Environment

RECLAIM Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2021

Revitalizing the Economy of Coal Communities by Leveraging Local Activities and Investing More Act of 2021 or the RECLAIM Act of 2021 This bill revises requirements concerning the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund, including by expanding the eligible uses of the fund. Specifically, the bill allows the fund to be used to provide support for economic revitalization, diversification, and development in economically distressed mining communities through the reclamation and restoration of land and water resources adversely affected by abandoned coal mines. In addition, it requires specified amounts to be annually distributed from the fund through FY2026 to states and Indian tribes for reclaiming and restoring lands and waters so affected.

Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Fee Extension Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2021

Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Fee Extension Act This bill extends through FY2036 the reclamation fee that each operator of a coal mining operation must pay to the Department of the Interior for the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund. Under the existing Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Program, Interior collects a fee from coal mining companies for each ton of coal produced. The fees are deposited into the fund, which may be used to address hazards to public health, safety, and the environment from coal mining sites that were abandoned or unreclaimed as of August 3, 1977. Interior's authority to collect the fee expires on September 30, 2021.

Judgment of the Court (Fifth Chamber) of 29 April 2021.#Granarolo SpA v Ministero dell'Ambiente e della Tutela del Territorio e del Mare and Others.#Request for a preliminary ruling from the Tribunale Amministrativo Regionale per il Lazio.#Reference for a preliminary ruling – Environment – Directive 2003/87/EC – Greenhouse gas emission allowance trading scheme – Article 3(e) – Concept of ‘installation’ – Article 3(f) – Concept of ‘operator’ – Points 2 and 3 of Annex I – Aggregation rule – Aggregation of the capacities of the activities in an installation – Transfer of an electricity and heat cogeneration unit by the owner of an industrial facility – Contract for the supply of energy between the transferor and transferee undertakings – Updating of the greenhouse gas emissions permit.#Case C-617/19.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 29 April 2021

Hauptgutachten des Wissenschaftlichen Beirats der Bundesregierung Globale Umweltveränderungen Landwende im Anthropozän: Von der Konkurrenz zur Integration

Germany · German Bundestag · 29 April 2021

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022

United States · United States Senate · 28 April 2021

1130. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it will be ensured that commonage land and land with heather is included as being eligible for payments under the results-based environment-agri pilot project scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21280/21]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 April 2021

1130. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it will be ensured that commonage land and land with heather is included as being eligible for payments under the results-based environment-agri pilot project scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21280/21]

1129. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it will be ensured that the results-based environment-agri pilot project scheme has a payment of €10,000 to make it viable for farmers to participate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21279/21]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 April 2021

1129. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it will be ensured that the results-based environment-agri pilot project scheme has a payment of €10,000 to make it viable for farmers to participate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21279/21]

1128. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there is a cap on the amount an individual farmer can receive for stone wall quality and or tree planting under the results-based environment-agri pilot project scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21278/21]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 April 2021

1128. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there is a cap on the amount an individual farmer can receive for stone wall quality and or tree planting under the results-based environment-agri pilot project scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21278/21]

1127. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the rationale for selecting farmers based on either the lowest stocking rate for farmers with less than 140kg N/ha stocking rate or farmers with greater than 140kg N/ha stocking rate for the results-based environment-agri pilot project scheme; if he will provide a response to the criticism from farming organisations that this approach excludes the vast majority of medium intensity farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21277/21]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 April 2021

1127. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the rationale for selecting farmers based on either the lowest stocking rate for farmers with less than 140kg N/ha stocking rate or farmers with greater than 140kg N/ha stocking rate for the results-based environment-agri pilot project scheme; if he will provide a response to the criticism from farming organisations that this approach excludes the vast majority of medium intensity farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21277/21]

1125. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason commonage lands and lands containing heather are excluded from the proposed results based environment agriculture pilot programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21262/21]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 April 2021

1125. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason commonage lands and lands containing heather are excluded from the proposed results based environment agriculture pilot programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21262/21]

1033. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1075 of 31 March 2021, if consideration has been given to extend the term of the temporary accommodation scheme as long as Ireland is in a Covid-19 environment as opposed to the current system which requires healthcare workers and their line managers to complete and submit forms on at least a bi-weekly basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21989/21]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 April 2021

