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April 25, 2024
Hello and welcome to Climate Change Solutions!
We hope you had a happy Earth Day! There are many climate and environment solutions to celebrate this week. We’ve got our eyes on the announcement of $7 billion in Solar for All grant awards, which will allow 60 selectees across the United States to deliver solar energy to disadvantaged communities. This EESI article explains Solar for All’s parent program, the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA's) Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), and how it will invest in clean energy in frontline communities. You can read more about the latest IRA and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act updates later in this newsletter.
This spring and summer will be full of exciting new Congressional briefings. Our May 1 briefing, Dams in Every District: Challenges, Opportunities, and What’s Ahead, will take a look at the current state of dam infrastructure and dam safety in America. And later, we have Cities Leading the Way on Nature-Based Solutions on May 23 and Maximizing the Impact of Natural Climate Solutions on June 11. Finally, our Congressional Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency EXPO and Policy Forum is scheduled for July 30—don’t forget to get your RSVPs in!
Implementation Update: How Has the IRA Advanced Conservation on Farms? [5 min. read] Agricultural producers face the impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events such as droughts and flooding. Climate-smart agricultural practices, such as cover crops, agroforestry, no-till farming, rotational grazing, and soil amendments, can not only protect crops, but also lessen greenhouse gas emissions. Funding from the IRA is unlocking greater implementation of climate-smart agricultural programs. [click for more]
Migratory Bird Bill Flies Through Senate: The Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act of 2023 (H.R.4389) reauthorizes and increases Congressionally-mandated grant funding for bird habitat conservation, research and monitoring, and education. The Senate approved the bill—introduced by Reps. María Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.), Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), Dave Joyce (R-Ohio), and Mary Peltola (D-Alaska)—after it passed the House the week prior.
Cleaning Up Abandoned Hard Rock Mines: 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 hard rock 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.
Better Measurements for the Colorado River Basin: The Evapotranspiration Data Act (S.1118/H.R.2429) is scheduled for a Senate vote after passing out of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The bill, reintroduced by Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), and Reps. Susie Lee (D-Nev.) Chris Stewart (R-Utah), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), and Burgess Owens (R-Utah), would codify the measuring, monitoring, and reporting of evapotranspiration levels in the Colorado River Basin. To learn more about data tools used to combat water scarcity in the Colorado River Basin, check out this EESI article.
Public Land Access Bill Passes House: The House passed the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act (H.R.6492). House Committee on Natural Resources Chair Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and Ranking Member Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.) introduced the EXPLORE ACT, which aims to improve access to recreation on federal public lands and waters.
We track all environmental, energy, and climate legislation and hearings happening on Capitol Hill. See the full legislative trackers for April 8-12 and April 15-19.
EESI is tracking recent announcements and updates about the implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)
Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)
Dams in Every District: Challenges, Opportunities, and What's Ahead Wednesday, May 1 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm EDT North Congressional Meeting Room (CVC 268) and online
In partnership with American Rivers, this briefing will cover the state of dam infrastructure in the United States. Of the dams in the National Inventory, 85% have outlived their expected lifespan and many are no longer serving a purpose. This briefing will discuss the options dam owners have to manage this infrastructure challenge, including dam removal, which is a common approach to dam safety and river restoration. RSVP here
Cities Leading the Way on Nature-Based Solutions Thursday, May 23 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm EDT North Congressional Meeting Room (CVC 268) and online
In the first installment in our briefing series about climate solutions from small- and medium-sized cities, speakers will discuss nature-based solutions in urban settings—from parks that help manage stormwater to urban trees that reduce summer temperatures across entire neighborhoods. Panelists will highlight equitable and community-designed climate solutions from the places they live and work and describe the intersection points with federal policy and programs. RSVP here
Maximizing the Impact of Natural Climate Solutions Tuesday, June 11 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm EDT North Congressional Meeting Room (CVC 217) and online
Around 92% of people across the political spectrum are in support of implementing natural climate solutions to address climate change. In collaboration with U.S. Nature4Climate and the Bipartisan Policy Center, this briefing will foster discussion on natural climate solutions, which leverage natural processes to reduce carbon emissions, sequester carbon, and bring new income and employment opportunities to rural America. RSVP here
2024 Congressional Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency EXPO and Policy Forum Tuesday, July 30 10:00 am - 5:00 pm EDT Rayburn House Office Building Foyer and Gold Room (Room 2168) and online
EESI and the House and Senate Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucuses invite you to join us for the 27th Annual Congressional Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency EXPO and Policy Forum (EXPO 2024). Top-level speakers will showcase technologies and solutions that reduce carbon emissions, save households money, improve the economy, build resilience, and protect our security interests. RSVP here
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About EESI
EESI is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit advancing science-based solutions for climate change, energy, and environmental challenges to achieve a sustainable, resilient, and equitable world. Founded on a bipartisan basis by members of Congress, EESI has been informing policymakers about the benefits of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and environmental conservation since 1984.
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