VIDEO: Capito Discusses West Virginia National Parks, Permitting Reform at Interior Subcommittee Hearing

To watch Senator Capito's questions, click hereor the image above.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -This week, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a leader on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee, participated in an Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee hearing with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. The purpose of the hearing was to consider President Trump's Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 budget request for the U.S. Department of Interior and other priorities of the agency.

HIGHLIGHTS:

ON NATIONAL PARK FEES AND THE NEW RIVER GORGE NATIONAL PARK

Senator Capito:

"In 2020, President Trump, signed into law, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. It has far exceeded the economic benefits of that region. People from all over the world are visiting and we're really excited about that. In order to make these destinations as desirable as they are, I would advise against raising visitor fees for the New River Gorge or any other parks. I did read that you were going to raise fees. Where are you on that?"

Secretary Burgum:

"We did not raise fees for Americans, but we did put in place an international visitor fee increases to come in line with what international flagship parks around the world charge Americans when they are visiting other locations. It is in effect specifically in some of our flagship parks, I don't know specifically if it applies to New River Gorge."

ON MOSS RUDLEY AS THE NEW PARK SUPERINTENDINT FOR NEW RIVER GORGE

Senator Capito:

"It was just announced, a new superintendent, one of our own West Virginians is coming home, which we're very excited about, Moss Rudley. There's been a history that the superintendent has shared responsibilities with another park. I'd like your assurance that that Mr. Rudley is going to be there as a superintendent solely dedicated to that facility."

Secretary Burgum:

"You can have our commitment on that and we're excited about Ross taking that role. Glad, you got a West Virginian coming back and the park has exceeded the expectations, beautiful spot. I had a chance to float it before it was a national park and it's really spectacular."

ON THE IMPORTANCE OF PERMITTING

Senator Capito:

"A recent McKinsey study found that 1.2 trillion in capital is waiting on the sidelines because of outdated federal permitting policies. They could be invested in projects across the board. […] In your role, as chair of the dominance council, you see this yourself. We need to learn from the existing systems failures and craft solutions that align what the American people want and need. As Chair of the EPW committee, […] I think this is our best opportunity here to make lasting improvements to NEPA, the judicial review process, substantive environmental laws like clean water act, the clean air act, and endangered species. Improving this will have vast legacy building for all of us who are participating in this. How would you discuss permitting reform in terms of affordability and economic growth?"

Secretary Burgum:

"I see it as essential. I see it as one of one of the core factors that's reducing American competitiveness worldwide, is that we can't get anything permitted. Capital wants to be spent here. You mentioned the 1.2 trillion number. I think that number's low, but boards of directors, small businesses, schools, cities, states, have said, we want to spend this money and then they're all waiting for a permit. If they spend their money, that means jobs. That means better infrastructure and safer communities. It is absolutely essential. This is the moment, if there's anything we can do to help Congress get the permitting bill over the line. Happy to do it. Internally, we're doing a number of things with, to make sure that NEPA and ESA get back in within their original law of what that was intended, as opposed to becoming just weapons to use to stop development in America."

Senator Capito:

"We see the president with his deregulation, which I welcome and his executive orders, which I welcome, but we fully know that the previous administration had different executive orders and had different regulation. How does the permanence of permitting reform in your mind bring about that lasting effect of predictability that's so critical?"

Secretary Burgum:

"It adds durability and then it allows projects to stand on their own merits as opposed to being weaponized so that every project, no matter what it is, you know, a bridge, a road, a building, you know, it doesn't have to even be an energy project. Everything becomes politicized and weaponized in this country. If we're a nation that can't build great things, and build them safely and quickly, we're going to lose on the world stage. This is, it's absolutely essential that this permitting bill goes forward."

Click HERE to watch Senator Capito's full round of questioning.

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