March 30, 2017

Manchin Passes Four Bills Out of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) passed several bills out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee today with unanimous support. Senator Manchin’s hydropower bill, which would allow for the relicensing of the Jennings-Randolph dam project while it obtains necessary permits and engages with the local community and stakeholders, and Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area Act of 2017 are now ready to be considered on the Senate floor.  Additionally, the Sportsmen’s Act of 2017 and the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act – two bills on which Senator Manchin is an original co-sponsor and longtime champion – were are also passed out of the Committee.   

“All four pieces of my legislation will have a positive impact on West Virginia’s economy, traditions and our way of life,” Senator Manchin said. “The hydro bill will provide greater regulatory certainty to the proposed Jennings-Randolph hydropower project, which could prove to be an incredible asset for Mineral County and the entire state of West Virginia. The Appalachain Forest National Heritage Area Act will invest in a healthy future for both our children and our growing tourism industry in West Virginia. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus and an avid sportsman, I know the Sporstmen’s Act will boost West Virginia’s economy while expanding hunting and fishing rights and allowing people a greater ability to enjoy the outdoors. The Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act will create nearly 200,000 jobs and keep hard-earned dollars in consumers’ pockets, while also reducing carbon emissions. The bill strikes that important balance between promoting economic growth and addressing environmental concerns and is a huge step toward generating cleaner and more efficient American energy through commercially-available technologies.”

Additional bill information below:

The Hydro Bill: will give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) authority to extend the Jennings-Randolph hydropower dam license so the project has time to secure other required permits and commence construction before its FERC 2-year license expires. The Jennings-Randolph proposed hydropower project in Mineral County, West Virginia, will generate domestic local energy, as well as create new business and property tax revenue. The project will generate clean, renewable power for over 6,000 homes and create construction and permanent jobs for project operators.  This bill gives FERC the authority to extend the Jennings-Randolph license while the project obtains all necessary regulatory permits and commences construction. 

Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area Act of 2017: will designate eighteen counties in the Central Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia and Maryland. This bill will allow these counties to increase their collaboration with the federal and state governments in an effort to conserve the distinctive, cultural, natural, and historical features of this area.

Sportsmen’s Act of 2017: will provide a clear congressional declaration of policy for all federal departments and agencies to facilitate the expansion and enhancement of hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting opportunities on federal lands in accordance with their missions

Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act (ESIC): will move America toward a national energy efficiency strategy. The legislation saves consumers money, creates jobs and reduces pollution. It has received widespread support from Democrats and Republicans as well as industry leaders, energy efficiency advocates and environmental stakeholders.