Where the U.S. Is Going in 2021 and Beyond Infrastructure Where the U.S

Infrastructure Where the U.S. is going in 2021 and beyond Infrastructure Where the U.S. is going in 2021 and beyond

Table of Contents

Biden Administration readies for infrastructure push. . . . 3 Road to recovery and growth travels along Dave Boyer broadband infrastructure ...... 14 U.S. Representative Dave Joyce (OH-14) Real leadership builds America-first energy infrastructure...... 4 Let’s aspire to create broadband partnerships Governor Kristi Noem (SD) benefiting education, health, and more ...... 15 U.S. Representative Mary Miller (IL-15) When states leverage private sector infrastructure partners, everyone wins...... 5 Hollywood’s attack on the Dakota Access Pipeline Governor Larry Hogan (MD) is high-flying hypocrisy...... 16 Craig Stevens, Grow America’s Infrastructure Now Infrastructure investment will get America moving again ...... 6 Greenlight policies that cut red tape stalling Bipartisan Policy Center infrastructure progress...... 17 U.S. Representative Rodney Davis (IL-13) We can come together for smart infrastructure...... 8 U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (OK) The future of U .S . aviation will be safer, greener, more accessible, innovative...... 18 Infrastructure investment should be a national U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-2) priority, not a talking point...... 9 N TIM ES AS HI N GTO U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (ND) Blueprint for communities in 2021: Respond, recover, rebuild ...... 19 Domestic maritime safeguards the supply chain, Kathy Maness, National League of Cities bolsters the economy...... 10 Jennifer Carpenter, American Waterways Operators History proves and future calls for infrastructure and mitigation projects ...... 20 Pandemic hits public transportation systems ...... 12 U.S. Representative Randy Weber (TX-14) U.S. Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC)

T TO TH E W TI S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO Biden’s climate policies raise alarm about

V ER Partisan budget process may roadblock environmental damage...... 22 infrastructure progress...... 13 Valerie Richardson

CI A L AD U.S. Representative Sam Graves (MO-6) A S P E THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON

Tony Hill Larry T. Beasley Thomas P. McDevitt David Dadisman Patrick Crofoot Director of ADvertising ceo chAirmAn generAl mAnAger grAphics supervisor & integrAteD sAles Christopher Dolan Joseph E. Teipe, Jr. Lea Anne Foster Advertising Department: presiDent & executive vice speciAl sections 202-636-3027 executive eDitor presiDent freelAnce eDitor SPECIAL SECTIONS Special Sections are multipage tabloid products that run in The Washington Times daily newspaper and are posted online and in PDF form onits website. Sponsors and Wednesday • February 24 • 2021 24 • February Wednesday advertisers collaborate with The Times’ advertising and marketing departments to highlight a variety of issues and events. Unless otherwise identified, Special Sections 2 are prepared separately and without involvement from the Times’ newsroom and editorial staff. Biden Administration readies for infrastructure push A S P E

By Dave Boyer one million new jobs in the U.S. auto executive order to block the Keystone Labor unions contributed at least $1.3 CI A L AD The Washington Times industry, including development of XL pipeline, which labor leaders say has million to Mr. Biden’s election campaign half a million electric-vehicle charging cost thousands of jobs. The order said the last year, and he’s pledged to be their ally. President Biden plans to spend at stations; offering incentives to expand U.S. must show leadership on the “global” Business leaders also have for in- V ER least $2 trillion on infrastructure over zero-emissions public transit; and using climate-change crisis by stopping proj- creased spending on infrastructure. The TI S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO TH E W the next four years, a proposal that will federal aid to upgrade railroads. ects that would add to greenhouse-gas U.S. Chamber of Commerce is pushing a focus heavily on his goal of combating Money could be a hurdle. The infra- emissions. campaign to get Congress to approve a climate change through stricter environ- structure plan will come on the heels of At a meeting with union leaders at the plan by July 4. A coalition of more than mental regulations, higher fuel efficiency Democrats’ $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill, White House last week, Mr. Biden said 300 businesses urged Congress in a let- standards and limiting the expansion of and mushrooming deficits due to the pan- the nation is “so far behind the curve” ter this month to make infrastructure a fossil-fuel production. demic have prompted some lawmakers on rebuilding its roads and bridges. He top priority. At his confirmation hearing last to call for Washington to put the brakes said the U.S. isn’t competitive enough Sen. Ben Cardin, Maryland Democrat month, Transportation Secretary Pete on spending. “in terms of infrastructure, everything and transportation subcommittee chair THE WASHINGTON TIMES Buttigieg told senators that the admin- on the Environment and Public Works istration will use climate-change policy Committee, has proposed using the por- HI N GTOAS N TIM ES to spur economic development. The current federal surface transportation tions of the COVID relief bill funding Mr. Buttigieg said efforts to limit legislation expires in September. Some lawmakers as a starting point for an infrastructure greenhouse gases will feature promi- are looking at a renewal — typically a five- plan. The pandemic relief measure in- nently in Mr. Biden’s plans to rebuild cludes aid for airlines, Amtrak, transit roads and bridges, expand mass transit year plan — as a vehicle to push through the agencies and other infrastructure-related and develop electric-car infrastructure. spending.

administration’s overall infrastructure goals. | “We need to build our economy back, Also, the current federal surface trans- Wednesday • February 24 • 2021 better than ever, and the Department of Both the Obama and Trump adminis- from canals to highways to airports, to portation legislation expires in Septem- Transportation can play a central role in trations had grand plans for rebuilding everything we can do and we need to ber. Some lawmakers are looking at a this, by implementing President Biden’s infrastructure, but failed to overcome do to make ourselves competitive in the renewal — typically a five-year plan — as infrastructure vision -- creating millions partisan divisions in Congress and bud- 21st century.” a vehicle to push through the administra- of good-paying jobs, revitalizing commu- get concerns. “It’s time to stop talking about in- tion’s overall infrastructure goals. nities that have been left behind, enabling The energy crisis in Texas during a frastructure and finally start building “A surface transportation reauthori- American small businesses, workers, severe winter storm this month also is infrastructure,” Mr. Biden said. “Millions zation bill can reduce greenhouse gas families and farmers to compete and win renewing calls for the administration of good-paying jobs putting Americans to emissions, create jobs to strengthen our in the global economy, and tackling the to upgrade the nation’s power grid, a work rebuilding our roads, our bridges, economy and move us to a cleaner, safer climate crisis,” Mr. Buttigieg said. perennial concern. our ports to make them more climate future,” said Sen. Thomas Carper, Dela- The administration is expected to Republicans and some union leaders resilient, to make them faster, cheaper, ware Democrat. “I’m currently putting unveil the details of its plan next month, have questioned Mr. Biden’s commitment cleaner to transport American-made together a bipartisan bill that does just along with how to pay for it. to rebuilding infrastructure, citing his goods across our country and around the that, and I’m glad it’s at the top of the The president is promising to create early actions that included issuing an world, that’s how we compete.” administration’s agenda.” 3 Real leadership builds America-first energy infrastructure

order cancelling the permit for the Dakota family – and every family across the country should expect to see their Keystone XL pipeline. He has since our country – spend less at the gas pump gas prices increase in the months and signed an executive order that bans new and save money when heating their years to come. The blackouts and power oil and gas development on federal homes. That’s particularly important failures we saw earlier this month are a land and in offshore waters. The sec- given this month’s power failures. representation of what energy reliability ond order also attempts to financially Once the project was completed, looks like in the coming years if we con- ransack the coal industry. Together, South Dakota communities would have tinue to abandon key energy infrastruc- these orders create a bottleneck on continued to benefit from property tax ture projects. America’s energy supply by preventing dollars to their local school districts. America needs diverse energy policy. future energy development. The Keystone XL’s infrastructure would We need an all-of-the-above approach to Of course, the Keystone XL pipeline have strengthened the local infrastruc- give us greater consistency and depend- cancellation strikes close to home for ture of these communities, in turn. ability. We do need alternative energy South Dakota in particular. TC Energy – Keystone XL was good policy on sources such as wind turbines and solar the company building the pipeline – had energy because it would have increased panels. I’ve supported wind energy for estimated that the project would bring American energy independence. Pipe- years, and South Dakota has benefited thousands of jobs to South Dakota over lines are also far safer for the environ- tremendously from wind production. the course of the coming years. Some ment than the trucks and trains that But incidents like this month’s By Governor Kristi Noem of those jobs were already in place, as we currently use to transport this oil. multi-state blackout show that we arlier this month, winter crews were laying the groundwork for There’s less risk of spills, and less risk of cannot rely on alternatives alone. We storms caused an energy the eventual pipeline itself. traffic accidents for the general public. must continue to prioritize energy crisis in states from Texas The pipeline would have also brought But President Biden’s refusal to pri- infrastructure projects that safely and to South Dakota. Millions additional business to local hotels, gas oritize safe and reliable energy infra- reliably fuel our country. This is criti- of Americans faced power stations, restaurants, and more. We structure projects will have an impact cal for the safety of our families – and failures as utility companies were starting to see those effects, and that stretches beyond South Dakota, the security of our nation. in 14 states began implementing rolling more growth would have continued as and we’re only beginning to see the Moving forward, limits to our energy Eblackouts. Many locations reported the construction ramped up. The pipeline repercussions. infrastructure will hamper economic coldest temperatures they have experi- would have also helped every South Most immediately, Americans across growth nationwide. American busi- enced in decades – if not ever. nesses, from large corporations to small This experience illustrates the businesses, need affordable and reliable dangers of President Biden’s decision to But incidents like this month’s multi-state energy to keep their operations run- move away from an America-first energy ning and keep employees on the payroll. policy. It also highlights the importance blackout show that we cannot rely on alternatives Right now, the U.S. is the world’s leading of prioritizing infrastructure projects alone. We must continue to prioritize energy producer of oil and natural gas and is that will preserve America’s energy infrastructure projects that safely and reliably a net exporter of energy, which means independence for future generations. fuel our country. This is critical for the safety of that we can better provide for our own

N TIM ES AS HI N GTO On his first day in office, Presi- energy needs. American businesses and dent Biden signed an executive our families – and the security of our nation. families do not deserve to have that kind of stability undermined by having to rely more on foreign energy sources – but President Biden’s decision to cancel the Keystone XL pipeline will force us to do just that. To meet the future energy needs of Americans, we need more pipeline and refinery capacity, not less. We need to continue to responsibly develop the T TO TH E W TI S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO vast energy resources our country V ER is blessed with, on both private and federal lands. In addition, we must base

CI A L AD our energy policy decisions on sound science, market principles, and the in- A S P E THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON terests of the American consumer – not

| political platitudes.

