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August 9, 2021
From August 2-6, the Senate voted on amendments to the bipartisan infrastructure bill, the Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation (INVEST) in America Act (H.R. 3684). Voting on the bill could occur this week.
In addition, Congress introduced several energy-related bills, including H.R.4966 which would provide grants for renewable energy projects at public schools, and S.2637 which would require electric utilities to review their potential to offer community solar programs. Finally, a broad environmental justice bill, S.2630, was introduced in the Senate and would require federal agencies to consider cumulative impacts in permitting decisions.
Here’s what else happened in Congress:
August 6, 2021
House
Latest Committee Action
H.R.4374
Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act
Sponsor: Rep. Scott, David [D-GA-13] (Introduced 07/09/2021) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: House - Agriculture; Energy and Commerce
Committee Report: H. Rept. 117-113
Latest Action: House - 08/06/2021 House Committee on Energy and Commerce Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than Sept. 24, 2021.
H.R.4939
To provide for a comprehensive interdisciplinary research, development, and demonstration initiative to strengthen the capacity of the energy sector to prepare for and withstand cyber and physical attacks, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Bera, Ami [D-CA-7] (Introduced 08/06/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: House - Science, Space, and Technology; Homeland Security
Latest Action: House - 08/06/2021 Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the...
H.R.4946
To designate the West Indian manatee as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Buchanan, Vern [R-FL-16] (Introduced 08/06/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: House - Natural Resources
Latest Action: House - 08/06/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
H.R.4954
To direct the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, in consultation with other agencies, to develop guidance for firefighters and other emergency response personnel on best practices to protect such personnel from exposure to PFAS and to limit and prevent the release of PFAS into the environment, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-12] (Introduced 08/06/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: House - Science, Space, and Technology; Transportation and Infrastructure
Latest Action: House - 08/06/2021 Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the...
H.R.4960
To direct the Secretary of Energy to establish a civil nuclear credit program, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Kinzinger, Adam [R-IL-16] (Introduced 08/06/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: House - Energy and Commerce; Transportation and Infrastructure; Financial Services
Latest Action: House - 08/06/2021 Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, and Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall...
H.R.4963
To ban the use of ortho-phthalate chemicals as food contact substances.
Sponsor: Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-33] (Introduced 08/06/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: House - Energy and Commerce
Latest Action: House - 08/06/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
H.R.4966
To require the Secretary of Energy to provide grants for energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy improvements at public school facilities, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-6] (Introduced 08/06/2021) Cosponsors: (5)
Committees: House - Education and Labor
Latest Action: House - 08/06/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.
H.R.4971
To amend the Federal Power Act to establish a procedure for the siting of certain interstate electric transmission facilities, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5] (Introduced 08/06/2021) Cosponsors: (2)
S.2637 Latest Action: House - 08/06/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
H.R.4972
To require the establishment of an advanced energy technology research initiative and an advanced energy technology and modeling grant program, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5] (Introduced 08/06/2021) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: House - Energy and Commerce; Science, Space, and Technology
Latest Action: House - 08/06/2021 Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the...
H.R.4975
To prohibit the procurement, purchase, and sale by the Department of Defense of certain items containing a perfluoroalkyl substance or polyfluoroalkyl substance.
Sponsor: Rep. Slotkin, Elissa [D-MI-8] (Introduced 08/06/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: House - Armed Services
Latest Action: House - 08/06/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
H.R.4976
To direct the Secretary of Defense to ensure that removal and remedial actions relating to PFAS contamination result in levels meeting or exceeding certain standards, and for other purposes.
Committees: House - Armed Services; Transportation and Infrastructure; Energy and Commerce
Latest Action: House - 08/06/2021 Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within...
August 5, 2021
Senate
H.R.3684
INVEST in America Act
Sponsor: Rep. DeFazio, Peter A. [D-OR-4] (Introduced 06/04/2021) Cosponsors: (5)
Committees: House - Transportation and Infrastructure
Committee Reports: H. Rept. 117-70, H. Rept. 117-70,Part 2
Committee Print: H.Prt. 117-9
Latest Action: Senate - 08/08/2021 Cloture on the measure invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 68 - 29. Record Vote Number: 313.
S.2630
A bill to require Federal agencies to address environmental justice, to require consideration of cumulative impacts in certain permitting decisions, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Booker, Cory [D-NJ] (Introduced 08/05/2021) Cosponsors: (13)
Committees: Senate - Environment and Public Works
Latest Action: Senate - 08/05/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
S.2633
A bill to require the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to award grants to certain entities for purposes of carrying out climate-resilient living shoreline projects that protect coastal communities, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT] (Introduced 08/05/2021) Cosponsors: (2)
Committees: Senate - Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Latest Action: Senate - 08/05/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
S.2665
A bill to amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require the consideration of a standard requiring electric utilities to offer community solar programs to ratepayers.
