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May 23, 2022
Highlights:
The bipartisan Providing Research and Estimates of Changes in Precipitation (PRECIP) Act (S.3053/H.R.1437) passed the House. The bill aims to update National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration precipitation data to better inform zoning decisions and help communities prepare for climate impacts like flooding. To learn more about the importance of precipitation data in preparing for climate impacts, check out EESI’s briefing, Protecting Vulnerable Communities from Climate Impacts.
The bipartisan American Fisheries Advisory Committee Act (P.L. 117-121) became law. The law establishes an advisory committee to assist in the awarding of fisheries research and development grants.
The House Committee on Foreign Affairs held a hearing on the importance of forest conservation in fighting climate change. Interested in learning more about conservation? Check out EESI’s briefing, Building a Durable National Framework for Large Landscape Conservation.
To read the full Round-Up, click on the PDF file on the right.
Congressional Round-Up:
May 13, 2022
Senate
The Senate was not in session and stood adjourned until 3 p.m., on Monday, May 16, 2022.
House
Latest Committee Action
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)
Committees: House - Agriculture
Latest Action: House - 05/13/2022 Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
H.R.7764
To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to provide additional payments under the environmental quality incentives program for implementation of a nutrient management practice, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-10] (Introduced 05/13/2022) Cosponsors: (0)
H.R.7765
To amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish Supply Chain Regional Resource Centers, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Spanberger, Abigail Davis [D-VA-7] (Introduced 05/13/2022) Cosponsors: (1)
H.R.7766
To require the Secretary of the Interior to reissue regulations removing the gray wolf from the list of endangered and threatened wildlife under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
Sponsor: Rep. Boebert, Lauren [R-CO-3] (Introduced 05/13/2022) Cosponsors: (20)
Committees: House - Natural Resources
Latest Action: House - 05/13/2022 Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
H.R.7771
To require the Secretary of the Army and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a study analyzing the cost to permit applicants and permit holders of complying with sections 402 and 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Rouzer, David [R-NC-7] (Introduced 05/13/2022) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: House - Transportation and Infrastructure
Latest Action: House - 05/13/2022 Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
May 12, 2022
Became Law
S.497
American Fisheries Advisory Committee Act
Sponsor: Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK] (Introduced 03/01/2021) Cosponsors: (6)
Committees: Senate - Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Committee Report: S. Rept. 117-68
Latest Action: 05/12/2022 Became Public Law No: 117-121.
S.4194
A bill to amend the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 to reauthorize the volunteer services, community partnership, and refuge education programs of the National Wildlife Refuge System, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Carper, Thomas R. [D-DE] (Introduced 05/12/2022) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: Senate - Environment and Public Works
Latest Action: 05/12/2022 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S2494)
S.4217
A bill to ensure transparent and competitive transportation fuel markets in order to protect consumers from unwarranted price increases.
Sponsor: Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA] (Introduced 05/12/2022) Cosponsors: (2)
Latest Action: Senate - 05/12/2022 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Passed House
H.R.1437
PRECIP Act
Sponsor: Rep. Sherrill, Mikie [D-NJ-11] (Introduced 02/26/2021) Cosponsors: (26)
Committees: House - Science, Space, and Technology
Committee Report: H. Rept. 117-304
Latest Action: Senate - 05/12/2022 Received in the Senate.
H.R.7751
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for a gasoline tax holiday, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Norcross, Donald [D-NJ-1] (Introduced 05/12/2022) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: House - Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce
Latest Action: House - 05/12/2022 Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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 committee...
H.R.7752
To amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to provide for a consistent definition for plant biostimulants.
Sponsor: Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-20] (Introduced 05/12/2022) Cosponsors: (1)
Latest Action: House - 05/12/2022 Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Committee Hearings
MODERNIZING HYDROPOWER: LICENSING AND REFORMS FOR A CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy held a hearing entitled ``Modernizing Hydropower: Licensing and Reforms for a Clean Energy Future''. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
FOREST CONSERVATION IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Full Committee held a hearing entitled ``Forest Conservation in the Fight Against Climate Change''. Testimony was heard from Representatives Hoyer and Westerman; and public witnesses.
