Contacts:

Matt Dempsey Matt_Dempsey@epw.senate.gov (202) 224-9797

David Lungren David_Lungren@epw.senate.gov (202) 224-5642

EPW Passes Bipartisan Environmental Legislation

Inhofe Welcomes Balanced Bills that Protect Jobs and the Environment

Washington, D.C. -  Senator James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, today welcomed Committee passage of bipartisan environmental bills that protect jobs and the environment, and that will provide environmental benefits for Oklahoma and the nation.

"I am pleased that the EPW Committee was able to come together and pass common-sense environmental legislation," Inhofe said. "The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2010 and the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act will reduce emissions with real public health impacts and lower the level of lead in drinking water.  Notably, they will achieve these worthy goals without sacrificing jobs or economic growth.  Here, then, are models of bipartisan environmental legislation that I hope will swiftly pass through Congress and become law by year's end."

DERA and the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water were cosponsored by Senator Inhofe and were approved by a voice vote.

DERA: A five-year reauthorization of legislation that established a voluntary national and state-level grant and loan program to reduce diesel emissions. The original DERA legislation, authored by Senators George Voinovich (R-Ohio) and Tom Carper (D-Del.), enjoyed strong bipartisan support, passing the Senate by a vote of 92 to 1. The legislation was eventually included in the final version of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Read more about the bill here. 

Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water: A bill that strengthens and clarifies national standards for lead in drinking water by uniformly reducing the allowable lead content in drinking water pipes, pipe fittings, and plumbing fixtures. Read more about the bill here.

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