1033. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1075 of 31 March 2021, if consideration has been given to extend the term of the temporary accommodation scheme as long as Ireland is in a Covid-19 environment as opposed to the current system which requires healthcare workers and their line managers to complete and submit forms on at least a bi-weekly basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21989/21]

SAFE Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2021

Safeguarding America's Future and Environment Act or the SAFE Act The bill requires the development of an integrated national approach to help fish, wildlife, and plants adapt to extreme weather changes and climate change. Specifically, the bill requires the President to establish an interagency National Fish, Wildlife, and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy Joint Implementation Working Group. The working group must adopt the 2013 National Fish, Wildlife, and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy, which addresses the effects of extreme weather and climate change on fish, wildlife, and plants. After the Committee on Earth and Environmental Sciences releases a periodic scientific assessment required under the U.S. Global Change Research Program, the working group must use sound science to review and revise the strategy to incorporate new information and advances in the development of strategies to help fish, wildlife, and plants adapt. Each federal agency must integrate the strategy into agency plans, environmental reviews, and programs. The Department of the Interior must establish a National Climate Change and Wildlife Science Center to assess and develop scientific information, tools, strategies, and techniques to support the working group and other interested parties in addressing the effects of extreme weather and climate change. Interior must establish an Advisory Committee on Climate Change and Natural Resource Sciences to advise the working group.

Fairness for Landowners Facing Eminent Domain Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2021

Fairness for Landowners Facing Eminent Domain Act This bill limits the use of eminent domain by the holder of a certificate of public convenience and necessity to acquire land or property for the construction and operation of a natural gas pipeline facility. Specifically, the bill prohibits the use of eminent domain unless the holder (1) obtains all federal and state permits required by law for the construction and operation of pipeline facilities, and (2) complies with all environmental conditions appended to the certificate order. Additionally, the bill suspends eminent domain authority if (1) the holder requests a material amendment to the certificate, or (2) a federal or state permit held by the holder is vacated or remanded. The bill also sets forth a dispute resolution process and related requirements to resolve disagreements about accessing properties prior to acquiring them.

Consortia-Led Energy and Advanced Manufacturing Networks Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2021

Consortia-Led Energy and Advanced Manufacturing Networks Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Commerce to carry out a grant program for establishing consortia to enhance U.S. economic, environmental, and energy security by promoting domestic research and commercial application of clean technologies and advanced manufacturing processes. Clean technology means technologies, production processes, or methodologies that produce energy from renewable energy sources; transmit, distribute, or store energy more efficiently; enhance energy efficiency for buildings and industry; enable the development of a Smart Grid; produce an advanced or sustainable material with energy or energy efficiency applications; improve energy efficiency for transportation; or enhance water security through improved water management, conservation, distribution, or end use applications.

SAFE Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2021

Safeguarding America's Future and Environment Act or the SAFE Act The bill requires the development of an integrated national approach to help fish, wildlife, and plants adapt to extreme weather changes and climate change. Specifically, the bill requires the President to establish an interagency National Fish, Wildlife, and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy Joint Implementation Working Group. The working group must adopt the 2013 National Fish, Wildlife, and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy, which addresses the effects of extreme weather and climate change on fish, wildlife, and plants. After the Committee on Earth and Environmental Sciences releases a periodic scientific assessment required under the U.S. Global Change Research Program, the working group must use sound science to review and revise the strategy to incorporate new information and advances in the development of strategies to help fish, wildlife, and plants adapt. Each federal agency must integrate the strategy into agency plans, environmental reviews, and programs. The Department of the Interior must establish a National Climate Change and Wildlife Science Center to assess and develop scientific information, tools, strategies, and techniques to support the working group and other interested parties in addressing the effects of extreme weather and climate change. Interior must establish an Advisory Committee on Climate Change and Natural Resource Sciences to advise the working group.