REFORMING THE MINING LAW OF 1872
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a hearing entitled ``Reforming the Mining Law of 1872''. Testimony was heard from Steven H. Feldgus, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses.
May 11, 2022
S.557
Native Plant Species Pilot Program Act of 2021
Sponsor: Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME] (Introduced 03/03/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: Senate - Energy and Natural Resources
Latest Action: Senate - 05/11/2022 Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held.
S.2964
National Scenic Trails Parity Act
Sponsor: Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI] (Introduced 10/07/2021) Cosponsors: (9)
S.3053
Sponsor: Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ] (Introduced 10/21/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Latest Action: Senate - 05/11/2022 Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
S.3141
New Philadelphia National Historical Park Act
Sponsor: Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL] (Introduced 11/02/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
S.3429
Alaska Salmon Research Task Force Act
Sponsor: Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK] (Introduced 12/16/2021) Cosponsors: (2)
S.3519
Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail Designation Act
Sponsor: Sen. Boozman, John [R-AR] (Introduced 01/19/2022) Cosponsors: (4)
S.3533
Volcanic Ash and Fumes Act of 2022
Sponsor: Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI] (Introduced 01/20/2022) Cosponsors: (1)
Latest Action: Senate - 05/11/2022 Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.
S.3551
Gateway Community and Recreation Enhancement Act
Sponsor: Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT] (Introduced 02/01/2022) Cosponsors: (1)
S.4183
A bill to establish the National Energy Transition Endowment and Community Revitalization Corporation, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO] (Introduced 05/11/2022) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: Senate - Judiciary
Latest Action: Senate - 05/11/2022 Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
S.4186
A bill to provide compensation for victims of the fire initiated as a prescribed burn by the Forest Service in the Santa Fe National Forest in San Miguel County, New Mexico.
Sponsor: Sen. Lujan, Ben Ray [D-NM] (Introduced 05/11/2022) Cosponsors: (1)
S.4187
A bill to amend the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act to make improvements to that Act, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Cardin, Benjamin L. [D-MD] (Introduced 05/11/2022) Cosponsors: (1)
Latest Action: Senate - 05/11/2022 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
S.4189
A bill to amend the Food Security Act of 1985 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to improve agricultural productivity, profitability, resilience, and ecological outcomes through modernized data infrastructure and analysis, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN] (Introduced 05/11/2022) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: Senate - Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
Latest Action: Senate - 05/11/2022 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY OVERSIGHT
Committee on Environment and Public Works: Committee concluded an oversight hearing to examine the Council on Environmental Quality, after receiving testimony from Brenda Mallory, Chair, Council on Environmental Quality.
Sent to President
H.R.6023 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)
Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp Reauthorization Act of 2021
Sponsor: Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-16] (Introduced 11/18/2021) Cosponsors: (29)
Committees: House - Oversight and Reform; Natural Resources; Budget
Committee Report: H. Rept. 117-301
Latest Action: 05/11/2022 Presented to President.
S.66
South Florida Clean Coastal Waters Act of 2021
Sponsor: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL] (Introduced 01/27/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Committee Report: S. Rept. 117-64
Latest Action: House - 05/11/2022 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
H.R.268
To provide for the boundary of the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Park to be adjusted, to authorize the donation of land to the United States for addition to that historic park, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Vela, Filemon [D-TX-34] (Introduced 01/11/2021) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: House - Natural Resources | Senate - Energy and Natural Resources
Committee Report: H. Rept. 117-268
H.R.5324
NWR Modernization Act of 2021
Sponsor: Rep. Bice, Stephanie I. [R-OK-5] (Introduced 09/22/2021) Cosponsors: (5)
Committee Report: H. Rept. 117-308
H.R.7696
Clean Water Standards for PFAS 2.0 Act of 2022
Sponsor: Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1] (Introduced 05/10/2022) Cosponsors: (0)
Latest Action: House - 05/11/2022 Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
H.R.7721
To provide compensation for victims of the fire initiated as a prescribed burn by the Forest Service in the Sante Fe National Forest in San Miguel County, New Mexico.
