Environment & Energy Congressional Round-Up | June 20 - June 23, 2023

Highlights:

Two agricultural programs drew attention in Congress this week. Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) introduced S.2180 to establish a new subprogram under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) that would help small farms access federal conservation programs. A companion bill is expected to be introduced in the House in the coming days. In the House, Rep. Trent Kelly (R-Miss.) introduced H.R.3580 to increase funding for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). During EESI’s most recent Farm Bill in Focus briefing, Conservation Practices from Farms to Forests and Wetlands, speakers highlighted opportunities and access barriers within these programs.

Rep. Zachary Nunn (R-Iowa) introduced the ReConnecting Rural America Act (H.R.4227). The bipartisan bill would strengthen the USDA’s ReConnect Program to expand and improve broadband access in underserved rural communities. EESI’s issue brief explores the importance of high-speed internet access to an equitable clean energy transition.

Finally, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2024 (S.2131) was introduced by Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar. The bill details Senate funding levels for conservation programs, rural communities, and agriculture.

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