Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee presses nominees on mine reclamation, nuclear cleanup and energy cuts
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Summary
An unnamed senator opened a confirmation hearing to question four nominees about commitments to enforce surface mining laws, continue nuclear and Cold War site cleanup, preserve energy-efficiency and renewable programs amid proposed deep budget cuts, and maintain international energy cooperation.
An unnamed senator opened a confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to question four nominees about how they would use their offices to protect communities, clean up legacy sites and maintain U.S. engagement on energy issues.
The senator told nominees Mr. Erdos, Ms. Robertson, Mr. Walsh and Mr. Eisner that while the jobs differ in technical focus, “the 4 jobs have in common … their importance and the responsibility the office holders will have to do well by the American people.” The senator asked each nominee to give assurances that they would carry out those responsibilities if confirmed.
The senator noted Mr. Erdos was nominated and confirmed to his position five years ago and asked for a commitment that he would continue to enforce surface mining laws and regulations, protect nearby communities during mining operations, restore land after mining and reclaim abandoned mine lands, especially as the administration seeks to increase coal production.
The senator asked Mr. Walsh for assurances that he would work to clean up the environmental legacy of Manhattan Project and Cold War weapon sites, citing recent testimony from Secretary Wright that the department remains committed to the cleanup program.
The senator expressed particular concern about energy-efficiency and renewable-energy programs. He said the department announced plans to cut dozens of efficiency rules that save consumers “hundreds of dollars on their utility bills annually,” and that the department proposed a 74% reduction in next year’s budget for energy-efficiency and renewable-energy programs. The senator asked Ms. Robertson whether she intends to continue the department’s long-standing efforts to improve efficiency and develop renewable sources or whether she plans to abandon those programs.
He also cited a reported 40% reduction in the department’s budget request for international affairs and expressed concern about the administration’s approach to alliances. The senator asked Mr. Eisner to assure the committee that the department will remain committed to working with allies on international energy issues.
The senator closed by reiterating that the committee’s role in confirmation hearings is to determine how nominees would use their offices “to do well by the American people” and said he looked forward to hearing directly from the nominees during the hearing.
