E&C Republicans Advance Bills Full Committee

Washington, D.C. — In two markups today, the Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security and the Subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials advanced solutions to modernize pipeline infrastructure, protect consumer choice, and address President Biden’s burdensome new EPA regulations that will crush American manufacturing and people’s livelihoods. 

Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee Markup: 

Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA):  

“To meet growing energy demands, we must modernize and expand our pipeline infrastructure. 

“The U.S. has been blessed with an abundance of natural resources right under our feet, which we’ve been able to harness as a result of free market principles and an entrepreneurial spirit that’s uniquely American. 

“We should be embracing this and building on it to enhance America’s energy security and competitive edge. 

“At the same time, we also need to ensure Americans are free to choose the home appliances that work best for their lives.” 

Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee Chair Jeff Duncan (R-SC): 

“My draft legislation addresses this by strengthening penalties for damaging pipelines and incorporating permitting reform centered on safety, modernization, and expansion.  

“It improves pipelines safety by updating PHMSA programs to reflect new technologies. 

“It puts an end to 'gas bans' by protecting the American people’s right to choose the energy source that fits their needs.  

“Pipelines are essential to the energy security of the United States, and I would like to see all of my colleagues join me in support of this effort.”

Legislative Vote Summary:

• H.R. __, To prohibit the Secretary of Energy from prescribing or enforcing energy conservation standards for clothes washers that are not cost-effective or technologically feasible, and for other purposes, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 16 Yeas to 10 Nays. 
• H.R. __, To prohibit the Secretary of Energy from prescribing or enforcing energy conservation standards for clothes dryers that are not cost-effective or technologically feasible, and for other purposes, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 16 Yeas to 10 Nays. 
• H.R. __, To prohibit the Secretary of Energy from prescribing or enforcing energy conservation standards for dishwashers that are not cost-effective or technologically feasible, and for other purposes, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 15 Yeas to 10 Nays. 
• H.R. __, To prohibit the Secretary of Energy from prescribing or enforcing energy conservation standards for refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers that are not cost-effective or technologically feasible, and for other purposes, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 15 Yeas to 10 Nays. 
• H.R. __, To prohibit the Secretary of Energy from prescribing or enforcing energy conservation standards for room air conditioners that are not cost-effective or technologically feasible, and for other purposes, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 15 Yeas to 10 Nays. 
• H.R.___, Pipeline Safety, Modernization, and Expansion Act was forwarded, as amended, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 14 Yeas to 10 Nays. 

Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials Subcommittee Markup: 

Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA): 

“For decades, America has been the number one place to do business, while maintaining some of the best air quality in the world.  

“We have achieved this success in part through laws that enable—not disable— the productive capacity of Americans, their communities, and the industries that support them. 

“Unfortunately, that prosperity, that opportunity to work and thrive, is being threatened as the Biden administration advances radical environmental policies that will crush the American economy.” 

Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials Subcommittee Chair Buddy Carter (R-GA): 

“Even as standards approach natural background levels, the Clean Air Act’s rigid timelines and outdated assumptions are making it near impossible for states to implement effective plans. 

“And while states work on one set of standards, EPA imposes another round, all while ignoring the major sources of air pollution, and the practical experience of state regulators. 

“The result is impractical requirements that create permit gridlock, and little prospect for meaningful improvement in air quality. 

“Meanwhile America is less competitive. High-paying jobs will leave our shores, only for heavy manufacturing and production of critical goods to be done in foreign locations with weaker environmental and labor standards.”

Legislative Vote Summary:

• H.R.___, Air Quality Standards Implementation Act of 2024, was forwarded, without amendment, to the Full Committee by a roll call vote of 10 Yeas to 9 Nays.