Energy and Environment

Congresswoman Julia Brownley released the following statement after the Trump administration announced plans to allow new oil and gas drilling off the California Coast for the first time in decades.

Congresswoman Julia Brownley reintroduced the Bidirectional Electric Vehicle Charging Act, legislation that would accelerate the deployment of bidirectional charging technology for electric vehicles (EVs) and electric buses. Bidirectional charging enables EV owners to send stored power back to their homes, businesses, and even a utility grid.

Congresswoman Julia Brownley announced the reintroduction of the Offshore Pipeline Safety Act, legislation to close dangerous oversight gaps and better protect coastal communities and marine ecosystems from the risks of aging and abandoned pipelines.

Congresswoman Julia Brownley announced the reintroduction of the Green Energy for Federal Buildings Act and the Green Federal Fleet Act to direct federal resources towards renewable energy initiatives at federal facilities, on federal lands, and in vehicle procurement.

Congresswoman Brownley and House Natural Resources Committee Democrats rejected House Republicans’ plan to sell off our lands, waters, and wildlife to fund tax cuts for billionaires in the Committee’s portion of the Republican reconciliation package.

Congresswoman Julia Brownley reintroduced the Renewable Energy Certificate Study Act, legislation that directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to evaluate how federal agencies use Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) and their efficacy in advancing our nation’s clean energy goals.

Congresswoman Julia Brownley announced the reintroduction of the Methane Border Adjustment Mechanism Act, which would impose a tax on methane emissions from foreign oil and natural gas producers.

Federal and local officials cheered the new grant in a Wednesday press release. U.S. Rep. Julia Brownley, who helped procure the funding, lauded the port’s “innovative sustainability efforts.”

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).

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 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.

Researchers say EV’s could be made so they not only get charged through the grid, but they have the ability to feed electricity back. Vehicles would have to be modified to feed electricity back into the system. It’s called bidirectional electric charging. Democratic Congresswoman Julia Brownley of Westlake Village is sponsoring a bill to help develop the technology.

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.