NE Washington News

House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials Chair Buddy Carter (R-GA) recently delivered opening remarks at a subcommittee hearing titled “The Fiscal Year 2025 Environmental Protection Agency Budget.” Carter, who represents a district in southeast Georgia with over 100 miles of coastline, the Okefenokee Swamp, and thriving forestlands, voiced concerns about the EPA's regulatory agenda and its potential impact on manufacturing.

Carter stated, “I recently assumed the gavel of this subcommittee and am privileged to be able to lead this panel’s important work to advance policies which provide for environmental protection while also growing our manufacturing and industrial base. My district is one of the fastest-growing economies in the country. Billions of dollars of investment are flowing to my district, fueled by Georgia’s pro-business policies, low-electricity rates, and access to the Ports of Savannah and Brunswick.”

However, he expressed concern that "the EPA’s regulatory agenda is poised to choke the prospects for increased prosperity." He pointed out that "the recently finalized Particulate Matter—PM2.5—standard will gridlock permitting at new and expanded manufacturing facilities."

He also criticized the EPA's mandate that almost 70 percent of new passenger vehicles sold by 2032 be electric. While not against electric vehicles (EVs), Carter said he was against mandates as they reduce consumer choice.

In addition to these concerns, Carter addressed what he perceives as an overreach by the EPA regarding coal-fired power plants. He mentioned Section 111 of the Clean Air Act requires emission reduction systems to be ‘adequately demonstrated.’ He argued that "no coal-fired power plant in North America has achieved a 90 percent capture rate" and that "guesswork is not a basis for telling states what standards to set."

Finally, Carter stressed the importance of working with state regulators rather than imposing federal plans. He said it was "imperative that Congress conducts robust oversight of the more than $41.5 billion given to EPA in the IRA, including the $31 billion in taxpayer funds the EPA was provided for its green bank and environmental justice block grant programs.”