Climate

Earth Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 22 December 2022

Earth Act of 2022 This bill addresses climate change by establishing requirements concerning renewable energy, zero emission vehicles, regenerative agriculture, and tax incentives related to climate transition costs. Specifically, the bill requires that by 2030, 100% of electricity sold by certain retail electric suppliers must be from renewable energy resources (e.g., wind energy); new motor vehicles (e.g., certain cars and trucks) sold by manufacturers must be zero emission vehicles; land and livestock managed by certain publicly-traded corporations must be managed with regenerative agricultural practices. The Department of Energy (DOE), the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) must create grants to pay up to 50% of the costs of meeting those requirements. DOE must also issue regulations regarding the sourcing, recycling, and disposal of materials used to manufacture renewable energy sources (e.g., equipment that stores renewable energy). The goals of the regulations must be to (1) eliminate the use of rare earth metals in the manufacture of those sources, and (2) ensure the recycling of all such materials. USDA must issue regulations that (1) require the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions resulting from certain land or livestock corporations, and (2) ensure the well-being of animals raised for human consumption or the production of dairy products. The bill also provides tax incentives for electric suppliers, vehicle manufacturers, and such corporations to meet the requirements established by this bill by allowing them to double certain tax deductions for qualified capital climate transitions costs.

Healthy Climate and Family Security Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2022

Healthy Climate and Family Security Act of 2022 This bill addresses the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by establishing a program that caps the emissions of carbon dioxide and auctions carbon permits to producers or importers of crude oil, domestic or foreign coal operations, or certain natural gas entities. The bill also establishes the Healthy Climate Trust Fund for the proceeds of the auctions to be distributed as dividend payments to U.S. individuals.

LIFT Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2022

Local Infrastructure Funding & Technical Assistance Act or the LIFT Act This bill authorizes the Department of Commerce to provide grants under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 for predevelopment projects—measures required to be completed before construction of resilient climate infrastructure occurs—and related technical assistance. Grants may be provided to economic development districts, states, Indian tribes, local governments, institutions of higher education, individuals, and other organizations as specified by the bill.

SARE Modernization Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2022

Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Modernization Act or the SARE Modernization Act This bill reauthorizes the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program and expands the program to include research on agricultural production systems that increase resilience and climate mitigation in the context of a changing climate. The bill also expands SARE's regional councils to include representatives from 1890 land grant institutions, 1994 land grant institutions, Hispanic-serving institutions, Alaska Native serving institutions, or Native Hawaiian serving institutions.

Healthy Climate and Family Security Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2022

Healthy Climate and Family Security Act of 2022 This bill addresses the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by establishing a program that caps the emissions of carbon dioxide and auctions carbon permits to producers or importers of crude oil, domestic or foreign coal operations, or certain natural gas entities. The bill also establishes the Healthy Climate Trust Fund for the proceeds of the auctions to be distributed as dividend payments to U.S. individuals.

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to "Prudence and Loyalty in Selecting Plan Investments and Exercising Shareholder Rights".

United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2022

This joint resolution nullifies a Department of Labor rule concerning the fiduciary duties with respect to employee benefit plans. Under the rule issued on December 1, 2022, plan fiduciaries may consider climate change and other environmental, social, and governance factors when they make investment decisions and when they exercise shareholder rights, including voting on shareholder resolutions and board nominations.

Stop Arctic Ocean Drilling Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2022

Stop Arctic Ocean Drilling Act of 2022 This bill limits oil and gas leasing in Arctic areas of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Specifically, the bill prohibits the Department of the Interior from issuing or extending a lease or any other authorization for the exploration, development, or production of oil, natural gas, or any other mineral in Arctic areas of the OCS. In addition, the bill declares that it is the policy of the United States that the Arctic Ocean should be managed for the best interests of the people of the United States, including by keeping fossil fuels in the ground to avoid the dangerous impacts of climate change.

National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2022

National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2022 This bill reauthorizes the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program through FY2027, directs the program to develop and implement new standards to make housing and infrastructure more resilient, and requires a study of the impacts of climate change on windstorms. Further, the bill encourages the implementation of cost-effective mitigation measures to reduce the loss of life and property from windstorms through a coordinated federal effort, in cooperation with other levels of government, academia, scientific organizations, and the private sector.

