Maintaining High Environmental Standards

Kennedy Fought to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Address Global Warming. During consideration of the FY 2002 Budget Resolution, Senator Kennedy cosponsored an amendment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address concerns related to global climate change. The amendment sought to promote voluntary programs for reducing emissions in the near term. In addition, Senator Kennedy’s amendment included provisions designed to assist developing countries address the danger of global warming – specifically increased funding to help them reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Finally, the amendment provided additional funding for programs that assist U.S. businesses willing to export clean energy technologies to developing nations.

Kennedy Criticized the Administration’s Proposed Changes to the Clean Air Act. Senator Kennedy was a vocal critic of the Bush Administration’s efforts to essentially repeal the “New Source Review” section of the Clean Air Act. The New Source Review provision requires industrial plants to install modern pollution control mechanisms when expanding or upgrading their old facilities. This standard has helped reduce smog- and soot-forming pollution by hundreds of thousands of tons each year. President Bush’s proposal eliminated this requirement, significantly increasing the probability of higher pollution levels and endangering the lives of millions of children, mothers, and elderly persons. Senator Kennedy strongly supported an amendment that would have delayed implementation of the new rule until a study was completed to determine its effect on air pollution and public health. The amendment failed on a party-line vote.

Kennedy Fought for Additional Personnel to Enforce Environmental Regulations. After a 2003 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report detailed the Agency’s substandard efforts to enforce the Clean Water Act, Senator Kennedy cosponsored an amendment to the VA-HUD Appropriations Act to reverse proposed cuts in the EPA enforcement staff. The amendment provided additional funding to maintain personnel levels and prevent layoffs to enforcement officers. The failure of the EPA to address a significant number of environmental violations exposed the negligence of cutting enforcement personnel. Senator Kennedy’s amendment maintained the previous year’s officer level.

Kennedy Opposed the Permanent Nuclear Waste Storage Facility at Yucca Mountain. Senator Kennedy is a strong opponent of the plan to create a permanent storage facility for nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain in Nevada. The potential for groundwater contamination from the site is yet to be determined, and the transfer of nuclear materials to Nevada from almost every state in the nation raises serious safety concerns. In addition, in March 2005, the Department of Energy admitted that falsified documents were used to ensure the credibility and safety of operations at Yucca Mountain. Until questions are resolved that will guarantee the health of both the public and the environment, it is irresponsible to approve a permanent storage site for nuclear waste.

Kennedy Opposed Construction of a Natural Gas Terminal in Fall River. Senator Kennedy strongly opposes the siting of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Fall River. During Senate consideration of the energy bill, Kennedy authored an amendment that would have required LNG developers to get state approval before they file an application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) – essentially giving the governor of each state veto power over a final decision by FERC. Senator Kennedy’s amendment was voted down on a close vote, providing FERC with greater authority in LNG sitings. LNG terminals and tankers are exposed targets for terrorists, and constructing them in populated or environmentally sensitive areas raises serious safety concerns. A recent study indicated that an LNG explosion would result in death or second degree burns to individuals in a one-mile radius of the site, which would leave 9,000 residents of Fall River exposed to this danger. Shortly after the vote on Senator Kennedy’s amendment, FERC approved the Fall River LNG site. Senator Kennedy will continue to work with the Massachusetts delegation to fight this proposal and protect the citizens of Fall River.

• Kennedy Urged FERC to Reconsider the LNG Facility in Fall River In September 2005, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission announced that it would extend the time period for considering a request for a rehearing on the proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) site in Fall River. The Massachusetts congressional delegation, the City of Fall River, and the Navy have all expressed serious safety concerns and requested a rehearing on the siting. Senator Kennedy hopes FERC will take a second look and correct the mistake of siting an LNG facility in Fall River.