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November 22, 2021
From November 15 to 19, several bills were introduced on topics like disaster recovery and measuring emissions. S.2923, which passed the Senate last week, aims to reform the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Fishery Resource Disaster Relief program so that fisheries affected by disasters can more quickly access aid. Other notable bills introduced last week include S.3264, which would establish long-distance bike trails on federal lands, and H.R.6050, which would require the Environmental Protection Agency to collect emissions data from aircrafts.
On November 15, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 117-58) was signed by President Biden and became law. On November 19, the House passed the Build Back Better Act (H.R.5376), and the bill will now head to the Senate.
November 19, 2021
Senate
There was no environmental- or energy-related activity in the Senate.
House
Passed House
H.R.5376
Build Back Better Act
Sponsor: Rep. Yarmuth, John A. [D-KY-3] (Introduced 09/27/2021) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: House - Budget
Committee Reports: H. Rept. 117-130,Book 1, H. Rept. 117-130,Book 3, H. Rept. 117-130,Book 2, H. Rept. 117-130,Book 3, H. Rept. 117-130,Book 2, H. Rept. 117-130,Book 1
Latest Action: House - 11/19/2021 Motion to reconsider laid on the table.
Latest Committee Action
H.R.6058
To extend the authority of the Secretary of Defense to transfer funds for a certain study on per- and polyfluoalkyl substance contamination in drinking water, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4] (Introduced 11/19/2021) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: House - Armed Services
Latest Action: House - 11/19/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
H.R.6059
To support wildlife conservation, improve anti-trafficking enforcement, provide dedicated funding at no expense to taxpayers, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-3] (Introduced 11/19/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: House - Natural Resources; Judiciary; Foreign Affairs
Latest Action: House - 11/19/2021 Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Foreign Affairs, 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.6061
To authorize Federal agencies to establish prize competitions for innovation or adaptation management development relating to ocean acidification.
Sponsor: Rep. Kilmer, Derek [D-WA-6] (Introduced 11/19/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: House - Science, Space, and Technology; Budget
Latest Action: House - 11/19/2021 Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, 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.
November 18, 2021
S.180
Buffalo Tract Protection Act
Sponsor: Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM] (Introduced 02/02/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: Senate - Energy and Natural Resources
Latest Action: Senate - 11/18/2021 Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
S.491
York River Wild and Scenic River Act of 2021
Sponsor: Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME] (Introduced 03/01/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
S.609
Ruby Mountains Protection Act
Sponsor: Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV] (Introduced 03/04/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
S.753
Highlands Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2021
Sponsor: Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT] (Introduced 03/16/2021) Cosponsors: (4)
Latest Action: Senate - 11/18/2021 Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.
S.904
MAPLand Act
Sponsor: Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID] (Introduced 03/23/2021) Cosponsors: (14)
Latest Action: Senate - 11/18/2021 Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
S.1320
Chiricahua National Park Act
Sponsor: Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ] (Introduced 04/22/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
S.1583 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)
Lake Tahoe Restoration Reauthorization Act
Sponsor: Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV] (Introduced 05/12/2021) Cosponsors: (3)
S.1589
Oregon Recreation Enhancement Act
Sponsor: Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR] (Introduced 05/12/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
S.2158
Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory Commission Reauthorization Act
Sponsor: Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA] (Introduced 06/22/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Committee Print: H.Prt. 117-2
S.2433
Federal Land Asset Inventory Reform Act of 2021
Sponsor: Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND] (Introduced 07/22/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Latest Action: Senate - 11/18/2021 Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably. (
S.3233
A bill to help increase the development, distribution, and use of clean cookstoves and fuels to improve health, protect the climate and environment, empower women, create jobs, and help consumers save time and money.
Sponsor: Sen. Collins, Susan [R-ME] (Introduced 11/18/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: Senate - Foreign Relations
Latest Action: Senate - 11/18/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
S.3264
A bill to require the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to develop long-distance bike trails on Federal land, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Lujan, Ben [D-NM] (Introduced 11/18/2021) Cosponsors: (3)
Latest Action: Senate - 11/18/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
S.3266
A bill to improve recreation opportunities on, and facilitate greater access to, Federal public land, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Manchin, Joseph [D-WV] (Introduced 11/18/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Latest Action: Senate - 11/18/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
H.R.297
To require the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study on the establishment of, and the potential land that could be included in, a unit of the National Forest System in the State of Hawaii, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1] (Introduced 01/13/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: House - Natural Resources | Senate - Energy and Natural Resources
H.R.4374
Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act
Sponsor: Rep. Scott, David [D-GA-13] (Introduced 07/09/2021) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: House - Agriculture; Energy and Commerce
Committee Report: H. Rept. 117-113
Latest Action: House - 11/18/2021 House Committee on Energy and Commerce Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than Dec. 3, 2021.