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to "Prudence and Loyalty in Selecting Plan Investments and Exercising Shareholder Rights".

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2022

This joint resolution nullifies a Department of Labor rule concerning the fiduciary duties with respect to employee benefit plans. Under the rule issued on December 1, 2022, plan fiduciaries may consider climate change and other environmental, social, and governance factors when they make investment decisions and when they exercise shareholder rights, including voting on shareholder resolutions and board nominations.

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to "Prudence and Loyalty in Selecting Plan Investments and Exercising Shareholder Rights".

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2022

This joint resolution nullifies a Department of Labor rule concerning the fiduciary duties with respect to employee benefit plans. Under the rule issued on December 1, 2022, plan fiduciaries may consider climate change and other environmental, social, and governance factors when they make investment decisions and when they exercise shareholder rights, including voting on shareholder resolutions and board nominations.

To prohibit the use of Federal funds to negotiate or contribute to international agreements that provide for "loss and damage" funds as a result of climate change.

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2022

This bill prohibits the expenditure of federal funds to negotiate or contribute to international agreements providing for loss and damage funds as a result of climate change.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should reengage with trading partners, particularly like-minded Allies with market-based economies and high labor and environmental standards, to promote trade in environmental goods, services, and technologies in new or existing bilateral and plurilateral dialogues with a view to negotiating a new environmental goods agreement with updated product coverage to broaden United States export opportunities, support United States jobs, and enhance the environmental contribution of any new trade agreement.

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2022

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative should prepare a report related to U.S. exports of environmental goods, the United States should work with trading partners to facilitate trade in environmental goods to meet each country's environmental and climate goals, and the United States should launch negotiations to implement a new environmental goods agreement with updated product coverage.

SOLVING THE CLIMATE CRISIS: KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS, ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, AND THE NEED FOR CONTINUED ACTION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 6 December 2022

Students' Access to Freedom and Educational Rights Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2022

Students' Access to Freedom and Educational Rights Act of 2022 This bill expands protections against discrimination and harassment in federally funded education programs or activities. Among other provisions, the bill (1) establishes statutory standards of liability for harassment and relevant remedies under specified statutes; (2) requires the Department of Education to develop a climate survey on K-12 students' experiences with domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and stalking; and (3) establishes training requirements and a grant program for Title IX coordinators.

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to "Prudence and Loyalty in Selecting Plan Investments and Exercising Shareholder Rights".

United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2022

This joint resolution nullifies a Department of Labor rule concerning the fiduciary duties with respect to employee benefit plans. Under the rule issued on December 1, 2022, plan fiduciaries may consider climate change and other environmental, social, and governance factors when they make investment decisions and when they exercise shareholder rights, including voting on shareholder resolutions and board nominations.

Students' Access to Freedom and Educational Rights Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2022

Students' Access to Freedom and Educational Rights Act of 2022 This bill expands protections against discrimination and harassment in federally funded education programs or activities. Among other provisions, the bill (1) establishes statutory standards of liability for harassment and relevant remedies under specified statutes; (2) requires the Department of Education to develop a climate survey on K-12 students' experiences with domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and stalking; and (3) establishes training requirements and a grant program for Title IX coordinators.

Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2022

Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act of 2022 This bill directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to collaborate with state, local, and tribal entities that are conducting or have completed community vulnerability assessments, research planning, climate action plans, or other similar activities related to ocean acidification and coastal acidification and their impacts of ocean acidification on coastal communities. NOAA must (1) support collaborative interagency relationships and information at the state, local , and tribal level; and (2) assist state, local, and tribal entities in improving existing systems and programs to better address ocean acidification and coastal acidification and identify whether such activities can be used as a model for other communities.

No Bonuses for Executives Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2022

No Bonuses for Executives Act of 2022 This bill imposes the alternative minimum tax on state regulated electric utilities that are in bankruptcy proceedings and that make incentive-based payments, other than salary, to any of their 13 highest compensated employees, and that own or lease infrastructure other than climate-resilient infrastructure (i.e., infrastructure capable of reducing the impact of major weather events and natural disasters).

