Never Ending Emergencies – An Examination of the National Emergencies Act

Subcommittee hearing to examine the National Emergencies Act.

Witnesses:

  • Soren Dayton, Director of Governance, Niskanen Center
  • Satya Thallam, Policy Advisor, Arnold & Porter
  • Elizabeth Goitein, Senior Director, Liberty and National Security Program, Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law

The NEA establishes a framework to provide enhanced congressional oversight for measures taken in response to a national emergency declared by the President. It establishes procedures for declarations of national emergencies, requiring their publication and congressional notification of the measures to be invoked. Enacted in 1976 to rein in presidential emergency powers, the NEA provides a framework to apply whenever the President wishes to employ any “power or authority” granted by statute for use during a national emergency. The NEA further provides that a national emergency will end (1) automatically after one year unless the President publishes a notice of renewal in the Federal Register, (2) upon a presidential declaration ending the national emergency, or (3) if Congress enacts a joint resolution terminating the emergency (which would likely require the votes of two-thirds majorities in each house of Congress to override a presidential veto). Although one purpose of the NEA was to end perpetual states of emergency, the law does grant the President authority to renew an emergency declaration. There are currently dozens of national emergency declarations in effect, some of which have been renewed for decades. Almost all deal with economic sanctions with foreign countries.

House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
   Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Subcommittee
2167 Rayburn

05/24/2023 at 10:00AM

Forests, Wildfire, and Timber Sales Legislation

On Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at 2:00 p.m., in Room 1324 Longworth House Office Building, the Subcommittee on Federal Lands will hold a legislative hearing on the following bills:

  • H.R. 188 (Rep. McClintock), “Proven Forest Management Act of 2022”;
  • H.R. 934 (Rep. McClintock), To require the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out activities to suppress wildfires, and for other purposes;
  • H.R. 1450 (Rep. Fulcher), “Treating Tribes and Counties as Good Neighbors Act” for timber sales;
  • H.R. 1726 (Rep. Tokuda), “Continued Rapid Ohia Death Response Act of 2023” for tree fungal outbreak;
  • H.R. ___ (Rep. Moore of Utah), “FIRESHEDS Act”;
  • H.R. ___ (Rep. Issa), “Direct Hire to Fight Fires”;
  • H.R. ___ (Rep. Valadao), “Emergency Wildfire Fighting Technology Act of 2023”;
  • H.R. ___ (Rep. Harder), “Fire Department Repayment Act of 2023”; and
  • H.R. ___ (Rep. Neguse), “Forest Service Flexible Housing Partnerships Act of 2023”
House Natural Resources Committee
   Federal Lands Subcommittee
1324 Longworth

05/23/2023 at 02:00PM

Growing the Domestic Energy Sector Supply Chain and Manufacturing Base: Are Federal Efforts Working?

A subcommittee hearing to discuss the impact of federal programs and policies on the domestic energy sector supply chain.

Hearing memo

Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chair Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

Witnesses:

  • David Howell, Acting Director and Principal Deputy Director, Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (invited but declined)
  • Diana Furchtgott-Roth, Director, Center for Energy, Climate, and Environment, The Heritage Foundation, and Adjunct Professor, George Washington University
  • Jeremy Harrell, Chief Strategy Officer, ClearPath
  • Ellen Hughes-Cromwick, Senior Resident Fellow for Climate and Energy Program, Third Way
  • Kenny Stein, Vice President for Policy, Institute for Energy Research

The Subcommittee invited the MESC’s Acting Director David Howell to participate in the hearing, but the DOE refused, citing inadequate time to prepare testimony despite receiving notice of the request two weeks in advance. However, the DOE agreed to make Acting Director Howell available at a later date in June.

House Energy and Commerce Committee
   Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee
2322 Rayburn

05/23/2023 at 10:30AM

President’s FY 2024 Budget Proposal for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Power Marketing Administrations

On Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at 10:15 a.m., in Room 1324 Longworth House Office Building, the Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries will hold an oversight budget hearing titled “Examining the President’s FY 2024 Budget Proposal for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Power Marketing Administrations”.

Hearing memo

Witnesses:

Panel I

  • Camille Touton, Commissioner, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Department of the Interior
  • John Hairston, Administrator and CEO, Bonneville Power Administration, Department of Energy
  • Tracey LeBeau, Administrator and CEO, Western Area Power Administration
  • Mike Wech, Administrator, Southwestern Power Administration, Department of Energy
  • Virgil Hobbs, Administrator and CEO, Southeastern Power Administration

Panel II

  • Martha Williams, Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
  • Jainey Bavishi, Deputy Administrator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

$4.1 billion budget request for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The President’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 budget request for NOAA is $6.8 billion, a $407 million increase from the FY 2023 enacted level.1 The request seeks to build a climate-ready nation and ensure NOAA’s climate products and services are accessible and useful to all Americans. NOAA’s core mission and activities include weather forecasting, climate prediction, and management of fisheries, coastal and ocean resources, as well as cross-cutting research to support and advance these operational areas. NOAA carries out this mission through six major line offices:

