Oversight of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: Modal Perspectives
This is a hearing of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
Witnesses:- Carlos Monje, Undersecretary of Transportation for Policy, Office of the Secretary of Transportation, United States Department of Transportation
- Shailen Bhatt, Administrator, Federal Highway Administration, United States Department of Transportation
- Nuria Fernandez, Administrator Federal Transit Administration, United States Department of Transportation
- Robin Hutcheson, Administrator, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, United States Department of Transportation
- Ann Carlson, Acting Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, United States Department of Transportation
Mining Regulatory Clarity Act and Clean Energy Minerals Reform Act
- S. 1281, to amend the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 to provide for security of tenure for use of mining claims for ancillary activities (Cortez Masto, “Mining Regulatory Clarity Act of 2023”);
- S. 1742, to modify the requirements applicable to locatable minerals on public domain land (Heinrich, “Clean Energy Minerals Reform Act of 2023”).
- Dr. Steve Feldgus, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals Management, U.S. Department of the Interior
- Troy Heithecker, Associate Deputy Chief,, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
- Rich Haddock, Senior Advisor, Barrick Gold Corporation
- Chris Wood, President and CEO, Trout Unlimited
- Katie Sweeney, Executive Vice President and COO, National Mining Association
Lower Snake River Hydropower Dams
On Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at 2:00 p.m., in room 1324 Longworth House Office Building, the Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries will hold an oversight hearing titled “Left in the Dark: Examining the Biden Administration’s Efforts to Eliminate the Pacific Northwest’s Clean Energy Production.”
Witnesses:- Richard Spinrad, Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere & NOAA Administrator, U.S. Department of Commerce [Invited]
- Brenda Mallory, Chair, Council on Environmental Quality [Invited]
- John Hairston, Administrator & CEO, Bonneville Power Administration [Invited]
- Scott Simms, CEO & Executive Director, Public Power Council, Portland, OR
- Neil Maunu, Executive Director, Pacific Northwest Waterways Association, Portland, OR
- Humaira Falkenberg, Power Resources Manager, Pacific County PUD, Raymond, WA
- Lindsay Slater, VP of Government Relations, Trout Unlimited [Minority Witness]
On June 26, 2023, the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries held an oversight field hearing on the lower Snake River dams in Richland, Washington.
Fossil-Fuel, Geothermal, and Oil and Gas Lease Fee Bills
On Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at 10:30 a.m., in room 1334 Longworth House Office Building, the Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources will hold a legislative hearing on the following bills:
- H.R. 5482 (Rep. Hageman), “Energy Poverty Prevention and Accountability Act of 2023”;
- H.R. 6474 (Rep. Steel), To amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to expedite geothermal exploration and development in previously studied or developed areas; and
- H.R. 6481 (Rep. Hageman), To amend the Mineral Leasing Act to require the Secretary of the Interior to reimburse the fee for an expression of interest if the expression of interest becomes inactive, and for other purposes.
Witnesses:
Panel I (Bill Sponsors):- Harriet Hageman, Representative, Wyoming’s at large Congressional District [H.R. 5482, and H.R. 6481]
- Michelle Steel, Representative, California’s 45th Congressional District [H.R. 6474]
- Bryant Jones, Executive Director, Geothermal Rising [H.R. 6474]
- Kathleen Sgamma, President, Western Energy Alliance [H.R. 6481]
- Dr. J. Mijin Cha, Assistant Professor, University of California [Minority Witness] [H.R. 5482]
- Derek Hollie, Founder, Energy Poverty Prevention Project [H.R. 5482]
- Commissions GAO to identify and report on the barriers faced by at-risk communities in accessing reliable and affordable energy.
- Requires the OMB to review energy related regulations to determine if they would substantially burden at-risk communities.
- Requires GAO and OMB to issue a joint report to Congress on their findings along with recommendations on how to reduce energy poverty in at-risk communities.
- Requires the CBO to include in any energy related bill or resolution an estimate of costs to at-risk communities.
- Forces agencies to conduct studies prior to issuing a withdrawal of federal lands, taking action to delay or deny fossil-fuel leases or permits, or declaring a moratorium on fossil-fuel production that demonstrates the action in question will not increase energy poverty.
