Advanced Search
June 14, 2022
Highlights:
The House Agriculture Committee continued to hold hearings ahead of the 2023 Farm Bill. For more on hearings in the lead up to the 2023 Farm Bill, check out EESI’s hearing tracker.
The House Science, Space, and Technology Committee held a hearing on detecting and quantifying methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. A few months ago, EESI sat down with Lara Owens, manager of climate intelligence at RMI, to discuss quantifying and reducing methane emissions through certification systems. Check out the article here.
Also on the topic of climate solutions, the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis held a hearing on the climate benefits of ocean-based solutions. The hearing occurred during Capitol Hill Ocean Week, where EESI’s Executive Director Daniel Bresette moderated a panel discussion on wind, water, and wave renewable energy.
June 10, 2022
There was no environmental or energy activity in Congress on June 10, 2022.
June 9, 2022
Senate
Sent to the President
S.66
South Florida Clean Coastal Waters Act of 2021
Sponsor: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL] (Introduced 01/27/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: Senate - Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Committee Report: S. Rept. 117-64
Latest Action: 06/09/2022 Presented to President.
Latest Committee Action
S.3211
Eliminate, Neutralize, and Disrupt Wildlife Trafficking Reauthorization and Improvements Act of 2021
Sponsor: Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE] (Introduced 11/15/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: Senate - Foreign Relations
Latest Action: Senate - 06/09/2022 Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Committee Hearings
AGRICULTURAL TRADE
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: Subcommittee on Commodities, Risk Management, and Trade concluded a hearing to examine agricultural trade, focusing on priorities and issues facing America's farmers, after receiving testimony from Neal Fisher, North Dakota Wheat Commission, Mandan; Gopinath Munisamy, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Athens; Karla Baker Thompson, JET Farms Georgia and Integrity Farms, Camilla; and Sheryl Meshke, Associated Milk Producers Inc., New Ulm, Minnesota, on behalf of the National Milk Producers Federation.
TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT
Committee on Environment and Public Works: Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure concluded a hearing to examine S. 4244, to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to prohibit the manufacture, processing, use, and distribution in commerce of commercial asbestos and mixtures and articles containing commercial asbestos, after receiving testimony from Linda Reinstein, Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, Redondo Beach, California; Danny Whu, International Association of Fire Fighters, and Robert J. Simon, American Chemistry Council, both of Washington, D.C.; and David Lee Boone, Copiah Water Association, Hazlehurst, Mississippi.
EUROPEAN ENERGY SECURITY
Committee on Foreign Relations: Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation concluded a hearing to examine European energy security, focusing on America's role in supporting Europe's energy diversification agenda, after receiving testimony from Amos Hochstein, Presidential Coordinator, Department of State.
House
H.R.2773
Recovering America’s Wildlife Act of 2021
Sponsor: Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-12] (Introduced 04/22/2021) Cosponsors: (194)
Committees: House - Natural Resources
Latest Action: House - 06/09/2022 Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 271.
H.R.7996
To require congressional authorization for the drawdown and sale of petroleum products in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Fallon, Pat [R-TX-4] (Introduced 06/09/2022) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: House - Energy and Commerce
Latest Action: House - 06/09/2022 Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
H.R.8002
To establish the Inter-Agency Task Force on Energy Independence to examine whether the Russian Federation funded activities of nongovernmental organizations in Western countries which limited the ability of those countries to achieve energy independence and made them more reliant on energy exported from Russia, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Cawthorn, Madison [R-NC-11] (Introduced 06/09/2022) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: House - Foreign Affairs
Latest Action: House - 06/09/2022 Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
H.R.8013
To establish the Committee on Large-Scale Carbon Management in the Department of Energy and a Federal Carbon Removal Initiative, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Kuster, Ann M. [D-NH-2] (Introduced 06/09/2022) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: House - Science, Space, and Technology; Energy and Commerce
Latest Action: House - 06/09/2022 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...
