Five dumb bills just passed by the House would screw the environment

[ProSense]

Five dumb bills just passed by the House would screw the environment

By Ben Adler

In an atmosphere of gridlock and partisan polarization, politicians in both parties produce legislative proposals while fully aware that they are wasting their time. Such was the case with the House of Representatives’ latest flurry of activity this week.

To celebrate what they called “Stop Government Abuse Week,” the Republican majority in the House passed a series of bills Thursday to muck up the regulatory process. Collectively, these bills would have an enormous negative impact on the EPA. Among all the other environmental regulations they would inhibit, they would prevent the forthcoming CO2 rules for power plants from being anywhere near as strong as they otherwise could and should be. Republicans don’t want to go on record voting to repeal the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, as that would be unpopular, so instead they would render the laws meaningless. Environmental groups such as Earthjustice and the Natural Resources Defense Council are horrified. Before the bills even passed, they signed a letter of protest in coalition with labor unions such as the AFL-CIO and consumer advocate groups like Public Citizen.

Here is a brief summary of what each of the bills would do to impede agencies from enforcing laws Congress has already passed:

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http://grist.org/politics/five-dumb-bills-just-passed-by-the-house-would-screw-the-environment/

Which 17 Democrats Want to Increase Corporate Influence on Federal Regulations?

by Liberty Equality Fraternity and Trees .

Rounding out a week of anti-regulatory action, the House today passed the Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency Act of 2013, a bill designed to increase corporate influence over federal regulations:

The bill, H.R. 899, would expand on the 1995 Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA), which was meant to stop the government from passing laws and issuing rules that foisted huge costs on the states and the private sector. It would also ensure all federal agencies are covered by the law, and force agencies to ensure that the lowest-cost rules are adopted.

The legislation requires agencies to include in regulatory costs the expected forgone profits of companies, costs passed on to consumers, and even costs related to behavioral changes caused by the rule. Additionally, it would require agencies to consult with private sector before issuing rules, and let courts block rules that aren't developed transparently.

Rep. Lacy Clay (MO-01) described its intent well:

"It would shackle key federal agencies, like OSHA, the FCC, the Mine Safety Administration and the CFPB," Clay said.

"This bill is not a job creator. It is a gift-wrapped offering to special interest lobbyists who advocate for no new rules, no regulations and no consequences for their clients, regardless of how much damage they cause."

It passed 234 to 176.

17 Democrats joined the Republican caucus:

Ron Barber (AZ-02)
John Barrow (GA-12)
Jim Costa (CA-16)
Henry Cuellar (TX-28)
Pete DeFazio (OR-04)
John Delaney (MD-06)
Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02)
Pete Gallego (TX-23)
Jim Matheson (UT-04)
Mike McIntyre (NC-07)
Patrick Murphy (FL-18)
Bill Owens (NY-23)
Scott Peters (CA-52)
Collin Peterson (MN-07)
Nick Rahall (WV-03)
Loretta Sanchez (CA-46)
Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-09)

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http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/02/28/1281167/-Which-17-Democrats-Want-to-Increase-Corporate-Influence-on-Federal-Regulations

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1. it's really hard to not give up sometimes. just say 'fuck it'

[ProSense]

2. Kick! n/t