Fiscal Year 2013 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill Approved by Appropriations Committee

The House Appropriations Committee today approved the fiscal year 2013 Energy and Water and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. The legislation provides the annual funding for the various agencies and programs under the Department of Energy (DoE) and other related agencies, and totals $32.1 billion – a cut of $965 million below the President’s budget request.

“This bill makes targeted investments to encourage near-term job creation, improve public safety and regional commerce, strengthen national defense programs within the Department of Energy, and help reduce escalating energy costs that are putting pressure on family budgets around the country.  Funding for important programs was balanced by cutting spending in other areas – putting tasks that are better suited for the private sector in the hands of entrepreneurs, while focusing tax dollars where they are best and most appropriately used,” Rogers said.

Energy and Water Subcommittee Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen also commented on the bill:

“This legislation prioritizes investments in our nuclear security enterprise, programs to address gasoline prices, and opportunities to advance American competitiveness and get people back to work here at home,” Frelinghuysen said.

“All of our constituents are wrestling with how to pay for higher gasoline bills. This bill does not provide a quick-fix, since there is little these programs can do to immediately to change oil supply or demand. However, our bill provides investments to strengthen Department of Energy programs that address the causes of higher gasoline prices down the road,” Frelinghuysen continued.

The following amendments were approved by the Committee:

Rep. Frelinghuysen – The Managers Amendment makes technical changes to bill and report language, and makes minor adjustments in certain report language provisions. The amendment passed by voice vote.

Rep. Rehberg – The amendment prohibits funding for the Army Corps to develop or implement new guidance to expand the scope of federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act. The amendment passed on a vote of 29-20.

Rep. Alexander – The amendment prohibits funding to implement a mandate by the Energy Independence and Security Act which requires that all new or renovated federal buildings phase out the use of fossil generated electricity. The amendment passed on a voice vote.

Rep. Nunnelee – The Nunnelee amendment allows law-abiding citizens to legally possess firearms on Army Corps of Engineers Water Resource Development lands. The amendment passed on a voice vote.

Rep. LaTourette – The amendment adds language to the report directing the Army Corps of Engineers to consider the impact of flood risk on a small city’s economic viability in determining budget priorities within the Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies funding account. The amendment passed on a voice vote.

Rep. Rehberg – The amendment prohibits funding to implement instructions from the Secretary of Energy to alter operations – including possible changes to rate structures – at four regional power marketing administrations. The amendment passed on a voice vote.

The FY 2013 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill and Report were approved by the Full Committee on a voice vote.

For the text of the legislation considered today by the Appropriations Committee, please visit:

/UploadedFiles/BILLS-112HR-SC-AP-FY13-EnergyWater.pdf

For the accompanying bill report, please visit:

/UploadedFiles/EW-FY13-FULLCOMMITTEEREPORT.pdf