H.R.8016
To provide for operations of the Federal Columbia River Power System pursuant to a certain operation plan for a specified period of time, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Newhouse, Dan [R-WA-4] (Introduced 06/09/2022) Cosponsors: (10)
Committees: House - Natural Resources; Transportation and Infrastructure
Latest Action: House - 06/09/2022 Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, 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...
H.R.8018
To amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to establish a grant program to assist with the purchase, installation, and maintenance of point-of-entry and point-of-use drinking water quality improvement products, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1] (Introduced 06/09/2022) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: House - Agriculture
Latest Action: House - 06/09/2022 Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Passed House
H.R.7776
Water Resources Development Act of 2022
Sponsor: Rep. DeFazio, Peter A. [D-OR-4] (Introduced 05/16/2022) Cosponsors: (3)
Committees: House - Transportation and Infrastructure
Latest Action: Senate - 06/09/2022 Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 399.
A 2022 REVIEW OF THE FARM BILL: ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVES ON TITLE I COMMODITIES AND TITLE XI CROP INSURANCE
Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management held a hearing entitled ``A 2022 Review of the Farm Bill: Economic Perspectives on Title I Commodities and Title XI Crop Insurance''. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
COAL COMMUNITY PROTECTION AND REVITALIZATION
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a hearing entitled ``Coal Community Protection and Revitalization''. Testimony was heard from Chairman Yarmuth and Representative Cartwright; Todd Parfitt, Director, Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality; and public witnesses.
TURNING THE TIDE FOR OCEAN CLIMATE ACTION: UNLEASHING THE CLIMATE BENEFITS OF OUR BLUE PLANET
Select Committee on the Climate Crisis: Full Committee held a hearing entitled ``Turning the Tide for Ocean Climate Action: Unleashing the Climate Benefits of Our Blue Planet''. Testimony was heard from Richard W. Spinrad, Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and Administrator, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and Monica Medina, Assistant Secretary for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Department of State.
June 8, 2022
S.4364
A bill to prohibit contracting with persons that have business operations with the Government of the Russian Federation or the Russian energy sector, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL] (Introduced 06/08/2022) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: Senate - Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Latest Action: Senate - 06/08/2022 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
H.R.7752
Plant Biostimulant Act of 2022
Sponsor: Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-20] (Introduced 05/12/2022) Cosponsors: (1)
Latest Action: House - 06/08/2022 Referred to the Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research.
H.R.7763
To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to support and incentivize domestic activities to address fertilizer shortages and deficiencies, diversify fertilizer sources, and reduce dependency on foreign sources for fertilizer, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17] (Introduced 05/13/2022) Cosponsors: (0)
H.R.7812
Floriculture and Nursery Plant Health Initiative Act of 2022
Sponsor: Rep. Kahele, Kaiali'i [D-HI-2] (Introduced 05/18/2022) Cosponsors: (1)
H.R.7813
Cacao Tree Health Initiative Act of 2022
H.R.7991
To prohibit contracting with persons that have business operations with the Government of the Russian Federation or the Russian energy sector, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Waltz, Michael [R-FL-6] (Introduced 06/08/2022) Cosponsors: (8)
Committees: House - Oversight and Reform
Latest Action: House - 06/08/2022 Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform.
A 2022 REVIEW OF THE FARM BILL: STAKEHOLDER PERSPECTIVES ON SNAP
Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations held a hearing entitled ``A 2022 Review of the Farm Bill: Stakeholder Perspectives on SNAP''. Testimony was heard from Daniel Giacomi, SNAP Program Administration Manager, Connecticut Department of Social Services; and public witnesses.
DETECTING AND QUANTIFYING METHANE EMISSIONS FROM THE OIL AND GAS SECTOR
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology: Full Committee held a hearing entitled ``Detecting and Quantifying Methane Emissions from the Oil and Gas Sector''. Testimony was heard from Brian Anderson, Director, National Energy Technology Laboratory, Department of Energy; and public witnesses.