Governor Kristi Noem is a wife, mother, lifelong rancher, farmer, and small business owner. She serves as South Da- kota’s 33rd governor and first female governor. She previously served in the South Dakota state legislature and as South Dakota’s lone member of the U.S. House of Representatives. In her 2021 State of the State address, Gov. Noem described South Dakota as “open, …

Wednesday • February 24 • 2021 24 • February Wednesday living with its means,” and “the perfect place to raise your family, grow your busi- 4 ness, and live your life as you see fit.” When states leverage private sector infrastructure partners, everyone wins

dollar that is entrusted to us. as well as bicycle and pedestrian access private sector investments. One solution is public-private part- along these heavily traveled corridors Looking ahead, we will continue to nerships, also known as P3s. By using through a progressive P3. follow these pillars and develop creative P3s, states can leverage the power and These projects are substantial leaps solutions to Maryland’s transportation creativity of the private sector to fund forward for Maryland, and we wouldn’t challenges, but we also need the federal and develop major projects that solve be able to do it without partnering government to step up to the plate. The real challenges, provide a foundation for with the private sector. Without a P3 previous administration failed to deliver growth and prosperity, and maximize approach, these projects would not be on a federal infrastructure package, and vital transportation dollars. feasible for decades. Financially, the so it is my hope that the new administra- Maryland has had great success with American Legion Bridge would divert tion will reach across the aisle to deliver P3s. Thanks to a P3 agreement between critical dollars from other areas when what they couldn’t. the Maryland Department of Transporta- that replacement comes due, for simply The bottom line: the current federal tion’s Maryland Port Administration and replacing the bridge and not provid- system to deliver infrastructure is failing. Ports America Chesapeake, the Port of ing that needed congestion relief. An The American people deserve better. Baltimore has seen record growth and important interstate connection between They deserve infrastructure they can be is poised for more in years to come. Key two states, which carries more than proud of through sustained investment. cargo commodities at the port’s public 250,000 travelers a day, is not a choice They deserve an investment in our na- By Governor Larry Hogan terminals were down for the year com- investment. The progressive P3 we are tion that helps our economy thrive. They

ince I took office more than six years ago, building a strong, reliable, and efficient transportation system has been one of my top priorities. Now, facing one of the worst public health emergencies in our Scountry’s history, it is more important than ever that we invest in our transportation infrastructure. Investing in infra-

structure will help fuel our economic A S P E recovery, create thousands of jobs, and produce a transportation system that CI A L AD will benefit residents and businesses for generations to come. A safe and efficient transportation V ER system is critical for our working fami- TI S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO TH E W lies and job creators to thrive. In Maryland, our transit systems transport healthcare workers and other essential personnel every day to the front lines in the fight against COVID-19. Our highways and toll facilities enable the movement of goods and people. BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport and the Port pared to 2019, but the port’s strong re- pursuing relieves our Transportation deserve real, lasting relief driven by THE WASHINGTON TIMES of Baltimore bring in important cargo covery in the second half of 2020 helped Trust Fund of that obligation, stretching common sense decision making. from all over the world for distribution narrow those declines dramatically. It dollars even further. Together, we have an opportunity to HI N GTOAS N TIM ES to homes and businesses. And our motor was through this partnership that we Until recently, I served as chairman create a world-class transportation sys- vehicle services keep commercial opera- will be able to add a second 50-ft berth at of the National Governors Association. tem—one that will serve as an example tors on the road, supporting a critical the port this year, and we are also in the In that leadership role, I released a series across the globe for many years to come. link in the supply chain. process of removing the last pinch point of principles to help strengthen the It’s time to get Maryland and America It is absolutely critical that we sup- for double-stacked containers on rail state-federal partnership on infrastruc- moving again. port and grow our transportation net- along the East Coast by expanding the ture, which is key to building a strong | work, even with the financial challenges Howard Street Tunnel—another P3 made and sustainable national economy in the Governor Hogan is the 62nd governor Wednesday • February 24 • 2021 brought on by COVID-19. Maryland’s possible through investments from CSX, aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. of Maryland and is only the second Transportation Trust Fund took a dev- state, and federal transportation dollars. My initiative was built around four Republican governor to be re-elected in astating hit last year as revenue sources Today, we’re in the middle of comple- pillars to identify and promote state best the history of the state. He previously dropped due to historic reductions in mentary P3s that will greatly enhance practices in infrastructure: served as chairman of the National travel volumes across our transporta- both our transit and highway systems • Relieve congestion to boost eco- Governors Association. Prior to his tion system. While these travel volumes in the National Capital Region, some of nomic competitiveness; gubernatorial bid, he founded Change have started to rebound, the damage has the most congested in the nation. The • Enhance efficiency by eliminat- Maryland, Inc., a nonprofit focused already been done. During times like Purple Line is a 16.2-mile light rail line ing red tape and integrating smart on “public policy development, issue these, we must be innovative. Innovation under construction in Montgomery technology; advocacy [and] grassroots organizing drives growth, progress, and long-term and Prince George’s counties. We’re • Strengthen security and resiliency … in the state of Maryland.” In his 2021 success. We need to use technology and also working to build a new American by protecting America’s critical State of the State address, Gov. Hogan data to guide our decisions, but we also Legion Bridge across the Potomac River, infrastructure from disaster and said, “Maryland has indeed been setting a must develop new approaches, forge add high-occupancy toll lanes across the cyber threats; shining example for the rest of America.” new partnerships, and stretch every tax bridge and up I-270, and improve transit • Finance for the future by leveraging 5 Infrastructure investment will get America moving again N TIM ES AS HI N GTO By the Bipartisan Policy Center water supplies safe and meet demands. • Rebuild America’s competitiveness investment in our nation’s power grid, These devastating recent break- in the world economy and stop our drinking water systems, roadways, broad- or years, politicians have downs explain why the organization has nation from falling behind, so our band communications and more – grow- talked about the need to revi- rated our nation’s infrastructure just a workers can compete on a level playing our economy and creating millions talize America’s antiquated in- D+ overall. They also come at a time ing field with their global rivals; of jobs for hardworking Americans while frastructure – from our roads when our economy is already strug- • Help homegrown American busi- improving the quality of life for everyone. and bridges to our energy grid gling, Americans are hurting and we nesses grow and prosper, so our Let’s come together and invest in and drinking water systems need to create jobs and get our country Main Streets can thrive again; America’s infrastructure to rebuild our – but little has been done to fix these moving again. • Improve the safety and quality of life nation’s competitiveness, create millions urgent problems. Not only is repairing America’s of hardworking American families of good-paying jobs for hardworking T TO TH E W TI S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO F Today, we are seeing the conse- crumbling infrastructure a neces- everywhere; Americans right here at home and get V ER quences of this failure to act, as millions sity – it will also spur the creation of • Provide real opportunities for America moving again to lead in the clean of Americans struggle with power out- more middle-class jobs and a stronger American workers who have been energy economy of the 21st century.

CI A L AD ages and drinking water shortages that economy for everyone. left behind – including in our nation’s put their safety and livelihoods at risk. We know that an ambitious invest- rural and minority communities. Investing in infrastructure will get A S P E THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON Our leaders can’t say we weren’t ment in American infrastructure will Through responsible, commonsense America moving again – it must be job

| warned. The American Society of Civil create powerful incentives to put legislation passed at the close of 2020, number one for Congress. Engineers has pointed out repeatedly Americans back to work in good-paying Congress has already made a down pay- that much of our nation’s energy infra- jobs in manufacturing, construction ment on infrastructure jobs. This legisla- structure was constructed decades ago, and infrastructure in order to build our tion focused on the research, develop- The Bipartisan Policy Center is a cautioning that “[w]ithout greater atten- economy for the future. In fact, a study ment and deployment of cutting-edge Washington, DC-based think tank tion to aging equipment, capacity bottle- by Georgetown University estimates that technologies to modernize America’s that actively fosters bipartisanship by necks, and increased demand, as well as a $1 trillion investment in infrastructure clean energy infrastructure. combining the best ideas from both increasing storm and climate impacts, would create 11 million new American And it provides a promising blue- parties to promote health, security, Americans will likely experience longer jobs over 10 years. print for breaking Washington gridlock and opportunity for all Americans. and more frequent power interruptions.” And the benefits to Americans go and getting smart, job-creating infra- Our policy solutions are the product The group has also warned that many beyond millions of new jobs. Better structure policies across the finish line of informed deliberations by former of America’s one million miles of water electrical grids, drinking water systems, in the new Congress. elected and appointed officials, business

Wednesday • February 24 • 2021 24 • February Wednesday pipes “were laid in the early to mid- transportation, broadband communica- Now is the time for Congress to follow and labor leaders, and academics 20th century with a lifespan of 75 to 100 tions and other technology upgrades through on what they have begun, by and advocates who represent both 6 years,” calling for improvements to keep will also: working together to enact an ambitious sides of the political spectrum. A S P E CI A L AD V ER TI S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO TH E W THE WASHINGTON TIMES HI N GTOAS N TIM ES | Wednesday • February 24 • 2021

7 We can come together for smart infrastructure

just that: real, needed infrastructure. federal investment in our nation’s without further consideration last year, We have proven time and again that transportation infrastructure since in large part because the House moved infrastructure is something we can 2005. The FAST Act established a new forward with a partisan transportation come together to do. We did it in 2012 freight program to expedite shipping bill instead. with the Moving Ahead for Progress in our growing economy. We must BUILD and INFRA grants empower

