The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW), which has jurisdiction over infrastructure spending and environmental regulations, will have a new chairman and ranking Democrat in the new Congress, reports the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA). The committee will be led by Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and ranking Democrat Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.).
According to NSSGA, Sen. Barrasso overturned the Waters of the United States rule and is an advocate against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers. NSSGA adds that Carper is a surface transportation advocate and a proponent of increasing revenues in the Highway Trust Fund.
“Senate EPW will certainly play an integral role in discussions of President-elect Trump’s proposed $1 trillion infrastructure investment plan, as well as on key regulatory issues such as the onerous Waters of the United States rule,” says Ashley Amidon, director of government affairs for NSSGA. “NSSGA is well positioned with both senators to have a significant impact on the policies coming out of the committee.”
According to NSSGA, the Senate’s top leadership will be key to passing infrastructure packages and stopping burdensome regulations. Sen. Mitch McConnell, (R-Ky.), will continue as Majority Leader and Sen. Chuck Schumer, (D-N.Y.), will become the Minority Leader. In addition, Sen. Patrick Leahy, (D-Vt.), will replace retiring Sen. Barbara Mikulski, (D-Md.), as ranking member of appropriations, a committee that affects transportation and regulation funding.
