Oklahoma’s five members of the U.S. House were in support of a Republican move on Friday to slash about 40% of the EPA’s budget.
The measure was approved on a 213-203 vote and is aimed at cutting 39% of the budget for the Environmental Protection Agency. It would be the smallest budget the agency has had in nearly 30 years.
Reps. Stephanie Bice, Josh Brecheen, Tom Cole, Kevin Hern and Frank Lucas voted to support the move.
At least three Republicans, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Mike Lawler of New York and Marc Molinaro of New York voted against the bill. Texas Democrat Vicente Gonzalez voted for it.
The bill doesn’t stand much of a chance in becoming law since Democrats control the Senate and President Biden is a strong green energy advocate.
Meanwhile, the reduction in the EPA budget came after the House also approved H.R. 4821, the Department of Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal year 2024.
Passed on a vote of 213-203, the $25.4 billion for the Interior Department, EPA and other agencies was $13.43 billion below the fiscal year 2023 funding levels. It was more than $21 billion below the president’s budget request.
“This legislation leverages House Republicans’ all-of-the-above domestic energy strategy by restarting onshore and offshore U.S. oil and gas leasing and reducing billions in spending on overreaching and overregulated EPA programs,” remarked Rep. Tom Cole who voted for the measure.
“In addition, it protects hunting, fishing and recreational access as well as limits efforts by the Biden Administration that burdens farmers, ranchers and landowners through the flawed Waters of the United States rule and abuse of the Endangered Species Act.
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