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November 1, 2021
From October 25-29 disaster mitigation was a major focus in the House, with bills being introduced that affect disaster assistance (H.R.5782, H.R.5774), wildfire risk mitigation (H.R.5781), and invasive species management (H.R.5692). The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management additionally held a hearing entitled Are FEMA's Assistance Programs Adequately Designed to Assist Communities Before, During, and After Wildfire? Congress was also responsive to international negotiations underway at COP26 this week; the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis held a hearing titled International Climate Challenges and Opportunities.
October 29, 2021
Senate
There was no environmental- or energy-related activity in the Senate.
House
Became Law
H.R.5763
Further Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2021
Sponsor: Rep. DeFazio, Peter A. [D-OR-4] (Introduced 10/28/2021) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: House - Transportation and Infrastructure; Ways and Means; Natural Resources; Science, Space, and Technology; Energy and Commerce; Oversight and Reform
Latest Action: 10/31/2021 Signed by President.
Latest Committee Action
H.R.5774
To amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to ensure that unmet needs after a major disaster are met.
Sponsor: Rep. Graves, Garret [R-LA-6] (Introduced 10/28/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: House - Transportation and Infrastructure
Latest Action: House - 10/29/2021 Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
H.R.5778
To cancel and waive certain debts owed to the United States with respect to Hurricane Sandy, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Kim, Andy [D-NJ-3] (Introduced 10/28/2021) Cosponsors: (6)
Committees: House - Transportation and Infrastructure; Financial Services; Small Business
H.R.5780
To amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to improve the provision of certain disaster assistance, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-19] (Introduced 10/28/2021) Cosponsors: (3)
H.R.5781
To improve the Federal effort to reduce wildland fire risks, and for other purposes.
Committees: House - Science, Space, and Technology; Transportation and Infrastructure
H.R.5782
Committees: House - Transportation and Infrastructure; Financial Services
October 28, 2021
Passed Senate
Latest Action: Senate - 10/28/2021 Message on Senate action sent to the House.
S.3100
A bill to establish a regulatory system for sustainable offshore aquaculture in the United States exclusive economic zone, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Wicker, Roger [R-MS] (Introduced 10/28/2021) Cosponsors: (2)
Committees: Senate - Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Latest Action: Senate - 10/28/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
S.3104
A bill to amend the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to allow the District of Columbia to receive Federal funding under such Act, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Carper, Thomas [D-DE] (Introduced 10/28/2021) Cosponsors: (0)
Latest Action: Senate - 10/28/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S7462-7463; text: CR S7463)
S.3106
A bill to require the use of the voice and vote of the United States in international financial institutions to advance the cause of transitioning the global economy to a clean energy economy and to prohibit United States Government assistance to countries or entities to support fossil fuel activity, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR] (Introduced 10/28/2021) Cosponsors: (0)
Committees: Senate - Foreign Relations
Latest Action: Senate - 10/28/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
S.3111
A bill to require the Secretary of Energy to establish a grant program to support hydrogen-fueled equipment at ports and to conduct a study with the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of Homeland Security on the feasibility and safety of using hydrogen-derived fuels, including ammonia, as a shipping fuel.
Sponsor: Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX] (Introduced 10/28/2021) Cosponsors: (4)
S.3112
A bill to amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to establish a Hydrogen Technologies for Heavy Industry Grant Program, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Coons, Christopher [D-DE] (Introduced 10/28/2021) Cosponsors: (4)
Committees: Senate - Energy and Natural Resources
Latest Action: Senate - 10/28/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
S.3118
A bill to require the Secretary of Energy to establish a hydrogen infrastructure finance and innovation pilot program, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX] (Introduced 10/28/2021) Cosponsors: (5)
S.3120
A bill to improve the productivity and energy efficiency of the manufacturing sector by directing the Secretary of Energy, in coordination with the National Academies and other appropriate Federal agencies, to provide assistance to small and medium manufacturers in implementing smart manufacturing programs, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH] (Introduced 10/28/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
S.3121
A bill to require the Secretary of Energy to establish a council to conduct a survey and analysis of the employment figures and demographics in the energy, energy efficiency, and motor vehicle sectors of the United States, and for other purposes.
S.3122
A bill to provide an extension of Federal-aid highway, highway safety, and transit programs, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Carper, Thomas [D-DE] (Introduced 10/28/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: Senate - Environment and Public Works
Latest Action: 10/28/2021 See also H.R. 5763.
