Climate Action United States Project #10973

Engaging with Congress on Climate Change Solutions

by Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI)

Engaging with Congress on Climate Change Solutions

Project Report | May 3, 2023
What Could a Bipartisan Farm Bill Mean for the Climate and Your Community?

By Daniel Bresette | President

Frankly, the headlines about the new Congress so far have not exactly inspired confidence in its ability to take further actions on climate.

What do you think about the goings-on in Washington? Let me know: dbresette@eesi.org.

One way or another, Congress still has work to do: appropriations, oversight of the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, and, of course, the Farm Bill. You are helping equip policymakers with the nonpartisan, science-based information we know they need—and this is important—before they even know they need it.

We have met with Congressional staff in more than 80 offices across the political spectrum. We are not bringing them any “asks” to consider. Our goals are just to (re)introduce ourselves, share an overview of our upcoming briefings, and hear feedback about information gaps they need addressed.

We are making many new friends, getting lots of ideas, and finding an impressively receptive audience for our resources.

The Farm Bill has been a major topic of our discussions. I do not have a crystal ball, but I sense real—if tempered—optimism about the potential for the two parties to work together.

Congress is gearing up to renew U.S. agriculture and nutrition programs in legislation known as the "Farm Bill" as early as later this year. You are helping EESI provide resources to Congressional staff to aid them in identifying climate, environmental, and clean energy opportunities across the massive bill. This includes forestry, conservation, rural development, research and development, and energy efficiency. Our Farm Bill resources include articles, hearing trackers, and a briefing series happening now. Soon, we will release side-by-side comparisons of the House and Senate versions of key environmental provisions for the new Farm Bill.

One of our briefings will focus on mitigation and adaptation "win-wins," like agroforestry, cover crops, and no-till farming. Many other agricultural practices that we might call “sustainable” today actually date back generations, and often to Indigenous farmers.

Thanks for making possible a wide range of Farm Bill educational resources. These materials are proving to be a big hit with Congressional staff in Republican and Democratic offices, especially those newer to climate and agriculture issues.

As we finish celebrating Earth Month, thanks for your continued commitment to climate solutions. You are essential in the crucial work to create a sustainable, resilient, and equitable world, no matter who controls Congress.

Links:

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Jan 10, 2023
What Will We See on Climate in 2023?

By Daniel Bresette | President

I hope you had a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season! I know for me, after a very busy and productive 2022, I really needed a break. You probably did, too, and I hope you got one.

Now we are back in a new year, with a new Congress taking shape and renewed urgency to advance climate solutions.

It is hard to believe that the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was enacted less than five months ago. (And the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is only a little more than a year old.)

This historic legislation will do much to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but there is still a huge amount of work to do on climate.

What are your priorities for climate action?

Looking at the year ahead, we will start off with a focus on educating new Congressional staff over the course of four all-new Climate Camp briefings (you can RSVP now).

Then, as policymakers begin to shift their attention to the must-pass Farm Bill, so, too, will our briefings, articles, and podcasts. Also, our upcoming series of side-by-side-by-side comparison charts will help staff on Capitol Hill keep track of all the various amendments and proposals on key Farm Bill provisions.

But the climate to-do list for Congress goes much further:

Increased funding for international climate finance
New policies and investments in climate adaptation
An end to wasteful fossil fuel subsidies
Equitable implementation of the IRA and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

I am very grateful to have you as part of the extended EESI family. In 2022, you made possible 26 briefings, 150 articles, 15 podcast episodes, as well as expanded, daily coverage of the United Nations climate negotiations in Egypt, and so much more!

There is a lot more in store this year. If you would like to keep up with everything, I encourage you to subscribe to our biweekly newsletter, Climate Change Solutions, and sign up to receive all of our briefing notices, articles, press releases, and other publications. Simply click here if you would like to change your subscriptions.

Our strict privacy policy means we never share your information with other groups. You can trust EESI—we have received the coveted Four-Star Charity designation from Charity Navigator and Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid.

Thanks for your commitment to climate solutions. I hope you will continue to partner with EESI this year.

Happy New Year!

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Nov 28, 2022
Grateful, Optimistic, and Determined

By Daniel Bresette | Executive Director

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