A BIG CLIMATE DEAL: LOWERING COSTS, CREATING JOBS, AND REDUCING POLLUTION WITH THE INFLATION REDUCTION ACT

United States · United States House of Representatives · 29 September 2022

Climate Adaptation Plan Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2022

Climate Adaptation Plan Act or the CAP Act This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency to award competitive grants to Indian tribes or localities for developing climate adaptation plans (i.e., a framework for measuring, tracking, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adopting climate change adaptation measures).

LEGISLATIVE HEARING ON H.R. 8802, "PUBLIC LANDS AND WATERS CLIMATE LEADERSHIP ACT OF 2022''

United States · United States House of Representatives · 20 September 2022

Recognizing access to water, sanitation, electricity, heating, cooling, broadband communications, and public transportation as basic human rights and public services that must be accessible, safe, acceptable, sufficient, affordable, climate resilient, and reliable for every person.

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2022

This resolution recognizes the threat of the climate emergency to critical utility infrastructure and calls for public control of utilities.

FUELING THE CLIMATE CRISIS: EXAMINING BIG OIL'S PRICES, PROFITS, AND PLEDGES

United States · United States House of Representatives · 15 September 2022

THE ROLE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS FIRMS IN PREVENTING ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 14 September 2022

Worker Safety in Climate Disasters Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2022

Worker Safety in Climate Disasters Act This bill provides paid emergency leave time (80 hours for a full-time employee) for an employee who is unable to work (or telework) due to certain climate disasters.

Public Lands and Waters Climate Leadership Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2022

Public Lands and Waters Climate Leadership Act of 2022 This bill addresses greenhouse gas emissions, including by restricting fossil fuel leasing and permitting on public lands.

BLUE Pacific Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2022

Boosting Long-term U.S. Engagement in the Pacific Act or the BLUE Pacific Act This bill requires and authorizes activities related to U.S. foreign policy in the Pacific Islands, including the Cook Islands, Fiji, the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu. The bill requires specified departments and agencies to develop and implement strategies in the region to expand the coverage of the International Law Enforcement Academies program; help build the capacity of local civilian and national security institutions; expand trade capacity and promote regional development; assist in preparing for natural disasters and other emergencies; assist in building public health capacity and improving outcomes, including in response to COVID-19; address climate change, with a focus on improving critical infrastructure and supporting ecosystem conservation efforts; provide expanded media content to the Pacific Islands and partner with journalists; support efforts to reduce gender-based violence and promote gender equality; promote educational and professional development of young adult leaders and professionals; and promote the development of civil society. The bill also requires the Department of State to prioritize efforts to help the Pacific Islands ratify and implement international legal conventions related to transnational crime. The State Department must also coordinate with regional allies and partners in providing assistance to the Pacific Islands. The President may provide assistance to the Pacific Islands to promote quality basic education and to promote the dissemination of free and accurate information.

REFINE Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 September 2022

Reserving Energy For Independence and Empowerment Act or the REFINE Act This bill sets forth provisions to limit the sale and export of petroleum products from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), increase energy production from energy producers in the United States, and make related requirements. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to issue regulations prohibiting the export of petroleum products (e.g., crude oil) sold from the SPR to (1) any country that is subject to a U.S. arms embargo as specified by the bill, (2) any country that is a state sponsor of terrorism, and (3) any entity that is owned by China. Before DOE may sell, exchange, or loan crude oil from the SPR, DOE must first develop a plan to increase the percentage of federal land (including submerged land of the Outer Continental Shelf) leased for oil and gas production by the same percentage as the percentage of petroleum in the SPR that is to be drawn down. In addition, the President must rescind the Executive Order titled Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science To Tackle the Climate Crisis . The President must also direct federal agencies to (1) identify and repeal any of their regulations that have the intent or effect of substantially reducing the energy independence of the United States, and (2) issue regulations and guidance to reduce the regulatory burden for energy producers in the United States and to increase the energy output by those producers.

BORROWED TIME: THE ECONOMIC COSTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE

United States · United States Senate · 4 August 2022

BUILDING CLIMATE-RESILIENT COASTAL COMMUNITIES: PERSPECTIVES FROM OREGON'S STATE, LOCAL, AND TRIBAL PARTNERS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 3 August 2022

A bill to require the Secretary of Energy to conduct a study and submit a report on national resource adequacy, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2022

This bill requires the Department of Energy to study the ability to meet aggregate electricity demand using supply- and demand-side resources. The study must address matters including (1) the effects of recent retirements of baseload electric generation on regional electric grids; and (2) uncertainty in future electricity demand trajectories from climate change, decarbonization, and other factors.

