Climate

A resolution supporting a transition to 100 percent clean, renewable energy to help consumers, support the economy and national security of the United States, and avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2016

Expresses support for a national goal of phasing out fossil fuel emissions and, by 2050, generating 100% of the electricity consumed in the United States from clean energy resources. Expresses support for policies to achieve that goal that will: (1) create jobs for all individuals and build a sustainable economy, and (2) ensure universal access to clean energy for all homes and businesses in the United States.

A resolution recognizing the 225th anniversary of Alexander Hamilton's seminal Report on the Subject of Manufactures.

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2016

Recognizes: (1) the 225th anniversary of Alexander Hamilton's seminal Report on the Subject of Manufactures, and (2) his vision to make a case for a strong and diversified economy. Expresses admiration and appreciation for the variety of ways in which he contributed to the success of the young United States. Acknowledges the importance of the manufacturing industry's contributions to the United States in promoting innovation, job creation, and opportunity for the middle class. Supports efforts to grow and sustain U.S. manufacturing industries by creating a healthy business climate and establishing the level playing field vital to United States manufacturing success.

EXAMINING THE LOCAL IMPACTS OF EPA'S CLIMATE REGULATIONS

United States · United States Senate · 5 October 2016

Climate Solutions Commission Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2016

Climate Solutions Commission Act of 2016 This bill establishes a bipartisan National Climate Solutions Commission that must: undertake a comprehensive review of economically viable actions or policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the United States; make recommendations for reducing greenhouse gas emissions to the President, Congress, and the states; and use as its goals for emissions reductions those estimated rates of reduction that reflect the latest scientific findings of what is needed to avoid serious human health and environmental consequences of a changing climate. In order to be eligible for membership on the Commission, an individual must be a representative from: (1) nongovernmental organizations with expertise in the economy, energy, climate, or public health; or (2) industry organizations from relevant sectors. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) must conduct a study of programs, financial tools, and institutions that are focused on: (1) reducing the level of greenhouse gas emissions; or (2) encouraging the research, development, prototyping, and deployment of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. The GAO must then report on: (1) the study results; and (2) an assessment of those financial tools, policies, and institutions that are most successful at reducing greenhouse gas emissions while protecting economic growth and employment.

Climate Resiliency, Security, and Source Water Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2016

Climate Resiliency, Security, and Source Water Protection Act This bill amends the Safe Drinking Water Act by requiring each community water system to submit to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) source water and distribution system vulnerability assessments that identify threats from: industrial activity, pipelines and storage tanks, contaminated sites, agricultural activity, and oil and gas exploration; climate change, extreme weather, drought, and temperature changes; and intentional acts, including intentional contamination, sabotage, and theft of any chemical of interest. Each community water system must also submit to the EPA protection plans that mitigate the threats to source water and distribution systems. The EPA must establish a grant program for increasing the resiliency or adaptability of the community water systems to threats.

Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2016

Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 2016 This bill amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to revise regulations for drinking water contaminants, including by: requiring the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to determine whether or not to regulate no fewer than 10 contaminants every 3 years (current law requires 5 contaminants every 5 years); revising the process and requirements for setting maximum containment levels in national primary drinking water regulations; directing the EPA to revise national primary drinking water regulations for lead and copper; setting deadlines for the EPA to publish maximum contaminant level goals and promulgate national drinking water regulations for perchlorate, perfluorinated compounds, and microcystin (algal) toxin; establishing grant programs for reducing lead in drinking water in schools; requiring community water systems to assess their vulnerabilities to contamination, including vulnerabilities from climate change or sabotage, and develop plans for addressing those vulnerabilities; establishing the Drinking Water Infrastructure Resiliency and Sustainability Program, under which the EPA may award grants for community water systems to increase their resiliency to those threats; removing a regulatory exemption for hydraulic fracturing; requiring the EPA to develop a strategic plan for assessing and managing the risks of drought to drinking water provided by public water systems; revising requirements for the drinking water state revolving fund (SRF); creating a process for consolidating water systems that repeatedly fail to comply with drinking water standards; requiring the EPA to create an inventory of data about drinking water violations; directing the EPA to revise regulations for consumer confidence reports; establishing research grants for monitoring technology; and requiring the EPA to study the presence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in drinking water sources. The bill reauthorizes specified programs under the Act, including reauthorizing through FY2021 the SRF.

