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March 2, 2021
From February 15 to 26, Congress introduced a total of 83 bills and resolutions related to environmental and energy topics. Of these, 20 were in the Senate and 63 in the House. The House passed a total of 2 bills (H.R.803 and H.R.1319) and agreed to 1 resolution (H.Res.147) during this period. Several relevant committee hearings were held in both chambers as well.
Highlights
Many of the bills introduced during this period dealt with the agriculture, including S.486, which seeks to establish funding programs to invest in rural and agricultural innovation. H.R.1363 seeks to direct the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority to address sustainable solutions from the agricultural sector.
Two bills related to environmental and energy topics were passed in the House. The Colorado Wilderness Act (H.R.803) designates lands in Colorado as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R.1319) is a $1.9 trillion dollar stimulus package for economic and public health recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and includes provisions to address the climate crisis and environmental injustice in post-pandemic recovery efforts.
Numerous committee hearings during the last two weeks engaged environmental and energy topics. The House Subcommittee on Investor Protection, Entrepreneurship and Capital Markets held a hearing entitled “Climate Change and Social Responsibility: Helping Corporate Boards and Investors Make Decisions for a Sustainable World,” during which witnesses and policymakers discussed ESG principles and disclosure mandates. The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works held a hearing entitled “Building Back Better: Investing in Transportation while Addressing Climate Change, Improving Equity, and Fostering Economic Growth and Innovation” to discuss investments in transportation infrastructure.
Senate
Bills referred to committee
S.486 - A bill to amend the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to establish the Rural Innovation and Partnership Administration and to amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to establish the Rural Future Partnership Fund to invest in the rural areas of the United States to achieve their preferred future while maximizing their contribution to the well-being of the United States, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY] (Introduced 02/25/2021)
Committees: Senate - Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
S.468 - A bill to expedite transportation project delivery, facilitate infrastructure improvement, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Thune, John [R-SD] (Introduced 02/25/2021)
Committees: Senate - Commerce, Science, and Transportation
S.455 - A bill to designate and expand wilderness areas in Olympic National Forest in the State of Washington, and to designate certain rivers in Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park as wild and scenic rivers, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA] (Introduced 02/25/2021)
Committees: Senate - Energy and Natural Resources
S.451 - A bill to require the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, to help facilitate the adoption of composite technology in infrastructure in the United States, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV] (Introduced 02/25/2021)
S.437 - A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to concede exposure to airborne hazards and toxins from burn pits under certain circumstances, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK] (Introduced 02/24/2021)
Committees: Senate - Veterans' Affairs
S.432 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)
A bill to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out a pilot program to award grants for the electrification of certain refrigerated vehicles, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA] (Introduced 02/24/2021) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: Senate - Environment and Public Works
S.431 - A bill to amend title 23, United States Code, to require transportation planners to consider projects and strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA] (Introduced 02/24/2021)
S.430 - A bill to direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish a grant program for projects to strengthen and protect vulnerable infrastructure used during mass evacuations, and for other purposes.
S.425 - A bill to require States to establish complete streets programs, and for other purposes.
S.423 - A bill to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a grant program to protect vulnerable mothers and babies from climate change risks, and for other purposes.
Committees: Senate - Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
S.421 - A bill to amend the America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 to expand the Indian reservation drinking water program, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR] (Introduced 02/24/2021)
Committees: Senate - Indian Affairs
S.395 - A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend certain tax credits related to electric cars, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR] (Introduced 02/23/2021)
Committees: Senate - Finance
S.390 - A bill to direct the Federal Communications Commission to issue reports after activation of the Disaster Information Reporting System and to make improvement to network outage reporting.
Sponsor: Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN] (Introduced 02/23/2021)
S.387 - A bill to protect, for current and future generations, the watershed, ecosystem, and cultural heritage of the Grand Canyon region in the State of Arizona, to provide for a study relating to the uranium stockpile in the United States, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Sinema, Kyrsten [D-AZ] (Introduced 02/23/2021)
S.364 - A bill to prohibit the use of funds to provide for the United States to become a party to the Paris Agreement.
Sponsor: Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN] (Introduced 02/23/2021)
Committees: Senate - Foreign Relations
S.361 - A bill to establish a 90-day limit to file a petition for judicial review of a permit, license, or approval for a highway or public transportation project, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX] (Introduced 02/23/2021)
S.359 - A bill to amend the Federal Crop Insurance Act to modify prevented planting coverage.
Sponsor: Sen. Hoeven, John [R-ND] (Introduced 02/23/2021)
S.356 - A bill to develop and improve the transportation workforce, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV] (Introduced 02/22/2021)
S.335 - A bill to reauthorize the Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Conservation Act of 1998.