- Requires all agencies include an “Energy Poverty Statement” on the first page of each rulemaking detailing how the rule will not create energy poverty in at-risk communities.
- Does not mention the harms of pollution.
- Does not mention energy efficiency.
- Amends Section 390 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 by adding geothermal exploration and development to the categorical exclusions authorized by that section.
- Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to require the Secretary of the Interior to reimburse EOI submitters if the acreage in the EOI is not offered and the EOI is cancelled.
- Ensures that EOIs remain active for a period of at least 5 years.
Space Mining: The Mineral Supply Chain and the New Space Race
On Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at 10:15 a.m., in room 1324 Longworth House Office Building, the Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations will hold an oversight hearing titled “The Mineral Supply Chain and the New Space Race.”
Witnesses:- Eric Sundby, Co-Founder & CEO of TerraSpace, Executive Director of the Space Force Association
- Dr. Greg Autry, Director and Clinical Professor, Space Leadership, Policy, and Business, Thunderbird School of Global Management, Arizona State University
- Dr. Moses P. Milazzo, Owner of Other Orb, Chief Scientist for NASA’s Planetary Data Ecosystem [Minority Witness]
- Michelle Hanlon, Executive Director, Center for Air and Space Law, The University of Mississippi School of Law
Communities in Crisis: What Happens When Disaster Recovery Funds are Delayed
Subcommittee hearing.
Chair Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii)
Witnesses:- Shaun Donovan, CEO and President, Enterprise Community Partners
- Jennifer Gray Thompson, Founder and CEO, After the Fire USA
- Ran Reinhard, Director of Operations, South Carolina Office of Resilience
Strengthening Energy Sanctions on Russia, Iran, and Venezuela
On Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. in Room 2128 of the Rayburn House Office Building, the National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions Subcommittee of the Financial Services Committee will hold a hearing titled “Restricting RogueState Revenue: Strengthening Energy Sanctions on Russia, Iran, and Venezuela.”
Witnesses- Marshall Billingslea, Senior Fellow, Hudson Institute
- Dr. Anna Mikulska, Senior Fellow, Kleiman Center for Energy Policy at University of Pennsylvania (Russia)
- Dr. Ryan Berg, Director, Americas Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies (Venezuela)
- Claire Jungman, Chief of Staff, United Against Nuclear Iran (Iran)
- Adam Smith, Partner, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
- H.R. 6605, the “Stop Terrorism and Illicit Finance Location Exploitation (STIFLE) Act of 2023”
- H.R. ___, “Countering Cyber Crimes Act of 2023”
- H.R. 6588, the “International Financial Institution Counter Terrorism Accountability Act”
- H.R. 6589, the “Prevent the Financing of Terrorism through the Drug Trade Act”
- H.R. ___, the “Strengthening Financial Crimes Enforcement Act”
Direct Pay and the IRA: Leveraging Federal Funds to Build Publicly-Owned Clean Energy in States
Join the Congressional Progressive Caucus Center and State Innovation Exchange on Thursday, Dec 7th at 3 pm ET for “Direct Pay and the IRA: Leveraging Federal Funds to Build Publicly-Owned Clean Energy in States.” Panelists will dive into how state lawmakers can help communities seize this opportunity, which you can also learn more about in the CPCC and SiX’s newest guide A State Legislator’s Guide to Direct Pay: Building Jobs & Sustainable Public Energy.
In 2024, state policymakers have a historic chance to jumpstart clean, publicly owned energy and good green jobs. For the first time ever, the federal government will pay tax-exempt entities like state governments, houses of worship, schools, hospitals, public housing administrators, public utilities and community organizations to build renewable energy projects like solar, wind, or electric vehicle charging stations through the Direct Pay program in the Inflation Reduction Act. This is an unprecedented opportunity to build sustainable energy infrastructure, clean up our air and water and create good green jobs. Co-hosted by the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) and the Congressional Progressive Caucus Center (CPCC), this briefing will show state champions how they can bring Direct Pay to their communities.
