April 15, 2015

On April 15, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water passed a bill funding the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) for fiscal year (FY) 2016 (H.R.2028). The bill provides $5.9 billion for nuclear site environmental cleanup and $5.6 billion to the Army Corps of Engineers. Chairman Mike Simpson (R-ID) expressed his satisfaction with the bill, saying it would improve energy efficiency, fully fund the stockpile life program for United States nuclear weapons, and fully fund production of an Ohio class submarine, a class of nuclear-powered submarine. He emphasized that the bill would support moving forward on Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository through funding for the Nuclear Waste Disposal program and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. This legislation denies an Administration request for funding for non-Yucca nuclear waste activities.

Ranking Member Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) applauded the bill’s support for advancing energy technologies and energy conservation, as well as its focus on modernizing the energy grid and water infrastructure. However, both Rep. Kaptur and House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Nita Lowey (D-NY) expressed concern over controversial riders on the bill, including one that would modify language on the implementation of the Clean Water Act and another that would allow visitors to carry firearms on Army Corps-maintained locations.

The bill passed with no amendments and will be considered by the Senate.

Sources: E&E News, House Appropriations Energy and Water Subcommittee