N TIM ES AS HI N GTO in the 21st Century (MAP-21) and in continue our efforts to reduce conges- states to complete major transporta- 2015 with the Fixing America’s Surface tion and streamline the movement of tion infrastructure projects of national Transportation (FAST) Act. agriculture freight and other goods and regional significance, fostering We’ve made real change happen in through our nation’s integrated trans- economic growth, supporting acces- the past. With strong bipartisan sup- portation network. sibility, and providing critical safety port in Congress, MAP-21 made real In 2019, I was proud to say the Sen- advancements for communities across progress to accelerate construction by ate’s bipartisan America’s Transporta- America. In Oklahoma, recent grants have supported a major bridge upgrade, cemented our inland ports as We have proven time and again that infrastructure regional hubs for jobs and industry, and improved safety and connectivity T TO TH E W TI S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO is something we can come together to do. We did it in key corridors across major urban

V ER in 2012 with the Moving Ahead for Progress in the By U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe centers. We must continue to empower 21st Century (MAP-21) and in 2015 with the Fixing this kind of smart investment through-

CI A L AD am eager to get to work on America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. out America. infrastructure policy to further Infrastructure improvement is possi- A S P E THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON Oklahoma priorities and bring ble, and maybe even probable, with this

| needed investment to the roads, putting the power back where it should tion Infrastructure Act of 2019 was new administration. My recent meeting bridges, and infrastructure that be—in the hands of the states. It gave reported from committee with many of at the White House is a good first step. connect communities, support states like Oklahoma much needed my priorities included. It would have But infrastructure has to be focused on economic productivity, and create flexibility to use transportation money amended existing freight programs to real projects our economy needs—not a Ijobs across America. I am confident how they saw fit, cutting Washington allow my state of Oklahoma flexibility liberal wish list. we can do this unless the left wing of bureaucrats out of the process. We must to modernize our waterways and in- the Democratic Party insists on their preserve and advance this progress in creased opportunities for states to apply U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe, Oklahoma Re- radical agenda being included. Infra- future bipartisan transportation reau- for federal grants focused on projects publican, serves as ranking member of the structure legislation has historically thorization bills. of regional significance. It would have Senate Armed Services Committee. He been an area where the two sides have In 2015, then-Sen. Barbara Boxer created meaningful workforce develop- is also a member of the Senate Environ- come together with bipartisanship as (D-Calif.) and I led the charge in pass- ment opportunities to train the next ment and Public Works Committee and a commitment. As we continue to re- ing the much-needed Fixing America’s generation of engineers, technicians, the Senate Small Business Committee.

Wednesday • February 24 • 2021 24 • February Wednesday build and reconnect our communities Surface Transportation (FAST) Act— and workers desperately needed to Sen. Inhofe is an avid pilot and com- from the past year, we must ensure any the sixth reauthorization bill I have build, repair, and maintain our nation’s mitted supporter of infrastructure for 8 infrastructure focuses exclusively on worked on and the first long-term infrastructure. Unfortunately, it expired the U.S. to drive the world’s economy. Infrastructure investment should be a national priority, not a talking point

how to stimulate the economy through Administration wants significant pushed by Democrats. long-term investment and deliver a sig- infrastructure investment, no amount of High-paying jobs would be better nificant, unifying win for the American money will be sufficient without regula- for the American people than stimulus people. I am optimistic we can get the tory improvements. checks or additional unemployment job done, but we need to do it right. To make this or any significant trans- payments. A reduction of harmful In what would have been the largest portation infrastructure bill possible, federal mandates would be more help- highway bill in history, ATIA authorized we must first make our highway system ful for economic recovery than man- $287 billion in highway spending over fiscally sustainable. The Highway Trust dating a drastic, unilateral minimum five years, $259 billion of which would Fund faces massive shortages due to wage hike. Building a robust transporta- be distributed to states using a formula an outdated user fee system. While the tion infrastructure that moves our prod- that ensures states with smaller popula- gas tax has remained static, regulatory ucts and people will lift every sector of tions but expansive road systems like my burdens have increased project costs, and the economy and position us to better state of North Dakota receive sufficient electric vehicles (EV) don’t pay into the compete globally. If the Administration funding. Maintaining this formula was a highway system they use. In fact, through wants to spend trillions on short-term major request of my constituents and it the EV tax credit, the federal government spending measures, let’s invest billions should be included in any highway bill we is paying Americans to buy these cars on infrastructure to create immediate consider during this Congress. ATIA also then giving them a toll-free pass funded economic opportunity and usable trans- By U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer provided $5 billion in much-needed fund- by those who still pay the gas tax. It needs portation systems which will benefit ing for tribes and federal lands. Usable to be modernized, but any increased this generation and the next ones. n July 2019, the Senate Environ- transportation infrastructure is key to funding should not be achieved solely on For proof, look no further than North ment and Public Works (EPW) bringing economic opportunity to our the backs of middle-class Americans. Dakota. As my state proved years ago, Committee did something rare. tribes, and maintaining access to federal America’s Transportation Infrastruc- an economic downturn is an excel- We put aside the partisan theatrics lands ensures they remain usable to all. ture Act offered significant investment lent time to take action. Because of our consuming the 116th Congress, ATIA took steps to eliminate bur- to address our immediate and long-term economy’s heavy reliance on energy and crafted a bipartisan highway bill, densome regulations which prevent needs, powered by America’s workers, agriculture exports, we are accustomed and unanimously passed it through authorized projects from becoming enabled by regulation reform without to market booms and busts. During one Icommittee. While this bill, entitled shovel-ready jobs, establishing a two- harming the constituents we want to bust, North Dakota seized the moment America’s Transportation Infrastructure year completion goal for environmental help. It is a guide for overcoming eco- and invested in infrastructure so we Act (ATIA), did not become law, it still reviews and creating an accountabil- nomic downturn and a stark contrast to would be better prepared for the next

offers the 117th Congress a blueprint for ity and tracking system. If the Biden the partisan $2 trillion spending package boom. It worked, and we are still reaping A S P E the benefits of that foresight today.

It is past time Congress stopped CI A L AD viewing infrastructure as a talking point and started treating it as the national priority it is. Republicans and Democrats V ER must commit to putting progress and TI S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO TH E W comity ahead of personal priorities and partisan grandstanding. With Democrats now in full control, they might be tempted to throw out the progress we have made and attempt to push through a partisan bill filled liberal wish-list items and short-term spending rather than long-term investments, just THE WASHINGTON TIMES as they did with President Biden’s

trillion-dollar spending package. They HI N GTOAS N TIM ES should resist the urge. I have appreciated the bipartisanship EPW Chairman Tom Carper and Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito have pursued thus far, and I hope we can maintain momentum by deliver- | ing a significant, unifying win for the Wednesday • February 24 • 2021 American people.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer, North Dakota Republican, serves on the Senate Armed Services, Environment and Public Works, Veterans Affairs, Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs and Budget Committees. His prior service includes the North Dakota Public Service Commissioner where he utilized his energy expertise and ensured some of the lowest utility rates that helped North Dakota establish its competitive position in the global marketplace. 9 Domestic maritime safeguards the supply chain, bolsters the economy

during the pandemic, Navy hospital draw on to support sealift operations. Southern Command, noted in January, ships – into American ports safely. And now that we’ve experienced a China is pursuing similar activity in The scope of the industry’s contribu- year of COVID and its resulting eco- the Western Hemisphere: “Why would tions to our nation makes it clear: If the nomic strains, we have a better sense for China want to achieve a deep-water maritime component of the domestic the importance of the Jones Act to our seaport off El Salvador, Jamaica, perhaps supply chain is compromised, the effects supply chain security. How much worse the Dominican Republic?...Their long will be felt across the entire system. Two would things have been if we’d had to rely term interest is economic dominance, policy priorities are especially critical on foreign vessels to move cargo on our and they’ll do what it takes.” to ensuring that domestic maritime – domestic waters and faced the potential The other key policy priority in and by extension, our supply chain as a for disrupted domestic maritime com- safeguarding our domestic supply chain whole – remains secure and reliable. merce during the pandemic? Thanks to is robust investment in waterways infra- First, it is vital to uphold the Jones the Jones Act, we didn’t have to find out. structure. While “infrastructure” often Act, the foundational law that requires The Jones Act is also the reason calls to mind the roads, bridges, tunnels, vessels moving cargo between U.S. ports why we haven’t had to find out what runways, and tracks more visible to Americans’ everyday commutes, maritime commerce also relies on infrastructure – locks and dams to help towboats By Jennifer Carpenter and barges navigate varying water depth on our rivers; coastal ports that need to hroughout the COVID-19 pan- be capable of accommodating increas- demic, the people who oper- ingly large ships; dredgers to ensure that ate our multi-modal trans- ports are maintained at the necessary portation system have kept depth and that elevated sediment, or our country going, keeping shoaling, that occurs naturally on rivers households and businesses is promptly removed so that vessels can supplied and the economy moving in move safely. Underinvestment in ports Tthe face of public health and logistical and waterways infrastructure leads to challenges. Our nation’s experience with safety risks for mariners and bottlenecks the pandemic has underscored that the on the water that affect American ship- integrity and security of America’s do- pers and the entire economy. mestic supply chain is everything – we Congress recognized and acted to must control it, and we must safeguard address this need with the enactment its efficiency. We cannot afford unreli- of the Water Resources Development ability – either within the supply chain Act (WRDA) 2020, which provides or the infrastructure that makes safe and an improved cost-share mechanism to

N TIM ES AS HI N GTO efficient transport possible. accelerate completion of badly needed That reality is vitally important as it lock and dam infrastructure projects applies to maritime transportation. Mar- and enables the U.S. Army Corps of itime transportation has been integral to Engineers to deploy dredges to trouble our nation’s economy and identity since spots on the rivers faster. WRDA was an even before its founding, and the Ameri- important down payment on maintain- can maritime industry today, in addition ing and enhancing our nation’s competi- to being a substantial and consequential tiveness, and we urge Congress and the economic force, is also a safety leader Administration to work together to pass and indispensable security partner. a large-scale, bipartisan infrastructure The domestic maritime industry – of package that fully funds the $7 billion T TO TH E W TI S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO which the tugboat, towboat, and barge backlog of authorized inland waterways V ER sector is the largest part – supports projects and invests in our coastal port 650,000 American jobs, contributes over infrastructure to double down on this

