Advanced Search
January 29, 2016
Senate Energy Bill Sees Several Renewable Fuel Amendments
On January 27, the Senate began consideration of the Energy Policy Modernization Act (S. 2012). The bill was shepherded through the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee by Chair Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-WA) in late July. It contains a host of energy measures including efficiency, infrastructure, supply and accountability as well as conservation – but controversial topics were avoided in the bill. Some of these were taken up in the year-end omnibus package, including extension of renewable tax credits and repeal of the oil export ban. Since Wednesday, legislators have also opened the floodgates on amendments.
Read More
Efforts to Reduce Food Waste Pick up Steam
On January 13, the “Food Waste Accountability Act of 2016” (H.R. 4382) was introduced by Representative Jerry McNerney (D-CA). The bill would require Federal contractors to report on food waste and has been referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The bill is the latest in a string of steps by the administration, Congress, states and industry to deal with the growing issue of food waste. Reducing food waste is a win-win-win scenario, it has the potential to alleviate hunger, reduce GHG emissions and lower both the environmental impact and cost of waste management.
Headlines
1. As Family Farms Wane, Most Farm Issues Absent in Iowa’s Presidential Race
2. USDA to Fund Wetland Mitigation Banking for Farmers
3. Abengoa Seeks Sale of Biofuel Assets in New Viability Plan
4. Peterbilt, Kenworth Truck Maker PACCAR Approves B20 Use
5. Climate Deal’s First Big Hurdle: The Draw of Cheap Oil
Upcoming Briefing:
Environmental Justice in the Clean Power Plan
RESCHEDULED
Monday, February 22 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
2168 Rayburn House Office Building C Street and South Capitol Street, SE
Please RSVP to expedite check-in
A live webcast will be streamed at 11:00 AM EST at www.eesi.org/livecast (wireless connection permitting)
The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) invites you to a briefing discussing how environmental justice (EJ) is addressed through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Clean Power Plan, the nation’s first-ever rules limiting carbon pollution from power plants (which are the largest source of carbon dioxide emissions in the United States). The Clean Power Plan will not only cut millions of tons of carbon dioxide emissions, but also hundreds of thousands of tons of particulate pollution that becomes soot and smog. Cutting these emissions will help prevent thousands of premature deaths, heart attacks, asthma attacks, and missed work days. Minority and low-income communities, which are more likely to be located in areas burdened with pollution, will particularly benefit from these emission reductions.
For questions or comments, contact Laura Small at climate@eesi.org.
Upcoming Event:
2016 NASEO Energy Policy Outlook Conference February 9 - 11, 2016 The Fairmont Washington, DC EESI is a supporting sponsor
NASEO’s Energy Policy Outlook Conference is the national forum to connect with and learn from state energy officials working on innovative energy policies and programs, and to engage with federal officials on priority energy issues. On February 9-11, 2016, explore how State and Territory Energy Offices’ efforts are “Powering Economies” and serving as an engine for growth and productivity. NASEO’s 2016 Energy Policy Outlook Conference program will feature experts and strategists from government, business, and advocacy groups focused on sharing new ideas and partnership models that promote energy affordability, infrastructure resilience, clean energy technologies, and economic opportunity.
To Contact the Editor: Jessie Stolark at eesi@eesi.org
Please distribute Sustainable Bioenergy, Farms, and Forests to your colleagues. Reproduction of this newsletter is permitted provided that the Environmental and Energy Study Institute is properly acknowledged as the source. Past issues are available here. Free email subscriptions are available here.
Do you like receiving this newsletter? If so, please consider taking 2 minutes to tell us why SBFF is useful to you! Your review of EESI's services on GreatNonprofits will help us keep bringing you more of what you like. EESI has been named a “Top-Rated Nonprofit” three years in a row, and with your help we want to make it four! Click here to Review EESI.
The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) is a non-profit organization founded in 1984 by a bipartisan Congressional caucus dedicated to finding innovative environmental and energy solutions. EESI’s work, including this free newsletter, is made possible by financial support from people like you. Please help us continue to make it available by making a secure, online donation today or mailing a check to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute at 1112 16th St NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20036. You can also learn more about why you should give to EESI for clean energy. If you have any questions, please contact Susan Williams by email at swilliams [at] eesi.org or by phone at 202-662-1887. Thank you for your support!
Top-Rated Climate Nonprofit – 4-Star Charity