Our panel of experts includes:- Special guest Rep. Abraham Aiyash, Majority Floor Leader, Michigan House of Representatives
- Anthony Gad, National Director of Research, State Innovation Exchange
- Katie Thomas, Energy and Environment Program Director, Congressional Progressive Caucus Center
- Harley Stokes, Senior Policy Advisor, BlueGreen Alliance
- Zachary Lou, Coalition Manager, California Green New Deal Coalition
The COP28 Climate Hub at American University
We Don’t Have Time, the Center for Environment, Community, & Equity, and the School of International Service are proud to present a day of the COP28 Climate Hub at American University.
Join us on December 7 as we delve into a series of panels tackling pressing issues such as Climate Activism, A Career in Climate?, Media – Fighting or Fueling the Climate Crisis?, A Just Energy Transition, COP28 – View from the Ambassadors, and more.
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with policymakers, climate activists, journalists, and academic experts as they discuss the critical path to ensuring a just and equitable climate transition. Discover the key highlights and takeaways from COP28 and explore whether the commitments needed to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 will be met.
Schedule
12:00 PM EST / 21:00 GST — Opening Remarks
Join Shannon Hader, Dean, School of International Service, and Thomas Snitch, Chairman, US Advisory Board, We Don’t Have Time, as they set the stage for Day 7 of The COP28 Climate Hub – Live from American University!
12:10 PM EST / 21:10 GST — Ambassadors Up-Close: COP28 Reflections
Join us for an insightful panel discussion featuring distinguished guests—the Ambassador of the Bahamas to the United States and the Ambassador of Thailand to the United States. Together, they bring unique insights and diplomatic perspectives to the forefront of the global conversation on climate change at COP28.
Speakers:
- Thomas Snitch (Moderator), Chairman, US Advisory Board, We Don’t Have Time
- Wendall K. Jones, Ambassador of The Bahamas to the United States of America
- Tanee Sangrat, Ambassador of Thailand to the United States of America
12:40 PM EST / 21:40 GST — The Power of Storytelling
Join our panel of experts as they discuss the pivotal role storytelling plays in amplifying awareness, cultivating empathy, and driving positive environmental action. Discover how compelling narratives have the power to connect diverse perspectives, inspire collective responsibility, and serve as catalysts for meaningful change.
Speakers:- Anne Therese Gennari, Speaker, Author and Founder, The Climate Optimist
- Brittany Bell Surratt, Senior Director of Storytelling & Communications, Hip Hop Caucus
- Brooke Betts, Vice President, Climate Culture, Rare
1:05 PM EST / 22:05 GST — Climate Litigation
Join esteemed environmental law experts William Snape and Steven Donziger in a thought-provoking conversation on climate litigation. Explore the legal frontiers of climate change, as these seasoned attorneys share insights on groundbreaking cases, the evolving role of the judiciary in addressing environmental challenges, and the intersection of law and activism.
Speakers:
- Steven Donziger, Human rights lawyer, Donziger & Associates
- William Snape, Professor, Assistant Dean, and Director of the AU WCL Program on Environmental and Energy Law (PEEL)
- Jillian Mayer, Student, 3L J.D. Candidate, Washington College of Law (Moderator)
1:30 PM EST / 22:30 GST — Research Spotlight on Climate Activism
Dana R Fisher will talk about the role that climate activism is playing and will continue to play in the struggle to achieve sufficient climate action. Her comments will build on the findings from her new book, Saving Ourselves: from Climate Shocks to Climate Action (Columbia University Press, 2024).
1:35 PM EST / 22:35 GST — Climate Activism
This panel will feature a discussion among leaders of climate activist groups about how they mobilize supporters and that tactics they choose to employ to encourage climate action.
Speakers:
- Dana R Fisher, Director, Center for Environment, Community and Equity, American University
- John Paul Mejia, National Spokesperson,Sunrise Movement
- Elizabeth Finn, Co-facilitator,Third Act Virginia
- Michael Greenberg, Founder, Climate Defiance
2:10 PM EST / 23:10 GST — Climate Optimism
Listen to Anne Therese Gennari on Climate Optimism!
2:15 PM EST / 23:15 GST — A Career in Climate?
This panel features a discussion about the growing diversity of careers in climate. It brings together notable AU alumni along with faculty working to train the next generation of climate workers.
