Energy and Environment

Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26), Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10), and Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-08) announced the introduction of the Expanding Clean Fuel Production Act, a bill that would extend the clean fuel production tax credit, also known as Section 45z, of the Inflation Reduction Act for 10 years. The Inflation Reduction Act created the clean fuel production credit (CFPC) for transportation fuel with zero or low greenhouse gas emissions, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

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 inclusion of 13 community projects totaling more than $10.3 million that she secured in the Fiscal Year 2024 funding bills for the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies; Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies; Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies; Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies; and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies. This legislation will ensure the federal government remains open, and it also includes targeted investments that address the climate crisis, strengthen critical infrastructure, provide essential resources to our local law enforcement agencies, and create good-paying jobs. 

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.

“In order to face the existential threat to the future of our planet head-on, we need to be creative, be innovative, and act quickly to mitigate the devastating impacts of the climate crisis,” Brownley said.

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 and Congressman Brad Schneider introduced the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Act, legislation to incentivize the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and support the aviation industry in reducing carbon emissions.

Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley introduced the Offshore Pipeline Safety Act, which would address the lack of proper oversight of active and decommissioned offshore oil and gas pipelines.

Democrats on the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis rolled out their final majority staff report Wednesday, offering up a flurry of recommendations for further action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Democrats have already notched wins on that front with the Inflation Reduction Act and bipartisan infrastructure law (Greenwire, Dec. 14).

Opening the summit, U.S. Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA-26) addressed the crowd of more than 100 transportation professionals and key stakeholders, thanking GCTD’s leadership for meeting our county’s transportation needs.

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, Chair of the Natural Resources Committee Raúl M. Grijalva, and Chair of the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Alan Lowenthal introduced the Offshore Pipeline Safety Act, which would address the lack of proper oversight of active and decommissioned offshore oil and gas pipelines.

As we make strides on the path to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the aviation industry is set for a comeback. That’s a good thing for an industry that has suffered tremendously, including losing tens of thousands of jobs. In fact, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has reported that more than 1 million passengers have been screened at U.S. airports in recent days. While I am cheering on the industry and hope that it recovers quickly, part of that recovery will include returning to pre-pandemic levels of carbon emissions.