  • National Ocean Service (NOS), responsible for mapping and charting coastal areas and providing other navigation support services.
  • National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), responsible for stewardship of living marine resources through the conservation, management, and promotion of healthy ecosystems.
  • Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), responsible for research in support of most NOAA missions including atmospheric, coastal, and oceanic sciences, climate and air quality research, ecosystem research, and fisheries and marine mammal research. National Weather Service (NWS), responsible for weather forecasts and warnings.
  • National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service (NESDIS), responsible for development and operation of satellites that monitor and transmit data for weather forecasting, climate prediction, space weather forecasting, and earth and ocean science research.
  • Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO), manages a variety of specialized ships and aircraft for collection of oceanographic, atmospheric, hydrographic, and fisheries data.

Bureau of Reclamation FY 2024 Budget: $1.4 billion

  • The budget proposal includes a $49 million request for the Lower Colorado River Operations Program, including $16.8 million to build on the work of Reclamation, Colorado River basin partners and stakeholders to implement drought contingency plans. It also includes $2.7 million for the Upper Colorado River Operations Program to support Drought Response Operations and $200.3 million to find long-term, comprehensive water supply solutions for farmers, families, and communities in California. The budget includes $62.9 million for the WaterSMART Program to support Reclamation’s collaboration with non-federal partners in efforts to address emerging water demands and water shortage issues in the West.
  • A request of $57.8 million advances the construction and continues the operations and maintenance of authorized rural water projects. The budget request also provides $35.5 million for the Native American Affairs Program, which provides technical support and assistance to tribal governments to develop and manage their water resources. 
  • The budget includes $210.2 million for the Dam Safety Program to effectively manage risks to the downstream public, of which $182.6 million is for modification actions. Another focus area for infrastructure is $105.3 million requested for extraordinary maintenance activities across Reclamation.
  • These funding amounts are included in the $1.3 billion budget request for Reclamation’s principal operating account (Water and Related Resources), which funds planning, construction, water conservation, efforts to address fish and wildlife habitat needs, and operation, maintenance and rehabilitation activities at Reclamation facilities.
  • Additionally, funding of $33 million is requested to implement the California Bay-Delta Program and address California’s current water supply and ecological challenges, while $48.5 million is for the Central Valley Project Restoration Fund to protect, restore, and enhance fish, wildlife, and associated habitats in California’s Central Valley and Trinity River Basins.
  • The request also provides $66.8 million for Policy and Administration to develop, evaluate, and directly implement Reclamation-wide policy, rules and regulation as well as other administrative functions.

There are four PMAs: The Bonneville Power Administration, the Western Area Power Administration, the Southwestern Power Administration, and the Southeastern Power Administration. Each PMA markets and delivers (via transmission lines) electricity generated at federal dams and reservoirs operated by Reclamation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps).

House Natural Resources Committee
   Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee
1324 Longworth

05/23/2023 at 10:15AM

U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency

Subcommittee hearing for the purpose of receiving testimony from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency.

Witnesses:

  • Terry Cosby, Chief, Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
  • Zach Ducheneaux, Administrator, Farm Service Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture
House Agriculture Committee
   Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology Subcommittee
1300 Longworth

05/23/2023 at 10:00AM

Markup of Environmental Permitting, Ocean Pollution, Disaster Relief, and other legislation

Full committee markup of the following legislation:

  • H.R. 3399, Soo Locks Security and Economic Reporting Act of 2023 | View Text
  • Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (ANS) to H.R. 1836, Ocean Shipping Reform Implementation Act of 2023 | View Text
  • Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (ANS) to H.R. 3395, U.S. Supply Chain Security Review Act of 2023 | View Text
  • Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (ANS) to H.R. 886, Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act | View Text
  • Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (ANS) to H.R. 2367, Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act | View Text
  • H.R. 3013, Licensing Individual Commercial Exam-takers Now Safely and Efficiently Act of 2023 (LICENSE Act of 2023) | View Text
  • H.R. 3318, To amend title 23, United States Code, to establish an axle weight tolerance for certain commercial motor vehicles transporting dry bulk goods, and for other purposes | View Text
  • H.R. 3408, Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy Safe Integrity Act of 2023 (DRIVE Safe Integrity Act) | View Text
  • H.R. 3316, To amend titles 46 and 49, United States Code, to streamline the environmental review process for major projects, and for other purposes | View Text
  • H.R. 3365, Supply Chain Improvement Act | View Text
  • Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (ANS) to H.R. 1500, Intelligent Transportation Integration Act | View Text
  • H.R. 915, Motor Carrier Safety Selection Standard Act | View Text
  • H.R. 3317, Rolling Stock Protection Act | View Text
  • H.R. 3372, To amend title 23, United States Code, to establish a safety data collection program for certain 6-axle vehicles, and for other purposes | View Text
  • H.R. 2948, Carrying Automobiles Responsibly and Safely (CARS) Act | View Text
  • H.R. 3447, To amend title 23, United States Code, to authorize a hydrogen powered vehicle to exceed certain weight limits on the Interstate Highway System, and for other purposes | View Text
  • Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (ANS) to H.R. 1796, Disaster Survivors Fairness Act of 2023 | View Text
  • H. Con. Res. 43, Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby | View Text

List of officially filed amendments

House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
2167 Rayburn

05/23/2023 at 10:00AM

Blocking EPA Tailpipe Pollution Rules

Rules Committee Hearing on H.R. 467, S.J. Res. 11, H.J. Res. 45.

