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February 13, 2024
Hello and welcome to Climate Change Solutions!
In this issue, we’re excited to share our latest fact sheet, Proposals to Reduce Fossil Fuel Subsidies, which focuses on the state of federal fossil fuel subsidies and the latest plans for eliminating them. We’re also featuring a profile of EESI’s co-founder and board chair emeritus, former U.S. Rep. Richard L. “Dick” Ottinger in celebration of his 95th birthday. Plus, you’ll find a brand new podcast episode about GRID Alternatives and electric vehicle charging as well as an updated FAQ for EESI’s Beneficial Electrification Toolkit. Finally, this Thursday, February 15, marks a briefing you won’t want to miss: Innovations in Weather Forecasting for a Changing Climate.
Fact Sheet | Proposals to Reduce Fossil Fuel Subsidies [5 min. read] Fossil fuel subsidies in the United States totaled $757 billion in 2022, according to the International Monetary Fund. Despite pledging to cease funding fossil fuel projects abroad, the U.S. committed $1.8 billion to fossil fuel projects abroad in 2023. EESI's updated fact sheet discusses how current legislation and budget proposals can eliminate fossil fuel subsidies. [click for more]
Drought Resilience Advances to Senate: The Drought Preparedness Act (H.R.4385), introduced by Reps. Joe Neguse (D-Colo.) and Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), passed the House last week. The bill reauthorizes drought aid for communities across the Colorado River Basin and Hawaii. Building Bridges to Strengthen Conservation: Sen. Thomas Carper (D-Del.) and Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) introduced America’s Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act (S.3791) in the Senate. This bill would bolster national efforts to protect wildlife, waters, and natural lands. EESI’s briefing, Building a Durable National Framework for Large Landscape Conservation, emphasized the importance of collaboration between states, the federal government, and tribes to achieve conservation goals—such collaboration is a key component of the bill. Support for Water Sources in Federal Forests: New legislation aims to establish an Emergency Forest Watershed Program to expedite funding and strengthen support for communities seeking to protect their water supplies following natural disasters on federal forestlands. The Watershed Protection and Forest Recovery Act (S.3760/H.R.7294) was introduced on a bipartisan basis in both chambers. Keeping the Great Lakes Great: Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Rep. David Joyce (R-Ohio) led bipartisan groups in their respective chambers to introduce the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2024 (S.3738/H.R.7257). These bills would reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to address ongoing and emerging threats to the Great Lakes system for years to come, including by increasing funding levels for 2027 through 2031. We track all environmental, energy, and climate legislation and hearings happening on Capitol Hill. See the full legislative trackers for January 29 - February 2 and February 5-9.
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)
Innovations in Weather Forecasting for a Changing Climate Thursday, February 15 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm Rayburn House Office Building 2168 (Gold Room) and online.
Energy Efficiency First: Preparing Your Nonprofit for Solar Tuesday, February 27, 2024 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm Online only
Understanding the Budget and Appropriations Process Thursday, February 29 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm Rayburn House Office Building 2168 (Gold Room) and online.
Electrification 2024 International Conference & Exposition March 12-14, 2024 Savannah Convention Center 1 International Dr., Savannah, Georgia
Check out all EESI's upcoming events for the next few months 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.
CFC #10627