OVERSIGHT HEARING ON THE IMPACTS OF THE OBAMA CEQ'S FINAL GUIDANCE FOR GHG EMISSIONS AND THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 21 September 2016

Energy and Water Research Integration Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2016

Energy and Water Research Integration Act of 2016 This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to integrate water considerations into its energy research, development, and demonstration programs and projects by: (1) advancing energy and energy efficiency technologies and practices that meet the objectives of minimizing freshwater withdrawal and consumption, increasing water use efficiency, and utilizing nontraditional water sources with efforts to improve the quality of the water from those sources; (2) considering the effects climate variability may have on water supplies and quality for energy generation and fuel production; and (3) improving the understanding of the energy required to provide reliable water supplies and the water required to provide reliable energy supplies. DOE shall develop and update every five years a strategic plan to carry out the integration. DOE shall establish an Energy-Water Subcommittee of the Energy Advisory Board to promote and enable improved energy and water resource data collection, reporting, and technological innovation. This bill shall not be construed to require state, tribal, or local governments to take any action that may result in an increased financial burden by restricting their water use.

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress relating to the disapproval of certain activities of certain companies, trade associations, foundations, and organizations.

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2016

Disapproves of activities by certain corporations and trade associations, foundations, and organizations funded by those corporations deliberately to: (1) mislead the public and undermine peer-reviewed scientific research about the dangers of their products, and (2) cast doubt on science in order to protect their financial interests. Urges fossil fuel companies and allied organizations to cooperate with active or future investigations into: their climate change-related activities, what they knew about climate change and when they knew of it, what they knew about the harmful effects of fossil fuels on the climate, and any activities to mislead the public about climate change.

Expressing the sense of Congress relating to the disapproval of certain activities of certain companies, trade associations, foundations, and organizations.

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2016

Disapproves of activities by certain corporations and trade associations, foundations, and organizations funded by those corporations deliberately to: (1) mislead the public and undermine peer-reviewed scientific research about the dangers of their products, and (2) cast doubt on science in order to protect their financial interests. Urges fossil fuel companies and allied organizations to cooperate with active or future investigations into: their climate change-related activities, what they knew about climate change and when they knew of it, what they knew about the harmful effects of fossil fuels on the climate, and any activities to mislead the public about climate change.

Patsy T. Mink Gender Equity in Education Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2016

Patsy T. Mink Gender Equity in Education Act of 2016 This bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to establish an Office for Gender Equity to support state and local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, and elementary and secondary schools in fully implementing title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in federally funded education programs or activities. The office may provide grants and perform activities to reduce or prevent discrimination, bias, harassment, or violence based on actual or perceived sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions or stereotypes in all areas of education. The office must: (1) provide technical assistance and annual training to title IX coordinators, and (2) develop a handbook for conducting self-evaluations of title IX compliance. The training must address "compound discrimination" (defined as discrimination based on sex and other characteristics, including race, ethnicity, national origin, disability status, religion, or age). The office may award grants to educational entities and partnerships to: train students, teachers, faculty, and personnel; increase campus resources, facilities, and course offerings; support title IX coordinators in performing outreach, advocacy, and education; identify patterns or systemic problems in title IX compliance; strengthen prevention education and awareness programs; conduct campus climate and victimization surveys; identify gender inequities; and improve data collection and reporting of gender equity indicators from academic assessments, civil rights data, campus data, employment data, attendance and absenteeism data, or title IX coordinator-to-student ratios. ED must coordinate with the Institute of Education Sciences and other federal offices and entities to investigate, identify, and disseminate best practices to: (1) reduce and prevent sex stereotyping, bias, and discrimination in curricula and educational materials; (2) address sex-based harassment and violence on campuses; (3) develop counseling and career guidance training; (4) mitigate implicit bias in teaching and discipline; and (5) address the needs of students who face compound discrimination.

Patsy T. Mink Gender Equity in Education Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2016

Patsy T. Mink Gender Equity in Education Act of 2016 This bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to establish an Office for Gender Equity to support state and local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, and elementary and secondary schools in fully implementing title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in federally funded education programs or activities. The office may provide grants and perform activities to reduce or prevent discrimination, bias, harassment, or violence based on actual or perceived sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions or stereotypes in all areas of education. The office must: (1) provide technical assistance and annual training to title IX coordinators, and (2) develop a handbook for conducting self-evaluations of title IX compliance. The training must address "compound discrimination" (defined as discrimination based on sex and other characteristics, including race, ethnicity, national origin, disability status, religion, or age). The office may award grants to educational entities and partnerships to: train students, teachers, faculty, and personnel; increase campus resources, facilities, and course offerings; support title IX coordinators in performing outreach, advocacy, and education; identify patterns or systemic problems in title IX compliance; strengthen prevention education and awareness programs; conduct campus climate and victimization surveys; identify gender inequities; and improve data collection and reporting of gender equity indicators from academic assessments, civil rights data, campus data, employment data, attendance and absenteeism data, or title IX coordinator-to-student ratios. ED must coordinate with the Institute of Education Sciences and other federal offices and entities to investigate, identify, and disseminate best practices to: (1) reduce and prevent sex stereotyping, bias, and discrimination in curricula and educational materials; (2) address sex-based harassment and violence on campuses; (3) develop counseling and career guidance training; (4) mitigate implicit bias in teaching and discipline; and (5) address the needs of students who face compound discrimination.

