Environment & Energy Congressional Round-Up | October 2 - October 6, 2023

Highlights:

Reps. Brad Finstad (R-Minn.) and Angie Craig (D-Minn.) introduced the USDA Express Loan Act (H.R.5877). The bill expedites the borrowing process for farmers and ranchers, allowing them quicker access to capital to finance their operations. EESI’s article, Growing Career Opportunities for Young People in Agriculture, explores solutions to financial challenges often faced by new and disadvantaged farmers.

Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) introduced the bicameral Soil Conservation And Regeneration Education (Soil CARE) Act (S.3023), which establishes a training program to inform farmers and ranchers about the latest research, technologies, and practices for boosting soil health on their lands. The House is expected to introduce the bill in the coming week.

Sens. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Jeff Merkley, (D-Ore.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) introduced two bicameral bills facilitating U.S. renewable energy production. The Comprehensive Legislation for Expanding and Advancing Nonrestrictive (CLEAN) Energy Act (S.3025/H.R.4916) repeals a requirement within the Inflation Reduction Act that an onshore oil or gas lease sale be held within 120 days prior to approving an onshore solar or wind project. The Nonrestrictive Offshore Wind (NOW) Act (S.3026/H.R.4936) repeals a similar requirement regarding the sale of offshore oil and gas leases and the issuance of offshore wind leases. 

The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation concluded a hearing on implementation and oversight of the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act (P.L.117–167). Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), the bill’s sponsor, recently met with EESI to discuss how the bipartisan law bolsters both climate policy and national security. Listen to the podcast episode here.

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