Climate Change Solutions - October 17, 2023

This week, we explore how one California nonprofit is advancing a vision of a plastic-free future. We’re also featuring the second article in our Growing Stronger series, examining how the Federally-Recognized Tribes Extension Program (FRTEP) works to sustain Indigenous agriculture. This issue also includes a peek into what to expect from the energy and climate provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (NDAA), as well as a podcast episode on how the Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office is providing capital to help deploy the latest clean energy technology. 

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for EESI’s first briefing on the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28): Congress and International Climate Finance will take place on Thursday, October 26 at 2 p.m., in Room 217 of the Capitol Visitor Center. RSVP here.

Finally, if you’re looking for a spring internship, EESI is hiring! Our spring internship application window closes Sunday, October 22.

Better Borrowing for Farmers: Reps. Brad Finstad (R-Minn.) and Angie Craig (D-Minn.) introduced the bipartisan 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.

CAREing for the Soil: Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) introduced the bicameral Soil Conservation And Regeneration Education (Soil CARE) Act (S.3023) in the Senate. A companion bill, H.R.5951, was introduced by Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.) and other Democratic cosponsors from the Oregon delegation in the House. This bill establishes a training program to inform farmers and ranchers about the latest research, technologies, and practices for boosting soil health on their lands. EESI’s briefing, Climate-Smart Research for the Farms of the Future, discusses the importance of innovative agricultural practices.

Cash for Conservation: Reps. Michael Lawler (R-N.Y.) and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) introduced the Conservation and Regenerative Optimization Practices (CROP) for Farming Act (H.R.5922). The bill would make practices that reduce nitrous oxide and methane emissions and practices that store carbon in soil and plants eligible for payments under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Sens. Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.) introduced a companion bill (S.2564) in the Senate in July. 

Sustainable Seafood: Reps. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), and Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) introduced the Science-based Equitable Aquaculture Food (SEAfood) Act (H.R.5944). The bill aims to develop sustainable offshore aquaculture to meet domestic seafood demand while creating jobs in coastal communities.

We track all environmental, energy, and climate legislation and hearings happening on Capitol Hill. See the full legislative trackers for October 2-6 and October 9-13.

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 Energy (DOE) announced the seven locations that will become Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs, receiving $1 billion each.

• The Department of Transportation announced $61 billion in funding for transportation infrastructure improvements to bridges, roads, tunnels, and more across all 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico. 

• DOE announced $38 million as payments to fund electricity generation by 66 hydropower facilities.

• The Department of the Treasury announced the release of proposed rule-making that would provide guidance on clean vehicle tax credits. 

• DOE released updated guidance to the Home Energy Rebate Programs.

• The Department of the Interior announced updates to definitions relevant to offshore wind leasing, in line with the IRA.