Category: US Senate

Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski

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Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski

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Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

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Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

BISMARCK—U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), member of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, penned an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal on the principles needed to reach a commonsense agreement between Republicans and Democrats on transmission.

“Democrats have made clear transmission policy will be part of any permitting deal. They are set to propose a requirement that regional grid operators transfer electricity to neighboring regions when another has a shortage. This would force an infrastructure build-out to facilitate that exchange. Some also think the federal government should be able to take over projects that states have nixed or that are taking too long to consider. While both policies are supposed to make the grid more resilient, they are particularly aimed at propping up green energy by spreading the costs of its transmission,” wrote Senator Cramer.

“Too often, advocates of transmission reform portray states as the problem. They claim states are too slow and self-interested, but as a former state utility regulator, I disagree. While generation and interstate transmission can be complicated, federal involvement can pile on even more bureaucratic complexity,” continued Senator Cramer.

“In the end, the user-pays principle must prevail instead of allowing some states to impose their green agendas beyond their borders. If Minnesota wants all renewables, they, not North Dakotans, should bear the cost. Last year’s discussions fell short largely because transmission policy lacked clarity, permitting reforms lacked teeth, and the whole process lacked public scrutiny. Even though I voted no, I committed to being a willing partner. Momentum is positive, and if we stay within the rails, we can get this done right,” concluded Senator Cramer.

How to Keep Electricity Flowing

By Senator Kevin Cramer

Wall Street Journal

5.30.2023

Permitting has finally risen to the top of the agenda in Washington. After hearing Republicans advocate reform for years, Democrats have realized that offshore wind turbines, solar farms and lithium mines are stuck in the same maze as every other federal project. Thankfully, members of Congress are proposing solutions. A major sticking point last time reform was attempted was transmission, or how electricity is delivered across the country. But it doesn’t need to be a polarizing topic.

Democrats have made clear that transmission policy will be part of any permitting deal. They are set to propose a requirement that regional grid operators transfer electricity to neighboring regions when another has a shortage. This would force an infrastructure build-out to facilitate that exchange. Some also think that the federal government should be able to take over projects that states have nixed or that are taking too long to consider. While both policies are supposed to make the grid more resilient, they are particularly aimed at propping up green energy by spreading the costs of its transmission.

Despite the parties’ differences, Republicans should engage. We all want reliable, affordable electricity, and this is something for which Americans increasingly struggle. For years, the North American Electric Reliability Corp. has warned of resource adequacy shortfalls. Recently, Federal Energy Regulatory Commissioner Mark Christie testified that the U.S. electric grid is “heading for a very catastrophic situation in terms of reliability.” The point was reiterated by other FERC officials. Texas and California have experienced rolling brownouts and blackouts when demand exceeds generation. New England’s natural-gas pipeline constraints have led its grid operator to propose a costly solution: paying power producers to store fuel oil on site in case of emergency or high demand.

Lawmakers can reach a reasonable solution, but reforms must benefit all projects, not only the Democrats’ favored few. And more federal intervention shouldn’t be the default. Pipelines, roads, and power lines with a federal nexus all need Clean Water Act discharge permits, rights of way, Endangered Species Act consultations, and National Environmental Policy Act compliance. These federal hurdles make things harder on green and nongreen projects alike.

Too often, advocates of transmission reform portray states as the problem. They claim states are too slow and self-interested, but as a former state utility regulator, I disagree. While generation and interstate transmission can be complicated, federal involvement can pile on even more bureaucratic complexity. When I served on the North Dakota Public Service Commission, even our slowest decisions would put the FERC’s speediest ones to shame. Our commission granted an application to double the capacity of a gas processing plant in three months. Contrast that with the Council on Environmental Quality’s 2020 report showing the average time for an environmental impact statement across all federal agencies was 4½ years. When Washington steps in, tone-deaf inefficiency comes with it.

There are some areas in which the federal government could be useful, but it would be through refining the processes by which Washington already wields authority rather than granting it more power. As the law is now, the federal government can take over the siting and permitting of certain transmission lines if a state has failed to reach a conclusion on a project a year after it received an application. Like every other major piece of infrastructure, transmission projects are costly investments, and a federal backstop can offer helpful reassurance that a project won’t be stuck in regulatory limbo.

But even with reforms, federal behemoths will simply be less nimble than state regulators. Rather than relegating state officials to obscurity, their involvement should be prioritized in the hope they greenlight projects before cumbersome federal bureaucracies take over.

Some Democrats have proposed the FERC mandate that regional transmission organizations, or RTOs, facilitate minimum transfer capabilities. It’s pitched as akin to a neighbor borrowing a cup of sugar. An RTO would be required to build enough transmission to share a percentage of its power with a neighbor when they are in need. But the NERC’s most recent blackout warnings indicate capacity shortfalls, not excess that can be shared. Their report described two recent widespread weather events where neighboring RTOs were unable to share resources because they were both facing simultaneous resource-adequacy issues.

