With the spring recess fast approaching, Congress will turn to passing President Obama’s budget before departing.  The President’s budget plan made room for revenues derived from a cap-and-trade system to help fund middle class tax breaks.  The House and Senate have changed that formulation somewhat, and senior Energy and Commerce democrats have said they would like to have a cap-and-trade program go through the regular legislative order then go through the budget process.  Also, rumors are swirling that Rep. Ed Markey might release a draft cap-and-trade proposal sometime this week, maybe even as early as tomorrow.

In the committees, Congress will hear from EPA, Department Of Interior and USDA nominees and markup energy legislation in addition to other slated hearings, several of which pertain to transportation, renewable fuels and climate change.

On Tuesday, March 30 the House Science and Technology Committee will conduct a hearing to address the research agenda required to mitigate the environmental impact of the transportation infrastructure on the environment, with an emphasis on climate change.  Witnesses include David Matsuda, Acting Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy at the U.S. Department of Transportation; Catherine Ciarlo, Transportation Director at the Office of Mayor Sam Adams; Dr. Laurence Rilett, the Keith W. Klaasmeyer Chair in Engineering and Technology and the Director of the Nebraska Transportation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Mr. Steven Winkelman, the Director of Transportation and Adaptation Programs at the Center for Clean Air Policy; and Mike Acott, the President of the National Asphalt Pavement Association. The hearing will commence at 10 a.m. in Room 2318 of the Rayburn House Building.

On Wednesday, April 1, The Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee’s Clean Air and Nuclear Safety Subcommittee will hold a hearing titled “Oversight - the Environmental Protection Agency’s Renewable Fuel Standard” at 10 a.m. in Room 406 of the Dirksen Senate Building.  Witnesses scheduled to testify are Charles T. Drevna, President, National Petroleum Refiners Association; Kelly Tiller, Director of External Operations, University of Tennessee Office of Bioenergy Programs; Michael McAdams, President, Advanced Biofuels Association; Nathanael Greene, Director of Renewable Energy Policy, Air & Energy Department, Natural Resources Defense Council; and Blake Early, Environmental Consultant, American Lung Association.

The following day, Thursday, April 2, Regina McCarthy, nominee for Assistant Administrator of EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation will testify before the EPW Committee.  The hearing is scheduled for 9:25 a.m. in Room 406 of the Dirksen Senate Building.

For further information about this topic, please contact Akin Gump.