Rep. August Pfluger
The U.S. House of Representatives on April 16 voted 220-208 to approve legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX) that aims to help deliver meaningful emissions permitting reform in Congress.
The U.S. Senate on April 17 received for action the Foreign Emissions and Nonattainment Clarification for Economic Stability (FENCES) Act, H.R. 6409, which would amend the Clean Air Act to clarify standards for emissions emanating from outside of the United States.
“The passage of my FENCES Act is a win for American businesses and workers who have been unfairly penalized for pollution beyond their control,” Rep. Pfluger said. “By ensuring that foreign emissions and natural events, such as wildfires, are not counted against air monitoring data, this bill brings long-overdue fairness and certainty to the permitting process.
“This means fewer delays, lower costs for consumers, and more confidence for businesses looking to invest and create jobs,” added the congressman. “It is a practical, common-sense fix that protects our economy and the integrity of our air quality standards.”
Specifically, H.R. 6409 would rein in government overreach and protect states, energy producers, and manufacturers by bringing clarity and fairness standards to the Clean Air Act, while upholding environmental standards under the law, according to the text of the bill.
Several key House Republican leaders praised Rep. Pfluger for his leadership on the legislation and its passage.
“I’m grateful to Rep. Pfluger for bringing forward this critical legislation to cut onerous Biden-era red tape, prevent states from being penalized for foreign emissions, and ensure fair and consistent air quality designations that will lower costs, and am glad to see it pass the House,” U.S. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) said.
“It’s common sense that states should not be penalized for pollution that comes from other countries,” added U.S. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN). “Thankfully, in passing Congressman Pfluger’s FENCES Act, the House is bringing an end to this practice, easing unnecessary compliance burdens, and enabling American growth.”
H.R. 6409 has been endorsed by numerous entities, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the American Petroleum Institute, the National Mining Association, the National Association of Manufacturers, the American Iron and Steel Institute, and the Competitive Enterprise Institute, among others.