**United States Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works**
**Definition:**
The United States Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works is a standing committee of the U.S. Senate responsible for overseeing matters related to environmental protection, infrastructure, and public works. It plays a key role in shaping legislation concerning environmental policy, transportation infrastructure, and federal public works projects.
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## Overview
The United States Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) is one of the Senate’s standing committees, established to address a broad range of issues involving the environment, infrastructure, and public works. The committee’s jurisdiction includes environmental protection, air and water pollution control, waste management, and the construction and maintenance of federal highways, bridges, and public buildings. It also oversees policies related to water resources, wetlands, and endangered species.
The committee is instrumental in drafting and reviewing legislation that impacts environmental regulation and infrastructure development across the United States. It works closely with federal agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Department of Transportation.
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## History
The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works was created in 1977, succeeding the Senate Committee on Public Works, which had existed since 1947. The establishment of the EPW Committee reflected a growing national focus on environmental issues during the 1970s, a period marked by significant environmental legislation such as the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act.
Since its inception, the committee has been central to the development and oversight of major environmental laws and infrastructure policies. It has adapted over time to address emerging challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, and the modernization of aging infrastructure.
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## Jurisdiction and Responsibilities
The committee’s jurisdiction is broad and encompasses several key areas:
### Environmental Protection
The EPW Committee oversees legislation related to the protection of the environment, including air and water quality standards, hazardous waste management, and pollution control. It plays a significant role in shaping laws that regulate emissions, chemical safety, and environmental cleanup efforts.
### Infrastructure and Public Works
The committee is responsible for federal infrastructure programs, including highways, bridges, public transit, and water resource development. It reviews and authorizes funding for transportation infrastructure projects and public works initiatives that support economic growth and public safety.
### Water Resources and Wetlands
The committee manages policies concerning water resource development, flood control, and wetland preservation. It oversees the activities of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in relation to water infrastructure and environmental restoration projects.
### Environmental Policy and Oversight
The EPW Committee conducts oversight of federal agencies involved in environmental regulation and infrastructure development. It holds hearings, investigates issues, and monitors the implementation of environmental laws and infrastructure programs.
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## Key Legislation
The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works has been involved in the development and passage of numerous landmark laws, including:
– **Clean Air Act (1970, amended 1990):** Establishes air quality standards and regulates emissions of hazardous pollutants.
– **Clean Water Act (1972):** Governs water pollution and sets wastewater standards.
– **Safe Drinking Water Act (1974):** Protects the quality of drinking water in the U.S.
– **Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA or Superfund) (1980):** Addresses hazardous waste site cleanup.
– **Surface Transportation Assistance Acts:** Provide funding and regulatory frameworks for highways and public transit systems.
– **Water Resources Development Acts:** Authorize water infrastructure projects and flood control measures.
The committee continues to work on legislation addressing climate change, renewable energy, infrastructure modernization, and environmental justice.
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## Membership and Leadership
The committee is composed of Senators from both major political parties, with membership reflecting the overall party ratio in the Senate. The majority party appoints the chairperson, who leads the committee’s agenda and hearings, while the minority party appoints a ranking member.
Members of the committee often have expertise or interest in environmental issues, infrastructure, or related policy areas. The committee’s work involves collaboration with other Senate committees, the House of Representatives, federal agencies, and stakeholders.
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## Activities and Functions
### Hearings and Investigations
The EPW Committee regularly holds hearings to examine environmental and infrastructure issues, gather expert testimony, and review federal agency performance. These hearings inform legislative decisions and oversight activities.
### Legislation Development
The committee drafts, debates, and amends bills related to its jurisdiction. It plays a critical role in shaping national policies on environmental protection and infrastructure investment.
### Oversight and Accountability
The committee monitors the implementation of laws and programs under its jurisdiction, ensuring federal agencies comply with legislative intent and operate efficiently.
### Public Engagement
The committee engages with the public, industry representatives, environmental groups, and other stakeholders to inform its work and consider diverse perspectives.
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## Significance
The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works is a pivotal body in the U.S. legislative process, influencing policies that affect public health, environmental sustainability, and the nation’s infrastructure. Its decisions impact air and water quality, transportation systems, and the management of natural resources, making it central to addressing contemporary challenges such as climate change and infrastructure resilience.
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## See Also
– United States House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
– Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
– Federal Highway Administration
– Clean Air Act
– Clean Water Act
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**Meta Description:**
The United States Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works oversees environmental protection, infrastructure, and public works legislation. It plays a key role in shaping policies on air and water quality, transportation, and federal infrastructure projects.