Senate Environment and Public Works Committee
U.S. Government: Elected Officials | U.S. Congressional Committees
Recent News About Senate Environment and Public Works Committee
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Senator Shelley Moore Capito led a Senate hearing reviewing progress on restoring America's Great Lakes region. Lawmakers discussed reauthorizing key federal programs aimed at protecting water quality while stakeholders shared recommendations for future improvements.
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Senator Sheldon Whitehouse has launched an investigation into AI company xAI's operation of unpermitted gas turbines in Mississippi communities already facing pollution risks. The senator is seeking answers from EPA officials regarding enforcement actions while highlighting broader concerns over new fossil-fueled data centers nationwide.
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Senator Shelley Moore Capito led a hearing examining partnerships behind Great Lakes restoration efforts. Witnesses described collaboration among government agencies and universities while highlighting opportunities for improved coordination.
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Senator Sheldon Whitehouse has launched an investigation into a nearly $1 billion payment by the Trump Administration aimed at ending two major offshore wind projects. The probe raises questions about legal compliance as well as potential impacts on clean energy efforts.
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Senators Whitehouse and Schumer led a forum discussing how climate change raises household expenses like insurance premiums and grocery prices. Experts testified about increasing annual costs tied directly to environmental changes affecting health care or food production. The session underscored ongoing legislative efforts addressing national affordability challenges.
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Senate Democrats held a roundtable highlighting how recent federal policies have contributed to rising household energy costs. Participants pointed out specific actions impacting utility rates while emphasizing consequences for working families across America.
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Senator Sheldon Whitehouse has launched an investigation into discrepancies between reported and observed methane emissions in the Permian Basin. Satellite data indicate actual emissions are much higher than industry reports suggest. The inquiry seeks answers from major oil producers about their monitoring practices.
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Senator Shelley Moore Capito led questions during an EPW subcommittee hearing on implementing the Endangered Species Act. Witnesses discussed increasing state roles and handling naturally diseased species under current law.
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Senator Pete Ricketts led a hearing examining how well the Endangered Species Act recovers endangered species. He raised concerns about low recovery rates while highlighting local conservation successes in Nebraska.
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Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressman Ro Khanna have reintroduced legislation aimed at taxing large oil company profits during periods of high gas prices linked with global conflict. The proposed bill seeks consumer relief through quarterly rebates funded by taxing excess profits from major oil producers.
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Senator Sheldon Whitehouse released a statement criticizing recent actions by Kennedy Center leadership ahead of a key board meeting. He raised concerns about governance changes under President Trump’s chairmanship and called for more transparency regarding financial management.
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Senators Whitehouse, Heinrich, and Van Hollen have launched an investigation into AI companies planning large-scale data centers powered by new gas plants. The inquiry focuses on potential environmental impacts from increased emissions. Companies are asked about their decisions regarding energy sources.
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Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Chuck Schumer have raised concerns about how federal fine arts are managed following staff layoffs at GSA's Fine Arts division. Their letters call for greater oversight amid building sales that may put historic artworks at risk.
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Senator Sheldon Whitehouse filed a public comment criticizing the Department of Energy's new policy allowing some advanced nuclear reactors to bypass detailed environmental review. He raised concerns about weakened safety standards and oversight. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee continues its role overseeing these issues.
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Senator Sheldon Whitehouse delivered an opening statement at a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing addressing diesel emissions policy and recent EPA actions. His remarks highlighted both historical progress under the Clean Air Act and concerns over regulatory rollbacks affecting public health costs.
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Senator Sheldon Whitehouse filed a court brief opposing President Trump's mass exemptions from hazardous air pollutant rules. The case questions whether proper legal procedures were followed for these exemptions under federal law.
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Senator Shelley Moore Capito led a hearing on March 11 about how diesel engine derates affect public safety in cold climates and farming operations. Witnesses described challenges faced by emergency responders in Alaska and farmers' reluctance toward new equipment due to reliability concerns.
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Senator Shelley Moore Capito led a Senate hearing examining new legislation aimed at improving diesel vehicle reliability during cold weather conditions. The bill seeks exemptions from certain EPA emission controls that have caused operational issues for drivers in rural areas.
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U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Martin Heinrich announced that they are reopening negotiations on permitting reform after recent discussions with colleagues.
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Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) led a Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee hearing to review a discussion draft of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Fee Reauthorization and Improvement Act of 2026.