Federally mandating certain levels of regional connections wouldn’t help either. It’s contrary to a regulatory standard of prudence and is a step toward grid nationalization. While there is a large interconnection queue of renewable generation waiting to come online, it’s only as dependable as the weather and can cause greater system instability. Clean, reliable solutions like CCUS—carbon capture, usage, and storage—and nuclear power are available, but only if lawmakers counter the religiosity of the renewable-only generation.

The feds should also stay out of cost allocation. It’s an understandable impulse for Washington to involve itself, given that allocating who pays for what will be a complex part of transmission. But determining who covers the bill for a project is beyond the scope of permitting. No matter what, new transmission will show up on utility bills, and it won’t be a small cost. FERC and state regulators are familiar with the “just and reasonable” standard for electricity rates, but proposals thus far have muddied the waters, with some claiming transmission costs should be broadly disbursed rather than targeting those who benefit.

In the end, the user-pays principle must prevail instead of allowing some states to impose their green agendas beyond their borders. If Minnesota wants all renewables, they, not North Dakotans, should bear the cost.

Last year’s discussions fell short largely because transmission policy lacked clarity, permitting reforms lacked teeth, and the whole process lacked public scrutiny. Even though I voted no, I committed to being a willing partner. Momentum is positive, and if we stay within the rails, we can get this done right.

Source: United States Senator for Kansas – Jerry Moran

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (Kan.) – lead Republican of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee – today released the following statement to recognize Memorial Day 2023:

“I recently had the honor to present an American flag to a World War II Kansas veteran and thank him for his service. Speaking to World War II veterans, I am reminded of the heroic sacrifices thousands from the Greatest Generation and throughout our nation’s history made to protect the world from tyranny. Decades come and go, but we will always remember the service of the men and women who fought and died in far off places like Germany, Korea, Vietnam and Afghanistan – to defend our freedoms and our way of life. We also recognize that military service is family service, and no one knows better the true cost of freedom than those who have lost a loved one as a result of their military service. This Memorial Day, I want to take time to honor our fallen servicemembers. To those brave Americans who gave their lives in defense of this nation, and to their families: we respect you; we thank you for your service; and we love you.”

Sen. Moran recently led the introduction and passage of a resolution to recognize the 50th anniversary of the homecoming of prisoners of war from Vietnam. That resolution can be found here.

Sen. Moran introduced the Love Lives On Act, which would allow spouses of deceased servicemembers to retain certain survivor benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense, if they remarry before the age of 55. You can read more on that legislation here.

Sen. Moran presents World War II veteran, Kenneth Miller of Stockton, with an American flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in his honor.

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Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

Bipartisan, bicameral legislation would require DOD to track, publish overdose data for service members and their families while expanding access to treatment, prevention resources

Bill Text (PDF) 

Washington (May 30, 2023) – Today, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), chair of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security and a member of the U.S. Commission on Combating Synthetic Opioid Trafficking, alongside Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Mike Braun (R-Ind.) and Representatives Seth Moulton (MA-06) and Nancy Mace (SC-01), led their colleagues in announcing the introduction of theDepartment of Defense Overdose Data (DOD) Act,bipartisan and bicamerallegislationto address the impacts of the opioid epidemic among members of the U.S. military and their family. The legislation would require the Department of Defense to provide an annual public report outlining fatal and non-fatal overdoses among service members and military families, address barriers to care for substance use disorder (SUD), and expand access to overdose prevention tools like naloxone, a nasal spray capable of reversing a fatal opioid overdose, and fentanyl test strips.

“The opioid epidemic is reaching every community across our country, including military bases,” said Senator Markey.“One service member whose life is lost because they couldn’t get the help they need is unacceptable, yet in recent years, hundreds of service members have suffered a fatal overdose, and thousands more nearly did. The information we received from the Department of Defense is a call to action to address this epidemic’s impact on service members and their families and to institute systemic reform to prevent overdose, improve access to treatment, and reduce the stigma of asking for help.”

“The statistics uncovered by Senator Markey’s investigation – 15,000 active-duty overdose deaths or near-deaths between 2017-2021 – are extremely alarming. This is not only a tragedy for those individuals and their families, it is an institutional failure and a threat to our national defense,” said Congressman Moulton.“We need more data, more accountability, and a plan for stopping so many of these preventable deaths from happening in the future. This legislation would require critical reporting that will help destigmatize mental health in the military and inform solutions for decreasing overdoes and addiction rates.”

