Environment & Energy Congressional Round-Up | February 10 - February 14, 2025

Highlights:

Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.), and Dwight Evans (D-Pa.)  reintroduced the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program Reauthorization Act (H.R.1304) to extend federal grants for the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program. The program carries out conservation efforts across the river’s watershed, including habitat restoration, increased recreational access, and water quality protection for both ecosystem health and drinking water use. 

Sens. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) reintroduced the bipartisan and bicameral Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Act of 2025 (S.528). The GLRI supports Great Lakes states, tribes, and communities with funding for projects that address issues like habitat loss, agricultural water pollution, and invasive species. The bill would provide an annual $500 million for the program over five years. Rep. David Joyce (R-Ohio) introduced the bill’s House counterpart (H.R.284) in January.

Rep. Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) and bipartisan cosponsors reintroduced the Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act (H.R.1355) to reauthorize the Weatherization Assistance Program and establish the Weatherization Readiness Program. The two programs would promote household weather resilience and energy efficiency while lowering energy bills. EESI’s 2024 Congressional Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency EXPO panel highlighted initiatives across the private sector and federal government to promote energy efficiency.

To catch up on all of the recent environmental and energy legislation in Congress, read the PDF here.