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 - 10/28/2021 House Committee on Energy and Commerce Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than Nov. 5, 2021.
H.R.5770
To improve the management of forage fish.
Sponsor: Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-12] (Introduced 10/28/2021) Cosponsors: (12)
Committees: House - Natural Resources
Latest Action: House - 10/28/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Latest Action: House - 10/28/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
H.R.5775
To require the use of the voice and vote of the United States in international financial institutions to advance the cause of transitioning the global economy to a clean energy economy and to prohibit United States Government assistance to countries or entities to support fossil fuel activity, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2] (Introduced 10/28/2021) Cosponsors: (7)
Committees: House - Financial Services; Foreign Affairs
Latest Action: House - 10/28/2021 Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, 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.
Latest Action: House - 10/28/2021 Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, 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.
Latest Action: House - 10/28/2021 Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, 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.5784
To amend the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to allow the District of Columbia to receive Federal funding under such Act, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large] (Introduced 10/28/2021) Cosponsors: (0)
Latest Action: House - 10/28/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. (
H.Res.754
Expressing that the House of Representatives opposes punitive natural gas taxes on United States businesses, families, and workers.
Sponsor: Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11] (Introduced 10/28/2021) Cosponsors: (80)
Committees: House - Ways and Means
Latest Action: House - 10/28/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
H.Res.755
Expressing support for the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow and reaffirming the United States commitment to international cooperation combating climate change.
Sponsor: Rep. Schneider, Bradley Scott [D-IL-10] (Introduced 10/28/2021) Cosponsors: (142)
Committees: House - Foreign Affairs; Energy and Commerce
Latest Action: House - 10/28/2021 Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, 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 concerned.
Committee Meetings
FUELING THE CLIMATE CRISIS: EXPOSING BIG OIL'S DISINFORMATION CAMPAIGN TO PREVENT CLIMATE ACTION
Committee on Oversight and Reform: Full Committee held a hearing entitled ``Fueling the Climate Crisis: Exposing Big Oil's Disinformation Campaign To Prevent Climate Action''. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Committee on Rules: Full Committee began a hearing on H.R. 5376, the ``Build Back Better Act''. Testimony was heard from Chairman Yarmuth, Chairman Neal, Chairman Pallone, Chairman Scott of Virginia, Chairman DeFazio, Chairman Waters, Chairman Grijalva, and Representatives Smith of Missouri, Brady, Rodgers of Washington, Foxx, Graves of Missouri, McHenry, Panetta, Thompson of Pennsylvania, and Westerman.
INTERNATIONAL CLIMATE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Select Committee on the Climate Crisis: Full Committee held a hearing entitled ``International Climate Challenges and Opportunities''. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
October 27, 2021
S.3086
A bill to require the Energy Information Administration to submit to Congress and make publicly available an annual report on Federal agency policies and regulations and Executive orders that have increased or may increase energy prices in the United States, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL] (Introduced 10/27/2021) Cosponsors: (6)
Latest Action: Senate - 10/27/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
S.3091
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish the advanced solar manufacturing production credit.
Sponsor: Sen. Ossoff, Jon [D-GA] (Introduced 10/27/2021) Cosponsors: (3)
Committees: Senate - Finance
Latest Action: Senate - 10/27/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
S.3092
A bill to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to improve the provision of certain disaster assistance, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA] (Introduced 10/27/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: Senate - Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Latest Action: Senate - 10/27/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
S.3093
NOMINATIONS
Committee on Environment and Public Works: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nominations of Henry Christopher Frey, of North Carolina, to be an Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and Jennifer Clyburn Reed, of South Carolina, to be Federal Cochairperson of the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission, after the nominees testified and answered questions in their own behalf.
ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Subcommittee on Governmental Operations and Border Management concluded a hearing to examine strategies for improving critical energy infrastructure, after receiving testimony from Alexander Herrgott, The Permitting Institute, Washington, D.C.; Bryce Yonker, Grid Forward, Portland, Oregon; N. Levi Esquerra, University of Arizona, Tucson; Lanny Nickell, Southwest Power Pool, Inc., Little Rock, Arkansas; and Robert Bryce, Power Hungry Podcast, Austin, Texas.
H.R.5749
To impose natural gas trading limits during emergencies.
