Representative Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN) sponsored H.R. 4394, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2024, which includes numerous provisions that would lock in fossil fuel infrastructure, increase our dependence on foreign energy, and cede leadership in clean energy innovation to our global competitors – all while raising energy costs for families. The bill slashes billions of dollars from critical energy and water programs, including historic investments from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). These cuts include $4.5 billion in rebates to help low- and moderate-income households to replace dirty, inefficient appliances with cleaner alternatives; $1 billion to make buildings more efficient; $200 million for workforce development; and hundreds of millions of dollars across popular energy efficiency and renewable energy programs at the Department of Energy (DOE). H.R. 4394 would also jeopardize the clean water our communities depend on by violating the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and preempting state laws in mandating operations of state and federal water projects, threatening salmon and thousands of fishing jobs. Finally, the bill includes numerous harmful policy riders, such as language to block the Biden-Harris administration’s “Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule,” prohibit prioritization of funding to underserved communities mandate the enlargement of the Shasta Dam, and block federal agencies’ efforts to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.  On October 26, the House approved H.R. 4394 by a vote of 210-199 (House roll call vote 558). The Senate did not consider this legislation or any Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations bill in 2023.