prevent producers from protecting crops and property in four out of five producers claim will not be able to continue operations and acted so obviously it would jeopardize likelihood in Rural Communities so can you explain why they need to put in restrictions without first looking at the science to determine if there are risks and how did the approach reconcile with the responsibility under the effects and Risk Assessment. I appreciate that you and i both show frustrationsome of these litigation issues began to expedite reviews that would comply w with sports guidance ad bring products to market. We do not want farmers waking up and getting everyday but will be on or off the shelf. Ive heard you tell two different members with a good working relationship so the question is, have you coordinated with fish and Wildlife Service proposal . Has it reconcile with this response ability under the farmville and appropriations act that required coordination for fish and wildlife . And giving you credit for coordinating you. We have looked at this issue through a frustrated lens but we have to call the. My time is limited so if im understanding, all of this is in the wheelhouse of the court, is that correct . A lot of it has been and they make rulings and with fish and wildlife, the court is telling u. S. Fish and wildlife have a higher appetite. D. O. J. Ap you cant afford excellency. They set a high bar and it would not have been that high if we had been on the offense. I think we can agree this is a frustrating process so i think we agree on that. When we switch gears and the scientific Risk Assessment from manufacturing emissions are accessible with regulationsig necessary and despite the National Industry standard for air pollutants for the sector due to rolling in court case, Economic Analysis proposal to restrict the rule would impose costs of a billing dollars on an industry with only an annual revenue about 2. 3 billion so cannot rule to impose, would you commit to adopting the Clean Air Act . We want to ensure our meeting the land law of the cup and productive because all of us lie on food, fuelof and driver the industry produces. Appreciate you being here and i yield back the balance of my time. I want to welcome back chair lucas, ive appreciated your leadership on this community and thank you for holding this born hearing. Thank you for being here today and clean water and air in short transition and epa work is essential to organs and prosperity and i grateful for your work to implement bipartisan infrastructure law artist making an impact for my constituent. In february epa awarded 18. 9 million too address contaminants in the investment smaller Rural Communities. In april you testified and discussed closing chemicals waste water Technical Assistance programs and working closely on 11 pet projects in communities around the country to provide you Technical Assistance. In the issue of Technical Assistance is a priority since daypa one, first morning. Small town of Small Farmers historically are at a disadvantage trying to accessdi grant. They have any assistance in terms of capacity, dont have expertise and the capacity to hunt down in the first place. It is my understanding the program is meant to equip participating unities with the information theyst need to apply for funding in fall of 2023 so this year. Are we on track to hit the target and are there lessons you learned so far . Thank you for the question and we are on it, we are learning a lot from these communities. We have chosen is because the newe solution so we prepared te those learnings and those to ensure they reflect smaller communities that will be competitive. We are on track and office of water is doing good about capabilities to make sure these communities are competitive for these billions of dollars. Once the Pilot Program also, is there intent to extend the program nationally . I think the goal is twofold. We will assess whether or not we need to continue to call it or take the learnings and compile them and see if we can export that level of Technical Assistance. We believe it is reflective of the country and we leave that will help us across the finish line. Is there anything you need from congress to make sure the program is successful . I would say bipartisan infrastructure talk to focus on what we have over 700 billion in need so what im hoping is congress see eta using the strategically and wisely so look for resources to help more people, there will be a compelling case to do so. As you know, china dominates production and critical Clean Energy Production using batteries and silicon. The key to producing material. Congress seeks to reduce dependence on foreign country. Priorities that often seem at odds and the issue of the Energy Sector from employees and organ, tech Companies Like intel and supplierss rely on these mineras to produce semiconductors and the electronic, how does research inform sustainability in mining and more broadly, how do you think aboutsu expanding critical material and environmental responsible way . Jeanette the first thing is we believe we can do it in an environmentally possible way. We believe we have to have a responsiblebl domestic, we cannt rely on china and since the Inflation Reduction Act, we have seen 45 billion invested in Battery Supply investment and