To prohibit the Securities and Exchange Commission from finalizing the proposed rule titled "The Enhancement and Standardization of Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors", and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2022

This bill prohibits the Securities and Exchange Commission from finalizing the rule proposed on April 11, 2022, and titled The Enhancement and Standardization of Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors . The proposed rule requires registrants to disclose their climate-related risks.

Delivering Equity and Justice for Disaster Survivors Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2022

Delivering Equity and Justice for Disaster Survivors Act of 2022 This bill directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish, as a subcommittee of the National Advisory Council, the Disaster Equity and Justice Subcommittee. The subcommittee must develop recommendations for improving equitable and just policy and program delivery before, during, and after disasters, including recommendations related to the accessibility, utilization, and receipt of FEMA grants and assistance by underserved, under resourced, and underrepresented populations and communities; strategies and policy recommendations to address the inequitable delivery of disaster assistance, grant programs, technical assistance, and training; and strategies to address any disparate impacts climate change will have on culturally, socially, or economically vulnerable communities.

Of inquiry requesting the President to provide certain documents to the House of Representatives relating to plans to declare a "climate emergency" in order to invoke emergency authorities to impose regulations on industrial activity, or the supply and delivery of energy or electric power, in the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2022

This resolution requests the President to provide the House of Representatives documents and information about any plans to declare climate change a public health emergency or national emergency in order to regulate aspects of industrial activity or supply and delivery of energy or electric power.

Of inquiry requesting the President to provide certain documents to the House of Representatives relating to plans to exploit the energy crisis to pursue a radical climate agenda.

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2022

This resolution requests the President to provide the House of Representatives documents and information about any plans to (1) issue executive actions, federal policies, or regulations that result in increased energy prices; (2) implicate Russian President Vladimir Putin in the rise of energy prices; (3) pursue non-fossil fuel energy sources as a result of rising energy prices; or (4) impose punitive restrictions on American energy workers.

Coastal State Climate Preparedness Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2022

Coastal State Climate Preparedness Act of 2022 This bill directs the Department of Commerce to establish a coastal climate change adaptation preparedness and response program. Under the program, Commerce must (1) assist coastal states with voluntarily developing coastal climate change adaptation plans, and (2) provide financial and technical assistance as well as training for coastal states to implement the adaptation plans.

A bill to reaffirm that the President of the United States lacks the authority to stop oil and gas leasing on Federal public land.

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2022

This bill specifies that the President may not cancel, delay or otherwise pause quarterly onshore oil and gas lease sales that are proscribed under current law. If a sale is canceled, delayed, or otherwise paused due to Executive Order 14008 (titled Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad and signed on January 27, 2021), the Department of the Interior must conduct a replacement sale within two calendar years of the cancelation, delay, or pause.

REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE: HOW FARMERS AND RANCHERS ARE ESSENTIAL TO SOLVING CLIMATE CHANGE AND INCREASING FOOD PRODUCTION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 19 July 2022

Expressing support for regenerative agriculture and other conservation practices to support more sustainable and resilient agriculture, and compensating farmers for providing environmental services.

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2022

This resolution expresses congressional support for legislation to pay farmers and ranchers in all 50 states and territories for ecological services for climate change mitigation and adaptation, among other conservation initiatives.

CLIMATE SMART FROM FARM TO FORK: BUILDING AN AFFORDABLE AND RESILIENT FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN

United States · United States House of Representatives · 15 July 2022

Peggy Frank Memorial Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2022

Peggy Frank Memorial Act This bill requires, by three years after this bill's enactment, that any delivery vehicle owned or leased by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) be modified to include a climate control unit. The USPS may not purchase or lease any delivery vehicle unless that vehicle has a climate control unit.

