Republicans and Democrats clashed over legislation that would give states a larger role in recovering endangered species at a hearing before the Environment and Public Works Committee Wednesday.

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee plans to mark up a highway bill before leaving town for the August recess.

The Senate confirmed Andrew Wheeler as EPA administrator on a 52-47 party-line vote, clearing the way for him to move forward with implementing major regulatory priorities of the Trump administration, including finalization of a new "waters of the U.S." rule and a year-round waiver for E15.

The Environmental Protection Agency has decided to withdraw proposals under review at the Office of Management and Budget to lower the minimum age of farmworkers and certified applicators who handle pesticides.

States need to play a larger role in protecting and recovering endangered species, the chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee said at a hearing Wednesday that looked at federal, state and local efforts to collaborate on wildlife conservation.

Farmers and ranchers told a key Senate committee Wednesday to loosen the federal government’s regulatory reins so they can be competitive in today’s marketplace.

Nominees for two high-ranking environmental positions in the Trump administration declared their support for the Renewable Fuel Standard program at their confirmation hearing in the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Wednesday.

WASHINGTON, June 14, 2017 – A hearing of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee left backers of a bill that would expand sale of higher ethanol blends encouraged, but the legislation has an uncertain future.