apply chain critical so what we do push Regulatory Authority is what the market is doing and watch where technology is going and in our Technology Standards we try to incorporate best Management Practices and best technology to keep this country globally competitive and that is theacch goal. Thank you and i yield back. I recognize five minutes of questioning. Thank you, i want to thank you for your service and for being here and giving transparent answers on the important functions and thank you to chairman lucas, congrats, glad to see you back in action. For the psaki of time, i want to not give an Opening Statement that i want to dive in. Im going to ask russians and i would appreciate great forward yes or no answer. Mike is question, are you familiar with the advisors . Arabella advisors . I am not. Are you familiar with counsels proposed rule entitled disclosure of Greenhouse Gas emissions and climate related financial risk at the proposed rules that would require major federal suppliers to publicly disclose Greenhouse Gas emissions and climate related financial risk as wellly as science based reduction target . I am. This was proposed by quixote, elsa collectively comprise counsel. Did dba have any involvement formation or otherwise . We may have a prefer, we should dissipate in the agency process. So yououwe didnt readily get involved . Our agency could have. What you didnt . I didnt personally. Dont you think is the agency you should have had some kind of consultation putting thisrs forward affecting major suppliers and entities around the country . I believe our agency may have participated in just answering straightforward, i did not. Do you know if Environmental Quality was . I assume they were about to the white house. The rule requires contractors to have chronic targets validated by a Company Called planes based targetmato initiat, are you familiar with that . I am not. The website says criteria is good rule of thumb companies to align targets, you may want to know who they are because they are doing oversight on behalf of your agency and telling u. S. Businesses who they need to align with. Si it may not be aligned with u. S. National security interests. I just want tore say, so everyoe knows, i want to inform you, a private Foreign Companies of both reduction targets and private companies according to the leadership is a Resource Center organizations listening to expand work greenhouse management. It goes on to say the Center Offers resources to help organizations conduct and reduce to the emissions. I am very familiar. Okay. Im very familiar with that organization which is a voluntary program run and as for ways. The center for corporate permit. , do you think the the prepared set of usbased government agency, not a private entity by the two political ties. I think we have two, Greenhouse Gas program for leadership. Both into this and it could happen with senior leadership. Im about to run out of time but this company is listed as a source formation two things we have choices and shouldnt have a politically charged arabella. Fundedso by political source, i will look into this because i reject the premise that we dont raise, a number of programs well established in t the process soi dont want to negate. I think you would. Thank you very much. Thank you for looking this hearing and i was happy to chairman lucas and the committee today. I am pleased to have this opportunity discuss science today. It is a significant presence in my district and always a two welcome you to the science community. One of the nations cause for environments and Research Programs the office of planning for under Environmental Assessment or both epa campus. Facilitiesep personality disclosure first environment Early Learning center. Request scientists and voted whom i am concerned about toward shut down. I would like to learn more on the recent in short everything the human person, i think you know my instant guys were going start just some folks understand, its considered headquarters personnel whoof hae capacity ispa so large congress would set up in North Carolina. We rely on those individuals to continue leading research on their cars, looking at how we begin to address chemical compound and expediting and forward the programs if we go id, working on a national level. On your leadership the scientificin discussing the levs back. This is why i come before congress to ask day one. To from aldehyde is a known carcinogen. It was a draft conclusion, last month the National Academies provided its stamp of approval on the assessment its fourth time in nine years affirming the progress made. Gao and the Science Committee investigation found that during the Trump Administration political influence derailed this important assessment from being finalized. As the academy said it is imperative that epa finalize this assessment. So will you push to finalize this important assessment by the end of next year so Key Stakeholders across and beyond the federal government can incorporate it into health protective policy . We are currently reviewing the nas and those external peer reviews as we speak. Were moving an expedited timeframe along with looking at hundreds of other studies as well that we have to consider. We understand the sense of urgency. I can emit to you with the necessary resources