Representative Mike Simpson

Congressman Simpson's Update

July 1st, 2022

Simpson Secures Funding for Nuclear Energy Priorities in FY23 Energy and Water Legislation

In the FY23 Energy and Water Appropriations bill, I am pleased to see continued support for work on microreactors, including the MARVEL program; work to ensure a supply of high-assay low-enriched uranium, which will be necessary for many of the next generation of reactors; the Advanced Reactors Demonstration Program; and the national laboratory infrastructure necessary to enable these other activities to succeed. The Idaho National Laboratory and its capabilities are key to the future of nuclear energy, and this bill’s investments reflect that.

The bill provides $315 million for the INL Facilities Operations and Maintenance, $20 million over the FY22 enacted level. It also provides $442.9 million for cleanup activities associated with the Idaho Cleanup Project and the Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Project co-located on the Idaho desert with INL. The funding level will allow the significant cleanup activities currently underway to continue.

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Statement on Democrat-led Spending Bills

Like the President’s budget request, the majority’s Energy and Water bill overfunds certain non-defense programs and shortchanges our national security needs. While I am grateful that many priorities for Idaho were included, the bill is based on a funding level that passed the House without Republican support. The majority has described their overall discretionary spending level as including ‘significant increases to help fight inflation.’ Unfortunately, we can’t spend our way out of the highest inflation levels in 40 years. Even prominent liberal economists have pointed to excessive federal spending as a key cause of inflation, not the solution. We need to be more judicious about how much and where we allocate discretionary spending.

Listen to my complete remarks below.

I also spoke on an amendment I offered to pause the Biden Administration's Waters of the Untied States (WOTUS) rule until the Supreme Court decides on a pending case. For years, I have heard concerns from farmers, ranchers, and business owners in Idaho about the broad powers of WOTUS under the Clean Water Act to regulate every puddle and stream in America. I fought against expansive WOTUS overreach under the Obama administration and will continue to do so now.

Listen to my remarks on the amendment HERE.

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Supreme Court Decision on the Clean Air Act

This week, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that the Clean Air Act does not give the Environmental Protection Agency the authority to to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.

The EPA has been abusing its regulatory authority for years and I am pleased to see this decision.

EPA's role in protecting clean air and water should not involve constant, extreme regulations without oversight of Congress and the American people.

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Simpson Secures Funding for Idaho Priorities in Interior Legislation

This week, I announced secured funding for sage grouse conservation, Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT), and the Minerals Resources Program, as well as $4.56 million in funding for two water treatment projects in Idaho’s 2^nd Congressional District in the Fiscal Year 2023 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.

The funding for sage grouse conservation that I requested will support the collaborative work between local stakeholders and federal partners, and protect the livelihoods of those who live, work, and recreate on Idaho’s lands. I am also pleased to see funding for programs to responsibly utilize mines in Idaho and potentially loosen the grip that foreign nations currently have on the global critical mineral supply chain. Listen to my remarks on critical minerals HERE.

$2.56 million in funding for the City of Grace Wastewater Collection and Treatment Systems Improvement Project and $2 million for the City of Roberts Clean Water Project was also included at my request through Community Project Funding (CPF).

Funding for the City of Grace Wastewater Collection and Treatment Systems Improvement is designated to make critical updates for electrical improvements at their treatment plants, replacement of their solids dewatering process, replacement of 2,000 feet of collection piping, and the installation of several new manholes, addressing critical public health needs of the community.

"The City of Grace is in the process of updating the city wastewater treatment plant. The plant hasn't been updated since 1985. With a small population of just around 950 people, we are trying to keep the costs down for our residents. With the rate of inflation and unforeseen equipment reaching its lifetime and needing to be replaced, any support is greatly appreciated." - Mayor Jackie Barthlome, City of Grace

Similarly, the City of Roberts’ funding will be used in construction of an improved sewer collection system. The City of Roberts’ sewer collection system is made up of 2.7 miles of asbestos-concrete pipe and was installed in 1969. Some of the sewer lines are failing, causing raw sewage to back up into residents’ homes and causing a critical public health concern. The improvements to the city’s sewer collection system will help ensure that sewage is not leaking into the ground water and will prevent the backups that are occurring in citizens’ homes.

“The city recognizes the importance of upkeep and our stewardship to keep contaminants contained and treated. This potential funding could go a long way in ensuring that our patrons get the best possible services and avoid known health hazards from the community.” -Mayor Robert (B.J.) Berlin, City of Roberts

Read the Full Press Release Here