Contact:

Matt Dempsey matt_dempsey@epw.senate.gov 202-224-9797

David Lungren david_lungren@epw.senate.gov 202-224-5642 

INHOFE RESPONDS TO WHITE HOUSE ANNOUNCEMENT ON NEPA

Concerned that Guidance Could Block New Energy Projects and Stifle Job Creation

Washington, DC-Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, issued the following statement in response to the Obama Administration's release of draft guidance on how federal agencies should use the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to address greenhouse gas emissions that result from major federal actions, as well as establishing and applying "categorical exclusions" under NEPA.

"I commend the Obama Administration for addressing the interplay between NEPA and greenhouse gas emissions," Sen. Inhofe said. "I look forward to working with them to ensure that NEPA is used judiciously and according to its original statutory purpose.

"Using NEPA as a backdoor tool to regulate greenhouse gases will stifle job creation and create greater uncertainty for the economy.  The Administration's proposed NEPA guidance for GHGs appears to do exactly that: it will enable federal agencies to block or delay production of America's domestic energy resources, which are the largest in the world. 

"In addition," Sen. Inhofe continued, "if the intent of the Obama Administration's proposal on categorical exclusions is to clarify NEPA to help advance production of America's energy resources, then the Administration should be commended.  If, however, the intent is to create jobs for environmental lawyers by adding greater burdens on an already cumbersome NEPA process, then it should be vigorously opposed. 

"Again, I look forward to working with the Administration to ensure NEPA reforms help create jobs and increase American energy production."

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