and personnel on this issue and will move expeditiously. Thank you mr. Administrator. I yield back. Thank you. I recognize mr. Mccormick for five minutes of questioning. Thank you, thank yoe and mr. Chairman, thank you. Mr. Regan for your testimony today also thank you. Mr. Regan, i wanted to argue about epas role in another part of thean Committee Districts whh is space. George with a secure process for final Environmental Impact statement. Assessment Camden County spent nearly 10 million on various studies preparing for the Environmental Impact statement and consultants. Im glad its finally move forward, findings of impact in 2021. It took a decade and 2 million for this to beloved to clearl paperwork required largely because of Environmental Review process. Can you point out some concrete stepsso that the epa is taking o shorten this approval process and remove bureaucratic red tape from the budding commercial space industry specifically . I think what weve done at epa and obviously the eis process involves more than just epa, but what weve done is we have streamlined our permitting process and our Environmental Review process. Weve automated a lot of these processes. This sounds like it is being in the making for ten years. Over the past three years we recognized that in order to get these, eis done in order to get permits out the door, we have used technology and more efficient measures so we can ensure our states and locals get those need a permit for the economy can fry. I can tell you we have looked at how we can make processes more efficient, we have automated processes, and weve also expanded our external stakeholder outreach. Our state and local government of eps much more robust and muscular right now and with more of the finger on the pulse. I would agree because ive seen this take bettis have much time somebody else to get their approval so its working so kudos to you guys. The epa rule is to protect human health and human, and the environment yet it seems often more focus ont bureaucratic red tape which understand is a product although top of the regulation we burden people with. Although bureaucrats also attempt to add onto that because its a a job. For example, my own district, my road in braswell, 700,000 to do a study do a study that lasted 18to months, just to see if we could repay promote thats going to get repaid anyways, but it costs almost 3 4 of 1 million and alisa for your nap what people are going over potholes and going through the process that is a dragged out just who something we know we know is pretty much inevitableag anyway. I am looking for ways we can streamline this process and get rid of the inevitable delays that have been making peoples lives miserable. Because after all we are all in government to serve the people and make their lives better. Can you speak to that . I dont know if i can speak to paving roads and 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, bridges and our transportation. What i can say isur our involvement in these r Environmental Assessments undr my watch has moved much more expeditiously. I consider because of the im a former state regulator. Ive been on the receiving in trying to work with the federal government. I tried to bring that state knowledge to the federal government and work an expedited manner to get these reviews done. Time is money. Time is money. Now you sound like a business guy. I like that. We allocated 40 million for study visit on efficiencies last cycle for the budgeting, and i was curious if you talk about the efficiency and the timeliness which was supposed be part of this review system, you talked aboutwa how you are makig progress. Can you tellew me where that 40 million expanded your ability to digestcae that, then more timely and efficient . You mention and i, but other things of the 40 million went towards finding out they can make you better come what youre doing . Im not quite sure i recognize the 40 million youre youre speaking to. I will specifically to the Inflation Reduction Act we allocated 40 million to a study to develop more efficient, accurate, timely review process in the epa. Let me get back to you on the specificsa. Of that. Holistically speaking i can tell you we spent a lot of time money resources on efficiencies all across the agency. I want to answer your question directly about that 40 million. I wanti to be accurate. With that i yield. Thank you. In. Now recognize ms. Sykes r five minutes of questioning. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Thank you so much, administrator regan, forst being with us toda. This is a great conversation and one of the reasons i wanted to serve on this committee is to help oversee the invitation ofse chips and size of many of as Inflation Reduction Act. I know your agency has quite the role to play in that. One of the things you have oversight of the 41 billion in distressed communities to discuss an advance Environmental Justice. I know that might seem like one of those d. C. Bubble phrases, but it certainly is an impactful and necessary conversation to have because of high middle justice means access to safe trick you want to come clean air, dressing the pollution of the past to make sure things like the river does not catch on fire again. We know pollution does not know geographical boundaries as well as