Bioeconomy Research and Development Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2021

Bioeconomy Research and Development Act of 2021 This bill directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to implement a National Engineering Biology Research and Development Initiative to advance societal well-being, national security, sustainability, and economic productivity and competitiveness. Among other activities, the initiative must include sustained support for research centers, individual investigators, technologies, and training. The initiative shall include outreach to primarily undergraduate and minority-serving institutions about initiative opportunities, and shall encourage the development of research collaborations between research-intensive universities and such institutions. The OSTP shall designate an interagency committee to coordinate initiative activities as appropriate. The interagency committee shall submit triennial reports to Congress through FY2028 in support of the initiative. The National Science Foundation (NSF) shall seek to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a review of, and make recommendations with respect to, the ethical, legal, environmental, safety, security, and other appropriate societal issues related to engineering biology research and development. The NSF, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of Energy, Department of Defense, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Department of Agriculture, and Department of Health and Human Services shall carry out related activities as part of the initiative.

Forests: Environment Protection

United Kingdom · UK Parliament · 27 April 2021

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans he has to bring forward legislative proposals through the Environment Bill on the preventing of illegal deforestation in the supply chains of UK businesses.

Niramax: Environment Protection

United Kingdom · UK Parliament · 27 April 2021

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what environmental enforcement his Department has taken against Niramax since the establishment of that company.

Environment Protection: Job Creation

United Kingdom · UK Parliament · 26 April 2021

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the data-set released by the Green New Deal UK group on 19 April 2021 and based on the European Climate Foundation’s 2018 report, Unlocking the Job Potential of

Environment Protection: British Overseas Territories

United Kingdom · UK Parliament · 26 April 2021

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how much funding his Department allocated to environmental projects in the UK Overseas Territories in each of the last five years.

Reconnecting Communities Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2021

Reconnecting Communities Act This bill establishes a grant program to remove, retrofit, or otherwise address infrastructural barriers (e.g., highways, railways, or viaducts) that impede mobility and connectivity, with a particular focus on communities of color and low-income communities. Under this program, the Department of Transportation (DOT) must award three types of grants: community engagement, education, and capacity-building grants to educate and involve community members in transportation and economic development planning; planning and feasibility study grants to develop designs, conduct environmental reviews, and carry out other preliminary activities required to remove, retrofit, or mitigate an infrastructural barrier; and capital construction grants to remove, retrofit, or mitigate an infrastructure barrier. DOT must award the community engagement, education, and capacity-building grants and the planning and feasibility study grants to state, tribal, and local governments; metropolitan planning organizations; and nonprofits. An eligible entity may apply for and receive funding from more than one type of grant. DOT must award the capital construction grants to the owner of an infrastructure barrier. The owner may, if applicable, partner with other eligible entities.

Consortia-Led Energy and Advanced Manufacturing Networks Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2021

Consortia-Led Energy and Advanced Manufacturing Networks Act This bill requires the Department of Commerce to carry out a grant program for establishing consortia to enhance U.S. economic, environmental, and energy security by promoting domestic research and commercial application of clean technologies and advanced manufacturing processes. Clean technology means technologies, production processes, or methodologies that produce energy from renewable energy sources; transmit, distribute, or store energy more efficiently; enhance energy efficiency for buildings and industry; enable the development of a Smart Grid; produce an advanced or sustainable material with energy or energy efficiency applications; improve energy efficiency for transportation; or enhance water security through improved water management, conservation, distribution, or end use applications.

Restore Employment in Natural and Environmental Work Conservation Corps Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2021

Restore Employment in Natural and Environmental Work Conservation Corps Act or the RENEW Conservation Corps Act This bill establishes the Restore Employment in Natural and Environmental Work Conservation Corps program within the Department of the Interior and Department of Agriculture under which participants must implement eligible projects (e.g., planting trees or controlling invasive species).

Ontwerpbesluit houdende wijziging van het Besluit gefluoreerde broeikasgassen en ozonlaagafbrekende stoffen in verband met de handhaafbaarheid van het nakomen van enkele verplichtingen uit Verordening (EU) nr. 517/2014 van 16 april 2014 betreffende gefluoreerde broeikasgassen en enkele technische wijzigingen

Netherlands · House of Representatives · 23 April 2021

Ontwerpbesluit houdende wijziging van het Besluit gefluoreerde broeikasgassen en ozonlaagafbrekende stoffen in verband met de handhaafbaarheid van het nakomen van enkele verplichtingen uit Verordening (EU) nr. 517/2014 van 16 april 2014 betreffende gefluoreerde broeikasgassen en enkele technische wijzigingen

