Highway Trust Fund Fix Signed Into Law

The President on Monday signed into law the bill, “To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to restore the Highway Trust Fund balance,” H.R. 6532 . 

The result is a transfer of $8.017 billion dollars from the General Fund to the Highway Trust Fund.  As suggested in previous coverage (Washington Briefing, 09-12-08) the action averted a  funding crisis for Fiscal Year 2009.

Contact John Sullivan or Leif Wathne.

Senate Committee Approves Bill to Establish Greenhouse Gas Inventory

The U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on Wednesday approved legislation (S. 1387) that would establish specific requirements for a greenhouse gas emissions reporting system at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency  (EPA).

The agency is formulating a proposal to establish a registry in response to legislation (PL . No. 110-161) Congress passed in 2007.  Under that law, EPA is required to propose a rule by the end of September. 

The Senate legislation, sponsored by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), however, would define greenhouse gases; set forth reporting requirements; establish standards for data quality and verification;and set new deadlines for the greenhouse gas registry. Although the committee approved the bill in a voice vote, the committee's Republicans voted "no" on the measure.

Senator Christopher “Kit” Bond (R-Mo.) expressed concern during debate that it would slow down the EPA rulemaking.  Senator Klobuchar responded that EPA has not acted and needs to be prodded.

She also said the bill would provide guidance to EPA as it goes through its rulemaking. Senator Klobuchar said she did not know what the schedule is for S. 1387,  but added she is working to get it passed by the end of the Congressional session.

Contact Andy O'Hare.

Congress Moves on Several Infrastructure Measures

The U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee this week advanced legislation related to a number of infrastructure issues.   These included bills to authorize:

> $1 billion a year for two years for repair and replacement of structurally deficient and functionally obsolescent bridges (H.R. 3999);
> $200 million for emergency dam repairs (H.R. 3224);
> $38.5 billion for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (S. 3500).

Of particular interest is language in H.R. 3999 that states these funds are provided in addition to funding already appropriated under current transportation law and also are immune from Congressional or Administration earmarks.   H.R. 3999 passed the U.S. House of Representatives on July 24 by a vote of 367 to 55. 

In addition, the bill requires that a full inventory of the nation's bridges be conducted and a "risk-based" system to prioritize those in need of repair or replacement be developed by the Federal Highway Administration.

Contact John Sullivan or Kevin Walgenbach.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration recently published its proposed rule titled, “Alcohol and Drug-Free Mines:  Policy, Prohibitions, Testing, Training, and Assistance.”

The proposed rule removes the metal/non metal standard and creates a new Part 66, which outlines program requirements for all mining sectors.  Provisions include: a written program policy requirement; employee education and awareness, and supervisory training.  It also includes an employee assistance program; pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion testing of miners; and additional elements that operators must manage such as record keeping and reporting. 

Comments are due on or before October 8, 2008.  PCA plans to file comment on the proposal.   

Contact Tom Harman.

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