To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, Offshore Safety and Environmental Enforcement for fiscal year 2024.
Impact
The enactment of HB2173 is expected to substantially impact the operational capabilities of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, as it constrains the budget available for vital safety and environmental enforcement activities. This limitation may lead to fewer inspections and oversight measures for offshore energy activities, which could increase risks related to environmental safety and regulatory compliance. Stakeholders in the offshore industry could see this as both a reduction in regulatory burden and a potential threat to environmental protection standards.
Summary
House Bill 2173 seeks to impose a limitation on the availability of funds for the U.S. Department of Interior's Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, specifically targeting the Offshore Safety and Environmental Enforcement division. For the fiscal year 2024, the funding authorized to be appropriated will not exceed $145,475,000. This bill reflects a legislative shift towards managing federal expenditures associated with environmental oversight in offshore activities.
Contention
The bill has generated significant debate among legislators and interest groups. Proponents argue that limiting funding is necessary to rein in federal spending and ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently. Critics, however, express concerns that reduced funding will compromise the enforcement of safety regulations and environmental protections in offshore drilling and other activities. This conflict highlights broader tensions in the ongoing discourse regarding environmental regulation versus economic considerations, positioning HB2173 at the heart of a contentious legislative issue.
To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for U.S. Department of Interior, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Regulation and Technology for fiscal year 2024.
To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for U.S. Department of Interior, Departmental Office, Office of the Secretary, Departmental Operations for fiscal year 2024.
To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for U.S. Department of Interior, Department-Wide Programs, Wildland Fire Management for fiscal year 2024.
To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for U.S. Department of Interior, Office of the Solicitor, Salaries and Expenses for fiscal year 2024.