CI A L AD $154 billion to GDP annually, and moves investment in our national prosperity. nearly a billion tons annually of the com- We cannot hope to effectively A S P E THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON modities that power our economy. The navigate the next economic crisis or

| industry is both safe and green – barge exercise global leadership without a transportation is the safest mode of strong, secure domestic maritime sector. freight transportation for the public, and Preserving the Jones Act and investing a single dry cargo barge moves as much in waterways infrastructure must be top cargo as 16 rail cars or 70 tractor trailers. of mind in building and maintaining a The industry also plays an impor- to be owned, crewed, and built by Amer- happens when a geostrategic competi- resilient supply chain. tant role in the security of our nation. icans. Loss of the Jones Act would not tor like China gains a foothold in our Vessel crews serve as “eyes and ears” only mean the loss of hundreds of thou- domestic maritime sector. Such an effort Jennifer A. Carpenter is the president and in support of the U.S. Coast Guard’s sands of family-wage jobs, but it would would certainly be consistent with CEO of American Waterways Operators, homeland security mission; provide also make the Coast Guard’s homeland the Belt-and-Road Initiative, through which advocates for the U.S. tugboat, first-on-scene rescue assistance to security mission more complex and which China is attempting to link itself towboat, and barge industry by promoting vessels in distress; and support our daunting by allowing foreign vessels and economically to other nations in Europe its long-term economic soundness

Wednesday • February 24 • 2021 24 • February Wednesday military by transporting defense readi- mariners to navigate on domestic waters and Asia through the entrenchment of and enhancing its ability to provide ness cargo and providing ship-assist and would sharply reduce the number of massive infrastructure investments. As safe, efficient, and environmentally 10 services to guide aircraft carriers – and American mariners that our military can Admiral Craig Faller, Commander of U.S. responsible transportation. The American Tugboat, Towboat and Barge Industry

for Our Economy Our Supply Chain Our Security Proudly keeping our country supplied and safe as an essential industry throughout the COVID-19 pandemic Supporting hundreds of thousands of

American jobs A S P E

Contributing billions to GDP annually CI A L AD

Moving hundreds of millions of tons of V ER

commodities annually TI S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO TH E W Serving as the eyes and ears on our nation’s waterways Supporting America’s national and homeland security THE WASHINGTON TIMES A strong, secure domestic maritime sector HI N GTOAS N TIM ES means a resilient America. Preserving the Jones Act and investing in waterways infrastructure is critical. | Learn more at www.americanwaterways.com Wednesday • February 24 • 2021

11 Pandemic hits public transportation systems

from home and public health experts ad- will no longer make the drastic cuts pre- and during that time, used about 90 vised against unnecessary travel, agen- dicted, and the anticipated catastrophic million gallons of extra fuel. Investing in cies like the Washington Metropolitan effects will not impact the region’s eco- public transportation is an effective way Area Transit Authority (WMATA) saw nomic recovery. to save fuel and reclaim lost revenue. ridership and revenue levels crater, with Public transportation systems are not Even with the additional support passenger revenue down 89% compared only critical to maintaining the current Congress provided in December, to fiscal year 2020. Since its inception, workforce, but also are a catalyst for eco- WMATA is still trying to avoid laying WMATA has provided an essential nomic expansion. In the national capital off 2,500 employees and severely cut- service to Metrobus and Metrorail riders region, proximity to public transporta- ting service from January 2022 to July across the national capital region, while tion is a significant marketing asset, with 2022. At the same time, three quarters of

N TIM ES AS HI N GTO drivers have benefitted from reduced buyers and renters alike seeking to live private businesses that support transit traffic congestion. in areas with access to public transporta- nationwide have seen losses due to the Despite its vital role in the national tion options. According to the American pandemic, with nearly 40% consider- capital region, the loss of ridership Public Transportation Association, home ing additional layoffs. Providing addi- caused WMATA to implement cost sav- values are up to 24% higher near public tional funding for public transportation ing measures such as closing stations, transportation compared to other areas. systems, like WMATA, will not only shortening operating hours, and laying Looking to the future, public transpor- maintain the current workforce, but also By U.S. Rep. off employees. This has negatively tation systems must help address the serve as a down payment on the future Eleanor Holmes Norton success of the national capital region. My subcommittee is ready to s chair of the Highways Public transportation systems are not only critical continue this momentum and pass T TO TH E W TI S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO and Transit Subcommittee, to maintaining the current workforce, but also are major legislation that will provide V ER I passed the major infra- a catalyst for economic expansion. In the national stronger, cleaner, and more efficient structure bill in the House transportation.

CI A L AD in the 116th Congress, the capital region, proximity to public transportation Moving Forward Act (H.R. is a significant marketing asset, with buyers U.S. Representative Eleanor Holmes Nor- A S P E THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON 2), which included funding to strengthen ton, District of Columbia Democrat, is

| and renters alike seeking to live in areas with theA nation’s existing infrastructure and the House Subcommittee on Highways support new, innovative transportation access to public transportation options. and Transit Chair. In addition to the projects. The Moving Forward Act was Committee on Transportation and Infra- not only the vehicle for reauthorizing structure, she also serves on the Commit- major projects related to highways, impacted not only WMATA employees, biggest challenge of the 21st century, tee on Oversight and Reform. She was bridges, transit, and rail, but also con- but essential workers commuting to climate change. Transportation is the instrumental in bringing to D.C. the new tained unprecedented provisions on and from work. Before Congress passed leading cause of carbon pollution in the U.S. Department of Transportation head- schools, housing, and broadband. Now, additional COVID-19 relief in December U.S. Increasing public transportation will quarters; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, in the 117th Congress, my subcommittee 2020, WMATA estimated that without reduce automobile usage, especially for and Firearms headquarters; the U.S. has begun its work by addressing the federal assistance, the agency would be commuting, which in turn will reduce Department of Homeland Security head- impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on forced to close 19 Metro stations, drasti- congestion in busy cities like D.C. In the quarters compound, now under construc- our public transportation systems. Since cally reduce weekday rail service, end 2019 Urban Mobility Report, the Texas tion as the largest federal construction

Wednesday • February 24 • 2021 24 • February Wednesday the pandemic began, ridership on public weekend rail service altogether, and lay A&M Transportation Institute found project in the country; and an additional transportation has fallen precipitously. off 3,800 employees. Recent passage of that the national capital region lost $4.6 Metro station at New York Avenue. 12 As more Americans started working this bill ensured that, for now, WMATA billion in time because of traffic delays, Partisan budget process may roadblock infrastructure progress

was simultaneously playing out in many measure. The majority rejected every Two weeks ago, President Biden also other House committees. Republican amendment out of hand. indicated his intent to work across the The Transportation and Infrastruc- Now, this measure has been merged aisle on infrastructure in an Oval Office ture Committee’s budget measure was with other partisan committee budget meeting with bipartisan Senate leaders rushed to a vote without any compre- pieces and is being considered in the and Transportation Secretary Pete But- hension of what effects the previously House this week. Once again, Republi- tigieg. I believe that’s a positive sign, and approved transportation sector funding cans are being forced out of the deci- I believe we can find common ground. has had, before significant portions of sions about how to spend $1.9 trillion of Partnership – not partisanship – previous funding has even gotten into the taxpayers’ money. I fail to see how is Congress’ path to improving our the hands of its intended recipients, and this process conforms with President infrastructure. With a critical surface with no discussions with Republicans of Biden’s pledged desire to work across transportation reauthorization and how best to target any new funding. the aisle for the American people. other potential infrastructure legisla- During our nine-hour committee This same one-sided, “my way or tion before us this Congress, work- markup, Republicans offered more than the highway” approach also resulted in ing together is the surest path to our 50 amendments to address our priorities. last year’s failure in Congress to pass a mutual goal of improving America’s We suggested changes to provide greater desperately needed, long-term surface transportation network. By U.S. Rep. Sam Graves

ast year, Republicans and Democrats worked together to provide trillions of dollars in COVID relief for the American people. This collaborative process led to the approval of $113 billion to assist transportation Lworkers and businesses in this vital sector of our economy. In addition, we also authorized more than $45 billion

for the Federal Emergency Management A S P E Agency’s (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund

(DRF) – which during the pandemic has CI A L AD been utilized by states to purchase PPEs, support vaccination distribution efforts, and supplement state unemployment V ER benefits, among other things. TI S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO TH E W In all, Congress approved five bipartisan COVID relief packages in 2020, the most recent of which was less than two months ago. Since then, we’ve begun to see signs of economic recovery, including drops in new unemployment claims and strengthening consumer confidence. But, more importantly, the nonpartisan THE WASHINGTON TIMES Congressional Budget Office and other

experts are indicating long-term eco- Partnership – not partisanship – is Congress’ path to improving HI N GTOAS N TIM ES nomic improvements, even if Congress our infrastructure. With a critical surface transportation passes no additional relief. Moving into 2021, my hope was that Congress reauthorization and other potential infrastructure legislation would continue collaborating on any before us this Congress, working together is the surest path to our new potential relief legislation. After all, this pandemic doesn’t affect just mutual goal of improving America’s transportation network. | Democrats or Republicans – it impacts Wednesday • February 24 • 2021 all Americans. But instead of maintaining this bi- equity for funding in rural communities, transportation law to fund highway, U.S. Representative Sam Graves, Mis- partisan path, Speaker Pelosi instructed underrepresented in this package. We bridge, and transit improvements. This souri Republican, serves as the Ranking all House committees to conduct an offered adjustments to shift more of the was a drastic departure from the Com- Member of the House Transportation entirely one-sided process for the next funding to assist COVID vaccination mittee’s traditionally bipartisan ap- and Infrastructure Committee. His role multi-trillion-dollar round of COVID efforts, one of the surest ways to get kids proach to infrastructure bills. in transportation is critical as he works relief aid. As a result, on February 10th, back in school, bring the pandemic to an We need a return to bipartisanship. on behalf of Missouri’s 34,000 highway the Transportation and Infrastructure end, and eliminate the underlying need And despite this week’s partisan use of miles and 10,400 bridges in need of main- Committee took up its $95.62 billion for aid. Republican members also of- the budget reconciliation process by the tenance and repair as well as the 6th Con- spending piece, just two days after fered commonsense proposals to ensure House majority, I want to reiterate that gressional District’s two major rivers – the Republicans got their first look at it. And accountability and eliminate waste, in Transportation and Infrastructure Com- Missouri and the Mississippi. Rep. Graves while much of the country watched the addition to changes simply to ensure mittee Republicans stand ready to work is also a member of the House Armed Ser- ongoing impeachment drama in the Sen- that Chinese government-owned entities together in good faith on infrastructure vices Committee. ate, this same partisan budget process can’t profit from a single dollar in this legislation in the coming months. 13 Road to recovery and growth travels along broadband infrastructure

