The Environmental Council of the States held its Spring Meeting this past week in Washington, D.C. Officials from over 40 states attended the meeting, as did industry stakeholders and U.S. government officials.
- U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) delivered an address outlining his priorities as the new Chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, including reforming the Endangered Species Act. He also indicated that the President’s proposed budget will likely not be accepted by Congress.
- U.S. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt delivered a highly-anticipated keynote address, laying out his priorities. He stressed that rule of law, process review and cooperative federalism would be the dominant themes during his tenure.
- Former U.S. EPA Administrator Bob Perciasepe and former Deputy EPA Administrator Jeff Holmstead discussed the challenges the new administration faces, including appointing officials to key federal positions and the potential challenges of implementing regulatory reform.