U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) welcomed the passage of the Foreign Emissions and Nonattainment Clarification for Economic Stability (FENCES) Act in the U.S. House of Representatives on Apr. 16, stating that it will help protect producers from compliance burdens linked to uncontrollable events such as foreign wildfires or dust storms.
The legislation aims to ensure fair air quality designations by excluding pollution from outside U.S. borders when determining compliance with national standards, a move supporters say is important for states like Wyoming facing regulatory challenges beyond their control.
“I’m thrilled to see the FENCES Act move one step closer to becoming law,” said Lummis. “This legislation will help drive innovation and economic growth across Wyoming by cutting unnecessary red tape. At the same time, the FENCES Act preserves strong Clean Air Act standards while implementing commonsense policies that account for pollution beyond a state’s control. I look forward to seeing this legislation make its way to the Senate.”
Current Environmental Protection Agency guidance under the Biden administration limits adjustments for foreign emissions in state air quality plans only to human-caused sources, which has created new hurdles for states and industries working toward Clean Air Act requirements. The FENCES Act seeks to restore previous flexibility by confirming that all foreign emissions—natural or man-made—are excluded during both compliance reviews and new facility permitting processes.
Lummis has long championed responsible federal budgeting, multiple-use public lands, and Wyoming’s energy and mineral resources according to her official website. She grew up on a cattle ranch in Laramie County and operated family ranches with her siblings according to her official website. She earned degrees in animal science, biology, and law from the University of Wyoming according to her official website.
In addition, Lummis dedicated years of public service in both chambers of the Wyoming legislature as well as serving as state treasurer before representing Wyoming in Congress according to her official website. As reported by her official biography, she serves on various committees where she continues work on federal budgeting issues and stewardship of public lands while also focusing on energy policy.