Latest Action: House - 11/19/2021 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - Pursuant to clause 1(c) of Rule XIX, further consideration of H.R. 5376 is postponed.
H.R.6019
To codify certain regulations issued by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to critical habitat for the Northern Spotted Owl.
Sponsor: Rep. Bentz, Cliff [R-OR-2] (Introduced 11/18/2021) Cosponsors: (7)
Committees: House - Natural Resources
Latest Action: House - 11/18/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
H.R.6023
To require the United States Postal Service to continue selling the Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp until all remaining stamps are sold, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-16] (Introduced 11/18/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: House - Oversight and Reform; Natural Resources; Budget
Latest Action: House - 11/18/2021 Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Reform, and in addition to the Committees on Natural Resources, and 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.6026
To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit the introduction or delivery for introduction into interstate commerce of food packaging containing intentionally added PFAS, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-12] (Introduced 11/18/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: House - Energy and Commerce
Latest Action: House - 11/18/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
H.R.6044
To amend the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 to extend the authorization of the Emergency Management Performance Grants Program through 2026.
Sponsor: Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6] (Introduced 11/18/2021) Cosponsors: (3)
Committees: House - Transportation and Infrastructure
Latest Action: House - 11/18/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
H.R.6050
To develop a pilot grant programs through the Environmental Protection Agency to research and collect data on aircraft and airport noise and emissions and to use such information and data to develop a mitigation strategy, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Smith, Adam [D-WA-9] (Introduced 11/18/2021) Cosponsors: (8)
Committees: House - Energy and Commerce; Transportation and Infrastructure
Latest Action: House - 11/18/2021 Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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 committee concerned.
November 17, 2021
Committee Meetings
NOMINATIONS
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nominations of Chavonda J. Jacobs-Young, of Georgia, to be Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics, and Margo Schlanger, of Michigan, to be an Assistant Secretary, both of the Department of Agriculture, after the nominees testified and answered questions in their own behalf.
NOMINATION
Committee on Environment and Public Works: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nomination of Martha Williams, of Montana, to be Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, after the nominee testified and answered questions in her own behalf.
H.R.5991
To direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure the completion of a marginal well study by the Secretary of Energy so as to inform the development of certain rules under the Clean Air Act, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Arrington, Jodey C. [R-TX-19] (Introduced 11/17/2021) Cosponsors: (9)
Latest Action: House - 11/17/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
H.R.5996
To continue the whole-of-government approach to ending global wildlife poaching and trafficking by permanently reauthorizing the activities of the Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Fortenberry, Jeff [R-NE-1] (Introduced 11/17/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: House - Natural Resources; Foreign Affairs
Latest Action: House - 11/17/2021 Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, 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.6012
To direct the Secretary of Energy to carry out a demonstration program for projects that improve electric grid resilience with respect to wildfires, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Torres, Norma J. [D-CA-35] (Introduced 11/17/2021) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: House - Science, Space, and Technology
Latest Action: House - 11/17/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Natural Resources: Full Committee held a markup on H.R. 404, the ``Driftnet Modernization and Bycatch Reduction Act of 2021''; H.R. 667, the ``Desert Sage Youth Wellness Center Access Improvement Act''; H.R. 1931, the ``Japanese American Confinement Education Act''; H.R. 2026, the ``Global Amphibian Protection Act of 2021''; H.R. 3128, the ``American Fisheries Advisory Committee Act of 2021''; H.R. 3197, the ``Save the Liberty Theatre Act of 2021''; H.R. 3326, the ``Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act of 2021''; H.R. 3531, the ``Women Who Worked on the Home Front World War II Memorial Act''; H.R. 3600, the ``Route 66 National Historic Trail Designation Act''; H.R. 4494, the ``Frederick Jobs and Historic Preservation Training Center Land Acquisition Act''; H.R. 4648, the ``Cane River Creole National Historical Park Boundary Modification Act''; H.R. 4706, the ``Blackwell School National Historic Site Act''; H.R. 5001, the ``Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basins Recovery Act''; H.R. 5345, the ``Saline Lake Ecosystems in the Great Basin States Program Act of 2021''; and S. 2923, the ``Fishery Resource Disasters Improvement Act''. H.R. 404, H.R. 1931, H.R. 2026, H.R. 4494, H.R. 4648, H.R. 5001, H.R. 5345, and S. 2923 were ordered reported, as amended. H.R. 667, H.R. 3128, H.R. 3197, H.R. 3326, H.R. 3531, H.R. 4706, and H.R. 3600 were ordered reported, without amendment.
