Senators Work to Stop EPA Climate Change Actions

Senator Lisa Murkowski (R- Alaska) on January 21 introduced a bipartisan disapproval resolution to block the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from regulating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions under the Clean Air Act.  Cosponsored by 35 Republicans and three Democrats, the resolution would nullify EPA's December 2009 finding that GHG emissions endanger public health and welfare and thus are subject to federal regulation under the Clean Air Act. The resolution was introduced under the Congressional Review Act, which offers expedited procedures to ensure an up-or-down vote on the Senate floor, with a simple majority of 51 senators needed for approval.  Even if the Senate approves the resolution, it must overcome political and procedural hurdles in the House, and requires President Obama's signature to overturn EPA's endangerment finding and stop further regulation.  Regardless of whether the resolution passes both chambers of Congress with a veto-proof majority, approval of the resolution would be a set-back to climate change efforts by the administration and the Democratic-controlled Congress. AGC does not support climate change policies that would adversely impact the commercial construction industry while bringing little environmental benefit, and supports the Murkowski amendment.  For more information on EPA's endangerment finding and AGC's response, click here. For more information, contact Karen Lapsevic at (202) 547-4733 or lapsevick@agc.org.