Murkowski Morning Meeting For Tuesday, October 27, 2015

What DC is Reading

• Washington Post: Congressional leaders, White House reach two-year budget deal
• The Hill: Average premiums to rise 7.5 percent on key ObamaCare plan
• Wall Street Journal: When It Comes to Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump and His GOP Foes Divide

U.S. Senate Events

Fighting Federal Overreach

Alaskan Impact: This morning Senator Murkowski, Chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, examined the Obama administration’s proposed new regulation on coal mining – the Stream Protection Rule. The Interior Department estimates that this rule would cost the coal industry $52 million in annual compliance costs and industry estimates that this proposed rule could cost up to 78,000 coal jobs nationwide. Murkowski noted that in Alaska, where climate and permafrost alone will likely prohibit compliance with these new regulations, mine permitting could face considerable uncertainty if the rule is finalized.

5:00 a.m. AKST

Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Topic: “Oversight hearing on the Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation, and Enforcement’s proposed Stream Protection Rule”

Witness:

• The Honorable Janice Schneider, Assistance Secretary for Land and Minerals Management, U.S. Department of the Interior
• Mr. Randy Huffman, Cabinet Secretary, West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection
• Mr. Jim Hecker, Director, Environmental Enforcement Project, Public Justice
• Mr. Todd Parfitt, Director, Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality
• Mr. Hal Quinn, President and CEO, National Mining Association

(Click image to watch video.)

Senator Murkowski Questions Interior Official on Proposed Stream Protection Rule.

Watch the entire hearing here: energy.senate.gov

U.S. House Events

Protecting our Ports

Alaskan Impact: Alaska’s ports and harbors play a vital role in Alaska’s economy. From Adak to Yakutat and from Whittier to Bethel, our ports and harbors are the lifeline of our coastal communities and the bedrock of our state’s commerce. Through her position on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Murkowski has fought for funding to both initiate and maintain infrastructure projects in Alaska, including ports. Today the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Marine Transportation held a hearing on efforts to prevent and respond to the potential threats to U.S. ports.

6:00 a.m. AKST

House Transportation and Infrastructure –Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Marine Transportation Hearing

Topic: “Prevention of and Response to the Arrival of a Dirty Bomb at a U.S. Port.”

Witnesses:

• Rear Admiral Peter J. Brown, Assistant Commandant for Response Policy, United States Coast Guard
• Dr. Huban Gowadia, Director, Domestic Nuclear Detection Office
• Mr. Todd Owen, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Mr. David C. Maurer, Director, Justice and Law Enforcement Issues, Homeland Security and Justice Team, U.S. Government Accountability Office

Watch the hearing here: transportation.house.gov