By U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce

hen you hear the word infrastructure, what immediately comes to mind? Roads? Bridges? Dams? What about internet and cell service? WBroadband connectivity, or the lack thereof, is an issue I’ve consistently Access to broadband is critical to allowing doctors’ visits to take and increasingly heard about when I place at home, providing businesses virtual economic opportunities, meet with constituents. supplying students and teachers with a platform for education, The reality is that broadband is no longer a luxury, it’s an essential facilitating agricultural efficiency for farmers, and more. service. The COVID-19 pandemic has made that fact crystal clear. Access to broadband is critical to I’ve made it one of my top priorities connectivity required to do so simply facility averages a little over $27,000.

N TIM ES AS HI N GTO allowing doctors’ visits to take place to provide the resources necessary to doesn’t exist where they live. Better yet, telemedicine applications at home, providing businesses virtual expand broadband access, lower costs, That’s why I wrote to President are estimated to add $522,000 to rural economic opportunities, supplying and make it easier for communities Biden, urging him to work with Con- economies, reduce hospitalizations of students and teachers with a platform to install the physical infrastructure gress to advance an infrastructure pack- nursing home patients, and result in for education, facilitating agricultural required to connect homes, schools, age that aggressively deploys broadband savings for Medicare. efficiency for farmers, and more. businesses, and medical facilities to the across the country and incentivizes in- This pandemic has made the need The COVID-19 pandemic also exposed broadband they need. ternet providers to bridge the digital di- for expanded broadband connectiv- the fact that far too many people live This past December, I was proud to vide through public-private partnerships. ity painfully obvious, but the benefits without access to high-speed internet. vote to provide rural broadband initia- There’s no use in sugar coating it: associated with meeting that need While Ohio is ranked in the top 20 tives with $732 million - the highest the expense of building reliable broad- are undeniable. Bridging the digital states for broadband connectivity, more funding level in history - to support the band networks in areas that lack them divide will be complicated, but I firmly T TO TH E W TI S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO than 300,000 Buckeye households lack ReConnect broadband pilot program will be extraordinary. believe we can do it if we reach across V ER access to high-speed internet. That’s as well as Distance Learning and Tele- We just have to keep in mind that by the aisle and work together with civil- roughly one million Ohioans who can’t medicine grants. investing in initiatives that increase ac- ity and mutual respect.

CI A L AD access education or health care services I’m also encouraged by recent efforts cess to broadband, we will not only be Congress has talked the talk for far during this pandemic. at the Federal Communications Com- able to meet new work, health, and ed- too long when it comes to infrastruc- A S P E THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON If that’s not enough to convey how mission, like the Rural Digital Opportu- ucation needs created by the COVID-19 ture. It’s past time for us to walk the

| dire the situation is, a 2019 study nity Fund which recently awarded $9.2 pandemic; we will also boost economic walk and pass a bipartisan infrastruc- across eight Ohio counties found that billion to 180 providers who will expand productivity, create good jobs, and gen- ture package that expands broadband in rural areas with 20 or fewer house- broadband to 5.2 million locations in 49 erate significant savings for our local access. The lives and livelihoods of holds per square mile, 80% to 90% of states over the next 10 years. economies down the road. millions of Americans depend on it. households have no access to broad- But it will take more than that not Reaching full broadband coverage in band whatsoever. only to provide essential health and ed- Ohio is estimated to generate up to $6.6 U.S. Representative Dave Joyce, Ohio And, while three to four million ucation services during the pandemic, billion in economic benefits over the Republican, serves on the House students across the country have been but to also address the economic and next 15 years. Those benefits are a big Appropriations Committee and is the provided at-home internet access since employment impacts that are sure to deal for small businesses, as those with Ranking Member of the Subcommittee the pandemic started, studies indi- arise in the near future. less than 20 employees that have web- on Interior, Environment and Related cate more than 12 million children in The unfortunate reality is that as sites have higher annual revenues and Agencies where he is a fierce advocate of rural or low-income households still the labor market continues to shift to are more likely to have recently hired the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

Wednesday • February 24 • 2021 24 • February Wednesday lack broadband access. a post-pandemic world, millions of than businesses without websites. He was the Geauga County Prosecutor That’s why, as a member of the Americans will be limited in seek- That’s not to mention that the prior to representing Ohio’s 14th 14 House Appropriations Committee, ing job opportunities because the annual telehealth cost savings per congressional district in Washington, D.C. Let’s aspire to create broadband partnerships benefiting education, health, and more

rural and its farming industry gener- out hard-copies of assignments and our nation. I am committed to promot- ates more than $19 billion annually. As delivering them to the students. No- ing public-private partnerships to work the agricultural industry continues to where has the digital divide been more together to provide rural broadband. become more technologically sophisti- painful than in rural America. The 2018 Farm Bill signed by cated, reliable connectivity is essential. The pandemic has highlighted the President Trump made tremendous Since the spring of 2020, many critical issue of demand and access for improvements for rural broadband schools still remain closed. Lockdowns high-speed internet. For example, ac- deployment, authorizing $350 million have left millions of parents in the cess to health care in rural areas can be to the Department of Agriculture’s unexpected situation of schooling from a challenge which urban dwellers can- Rural Broadband Access Loan and home. It has been reported to me from not understand. It can be dangerously Loan Guarantee program, which families and schools throughout my far away. With broadband, telemedi- provides essential assistance to rural district that up to 30 percent of faculty cine can offer online doctor video calls America to build out broadband and students do not have access to and other necessary health care. infrastructure. Over the years, the reliable connectivity. To try and adapt, Eventually, the pandemic will end, federal government has provided mul- schools have set up portable hotspots but the need for reliable broadband tiple billions of dollars to support the to connect public Wi-Fi so children connectivity will continue. If there expansion of rural broadband. The can get their homework done. But who could be a silver lining in the COVID- COVID-19 relief packages have also By U.S. Rep. Mary Miller wants to do school in a car? In despera- 19 crisis, it would be the increased included up to $7 billion in federal tion, some schools are actually printing awareness of the lack of broadband in funding for broadband. ince being sworn into Con- I believe that public-private part- gress in January, I have often nerships may be the most successful been asked what my legisla- way to help get the internet into rural tive priorities are. I ran on The pandemic has highlighted the critical issue areas. The federal government needs to promoting the America of demand and access for high-speed internet. make long-term funding commitments First agenda, protecting our For example, access to health care in rural areas to these partnerships. We are excited Constitutional freedoms, and defending about Elon Musk’s initiatives with Sthe unborn. These remain my priorities. can be a challenge which urban dwellers cannot SpaceX as Starlink develops. Hopefully, In addition, expanding access to much- understand. It can be dangerously far away. With connectivity for rural America isn’t far needed broadband in our rural commu- broadband, telemedicine can offer online doctor away. Musk’s developments and others

nities is a top priority. like it should give rural residents hope A S P E Illinois’ 15th district is 52 percent video calls and other necessary health care. that widespread high-speed internet

access for rural Americans is within CI A L AD reach. I hope entrepreneurs like Musk partner with us to make broadband available for all Americans. V ER The pandemic has left permanent TI S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO TH E W changes on how society functions in education, business, healthcare, and frankly, on where people decide to live. This past year has proved that reliable internet service allows people more freedom on where to conduct business and live. Right now, there are people leaving rural areas because of THE WASHINGTON TIMES the lack of broadband necessary to

conduct business. If strong connectiv- HI N GTOAS N TIM ES ity was available, some people would choose to live in rural areas because they are attracted to small towns and the lifestyles they offer. Broadband availability in rural areas continues to be a major topic of | concern. Schools, families, businesses, Wednesday • February 24 • 2021 and the agricultural economy depend on it. Bridging the digital divide requires all hands on deck.

U.S. Representative Mary Miller, Illinois Republican, serves on the House Agriculture Committee and House Education & Labor Committee. A wife, mother, grandmother, farmer, and business manager, she represents the 33 counties included in the 15th congressional district. Rep. Miller joins 45 freshmen Republican House members elected to the 117th session of Congress. 15 Hollywood’s attack on the Dakota Access Pipeline is high-flying hypocrisy

industry—a form of travel that emits elite enjoy, these are good paying jobs consultations with Standing Rock about 40 times as much carbon per that are creating growth across every Sioux leadership and stakeholders passenger as commercial flights. Yet, sector of our economy and every corner across North Dakota. The multi-year cutting back on their private jet travel of our country. That reality should not permitting process received approv- doesn’t appear to be part of their be lost on the Biden administration as it als from federal, state and municipal agenda. These silver screen personali- seeks to foster recovery to help Ameri- authorities, which were upheld by ties want to have their jet fuel and kill cans who are out of work and facing lost multiple courts when challenged. The it too. wages and business closures in the wake pipeline has operated successfully In 2016, Leonardo DiCaprio put down of the global pandemic. now for nearly four years, providing his carbon footprint by flying privately Hollywood actors are entitled to their a reliable energy source to consumer from France to New York and back to own opinions, but not their own facts. markets across the Midwest.

