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November 15, 2023
Here at EESI, we were eager to read the U.S. Global Change Research Program's Fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA5) when it was released earlier today.
“The climate impacts listed in the report are neither hypotheticals nor hyperbole. These things are happening to real people, who are increasingly struggling under the strain,” said EESI President Daniel Bresette. “Our elected leaders owe it to their constituents to come to terms with the challenges of climate change. Only then can we find ways to work together to implement equitable solutions that will help communities prepare for and adapt to increasingly severe climate impacts.”
Check out EESI’s press release on NCA5, and stay tuned for our January 2024 briefing that will unpack the essential report. (Fun fact: the report cites EESI’s review of climate adaptation legislation and our article about how the IIJA and IRA work together!) EESI also has its eye on the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28). This week, we’re featuring an article on the status of some of the important announcements made at previous COPs. We’re also highlighting the latest episode of our podcast, The Climate Conversation, which discusses the state of global fossil fuel subsidies in the lead-up to COP28.
In honor of Native American Heritage Month, we’re featuring the third article in our Growing Stronger series, which focuses on the sustainable roots of Indigenous agriculture.
Building Resilience across the Aisle: Sens. Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Reps. Scott Peters (D-Calif.) and María Salazar (R-Fla.) reintroduced the National Coordination on Adaptation and Resilience for Security (NCARS) Act (S.3261/H.R.6311). This bipartisan, bicameral bill would strengthen the federal response to climate threats by establishing a comprehensive National Adaptation and Resilience Strategy and Implementation Plan. Check out EESI’s article highlighting the 2022 version of the bill and the need for a national adaptation strategy. Opportunities for Offshore Wind: Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) reintroduced the Offshore Wind Jobs and Opportunity Act (S.3226). The bill would establish an offshore wind career training grant program, in line with the Biden-Harris Administration’s goal of deploying 30 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030. EESI’s Offshore Wind Energy briefing highlighted employment opportunities across offshore wind planning, development, construction, installation, operations, and maintenance.
No Offshore Drilling off Florida Until 2032: Rep. John Rutherford (R-Fla.) reintroduced the Preserving Recreation, Oceans, Tourism, Environment, and Coastal Towns (PROTECT) Florida Act (H.R.6212). The bipartisan bill aims to establish a moratorium on oil and gas leasing and exploration off of Florida’s coasts until 2032.
Members Dig Into Soil-Based Solutions: Reps. Jennifer McClellan (D-Va.) and Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) introduced the Coordination for Soil Carbon Research and Monitoring Act (H.R.6232). The bill aims to improve soil carbon sequestration efforts by filling gaps in research and monitoring. EESI’s latest Farm Bill in Focus briefing, Climate-Smart Research for the Farms of the Future, highlights other federal research initiatives to bolster climate change mitigation through soil carbon sequestration.
We track all environmental, energy, and climate legislation and hearings happening on Capitol Hill. See the full legislative trackers for October 30-November 3 and November 6-10.
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)