Climate Change Solutions - August 17, 2021 | Newsletter

Hello and welcome to Climate Change Solutions!

This week, we detail what the newly released IPCC report means for climate action in Congressional spending, examine how plugging orphaned oil and gas wells will bring economic and climate benefits, and recap the Congressional budget reconciliation process.

We also feature highlights from EESI's recent Congressional Clean Energy EXPO and Policy Forum, along with interviews with EXPO speakers, including the leaders of the American Clean Power, the National Association of Energy Service Companies, and the Business Council for Sustainable Energy to discuss how to support communities in the transition away from fossil fuels as well as what U.S. clean energy businesses are doing to prepare for COP26.

Also, don't miss our Season 2 sneak peek for The Climate Conversation, EESI's bi-weekly podcast. If you haven't already, subscribe and never miss an episode!

Climate Change Solutions will be on break for August 31. We'll be back in your inbox September 14!

Have a climate solution? Send tips to Solutions editor Amber Todoroff.

Headlines We Need Climate Action Bigger, Faster, and Sooner to Avoid the Worst Outcomes Outlined in the Latest IPCC Report [4 min. read] One thing was abundantly clear from the recently released Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change—major climate action is needed, quickly. The IPCC report release coincided with Senate action on the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and a $3.5 trillion budget resolution that would deliver sweeping climate action. Together, the budget reconciliation combined with regular appropriations for the new fiscal year could provide necessary funding to gain footing on the narrow pathway described in the IPCC report to limit global warming to 1.5°C by 2100. [click for more]
	Plugging Orphaned Oil and Gas Wells Provides Climate and Jobs Benefits [4 min. read] Plugging orphaned oil and gas wells presents an opportunity to mitigate harmful emissions and provide an economic boost to communities transitioning away from fossil fuel economies. Proposed legislation in Congress to fund oil and gas well remediation and reform bonding requirements could move economic and environmental goals forward. [click for more]
	From the Archives: Understanding Budget Reconciliation This May 2021 bonus session of Congressional Climate Camp looked at budget at reconciliation, a process that allows Congress to pass laws related to taxes, spending, and the debt limit with only a majority vote in the Senate. Reconciliation will be the vehicle for the $3.5 trillion budget resolution moving through Congress. But how does the process work? What are the major challenges for Congressional lawmakers and their staff in drafting and passing reconciliation bills? And why does it matter for climate policy? [click for more]

On the Hill

Between August 2 and 13, the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill passed the Senate. Among the environment- and energy-related provisions, the legislation provides $39 billion for public transportation, $7.5 billion for electric vehicles, $65 billion for grid resilience, and $21 billion for environmental cleanup, including $4.7 billion to remediate orphaned oil and gas wells, and $55 billion for water infrastructure. The Senate has now begun to debate the $3.5 trillion budget resolution, which, if passed, could deliver climate-related investments.

Additionally, environmental justice legislation was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.). The bill, Environmental Justice Act of 2021 (S.2630), has 13 cosponsors and would require federal agencies to consider cumulative impacts in certain permitting decisions. The Senate companion (S.2613) to H.R.2780, the Insular Area Climate Change Act, would help U.S. territories respond to climate impacts.

From August 9-13, the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill passed the Senate. Among the environment- and energy-related provisions, the legislation provides $39 billion for public transportation, $7.5 billion for electric vehicles, $65 billion for grid resilience, and $21 billion for environmental cleanup, including $4.7 billion to remediate orphaned oil and gas wells, and $55 billion for water infrastructure. The Senate has now begun to debate the $3.5 trillion budget resolution, which, if passed, could deliver climate-related investments.

See EESI's full environmental legislation tracker for August 2-6 here, and the tracker for August 9-13 here.

EESI News, Briefings, and Fact Sheets

	Highlights: 2021 Congressional Clean Energy EXPO and Policy Forum EESI and the House and Senate Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucuses held a 2021 Congressional Clean Energy Expo, showcasing technology and policy solutions to today’s climate and energy use challenges. Top-level speakers shared findings and innovations on the impacts they are having to mitigate climate change, improve the economy, build resilience, and protect our national security interests. [click for more] Q&A: Solutions Spotlight: A Q&A with the Business Council for Sustainable Energy [5 min. read] Each year, the Business Council for Sustainable Energy represents U.S. clean energy businesses at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP). This year, stakeholders are set to discuss goals of climate mitigation, adaptation, finance, and collaboration, making the conference an exceptionally important event for environmental efforts. EESI interviewed BCSE President Lisa Jacobson to learn more about the organization’s plans preparing for the COP26, which will be held this fall in Glasgow, Scotland. [click for more]
	Q&A: Solutions Spotlight: A Q&A with the National Association of Energy Service Companies [5 min. read] Energy efficiency retrofits can provide a number of benefits, including saving people money on their energy bills and reducing emissions. But an added benefit of these retrofits is increased resilience against climate and security threats. Timothy Unruh, Executive Director of NAESCO, spoke with EESI to discuss how energy efficiency and resilience measures can work hand-in-hand to provide maximum benefits and support to communities. [click for more]
	Q&A: Solutions Spotlight: A Q&A with American Clean Power [5 min. read] As the United States looks to mitigate the worst impacts of the climate crisis, expanding renewable energy will be crucial. This effort could create new jobs, lower carbon emissions, and build a more sustainable energy system. Heather Zichal, chief executive officer of American Clean Power, sat down with EESI to discuss the organization’s role in advancing clean energy and what that means for jobs and the economy. [click for more]
	Podcast: S2:E0 - Season 2 Sneak Peek! [4 min. listen] Season 2 of The Climate Conversation will debut in September! In this short episode, we tell you what to expect from the new season and all about the topics we are going to explore. If you haven’t yet, subscribe! [click for more]

EESI Around Town

An article by The Christian Science Monitor about the recently released IPCC report quoted EESI Executive Director Daniel Bresette.

An article about fossil fuel subsidies by Grist quoted EESI Executive Director Daniel Bresette.

EESI's fact sheet on global aviation emissions was cited in The Independent and ABC News.

Executive Director Daniel Bresette was quoted in an E&E News article about electric vehicles. [subscription only]

Upcoming Events

EESI will have a September briefing to discuss trends in green jobs and the policies that can support them—keep an eye out for more details on our website and in the next edition of Climate Change Solutions.

Thank You to EESI Team Members for Their Contributions to Climate Change Solutions:

Sydney O'Shaughnessy - Layout, Design, and Content Editor

Emma Johnson - Communications Associate

Amaury Laporte - Communications Director

As well as all EESI Staff, Interns, and Fellows who write and review content!

Environmental and Energy Study Institute

Daniel Bresette, Executive Director

EESI is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 1984 by a bipartisan Congressional caucus to provide timely information and develop innovative policy solutions that set us on a cleaner, more secure and sustainable energy path.

www.eesi.org

CFC #10627

Table Of Contents

Thank You to EESI Team Members for Their Contributions to Climate Change Solutions: