Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson is scheduled to testify June 28 before the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee on "Strengthening the Scientific Backbone of EPA: An Examination of Agency Practices and Foundations for Regulations Affecting the American Economy."

The hearing comes on the heels of a June 25 deadline for public comments on a proposed Clean Air Act rule that would set new source performance standards for power plants to control greenhouse gas emissions.

As detailed in a May 18 World Climate Change Report article, other congressional panels such as the House Energy and Commerce Committee have questioned Jackson about the NSPS, which some members say will lead to job losses and higher electricity rates.

A May 25 article also provides details on a plan by House Republican leaders to bring several regulatory reform bills to the floor in July, beginning with a measure that would put a moratorium on all pending federal agency regulations that could have a significant impact on the economy.

Other Congressional Hearings on Agenda

On June 28, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will hold a hearing to review non-federal programs for financing energy-efficient building retrofits.

The House Natural Resources Committee will hold an oversight hearing June 27 on "Mandatory Conditioning Requirements on Hydropower: How Federal Resource Agencies are Driving Up Electricity Costs and Decreasing the Original Green Energy."

According to the committee notice, the  hearing will focus on the departments of Interior, Commerce, and Agriculture, which are required to propose “mandatory conditions” when a non-federal hydropower project is licensed or relicensed. These requirements are added to a license under federal law and their costs are usually absorbed by electricity consumers.

An April 16 article covers plans by the Energy Department to obtain 15 percent of the country's electricity from conventional hydropower and other water-powered sources by 2030.

CARB to Vote on Amending Cap-and-Trade Program

The California Air Resources Board is scheduled to vote during a June 28 meeting in Sacramento on amendments to the state's multisector cap-and-trade program, mostly to align requirements with Quebec's program.

As detailed  in a May 10 article, the formation of a joint carbon trading program with Quebec is expected to expand trading options for California businesses. 

During the board meeting, staff also will update members on a report being developed on how future technology and energy scenarios can meet combined air quality and climate goals.

Climate Change Officers to Confer

The Association of Climate Change Officers will hold a conference June 25-26 in Washington, D.C., on "Defense, National Security & Climate Change: Building Resilience and Identifying Opportunities Related to Water, Energy, and Extreme Events."