American Energy and Conservation Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2016

American Energy and Conservation Act of 2016 The bill amends the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 to increase the revenue Gulf states (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama) receive for energy projects by removing the $500 million cap for FY2027-FY2055. Beginning in FY2027, the bill increases the percentage of federal revenues that Alaska and the Atlantic states (Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia) receive from offshore energy projects. The bill amends the Mineral Leasing Act to eliminate the deduction from state revenues for administrative costs if the costs incurred by the federal government are less than a specified amount. The Department of the Interior must establish priority areas on federal land for the development of renewable energy generation projects. Additionally, Interior must establish a program to improve federal permit coordination for renewable energy projects. The bill also designates funds in the Treasury for the Tribal Resilience Program in Alaska to assist tribal nations adapt to the impact of climate change and for the National Park Service to address maintenance needs.

SelectUSA Authorization Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2016

SelectUSA Authorization Act of 2016 This bill establishes in the Department of Commerce a government-wide SelectUSA program to attract and retain domestic and foreign investment in the U.S. economy. SelectUSA shall: coordinate outreach and engagement by the federal government to promote the United States as the premier location to operate a business; serve as an ombudsman to facilitate resolution of issues involving federal programs or activities related to pending investments; inform domestic and foreign firms on the U.S. investment climate, federal programs and available investor incentives, and state and local economic development organizations; and endeavor to increase foreign direct investment opportunities for rural areas and smaller states, and make its services increasingly available to such states and areas. The bill also establishes the Federal Interagency Investment Working Group to coordinate activities to promote business investment and respond to specific issues that affect business investment decisions. The Government Accountability Office shall after a year assess SelectUSA's effectiveness in increasing, encouraging, and supporting foreign direct investment in the United States.

Great Bend of the Gila National Monument Establishment Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2016

Great Bend of the Gila National Monument Establishment Act This bill establishes the Great Bend of the Gila National Monument in Arizona. The Department of the Interior shall manage the Monument as part of the National Landscape Conservation System to maintain its undeveloped character and to protect and restore its cultural resources, species, and ecosystems. Interior shall conduct an inventory of invasive plant species in the Monument. Interior may carry out vegetation management treatments within the Monument, including efforts to control salt cedar and other invasive plant species. The bill permits grazing within the Monument where it is already established. Interior shall develop a management plan for the Monument in government-to-government consultation with Indian tribes having a cultural or historic tie to the Great Bend of the Gila. The Monument may continue to be used by tribe members for traditional ceremonies and as a source of traditional plants and other materials. Interior shall allow scientific research within the Monument, including research for the preservation of its historic and cultural resources. Interior may conduct, or authorize other persons to conduct, research regarding the effects of climate change on the Monument's resources. The bill prohibits renewable energy and transmission development projects in the Monument. Interior shall establish the Great Bend of the Gila National Monument Advisory Council to advise on the management plan and salt cedar/tamarisk removal.

Climate Change Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2016

Climate Change Education Act This bill declares that the evidence for human-induced climate change is overwhelming and undeniable. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) must establish a Climate Change Education Program to: broaden the understanding of human-induced climate change, possible consequences, and potential solutions; apply the latest scientific and technological discoveries to provide learning opportunities to people of all ages; conduct a national information campaign to help people understand and promote implementation of new technologies, programs, and incentives related to energy conservation, renewable energy, and greenhouse gas reduction; and inform the public of impacts to human health and safety as a result of climate change. NOAA must establish a grant program for climate change education. This grant program must be included in the climate change program.

Expressing the sense of Congress opposing the President's proposed Coastal Climate Resilience Program.

United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2016

Expresses Congress's opposition to: (1) the proposed Coastal Climate Resilience Program, a grant program for aiding coastal states and their communities in preparing for and adapting to climate change; and (2) federal funds being made available for the Coastal Climate Resilience Fund, the program, or any substantially similar successor program.

THE FARM CREDIT SYSTEM: OVERSIGHT AND OVERLOOK OF THE CURRENT ECONOMIC CLIMATE

United States · United States Senate · 19 May 2016

Keep America's Waterfronts Working Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2016

Keep America's Waterfronts Working Act This bill amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to direct the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish a Working Waterfront Grant Program. Under the program, NOAA may award grants to coastal states with approved working waterfront plans in place to preserve and expand access to coastal waters for people engaged in fishing, aquaculture, boat building, and other water-dependent businesses. In addition, NOAA is authorized to award grants to coastal states for the purpose of developing or revising working waterfront plans. States are allowed to allocate any grant money received to eligible local governments and other entities. Each state that is awarded a grant must contribute at least 25% of matching funds towards the total cost of the project carried out with the grant, subject to certain exceptions. The Department of the Interior must establish a Working Waterfront Task Force that will be designed to identify and address critical working waterfront needs with respect to cultural and economic importance, climate change and other environmental threats, and market conditions for water-dependent businesses.

