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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment held a hearing titled Maximizing Opportunities for Redeveloping Brownfields Sites: Assessing the Potential for New American Innovation . “The Brownfields Program supports communities impacted by prior industrial activity, offering them a new opportunity to spur growth and innovation. As the program continues to work to clean up areas that have been contaminated, we can leverage these sites to construct, among other things, data centers critical to advancing Artificial Intelligence,” said Chairman Griffith. “Today's hearing was an important step toward ensuring that the Brownfields Program continues to serve the American people by assessing and cleaning up potential contamination and supporting new and emerging industries.” Watch the full hearing here . Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing: Representative Bob Latta (OH-05): “What do we need to be doing on permitting to move things along and get things moving faster? This a great thing about this Committee, the broad jurisdiction we have. I've never heard anybody ever testify before saying that they're against our regulations. Just give us regulations so we can live with. But what do you see on the permitting side that we ought to be doing right now?”  Hon. James L. Connaughton: “You know, what's interesting is we had all the big infrastructure projects, data centers, semiconductors, by the way, even shipbuilding. They actually don't have a big outward environmental footprint. There's a lot of things to comply with, OK, but all the methods of controlling to prevent environmental contamination are well known and in place. And so, if we could simply change the default to yes. With inspection and enforcement of noncompliance, which almost never occurs, that solves the problem. And you do it in site assessment, you do it in permitting, and you do it with interconnection. You have to create an automated system.” Representative John Joyce (PA-13): “In Pennsylvania, we are proud of our industries. The coal, the steel, and allied industries that were mined and forged in our cities and in our towns. Sadly, many of these legacy industries have fallen on hard times and gone out of business, leaving behind land in need of environmental cleanup and communities with limited resources. to invest in that necessary redevelopment. This is where EPA's Brownfields Program has been useful to ensure that these are areas that are not left behind, and economic development can occur. Across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, counties like Cambria and Blair have used brownfields to leverage public and private funding to create family sustaining jobs. This program is a great example of how instead of federal government getting in the way with burdensome regulations, it can work with local stakeholders to spur lasting redevelopment.” Representative August Pfluger (TX-11): “I represent a very rural district but one that has a tremendous amount of energy. One that could benefit very greatly, but we see more of an urge to show some or to do urban projects rather than rural. So maybe talk to me a little bit about some of the barriers that have impacted us in the rural community.” Mr. Duane Miller: “I'm a big believer in our rural areas. We kind of view them as a blank canvas… I really think a concise effort should be put on the recruitment of data centers to rural areas through this brownfield funding.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Environment, announced a hearing to explore potential opportunities for the restoration/remediation of brownfields sites to be used for the development of critical infrastructure. “As we look to grow American innovation, it’s time to examine the EPA’s Brownfields Site program and explore how these legacy sites can be used to support the development of critical infrastructure that will be vital to maintaining America’s competitive advantage,” said Chairmen Guthrie and Griffith. “This hearing is an opportunity for us to examine the implementation of EPA’s Brownfields program and the work that needs to be done to clean up those sites for redevelopment, especially in emerging industries like data centers, semiconductor manufacturing, and AI infrastructure. Together, we look forward to examining how Congress can continue to encourage innovation and address any challenges that might create obstacles to new development in our communities.” Subcommittee on Environment hearing titled Maximizing Opportunities for Redeveloping Brownfields Sites: Assessing the Potential for New American Innovation .  WHAT: Subcommittee on Environment Hearing on Renewing Brownfields Sites     DATE: Tuesday, March 11, 2025          TIME: 10:15 AM ET     LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building     This notice is at the direction of the Chairman. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be livestreamed online at energycommerce.house.gov . If you have any questions concerning this hearing, please contact Calvin Huggins at Calvin.Huggins1@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Ben Mullany at Ben.Mullany@mail.house.gov .  ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, issued the following statement after the House passed H.J. Res. 61, to rescind a Biden-Harris Administration rule that imposes burdensome regulations on American tire manufacturers by a vote of 216 to 202. “Flawed rule making during the Biden-Harris Administration has led to burdensome new requirements for job creators here in the United States. As we continue working to onshore manufacturing, it’s critical that we repeal the disastrous far-left policies that raised prices, slowed growth, and failed to meet the needs of the American people,” said Chairman Guthrie. “I am grateful to Chairman Griffith for his leadership on this issue and his commitment to supporting American tire manufacturing.”  “House Republicans passed legislation to remove the Biden Administration’s handcuffs on American energy and protect American workers, consumers, and businesses. We are working alongside the Trump Administration to restore American energy dominance,” said Speaker Johnson. “From a harmful EPA rule standing in the way of the rubber tire manufacturing industry, to radical unnecessary energy efficiency standards, House Republicans are putting a stop to the Biden Administration’s damaging regulations that hurt the American people. We will continue helping President Trump implement his energy agenda to ensure lower costs, create jobs and restore consumer choice.” “In our commitment to lowering costs and protecting the American manufacturing sector, House Republicans are aggressively dismantling the Biden regulatory regime and protecting good, well-paying American manufacturing jobs,” said Chairman Griffith. “Passage of my Congressional Review Act reverses an onerous, last-minute Biden regulation and provides essential relief to rubber tire manufacturers in Virginia and the rest of the United States. I thank the Republican Conference and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, led by Chairman Guthrie, for their support to rein in burdensome and costly regulations.” Background:  H.J.Res. 61 – Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Rubber Tire Manufacturing" would repeal the rule implementing the Biden-Harris Administration’s National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for the rubber tire manufacturing sector. This rule was finalized on November 29, 2024, and will create costly and unnecessary regulatory requirements for American tire manufacturers, raising prices and threatening manufacturing jobs. ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Environment, issued the following statement after the House passed H.J. Res. 35, to repeal the Biden-Harris Administration’s natural gas tax, by a vote of 220 to 206 to 1.  “It’s time to use the energy resources underneath our feet to provide the baseload power that the American people rely on. Implementing a new tax on our energy resources would limit innovation and raise prices for consumers. Today’s passage of Congressman Pfluger’s resolution is yet another step toward unleashing American energy dominance,”   said Chairmen Guthrie and Griffith .  “We are grateful to Congressman Pfluger for his leadership on this issue and will work with the Senate to see it passed.”   “Today, House Republicans rolled back the disastrous natural gas tax imposed by Democrats. This overreach has driven up energy prices, hurt domestic natural gas production, and increased reliance on foreign energy — without delivering any so-called environmental benefit,”  said Speaker Johnson . House Republicans are leveraging the Congressional Review Act to support President Trump in undoing the damage of the Biden Administration’s war on American energy.” “In November, the American people overwhelmingly voted for lower energy prices, and today, House Republicans took another step towards fulfilling that mandate. In the latest effort to reverse Biden's disastrous energy policies, the House passed my bill to nullify the EPA’s rule implementing the ill-conceived natural gas tax,”  said Congressman Pfluger .  “This tax raises costs on production, discourages investment, and increases energy prices across America. I am looking forward to working toward a full repeal of the underlying statute and continuing to implement President Trump’s pro-energy agenda.” Background:   H.J. Res 35 ,  Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems: Procedures for Facilitating Compliance, Including Netting and Exemptions ,” led by Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11), would repeal the rule implementing the Biden-Harris Administration’s Waste Emissions Charge (WEC)—also known as the natural gas tax—which was established in the Inflation Reduction Act. Since 2005, the United States has become the world leader in both the production of natural gas as well as emissions reductions. While the United States’ energy production grew to 25% of global natural gas, we have also reduced emissions by 18% — outperforming the average of all Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. New and burdensome regulations would hurt both energy production and innovations that limit emissions. ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, issued the following statement after Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY) was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “For far too long, EPA policies have picked winners and losers, limited economic growth, and driven up costs for working families. With the confirmation of Administrator Zeldin, the American people will once again have a leader at the EPA who will work to promote commonsense environmental stewardship focused on protecting human health while course-correcting the agency back to its core mission by cutting overreaching regulations,”  said Chairman Guthrie.  “I congratulate Administrator Zeldin on his confirmation and look forward to working with him to enact policies that put Americans first.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Environment,delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing titled  A Decade Later: Assessing the Legacy and Impact of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act .  Subcommittee Chairman Griffith’s opening statement as prepared for delivery: “I am really looking forward to working with you, Ranking Member Tonko. I am hopeful we can work together on some bipartisan legislation going through this Subcommittee. SUPPORTING AMERICAN MANUFACTURING “Today is not only my first hearing as Chair of the Subcommittee, but it is the first subcommittee hearing the House Energy and Commerce Committee is holding to start the 119th Congress.  “The American people have spoken loud and clear—they’ve had enough of rising prices and a regulatory burden that threatens energy reliability, reduces American competitiveness, and in some cases, makes for stagnant economic growth.  “In general, I’ve long believed Congress needs to get back into the practice of passing regular authorizations. As Chair of this Subcommittee, it is my goal to modernize some of our major environmental laws and enable predictable, common sense, regulation.  “I’m glad we’ve hit the ground running with this hearing and hope that we have signaled our commitment to dig into the statutory language to find out where we can make the law work better for all interested parties. “To that end, today’s hearing will examine the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, or the Lautenberg Act.  “Nearly ten years ago, the Members of this Committee worked tirelessly to develop the Lautenberg Act to reform the Toxic Substances Control Act, often referred to as ‘TSCA.’ “TSCA governs the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA’s, regulation of new and existing chemicals and the chain of commerce for products containing those chemicals. “This was no easy row to hoe—the Lautenberg Act made the most significant changes to TSCA since it became law in 1976. The Lautenberg Act enjoyed strong bipartisan support in this Committee before becoming law in 2016. I was proud to be part of that process. EMBRACING TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION “However, nearly ten years have passed since the Lautenberg Act’s passage. Both Democrat and Republican Administrations at EPA have had the opportunity to implement the Act’s procedures for collecting new information on chemicals, reviewing new chemicals, and for regulating those that the EPA determines pose an  ‘unreasonable risk.’ And each Administration, as we will hear today, has encountered a number of challenges in implementing the Act.  “In 2023, the Government Accountability Office found that, between 2017 and 2022, EPA completed only 10 percent of the pre-manufacture chemical reviews within the time limit laid out in the Lautenberg Act.  With the ten-year anniversary of the Lautenberg Act’s passage quickly approaching, today’s hearing will provide us an opportunity to learn more about what’s working and what’s not at the EPA’s Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics. “And it’s important that we make the most of this opportunity to create that record. Among other things, TSCA, as amended by the Lautenberg Act, governs the EPA’s processes for reviewing new chemicals or in allowing new uses for existing chemicals before those products can be sold to consumers in the United States. Chemicals are part of manufacturing methods and products that we depend on for our everyday life.  “New chemicals, utilized in a safe manner, not only lead to new products that enhance our quality of life but also are necessary for addressing crucial challenges like harnessing energy resources and treating disease. “Similarly, our economic competitiveness and national security depend on our ability to innovate and bring new technologies to market safely and efficiently. As chemicals are part of nearly every product, and new chemistries are essential to developing better products, the TSCA regulatory scheme has a profound impact across nearly every sector of our economy. New chemicals and new uses for existing chemicals must undergo EPA review.  “If these reviews don’t take place in a timely manner, our international competitors could gain an edge, and more production would likely shift overseas.  “We are fortunate to have a panel of experts joining us to help us pinpoint shortcomings with our current regulatory mechanisms and to discuss potential opportunities for reform. “Today, we will hear testimony from Mr. Chris John, President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Chemistry Council, or ACC. The ACC serves as an organization of chemical companies who often engage in EPA’s regulatory process, including new chemical reviews. “Also joining us is Mr. Jeff Moody, the Vice President of Government Relations for the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers. He will share the experiences of refiners and manufacturers that comply with TSCA  to make the products we depend on every day.  “We are also glad to have Dr. Richard Engler. Prior to his current role as Director of Chemistry at the ACTA group, Dr. Engler served at the Environmental Protection Agency for 17 years and will be able to share more about the agency staff’s experience implementing the Act. “Additionally, Dr. Maria Doa, the Senior Director of Chemicals Policy at the Environmental Defense Fund will offer testimony. Before joining the Environmental Defense Fund in 2021, Dr. Do-A served at the Environmental Protection Agency for 30 years, working on chemical safety and TSCA.” ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Environment, led a hearing titled  A Decade Later: Assessing the Legacy and Impact of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act . Chairman Griffith issued the following statement following the hearing: “Each administration has encountered a number of challenges in implementing the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act,”   said Chairman Griffith .  “Today, the Environment Subcommittee rightly explored these issues and underscored the need to revise the EPA regulatory structure for the uses of new and existing chemicals and for products containing those chemicals.” Watch the full hearing  here . Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing: Vice Chairman Dan Crenshaw (TX-02) : “I just want start off by noting how important chemicals are to a strong economy, they are essential in making all of the products that are necessary for our modern life in the 21st century. Even the word chemicals elicits a pretty visceral negative reaction from many. But we have to remember that we have to put emotions aside and actually acknowledge that chemicals play an indispensable role in creating everything from lifesaving medical devices, to computers, smartphones, and cutting-edge military platforms. The domestic chemical industry supports hundreds of thousands of high paying jobs that generates hundreds of billions of dollars in economic activity. And unfortunately, the prior administration poorly implemented chemical regulations under the Toxic Substances Control Act, putting all of this at risk. Impractical, duplicative or overburdensome regulations for existing chemicals threaten critical supply chains for the products that we all know and rely upon every single day.” Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (IA-02) : “This subcommittee has the responsibility of addressing the aggressive overregulation of the chemicals industry by the Biden administration, which has severely hindered American companies' ability to innovate, grow, and compete in the global market. I believe this hearing is a strong step in the right direction toward achieving that goal. Dr. Doa said that the EPA wouldn't restrict vinegar, but let me give you an example of aggressive overregulation. I'm both a former operating room nurse and a doctor. When the EPA came out with its rules on ethylene oxide, which is the source for non-steam sterilization with no alternative in place, what was the assessment of the best available science? What was the assessment and evaluation of risks and the cost? Was it better to have people have non-sterilized equipment put in their bodies, risk infection, sepsis, and death? I would say that is an example of overzealous regulation.” Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (ND-AL) : “We all want to make America safer for our children, and I agree with my colleagues that we should always be trying to do better. But let's be clear, this change in approach from the EPA is a sea change in approach, and it creates more regulatory uncertainty and makes Americans less safe, not more safe, by pushing manufacturing overseas, jeopardizing American jobs, threatening supply chains, exposing them to intrusion by foreign adversaries, driving up costs for North Dakota farmers and ranchers, and thereby for everything that we purchase. These are real impacts and real risks for American families, and I appreciate that the EPA is taking a cumulative risk assessment of chemicals.”  ###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Environment, announced the first hearing of the 119th Congress for the Subcommittee on Environment titled “A Decade Later: Assessing the Legacy and Impact of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act .” “The domestic production of chemicals is critical to the growth of our economy and vital to the success of American manufacturers. Nearly ten years after the passage of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented the law’s requirements in a manner that runs counter to congressional intent. During this hearing, the Subcommittee on Environment will get to the root of those policies that have inhibited American innovation and our ability to compete in the global market,” said Chairmen Guthrie and Griffith . “The new administration offers a chance to address these issues and ensure American leadership in safely producing the chemicals vital to manufacturing in the years ahead.” Subcommittee on Environment Hearing titled “A Decade Later: Assessing the Legacy and Impact of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act.” WHAT : Subcommittee on Environment Hearing Notice DATE : Wednesday, January 22, 2025 TIME : 10:30 AM ET LOCATION : 2123 Rayburn House Office Building  This notice is at the direction of the Chairman. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be livestreamed online at https://energycommerce.house.gov/ . If you have any questions concerning this hearing, please contact Kaitlyn Peterson at Kaitlyn.Peterson@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Ben Mullany at Ben.Mullany@mail.house.gov .  ###

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, announced the Committee’s Subcommittee Chief Counsels for the 119th Congress: Subcommittee on Communications and Technology  Chief Counsel - Kate Harper Kate O’Connor Harper will serve as Chief Counsel for the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, where she has served for the past 5 years. Kate previously served as the Chief of Staff for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, where she worked on legislative and communications policy focused on spectrum and broadband issues. She also worked in NTIA’s Office of Congressional Affairs and engaged with Congress, state government officials, and other federal agencies to advance the Administration’s legislative initiatives on broadband and 5G. Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Chief Counsel - Giulia Leganski Giulia Leganski will serve as Chief Counsel for the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade. Prior to this role, Giulia served as a Professional Staff Member for the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, handling issues related to Big Tech, Section 230, Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, media, and public safety. Previously, Giulia worked as a Professional Staff Member for the House Small Business Committee, as Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, and in the White House Office of Legislative Affairs.  Subcommittee on Energy  Chief Counsel - Mary K. Martin Mary K. Martin will serve as Chief Counsel for the Subcommittee on Energy. Prior to her years at Energy and Commerce, Mary previously served as policy counsel and committee executive to the Environment, Technology & Regulatory Affairs Division at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Before joining the Chamber, Mary spent 10 years as an attorney in private practice litigating complex commercial disputes, including environmental contamination, toxic tort, breach of contract, and insurance coverage matters. Most recently, Mary served as Of Counsel at Steptoe & Johnson LLP in Washington, D.C.  Subcommittee on Environment  Chief Counsel - Jake Tyner  Jake Tyner will serve as Chief Counsel for the Subcommittee on Environment. Jake has extensive Capitol Hill experience, most recently serving as General Counsel for Senator Dan Sullivan. In this role, Jake led the Senator’s efforts on issues related to energy, then environment, natural resources, and permitting and regulatory reform. Prior to joining Senator Sullivan’s office, Jake worked for Congressman David McKinley of West Virginia, the ranking member on the Environment & Climate Change Subcommittee in the U.S. House of Representatives and at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Subcommittee on Health Chief Counsel - Jay Gulshen Jay Gulshen will serve as Chief Counsel for the Subcommittee on Health. Jay most recently served as a Senior Health Advisor for the Committee on Energy and Commerce, working on Medicare Part B and Part D. Prior to returning to Energy and Commerce, Jay worked for the Committee on Ways and Means, advising on Medicare Parts A and B, served as the Health Policy Advisor for Congressman Buddy Carter, and as a Legislative Associate for the Energy and Commerce’s Health Subcommittee. Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations  Chief Counsel - Brittany Havens Brittany Havens will serve as Chief Counsel for the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. Prior to this role, Brittany served as a Senior Oversight Counsel on the Committee on Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee working on a variety of issues, including oversight of federal agencies and programs; oversight of the tax-exempt sector; and legislation related to matters of tax administration. Prior to that, Brittany served in various roles for the Committee on Energy and Commerce between 2012 - 2022, most recently as a Professional Staff Member, conducting oversight on a wide range of topics within the Committee’s jurisdiction. The House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee staff will work under the direction of Staff Director Megan Jackson, Deputy Staff Director Sophie Khanahmadi, and Chief Counsel Joel Miller.