congressional boundaries, state boundaries but its impacts can also be disproportionate. I want to talk about my district, ohio 13 because of represent the city of akron, uniontown and communities that are working to address these longstanding and Environmental Issues that we inherited many generations ago. We want to make sure we get our fair share of those 41 billion. Can you talk about the difference those funds are going to make in our communities and how to be implement across the country . Absolutely. First i would like to say thank you for your leadership locally andff also your role on the Congressional Black Caucus Environmental Justice task force as the cochair. I think you know and understand there are so many communities like the ones youve identified that have just that had a seat at the table come have been left behind, the doughnut infrastructure to respond to the disproportionate pollutionuc tht they faced which is why one of the first actions i took was establishing a new National Program in by middle justice and external civil rights program. This program is on par with all of our other National Media programs, air, water, land Chemical Program to ensure all of the resources we get appropriate in addition to the resources from the system work pieces of legislation reached the committees that needed the most. Whether you are in your community or appalachia or Loudoun County alabama the disproportionate impact and lact of Infrastructure Investment is astounding. I have not only set up a National Program but weno have t up metrics and guidelines and policies to ensure every regulation every policy, contracts and procurement have this lens of justice and equity apply. I appreciate you saying appalachia because i know you are a legitimate person because some people like to say appalachia. Thats not correct as often are corrected in ohio. I do want to build upon something and moved to another topic specifically the community of uniontown. The state of ohio epa has been working with the uniontown since the the 1980s to fix the industrial access landfill. Some of the work of your agency is, and because of the work of your your agencys being remediated and affected resident were hooked up to minnesota Water Supplies and away from well water which was welcomed but this process is arduous, longterm and becomes very difficult and we seem the presence of one of the four dioxins which is a dangerous chemical. We dont have as much time for me to ask you to go into this too deeply that he could blink twice let me know youre going to continue work with the state ohio epa and i will take that as your commitment and in workh our community. But it doat want talk but these palestinian because one i want to thank you and the members of your staff are coming so quickly to the aid of folks in east houston. It is not my district but appreciate you. Ive heard from people in thest covers administration their appreciation and also want to express that to publicly. I know we often hear about the administration and what theyre doing and i can attest ive seen you to a couple of times that you are there but the thing that unfortunately members of congress, as embers of Congress Push on the administration dont push enough on her own colleagues to even pass Bipartisan Legislation like the real act here we can do of thisg to help fix and that is passing the real act a bill that that is not rey hearings in committee. That can happen and i can be very impactful here but do you point earlier about Norfolk Southern and holding the mechanical i know there was a recent executive order from the president to ensure that the administration is overseeing the work. There was the announcement you made settlements go in east palestinian. Can you talk to us in ten seconds or less about how you are enforcing data make a short Norfolk Southern is doing with the promise to do to the people of United States . We ordered them to clean up the mess. They have responded to our orders to date and have dotted every and crossed every tea. We are almost complete, clean 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 had at the p. A. Is during which it provides timed updates directly to him so he is a finger on the pulse. Yield back. Thank you. I now recognize mr. Williams. Administrator regan, weve never met and i just want to say how much i appreciate that in way over here. They tucked me in the corner appreciate your direct and relevant answers today and also admire your command of the issues that are under your jurisdiction. So just please accept my sincere appreciation. Thank you. One of the key lessons i have learned about research and if the woman from a business experience as was my expenses training as a Nuclear Engineer in the navy is at scientific innovation or invention doesnt always lead to broad adoption of new technologies or new solutions. In fact, actual broad acceptance of innovation is quite rare in actual practice. As a society would tend to assume once the new Technology Like solar panels or Carbon Capture or Hydrogen Fuel is first invented or innovated, it willhy inevitably be adopted and be a good solution for the market. However, in my experience this simply is not the case. New technologies face of the greatest hurdles after they are invented or thete innovation occurs. There are