U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse, Chris Van Hollen, Ed Markey, and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell have expressed support for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit’s decision to reinstate a previous administrative stay that prevents the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from reclaiming funds already allocated through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF). The full bench of the D.C. Circuit is set to rehear the case early next year.
In September, these lawmakers and more than thirty other members of Congress filed an amicus brief with the D.C. Circuit, urging it to maintain this position.
“We created the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund to spur investment in innovative clean energy solutions that create jobs, lower Americans’ energy costs, boost our economy, and reduce harmful emissions. The EPA stood up this program according to the letter of the law, awarding and disbursing funds after a rigorous and transparent process. As we have said since the day that the Trump Administration launched its politically motivated attacks on the GGRF, its brazen attempt to seize these legally awarded federal funds from private bank accounts is both unfounded and unlawful. As the full D.C. Circuit prepares to rehear the case, we will continue fighting to protect these essential investments to support good-paying jobs, reduce Americans’ energy bills, and strengthen our energy independence.”
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee plays a central role in overseeing federal programs related to environmental protection and infrastructure development across the United States. This committee manages legislative review on issues such as pollution control, water resources, public works projects, natural resource conservation and nationwide environmental regulations through specialized subcommittees. Its operations are based in Washington D.C., specifically at 410 Dirksen Senate Office Building (official website). Shelley Moore Capito currently chairs this committee (official website).
The committee's work affects national policy regarding environmental quality and infrastructure maintenance (official website), collaborating through subcommittees focused on clean air and transportation infrastructure among other topics (official website). It has evolved over time since its establishment in 1837 as part of ongoing efforts to address expanded oversight needs in environmental matters (official website).
