Environment & Energy Congressional Round-Up | March 31 - April 4, 2025 | Article

Highlights:

Reps. Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.), Zachary Nunn (R-Iowa), and Joe Courtney (D-Conn.) and Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) introduced the New Producer Economic Security Act (H.R.2536/S.1237) to improve new farmers’ access to land, financing, and markets. For more policy solutions to the barriers faced by beginning farmers, check out EESI’s article, “Growing Career Opportunities for Young People in Agriculture.”

Reps. Tim Moore (R-N.C.), Deborah Ross (D-N.C.), and Pat Harrigan (R-N.C.) introduced the Radar Gap Elimination Act (H.R.2646). If passed, it would address critical gaps in severe weather detection and response for underserved communities. Specifically, the bill would replace aging weather radar technology and deploy new radar in regions without existing coverage. EESI’s briefing, Innovations in Weather Forecasting for a Changing Climate, explores the role of weather intelligence in boosting communities’ resilience to extreme weather events.

Reps. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio) and Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.) reintroduced the Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act of 2025 (H.R.2480) to increase investment in domestic manufacturing of semiconductors, which convert energy into electricity in solar panels and wind turbines, among other applications. Sens. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) lead the bill’s Senate companion (S.97).

Reps. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.), Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.), and Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) introduced the Community Wood Facilities Assistance Act (H.R.2517). The bill would strengthen and incentivize domestic wood product manufacturing and wood energy under the Farm Bill’s Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation Grant Program, all while creating jobs in rural communities.

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