Climate Change Solutions - September 19, 2023 | Newsletter

Hello and welcome to Climate Change Solutions!

As the seasons change and the 2023 Farm Bill continues to come together on the Hill, we’re featuring the first article in our new series about Indigenous agricultural research and the federal programs that support it, as well as the latest edition of our Farm Bill hearing tracker.

In this issue, you’ll also find an article about the benefits of direct pay for tax-exempt entities investing in clean energy, as well as a podcast episode on the U.S. Geological Survey’s South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center.

Are you following Climate Week? Be sure to check out tomorrow’s U.S. Nature4Climate event, U.S. Government Support for Natural Climate Solutions Implementation, streaming live from 11:15 am to 12:45 pm. EESI is part of the Nature4Climate coalition and EESI President Daniel Bresette will be moderating the panel.

We’re particularly excited for our upcoming super briefing, The Latest on the Clean Energy Tax Incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act, on September 28, which will feature nine (!) expert panelists sharing everything you need to know about the law’s tax provisions.

We’re also excited to have received a four star rating from Charity Navigator for the 14th time!

Growing Stronger: Supporting Indigenous Sustainable Agriculture Through Federal Policy
[5 min read]

The first article in our new series focuses on the frameworks of federal support for Indigenous farmers. Traditional Indigenous agricultural practices tend to be highly effective and sustainable, but they are often excluded from federal programs and grant funding. The 2023 Farm Bill and other legislative opportunities can help elevate Indigenous voices and facilitate the integration of traditional Indigenous practices into the research and development process for broad-scale sustainable agriculture. [click for more]

Direct Pay: Nonprofits Can Now Benefit from Clean Energy Tax Credits
[11 min read]

The Inflation Reduction Act gives tax-exempt entities equal access to clean energy incentives by introducing the direct pay option, in lieu of a tax credit. Nonprofits, like St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church in Georgia, can now receive direct payments from the Internal Revenue Service when investing in renewable energy. [click for more]

Congressional Hearings Leading up to the 2023 Farm Bill: Part 5
[9 min read]

EESI has been tracking the climate components of House Agriculture Committee and Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee hearings dating back to March 2022. Our latest batch of summaries is now available, covering a range of topics from specialty crops to rural broadband and water systems. [click for more]

Podcast: The South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center and the Red River Basin
[26 min listen]

Last season, we talked about the U.S. Geological Survey’s Climate Adaptation Science Centers, or CASCs. In this episode, EESI takes a look at the South Central CASC and its work to understand the changes in precipitation in the Red River Basin. [click for more]

Sowing Seeds of Opportunity for Farmers: Three bills seeking to bolster opportunities for farmers were introduced in the House. The bipartisan Rural Development Modernization Act (H.R.5359) would clarify eligibility for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) assistance under programs like Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) by standardizing the population threshold for what constitutes a rural community. H.R.5459, introduced by Rep. Mike Flood (R-Neb.) and Rep. Joe Neguse (D-Colo.) would prioritize workforce development in precision agriculture within research and extension programs. Finally, the Family Farmer and Rancher Tax Fairness Act of 2023 (H.R.5341/S.93) would protect distressed and disadvantaged farmers who benefit from assistance under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) from income tax liability.

For more on agriculture research, watch EESI’s latest Farm Bill briefing, Climate-Smart Research for the Farms of the Future.

Debris-Free Oceans Are Ready for a Vote: The Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act (H.R.886) passed out of both the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Natural Resources, and will now be considered by the full chamber. The bipartisan bill would make it easier for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to prevent and reduce marine debris.

IIJA Implementation Is Making a Splash: The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works held a hearing on implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), titled Perspectives on The Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act. The same committee held another hearing examining the impacts of extreme heat and weather on transportation workers, users, and infrastructure.

Solutions For Wildfire: Last week, the House made progress on three bills related to forest management and wildfire risk mitigation. The bipartisan Treating Tribes and Counties as Good Neighbors Act (H.R.1450/S.697), introduced by Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho) and Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.) passed the House. The bill expands the capacity of tribes and counties to reinvest revenue from timber sales into wilderness restoration and management projects. The bipartisan Emergency Wildfire Fighting Technology Act of 2023 (H.R.3389), now under consideration by the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, paves the way for the adoption of new, advanced technologies to fight wildfires in the United States. Finally, the Accurately Counting Risk Elimination Solutions (ACRES) Act (H.R.1567) would require the Departments of Agriculture and the Interior to report on wildfire mitigation-related land management activities.

Check out EESI’s Living with Climate Change: Wildfires briefing for more information on policy solutions to the country’s increasing wildfire threat.

We track all environmental, energy, and climate legislation and hearings happening on Capitol Hill. See the full legislative trackers for September 5-8 and September 11-15.

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 $125 million in grant funding for energy grid modernization for states and tribal nations.
DOE announced $150 million in funding for the domestic production and refining of environmentally responsible critical minerals.
The Department of the Interior announced $180 million in funding toward water recycling, particularly for the purpose of improving the resilience of water systems.

Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the investment of $1 billion in grant programs to improve tree and nature access across the United States and its territories.
DOE announced $400 million in funding for states and territories to use on the effective implementation of building energy codes.
The White House released an updated technical assistance guide aimed at helping communities access informational resources and technical support for Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding.

U.S. Nature4Climate Event: U.S. Government Support for Natural Climate Solutions Implementation
[Tomorrow!] Wednesday, September 20
11:15am - 12:45pm
Online and in-person in New York City

Moderated by EESI President Daniel Bresette, this U.S. Nature4Climate panel will discuss the U.S. federal government’s actions toward implementing natural climate solutions on natural and working lands in the United States. The in-person event is taking place as part of Climate Week in New York, and can also be streamed online. EESI is part of the Nature4Climate coalition.

The Latest on the Clean Energy Tax Incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act

Thursday, September 28
2:00pm - 3:30pm
Capitol Visitor Center SVC 208

In the first briefing of the IRA and IIJA Progress Report series, panelists will discuss the clean energy tax incentives enacted as part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The incentives discussed will deliver many benefits to families and communities, including lowering household utility bills and expediting the transition to a decarbonized clean energy economy. RSVP here.

Third Annual Sustainability Week: Countdown to COP28

October 2-5
Online and in London, UK

Economist Impact’s Countdown to COP28 event will be an independent guide to preparing for COP28. It will gather experts from fields including business, civil society, and youth climate action to examine the themes of this year’s U.N. climate summit, delivering practical ideas about how to hit the ground running so businesses can make better decisions for themselves and the planet. EESI is a media sponsor for the event. RSVP here.

Briefing video available: Climate-Smart Research for the Farms of the Future

Check out EESI's first briefing of the fall, where experts discussed the latest advancements in agricultural research, technology, and practices. [click for more]

EESI Earns Four Star Rating from Charity Navigator for the 14th Time!

Charity Navigator, the nation’s top evaluator of charities, reaffirmed our status as an outstanding nonprofit with another Four Star Charity rating. [click for more]

Latest Media Coverage

EESI's issue brief on commercial aviation emissions was cited in a SlashGear article about electric airplanes.

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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 - September 19, 2023

Indigenous Sustainable Agriculture, Direct Pay, and More!

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