June 7, 2022
S.387
Grand Canyon Protection Act
Sponsor: Sen. Sinema, Kyrsten [D-AZ] (Introduced 02/23/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: Senate - Energy and Natural Resources
Latest Action: Senate - 06/07/2022 Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held.
S.1264
Resiliency for Ranching and Natural Conservation Health Act
Sponsor: Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY] (Introduced 04/21/2021) Cosponsors: (0)
S.1750
Wyoming Public Lands Initiative Act of 2021
Sponsor: Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY] (Introduced 05/20/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
S.2568
Open Access Evapotranspiration Data Act
Sponsor: Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV] (Introduced 07/29/2021) Cosponsors: (0)
S.2980
Wildlife-Livestock Conflict Resolution Act
Sponsor: Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM] (Introduced 10/07/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
S.2996
Alaska Offshore Parity Act
Sponsor: Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK] (Introduced 10/19/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
S.3046
Root and Stem Project Authorization Act of 2021
Sponsor: Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT] (Introduced 10/21/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
S.3144
Sutton Mountain and Painted Hills Area Wildfire Resiliency Preservation and Economic Enhancement Act
Sponsor: Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR] (Introduced 11/03/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
S.3644
A bill to require the collection of certain data relating to Bureau of Land Management land acquisitions, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Braun, Mike [R-IN] (Introduced 02/14/2022) Cosponsors: (0)
S.3709
Black Hills Forest Protection and Jobs Preservation Act of 2022
Sponsor: Sen. Thune, John [R-SD] (Introduced 02/28/2022) Cosponsors: (3)
S.4227
A bill to streamline the oil and gas permitting process and to recognize fee ownership for certain oil and gas drilling or spacing units, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Hoeven, John [R-ND] (Introduced 05/16/2022) Cosponsors: (1)
S.4355
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to create a carbon border adjustment based on carbon intensity, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI] (Introduced 06/07/2022) Cosponsors: (3)
Committees: Senate - Finance
Latest Action: Senate - 06/07/2022 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
WESTERN WATER CRISIS
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: Subcommittee on Conservation, Climate, Forestry, and Natural Resources concluded a hearing to examine the western water crisis, focusing on confronting persistent drought and building resilience on our forests and farmland, after receiving testimony from Earl Lewis, Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Water Resources, Manhattan, on behalf of the Western States Water Council; Andrew Mueller, Colorado River Water Conservation District, Glenwood Springs; Courtney Schultz, Colorado State University Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship, Fort Collins; Tom Willis, T and O Farms, Liberal, Kansas; and Ellen Herbert, Ducks Unlimited, Inc., Memphis, Tennessee.
ENERGY AND PUBLIC LANDS LEGISLATION
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining concluded a hearing to examine S. 387, 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, S. 1264, to amend the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to improve the management of grazing permits and leases, S. 1412, to provide for the conveyance of certain Federal land in Carson City, Nevada, S. 1750, to redesignate land within certain wilderness study areas in the State of Wyoming, S. 2254, to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate certain streams in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem and Smith River system in the State of Montana as components of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System, S. 2568, to establish the Open Access Evapotranspiration (OpenET) Data Program, S. 2708, to provide for greater consultation between the Federal Government and the governing bodies and community users of land grant-mercedes in New Mexico, to provide for a process for recognition of the historic-traditional uses of land grant-mercedes…
H.R.7952
To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to issue a right-of-way permit with respect to a natural gas distribution pipeline within Valley Forge National Historical Park, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4] (Introduced 06/07/2022) Cosponsors: (2)
Latest Action: House - 06/07/2022 Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
H.R.7962
To amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to modify the definition of water heater under energy conservation standards, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-12] (Introduced 06/07/2022) Cosponsors: (11)
Latest Action: House - 06/07/2022 Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
H.R.7963
To replenish the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Estes, Ron [R-KS-4] (Introduced 06/07/2022) Cosponsors: (0)
June 6, 2022
There was no environmental or energy activity in Congress on June 6, 2022.
Advancing science-based climate solutions
Top-Rated Climate Nonprofit – 4-Star Charity