N TIM ES AS HI N GTO pick up an environmental award. Chris Unfortunately, their letter gets those Separately, domestic shale produc- Evans raised eyebrows last year when he wrong, and it’s important to set the tion does not conflict with the United shared photos wearing a climate change record straight. States’ transition to alternative energy shirt onboard a private jet. In 2014, Chel- The actors claim the Dakota Access sources—as Hollywood elites would sea Handler bragged about flying her Pipeline was rerouted across tribal have the public believe. CO2 emissions By Craig Stevens dog on a private jet, alone, to meet her. lands to avoid Bismarck, ND, and its fell 14 percent between 2005 and 2017, The list goes on and on. “90 percent white inhabitants.” In fact, the lowest level since 1992, even while he Biden administration’s This hypocritical Hollywood letter the existing route was always preferred oil and natural gas production increased mission to phase out do- comes only days after it was revealed and included in the original permit 80 percent and 51 percent, respectively, mestically produced oil and that President Biden’s recently appointed application. The alternative route near over the same period. President Biden natural gas has reignited climate czar, John Kerry, took a private Bismarck would have crossed 27 more knows this as under the Obama-Biden T TO TH E W TI S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO anti-pipeline activism across jet to Iceland in 2019 to receive the Arc- waterways, more agricultural land and administration, U.S. natural gas produc- V ER the country. Regrettably, tic Circle award for climate leadership. would have been significantly longer. tion grew 35 percent. the Dakota Access Pipeline, which was These jet-setting celebrities face A coalition of Congressional Demo- Hollywood’s elites have long been

CI A L AD Tmarred by “peaceful protests” turned an inconvenient truth—domestically crats recently penned a similar letter removed from the realities facing violent during construction, has again produced fossil fuels are critical to to the President. Among other false every day, hard-working Americans. A S P E THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON become a cause célèbre in the literal supporting the lives of working-class claims, the elected officials allege that The Biden administration shouldn’t

| sense, threatening to reopen an ugly Americans, as well as celebrities’ high- there was “egregious environmental be. Robust domestic oil and natural chapter around this key piece of U.S. society lifestyles. Fossil fuels supply racism” in law enforcement’s actions gas production is imperative to our energy infrastructure. over 80 percent of the United States’ en- to keep the peace during the Dakota economy, to millions of American jobs, Earlier this month, a group of Hol- ergy needs. There is no switch that can Access Pipeline protests in 2015 and and to continued success in the fight lywood actors sent a letter to Presi- be thrown to transition to alternative 2016. In fact, more than 600 activists against climate change. It’s even vital to dent Biden urging him to shut down energies overnight. Attacking U.S. pro- were arrested for attacking police and jet-setting actors’ extravagant lifestyles, the Dakota Access Pipeline as a matter duction and transportation capabilities journalists, arson, trespassing and whether they admit it or not. of “climate justice.” Sadly, their misin- will only increase costs for consumers, slaughtering livestock. Less than 10 formed call to arms not only distorts kill jobs, and put even greater reliance percent of those arrested were from Craig Stevens, former senior adviser the facts, it also sweeps under the rug on foreign suppliers. North Dakota. Most were professional to U.S. Energy Secretary Sam Bodman, their lavish lifestyles, which contrib- The U.S. oil and gas industry sup- protesters who traveled from 46 states is the spokesman for Grow America’s ute to the very cause they purport to ports over 10 million American jobs to stoke the unrest. Infrastructure Now, a national

Wednesday • February 24 • 2021 24 • February Wednesday be fighting. and creates about eight percent of our Contrary to recent claims, the coalition focused on promoting key The signers are some of the most nation’s GDP. While those jobs might Dakota Access Pipeline underwent infrastructure investments. Follow GAIN 16 frequent patrons of the private jet not afford the private travel Hollywood’s rigorous vetting, including robust on Twitter @GAINnowAmerica. Greenlight policies that cut red tape stalling infrastructure progress

By U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis

merica’s roads, bridges, tunnels, and transit face a funding gap of more than $1 trillion in the next few years. One in five miles of highway pavement is in poor condition and congestion costs the U.S.A economy over $300 billion annually. Continued underinvestment will lead to longer trips to work or school, more

costly maintenance expenses, and unsafe A S P E road conditions.

Congress absolutely can and should Surface transportation legislation should be about making sustainable, CI A L AD consider an infrastructure legislative long-term transportation investments and nothing more. That’s exactly package. It will create good-paying jobs what T&I Republicans proposed in the STARTER Act last year, which would V ER at a time when our economy is strug- gling, while also tackling the major have reauthorized surface transportation projects for a five-year period, TI S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO TH E W funding gap and project backlog of our among other policy changes aimed at improving infrastructure. current infrastructure needs. Investing in infrastructure isn’t just a matter of funding and additional appropriations, The myth is that if we cut this jumble Congress at large embrace a return to a but time will tell if the President and but also about the policies and regula- of red tape that can discourage or kill normal, bipartisan surface reauthoriza- Democratic lawmakers who control tions that govern infrastructure projects. major critical infrastructure projects, tion process. Congress will use these legislative talks Currently, a complex highway project we will cause harm to our environment. Surface transportation legislation is as an opportunity to consider invest- takes an average of seven years just to In reality, countries such as Canada, one of the most critical infrastructure ments in traditional infrastructure that THE WASHINGTON TIMES clear the federal government’s cum- Germany, and Australia complete their bills Congress enacts because it funds are long overdue for maintenance, like bersome review process needed for a environmental reviews in two years and major projects and helps meet our Na- highways and bridges, or if they will use HI N GTOAS N TIM ES project to advance. When one federal still rank higher than the United States tion’s infrastructure needs. What we it to push an unrelated, partisan agenda agency can take an average of 3.7 to 5 on Yale University’s Environmental must avoid is another costly, short-term like the Green New Deal. This is a major years to complete an environmental re- Performance Index. extension of surface reauthorization, issue Congress should tackle as soon view, it’s no wonder that some approvals This bill and others like it are based which doesn’t provide the clarity and as possible, and we can’t lose sight of for critical projects have dragged on for on the principle that streamlining proj- certainty a long-term reauthorization the backlog of projects that deserve our decades. These project delays cost $3.7 ect delivery and eliminating needless provides to our states and local com- attention and new investments that need | trillion in foregone economic gains in and wasteful bureaucracy will not only munities. We must also avoid tying to be made. Let’s get to work. Wednesday • February 24 • 2021 employment, efficiency, and more. improve our infrastructure in a more reauthorization to other, extraneous That’s why I introduced the One timely, commonsense manner, it will policy issues. U.S. Representative Rodney Davis, Federal Decision Act last year, which also save money and provide the same Surface transportation legislation Illinois Republican, serves as the recognizes that federal reviews of practical impact as increasing funding should be about making sustainable, Ranking Member of the Transportation major infrastructure projects should by reducing the project timeline. long-term transportation investments and Infrastructure Subcommittee, the be done in a more efficient, reasonable, The legislation that authorizes the and nothing more. That’s exactly what largest subcommittee in Congress. In and timely fashion. The One Federal funding of infrastructure projects is just T&I Republicans proposed in the addition to the House Transportation Decision Act aims to set a government- as important as the policies and regula- STARTER Act last year, which would and Infrastructure Committee, he wide goal of limiting environmental tions that govern those same projects. have reauthorized surface transportation serves on the House Agriculture reviews and decision-making to two As Ranking Member of the Subcom- projects for a five-year period, among Committee and as Ranking Member of years for major infrastructure projects, mittee on Highways and Transit at the other policy changes aimed at improving the House Administration Committee. including bridges, highways, airports, House Committee on Transportation infrastructure. He represents 14 urban and rural railroads, pipelines, and energy pro- and Infrastructure (T&I), it is my hope I’m encouraged by the bipartisan calls counties of Central and Southwestern duction systems. that members of the Committee and for new investments in infrastructure, Illinois comprising the 13th district. 17 The future of U.S. aviation will be safer, greener, more accessible, innovative

By U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen

he COVID-19 pandemic continues to reduce air travel demand, slow U.S. aerospace manufacturing, and trigger industry-wide layoffs. As Congress and the Biden administration work on another round of Tessential pandemic relief, part of this effort must include strengthening aviation safety, bolstering the country’s global aviation leadership, fostering innovation in U.S. airspace, and restoring confidence in air travel. As Chair of the House Subcommittee on Aviation, I look forward to advanc- The U.S. must also maintain leadership in the global aviation and ing the following action items in the aerospace market through fair competition, robust infrastructure

N TIM ES AS HI N GTO 117th Congress: investment, and a rigorous and efficient certification process. Deliver COVID-19 Pandemic Relief: In the Pacific Northwest and across the country, the aviation manu- aviation workers, and other key stake- to invest in clean transportation to accessibility provisions in the FAA facturing workforce drives the econ- holders to the table to develop a clear, build resiliency, deploy alternative fuel reauthorization bill and new challenges omy and helps the U.S. remain globally comprehensive plan of action. infrastructure, and promote zero and facing passengers with disabilities. I am competitive. Due to the pandemic, an Ensure Aviation Safety: Congress low-emission aviation technologies. committed to working with advocates, estimated 100,000 aerospace manu- has an obligation to the 346 victims of Improve U.S. Competitiveness industry, and the administration to facturing workers nationwide have the two Boeing 737 MAX crashes and in the Global Market: The U.S. must ensure these passengers have a safe and lost their jobs and 220,000 additional their families, as well as the travel- also maintain leadership in the global dignified air travel experience. jobs are at risk of furlough. Rep. Ron ing public, to ensure the safety of air aviation and aerospace market through The future of U.S. aviation is bright, T TO TH E W TI S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO Estes of Kansas and I recently intro- travel. Last year, Congress passed my fair competition, robust infrastructure and will be safer, greener, more acces- V ER duced a bipartisan bill to help prevent bipartisan legislation to help restore the investment, and a rigorous and efficient sible and innovative. I stand ready to aerospace supply chain furloughs and integrity of the FAA aircraft certification certification process. Technological in- work with the Biden administration on

