This week in climate policy

Wednesday, March 20: The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works will hold a hearing about the Environmental Protection Agency’s recently proposed designation of PFAS chemicals as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act. PFAS do not break down easily, leading to pollution in soils and groundwater, eventually accumulating in wildlife. Hearing witnesses include Kate R. Bowers, legislative attorney at the American Law Division; James Kenney, secretary of the New Mexico Department of Environment; Scott Faber, senior vice president of government affairs for the Environmental Working Group; Michael D. Witt, general counsel for Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission; and Robert Fox, partner at Manko Gold Katcher Fox, LLP. 

Wednesday, March 20: The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development will hold a hearing for the Department of Energy’s 2025 budget request. Specific budget requests include the Loan Programs Office (LPO) request for $27.5 million toward the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program and $55 million for the Title 17 Clean Energy Financing Program. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm will attend as a witness.

Wednesday, March 20: The Senate Budget Committee will hold a hearing titled “Recreation at Risk: The Nature of Climate Costs.” The World Economic Forum estimates that the global cost of climate change will total between $1.7 trillion and $3.1 trillion per year by 2050. Witnesses will include Theresa McKenney, director of sustainability and government affairs at NEMO Equipment; Hilary Hutcheson, Outfitter; and Gus Schumacher, a U.S. Olympian cross-country skier.

Wednesday, March 20: The House Natural Resources Committee will hold a legislative hearing on multiple bills, including HR 6547, “Colorado Energy Prosperity Act,” HR 7006, to prohibit natural asset companies from entering into any agreement with respect to land in Utah or natural assets on or in such land; and HR 6085, to prohibit the implementation of the Draft Resource Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement for the Rock Springs RMP Revision, Wyoming.

Thursday, March 21: The Business Council for Sustainable Energy and the Environmental and Energy Study Institute will host a briefing to examine the 12th edition of the Sustainable Energy in America Factbook. The factbook provides comprehensive data regarding U.S. clean energy usage and implementation, along with an in-depth look at the current status of U.S. microgrids, offshore wind development and more. The panelists will dive into the tangible impact of the clean energy transition on U.S. supply chains and permitting processes.