On February 25th, Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Sally Jewell and Deputy Secretary Mike Connor testified before the House Appropriations Interior Subcommittee at a hearing that examined DOI’s FY2016 budget request. Discussion primarily focused on coal mining projects and energy development, which TCS has tracked extensively, while some members addressed the need to move beyond budget sequestration.

Many members, including Chairman Rogers (R-KY), Rep. Jenkins (R-WV), and Rep. Stewart (R-UT) questioned Secretary Jewell about DOI’s plans to permit coal mining projects in their states, complaining that the agency doesn’t issue federal coal leases quickly enough. Jewell responded to these concerns citing the administration’s goal to diversify the U.S. energy portfolio. In response to questions from Ranking Member McCollum (D-MN) about climate change preparation funding, Jewell touted the budget request’s funding assistance for renewable energy projects.

The lawmakers also addressed the issue of budget sequestration, with members of both parties agreeing that it needs to end. Secretary Jewell insisted that DOI’s budget request hopes to move beyond sequestration and budget caps, and McCollum pointed out that Congress must take the first step to end the sequester.

At TCS, both industry-specific subsidies and overall budget sequestration are bad fiscal policies that circumvent regular order. We have long argued that adhering to fiscal discipline would eliminate the need for sequestration and for an across-the-board cut to all energy subsidies leveling the playing field, allowing all energy sources to compete in the marketplace.