CI A L AD rehire employees who were furloughed process by improving aviation safety novation and global competitiveness are these goals and other shared priorities due to the pandemic; I am pleased culture, enhancing transparency, and in- only possible with continued investment to drive the U.S. economy and keep A S P E THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON the Transportation and Infrastructure tegrating human factors to ensure pilots in the next generation of engineers, people moving.

| Committee included similar language and flight crews can do their jobs safely. mechanics, and innovators. Improving in its recent pandemic relief legisla- I look forward to conducting oversight skills training is an all-around win for U.S. Representative Rick Larsen, tion. I will also continue to push for of FAA implementation of these critical employers, job seekers, and the aviation Washington Democrat, serves on the an extension of the successful Payroll reforms to ensure U.S. aviation remains and aerospace sectors. I am working to House Transportation and Infrastructure Support Program to keep airline em- the global gold standard in safety. improve access to STEM-based ap- Committee and the House Armed ployees on payroll with benefits. Foster Innovation in U.S. Air- prenticeships and career and technical Services Committee. He is the Aviation Keeping the flying public safe from space: The safe integration of new education programs to diversify and Subcommittee Chair, a position critical to COVID-19 is even more difficult because airspace users and deployment of grow the U.S. workforce. jobs and the economy in Washington state of the lack of coordinated federal leader- greener technologies will bolster U.S. Enhance the Air Travel Experi- and the Second District which is home to ship by the previous administration. jobs and grow U.S. leadership in sustain- ence for Passengers: For years, I cham- vital national security with Naval Station A national aviation preparedness plan ability. U.S. aviation is making strides to pioned efforts to improve accessibility of Everett and Naval Air Station Whidbey would ensure the safety of aviation crews improve fuel efficiency, green ground air travel for passengers with disabilities. Island. He co-founded the Congressional

Wednesday • February 24 • 2021 24 • February Wednesday and passengers. Earlier this month, Rep. operations, and advance new, sustain- For the first time in recent memory, Arctic Working Group, a bipartisan group Don Beyer of Virginia and I introduced able propulsion. Congress must pass a the Subcommittee held a roundtable to help bring more focus to U.S. policy 18 a bill to bring federal agencies, frontline comprehensive infrastructure package in November 2019 to discuss the latest issues related to the Arctic. Blueprint for communities in 2021: Respond, recover, rebuild

League of Cities that says local leaders are in the best position to know what their communities need. Too often, we get heavy-handed mandates from the state or federal government that aren’t useful or applicable to us, but we’re required to follow them. In the case of drinking water, we want to make sure that the pipe materials we use in our system are the right pipes for our local conditions. There are a multitude of factors that go into pipe selection, and that decision should not be based solely on a mandate that dictates a pipe material be based on its perceived costs. A pipe that is cheaper in terms of initial costs may wind up By Kathy Maness more expensive if it breaks after just a few years of service because it was not he three key words that every suited to our specific area. Conversely, municipal and elected official a pipe that is more expensive upfront in the country will be focused could save ratepayers money over time on in 2021 are “respond, if the pipe is of more durable, more recover, rebuild.” reliable quality. In any case, the local We have to respond to the experts know best what materials will needs of our communities both in terms work for their unique circumstance. Tof health and safety. When I started my There’s an effort by some special career as a third-grade teacher here in interests to enact state and federal man- South Carolina, I spent more time than dates that would require municipalities

most asking about hand washing. This is to base drinking water and wastewater A S P E probably true for most teachers before system pipe decisions on just the initial this past year, when the importance of costs. This is misguided and wrong. I’m CI A L AD hand washing became part of the national glad the National League of Cities en- conversation and everyone was reminded dorsed my resolution to trust the profes- on a daily basis of its importance when sional judgment of municipal engineers, V ER we consider that clean hands are among utility professionals, and others involved TI S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO TH E W our first defenses against viruses. in these decisions. The key to proper hand washing: ac- Looking ahead – finally! – to the rest cess to clean water. of this new year, we have a chance in We’ve experienced some difficulties rebuilding our communities to right with our drinking water due to algae some wrongs. Among them, we can blooms in my community. While the take a look at the kinds of projects water in South Carolina’s Lake Murray we’re allocating funding toward and has always been safe to drink, it has oc- make sure that we’re incentivizing job THE WASHINGTON TIMES casionally been affected by the algae and growth and opportunities. had issues with both its taste and smell. This past year has certainly been HI N GTOAS N TIM ES Not everyone can afford expensive filters a traumatic and trying one that has or to stock up with bottled water (and forced us to reevaluate and prioritize we should be mindful about the number what really matters. For instance, we all of single-use plastic bottles we use!). learned that our individual actions can However, our utility and local water pro- greatly impact someone else’s health fessionals have been able to implement and we need to be mindful to do what | new projects and procedures, which we can to support one another when Wednesday • February 24 • 2021 have safely delivered drinking water we respond to crisis. A second lesson to our homes, schools, hospitals, and we’ve learned is that our communities businesses. Knowing we have clean, safe and neighborhoods are resilient. As we water puts our citizens ahead of many move forward in our recovery from the others in our state and country that lack challenges of this past year, we should access to potable water. expect that same resilience from the We must focus on an equitable recov- pipes that convey drinking water to ery that raises up every single person. In ensure that they are strong and will May, Lexington, South Carolina’s unem- businesses. As an elected official, part of That responsibility goes hand-in- last generations. After all, good health ployment rate hit 8.1 percent. As we have my responsibility is to ensure and seek hand with my obligation to make sure begins with good hygiene. seen elsewhere in communities across out opportunities for our community that any projects that the town council the country, the economic disruption for their recovery as we deploy vac- approves using limited public resources Kathy Maness is President of the of the pandemic has led to job loss and cines and hopefully start to regain our are done properly. That’s why I spon- National League of Cities and a town unfortunately the closure of many small economic footing. sored a resolution at the National councilwoman for Lexington, SC. 19 History proves and future calls for infrastructure and mitigation projects

behavior through local police forces, condition, the 3,251-mile trek took 62 entrance of Galveston Bay. and ensuring justice through an unbi- days to complete, sometimes averaging My district includes five ports— ased public court system. These are only 5 miles per hour. more than any other Member of among the tenets espoused by Adam Fast forward to World War II. As Congress—and all or part of Brazoria, Smith, whose The Wealth of Na- Supreme Allied Commander, Eisen- Galveston, and Jefferson counties (es- tions (published in 1776) coincided with hower had marveled at the efficiency sentially, the suburban areas south of the birth of our own republic. of Germany’s autobahns, particularly Houston and the Beaumont-Port Arthur Regarding infrastructure, Smith for strategic purposes such as military metro area). Our region has a history believed that non-users should not have mobilization. When the retired general of violent storms, but the desire for a their taxes confiscated for a purpose became president in 1953, he prioritized comprehensive mitigation project is not

N TIM ES AS HI N GTO that was not purely universal. He the improvement of U.S. highways; just a parochial one. favored user fees and, if government in- hence, we now enjoy the benefit of the Texas—and I contend, America—can- volvement was necessary, decentraliza- Dwight D. Eisenhower National System not wait much longer. The effects of the tion to the lowest practical level. But he of Interstate and Defense Highways. next devastating storm would be felt also recognized the economies of scale Not since the nation’s first trans- nationwide. Given our region’s outsized for a dedicated group to contribute continental railroad was completed in role in the nation’s fuel supply and vital the costs of building a road or bridge, 1869 had infrastructure been connected petrochemical industry, the sizable By U.S. Rep. Randy Weber rather than expecting individuals to pay in such a transformational way. Ike’s price tag (some $30 billion) should be exorbitantly to build their respective highway system streamlined commerce weighed in the context of energy disrup- s federal spending ex- sections of thoroughfare. and logistics nationwide, further fueling tion nationally. plodes to unimaginable Public choice economics involves America’s emergence as a global power. The 2021 hurricane season begins in T TO TH E W TI S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO levels, limited government the distribution of taxpayer resources Which brings me to another Ike. In less than four months, and all Americans V ER conservatives find our- so that costs are dispersed over a large September 2008, the 14th congressio- should be concerned. For non-Texans selves repeating the need group, even though benefits are con- nal district of Texas was slammed by to balk at the Ike Dike’s sticker price

CI A L AD for sober debate about the centrated (in this case, the users of the Hurricane Ike, along a track similar to might be pennywise, but it would also be proper role of bureaucracy in citizens’ highway or bridge). the deadly 1900 Galveston Hurricane, pound foolish. A S P E THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON lives, arguing for as little as possible Liberals use the model to demand costing lives and resulting in billions of

| A (particularly at the federal level) in a plethora of government programs dollars in damage. In August 2017, we U.S. Representative Randy K. Weber, order to maximize individual liberty. Of targeted at a few special interests, but were struck again, this time by the even Texas Republican, serves as the Ranking course, even committed libertarians rec- conservatives can more genuinely justify more catastrophic Hurricane Harvey. Member of the Energy Subcommittee on ognize that government can play a role “concentrated benefits, dispersed costs” The damage from both storms could the House Science, Space, and Technol- in the handful of tasks that benefit the by maximizing the universe of beneficia- have been greatly mitigated by a barrier ogy Committee. He is also a member whole, not just a few parochial interests. ries as is the case with the United States system known as the Coastal Spine. of the House Transportation and Infra- The calling for conservatives, there- Armed Forces (everyone benefits from Since the 2008 storm, this initiative has structure Committee, where he serves fore, is to: (a) identify the tasks that fit the blanket of security provided by our been nicknamed the Ike Dike. The U.S. on Water Resources and Environment, that definition, and (b) keep that list as military). It also applies to infrastructure Army Corps of Engineers is working Coast Guard and Maritime Transpor- short as possible. benefiting the nation generally. closely with the Texas General Land tation, as well as Railroads, Pipelines, For many, government should be Enter the twentieth century. In 1919, Office to study the feasibility of a “mul- and Hazardous Materials Subcommit- limited to the safety and security of a young Army officer named Dwight tiple lines of defense” system along the tees. He is a small business owner and

Wednesday • February 24 • 2021 24 • February Wednesday the citizenry: providing for the com- “Ike” Eisenhower led a military convoy Texas coast. An innovative component third generation Texan representing the mon defense against foreign invaders, from Washington, D.C., to San Francisco. includes movable “flood gates,” reminis- 14th congressional district of Texas. 20 protecting the populace from criminal Due to America’s roads’ overall abysmal cent of those in the Netherlands, at the read. listen. share.

