House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Republicans signaled an appetite Tuesday to pass industry-friendly policies easing Clean Water Act requirements.
In a hearing of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee, GOP lawmakers brought in a state regulator and industry heads to discuss the complexities behind water permitting and how they can slow down manufacturing projects.
“While the Clean Water Act has had many successes in maintaining and improving water quality for the benefits of citizens and industries nationwide, it unfortunately has also been used to slow or stop progress on important projects,” said subcommittee Chair Mike Collins (R-Ga.).
Collins — for whom Tuesday was his first hearing as panel chair — said he had a goal of “furthering the president’s goals” in his new leadership role. This included preventing “radical environmental activists” from halting manufacturing agendas, he said.
