Environment & Energy Congressional Round-Up | November 6 - November 10, 2023

Highlights:

Sens. Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Reps. Scott Peters (D-Calif.) and María Salazar (R-Fla.) reintroduced the National Coordination on Adaptation and Resilience for Security (NCARS) Act (S.3261/H.R.6311). This bipartisan, bicameral bill will strengthen the federal response to climate threats by establishing a comprehensive National Adaptation and Resilience Strategy and an Implementation Plan. Check out EESI’s article highlighting the 2022 version of the bill and the need for a national adaptation strategy. 

Reps. Jennifer McClellan (D-Va.) and Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) introduced the Coordination for Soil Carbon Research and Monitoring Act (H.R.6232). The bill aims to improve soil carbon sequestration efforts by filling gaps in research and monitoring. EESI’s latest Farm Bill in Focus briefing, Climate-Smart Research for the Farms of the Future, highlights other federal research initiatives to bolster climate change mitigation through soil carbon sequestration. 

Reps. Doris Matsui (D-Calif.), Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), and John Sarbanes (D-Md.) reintroduced the TREES Act (H.R.6348). The bill will leverage tree planting to increase energy efficiency and decrease energy costs for homeowners, and mitigate the impacts of climate-induced heat.   

Reps. Yadira Caraveo (D-Colo.) and Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa) introduced the Future Funding for Agricultural Research, Mentorship, and Education Reauthorization (Future FARMER) Act (H.R.6292). The bill will address issues of an aging agricultural workforce by strengthening federal pipelines introducing students and young people to farming. EESI’s article, Growing Career Opportunities for Young People in Agriculture, highlights solutions to challenges that hinder new farmers’ entry into the agricultural workforce.

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