CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming Republican U.S. Sen. John Barrasso has been elected chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.

In a statement, Barrasso says as chairman he will focus on measures that will remove red-tape and bureaucratic barriers to economic development, while ensuring clean air, land and water.

He says over the past eight years, the Environmental Protection Agency has issued cumbersome regulations that have limited job creation and energy development.

Barrasso says his committee will work closely with the Trump administration to remove obstacles to economic growth, while protecting the environment.

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