Us Congress House Bill HB2194

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/23
• Refer: 3/29/23
• Refer: 3/30/23
• Refer: 4/7/23

Caption

To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for Environmental Protection Agency, Hazards Substance Superfund for fiscal year 2024.

Impact

Implementing this bill would significantly affect the EPA's ability to manage and remediate hazardous waste sites as it directly contributes to the funding mechanism for the Superfund program. This limitation could slow down cleanup efforts at contaminated sites across various states and possibly lead to increased environmental risks. The bill reflects an ongoing tension in federal environmental policy, balancing economic concerns with environmental protection efforts. Critics may argue that such funding limitations could undermine public health and safety while potentially leading to greater long-term costs associated with environmental deterioration.

Summary

House Bill 2194 aims to impose a limitation on the availability of funds allocated for the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Hazardous Substance Superfund for the fiscal year 2024. The proposed limitation specifies that the total amounts authorized for this purpose shall not exceed $1,091,947,000. This bill is part of a broader congressional effort to control federal spending and address concerns about budget deficits. Proponents argue that capping funding for federal environmental programs is necessary to reduce government spending and reallocate resources to other pressing areas.

Contention

There is likely to be notable controversy over HB 2194 as it evokes strong opinions from various stakeholders including environmental advocates, local governments, and industry representatives. Supporters of the bill argue that it is a necessary fiscal responsibility measure, while opponents contend that limiting financial resources for critical environmental programs could endanger communities and the environment. Debates around funding for the EPA often touch on larger philosophical disagreements about the role of government in regulating health and safety versus limiting federal overreach. The point of contention remains how to effectively prioritize federal funding in a way that balances economic and public health interests.