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March 12, 2024
Hello and welcome to Climate Change Solutions!
In this issue, we’re taking stock of almost two dozen Congressional hearings held so far this year about climate, energy, and environmental topics. We’re also taking a forward look at sustainability in the wine industry in our latest podcast episode, and getting ready for this Thursday’s briefing, IRA and IIJA Progress Report: Updates from Rural America—be sure to check it out!
We took some time to reconnect with John-Michael Cross, who led our on-bill financing work for most of his 12 years with EESI before joining Minnesota’s state government in November.
If you’re like us, you’re still combing through the voluminous budget documents released yesterday by the White House and examined earlier today during a Senate hearing. ICYMI, our Understanding the Budget and Appropriations Process briefing is available to watch online to help you make sense of it all.
On the Hill in January and February 2024: A Breakdown of Climate, Energy, and Environmental Hearings [3 min. read] Through the first two months of 2024, Congress held a total of 23 hearings—17 in the House and six in the Senate—about climate, energy, and environmental topics. This article details the key topics covered so far in these hearings. [click for more]
Appropriations for Agencies: Six funding bills for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 became law, including Agriculture, Energy & Water, Interior, and Transportation-HUD, as the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (P.L. 118-42).
Hearing on the 2025 Budget: The Senate Budget Committee held a hearing today on President Biden’s FY 2025 budget proposal. In his opening statement, Chair Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) highlighted the budget’s elimination of fossil fuel tax breaks as an example of its potential for fighting climate change. EESI’s fact sheet on proposals to reduce fossil fuel subsidies outlines their deficit reduction potential.
Radiation Compensation Passes the Senate: The Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act (S.3853) passed the Senate. Sponsored by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), the bipartisan bill would improve compensation for victims of radioactive exposure, including those exposed to uranium mining waste and Manhattan Project waste.
Nuclear Licensing Bill Advances to Senate: The Atomic Energy Advancement Act (H.R.6544) passed the House. Introduced by Reps. Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.) and Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), the bipartisan bill would strengthen licensing and regulatory processes for nuclear energy technologies to accelerate their deployment.
We track all environmental, energy, and climate legislation and hearings happening on Capitol Hill. See the full legislative trackers for February 26-March 1 and March 4-8.
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)
IRA and IIJA Progress Report: Updates from Rural America Thursday, March 14 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm Rayburn House Office Building 2168 (Gold Room) and online
2024 Sustainable Energy in America Factbook Thursday, March 21 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm In-person location to be determined and online
Solar Direct Pay 101: Federal Funding for Houses of Worship Thursday, March 21 12 pm -1 pm ET on Zoom
Demystifying Ocean Carbon Dioxide Removal Tuesday, April 16 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm In-person location to be determined and online
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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