Land Restoration and Resiliency Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2022

Land Restoration and Resiliency Act of 2022 This bill directs the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to enter into cooperative agreements with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to establish the Community Resilience and Restoration Fund at the foundation, for purposes including to improve community safety in the face of climactic extremes through conservation and protection of restoration and resilience lands; protect, conserve, and restore restoration and resilience lands in order to help communities respond and adapt to natural threats, including wildfire, drought, extreme heat, and other threats posed or exacerbated by the impacts of global climate; and protect and enhance the biodiversity of wildlife populations across restoration and resilience lands. The bill defines restoration and resilience lands as fish, wildlife, and plant habitats, and other important natural areas in the United States, on public lands, private land (after obtaining proper consent from the landowner), or land of Indian tribes, including grasslands, shrublands, prairies, chaparral lands, forest lands, deserts, and riparian or wetland areas within or adjacent to these ecosystems. To the extent amounts are available in the fund, the foundation shall award grants to eligible entities (e.g., a federal agency, a unit of local government, an Indian tribe, or a nonprofit organization) through a competitive grant process to carry out eligible projects and activities.

A resolution expressing concern about economic and security conditions in Mexico and reaffirming the interest of the United States in mutually beneficial relations with Mexico based on shared interests on security, economic prosperity, and democratic values, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2022

This resolution reaffirms the interest of the United States in mutually beneficial relations with Mexico based on shared interests on security, economic prosperity, and democratic values. The resolution reaffirms support for stronger economic relations with Mexico, including to strengthen the resiliency of critical supply chains in North America and the Western Hemisphere in general. The resolution expresses deep concerns about the worsening investment climate in Mexico, and calls on the President to take meaningful actions to defend U.S. economic interests in Mexico and uphold the integrity of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The resolution also urges the President to address the humanitarian and security crisis at the border with Mexico. Finally, the resolution urges the Mexican government to reduce the threat of deadly synthetic opioids.

CUTTING METHANE POLLUTION: SAFEGUARDING HEALTH, CREATING JOBS, AND PROTECTING OUR CLIMATE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 24 June 2022

Historic Lighthouse Resiliency Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2022

Historic Lighthouse Resiliency Act This bill authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to carry out projects to (1) improve the resilience of historic light stations against the adverse effects of climate change, (2) ensure continued public access to historical light stations, and (3) improve public safety on the grounds of historical light stations. The Corps must conduct a study of national historic light stations to determine the long-term protection needs of such stations and establish a national database of the stations based on the results of the study.

GREEN Communications Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2022

Generating Resilient and Energy Efficient Network Communications Act or the GREEN Communications Act This bill establishes a program and sets out other requirements for federal agencies concerning the efficiency and resiliency of communications infrastructure. Specifically, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) must competitively award grants and revolving loans to public or private providers, operators, or owners of communications networks or communications infrastructure for efficiency and resiliency projects. The NTIA must also (1) develop best practices concerning energy-efficient and carbon-neutral communications infrastructure, and (2) annually report on the energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions of communications infrastructure and certain network outages. Additionally, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) must establish a framework to promote resilient communications networks and communications infrastructure. The FCC must consult with specified federal entities on the framework. The FCC must also report on the feasibility of maintaining a map of projected risks to communications infrastructure arising from severe weather, natural disasters, and climate change; provide technical assistance to a provider, owner, or operator of communications infrastructure concerning risks and vulnerabilities related to severe weather, natural disasters, and climate change; and require broadband network outages to be reported to the Network Outage Reporting System. The bill also requires the Department of Energy to report on the projected growth of electrical consumption of, and recommendations for energy efficiency standards for, data centers in the United States.

Resilient Defense Assistance Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2022

Resilient Defense Assistance Act of 2022 This bill authorizes the Department of Defense to utilize various funds and programs to contribute to military climate resilience, including by authorizing funding from the Combatant Commander Initiative Fund to be used for climate resilience of military installations and essential civilian infrastructure.

No Taxpayer Funding For CZARS Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2022

No Taxpayer Funding For Climate Zealots Advancing Radical Schemes Act or the No Taxpayer Funding For CZARS Act This bill prohibits the use of federal funds for any activity of the Special Presidential Envoy for Climate.

Urging the use of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to expand short-term refinery capacity.

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2022

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should support policies that increase oil refinery capacity to meet short-term fuel demands while considering the United States' long-term climate and sustainability goals. The resolution also expresses the sense that the President should provide targeted assistance to restart idled refineries.

THE ROLE OF CLIMATE RESEARCH IN SUPPORTING AGRICULTURAL RESILIENCY

United States · United States House of Representatives · 15 June 2022