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July 19, 2021
From July 12 to 16, congressional committees focused on several key environmental and energy issues. Notably, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee advanced Senator Joe Manchin’s energy bill, which will likely be included in the bipartisan infrastructure package. In the House, the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis held a hearing titled Advancing Environmental Justice through Climate Action.
Congress also introduced bills that aim to accelerate electrification. For example, S.2370 would provide rebates for the installation of zero-emission technologies in homes, with additional support for low- and moderate-income households.
Other notable bills include:
Here’s what else happened in Congress:
July 16, 2021
Senate
The Senate was not in session and stands adjourned until 3 p.m., on Monday, July 19, 2021.
House
Latest Committee Action
H.R.4440
To require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a rebate program to promote the purchase and installation of electric vehicle supply equipment for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Barragan, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44] (Introduced 07/16/2021) Cosponsors: (9)
Committees: House - Energy and Commerce
Latest Action: House - 07/16/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
H.R.4442
To establish a Green New Deal for public schools.
Sponsor: Rep. Bowman, Jamaal [D-NY-16] (Introduced 07/16/2021) Cosponsors: (32)
Committees: House - Education and Labor
Latest Action: House - 07/16/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.
H.R.4443
To require the designation of composting as a conservation practice and activity, and to provide grants and loan guarantees for composting facilities and programs, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26] (Introduced 07/16/2021) Cosponsors: (5)
Committees: House - Agriculture
Latest Action: House - 07/16/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
H.R.4444
To provide grants to reduce the amount of food waste, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26] (Introduced 07/16/2021) Cosponsors: (2)
H.R.4446
To establish a Government corporation to provide loans and loan guarantees for infrastructure projects, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24] (Introduced 07/16/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: House - Transportation and Infrastructure
Latest Action: House - 07/16/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
H.R.4458
To establish a grant program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to award grants to eligible entities for the purpose of carrying out projects on the conservation, restoration, or management of kelp forest ecosystems.
Sponsor: Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2] (Introduced 07/16/2021) Cosponsors: (9)
Committees: House - Natural Resources
Latest Action: House - 07/16/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
H.R.4463
To require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate regulations regarding disposal of materials containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances or aqueous film forming foam, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Levin, Andy [D-MI-9] (Introduced 07/16/2021) Cosponsors: (0)
H.R.4487
To assist in the conservation of the North Atlantic right whale by supporting and providing financial resources for North Atlantic right whale conservation programs and projects of persons with expertise required for the conservation of North Atlantic right whales, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Rutherford, John H. [R-FL-4] (Introduced 07/16/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: House - Natural Resources; Budget
Latest Action: House - 07/16/2021 Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, 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 committee concerned.
H.R.4499
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to support upgrades at existing hydroelectric dams and the removal of obsolete river obstructions to improve the health of the Nation's rivers and associated wildlife habitat and increase clean energy production, public safety, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Young, Don [R-AK-At Large] (Introduced 07/16/2021) Cosponsors: (3)
Committees: House - Ways and Means
Latest Action: House - 07/16/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Committee Hearings
FOSTERING EQUITY IN ENERGY INNOVATION
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology: Subcommittee on Energy held a hearing entitled ``Fostering Equity in Energy Innovation''. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
July 15, 2021
S.2359
A bill to provide emergency assistance for disaster response and recovery, and for other expenses, directly related to Hurricanes Laura, Delta, or Zeta.
