In the past few weeks, there have been several changes in Washington that will directly benefit people across Wyoming. These include Wyoming’s energy workers, families who need affordable health care, and those concerned with preventing wildfires.
Ending the “Clean Power Plan”
On Oct. 10, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took steps to repeal the so-called Clean Power Plan rule. The EPA is supposed to issue reasonable regulations to protect America’s air.
However, the unreasonable and unlawful Clean Power Plan would have hurt energy workers in Wyoming while harming our state’s economy. It was a key part of efforts to destroy the reliable forms of energy – including coal – that Americans use.
America is blessed with enormous natural resources. Our goal should be to use them responsibly in ways that protect our environment and help grow our economy.
I look forward to working with EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt as he pursues sensible environmental policies that accomplish these goals.
Executive Action on Health Care
On Oct. 12, President Trump signed an executive order instructing the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and Treasury to find new ways of lowering the cost of health care while increasing competition.
Wyoming families need relief from Washington’s failed health care policies. I have always supported giving patients the freedom and flexibility to choose the health care plan that works best for them. President Trump’s decision is exactly the kind of bold action this country needs to make health care more affordable.
Wyoming Witnesses Testify on Wildfires
So far this year, wildfires have burned more than eight million acres in the United States. We need to find solutions to address this threat to our communities and wildlife. As chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), I’ve held multiple hearings on addressing and preventing catastrophic wildfires. At each of these hearings, I invited Wyoming witnesses to testify. This includes Jessica Crowder, policy advisor to the office of Wyoming Governor Matthew Mead and Bill Crapser, Wyoming’s state forester.
Crowder and Crapser highlighted how Wyoming is threatened by unmanaged, diseased and insect-infested forests. State and local forest managers need more flexibility to remove trees and dead wood that fuel these terrible fires. They both stressed the need to make it easier for state and federal agencies to treat these forests and help prevent future wildfires. By listening to experts like Crowder and Crapser, I was able to draft up my own wildfire legislation that I plan to introduce soon. This bill will enhance forest management so we can help reduce catastrophic wildfires and better protect wildlife habitat.
Looking Ahead
The Senate will continue to work on a plan that will make our tax code simpler and fairer and will lower the corporate tax rate. We will also start work on an infrastructure plan that will help address our nation’s aging roads, bridges, dams and water systems.
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