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February 1, 2024
This marks another special issue of Climate Change Solutions! The U.S. Global Change Research Program recently released its Fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA5). NCA5, the focus of a recent EESI briefing, is the most comprehensive, holistic, and inclusive report to date on national climate risk and response. Below, you’ll find some of the broad takeaways from NCA5 in quotes and EESI resources on those topics, with a focus on climate science.
And below that, you’ll see EESI’s breakdown of all 156 hearings held in Congress in 2023 on climate, energy, and environmental topics—be sure to check out our visualizations on how these hearings stack up!
Tracking Greenhouse Gas Emissions Intensity: In the Senate, the Providing Reliable, Objective, Verifiable Emissions Intensity and Transparency (PROVE IT) Act of 2023 (S.1863) passed out of the Environment and Public Works Committee, and will now be up for a vote on the Senate floor. Introduced by Sens. Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), this tripartisan bill will mandate a report on the greenhouse gas emissions intensity of various American-made products.
Cleaning Up Mines: The Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2023 (S.2781), reintroduced by Sens. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho), also passed the Environmental and Public Works Committee and is scheduled for a full Senate vote. The tripartisan bill supports remediation and water quality improvements in and around abandoned hardrock mines. EESI’s article on clean energy development on reclaimed mine lands exemplifies some of the benefits of remediating these areas.
Supporting Soil Health: Reps. Donald Beyer (D-Va.), Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), and Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) introduced the Innovative Practices for Soil Health Act (H.R.7076). This bipartisan bill aims to bolster existing U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation programs to ensure those programs can better support farmers who protect soil health and resilience. EESI’s briefing, Conservation Practices from Farms to Forests and Wetlands, highlights conservation opportunities within the upcoming Farm Bill as well as barriers to accessing conservation programs.
Protecting our Oceans: The Senate Budget Committee concluded a hearing titled Warming Seas, Cooling Economy: How the Climate Crisis Threatens Ocean Industries. Experts representing ocean and climate research, large-scale commercial fishing, small business, and supply chain economics testified on the economic impacts of climate-induced sea level rise, ocean ecosystem destruction, and mass fish migrations. We track all environmental, energy, and climate legislation and hearings happening on Capitol Hill. See the full legislative trackers for January 15-19 and January 22-26.
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)
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. 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 amidst a changing climate. At this briefing, speakers will discuss exciting technologies that can help deliver accurate, timely, and actionable forecasts to those who need it most. 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 and how it interfaces with other legislative activity on the Hill. It will also highlight ways Congressional staff, working both on and off the appropriations committees, can engage with the process. RSVP here.
Electrification 2024 International Conference & Exposition
March 12-14, 2024 Savannah Convention Center 1 International Dr., Savannah, Georgia
The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) will bring together immersive pre-conference workshops, compelling agenda sessions, a collaborative exposition hall, and multiple networking events in this spring’s Electrification Conference. Learn more about decarbonization methods and initiatives alongside current and new colleagues. EESI is a supporting organization for this event. RSVP here.
Unpacking the Fifth National Climate Assessment Highlight Notes Posted
EESI’s first briefing of the new year discussed the Fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA5), emphasizing the need for “rapid and deep” greenhouse gas emission reductions for economic and health benefits. Highlight notes, the full recording, and photos are now available.
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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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