Senator discusses climate and guns

By John Barrasso, M.D.

U.S. Senator

With Congress out of session in August, I traveled around the state extensively and visited with folks in communities across Wyoming.

I also fought harmful new Obama administration executive actions on carbon-based energy and on our Second Amendment rights. Both of the president’s proposals hurt small businesses and law-abiding individuals around our state.

White House Finalizes Climate Change Directive

On Aug. 2, the White House Council on Environmental Quality released its final direction to federal agencies forcing them into considering climate change in environmental reviews.

The president’s unilateral decision will block planned construction projects of all kinds across the country. Before federal agencies are able to permit or fund the next highway, bridge, pipeline, rail or port project, they will now be required to engage in rank speculation about how a specific project will affect the world’s climate. With this new White House action, there would be no limit to the number of projects, no matter how necessary, that opponents will be able to shut down in the name of climate change. In the Senate, we’ll work to make sure this rule is never enforced.

Obama Administration Takes Aim at Gunsmiths

The U.S. State Department recently published a regulatory proposal that may require small to medium-sized gunsmithing operations and other firearms hobbyists to pay hefty annual registration fees of more than $2,000. On Aug. 30, I joined 24 senators and more than 100 representatives in a letter calling on the Obama administration to abolish this plan.

Across Wyoming each day, people responsibly use their Second Amendment rights to keep and bear arms. Increasing international arms regulations will have serious consequences on hundreds of thousands of gunsmithing operations across the country, including those in Wyoming. I’ll continue to fight to make sure this proposal is withdrawn immediately.

At Home in Wyoming

In August, I’ve had the opportunity to attend multiple events across the state, including in Afton, Casper, Cheyenne, Douglas, Dubois, Green River, Jackson and Rock Springs.

Some of the August events that I always look forward to are the Dubois Volunteer Fire Department’s Buffalo Barbeque, the Shrimp Boil at the River Festival in Green River, the Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame celebration and the Wyoming State Fair in Douglas.

It’s always great to meet with so many people from across the state face to face. Your thoughts and ideas help me make informed decisions on issues that directly impact communities across Wyoming.

Looking Ahead

In September, the Senate will return to session and continue to debate and vote on appropriation bills.

If you or someone you know will visit Washington this fall, please let me know. I’d enjoy meeting with you in the office and scheduling a tour of the U.S. Capitol.