Climate Change Solutions - February 21, 2023 | Newsletter

Hello and welcome to Climate Change Solutions!

Today's issue is focused on bolstering energy efficiency in Tennessee and the Department of Energy's efforts to advance community solar nationwide. Plus, The Climate Conversation podcast is back for season five with an episode about how biodiversity research can inform public policy.

And don't miss the next briefing in our Congressional Climate Camp series, Non-CO2 Greenhouse Gases, happening this Thursday at 2 pm EDT. RSVP here.

Tennessee Residents Have Sky-High Electric Bills. Energy Efficiency Can Help.
[9 min read]

Those living in the Southeast have higher average electric bills than people in any other region of the country. In Tennessee, residents spend about eight percent more on their electric bills than the average American. Energy efficiency measures, combined with renewable energy and workforce development, have the potential to bring wide-reaching benefits to residents in Tennessee, especially in Black and low-income communities. [click for more]

Community Solar Prizes Power Equitable Energy Savings Nationwide
[8 min read]

Community solar allows customers to jointly own or subscribe to a portion of a solar array in their community. The U.S. Department of Energy supports community solar projects through the Sunny Awards for Equitable Community Solar and the Community Power Accelerator Prize, and prizes were recently awarded under these programs. [click for more]

How Biodiversity Research Can Inform Public Policy
[27 min listen]

The Climate Conversation is back for season 5! In this episode, EESI sat down with Barbara Martinez, a conservation biologist with the National Geographic Society and member of EESI's board of directors. Barbara discussed the role of science in the federal government, the outcomes of the recent U.N. biodiversity conference, and how Congress can boost conservation solutions. [click for more]

Senate Farm Bill Hearings: The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry recently held hearings on Farm Bill nutrition programs and commodity, crop insurance, and credit programs. EESI tracks all the climate, energy, and environment highlights of the Congressional Farm Bill hearings here.

Climate-Related Economic Risks Hearing: The Senate Budget Committee held a hearing on climate-related economic risks and their costs to the federal budget and global economy.

Energy Security Bill Passes House: A bill (H.R.302) directing the Department of Energy to provide funding for students and researchers studying cybersecurity and energy infrastructure passed the House.

Renewable Energy on Public Lands: The Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act (H.R.178) was introduced in the House. The bill promotes the responsible development of renewable energy like wind, solar, and geothermal on public lands. Read the press release here.

We track all environmental, energy, and climate legislation and hearings happening on Capitol Hill. See the full legislative trackers for February 6-10 and February 13-17.

Briefing Series: Congressional Climate Camp

Every other Thursday from 2:00pm - 3:30pm EST
All briefings are in person and also livestreamed at eesi.org/livecast

Ready to make a difference in climate policy but not sure where to start? Join us for our start-of-the-new Congress briefing series, Congressional Climate Camp. We will go over the basics of the legislative process and highlight key areas for climate mitigation and adaptation policy. RSVP here.

Non-CO2 Greenhouse Gases
Thursday, February 23
2:00pm - 3:30pm
U.S. Capitol Visitor Center Room 268

This briefing will examine the sources of and solutions to address methane, nitrous oxides, and fluorinated gas emissions. RSVP here.

Implementing the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)
Thursday, March 9
2:00pm - 3:30pm
Rayburn House Office Building Room 2168 (Gold Room)

The final briefing in the series will describe how state and local governments are accessing IRA and IIJA funds and explain the oversight role Congress must play to maximize these investments to advance climate solutions and strengthen critical infrastructure. RSVP here.

2023 Sustainable Energy in America Factbook

Wednesday, March 15
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Room to be announced

The eleventh edition of the Sustainable Energy in America Factbook provides valuable year-over-year data and insights on the American energy transformation, with an in-depth look at the energy efficiency, renewable energy, and natural gas sectors, as well as emerging areas such as digitalization, micro-grids, offshore wind, hydrogen, and renewable natural gas. RSVP here.

Missed a briefing? We've got you covered.

Budget and Appropriations

Watch the first briefing in our Congressional Climate Camp series which explained the basics of the budget and appropriations process, including how annual appropriations have been impacted by recent climate legislation. [click for more]

Public Polling on Climate Change

Watch the second briefing in our Congressional Climate Camp series which explored the public's opinions on climate change and why it matters for the 118th Congress. [click for more]

Latest Media Coverage

EESI President Daniel Bresette was quoted in an article published by The New Lede about the need for critical minerals in clean energy technologies.
CBS News cited EESI's aviation issue brief in an article about Bill Gates flying in a private jet.
The Sun Prairie Star cited an EESI article about pollinator-friendly solar installations in an article about solar development on farmlands.
Cars.com cited an EESI article on barriers to rural electric vehicle adoption in an article about Tesla opening its charging network to other electric vehicles.
The Standard-Journal cited EESI's fossil fuel subsidies fact sheet in an article about a Central Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce event.

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Thanks to all EESI staff, interns, and fellows who contribute to Climate Change Solutions

Environmental and Energy Study Institute
Daniel Bresette, President

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.

Climate Change Solutions - February 21, 2023

Featuring content on energy efficiency, community solar, and biodiversity research

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