Sponsor: Sen. Kennedy, John [R-LA] (Introduced 07/15/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: Senate - Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Latest Action: Senate - 07/15/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
S.2361
A bill to reauthorize the budget-neutral demonstration program for energy and water conservation at multifamily residential units, to establish a green retrofit program, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Reed, John [D-RI] (Introduced 07/15/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: Senate - Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Latest Action: Senate - 07/15/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S4929)
S.2362
A bill to require rulemaking by the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to address considerations in evaluating the need for public and individual disaster assistance, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Durbin, Richard [D-IL] (Introduced 07/15/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: Senate - Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Latest Action: Senate - 07/15/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (text: CR S4929-4930)
S.2369
A bill to provide access to reliable, clean, and drinkable water on Tribal lands, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Bennet, Michael [D-CO] (Introduced 07/15/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: Senate - Indian Affairs
Latest Action: Senate - 07/15/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
S.2370
A bill to require the Secretary of Energy to provide rebates for the installation of zero-emission technologies in single-family homes and multifamily buildings, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM] (Introduced 07/15/2021) Cosponsors: (11)
Committees: Senate - Energy and Natural Resources
Latest Action: Senate - 07/15/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
S.2371
A bill to require the Secretary of Defense to enhance the readiness of the Department of Defense to challenges relating to climate change and to improve the energy and resource efficiency of the Department, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA] (Introduced 07/15/2021) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: Senate - Armed Services
Latest Action: Senate - 07/15/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
S.2372
A bill to amend the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to make supplemental funds available for management of fish and wildlife species of greatest conservation need as determined by State fish and wildlife agencies, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM] (Introduced 07/15/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: Senate - Environment and Public Works
Latest Action: Senate - 07/15/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
S.Res.304
A resolution designating July 2021 as "Plastic Pollution Action Month".
Sponsor: Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR] (Introduced 07/15/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: Senate - Judiciary
Latest Action: Senate - 07/15/2021 Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S4930-4931)
NOMINATION
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nomination of Jennifer Lester Moffitt, of California, to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, after the nominee testified and answered questions in her own behalf.
H.R.3784
Advancing IoT for Precision Agriculture Act of 2021
Sponsor: Rep. McNerney, Jerry [D-CA-9] (Introduced 06/08/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: House - Science, Space, and Technology; Agriculture
Latest Action: House - 07/15/2021 Referred to the Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research.
H.R.3790
Rural Forest Markets Act of 2021
Sponsor: Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1] (Introduced 06/08/2021) Cosponsors: (5)
Latest Action: House - 07/15/2021 Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry.
H.R.3835
PRIME Act
Sponsor: Rep. Massie, Thomas [R-KY-4] (Introduced 06/11/2021) Cosponsors: (38)
Latest Action: House - 07/15/2021 Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture.
ARE TOXIC CHEMICALS FROM TIRES AND PLAYGROUND SURFACES KILLING ENDANGERED SALMON?
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled ``Are Toxic Chemicals from Tires and Playground Surfaces Killing Endangered Salmon?''. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
ADVANCING ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE THROUGH CLIMATE ACTION
Select Committee on the Climate Crisis: Full Committee held a hearing entitled ``Advancing Environmental Action Through Climate Action''. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
July 14, 2021
S.2150
Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission Act of 2021
Sponsor: Sen. Romney, Mitt [R-UT] (Introduced 06/21/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Latest Action: Senate - 07/14/2021 Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
S.2339
A bill to amend the Clean Air Act with respect to the ethanol waiver for Reid vapor pressure limitations under such Act.
Sponsor: Sen. Fischer, Deb [R-NE] (Introduced 07/14/2021) Cosponsors: (11)
Latest Action: Senate - 07/14/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
S.2347
A bill to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a rebate program to promote the purchase and installation of electric vehicle supply equipment for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR] (Introduced 07/14/2021) Cosponsors: (2)
BUSINESS MEETING
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee ordered favorably reported an original bill to invest in the energy and outdoor infrastructure of the United States to deploy new and innovative technologies, update existing infrastructure to be reliable and resilient, and secure energy infrastructure against physical and cyber threats.
Committee on Environment and Public Works: Committee ordered favorably reported the nominations of Alejandra Y. Castillo, of New York, to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, and Jane Toshiko Nishida, of Maryland, to be an Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
H.R.4413
To facilitate efficient investments and financing of infrastructure projects and new job creation through the establishment of a National Infrastructure Development Bank, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3] (Introduced 07/13/2021) Cosponsors: (9)
Committees: House - Energy and Commerce; Transportation and Infrastructure; Financial Services
Latest Action: House - 07/14/2021 Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
H.R.4421
To place a moratorium on large concentrated animal feeding operations, to strengthen the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921, to require country of origin labeling on beef, pork, and dairy products, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17] (Introduced 07/13/2021) Cosponsors: (7)
Committees: House - Agriculture; Transportation and Infrastructure
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURE
Committee on Agriculture: Full Committee held a markup on H.R. 4374, the ``Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act''. H.R. 4374 was ordered reported, as amended.