Speakers:
- Shannon Hader (Moderator), Dean, School of International Service, American University
- Julie Anderson, Associate Program Director – Masters of Science in Sustainability Management, American University
- Tyler Steinhardt, Chief Strategy Officer, Vocal Media
- Brianna Weck, Grants and Finance Specialist, The High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People
2:50 PM EST / 23:50 GST: Research Spotlight on Food Waste
If wasted and unused food were a country, it would be the third biggest emitter of carbon dioxide after China and the US. Tackling the problem of wasted food serves the dual purpose of making sure all people have the food they need and reducing the amount of carbon we release into the atmosphere. Matt Hartings will talk about the multidisciplinary efforts of the NSF sponsored RECIPES Network in building sustainable solutions to the issue of wasted food.
2:55 PM EST / 23:55 GST — Economic Efforts to Tackling the Climate Crisis
Join us for a stimulating conversation about the intersection of economics and sustainability and the potential for harnessing economic forces to help us tackle the climate crisis! Our panel of thought leaders will discuss green finance, circular economy practices, and sustainable business initiatives. Let’s explore how we can use economic tools as powerful allies in our worldwide effort to address and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Speakers:
- Anne Therese Gennari (Moderator), Speaker, Author and Founder, The Climate Optimist
- Pushpam Kumar, Senior Economic Advisor, United Nations Environment Programme
- Jetta Wong, Senior Advisor on Climate to the Administrator, GSA
- Gaya Herrington, Vice President Sustainability Research, Schneider Electric
3:25 PM EST / 00:25 GST — Research Spotlight on Climate Narratives and Media
Ros Donald will talk about the ways in which media depictions of climate change can challenge or reinforce climate inaction and inequality. Drawing on her research, she will explore how emphasizing diverse climate narratives and centring the local can foster the creation of more engaging, just, and effective climate media.
3:30 PM EST / 00:30 GST — Media – Fighting or Fueling the Climate Crisis?
Join us for an exciting exploration of media’s power to both spur and hinder climate progress. Learn from journalists and experts about the impact of media in forming public opinion and influencing climate action.
Speakers:
- Rebecca Leber, Senior Reporter, Vox
- Emily Atkin, Editor-in-Chief, HEATED
- Ros Donald, Assistant Professor, Climate Change, Environmental Justice, Media, and Communication, American University
4:00 PM EST / 01:00 GST — A Just Energy Transition
This panel will delve into the critical intersection of energy transition and social equity. Join us as we explore how to foster a transition to sustainable energy that not only combats climate change but also upholds principles of justice, inclusivity, and fairness.
Speakers:
- Anne Therese Gennari (moderator), Speaker, Author and Founder, The Climate Optimist
- Ebony Twilley Martin, Executive Director, Greenpeace USA
- Phil Kangas, Director of Outreach and Business Development, U.S. Department of Energy, Loan Programs Office
- Ryan Norman, Senior Policy Advisor, Third Way
4:35 PM EST / 01:35 GST — Closing Remarks
Vicky Wilkins, Acting Provost and Chief Academic Officer, American University, gives us her reflections from Day 7 of the COP28 Climate Hub.
Nomination of Kurt Campbell to be Deputy Secretary of State
- Kurt Campbell to be Deputy Secretary of State
His nomination was announced November 1.
Kurt Campbell currently serves as Deputy Assistant to the President and Coordinator for Indo-Pacific Affairs on the National Security Council since January 20, 2021. He was previously founding Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Asia Group, LLC, a strategic advisory and capital management group. From 2009 to 2013, Campbell served as the Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs. Earlier, he was the CEO and Co-Founder of the Center for a New American Security and concurrently served as the Director of the Aspen Strategy Group and Chairman of the Editorial Board of the Washington Quarterly. Among the other positions he has held during his distinguished career, Campbell served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Affairs, White House Fellow at the Treasury Department, and as Director of the Democracy Office at the National Security Council during the Clinton Administration. Campbell was an Associate Professor of Public Policy at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and served in the US Navy Reserves. He is the author or editor of ten books including The Pivot: The Future of American Statecraft in Asia, Difficult Transitions: Why Presidents Fail in Foreign Policy at the Outset of Power and Hard Power: The New Politics of National Security. He received his B.A. from the University of California, San Diego and his Doctorate in international relations from Brasenose College at Oxford University where he was a Distinguished Marshall Scholar. Campbell is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Secretary of State’s Distinguished Service Award.