Energy & Environment — Mullin eyes FEMA 'restructure'

View Online Energy & Environment Energy & Environment The Big Story  Mullin says he'll ax Noem's $100K reviews Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), President Trump's pick to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), says the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) should be "restructured, not eliminated" and that he would revoke current Secretary Kristi Noem's controversial policy of personally reviewing major expenditures. © Greg Nash Mullin's comments came during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. FEMA, which is under the DHS, has been in the Trump administration's crosshairs.   Last year, President Trump and Noem suggested the agency should be eliminated before pivoting their rhetoric more toward reform. Among Noem's most contentious changes at the agency was her policy of personally reviewing expenses of more than $100,000, which led to billions in agency funding being held up.   Asked by Sen. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) if he would commit to eliminating the review policy, Mullin said "absolutely."   "That's called micromanaging, and I don't know if the secretary put that in or someone else did. I'm not a micromanager," Mullin said. Mullin, when asked by Kim, did not commit to ending staffing cuts at FEMA.   "Some of these agencies … not some, all of them got very bloated," Mullin said.   Pressed about whether he thought there were still too many staffers, Mullin said, "I can't answer that. When I get there, we'll be adequately staffed to respond to our nation's disasters."   Read more at TheHill.com. Welcome to The Hill's Energy & Environment newsletter, I'm Rachel Frazin  — keeping you up to speed on the policies impacting everything from oil and gas to new supply chains. Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here. Essential Reads  How policy will affect the energy and environment sectors now and in the future: Vance says rising gas prices a 'temporary blip' Vice President Vance referred to high gas prices as a result of the war in Iran as "a temporary blip" during remarks Wednesday in Michigan.  Full Story Trump temporarily loosening shipping rules in bid to lower gas prices The Trump administration is temporarily loosening shipping laws as part of an effort to lower gasoline and other commodity prices amid the conflict with Iran, though the effort may only have a small impact.  Full Story Treasury easing Venezuela oil sanctions in bid to boost global supply The Treasury Department on Wednesday eased sanctions on some Venezuelan oil companies in an apparent bid to help global oil supply amid a deepening economic crisis due to the escalating conflict with Iran.    Full Story What We're Reading  News we've flagged from other outlets touching on energy issues, the environment and other topics: Oil regulators found hundreds of wells violating Oklahoma rules. Then they ignored their findings. (The Frontier/ProPublica) A moment to celebrate: EPA on final repairs to Potomac Interceptor pipeline (WTOP) What Others are Reading  Two key stories on The Hill right now: Trump's takeover of DC landmarks reaches legal apex Close Thank you for signing up! Read more Thune: Republicans will use SAVE Act in midterms if Democrats don't get 'on board' Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) says Republicans will attack Democrats in the fall elections for failing to enact the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America) Act if they don't "get on board" with the voting reform bill, which is now on the Senate floor. Read more   You're all caught up. See you tomorrow!  Check out The Hill's Energy & Environment page for the latest coverage. Like this newsletter? Take a moment to view our other topical products here 📩 Privacy Policy  |  Manage Subscriptions  |  Unsubscribe  400 N Capitol Street NW Suite 650, Washington, DC 20001 Copyright © 1998 - 2026 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved.

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