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October 4, 2023
When we think of carbon emissions, we often think of factories and cars, not the steel and concrete apartments and offices we live and work in. But with buildings responsible for over 40 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions, it is more important than ever to find ways to sustainably construct (and deconstruct) our built environment. In this issue, we’re releasing a fact sheet on mass timber, which describes how materials like cross-laminated timber can build tall without the emissions of concrete and steel. We’re also featuring an article on how sustainable building materials and end-of-life “design for destruction” can help decrease sector emissions. For more on the topic of decreasing emissions, this issue includes an article on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) three new competition programs to help fund renewable energy projects in frontline communities. Finally, on our Climate Conversation podcast, we dive deep into building resilience against sea level rise with Jeff Peterson, co-facilitator of the Coastal Flood Resilience Project.
Action on Abandoned Wells: The Abandoned Well Remediation Research and Development Act (H.R.4877), introduced by Reps. Summer Lee (D-Pa.), Stephanie Bice (R-Okla.), Deborah Ross (D-N.C.), and Haley Stevens (D-Mich.), was brought to the House floor for a vote. Building on initiatives within the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the bipartisan bill would accelerate research to plug abandoned and hazardous oil and gas wells. A companion bill (S.429) was introduced in the Senate earlier this year. Check out EESI’s article on the climate and workforce benefits to remediating abandoned wells. Schools Go Green: Lawmakers in both the House and Senate introduced the Green New Deal for Public Schools Act (H.R.5784/S.2988). The bill, brought by Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) and Sens. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), invests $1.6 trillion over ten years to bolster climate resilience in U.S. public schools, curtail hazardous pollution, and create 1.3 million jobs. Watch EESI’s congressional briefing, Catalyzing Climate Action in K-12 Schools, to learn how U.S. public schools can be a catalyst for both climate mitigation and adaptation. Rewarding Water Resilience: Reps. Teresa Leger-Fernandez (D-N.M.), David Valadao (R-Calif.), and Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) introduced the Support Water-Efficient Strategies and Technologies Act (WEST) Act (H.R.5764). The bipartisan bill aims to increase payments under Environmental Quality Incentives Programs (EQIP) for farmers to undertake drought-resilient and water-smart practices. Forest through the Trees: Sens. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) introduced the America’s Revegetation and Carbon Sequestration Act (S.2991). The bill aims to both mitigate wildfire risk and increase carbon sequestration by creating forest thinning and reforestation projects. EESI’s congressional briefing, The Future of Forestry in the Farm Bill, highlights opportunities for advancing mitigation and resilience practices in forestry.
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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)
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