Sponsor: Sen. Portman, Rob [R-OH] (Introduced 02/22/2021)
Resolutions referred to committee
S.Res.68 - A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the President should submit the Paris Agreement to the Senate for review and consideration.
Sponsor: Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT] (Introduced 02/22/2021)
Committee hearings
INVESTING IN TRANSPORTATION
Committee on Environment and Public Works: Committee concluded a hearing to examine investing in transportation while addressing climate change, improving equity, and fostering economic growth and innovation, after receiving testimony from Michigan Governor Gretchen E. Whitmer, Lansing; Maryland Governor Lawrence J. Hogan, Jr., Annapolis; Mayor Michael B. Hancock, Denver, Colorado; and Victoria F. Sheehan, New Hampshire Department of Transportation Commissioner, Washington, D.C., on behalf of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
House
H.R.1438 - To establish a national integrated flood information system within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Sherrill, Mikie [D-NJ-11] (Introduced 02/26/2021)
Committees: House - Science, Space, and Technology; Natural Resources; Transportation and Infrastructure
H.R.1415 - To amend the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to authorize grants to Indian Tribes to further achievement of Tribal coastal zone objectives, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Kilmer, Derek [D-WA-6] (Introduced 02/26/2021)
Committees: House - Natural Resources
H.R.1352 - To establish a trust fund to provide for adequate funding for water and sewer infrastructure, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Lawrence, Brenda L. [D-MI-14] (Introduced 02/25/2021)
Committees: House - Transportation and Infrastructure; Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means; Agriculture
H.R.1335 - To direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out a pilot program to award grants for the electrification of certain refrigerated vehicles, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9] (Introduced 02/25/2021)
Committees: House - Transportation and Infrastructure
H.R.1329 - To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal loopholes for major integrated oil companies, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26] (Introduced 02/25/2021)
Committees: House - Ways and Means; Transportation and Infrastructure
H.R.1389 - To amend the Plant Protection Act for purposes of mitigating the threat of invasive species, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Welch, Peter [D-VT-At Large] (Introduced 02/25/2021)
Committees: House - Agriculture
H.R.1375 - To amend the Department of Energy Organization Act to establish an Office of Energy Equity, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Rush, Bobby L. [D-IL-1] (Introduced 02/25/2021)
Committees: House - Energy and Commerce
H.R.1374 - To amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to provide Federal financial assistance to States to implement, review, and revise State energy security plans, and for other purposes.
H.R.1363 - To amend the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to provide for an additional goal of the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority (AGARDA) to enhance the role of agriculture in innovative sustainability solutions.
Sponsor: Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2] (Introduced 02/25/2021)
H.R.1354 - To direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of portions of the Los Angeles coastal area in the State of California to evaluate alternatives for protecting the resources of the coastal area, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-33] (Introduced 02/25/2021)
H.R.1351 - To establish a strategic uranium reserve.
Sponsor: Rep. Latta, Robert E. [R-OH-5] (Introduced 02/25/2021)
H.R.1328 - To prohibit Federal agencies from purchasing or leasing new vehicles that are not zero-emission vehicles, and for other purposes.
Committees: House - Oversight and Reform
H.R.1327 - To amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to update the Federal purchase requirement to ensure the use of 100 percent renewable energy by 2050, and for other purposes.
H.R.1326 - To strengthen the Department of Energy's appliance energy efficiency standards program and promote further energy efficiency gains, and for other purposes.
