Environment & Energy Congressional Round-Up | April 15 - April 19, 2024

Highlights:

The Legacy Mine Cleanup Act of 2024 (S.3858), introduced by Sens. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) passed the Senate. The bill aims to strengthen remediation efforts for hazardous abandoned hardrock mines by establishing a new Office of Mountains, Deserts, and Plains within the Environmental Protection Agency, and increasing federal funding and funding access for cleanup efforts. 

The Strengthening Coastal Communities Act of 2023 (S.2958) passed the Senate. Introduced by Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), the bill reauthorizes and amends the Coastal Barrier Resources Act, and adds updated maps to the Coastal Barrier Resources System– ultimately bolstering communities’ climate preparedness and resilience. EESI’s report, A Resilient Future for Coastal Communities, highlights case studies of coastal climate solutions in practice. 

The Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act of 2023 (H.R.4389) passed the Senate after passing the House the week prior. Introduced by Reps. María Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.), Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), Dave Joyce (R-Ohio), and Mary Peltola (D-Alaska), the bill reauthorizes and increases congressionally mandated grant funding for habitat conservation, research and monitoring, and education. 

Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) reintroduced the Protecting Communities from Plastics Act (S.4194/H.R.8092). The bill would address climate and environmental justice impacts surrounding plastic production by establishing national reduction targets for single-use plastics. 

The House and Senate held several budget and appropriations hearings. The House Appropriations Committee held budget hearings for the Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation; the Department of the Interior; the U.S. Forest Service; and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The House Committee on Armed Services held a budget request hearing on the Department of Defense Energy, Installations, and Environment Programs. The Senate Appropriations Committee held a budget hearing on the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources held a budget hearing for the Department of Energy.

To catch up on all of the recent environmental and energy legislation in Congress, read the PDF here.