Sanering EMK terrein Krimpen aan den IJssel

Netherlands · House of Representatives · 23 April 2021

Sanering EMK terrein Krimpen aan den IJssel

Finanzierung und Klimacheck bei Lobautunnel und Stadtstraße Aspern

Austria · National Council · 22 April 2021

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Michael Bernhard, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an die Bundesministerin für Klimaschutz, Umwelt, Energie, Mobilität, Innovation und Technologie betreffend Finanzierung und Klimacheck bei Lobautunnel und Stadtstraße Aspern

Schutz der heimischen Fische

Austria · National Council · 22 April 2021

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Peter Schmiedlechner, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an die Bundesministerin für Landwirtschaft, Regionen und Tourismus betreffend Schutz der heimischen Fische

Risiko-Atomkraftwerk Krško einen Monat "offline"

Austria · National Council · 22 April 2021

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Walter Rauch, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an die Bundesministerin für Klimaschutz, Umwelt, Energie, Mobilität, Innovation und Technologie betreffend Risiko-Atomkraftwerk Krško einen Monat "offline"

Waldbewirtschaftung als Klimaschutzmaßnahme

Austria · National Council · 22 April 2021

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Peter Schmiedlechner, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an die Bundesministerin für Landwirtschaft, Regionen und Tourismus betreffend Waldbewirtschaftung als Klimaschutzmaßnahme

Notfallzulassung von verbotenen und Bienen tötenden Neonicotinoiden

Austria · National Council · 22 April 2021

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Elisabeth Feichtinger, BEd BEd, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an die Bundesministerin für Landwirtschaft, Regionen und Tourismus betreffend Notfallzulassung von verbotenen und Bienen tötenden Neonicotinoiden

Bund und Länder einig: Heizen künftig ohne Öl, Gas und Kohle

Austria · National Council · 22 April 2021

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Walter Rauch, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an die Bundesministerin für Klimaschutz, Umwelt, Energie, Mobilität, Innovation und Technologie betreffend Bund und Länder einig: Heizen künftig ohne Öl, Gas und Kohle

Sicherheitsvorkehrungen bei in Brand geratenen E-Fahrzeugen

Austria · National Council · 22 April 2021

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Erwin Angerer, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an die Bundesministerin für Klimaschutz, Umwelt, Energie, Mobilität, Innovation und Technologie betreffend Sicherheitsvorkehrungen bei in Brand geratenen E-Fahrzeugen

Aufstockung der AUA-Flüge Wien-Graz

Austria · National Council · 22 April 2021

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Julia Elisabeth Herr, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an die Bundesministerin für Klimaschutz, Umwelt, Energie, Mobilität, Innovation und Technologie betreffend Aufstockung der AUA-Flüge Wien-Graz

Waldbewirtschaftung als Klimaschutzmaßnahme

Austria · National Council · 22 April 2021

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Peter Schmiedlechner, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an die Bundesministerin für Klimaschutz, Umwelt, Energie, Mobilität, Innovation und Technologie betreffend Waldbewirtschaftung als Klimaschutzmaßnahme

Bundesreparaturbonus

Austria · National Council · 22 April 2021

Antrag der Abgeordneten Walter Rauch, Kolleginnen und Kollegen betreffend Bundesreparaturbonus

Microplastics: Environment Protection

United Kingdom · UK Parliament · 22 April 2021

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what his plans are for protecting the environment from intentionally and non-intentionally added microplastics.

228. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which the additional €79 million allocated for agri-environment and farm safety initiatives in Budget 2021 will be allocated; the amount of this funding sourced from the carbon fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21037/21]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 22 April 2021

228. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which the additional €79 million allocated for agri-environment and farm safety initiatives in Budget 2021 will be allocated; the amount of this funding sourced from the carbon fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21037/21]

