United States Senate Environment Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Innovation and Safety facts for kids
The U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Innovation and Safety is a special group of senators. They are part of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. Their main job is to protect our environment. They focus on keeping our air clean and making sure nuclear energy is safe.
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What is the Clean Air and Nuclear Safety Subcommittee?
This subcommittee is like a team of senators. They work on important issues for the country. They make sure our air is healthy to breathe. They also oversee how nuclear power is used. This helps keep everyone safe.
How the Subcommittee's Name Changed
This group used to have a slightly different name. It was called the "Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate Change, and Nuclear Safety." A few years ago, around 2007, its name changed. This happened because other subcommittees started handling some parts of global warming issues. Even with the name change, this subcommittee still helps with global warming. It does this through its work on the federal Clean Air Act. This law helps control air pollution across the country.
What Does This Subcommittee Do?
The subcommittee has several important responsibilities. They look after different areas to protect public health and the environment.
Clean Air Issues
- They work on keeping our air clean.
- They oversee the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Air and Radiation. This office helps manage air quality.
- They deal with the Clean Air Act. This law sets rules for air pollution.
- They also look at indoor air quality. This means making sure the air inside buildings is safe.
- They work to reduce air pollution.
Nuclear Issues
- They oversee the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. This group makes sure nuclear power plants are safe.
- They focus on nuclear plant safety. This is very important for communities nearby.
- They handle environmental rules for nuclear energy. This applies to non-military uses of nuclear power.
Other Important Work
- They also oversee the Tennessee Valley Authority. This is a large company that provides electricity. It serves many people in the southeastern United States.
Who Are the Members?
The subcommittee is made up of senators from different political parties. They work together on these important issues. As of 2025, the members include senators from both the Republican and Democratic parties. The senator who leads the majority party on the subcommittee is called the Chair. The senator who leads the minority party is called the Ranking Member. These leaders help guide the subcommittee's work.