Sponsor: Rep. Castro, Joaquin [D-TX-20] (Introduced 10/27/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: House - Agriculture
Latest Action: House - 10/27/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
ENSURING EQUITY IN DISASTER PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND RECOVERY
Committee on Homeland Security: Full Committee held a hearing entitled ``Ensuring Equity in Disaster Preparedness, Response, and Recovery''. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
WILDLAND FIREFIGHTING WORKFORCE REFORMS
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands held a hearing entitled ``Wildland Firefighting Workforce Reforms''. Testimony was heard from Jaelith Hall-Rivera, Deputy Chief, State and Private Forestry, U.S. Forest Service, Department of Agriculture; Jeff Rupert, Director, Office of Wildland Fire, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses.
THE FEDERAL COAL PROGRAM: A BAD DEAL FOR TAXPAYERS AND A THREAT TO CLIMATE
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a hearing entitled ``The Federal Coal Program: A Bad Deal for Taxpayers and a Threat to Climate''. Testimony was heard from Randall Luthi, Chief Energy Advisor, Office of the Governor, Wyoming; and public witnesses.
October 26, 2021
S.3066
A bill to require the Secretary of Energy to establish a battery material processing grant program and a battery manufacturing and recycling grant program, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV] (Introduced 10/26/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Latest Action: Senate - 10/26/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
S.3069
A bill to reauthorize the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 1990, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN] (Introduced 10/26/2021) Cosponsors: (3)
Latest Action: Senate - 10/26/2021 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
H.R.5725
To codify a final rule of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to endangered and threatened species, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Buck, Ken [R-CO-4] (Introduced 10/26/2021) Cosponsors: (3)
Latest Action: House - 10/26/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
H.R.5732
To codify certain regulations for interagency cooperation relating to endangered and threatened wildlife and plants.
Sponsor: Rep. Gosar, Paul A. [R-AZ-4] (Introduced 10/26/2021) Cosponsors: (2)
H.R.5733
To codify a final rule of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to the designation of critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
Sponsor: Rep. Herrell, Yvette [R-NM-2] (Introduced 10/26/2021) Cosponsors: (4)
Latest Action: House - 10/26/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources
H.R.5740
To codify certain regulations relating to endangered species and threatened species listing and critical habitat designation.
Sponsor: Rep. Newhouse, Dan [R-WA-4] (Introduced 10/26/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY: 21ST CENTURY ADVANCEMENTS AND APPLICATIONS
Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture; and Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research held a joint hearing entitled ``Agricultural Biotechnology: 21st Century Advancements and Applications''. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
PROTECTING HUMAN RIGHTS IN INTERNATIONAL CONSERVATION
Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife held a hearing entitled ``Protecting Human Rights in International Conservation''. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
ARE FEMA'S ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS ADEQUATELY DESIGNED TO ASSIST COMMUNITIES BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER WILDFIRE?
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a hearing entitled ``Are FEMA's Assistance Programs Adequately Designed to Assist Communities Before, During, and After Wildfire?''. Testimony was heard from Kacey KC, State Forester and Fire Warden, Division of Forestry, Nevada; Casey Hatcher, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Butte County, California; and public witnesses.
October 25, 2021
H.R.5689
Resilient AMERICA Act
Sponsor: Rep. DeFazio, Peter A. [D-OR-4] (Introduced 10/22/2021) Cosponsors: (3)
Latest Action: House - 10/25/2021 Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
H.R.5692
To prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in western waters, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-3] (Introduced 10/22/2021) Cosponsors: (1)
Committees: House - Transportation and Infrastructure; Natural Resources
Latest Action: House - 10/25/2021 Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
H.R.5707
To provide for a moratorium on oil and gas leasing and exploration on the outer Continental Shelf off the coast of Florida until 2032, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep. Rutherford, John H. [R-FL-4] (Introduced 10/25/2021) Cosponsors: (14)
Latest Action: House - 10/25/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
H.R.5708
To codify certain regulations relating to the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
Sponsor: Rep. Bentz, Cliff [R-OR-2] (Introduced 10/25/2021) Cosponsors: (2)
Committees: House - Energy and Commerce
Latest Action: House - 10/25/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
H.R.5716
To promote water supply reliability and improved water management for rural communities, the State of California, and the Nation, and for other purposes.
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