Republicans’ Energy and Water Appropriations Bill Slashes Investments in New Energy Technologies, Restricts Environmental Protections
WASHINGTON, DC – May 5, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today in opposition to House Republicans’ Energy and Water appropriations bill:
“Once again, House Republicans are using the appropriations process to score political points and send a message to their base by advancing funding bills that continue the disastrous sequester policy and that include partisan policy riders that would be disastrous for our country. Their Energy and Water appropriations bill would slash investments in developing new energy technologies through the cutting-edge ARPA-E program and the Department of Energy’s Office of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency. It would restrict the government’s ability to enforce the Clean Water Act and protect critical waterways like the Chesapeake Bay. Furthermore, it would reverse the Obama Administration’s efforts to work with stakeholders to set in place a National Ocean Policy for coastal conservation.
“Just as Republicans did yesterday, when they increased funding in the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill – while reaffirming their plan to apply sequester level caps to non-defense appropriations – their funding in this bill will require even deeper cuts to those domestic priorities already painfully underfunded as a result of their sequester policy. I urge House Republicans to abandon their failed strategy and instead work with Democrats to replace sequestration with a viable and responsible alternative that promotes fiscal sustainability while enabling Congress to invest in America’s long-term growth and competitiveness.”
Contact:
Mariel Saez 202-225-3130
