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Recently in Washington Simpson Prevents EPA Regulation of Manure “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 “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.” Floor Schedule MONDAY, OCTOBER 3RD, 2011 Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4TH 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 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 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.” |
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Congressman Simpson chairs the House Appropriations Committee Mark-up. Congressman Simpson tours St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center If you are having trouble reading this message, try viewing the web version |
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