WASHINGTON DC – As Chairman of the Senate Western Caucus, I’m always looking for ways to create more jobs in the West, stop Washington overreach and make it easier to produce more energy here at home. April included new efforts in the Senate to stop Washington from taking over Wyoming’s water. The Senate also held a hearing on legislation to give Indian Country more control over their energy resources and increase economic development opportunities.
Stopping Washington from Taking Over Wyoming’s Water
In Wyoming, we’ve seen firsthand how destructive the “one-size-fits-all” policies coming out of Washington can be to rural states like ours. One of the biggest examples of this is the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) attempt to take control of all water in the United States. The EPA recently proposed the “Waters of the U.S.” rule that overturns the narrow definition of federal waters of the United States. Instead of simply monitoring oceans and rivers, it signifies EPA’s intention to regulate even the smallest bodies of water on private land – including natural ponds, mudflats, sand flats, wetlands, and wet meadows.
On April 9th, I joined a group of senators on the Environment and Public Works Committee in writing President Obama expressing our opposition to this federal water power grab. We cannot afford more Washington red tape that limits small business owners and homeowners from making local land and water use decisions. I’ll continue to look for every opportunity to make sure this rule does not go forward.
New Health Care Report
On April 2nd, I joined fellow doctor, Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK), in releasing a new report entitled “Prognosis: Outlook Not So Good” chronicling the scope of the President’s health care law’s side effects and challenges for patients, providers and taxpayers. Our new report confirms again exactly how Americans across the country are losing their insurance plans, watching their costs increase, and paying higher taxes.
Senate Holds Hearing on Tribal Energy Bill
On April 30th, the Senate Indian Affairs Committee held a hearing on my bill to help break down barriers to energy development in Indian Country. For years, Indian tribes have expressed concerns about the numerous federal laws and regulations that delay or prevent them from pursuing economic development opportunities—especially energy development.
By streamlining the approval process and eliminating duplicative regulations, the Tribal Energy and Self-Determination Act Amendments of 2014 gives tribes greater control of the management and development of their energy resources. This will give folks in Indian Country the tools they need to spur economic growth and create good paying jobs in their communities.
Wyoming Comes to Washington
This month, I had the honor of meeting with the Wyoming Assistant Principal of the Year, Tom Kreider, from Cheyenne’s East High School. I join the folks in Cheyenne and across the State of Wyoming in commending Tom for his leadership in the community and dedication to creating a positive learning environment for his students.
Youth delegates representing Wyoming’s 4-H program from Carbon, Johnson, Lincoln, Niobrara and Platte counties were also in town this month. We discussed agriculture issues and the importance and history of the 4-H program in Wyoming.
Looking Ahead
In May, the Senate and Congressional Western Caucuses will release a new joint report on how regulations imposed by Washington undermine the work that is being done at the state level to manage lands and natural resources, protect air and water, and conserve species.
As always, if you are going to be in Washington during the week, please stop by the office. We’re also more than happy to schedule a tour of the U.S. Capitol for you.