PRESIDENT BIDEN'S FISCAL YEAR 2022 BUDGET REQUEST: AGENCY POLICIES AND PERSPECTIVES (PART II)
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment held a hearing entitled ``President Biden's Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Request: Agency Policies and Perspectives (Part II)''. Testimony was heard from Radhika Fox, Assistant Administrator, Office of Water, Environmental Protection Agency; Nicole R. LaBoeuf, Acting Assistant Administrator, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce; Terry Cosby, Chief, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Department of Agriculture; Patrick Breysse, Director, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Department of Health and Human Services; and Craig H. Middlebrook, Deputy Administrator, Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, Department of Transportation.
July 13, 2021
S.2332
A bill to place a moratorium on large concentrated animal feeding operations, to strengthen the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921, to require country of origin labeling on beef, pork, and dairy products, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Booker, Cory [D-NJ] (Introduced 07/13/2021) Cosponsors: (2)
Committees: Senate - Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
Latest Action: Senate - 07/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
S.2334
A bill to direct the Secretary of the Interior to establish a grant program to provide grants on a competitive basis to eligible entities for large-scale water recycling and reuse projects, to amend the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 to make certain modifications to the Cooperative Watershed Management Program, to provide emergency drought funding, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV] (Introduced 07/13/2021) Cosponsors: (2)
Latest Action: Senate - 07/13/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
H.R.2467
PFAS Action Act of 2021
Sponsor: Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-12] (Introduced 04/13/2021) Cosponsors: (49)
Committees: House - Energy and Commerce; Transportation and Infrastructure
Committee Report: H. Rept. 117-86
Latest Action: House - 07/13/2021 Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 61.
H.R.4408
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for the issuance of exempt facility bonds for qualified carbon dioxide capture facilities.
Sponsor: Rep. Burchett, Tim [R-TN-2] (Introduced 07/13/2021) Cosponsors: (6)
Latest Action: House - 07/13/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
H.R.4410
To amend the Clean Air Act to modify the ethanol waiver for the Reid Vapor Pressure limitations under that Act, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2] (Introduced 07/13/2021) Cosponsors: (21)
Latest Action: House - 07/13/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Latest Action: House - 07/13/2021 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...
Latest Action: House - 07/13/2021 Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, 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 jurisdiction of the...
H.R.4427
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend expensing of environmental remediation costs.
Sponsor: Rep. Sherrill, Mikie [D-NJ-11] (Introduced 07/13/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
July 12, 2021
S.2308
A bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to modify the threshold for small start projects under the fixed guideway capital investment grant program, to allow certain environmental review expenditures to count for purposes of non-Federal matches, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Warnock, Raphael [D-GA] (Introduced 07/12/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Latest Action: Senate - 07/12/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
S.2310
A bill to require the Secretary of Energy to conduct a study regarding codes and standards for use of energy storage systems across sectors and demonstrate certain second-life applications of electric vehicle batteries, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. King, Angus [I-ME] (Introduced 07/12/2021) Cosponsors: (0)
Latest Action: Senate - 07/12/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
H.R.4375
To provide funding to rehabilitate, retrofit, and remove the Nation's dams to improve the health of the Nation's rivers, improve public safety, and increase clean energy production, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Kuster, Ann M. [D-NH-2] (Introduced 07/09/2021) Cosponsors: (9)
Committees: House - Transportation and Infrastructure; Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce; Natural Resources; Science, Space, and Technology; Agriculture
Latest Action: House - 07/12/2021 Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies held a markup on the Fiscal Year 2022 Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. The Fiscal Year 2022 Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill was forwarded to the full Committee, without amendment.
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies held a markup on the Fiscal Year 2022 Subcommittee on Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. The Fiscal Year 2022 Subcommittee on Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill was forwarded to the full Committee, without amendment.
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