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March 26, 2024
Hello and welcome to Climate Change Solutions!
In this issue, we’re excited to feature a brand new resource: our fact sheet on direct pay, a new Inflation Reduction Act opportunity that allows tax-exempt entities to receive direct payments for clean energy upgrades in lieu of tax credits.
Another exciting feature is the latest episode of our podcast, The Climate Conversation, where EESI was joined by Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D-Va.) to discuss her important work on environmental justice and climate resilience in the commonwealth of Virginia.
In celebration of EESI’s 40th anniversary, you’ll find an article on the history of EESI’s work with Congress. And don’t forget to mark your calendar for April 2nd at 2:00 p.m. for EESI’s next briefing, The National Security – Climate Adaptation Nexus.
Fact Sheet | Inflation Reduction Act Clean Energy Opportunity: Direct Pay for Nonprofits and Tax-Exempt Entities [4 min. read] Our latest fact sheet highlights “direct pay” (or “elective pay”), a process in which qualifying entities can receive direct payment from the Internal Revenue Service, in lieu of a tax credit, for clean energy upgrades. Direct pay can help groups afford upgrades, save money, and cut waste in operations. [click for more]
Congress passed the last remaining appropriations bills on March 23, concluding the fiscal year 2024 appropriations process. The six bills included in this round of funding were defense; financial services and general government; homeland security; labor, health and human services, education, and related agencies; legislative branch; and state, foreign operations, and related programs. The government is now funded through the end of the fiscal year, September 30, 2024.
Reducing Marine Debris: The Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act (H.R.886/S.318) passed the House. The bipartisan bill, reintroduced by Reps. Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.) and Jenniffer González-Colón (R-P.R.), will make it easier for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to prevent and reduce marine debris. The Senate passed its version of the bill, co-led by Sens. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), in December 2023.
Recycling and Composting Bills Pass the Senate: Introduced by Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), and John Boozman (R-Ark.), the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act of 2023 (S.1189/H.R.6159) and the Recycling and Composting Accountability Act (S.1194/H.R.4040) passed the Senate last week. The bills establish a pilot program to expand access to recycling services in rural and underserved areas, improve national recycling data, and identify composting infrastructure hurdles.
Fostering Future Farmers: Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.) and bipartisan cosponsors introduced the Growing Opportunities in Agriculture Act (H.R.7731) in the House. The bill would establish a grant program to support new agricultural education opportunities in U.S. high schools, promoting future food security by paving the way for young people to enter the field. For more on supporting a new generation of farmers, check out EESI’s article, “Growing Career Opportunities for Young People in Agriculture.”
Reclaiming and Remediating Mine Lands: Reps. Celeste Maloy (R-Utah) and Mary Peltola (D-Alaska) introduced the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024 (H.R.7779/S.2781). The bipartisan bill would allow qualified environmental and community groups to clean up polluted and abandoned hardrock mines. The Senate bill, reintroduced by Sens. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho), passed the Environmental and Public Works Committee in January. EESI’s article on clean energy development on reclaimed mine lands discusses some of the benefits of remediating these areas.
We track all environmental, energy, and climate legislation and hearings happening on Capitol Hill. See the full legislative trackers for March 11-15 and March 18-22.
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)
The National Security - Climate Adaptation Nexus Tuesday, April 2 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm EDT Rayburn House Office Building 2168 (Gold Room) and online
How Communities and Companies Benefit from Federal Clean Energy Investments Friday, April 12 9:30 am - 10:30 am EDT Online only
Demystifying Ocean Carbon Dioxide Removal Tuesday, April 16 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm EDT In-person and online
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
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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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