Sponsor: Rep. Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3] (Introduced 05/11/2022) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: House - Judiciary; Transportation and Infrastructure
Latest Action: House - 05/11/2022 Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, 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.7722
To require the Secretary of Agriculture to reissue the final environmental impact statement for the Resolution Copper Project and Land Exchange, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Lesko, Debbie [R-AZ-8] (Introduced 05/11/2022) Cosponsors: (0)
Latest Action: House - 05/11/2022 Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
H.R.7731
To require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to revise labeling requirements for fuel pumps that dispense E15, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Scott, Austin [R-GA-8] (Introduced 05/11/2022) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: House - Energy and Commerce
Latest Action: House - 05/11/2022 Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
May 10, 2022
Latest Action: House - 05/10/2022 At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
S.4168
A bill to amend title 54, United States Code, to reauthorize the National Park Foundation.
Sponsor: Sen. Portman, Rob [R-OH] (Introduced 05/10/2022) Cosponsors: (2)
Latest Action: Senate - 05/10/2022 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
S.4176
A bill to amend the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to modify the eligibility requirements for certain small water storage and groundwater storage projects and to authorize the use of funds for certain additional Carey Act projects, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID] (Introduced 05/10/2022) Cosponsors: (0)
Committee Meetings
APPROPRIATIONS: DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal year 2023 for the Department of Agriculture, after receiving testimony from Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture.
H.R.5996
Eliminate, Neutralize, and Disrupt Wildlife Trafficking Reauthorization and Improvements Act of 2021
Sponsor: Rep. Fortenberry, Jeff [R-NE-1] (Introduced 11/17/2021) Cosponsors: (4)
Committees: House - Natural Resources; Foreign Affairs
Latest Action: House - 05/10/2022 ASSUMING FIRST SPONSORSHIP - Mr. Carter (GA) asked unanimous consent that he may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 5996, a bill originally introduced by Representative Fortenberry, for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings...
H.R.7077
Empowering the U.S. Fire Administration Act
Sponsor: Rep. Torres, Ritchie [D-NY-15] (Introduced 03/15/2022) Cosponsors: (34)
Committee Report: H. Rept. 117-309
H.R.7297
VA Flood Preparedness Act
Sponsor: Rep. Mace, Nancy [R-SC-1] (Introduced 03/30/2022) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: House - Veterans' Affairs
Latest Action: House - 05/10/2022 Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
H.R.7693
To amend title 54, United States Code, to reauthorize the National Park Foundation.
Sponsor: Rep. Westerman, Bruce [R-AR-4] (Introduced 05/10/2022) Cosponsors: (32)
Latest Action: House - 05/10/2022 Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
To establish effluent limitations guidelines and standards and water quality criteria for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: House - 05/10/2022 Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
May 9, 2022
S.3499
A bill to amend the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 to repeal certain obsolete requirements, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI] (Introduced 01/13/2022) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: Senate - Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Committee Report: S. Rept. 117-107
Latest Action: Senate - 05/09/2022 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 364.
S.4098
A bill to prohibit nationals of the Russian Federation and Belarus from working in Department of Energy National Laboratories.
Sponsor: Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY] (Introduced 04/27/2022) Cosponsors: (1)
Latest Action: Senate - 05/09/2022 Star Print ordered on the bill.
S.4161
A bill to establish effluent limitations guidelines and standards and water quality criteria for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY] (Introduced 05/09/2022) Cosponsors: (0)
Latest Action: Senate - 05/09/2022 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
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