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washingtontimes.com 21 Biden’s climate policies raise alarm about environmental damage

By Valerie Richardson action to fight the “climate crisis” by rolling back which Mr. Biden seeks to limit with his leasing ban. THE WASHINGTON TIMES President Trump’s policies that led to U.S. energy “These actions could actually move us away from independence in favor of limiting the increase in our climate ambitions,” said Sen. Steve Daines, Mon- President Biden’s climate blitz already has proved atmospheric carbon dioxide. tana Republican. costly to U.S. energy jobs, but concerns are mounting Even Biden global climate czar John F. Kerry ac- U.S. emissions represent 14% of the global total, that his executive actions will do nothing to reduce knowledged that meeting the U.S. targets under the down in the two decades from 25%, while emissions in emissions while threatening to wreak enormous en- Paris accord will have little impact on global emissions. China, the world’s largest producer of solar panels and vironmental damage. “[Mr. Biden] also knows that Paris alone is not wind turbines, have increased to 30% as the country The president’s biggest moves — reentering the enough — not when almost 90% of all of the planet’s continues to build coal-fired plants. Paris Agreement, shutting down the Keystone XL emissions, global emissions — come from outside of “Any ban on fracking is also expected to drastically pipeline project and suspending fossil fuel leasing U.S. borders,” Mr. Kerry said in his Jan. 27 remarks. increase emissions,” Mr. Daines said. “I’m a chemical on federal lands — have been criticized as largely “We could go to zero tomorrow, and the problem engineer by degree. I like to look at the numbers. The symbolic from a climate perspective, given that global isn’t solved.” science tells us that these radical moves to the left are oil demand is expected to rise and any drop in U.S. He has argued that U.S. leadership as demonstrated actually going to increase CO2, not decrease CO2.” production would be offset by foreign competitors by rejoining the Paris accord and taking other actions An OnLocation report for the American Petroleum such as Russia and Saudi Arabia. are critical to bending the global emissions curve. Institute released in September found that a morato- “When we potentially don’t develop our oil and The nation needs “credibility to go to the table, rium on federal oil and gas leasing could result in a 5.5% gas, we will shift production of the oil and gas to other show people what we’re doing and push them to do increase in emissions by 2030 by raising the price of countries with lower environmental standards, which more,” Mr. Kerry said on a call last month with U.S. natural gas, prompting power plants to return to coal. is to say that per unit of oil or gas produced, there will mayors. “So everybody can understand it’s not fake, it’s Exporting U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Asia be more greenhouse gases emitted into the atmo- not a phony, empty promise. It really is getting real.” could also reduce overall global emissions by sup- sphere,” Sen. Bill Cassidy, Louisiana Republican, said Biden officials have said little about the trade-offs planting coal in electricity generation, said Fatih Birol, last week at a Senate Energy and Natural Resources involved in its energy transition with more mining, fossil executive director of the International Energy Agency. Committee hearing. fuel production overseas, and pollution from shipping “The main purchaser of U.S. LNG today by far is Manhattan Institute senior fellow Mark Mills said and trucking oil rather than moving it through pipelines. China,” said Mr. Birol. “From an emissions point of Mr. Biden’s moratorium on oil leases would be “utterly Rep. Gary Palmer, Alabama Republican, cited a view, U.S. LNG, if it replaces coal in Asia, it can lead to ineffective” in combating climate change, given that it 2016 study from the University of Alberta that found significant emissions declines, both in terms of carbon “will not reduce the consumption of oil or the emissions using pipelines for oil produced “between 61 and 77% dioxide emissions but also air pollution.” of carbon dioxide from the combustion of petroleum.” fewer greenhouse gas emissions than rail.” He also warned that U.S. methane emissions from Sen. John Barrasso, Wyoming Republican, said the “It is also incredibly popular, as 100% of U.S. natu- natural gas have increased and stressed the importance biggest impact would be the loss of tens of thousands ral gas is shipped by pipe, and 70% of crude oil and of plugging leaks. Mr. Biden also reversed the Trump of jobs from Mr. Biden’s “indefensible and ineffective petroleum products are shipped by pipe,” said Mr. administration’s rollback of methane regulations. climate policies.” Palmer, who sits on the House Select Committee on The alternative for natural gas is Russia, but “Rus- “I think we have to stop fooling ourselves into the Climate Crisis. sian natural gas exports to Europe have over 40%

N TIM ES AS HI N GTO thinking that eliminating U.S. fossil fuel production is Sierra Club President Michael Brune has tack- higher emissions than U.S. natural gas,” Mr. Palmer said. going to solve the problem,” the Wyoming Republican led the issue by arguing that increased mining in Mr. Biden also has called for replacing the federal said. “It will just make America less competitive and countries such as Congo to meet renewable energy vehicle fleet with electric cars, but most battery ma- less energy secure.” demand must be offset by more recycling, techno- terials needed for electric vehicles are processed in Canceling the Keystone XL cross-border permit is logical advances, and tougher environmental and China, where two-thirds of the grid is fueled by coal. worse than doing nothing because it means crude oil labor laws abroad. “That means that the energy to make battery ma- will be moved instead from Alberta to U.S. terminals “We need to be mindful that our goal of 100% clean terials emits carbon dioxide,” said Mr. Mills. “Just as a and refineries by truck or rail, which produce higher energy is more complicated than simply getting rid calibration point, making a battery and the materials emissions than pipelines, said James Taylor, president of X and replacing it with Y,” Mr. Brune said in a 2019 for it that can store the amount of energy equal to a of the free market Heartland Institute. statement. “We already know some of the challenges barrel of oil requires consuming about 100 barrels of “All of those alternate transportation options ahead, and we can be sure there will be more. That’s oil equivalent of energy.” T TO TH E W TI S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO emit more carbon dioxide than does transport by OK. We’ll use every ounce of our creativity, innovation, What about the offsetting reduction in emissions V ER pipeline,” Mr. Taylor said. “Killing Keystone XL is and passion to meet those challenges.” during the life of the vehicle? It depends on where antithetical to Joe Biden’s stated goal of reducing the cars are being charged and how the electricity is

CI A L AD carbon dioxide emissions.” ‘No free lunch in energy’ generated, he said. None of that includes the environmental impact of The renewables transition will result in heightened “One European study finds that if you drive a Tesla A S P E THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON Mr. Biden’s ultimate climate goal: achieving net-zero demand for rare earth minerals, the mining of which in Norway, half of the emissions savings by not burning

| U.S. carbon emissions by 2050 by replacing fossil fuels is controlled largely by China, but Mr. Mills said he oil are wiped out by the making of the electric vehicle,” in power plants with wind and solar energy and by also expects demand for other metals such as nickel said Mr. Mills. “In Germany, two-thirds. In Poland, switching to electric vehicles. to increase exponentially. obviously they have an electric grid that’s coal-fired, The amount of mining necessary to produce the “It’s going to have to come from somewhere. It’ll then you have net increase in emissions.” solar panels, wind turbines and batteries needed for have environmental impacts. I think we will probably For Democrats, however, the threat from climate such a transition would require an “unprecedented not mine it here,” said Mr. Mills of the Manhattan change appears to outweigh other considerations. scale of mined, sometimes toxic, resources from the Institute. “I don’t see any evidence that the U.S. is Sen. Angus S. King Jr., Maine Independent, said it earth,” said Scott Tinker, director of the bureau of embracing the opening of new mines in a time frame was a “very, very dangerous time and facing what I economic geology at the University of Texas at Austin. that would be meaningful, so it’ll come from Russia’s think could be catastrophic changes” while acknowl- Mr. Tucker said the challenge for policymakers will Norilsk mine in the Arctic.” edging that there would be trade-offs. be to figure out “how do we avoid robbing from nature What frustrates Republicans is that U.S. emissions “I understand there are environmental costs. Peter to pay climate Paul?” have been declining for 20 years, thanks in large part to There’s no free lunch in energy,” said Mr. King. “I

Wednesday • February 24 • 2021 24 • February Wednesday Such questions are rising to the forefront as the natural gas replacing coal in electricity generation. The learned that a long time ago.” 22 Biden administration takes aggressive executive transition was made possible by hydraulic fracturing, ⦁ This article is based in part on wire service reports. shaping the conversation on capitol Hill and across the country on several key issues that we are facing in America. 2021

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For more information contact Tony Hill 202-636-3027 or Adam VerCammen 202-636-3062. 23 GAIN Supports Investment in American Infrastructure

Rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure – from our roads and bridges to our pipelines and telecommunications networks – is critically important. Sensible investments in the building EORFNVRIRXUVRFLHW\UHVXOWLQDUDQJHRIEHQH´WVIRUORFDOFRPPXQLWLHVDFURVVWKHFRXQWU\ creating jobs, generating tax revenues for funding schools and emergency services, and supporting small businesses. By investing in our nation’s infrastructure and streamlining regulations, we can achieve a stronger, more secure, and more prosperous country.

It’s time to Grow America’s Infrastructure Now.

The GAIN Coalition is a diverse coalition of trade associations, labor groups and businesses that have come together to rally support for infrastructure projects across the country. GAIN represents 21 organizations that collectively have more than 1 million individual members. www.gainnow.org | @GAINNowAmerica N TIM ES AS HI N GTO T TO TH E W TI S I N G SU PPL E M EN T TO V ER CI A L AD A S P E THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON

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