April 18
This week in MORE POWER:
Fracking Fight
Polluter Penalties
Climate Funding Cuts
Green Farming
Protecting Climate Defenders
Congress is in recess and the weather is heating up, so we are bringing you a special edition on bills that could have a big impact on the climate.
Fracking Fight
In early February, The House passed H.R. 26, The Protecting American Energy Production Act, in a 226-188 vote. The bill would stop the president from banning fracking, a method used to extract oil and gas, without Congress's approval. Supporters believe fracking plays a crucial role in America’s energy future. It accounts for two-thirds of the natural gas produced in the United States and half of the nation’s oil. Opponents believe it’s extremely dangerous and warn it could harm the environment, causing earthquakes, contaminating drinking water, and creating air pollution which leads to poor public health outcomes. It goes to the Senate next for review.
Polluter Penalties
Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) introduced H.R. 1135, The Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act, in February. The bill would require major fossil fuel companies, such as oil and gas giants, to help cover the cost of the climate damage caused by their past pollution. Companies would pay a fee based on how much greenhouse gas emissions they produced between 2000 and 2022. That money would go into a special fund which would support climate change solutions. Supporters say it’s a fair way to make polluters take responsibility, rather than putting the burden on taxpayers or future generations. Opponents argue it could hurt businesses or raise energy prices, and say it's unfair to penalize companies for actions that were legal at the time. The bill is currently under review by the House.
Climate Funding Cuts
In February, The House introduced H.R. 1066, The Ending Green Giveaways Act, which seeks to cut off block grants, a type of environmental funding that helps communities deal with pollution, climate change and other local challenges. These grants give communities flexibility to address their own environmental needs. If passed, many communities, especially those hit hardest by pollution or climate risks, could lose access to this financial support. Supporters of the bill say it aims to prevent wasteful spending or political favoritism in how the grants are distributed. Opponents argue it would hurt vulnerable communities, slow climate progress and remove resources that help people live in safer, cleaner environments.
Green Farming
In March, Rep. Julia Brownley (D-Calif.) introduced a bill that aims to make farming more climate-friendly. H.R. 1854, The Climate Agricultural Conservation Practices Act would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to enhance conservation programs to help fight climate change. Modernized conservation programs, such as cover-crops and no-till farming, would reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve carbon storage in soil and help farms become more resilient to extreme weather and climate-related impacts. Those in favor of the bill say it will make agriculture more sustainable, help cut emissions, and better prepare farms for climate extremes like droughts or floods. Critics worry it changes how current funding works, or shifts priorities too much toward climate rather than traditional conservation. This bill is with the House for review.
Protecting Climate Defenders
H.R. 2211, The Saving NOAA’s Workforce Act would stop layoffs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and keep its workforce strong enough to handle the weather and climate crises. From forecasting hurricanes to monitoring wildfires, NOAA helps protect lives and ecosystems, but cuts to its staff could put that work at risk. Lawmakers from Oregon have raised the alarm, pointing to the dangers of shrinking teams during wildfire season. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) introduced the bill in March, and it is now under review in the House.
Bills Congress Passed
Nothing, they’re in recess.
Nothing, they’re in recess.
Nothing.
What The President Signed Into Law
Nothing.
