Climate Change Solutions - June 27, 2023

Agriculture Appropriations: The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2024 (S.2131) was introduced by Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and reported out of the Committee on Appropriations. The bill details Senate funding levels for conservation programs, rural communities, and agriculture.

Growing a Climate-Friendly Agricultural Sector: Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wisc.), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), and Zachary Nunn (R-Iowa) introduced H.R.4163, a bill that would promote carbon sequestration through agricultural practices. EESI’s Agriculture and Climate article series covers five sustainable agricultural practices that increase climate mitigation and adaptation, from planting cover crops to implementing soil amendments.

Focus on Conservation Programs: Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) introduced S.2180 to establish a new subprogram under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) that would help small farms access federal conservation programs. A companion bill is expected to be introduced in the House in the coming days. In the House, Rep. Trent Kelly (R-Miss.) introduced H.R.3580 to increase funding for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). During EESI’s most recent Farm Bill in Focus briefing, Conservation Practices from Farms to Forests and Wetlands, speakers highlighted opportunities and access barriers within these programs.

Fighting for Forests: Rep. Joe Neguse (D-Colo.) introduced H.R.4197 to reauthorize the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program. The U.S. Forest Service program promotes collaborative, holistic, and science-based forest restoration efforts. During EESI’s Farm Bill in Focus briefing, The Future of Forestry in the Farm Bill, panelists pinpointed opportunities across the USDA to bolster forest maintenance and conservation practices. 

We track all environmental, energy, and climate legislation and hearings happening on Capitol Hill. See the full legislative trackers for June 12-16 and June 20-23.

EESI is tracking recent announcements and updates about the implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act.

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)

• The Department of Transportation (DOT) is now accepting applications for $5.5 billion in funding for regionally and nationally significant surface transportation projects that strengthen supply chains, spur economic development, or improve safety and daily life.
• DOT's Federal Highway Association announced the recipients of nearly $1.7 billion in grant funding for bus transit projects in 46 states around the country. 
• The Department of Energy announced the recipients of $77 million in funding for Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants.

• The USDA announced the recipients of $300 million in grant funding for underserved ranchers, farmers, and foresters to better access land, capital, and markets. 
• The USDA announced the awarding of $262.5 million in funding to provide training and support to diverse agricultural professionals. 
• The U.S. Department of Treasury released proposed regulations on how tax-exempt entities, like Indigenous tribes, can receive cash payment for clean energy tax credits.