“Tragically, the impacts of fentanyl and the opioid crisis are felt across the country, including among the military community. Fully understanding the extent of this epidemic is important to how we approach the solutions, including how we provide support for military members struggling with substance misuse,” said Senator Murkowski. “I’ve long supported improving access to overdose prevention tools like naloxone, and this bipartisan effort to collect strong data will help improve efforts to address the opioid crisis, ultimately saving lives.”

“The substance use crisis is devastating communities across the country, and it’s more important than ever that we take action to tackle this epidemic head-on, including by doing everything we can to protect our service members,” said Senator Warren. “I’m glad to partner with my colleagues to introduce this bipartisan legislation to expand access to treatment and prevention services for service members and require the Department of Defense to make its overdose data publicly available”

“Drug overdose among servicemembers is a serious problem that needs more attention – the number of fentanyl overdoses doubled from 2017 to 2021,” said Senator Braun. “This bill will help shed more light on this issue and find solutions.”

“As the daughter of an Army General, we understand the Department of Defense Overdose Data (DOD) Act is a crucial step towards addressing the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic within our armed forces,” said Congresswoman Mace. “We owe it to those who have put their lives on the line for our country to better understand the scope of the problem and implement effective solutions. Our military personnel and their loved ones make immense sacrifices for our nation, and it is our duty to ensure their well-being and access to necessary care.”

The introduction of theDOD Actfollows an investigation led by Senator Markey, which revealed that there were more than 15,000 fatal and non-fatal overdoses among active duty service members between 2017 and 2021. Of the 322 fatal overdoses reported, 174 involved fentanyl and 54 occurred in 2021 alone.In their letter to the Department of Defense requesting information on overdoses in the military, Senator Markey and four of his colleagues raised concerns about rising overdose deaths at Fort Bragg, as well asreportsof overdoses at Fort Bliss and West Point.

Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), and Angus King (I-Maine) joined Senators Markey, Murkowski, Warren, and Braun as cosponsors.

Specifically, theDOD Actwould require the Department of Defense to:

• Report annually on service member and military family overdoses and related data—including demographic data, substances involved, number of intentional overdoses, whether or not service members were prescribed naloxone before a non-fatal overdose, previous prescriptions, co-morbid mental health diagnoses, previous overdose history, referral to treatment, participation in treatment, history of positive drug tests, analysis of discernable patterns in overdoses, existing and anticipated response efforts, access to treatment, and available treatment programs;
• Assess barriers to SUD treatment and prevention by engaging with a research center to identify solutions for increasing access to care, non-opioid pain management, interagency actions, and continuity of care while reducing stigma and educating service members on prevention, harm reduction, and treatment; and,
• Develop a new standard for the distribution of naloxone or other medication for overdose reversal, opioid disposal materials, fentanyl test strips, and other materials to prevent or reduce overdose, SUD, or other impacts of substance use.

TheDOD Actis endorsed by theWounded Warrior Project, American Legion, SAFE Project, Faces and Voices of Recovery, Home Base, Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund, Mass General Brigham, Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association, and the Cape & Islands Veterans Outreach Center.

“There is no question that the United States Department of Defense always has an extraordinary level of responsibility to the nation and to those who serve the nation. Promises are made to civilians when they become members of the military. Promises of care for service related injuries are made, but some injuries are much more difficult to see, diagnose, and treat,”said Stephanie Keegan, Gold Star Mother and Veterans’ Advocate.“As with any injury the more information available on historic treatment methods, successes and failures of treatment, and gaps in treatment brings with it more formidable care plans, more successful treatment programs, and a higher level of improved quality of life while also slowing the numbers of suffering and death. Gathering the information that will be a product of the of implementation of the Department of Defense Overdose Act of 2023 will save lives, strengthen families, and build longer and more successful military careers for many. This bill is extremely important and has my absolute endorsement and full support.”

“Wounded Warrior Project’s 2023 Annual Warrior Survey results showed that substantial or severe levels of drug abuse and misuse can have a negative impact on veterans’ mental health and ultimately their quality of life,”said Jose Ramos, Vice President of Government and Community Relations at the Wounded Warrior Project.“As awareness, legislative efforts, and education efforts around opioid use and misuse have increased, we are happy to support an effort for more transparency around opioid issues within the Department of Defense. We appreciate Senator Markey’s leadership in introducing the Department of Defense Overdose Disclosure Act.”

“The escalating trend of substance abuse and overdoses among active-duty service members is alarming, necessitating that Congress take swift and decisive action to address this critical issue,”said Vincent J. “Jim” Troiola, National Commander at The American Legion.“TheDepartment of Defense Overdose Act of 2023, spearheaded by Senator Markey, highlights the significance of comprehensive analysis and tailored interventions, promoting health and resilience for our nations service members through improved prevention and support measures. The American Legion expresses gratitude to Senator Markey for his leadership and is honored to endorse this legislation.”

