Climate Crisis

Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) recently introduced the first American “methane border adjustment mechanism” bill for imported energy, leveraging the new U.S. methane fee. This approach remains in very early and uncertain developmental stages but offers a glimpse into what future methane governance might entail if it moves beyond the existing system of non-binding emission reduction pledges.

Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley introduced the Renewable Energy Certificate Study Act, which would require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study of the use of renewable energy certificates by federal agencies.

Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley introduced the Methane Border Adjustment Mechanism Act, which would establish a tax on methane emissions from foreign oil and natural gas producers.

Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley announced the introduction of the Saving Our Interconnected Lives (SOIL) Act (H.R. 8754), which encourages conservation practices that benefit both soil and wildlife habitat under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).

Congresswoman Julia Brownley announced the introduction of the Improving Coordination of Agriculture Research and Data Act, legislation that would better facilitate the coordination of agriculture climate research, data collection, and monitoring, as well as expand adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices. 

Congresswoman Julia Brownley and Congressman Salud Carbajal announced a grant award of $12 million for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across Ventura County. With this funding, the County of Ventura will make critical investments to ensure that residents, businesses, and visitors to the region are able to take part in a cleaner, greener, and safer future, while creating jobs and strengthening the local economy.  

Today, Representative Julia Brownley announced Congressional action to urge the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to strengthen the New Source Performance Standards and Emissions Guidelines for municipal solid waste landfills under Section 111 of the Clear Air Act. Brownley was joined by Representatives Kathy Castor, Gerald Connolly, and Paul Tonko in sending a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan to request EPA strengthen landfill regulations.

Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley announced the introduction of the Bidirectional Electric Vehicle Charging Act, legislation that would promote bidirectional capabilities for electric vehicles and buses.

Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley introduced the Climate-Friendly Food Label Task Force Act to establish an advisory panel at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to study the development of a climate-friendly certification for food products.

Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley introduced the Green Energy for Federal Buildings Act and the Green Federal Fleet Act to direct federal resources towards renewable energy initiatives at federal facilities and on federal lands and when procuring vehicles.

Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley reintroduced the Marine Mammal Climate Change Protection Act, legislation to better protect marine mammals that are threatened by the climate crisis.

Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley introduced the Conservation for Agricultural Leased Land Act (CALL Act) and the Climate Agricultural Conservation Practices Act to assist farmers in the transition to environmentally conscious conservation practices in agriculture.

Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley applauded House passage of H.R. 5376, the Inflation Reduction Act, historic legislation that will lower working families’ costs, create millions of good-paying jobs, reduce the national deficit, and take significant action on climate change. 

Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley released the following statement after the Supreme Court of the United States decision on West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency.

Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA), Congresswoman Ann McLane Kuster (D-NH), and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) introduced two bills, the Zero Food Waste Act and the Cultivating Organic Matter through the Promotion Of Sustainable Techniques (COMPOST) Act, to reduce the amount of food wasted in the U.S. and to redirect food waste to composting projects. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley reintroduced the Marine Mammal Climate Change Protection Act, legislation to better protect marine mammals that are threatened by the climate crisis.

Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley announced the introduction of two bills, the Climate Agricultural Conservation Practices Act and the Conservation for Agricultural Leased Land (CALL) Act, to help agricultural producers and farmers address the impacts of climate change.

Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley announced the introduction of several sustainability bills that will leverage the resources of the federal government to support a renewable energy economy and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in the federal transportation and infrastructure sectors.