Advanced Search
January 17, 2024
Welcome to a new year and a new look for Climate Change Solutions! We’re keeping the same great content, but with a fresh format in celebration of EESI’s 40th anniversary. In this issue, we’re featuring an article on innovations in land management to respond to a dwindling Colorado River. You’ll also find an article on the increasing popularity of natural climate solutions, and on steps to achieve more sustainable tourism in Maui, Hawai'i. This week, EESI’s briefing on Thursday, January 18 will give you everything you need to know about the fifth National Climate Assessment. Do you appreciate Climate Change Solutions? If so, please consider taking two minutes to share why EESI’s work is useful to you! Your review on the Yelp of nonprofits, GreatNonprofits, will help us bring out this newsletter every two weeks. We just need 10 reviews to be named a “2024 Top-Rated Nonprofit”! Review EESI at www.eesi.org/rate.
Eternal Optimists: How Farmers and Ranchers Are Innovating in Response to a Shrinking Colorado River [8 min. read] Farmers and ranchers who have traditionally relied on the Colorado River are turning to alternative land uses—such as solar power generation on farmland—or replacing water-intensive crops with water-efficient and drought-tolerant alternatives to maintain the viability and profitability of their lands. [click for more]
Broadband in Park Lands: The Connect Our Parks Act (S.2018) passed out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, which had a fast start to the new year last week (see the two following items). This tri-partisan bill ("tri" thanks to Sen. Angus King) would expand broadband access in the country’s national parks, which will bolster park rangers’ capacity to maintain park land and improve park navigation, among other benefits. Keeping Rivers Wild: The Nulhegan River and Paul Stream Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2023 (S.432) and the Deerfield River Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2023 (S.608) also passed the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The bills would designate portions of the rivers as “wild and scenic,” which would prevent them from being dammed or diverted. EESI’s article, “Keeping the Gila River Wild for People and the Planet,” takes a closer look at the importance of this designation. Domestic EV Manufacturing Incentives: The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources conducted a hearing on federal incentives for electric vehicle (EV) development, with a focus on ensuring domestic manufacturing for a reliable and secure supply chain through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). For more on how these laws are working to boost domestic electric vehicle manufacturing, check out EESI’s article tracking IRA and IIJA EV investments. We track all environmental, energy, and climate legislation and hearings happening on Capitol Hill. See the full legislative trackers for January 8-12.
Unpacking the Fifth National Climate Assessment Thursday, January 18 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm Rayburn House Office Building 2168 (Gold Room) and online
EESI’s first congressional briefing of 2024 will center around the U.S. Global Change Research Program's fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA5). NCA5 draws from a wide breadth of scientific literature across the fields of energy, natural resources, air quality, agriculture, and other sectors to provide insights tailored to different regions and communities across the United States. Panelists will discuss NCA5’s emphasis on the need for “rapid and deep” greenhouse gas emission reductions, and how members of Congress can use the nuances of climate impacts and solutions in their districts and states to inform decision-making at the national level. RSVP here.
Energy Earthshots: The Frontier of Climate Innovation Thursday, February 1 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm Rayburn House Office Building 2168 (Gold Room) and online
Join us for a briefing about the Department of Energy’s Energy Earthshots, which are designed to rapidly break down market barriers and scale up innovation in eight key sectors to address the climate crisis. Panelists from the Department of Energy and its partners will share progress updates; describe relevant work undertaken at the federal level, at national labs, and across the private sector; and explore how the different Earthshots complement each other to advance a just and equitable transition. RSVP here.
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
Mark your calendar for this discussion about the latest innovations in weather forecasting and communication to improve community resilience, awareness, and preparedness. There are many exciting new technologies that can help deliver accurate, timely, and actionable forecasts to those who need it most. Panelists will explain the importance of climate communication and emergency outreach, and how weather and disaster information can be delivered to the public in ways that support community preparedness. RSVP here.
Understanding the 2025 Budget and Appropriations Process Thursday, February 29 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm Rayburn House Office Building 2168 (Gold Room) and online
Hill staffers won’t want to miss EESI’s briefing on the latest presidential budget proposal and the outlook for Congressional appropriations for fiscal year 2025. The briefing will describe the different stages of the appropriations process, the role of the 12 appropriations subcommittees, and how Congressional staff can engage with the process. Panelists will showcase examples of investments in climate, energy, and environment research and innovation that bring the process to life. RSVP here.
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)
COP28 Side Event: The Science Behind Carbon Markets
COP28 Tracker Articles and Briefing Highlight Notes
Latest Media Coverage
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