FOSTERING A NEW ERA OF FUSION ENERGY RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology: Subcommittee on Energy held a hearing entitled ``Fostering a New Era of Fusion Energy Research and Technology Development''. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
November 16, 2021
Passed Senate
S.2923
Fishery Resource Disasters Improvement Act
Sponsor: Sen. Wicker, Roger [R-MS] (Introduced 09/30/2021) Cosponsors: (3)
Latest Action: House - 11/16/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
S.3214
A bill to promote domestic energy production, to require onshore oil and natural gas lease sales, development of renewable energy on public lands, and offshore oil and natural gas and wind lease sales, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT] (Introduced 11/16/2021) Cosponsors: (4)
Latest Action: Senate - 11/16/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
ENERGY PRICE TRENDS
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the causes, outlook, and implications of domestic and international energy price trends, after receiving testimony from Stephen Nalley, Acting Administrator, Energy Information Administration, Department of Energy; Tim Gould, Chief Energy Economist, International Energy Agency, Paris, France; and Robert Bryce, A Question of Power: Electricity and the Wealth of Nations, Austin, Texas
H.R.5987
To amend the Toxic Substances Control Act with respect to the PFAS data call, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2] (Introduced 11/16/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Latest Action: House - 11/16/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
A LOOK AT THE RENEWABLE ECONOMY IN RURAL AMERICA
Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit held a hearing entitled ``A Look at the Renewable Economy in Rural America''. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
SECURING AMERICA'S FUTURE: SUPPLY CHAIN SOLUTIONS FOR A CLEAN ENERGY ECONOMY
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Environment and Climate Change; and Subcommittee on Energy held a joint hearing entitled ``Securing America's Future: Supply Chain Solutions for a Clean Energy Economy''. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
PLUGGING IN PUBLIC LANDS: TRANSMISSION INFRASTRUCTURE FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a hearing entitled ``Plugging in Public Lands: Transmission Infrastructure for Renewable Energy''. Testimony was heard from Janea Scott, Senior Counselor to the Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses.
LEGISLATIVE MEASURES
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife, hearing on H.R. 59, the ``Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act''; H.R. 4690, the ``Sustaining America's Fisheries for the Future Act of 2021''; and H.R. 5770, the ``Forage Fish Conservation Act of 2021''. Testimony was heard from Representative Dingell; Janet Coit, Assistant Administrator, National Marine Fisheries Service, and Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, Deputy Administrator, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses.
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology: Full Committee held a markup on H.R. 5781, the ``National Wildland Fire Risk Reduction Program Act''; H.R. 1437, the ``PRECIP Act''; and H.R. 5324, the ``NWR Modernization Act of 2021''. H.R. 5781, H.R. 1437, and H.R. 5324 were ordered reported, as amended.
November 15, 2021
S.3205
A bill to establish an advanced industrial facilities deployment program and a State flex-tech energy program, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Ossoff, Jon [D-GA] (Introduced 11/15/2021) Cosponsors: (0)
Latest Action: Senate - 11/15/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
S.3211
A bill to continue the whole-of-government approach to ending global wildlife poaching and trafficking by permanently reauthorizing the activities of the Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Coons, Christopher [D-DE] (Introduced 11/15/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Latest Action: Senate - 11/15/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Became Law
H.R.3684
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
Sponsor: Rep. DeFazio, Peter A. [D-OR-4] (Introduced 06/04/2021) Cosponsors: (5)
Committee Reports: H. Rept. 117-70, H. Rept. 117-70,Part 2
Committee Print: H.Prt. 117-9
Latest Action: 11/15/2021 Became Public Law No: 117-58.
H.R.1917
Hazard Eligibility and Local Projects Act
Sponsor: Rep. Fletcher, Lizzie [D-TX-7] (Introduced 03/16/2021) Cosponsors: (6)
Committees: House - Transportation and Infrastructure; Financial Services | Senate - Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Committee Report: H. Rept. 117-170
Latest Action: Senate - 11/15/2021 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
H.R.3193
E-BRIDGE Act
Sponsor: Rep. Graves, Sam [R-MO-6] (Introduced 05/13/2021) Cosponsors: (12)
Committees: House - Transportation and Infrastructure; Financial Services | Senate - Environment and Public Works
Committee Report: H. Rept. 117-171
Latest Action: Senate - 11/15/2021 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
H.R.3709
Preliminary Damage Assessment Improvement Act of 2021
Sponsor: Rep. Katko, John [R-NY-24] (Introduced 06/04/2021) Cosponsors: (4)
Committees: House - Transportation and Infrastructure | Senate - Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Committee Report: H. Rept. 117-160
H.R.5957
To reduce risks to marine mammals, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Larsen, Rick [D-WA-2] (Introduced 11/12/2021) Cosponsors: (6)
Committees: House - Natural Resources; Transportation and Infrastructure; Armed Services
Latest Action: House - 11/15/2021 Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
H.R.5973
To reauthorize the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 1990, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-12] (Introduced 11/15/2021) Cosponsors: (3)
Latest Action: House - 11/15/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
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