Dear Chairwoman Mikulski and Ranking Member Shelby:
As the Committee prepares to mark up the Fiscal Year 2015 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than three million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations, and dedicated to promoting, protecting, and defending America’s free enterprise system, urges you to consider the following recommendations.
The Chamber supports full funding for the Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps) Civil Works Program authorized in the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) of 2014. WRRDA 2014 made smart reforms and long-overdue improvements to the marine transportation system by allowing ultimate full usage of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for its intended purposes; modifying the federal cost-share for the Olmsted Lock and Dam project, freeing up resources for other critical capital construction efforts along the inland waterways system; creating conditions for prioritization of projects and successful project delivery; and enhancing opportunities for private investment.
Additionally, the Chamber supports the efforts of the Committee to include a provision that would prohibit the Army Corps from using any funds to implement or administer any change to the definition of waters under the jurisdiction of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Earlier this year the Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps proposed the “waters of the United States” rule, which would expand that definition and negatively impact job creation and economic growth.
Lastly, the Chamber opposes any efforts to reduce funding for National Nuclear Security Administration's Mixed-Oxide (MOX) Fuel Facility at the Department of Energy's Savannah River Site. This project is critical to honoring the United States' Plutonium Disposition Protocol and the advancement of domestic nuclear fuel production.
The Chamber appreciates your consideration of the these recommendations as you mark up the Fiscal Year 2015 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill.
Sincerely,
R. Bruce Josten
cc: Members of the Committee on Appropriations