PFAS Accountability Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2021

PFAS Accountability Act of 2021 This bill provides a cause of action under the Toxic Substances Control Act for individuals or classes of individuals who were significantly exposed to perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS. These substances are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. A variety of products contain the compounds, such as nonstick cookware or weatherproof clothing. Specifically, the bill provides a cause of action those who were significantly exposed to PFAS (or have reasonable grounds to believe they were exposed) against persons who engaged in any portion of a manufacturing process that created the PFAS and foresaw (or reasonably should have foreseen) the creation or use of PFAS would result in human exposure. The bill authorizes a court to award medical monitoring to claimants if (1) they have been significantly exposed to PFAS, (2) they have an increased risk of developing a disease associated with such exposure, (3) the increased risk provides a reasonable basis to conclude that periodic diagnostic medical examinations is necessary, and (4) the medical examinations are effective in detecting a disease associated with PFAS exposure. The bill establishes a presumption of significant exposure to PFAS if the claimant (1) provides medical results proving the presence of PFAS in the body, or (2) demonstrates the defendant's manufacturing process created the PFAS to which the claimant was exposed and the PFAS were released into one or more areas where the claimant would have been exposed for at least one year.

Fort McClellan Health Registry Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2021

Fort McClellan Health Registry Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish and maintain the Fort McClellan Health Registry, which must include a list of names of those who were stationed at Fort McClellan, Alabama, between January 1, 1935, and May 20, 1999, and are seeking specified health care or benefits from the VA. Specifically, the registry must include those who apply for hospital, nursing home, domiciliary, or medical care from the VA; file a claim for compensation for service-connected disability; die and are survived by a spouse, child, or parent who files a claim for dependency and indemnity compensation; request a VA health examination; or receive a VA health examination and request to be included in the registry. The registry must also include relevant medical data of the listed individuals if they grant permission or are deceased at the time they are listed. Individuals who have submitted applications, requests, or claims prior to the enactment of this bill must be included in the registry to the extent feasible. The VA must periodically notify individuals listed in the registry of significant research developments on the health consequences of potential exposure to toxic substances or environmental hazards related to service at Fort McClellan. Additionally, the VA must reach out to individuals regarding the provision of health examinations and consultation and counseling services. In establishing and maintaining the registry, the VA must consult with the Department of Defense to acquire necessary information.

Blue Carbon for Our Planet Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2021

Blue Carbon for Our Planet Act This bill addresses the protection and restoration of coastal blue carbon ecosystems, which are vegetated coastal habitats and include mangroves, tidal marshes, and other tidal or salt water wetland that have the ability to sequester and store carbon. Specifically, the bill establishes the Interagency Working Group on Coastal Blue Carbon to (1) develop and maintain a map of these ecosystems, (2) assess the impediments to the protection and restoration of these ecosystems, and (3) establish national protection and restoration priorities regarding these ecosystems. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) must chair the group and establish a national goal for conserving ocean and coastal blue carbon ecosystems within the territory of the United States and set targets to restore degraded coastal blue carbon ecosystems as appropriate. NOAA must also (1) establish integrated pilot programs to restore degraded coastal blue carbon ecosystems, and (2) enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to assess the long-term effects of geologic stores of carbon dioxide in a deep seafloor environment. Finally, the bill establishes requirements concerning the stewardship and standardization of blue carbon data in the Coastal Carbon Data Clearinghouse.

METHANE Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2021

Methane Emissions Technology to Help Achieve Net-zero Emissions Act of 2021 or the METHANE Act of 2021 This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish standards and related requirements to reduce methane emissions from certain oil and gas facilities. Specifically, the EPA must establish methane intensity standards that become increasingly stringent over time. Initial standards must be established within four years. For purposes of establishing the standards, the EPA must categorize the facilities and base the standards on the types of methane emissions from those categories. As part of the process of establishing methane intensity standards, the EPA must establish regulations that prohibit routine flaring of natural gas from the facilities such that greenhouse gas emission from nationwide routine flaring are (1) reduced by at least 80% below 2017 levels by 2028, and (2) eliminated by 2030. In addition, the EPA must determine whether commercially available detection and measurement technologies are sufficiently robust to provide the frequency and accuracy of methane emissions monitoring, detection, and measurement to support a tradable methane intensity credit program. If the EPA determines the technologies are sufficient, then it must establish such a program. Under the program, facilities that emit more than the standards may obtain (e.g., purchase) emission credits from those that emit less. Finally, the EPA must set forth requirements concerning efforts to measure and verify the emission reductions.

