This week the House of Representatives passed its FY18 budget resolution. This provides the framework for the Republicans' plans for tax reform. This will have implications for a number of other policy areas. For example, the growth of renewable energy in the region may be affected by how tax reform deals with tax credits for clean energy.
The White House announced that President Trump had selected R.D. James to be Assistant Secretary of the Army, Civil Works-the civilian position which oversees the Army Corps of Engineers. James has extensive ties to the Mississippi River Basin and has advised the Corps through his work as a member of the Mississippi River Commission.
Late this week the EPA announced the release of the agency's draft strategic plan for 2018-2022. The plan states that the EPA will focus on delivering clean air, land, and water to the American people; cooperative federalism; and the agency's "statutory obligations under the law." Members of the public may comment on the draft plan through October 31, 2017.
