Legislative Activity House Narrowly Passes Two Partisan Rules Bills During “Energy Week” Last week, the House narrowly approved two partisan energy-related bills, H.R. 3826 (the “Electricity Security and Affordability Act”) and H.R. 2641 (the “Responsibly and Professionally Invigorating Development Act of 2013” or RAPID Act), as part of the House Republican Leadership’s thematic “energy week.” … Continue Reading
Executive Activity President’s Task Force To Meet on Climate Change The President’s Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience will meet for the first time on Tuesday, December 10. The Task Force is composed of 26 state, local and tribal officials and is charged with identifying ways to prepare communities for the impact of climate … Continue Reading
Regulatory Activity Secretary Jewell’s Order on Improving Mitigation Policies Department of Interior Secretary Jewell has issued an Order titled, “Improving Mitigation Policies and Practices of the Department of the Interior.” The Order is intended to establish a department-wide strategy to ensure “consistency and efficiency in the review and permitting of infrastructure development projects” and at … Continue Reading
Executive Branch Activity Executive Order — Preparing the United States for the Impacts of Climate Change On Friday, President Obama issued an Executive Order intended to help states and local communities address the impacts of severe weather resulting from climate change. The Order addresses the potential for incentives to local communities to make investments to … Continue Reading
Legislative Activity House Passes Water Resources Reform and Development Act Last week, the House passed its Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA), which provides federal funding for water and water-related infrastructure projects. The Senate passed its Water Resources and Development Act legislation in March. A conference committee will now be appointed to work out … Continue Reading
Legislative Activity This Week’s Hearings: Tuesday, October 1: The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources will hold a full committee hearing titled “Transboundary Hydrocarbon Agreement.” The committee will consider two bills: S. 812, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to implement the agreement between the United States and Mexico regarding transboundary hydrocarbon reservoirs … Continue Reading