Sponsor: Sen. Lujan, Ben [D-NM] (Introduced 08/05/2021) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: Senate - Energy and Natural Resources
Latest Action: Senate - 08/05/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
S.2645
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish an excise tax on plastics.
Sponsor: Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI] (Introduced 08/05/2021) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: Senate - Finance
Latest Action: Senate - 08/05/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
S.2650
A bill to provide mandatory funding for hazardous fuels reduction projects on certain Federal land, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR] (Introduced 08/05/2021) Cosponsors: (3)
S.2651
A bill to amend the Federal Power Act to establish a procedure for the siting of certain interstate electric transmission facilities, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI] (Introduced 08/05/2021) Cosponsors: (2)
S.2659
A bill to require the establishment of an advanced energy technology research initiative and an advanced energy technology and modeling grant program, and for other purposes.
S.2661
A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to establish a grant program for supporting local communities in detecting, preparing for, communicating about, or mitigating the environmental and public health impacts of wildfire smoke, and for other purposes.
A bill to require the Secretary of Energy to establish a grant program to incentivize small business participation in demand side management programs, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV] (Introduced 08/05/2021) Cosponsors: (2)
S.2669
A bill to ban the use of ortho-phthalate chemicals as food contact substances.
Sponsor: Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA] (Introduced 08/05/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: Senate - Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Latest Action: 08/05/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S5937)
Committee Hearings
NOMINATION
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nomination of Homer L. Wilkes, of Mississippi, to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and Environment, after the nominee, who was introduced by Senators Wicker and Hyde-Smith, testified and answered questions in his own behalf.
DOE'S OFFICE OF SCIENCE
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the role of and programs within the Department of Energy's Office of Science, after receiving testimony from J. Stephen Binkley, Acting Director, Office of Science, and Thomas Zacharia, Director, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, both of the Department of Energy; and Edward Seidel, University of Wyoming, Laramie.
The House was not in session today. The House is scheduled to meet in Pro Forma session at 12 p.m. on Friday, August 6, 2021.
August 4, 2021
Latest Action: Senate - 08/04/2021 S.Amdt.2570 Amendment SA 2570 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 58 - 39. Record Vote Number: 307.
S.2599
An original bill making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI] (Introduced 08/04/2021) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: Senate - Appropriations
Committee Report: S. Rept. 117-34
Latest Action: Senate - 08/04/2021 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 113.
S.2605
An original bill making appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA] (Introduced 08/04/2021) Cosponsors: (0)
Committee Report: S. Rept. 117-36
Latest Action: Senate - 08/04/2021 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 115.
S.2613
A bill to provide for climate change planning, mitigation, adaptation, and resilience in the United States Territories and Freely Associated States, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ] (Introduced 08/04/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Latest Action: Senate - 08/04/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
BUSINESS MEETING
Committee on Appropriations: Committee ordered favorably reported the following bills:
An original bill making appropriations for Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022;
An original bill making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022; and
An original bill making appropriations for Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022.
H.R.4920
To establish a working group on electric vehicles.
Sponsor: Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2] (Introduced 08/03/2021) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: House - Energy and Commerce; Transportation and Infrastructure; Science, Space, and Technology; Oversight and Reform
Latest Action: House - 08/04/2021 Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
August 3, 2021
S.2582
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to expand the residential energy efficient property credit and energy credit, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Ossoff, Jon [D-GA] (Introduced 08/03/2021) Cosponsors: (0)
Latest Action: Senate - 08/03/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
NOMINATIONS
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nominations of Geraldine Richmond, of Oregon, to be Under Secretary for Science, who was introduced by Senator Wyden, and Asmeret Asefaw Berhe, of California, to be Director of the Office of Science, both of the Department of Energy, and Cynthia Weiner Stachelberg, of New York, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Interior, after the nominees testified and answered questions in their own behalf.
Latest Action: Senate - 08/03/2021 S.Amdt.2354 Amendment SA 2354, under the order of 8/3/2021, having achieved 60 votes in the affirmative, was agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 97 - 0. Record Vote Number: 297.
H.R.4909
To accelerate research, development, demonstration, and deployment of hydrogen from clean energy sources, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Doyle, Michael F. [D-PA-18] (Introduced 08/03/2021) Cosponsors: (2)
Committees: House - Science, Space, and Technology; Energy and Commerce
Latest Action: House - 08/03/2021 Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the...
Latest Action: House - 08/03/2021 Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, Science, Space, and Technology, and Oversight and Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for...
August 2, 2021
S.2579
A bill to amend titles 23 and 49, United States Code, with respect to bikeshare projects, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR] (Introduced 08/02/2021) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: Senate - Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Latest Action: Senate - 08/02/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
S.2580
A bill to direct the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to make free National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes available to members of the Armed Forces, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Sinema, Kyrsten [D-AZ] (Introduced 08/02/2021) Cosponsors: (3)
Latest Action: Senate - 08/02/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies approved for full committee consideration an original bill making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022.
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