Greta Jimenez
Several committees deal with pollution, including the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, which has jurisdiction over matters related to soil, air, noise, and water contamination, as well as environmental response to emergencies. The Committee on Environment and Public Works, also known as EPW, plays a critical role in bipartisan infrastructure laws and policies, such as the Water Resources Development Act of 2022. NACWA's committee structure also addresses pollution-related issues, focusing on clean water initiatives, environmental justice, and compliance with pretreatment regulations. These committees work to shape environmental policies, collaborate with the EPA, and address specific concerns related to pollution prevention and management.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of Committee | U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) |
| House Committee | Energy and Commerce |
| Areas Covered | Soil, air, noise, and water contamination; emergency environmental response, both physical and cybersecurity |
| Related Legislation | Nuclear Waste Policy Act, Clean Air Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act, Solid Waste Disposal Act, Toxic Substance Control Act, Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program |
| Specific Focus Areas | National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), New Source Performance Standards (NSPS), Mobile Source Standards for vehicles, aircraft, and fuel additives |
| Other Focus Areas | Combined sewer overflows, sanitary sewer overflows, treatment plant operations, collection system management, National Industrial Pretreatment Program, voluntary pollution prevention measures, security, and emergency preparedness |
| Association | NACWA |
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What You'll Learn
The US Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works
The committee has jurisdiction over various legislation and policies related to pollution, including the Clean Air Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, and the Solid Waste Disposal Act. They also address combined sewer overflows, sanitary sewer overflows, and collection system management. Additionally, the committee works to advance policies that improve the ability of utilities to manage wet weather flows, such as through the use of peak wet weather treatment systems and green infrastructure.
Furthermore, the committee has been involved in significant legislation such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, which includes investments in drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. They also authored the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, directing the EPA to phase down the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons by 2035.
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House Committee on Energy and Commerce
The House Committee on Energy and Commerce deals with matters relating to soil, air, noise, and water contamination, as well as emergency environmental responses, encompassing both physical and cybersecurity. The committee has jurisdiction over critical legislation such as the Nuclear Waste Policy Act, the Clean Air Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, and the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act.
Under the Clean Air Act, for instance, the committee addresses National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for criteria pollutants and National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP). Additionally, the committee oversees the Mobile Source Standards for vehicles, aircraft, and fuel additives, including the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles.
The House Committee on Energy and Commerce also plays a pivotal role in legislative oversight related to telecommunications, consumer protection, food and drug safety, public health, and environmental health. Its remit extends to five Cabinet-level departments, including the Department of Energy, Health and Human Services, and the Transportation Department.
Chaired by Congressman Brett Guthrie, the committee actively engages in drafting and advancing legislation. For instance, in July 2025, the committee reported two pieces of bipartisan legislation to the full House of Representatives: the Student Compensation and Opportunity through Rights and Endorsements (SCORE) Act, and the Over-the-Counter Monograph Drug User Fee Amendments.
The committee also exercises oversight over various agencies, as evidenced by its correspondence with the Executive Director of Covered California regarding the potential unauthorized transmission of sensitive personal health information. Additionally, the committee has scrutinized the Department of Energy's involvement in the Biden-Harris Administration's decisions surrounding offshore oil and gas production.
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NACWA committees
The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) is the nation's leading advocacy voice for municipal stormwater utilities across the US. It is the only clean water association governed solely by public utilities. NACWA has been advocating for legislative, regulatory, and legal advocacy on a wide range of clean water issues. The association works with Congress and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address water quality, flooding and erosion, and modern-day challenges such as water quality impairment from stormwater runoff.
NACWA's committee structure invites Association members to work together to shape national environmental policy. The committees help develop the Association's positions on environmental policy and legislation, as well as working with the EPA on regulations and initiatives. There are several committees within NACWA, including:
- The committee that addresses issues related to combined sewer overflows, sanitary sewer overflows, treatment plant operations, and collection system management. This committee also works to improve the ability of utilities to manage wet weather flows through the use of peak wet weather treatment systems and green infrastructure.
- The committee that focuses on the National Industrial Pretreatment Program and voluntary pollution prevention measures. This committee helps utilities stay in compliance with pretreatment regulations and hosts the annual NACWA National Pretreatment & Pollution Prevention Workshop.
- The committee that deals with security and emergency preparedness for the nation's publicly owned clean water utilities, ensuring protection from natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and cyber-attacks. This committee also focuses on efficient service recovery following disruptions.
- The committee that addresses communications and outreach issues, providing a forum for utility public relations professionals to network and discuss strategies. This committee also promotes the role of clean water utilities in advancing environmental justice and equity within their communities.
- The committee that addresses legal issues impacting clean water utilities and municipal separate storm sewer systems, including permit negotiations, enforcement actions, litigation, and utility operational issues. This committee hosts the annual National Clean Water Law & Enforcement Seminar and develops legal resources for NACWA members.
NACWA's committees are at the forefront of national environmental initiatives, offering a rewarding experience to members who wish to shape policy and make a difference in the clean water sector.
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Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
The Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations is a subcommittee of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. It is responsible for conducting oversight and investigations into matters related to the committee's jurisdiction. Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) is the current chairman of the subcommittee.
The subcommittee has held hearings on a range of issues, including the safety of the organ procurement and transplant system in the United States. In one such hearing, concerns were raised about whether certain practices and procedures were putting patient safety at risk. Following this, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) directed the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network to investigate the issue.
The subcommittee has also been involved in overseeing the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF). In a letter to Administrator Regan, the subcommittee requested an unredacted copy of all GGRF award agreements. This followed a hearing earlier in the year where Mr. Zealan Hoover, Senior Advisor to the Administrator, assured committee members that the award agreements would address their concerns.
In addition to these specific issues, the subcommittee also has investigative authority over matters related to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. This includes studying and investigating compliance or non-compliance with rules, regulations, and laws, as well as investigating aspects of crime and lawlessness that impact the national health, welfare, and safety.
Overall, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations plays an important role in ensuring transparency and accountability in various areas related to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
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Senate committees
The U.S. Senate Committee that deals with pollution is the Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW). This committee has jurisdiction over a wide range of subjects related to the environment and public works, including air pollution, noise pollution, and the environmental effects of toxic substances. The committee is responsible for referring all proposed legislation, messages, petitions, memorials, and other matters related to these subjects.
The EPW has played a critical role in several important pieces of legislation, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021), which made a significant investment in the nation's drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. The committee was also instrumental in the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, which directed the EPA to implement a phasedown of the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
The history of the EPW dates back to 1977, with the committee undergoing various changes in membership and jurisdiction over the years. The committee's size was increased from 16 to 18 members in October 1983 to accommodate the addition of Senators Evans and Lautenberg. The EPW has also seen changes in chairmanship, with Senator Moynihan elected chairman in 1992 and Senator Bob Smith assuming the role in 2001.
The EPW is a standing committee, appointed at the commencement of each Congress, and continues until its successors are appointed. It has the power to act and report on matters within its jurisdiction through bills or other means. The committee's membership ratio has also reflected the balance of power in the Senate, with an equal number of Republicans and Democrats during the 107th Congress.
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Frequently asked questions
The Committee on Environment and Public Works.
The committee played a critical role in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which includes the Water Resources Development Act of 2022, authorizing investments in the US Army Corps of Engineers' projects and programs.
The House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
The committee has jurisdiction over matters related to soil, air, noise, and water contamination, as well as emergency environmental response. It deals with legislation such as the Clean Air Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, and the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program.
