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Lawmakers clash over environmental regulations in stalled farm bill
The U.S. farm bill's progress is hindered by disputes over environmental rules, especially climate-related measures, delaying crucial funds for agriculture and climate initiatives.
In short:
- The farm bill, essential for agricultural and nutrition policy, is stalled due to partisan disagreements on climate regulations and funding.
- Disputes center on the use of $18 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act for climate-related agricultural programs, with Republicans and Democrats divided on its allocation.
- The bill, costing an estimated $1.5 trillion, also faces hurdles over the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which accounts for 80% of its budget.
Key quote:
"It was not written to be used as a serious bill. It was written to be used as a campaign slogan."
— David Scott, ranking member of the House Committee on Agriculture
Why this matters:
The farm bill affects food security, climate resilience, and the agricultural economy. Delays in its passage risk losing significant funds for climate-smart agriculture, impacting farmers and the fight against climate change.
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Credit: Kristina Blokhin/Big Stock Photo
EPA accelerates support for marginalized communities
With the end of President Biden's first term approaching, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency intensifies its efforts to deliver environmental justice to historically marginalized communities.
In short:
- The EPA is focusing on "ground-truthing" to understand and address pollution impacts in low-income, predominantly minority communities.
- Initiatives include funding for urban greening and addressing environmental justice challenges as part of the Justice40 Initiative.
- The agency's efforts are part of a broader commitment to rectify historic injustices and improve health outcomes in disadvantaged areas.
Key quote:
"We have to make sure that funds are going to places that need them the most in the last year of the Biden administration’s first term."
— Adam Ortiz, EPA administrator for the Mid-Atlantic region
Why this matters:
The EPA's proactive approach in aiding disinvested communities is aimed at addressing long-standing environmental injustices.
In christening a new office of environmental justice, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan proclaimed in 2022 that “underserved and overburdened communities are at the forefront of our work.”
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Image by Paul Brennan from Pixabay
Electric vehicle charging legislation is urgent in Wisconsin, with federal funds at stake
Wisconsin will lose out on millions of federal dollars for electric vehicle charging infrastructure if the state does not pass legislation to allow stores or other owners of EV chargers to bill drivers for the amount of electricity they get when they plug in.
Photo by Isabel Piñeiro on Unsplash
Trudeau’s plan to fight climate change: A reality check
The federal government failed to spend billions of dollars it pledged on a host of climate change initiatives in recent years, raising questions about one of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s core policy commitments and the massive funding publicly devoted to it.
Newsletter
Flood-prone communities in Virginia may lose a lifeline if governor pulls state out of Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
Aside from capping power plant emissions, the RGGI program sustains a state fund that helps coastal towns cope with recurring storms and rising tides.
State eyes $300M haul from first-ever carbon emission auction
The state’s first-ever auction of pollution allowances generated roughly $300 million for programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat the effects of climate change in Washington.
EPA has a new climate fund. Who should control the money?
A $27 billion EPA fund meant to curb planet-warming emissions should be used to support climate projects in disadvantaged areas — and use an existing network of financiers to do so, say community development advocates and green groups.
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