“Far too many Veterans and Services Members turn to drugs to cope with the physical pain, intense emotions, traumatic memories and the difficulties of adjusting to civilian life,”said Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Jack Hammond, Executive Director of Home Base.“I have seen firsthand countless warriors struggle with unseen injuries that proved to be just as debilitating as anything visible. The men and women who defend our nation deserve better. The DOD Act will allow us to fulfill our promise to never forget our nation’s heroes by ensuring better access to education, treatment and resources to those who are struggling with substance use and mental health concerns to heal the invisible wounds and provide hope.”

“The Department of Defense’s identification of 332 fatal drug overdoses and nearly 15,000 non-fatal overdoses is alarming. These are not just statistics, but represent lives lost and a staggering number of service members experiencing non-fatal overdose. This is an unacceptable situation,”said Jeff Horwitz, Chief Executive Officer of the SAFE Project.“Monitoring and tracking these numbers is an essential measure in addressing and resolving this problem. Understanding the true extent of the crisis is a critical first step which must lead to a collaborative approach to combat the multifaceted nature of this issue. With accurate and timely information, we can reduce overdoses, improve mental health supports, and ultimately create a safer and healthier future for our service members and their families.”

“More than 1 in 10 veterans have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder, which can be magnified in severity by social and medical risk factors such as chronic pain, suicide risk, trauma, and homelessness. The importance of acknowledging these issues—and finding successful treatment interventions—is not just a concern of the military, but a public health responsibility. Substance use treatment should be seen as a normal and accessible part of healthcare,”said Dr. Gregg Meyer, President of the Mass General Brigham Community Division and former Colonel in the United States Air Force.

Earlier this month, Senator Markey ledfive of his colleagues in a letter to the Biden administration urging federal health officials make key pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities permanent for SUD treatment andcare. In March, he and his colleagues introduced their bipartisan and bicameralModernizing Opioid Treatment Access Actto improve access to methadone, a SUD medication treatment, by modernizing outdated rules. In December, Senator Markey secured his bipartisan Opioid Treatment Access Act(OTAA)—legislation that reduces wait times for patients qualifying for methadone medication treatment and expands access to methadone clinics—into the end-of-year omnibus spending package. That same month, the Department of Health and Human Services announced it would remove barriers to SUD treatment, such as allowing people to take home doses of methadone medication, which are key provisions included in the OTAA.  

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Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

WASHINGTON – The Washington Examiner highlighted the forthcoming Foreign Pollution Fee proposal from U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA). A Foreign Pollution Fee, coupled with permitting reform, would hold China accountable, expand domestic production, increase opportunities for the American family, and decrease global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

“Sen. Bill Cassidy is convinced he has the policy that can challenge China’s geopolitical and military might, put a dent in its bountiful greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen the U.S. economy, and, perhaps most importantly, get to 60 votes.

“Cassidy said he’s floating a proposal around to his colleagues, which he hopes to introduce later this year, to impose a ‘foreign pollution fee’ on various product imports from fuel, to chemicals, cement, aluminum, steel, and plastics to deal with these various China-related political, environmental, and national security interests at once.

“‘I actually think that it’s the only way to address it, and I do think it’s got political legs,’ Cassidy told Jeremy.

“All about CBAM: Congress is increasingly preoccupied with countering Chinese military activities, which it feeds with a vast industrial base run largely on coal.

“China is also planning significant new coal-fired power capacity to fuel its growing economy at a time when international authorities and the West are committing to phase out coal-fired power generation to blunt climate change.

“The answer lies in a carbon border adjustment mechanism — a carbon tariff — which Cassidy prefers to call a foreign pollution fee. 

“The idea to levy a charge on energy- and therefore emissions-intensive goods such as steel and aluminum has been floating around Capitol Hill for a while, with support from both Republicans and Democrats… 

“‘It is a way for the U.S. to pursue climate, economic, and foreign policy interests in a peaceful way in which China has the ability to adapt and to adjust and to participate fully in a very positive way,’ Cassidy said. ‘But it also helps prevent China from gaming, arbitraging, or cheating international norms when it comes to taking care of the environment, etc.’” 

Read the full article here.

Background

Cassidy penned an op-ed in The Washington Times discussing the geopolitical threats China poses to U.S. global standing. Cassidy stressed the need for a U.S. foreign policy towards China that meets at the nexus of national security, energy security, economic policy, and climate policy.

Cassidy recently joined Greta Van Susteren on Newsmax to discuss his foreign pollution fee, noting the competitive advantage China receives from intentionally ignoring environmental standards. 

Last year, Cassidy released a landmark energy & climate policy outline in response to the Biden administration’s assault on domestic energy. The outline details how we can successfully reset U.S. energy policy, including Cassidy’s plan for an Energy Operation Warp Speed to cut permitting red tape and unleash domestic energy.

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Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)