Pallone Celebrates Drinking Water, Environmental Wins in the Government Funding Package

Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) released the following statement today on the environmental provisions included in the end of year government funding agreement that he helped negotiate with other House and Senate committee leaders:

“I’m pleased to announce that we successfully negotiated the inclusion of several hard-fought environmental wins in the government funding package – wins that will help protect our communities, reduce dangerous pollution, and safeguard Americans’ drinking water.

“Notably, the bill reauthorizes the Drinking Water Infrastructure Risk and Resilience Program, providing $50 million each year through 2027 to improve the resilience of our water systems – including addressing cybersecurity risks. I fought hard to include this provision because I know that this is a vital, much-needed program considering the growing cyber threats our water systems face each day. I’m likewise glad that this package includes a provision allowing for the voluntary, year-round sale of gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol, known as E-15. By allowing for a higher blend of ethanol in our gasoline, Americans can rely more on homegrown biofuels that save drivers money at the pump and help insulate Americans from dramatic global price fluctuations.

“I’m also glad we were able to reauthorize the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Program for another five years, guaranteeing that we get more dirty diesel engines off the road, as well as enact critical resources to study and improve our recycling capabilities and our nation’s recycling system.”

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