Limiting Contributions to the United Nations and Affiliated Organizations that Accord the Palestine Liberation Organization the Same Standing as Member States Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2016

Limiting Contributions to the United Nations and Affiliated Organizations that Accord the Palestine Liberation Organization the Same Standing as Member States Act This bill directs the Department of State to ensure that the use of federal funding supporting the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, including the Green Climate Fund, complies with applicable federal law, including: provisions of the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 authorizing appropriations for the U.S. annual payment to the U.N. and for necessary salaries and expenses of U.S. representatives to the U.N., provisions of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 prohibiting making funds authorized under such Act available to the U.N. or any specialized agency that accords the Palestine Liberation Organization the same standing as member states, and provisions of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995 prohibiting contributions to the U.N. or to any affiliated U.N. organization that grants full state membership to a group that does not have internationally recognized attributes of statehood.

Climate Change Adapt America Bond Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2016

Climate Change Adapt America Bond Act of 2016 This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to issue Climate Change Bonds. The proceeds from the bonds must be deposited in the Adapt America Fund established by this bill within the Department of Commerce. Commerce must carry out an investment program to fund projects, using bond revenue, that aid in adaption to climate change. The bill establishes the Climate Change Advisory Commission to: (1) establish recommendations, frameworks, and guidelines for the program; and (2) identify categories of the most cost-effective investments and projects that emphasize multiple benefits to commerce, human health, and ecosystems.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should establish a national goal of more than 50 percent clean and carbon free electricity by 2030 for the purposes of avoiding the worst impacts of climate change, growing our economy, increasing our shared prosperity, improving public health, and preserving our national security.

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2016

Urges the United States to: (1) establish a national goal of 50% clean and carbon-free electricity by 2030, and (2) enact legislation to accelerate the transition to clean energy.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States should establish a goal of more than 50 percent clean and carbon-free electricity by 2030 to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, grow the economy, increase shared prosperity, improve public health, and preserve the national security of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2016

Urges the United States to: (1) establish a national goal of 50% clean and carbon-free electricity by 2030, and (2) enact legislation to accelerate the transition to clean energy.

California Desert Conservation, Off-Road Recreation, and Renewable Energy Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2016

California Desert Conservation, Off-Road Recreation, and Renewable Energy Act This bill designates specified lands in the California Desert Conservation Area or San Bernardino National Forest in California as wilderness areas. Specified wilderness study areas are released from further study. There is established the Vinagre Wash Special Management Area. Boundaries are revised for Death Valley National Park, Mojave National Preserve, and Joshua Tree National Park. The bill designates specified off-highway vehicle recreation areas within the Conservation Area in San Bernardino County, California. The Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture (USDA), as appropriate, shall complete a study to identify Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands within the Conservation Area suitable for addition to: (1) the national off-highway vehicle recreation areas designated by this Act, or (2) the Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area. There is established the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area in Inyo County, California. Specified federal land in California shall be taken into trust for the Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Tribe's reservation. The bill authorizes: a conveyance of specified federal land to Reginald Cook, a specified transfer of certain BLM land to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and a conveyance of specified BLM land to Imperial County Holtville Airport. Interior or USDA (as appropriate) shall: assess the impacts of climate change on the Conservation Area, and establish policies and procedures to ensure preservation of wildlife corridors and facilitate species migration likely to occur due to climate change. Interior and USDA shall ensure that members of specified tribes have access to designated areas for traditional and cultural purposes. The bill releases federal reversionary interests in certain land in the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. The California Desert Protection Act of 1994 is amended to authorize the acquisition of land for the Joshua Tree National Park for purposes of operating a visitor center. The bill revises certain requirements of that Act for specified California state school land. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act is revised to designate certain wild, scenic, and recreational rivers in California. Interior shall take no action within the Conservation Area with regard to the distribution of groundwater for municipal, commercial, or industrial use from specified aquifers in quantities that exceed the estimated perennial safe yield or annual recharge rate, as determined by the U.S. Geological Survey. The bill prescribes the disposition of revenues received from the development of wind and solar energy on BLM-managed lands, and establishes a Renewable Energy Resource Conservation Fund to address the impacts of wind and solar development on federal lands.

PARIS CLIMATE PROMISE: A BAD DEAL FOR AMERICA

United States · United States House of Representatives · 2 February 2016