WASHINGTON, DC - The House Energy and Commerce Committee today announced its hearing schedule for the week of May 11. The committee will continue its work to say #Yes2Energy and build the Architecture of Abundance, review the United States’ oversight role of critical Internet functions, work to improve transparency and process at the FCC, and review the current state of our country’s nuclear waste management.
On Wednesday the Subcommittee on Energy and Power will continue its work to build the Architecture of Abundance with a review of two discussion drafts unveiled earlier this week. First, the members will review draft legislation that seeks to modernize and improve the hydropower licensing and relicensing process to make it more efficient and transparent while preserving and protecting the environment. Second, members will review draft legislation designed to modernize and reform the siting review process for natural gas pipelines. The draft reinforces the role of FERC and instructs it to coordinate with all other agencies involved and set reasonable timelines for review.as they are posted.
Also on Wednesday, the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology will discuss the Obama administration’s announcement of plans for a process that could remove the United States Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration from its oversight role of critical Internet functions. Members will hear from stakeholders to learn about where the transition stands and the effects it may have on the Internet. Members will also review H.R. 805, the Domain Openness Through Continued Oversight Matters (DOTCOM) Act. The bill would provide the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office one year to study these potential consequences before the transition could occur.as they are posted.
On Friday, the Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy will review the current status of the United States’ nuclear waste management policy, the scientific and technical review of a permanent nuclear waste repository, and the implications of continued inaction relating to the development of a permanent disposal facility. “It’s been over 30 years since Congress passed the Nuclear Waste Policy Act, yet we still haven’t fixed our nuclear waste problems. The unlawful closure of Yucca Mountain was a major setback, but I believe we are now headed back on the right track as the licensing process continues," said Subcommittee Chairman John Shimkus. “I look forward to hearing from the witnesses next week about the state of our nation’s nuclear waste management as we continue our work toward a viable solution." The Majority Memorandum, a witness list, and witness testimony will be available here as they are posted.
Also on Friday, the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology will examine additional bills to improve transparency and process at the FCC. Members will also review a number of additional draft proposals offered by Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) and the Democratic members of the subcommittee.as they are posted.
Hearing Details:
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
10:00 AM
2123 Rayburn HOB
Subcommittee on Energy and Power
Hearing on “Discussion Drafts Addressing Hydropower Regulatory Modernization and FERC Process Coordination under the Natural Gas Act “
2 PM
2322 Rayburn HOB
Subcommittee on Communications and Technology
Hearing on “Stakeholder Perspectives on the IANA Transition"
Friday, May 15, 2015
9:00 AM
2123 Rayburn HOB
Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy
Hearing on “An Update on the Current Status of Nuclear Waste Management Policy"
9:15 AM
2322 Rayburn HOB
Subcommittee on Communications and Technology
Hearing on “FCC Reauthorization: Improving Commission Transparency - Part II"
