Panel passes measure cutting EPA's budget

Source: AP

By KEVIN FREKING

WASHINGTON (AP) — A House panel passed a spending measure on Wednesday that cuts the budget at the Environmental Protection Agency by 9 percent and blocks the Obama administration from advancing new rules to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Republicans used their majority to pass the bill by voice vote. Now, the $30.2 billion measure funding the Interior Department, EPA and other agencies moves to the full House Appropriations Committee for consideration.

Overall, the bill cuts spending by $246 million from current levels and $3 billion below what President Barack Obama had sought. The EPA takes one of the biggest hits. It's targeted for a $718 million cut from current levels.

Democrats expressed alarms about the spending levels as well as nearly two dozen provisions that prevent the federal government from taking specific regulatory actions. For example, the bill would prevent the issuance of a final rule that would reduce greenhouse gas emissions from new and existing power plants. If enacted, the rule could shut down some coal-fired plants and curb coal production nationally.

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