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November 6, 2023
While we celebrate Halloween, we’re also celebrating an exciting announcement in the energy efficiency space. The Department of Energy has named the nine recipients of the Renew America’s Nonprofits grant program. These organizations will use the $45 million in total grant funding provided by the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to help bring energy efficiency improvements to about 300 buildings across 38 partner groups. In this issue, we’re featuring an article that tracks the different electric vehicle provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the IIJA, as well as an article on increasing access to charging infrastructure for residents of multi-unit dwellings. You’ll also find an article about how Ohio churches are taking advantage of opportunities to reduce their carbon emissions. Finally, although the weather in D.C. is cooling off, extreme heat is still a pressing issue, and we discuss some policy solutions to manage it in the latest episode of The Climate Conversation podcast.
Renewable Energy at Home: Reps. Susie Lee (D-Nev.), Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), and Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) introduced the Streamlining Home Installations of New Energies (SHINE) Act (H.R.5997/S.3099). The bill aims to accelerate the clean energy transition by streamlining the permitting and inspection processes for residents to install renewable energy and energy efficiency systems.
Leaving Plastic Pollution in the Past: Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) reintroduced the Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act (H.R.6053/S.3127). The most comprehensive of its kind ever introduced, the bill would reduce plastic production, amp up and standardize recycling efforts, and protect frontline communities from pollution from plastics production. EESI’s recent article, “Reducing Plastic from Production to Pollution: A California Nonprofit’s Vision for a Plastic Free Future for All,” spotlights this legislation.
Extreme Weather Protection for Farmers: Reps. Josh Harder (D-Calif.) and Tracey Mann (R-Kan.) introduced a bill (H.R.5992) to expand insurance eligibility for farmers whose land has been impeded from cultivation due to natural disaster-induced damage, including drought.
Protection from PFAS: Reps. Jennifer McClellan (D-Va.) and Jennifer Kiggans (R-Va.) introduced the Department of Defense PFAS Discharge Prevention Act (H.R.6095). The bipartisan bill aims to protect military personnel and families living in and around military facilities from harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination by accelerating environmental remediation projects.
We track all environmental, energy, and climate legislation and hearings happening on Capitol Hill. See the full legislative trackers for October 16-October 20 and October 23-October 27.
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)
The Department of Energy (DOE) announced the nine recipients of the Renew America’s Nonprofits grant program. A total of $45 million will go towards energy efficiency improvements at approximately 300 facilities across the country.
DOE announced $3.46 billion in funding for projects in 44 states that improve electric grid resilience and dependability.
The Environmental Protection Agency announced almost $128 million in investments for 186 environmental justice projects in disadvantaged and underinvested communities.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced $103 million in loan and grant funding under the Green and Resilient Retrofit Program to provide zero-emission, resilient renovations to 1,500 low-income households.