H.R.1325 - To direct the Secretary of the Interior to issue an oil and gas leasing program under section 18 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Brady, Kevin [R-TX-8] (Introduced 02/25/2021)
H.R.1299 - To permit the Secretary of Transportation to approve Federal participation in the replacement or rehabilitation of certain bridges, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Higgins, Clay [R-LA-3] (Introduced 02/24/2021)
H.R.1289 - To require States to establish complete streets programs, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9] (Introduced 02/24/2021)
H.R.1313 - To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish a new tax credit and grant program to stimulate investment and healthy nutrition options in food deserts, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Ryan, Tim [D-OH-13] (Introduced 02/24/2021)
Committees: House - Ways and Means; Agriculture
H.R.1311 - To amend the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to provide for energy security and diplomacy, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11] (Introduced 02/24/2021)
Committees: House - Foreign Affairs
H.R.1300 - To preclude absolute liability in any action against a property owner or contracor for projects receiving Federal financial assistance for infrastructure and transportation development, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Jacobs, Chris [R-NY-27] (Introduced 02/24/2021)
Committees: House - Judiciary
H.R.1291 - To provide for loans to critical rural utility service providers to ensure continued service and safe operation of rural utility systems during certain emergencies, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Crawford, Eric A. "Rick" [R-AR-1] (Introduced 02/24/2021)
H.R.633 - State National Forest Management Act of 2021
Sponsor: Rep. Young, Don [R-AK-At Large] (Introduced 01/28/2021)
Committees: House - Natural Resources; Agriculture
H.R.488 - Saving America’s Mines Act
Sponsor: Rep. Stauber, Pete [R-MN-8] (Introduced 01/25/2021)
H.R.388 - Hawaii Invasive Species Protection Act
Sponsor: Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1] (Introduced 01/21/2021)
H.R.279 - Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2021
Sponsor: Rep. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ-7] (Introduced 01/12/2021)
Committees: House - Agriculture; Natural Resources
H.R.247 - Acre In, Acre Out Act
Sponsor: Rep. Griffith, H. Morgan [R-VA-9] (Introduced 01/11/2021)
H.R.218 - Saving America’s Energy Future Act
Sponsor: Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11] (Introduced 01/06/2021)
H.R.1271 - To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend certain tax credits related to electric cars, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Welch, Peter [D-VT-At Large] (Introduced 02/23/2021)
Committees: House - Ways and Means
H.R.1246 - To amend the Small Business Act to allow ranchers and farmers to use an alternative calculation for a maximum loan amount under the paycheck protection program.
Sponsor: Rep. Kind, Ron [D-WI-3] (Introduced 02/23/2021)
Committees: House - Small Business
H.R.1221 - To increase deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in low-income communities and communities of color, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9] (Introduced 02/23/2021)
Committees: House - Energy and Commerce; Science, Space, and Technology
H.R.1189 - To amend the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 to permit the construction of deepwater ports in Federal water adjacent to certain coastal States that do not have an active Coastal Zone Management Program.
Sponsor: Rep. Young, Don [R-AK-At Large] (Introduced 02/18/2021)
H.R.1152 - To amend title 49, United States Code, with respect to grants for buses and bus facilities, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8] (Introduced 02/18/2021)
H.R.1144 - To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide assistance for programs and activities to protect the water quality of Puget Sound, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Kilmer, Derek [D-WA-6] (Introduced 02/18/2021)
H.R.1142 - To direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish a grant program for projects to strengthen and protect vulnerable infrastructure used during mass evacuations, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9] (Introduced 02/18/2021)
H.R.1089 - To establish a program to provide grants to eligible entities to deploy, install, and operate advanced transportation technologies, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Balderson, Troy [R-OH-12] (Introduced 02/18/2021)
H.R.1187 - To provide for disclosure of additional material information about public companies and establish a Sustainable Finance Advisory Committee, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Vargas, Juan [D-CA-51] (Introduced 02/18/2021)
Committees: House - Financial Services
H.R.1174 - To amend the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to provide that the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior are not required to reinitiate consultation on a land management plan or land use plan under certain circumstances, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Rosendale Sr., Matthew M. [R-MT-At Large] (Introduced 02/18/2021)
H.R.1162 - To make supplemental appropriations for the Departments of Agriculture, the Interior, Homeland Security, Labor, and Commerce for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2021, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2] (Introduced 02/18/2021)
Committees: House - Appropriations; Budget
H.R.1146 - To amend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to authorize partnerships between States and nongovernmental entities for the purpose of reclaiming and restoring land and water resources adversely affected by coal mining activities before August 3, 1977, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. LaHood, Darin [R-IL-18] (Introduced 02/18/2021)
H.R.1141 - To provide that a project for the collocation of a telecommunications service facility is not subject to requirements to prepare certain environmental or historical preservation reviews.
Sponsor: Rep. Joyce, John [R-PA-13] (Introduced 02/18/2021)
Committees: House - Energy and Commerce; Natural Resources
H.R.1066 - To amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to provide flexibility with the cost share for fire management assistance, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2] (Introduced 02/15/2021) Cosponsors: (6)
H.R.1084 - To provide that a project for the deployment or modification of a communications facility entirely within a brownfield site is not subject to requirements to prepare certain environmental or historical preservation reviews.
Sponsor: Rep. Walberg, Tim [R-MI-7] (Introduced 02/15/2021)
H.R.1074 - To provide that the deployment of a small personal wireless service facility shall not constitute an undertaking under section 300320 of title 54, United States Code, or a major Federal action for the purposes of section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Scalise, Steve [R-LA-1] (Introduced 02/15/2021)
H.R.1073 - To provide that construction, rebuilding, or hardening of communications facilities following a major emergency declared by a Governor relating to a wildfire are not subject to requirements to prepare certain environmental or historical preservation reviews.
Sponsor:
Advancing science-based climate solutions
Top-Rated Climate Nonprofit – 4-Star Charity