U.S. Congressman Mike Simpson - 2nd District of Idaho
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Simpson Prevents EPA Regulation of Manure
Congressman Mike Simpson has lent his support to a measure to prevent livestock operations from becoming Superfund sites.  H.R. 2997, introduced by Representative Billy Long (R-MO), would ensure that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not impose regulations intended to clean up hazardous waste sites to livestock operations.  Simpson chairs the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, which oversees funding for the EPA and is an original cosponsor of H.R. 2997.

“In light of EPA’s persistence in imposing its job-killing and unnecessary regulatory agenda on the American people, I believe it is important to clarify Congress’s intent on this issue,” Simpson said.  “The Superfund law was never intended to regulate manure and other animal emissions as a toxic or hazardous substance.  It defies common sense to presume that dairy and other producers who use manure as fertilizer should be regulated the same way as a chemical plant or mining operation.”

The Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA, also known as the Superfund Law) was passed by Congress in 1980 to address the legacy of hazardous waste sites that pose a threat to the environment or human health.  The law makes those involved in creating the Superfund site liable for cleaning it up.  H.R. 2997 ensures that manure and other animal emissions cannot be regulated under CERCLA, preventing farmers from becoming liable for the cleanup of entire watersheds.

“It would be inappropriate, to say the least, to regulate manure under laws Congress intended for large-scale industrial waste,” said Simpson.  “Idaho’s agriculture industry needs certainty in order to succeed, and this clarification ensures that producers can plan for the future without the risk of crushing and unreasonable liability hanging over their heads.”

Academy Day Events in Boise, Post Falls and Pocatello
Boise, ID – The Idaho Congressional Delegation is pleased to host two Academy Days in Idaho, Events were held in Boise and Post Falls on Oct. 1st, and another will be held in Pocatello on Oct. 8th. The purpose of these gatherings is to share information with students, parents, and counselors about the Congressional nomination process for the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY.  While a Congressional nomination is not needed to attend the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, representatives have been invited to share information about this school as well.
 
This year forums are being held in Boise, Post Falls and Pocatello. Participants can meet with Academy Liaisons, Cadets, and Midshipmen and hear about each academy and learn how to apply for a Congressional Nomination.
 
October 8th Service Academy Day location is:
• Pocatello - Pocatello National Guard Armory, 10714 Fairgrounds Way, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
 
“The U.S. Service Academies have a long tradition of excellence in education and training of our nation’s leaders to include not only military leaders but also leaders in business, technology, and industry,” said Senator Mike Crapo.  “Graduates receive an education that is second to none which serves them in their military career and gives them a competitive edge in applying for graduate school or in the job market.”
 
“Anyone who is interested in receiving a nomination or just wants to take a closer look at what a service academy nomination can do for them should attend the Academy Day event,” said Senator Jim Risch.  “It will provide the necessary information to determine if a service academy education is the right choice, and what is needed to get a nomination.”

“Academy nominations give Idaho's finest students the opportunity to serve their country, receive an elite college education and get a jump-start on a good career,” said Congressman Mike Simpson. “Idaho consistently ranks among the top states in the quality of its nominations and we'll be looking to continue that record.”
 
“The U. S. Service Academies have a long tradition of excellence in training leaders of our nation.  Many of our presidents, military and national leaders as well as leaders in business, technology and industry are academy alumni,” said Congressman Raul Labrador. “I’m looking forward to attending the Boise Service Academy Day where I will be able to talk to students about the benefits of receiving and academy education.”
 
 For more information, contact: 
•   Karen Roetter, Senator Crapo’s office, (208) 664-5490
•   Vicki Fulton, Senator Risch’s office, (208) 667-6130
•   Linda Culver, Congressman Simpson’s office, (208) 734-7219
•   Lisa Anderson, Congressman Labrador’s office, (208) 888-3188
                                                  
 The deadline to make application through one of the Idaho Delegation Senate offices for the class entering in 2012 is October 31, 2011, and for the Idaho Delegation House offices it is November 30, 2011.

Floor Schedule

MONDAY, OCTOBER 3RD, 2011
On Monday, the House will meet at 2:00 p.m. for legislative business. Votes will be postponed until 6:30 p.m.

Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules:
1) H.R. 686 - Utah National Guard Readiness Act (Sponsored by Rep. Rob Bishop / Natural Resources Committee)
2) H.R. 765 - Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act of 2011 (Sponsored by Rep. Rob Bishop / Natural Resources Committee)
3) H.R. 489 - To clarify the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior with respect to the C.C. Cragin Dam and Reservoir, and for other purposes (Sponsored by Rep. Paul Gosar / Natural Resources Committee)
4) H.R. 473 - Help to Access Land for the Education of (HALE) Scouts Act(Sponsored by Rep. Dan Boren / Natural Resources Committee)
5) H.R. 470 - Hoover Power Allocation Act of 2011, as amended(Sponsored Rep. Joseph Heck / Natural Resources Committee)
6) H.R. 670 - To convey certain submerged lands to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in order to give that territory the same benefits in its submerged lands as Guam, the Virgin Islands, and American Samoa have in their submerged lands (Sponsored by Del. Gregorio Sablan / Natural Resources Committee)
7) S.Con.Res. 29 - Authorizing the use of the rotunda of the United States Capitol for an event to present the Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to Neil A. Armstrong, Edwin E. `Buzz' Aldrin, Jr., Michael Collins, and John Herschel Glenn, Jr., in recognition of their significant contributions to society (Sponsored by Sen. Bill Nelson / House Administration Committee)

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4TH
On Tuesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business.

Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2608 - Continuing Appropriations Act, 2012 (Subject to a Unanimous Consent Agreement)

H.Res. __ - Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2681) the Cement Sector Regulatory Relief Act of 2011, and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2250), the EPA Regulatory Relief Act of 2011 (Special Rule, One Hour of Debate) (Sponsored by Rep. Richard Nugent / Rules Committee)

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5TH, AND THE BALANCE OF THE WEEK
On Wednesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business.

On Thursday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business. Last votes for the week are expected no later than 3:00 p.m.

On Friday, the House is not in session.

H.R. 1343 - To return unused or reclaimed funds made available for broadband awards in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to the Treasury of the United States (Suspension, 40 Minutes of Debate) (Sponsored by Rep. Charlie Bass / Energy and Commerce Committee)

H.R. 2681- Cement Sector Regulatory Relief Act of 2011 (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. John Sullivan / Energy and Commerce Committee)

H.R. 2250 - EPA Regulatory Relief Act of 2011 (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Griffith Morgan / Energy and Commerce Committee)

In the News

Idaho's Simpson, Labrador back 'time out' for EPA regulations
Submitted by Dan Popkey on Fri, 09/23/2011,
http://voices.idahostatesman.com

GOP Rep. Mike Simpson, who chairs the subcommittee that funds the Environmental Protection Agency, said the Obama administration is advancing an "extreme environmental agenda that is hurting our fragile economy.”

Simpson and Rep. Raúl Labrador, R-Idaho, were on the winning side of Friday's 249-169 vote for H.R. 2401, the Transparency in Regulatory Analysis of Impacts on the Nation, or TRAIN, Act, which would delay proposed regulations.

“Like many Idahoans, I am deeply concerned that the EPA has drastically expanded its regulatory authority,” Simpson said in a news release. “By pumping out new regulations every week, the Obama Administration is using the EPA to force on the American people an extreme environmental agenda that is hurting our fragile economy.”

According to the release, the TRAIN Act calls for a “time out” from some of the EPA’s "most egregious" regulatory proposals, including the Utility MACT and the new transport rule. He cited experts saying that if the proposed Utility MACT went into effect, it would close one-sixth of the country’s coal-fired power plants. The bill also requires an analysis of the cumulative impact that EPA’s proposals on job creation and global competitiveness.

“If we really want to turn around our debt crisis, we need to get our economy going again. Unfortunately, the EPA is the wet blanket that is preventing companies small and large from investing in their businesses and creating jobs,” said Simpson. “Regulations like the Utility MACT and the transport rule are creating vast uncertainty in the market, leaving employers unwilling to risk hiring new employees. The TRAIN Act is about carefully weighing the costs and benefits of government regulation. It is about creating certainty in the marketplace, and it is about assuring businesses that it is safe to start hiring people and getting our economy moving again.”

In a separate release, Labrador echoed Simpson:

“In a time of high unemployment and economic hardship, President Obama continues to allow his agencies to pass job killing regulations that stunt economic growth. The TRAIN Act would require the federal government to conduct a comprehensive economic analysis of the implication of regulations.  For the first time in history, our federal government will be required to analyze the impact red tape has upon American manufacturing, energy prices, and jobs.

“The EPA has run rampant with burdensome regulations that fall upon the backs of Idahoans. I strongly oppose legislating through administrative rulemaking.  It hinders our economy and undermines Congress and the will of the people.  I commend my colleagues for joining me in passing this legislation, which if enacted will promote the growth of new jobs and strengthen our nation’s competitiveness.”


MEDIA CENTER


Congressman Simpson chairs the House Appropriations Committee Mark-up.


Congressman Simpson tours St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center

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