Press Releases:

Opening Statement from Committee Hearing on Brownfields Reauthorization

September 28, 2022 - EPA

     On Wednesday, the Committee on Environment and Public Works held a hearing on the reauthorization of the EPA’s Brownfields Program, in which Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) highlighted in his opening statement the positive impacts of the program over time. Carper explained that the program has “proved to be an important source of help for communities forced to contend with the long-term impacts of hazardous waste and other types of contamination.” Accordingly, Carper advocated for ways to enhance the Brownfields program to meet evolving challenges in communities.

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $1 Million Investment for Watershed Restoration in Alaska

September 27, 2022 - BLM

     On Tuesday, The Bureau of Land Management awarded a $1 million grant to the Salcha-Delta Soil and Water Conservation District to assist in the restoration of mine lands. According to the press release, the BLM has partnered with the Salcha-Delta Soil and Water Conservation District since 2013, actively restoring river systems impacted by placer mining. This current round of funding, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will rehabilitate waterways in the Fortymile Wild and Scenic River system and the Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River system in the White Mountains National Recreation Area.

DOE Announces $24 Million to Advance Solar-Thermal and Industrial Decarbonization Technologies

September 27, 2022 - DOE

     On Tuesday, $24 million was awarded to ten research teams by the DOE to advance next-generation concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP) technologies. CSP technologies utilize the sun to generate heat for electricity production and industrial processing. The ten projects were awarded in two categories focused on CSP technologies: industrial decarbonization (five projects, $13.2 million), and Gen3 solid particle technologies (five projects, $10.7 million). In addition, the DOE released the “Heliostat Consortium Roadmap” and Request for Information highlighting upcoming key areas of interest. Potential departmental interests are automated operation and machine learning, metrology, automated manufacturing and installation, and secure wireless controls.

EV Charging Networks Expand Across U.S. Highways, covering 75,000 Miles Nationally

September 27, 2022 - USDOT 

     EV charging networks for all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have been approved. Now, these areas can be reimbursed for costs related to EV charging and can use their NEVI Formula funding for projects specific to the area served. Due to flexibility provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, State DOTs leveraged technical assistance available through the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, allowing the development of plans to take place prior to approval. Currently, the transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions nationally, but this initiative will be a key development towards achieving the administration’s goal of reducing emissions by 50% by 2030.

News Clippings:

The Potential of the CHIPS and Science Act for Rural America

September 29, 2022 - Brookings Institute

     On Thursday, the Brookings institute analyzed the extent to which the CHIPS and Science Act offers opportunities for distressed rural places, outlining the ways in which the provisions can help to transform rural economic identities and prospects. The analysis illustrates how these programs can positively impact the economic resilience in rural communities

Inflation Reduction Act Benefits: Good Paying Jobs and Revitalized U.S. Manufacturing

September 28, 2022 - Forbes

     On Wednesday, Forbes discussed how the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act will bolster U.S. manufacturing. The act will have monumental impacts on the health of the environment, as well as workforce development in various industries related to physical infrastructure. Financial incentives for renewable project developers will help accelerate clean energy manufacturing and reinvest in local communities.