In-Depth: Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) argued in his press release supporting this bill's companion in the Senate that the bill would protect business projects from being impacted by the EPA’s political goals:

“EPA has clearly taken liberties with its authority during the permitting process for important job creating projects, and I am very concerned the trend will continue. Reintroducing this legislation is crucial to protecting the rights of American businesses and preventing a disincentive to investing in America.”

Opponents of the the bill argue that it is overly-restrictive and prevents the EPA from stopping potential safety hazards from becoming a reality. Additionally, the clause to undo past EPA decisions leaves the agency toothless to keep further dumping at bay.

Of Note: This isn’t the first time a bill like this has been introduced. In 2011, the EPA used its power to close the Spruce No. 1 coal mine in West Virginia. In response, the House introduced a bill to curtail the EPA’s power to retroactively reject permits.

In 2014, the EPA considered revoking the permit for a gold and copper mine in Alaska that would have impacted the nearby bay. In response, Rep. Vitter introduced a bill identical to this one.

Media:

• Rep. David Vitter (R-LA) Press Release
• New York Times
• Huffington Post 

(Photo Credit: Flickr user beyondcoalandgas)