Expressing support for honoring Earth Day, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2021

This resolution urges (1) the President to issue a proclamation recognizing Earth Day; and (2) governments and people to continue building upon the Paris Agreement and other efforts to ensure that future generations inherit a livable, sustainable, and ecologically rich planet. The resolution reaffirms that immediate action is needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ameliorate environmental injustices in order to protect our planet, public health, and overall well-being of all people and wildlife. In addition, it encourages the American people to mark Earth Day by working to address environmental challenges, educate others about the need for year-round action, and honor the stewardship ethic for which Senator Gaylord Nelson stood.

Built to Last Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2021

Built To Last Act of 2021 This bill directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to identify and support research that enables a consistent, federal set of forward-looking long-term meteorological information that (1) models future extreme weather events, other environmental trends, projections, and up-to-date observations; and (2) is suitable for specified uses, including federal and nonfederal efforts to develop and adopt standards, building codes, and voluntary certifications. NOAA must provide the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) with mesoscale meteorological information when appropriate or upon request by NIST. NIST must publish the information and advise and provide technical assistance to organizations that develop standards, model building codes, or voluntary certifications in order for such organizations to appropriately use the information. The Office of Science and Technology Policy, in coordination with the U.S. Global Change Research Program and the Mitigation Framework Leadership Group, shall designate a working group to identify and support research that enables such forward-looking long-term meteorological information.

Insular Area Climate Change Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2021

Insular Area Climate Change Act This bill provides support through programs and financial assistance for climate change planning, mitigation, adaptation, and resilience in U.S. territories (American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and the Freely Associated States (Micronesia, Marshall Islands, and Palau). For example, the bill requires the Technical Assistance Program of the Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs to provide technical assistance for climate change planning, mitigation, adaptation, and resilience to the territories and Freely Associated States. It also establishes an Insular Area National Program Office within the Environmental Protection Agency to build and strengthen infrastructure to withstand natural disasters, expand renewable energy and energy efficiency, and provide technical assistance in the territories and Freely Associated States. Additionally, the bill establishes several grant programs to assess and reduce the impacts of climate change, expand renewable energy and energy efficiency, or expand sustainable infrastructure to withstand natural disasters in the territories and Freely Associated States.

Comprehensive National Mercury Monitoring Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2021

Comprehensive National Mercury Monitoring Act This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a national mercury monitoring program. Under the program, the EPA must track and report on long-term changes of mercury concentrations in air, water, soil, and fish and wildlife. In addition, the EPA must establish an online database for mercury data.

Recovering America’s Wildlife Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2021

Recovering America’s Wildlife Act of 2021 This bill provides funding for (1) the conservation or restoration of wildlife and plant species of greatest conservation need; (2) the wildlife conservation strategies of states, territories, or the District of Columbia; and (3) wildlife conservation education and recreation projects. The Department of the Interior must use a portion of the funding for a grant program. The grants must be used for innovative recovery efforts for species of greatest conservation need, species listed as endangered or threatened species, or the habitats of such species.

Comprehensive National Mercury Monitoring Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2021

Comprehensive National Mercury Monitoring Act This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a national mercury monitoring program. Under the program, the EPA must track and report on long-term changes of mercury concentrations in air, water, soil, and fish and wildlife. In addition, the EPA must establish an online database for mercury data.

Plastic Waste Reduction and Recycling Research Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2021

Plastic Waste Reduction and Recycling Research Act This bill establishes the Plastic Waste Reduction and Recycling Research Program to improve the global competitiveness of the U.S. plastics recycling industry and to mitigate any harmful effects of plastic waste on the environment. The bill also provides for an interagency committee to coordinate agency activity in support of the program.

Climate-Resilient International Development Optimization Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2021

Climate-Resilient International Development Optimization Act This bill directs agencies with direct international development programs and investments to incorporate climate resilience considerations into agency decision making. Agencies that participate in a multilateral entity must encourage the entity to incorporate climate-related risks into the decisions of the entity. The bill also establishes the Working Group on Climate-Resilient International Development in the Department of the Treasury to support such efforts.

Advanced Recycling Research and Development Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2021

Advanced Recycling Research and Development Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Energy to implement research, development, and demonstration programs to (1) accelerate innovation in energy-efficient recyclable plastics, next-generation plastics, and composites recycling and upcycling strategies and technologies; and (2) support the development of advanced materials for batteries and innovative technologies to reclaim and recycle critical materials from advanced and lithium-based battery technologies used in consumer electronics, defense, stationary storage, and transportation applications.