many, many hurdles to adoption, and then beyond that even into broad acceptance into our society. New products a significant difficulties expanding. This is quite clearly captured in a term coined crossing the chasm by jeffrey moore. Theres a number of excellent scientific studies on the cycle of innovation, adoption that have been done for many, many decades. So what 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 priorityen to stop impoverishing working families to Higher Energy costs. In my state of new york extremist Environmental Policies have rapidly driven up energy calls for ratepayers. Its a regressive tax that is unfair,rk sir. Specifically i am concerned that the epa and this administration has failed to properly consider this issue of crossing the chasm, and the cost and difficulties of scaling up and implementing new technologies take the proposed section 111 role that epa released earlier this year. This rule if implemented would burden existing natural gas plants that we rely on for power today with strict and unrealistic regulations to employ Carbon Capture and Hydrogen Fuel blending, which certainly technical challenges to, including hydrogen embodiment of metals. The utilities will be subject to the school have warned that bring these technologies online and then commercial scale or require hundreds of billions of dollars of new investment. This doesnt take away from their profit. This gets passed on to ratepayers and will significantly increase energy costs for consumers and businesses. So under your leadership, is a epa and the mandating of these Massive Technology investment by utilities, are you accounting for the rapid rise in energy costs to all american . Well, all of Technology Standards that we propose to take economics into consideration. I think affordability and reliability along the technical availability is what we are discussing. I think we propose a rule. We received a lot of comments in the past two to three weeks with multiple utility ceos. Ive met with my team is that with creator reliability experts, congressman bill johnson can be very productive conversation about these three topics. The proposal is just that and we will continue to evaluate the, status come in, gauge with industry. Our ratepayers and others and hopefully the final rule will reflect something that is ambitious but alsoou doable. 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, cost that are being put upon them quite honestly by her agency in the mandates that you require, or simply unaffordable. It is literally impoverishing working families. Please respond if youd like but by time has expired. I i would just like to set think congressman bill johnson didnt excellent job reps in that constituency and bring people to the table that my staff met with. We are meeting and talking with a doing because we understand the impact of the work that we do. Thank you, sir. Ms. Caraveo, five minutes of questions, now recognize. Thank you, mr. Chair and also have been heartened by the return of chairman lucas and would like to thank him and Ranking Member lofgren for holding this hearing today and thank you, administrator regan, for, to speak with us. As you may know my district is home to suncor which is colorados only Major Petroleum refinery. It is a critical piece of local Energy Infrastructure and our economy, so much so if we see issues at the refinery with production by constituents feel the pain at the pump and i agree that the fix working families. That being said, this refinery is right next to underserved communities and their emissions are compounded another evolution in the denver metro area and for generations of children have grown up around this polluting entity. Ive seen that impact my clinic right treat countless children who suffer from asthma because of these harmful emissions. That is why i was encouraged to see the epa award are indeed Grant Funding to institutions that are doing research to address the drivers and of my mental impacts of Energy Transitions in underserved committees r d. Some of these projects address the situations myself can set your son something which is living directly across from petroleum refineries. What is a epa hoping to learn from the research being done at the university and how do you see at affecting the important work that you all do . Thank you for the question, and i think the research, it will help do two things. The first is we see constantly the juxtaposition people having to choose between employment and breathing air and living. So 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 are a couple things. The verses understand the total Economic Impact to theseec 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 and find that technology that allows for them to move forward and keep communities safe, that is priority number one. The intersection of that is cost. So the question becomes if the refinery cannot find a Cost Effective way to protect the communities, what happens then . We are doing a a lot of research to make sure were working with the industry and the community so they transition together and no one is left behind. I appreciate that balance, whichap is something district le mine weer strive for every day making sure were protecting communities and also knowing impacts on their pocketbooks are