  • S.J. Res. 11 – Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to “Control of Air Pollution From New Motor Vehicles: Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Standards”
House Rules Committee
H-313 Capitol

05/22/2023 at 04:00PM

Politico Energy Summit

Sponsored by fossil-fuel utility Southern Company and tar-sands and natural-gas pipeline company TC Energy.

A new world energy order is emerging and America’s place in it is at a critical juncture.

Join POLITICO for its first-ever energy summit to explore how the U.S. is positioning itself in a complicated energy future.

While the Biden administration pushes forward on the energy transition, global energy demand and prices along with geopolitical pressures continue to complicate what is already a tricky political path toward clean energy. What are the most viable policy and regulatory solutions available in Washington to advance the clean energy agenda?

Throughout the day, we will also explore any progress made on the ground with the infrastructure and climate packages intended to move the U.S. to a renewable energy economy through electric vehicle adoption, a Just Transition to support oil and gas workers moving into green sector jobs and Biden’s environmental justice proposals.

We will also dig into clean energy technologies and innovation, including wind energy, solar power, nuclear, and battery technologies, the electrification of the transportation sector, while acknowledging the larger political forces that will shape any policy wins. Finally, we’ll explore the latest developments in Washington in the battle to implement and enforce ESG standards to combat climate change.

The Schuyler

1001 14th Street NW

Washington, D.C. 20005

This program will also be available to watch on our virtual event platform provided the week of the event.

A light lunch will be served upon arrival, and a cocktail reception with light hors d’oeuvres will follow the program.

AGENDA

11:30 AM Doors Open & Lunch
12:00 PM Welcome Remarks
  • Sudeep Reddy, Senior Managing Editor, POLITICO
12:25 PM Executive Conversation
  • François Poirier, President and Chief Executive Officer, TC Energy
  • Goli Sheikholeslami, Chief Executive Officer, POLITICO Media Group
12:45 PM Regional Partnerships for Energy Security and Climate Action
  • Sharon Burke, Founder and President, Ecospherics & Former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Operational Energy
  • Christopher Sands, Director, Canada Institute, Wilson Center
Moderated by: Manuel Quiñones, Daily Editor, E&E News
1:10 PM A Conversation with Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham
  • Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, New Mexico
Moderated by: Gloria Gonzalez, Deputy Energy Editor, POLITICO
1:30 PM Innovating Our Way to Lower Emissions
  • John Delaney, Founder & CEO, Forbright Bank, Former U.S. Representative
  • Melanie Nakagawa, Chief Sustainability Officer, Microsoft
  • Jigar Shah, Director, Loan Programs Office, U.S. Department of Energy
  • Val Smith, Chief Sustainability Officer, Citi
Moderated by: Debra Kahn, Deputy Sustainability Editor, POLITICO
2:00 PM Networking Break
2:20 PM A Conversation with Heather Boushey, PhD
  • Heather Boushey, PhD, Member of the Council of Economic Advisers and Chief Economist for the Invest in America Cabinet at the White House

Moderated by: Emma Dumain, Reporter, E&E News

2:40 PM The Fight for Market Share as America’s Energy Mix Evolves
  • Chris Colbert, Chief Financial Officer, NuScale
  • Erin Duncan, Vice President of Congressional Affairs, Solar Energy Industries Association
  • Michael Goff, PhD, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Nuclear Energy, U.S. Department of Energy

Moderated by: Catherine Morehouse, Energy Reporter, POLITICO

3:10 PM A Conversation with Deputy United States Trade Representative Jayme White
  • Ambassador Jayme White, Deputy United States Trade Representative

Gavin Bade, Moderated by: Catherine Morehouse, Energy Reporter, POLITICO

3:30 PM Networking Break
4:00 PM A Conversation with Sen. Ed Markey
  • Sen. Ed Markey, Chair, Clean Air, Climate, & Nuclear Safety Subcommittee, Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works (D-MA)

Moderated by: Zack Colman, Climate & Energy Reporter, POLITICO

4:20 PM A Conversation with Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm
  • Secretary Jennifer Granholm, U.S. Department of Energy

Moderated by: Zack Colman, Climate & Energy Reporter, POLITICO

4:40 PM Editorial Roundtable
  • Zack Colman, Climate & Energy Reporter, POLITICO
  • Debra Kahn, Deputy Sustainability Editor, POLITICO
  • Greg Mott, Sustainability Editor, POLITICO
5:00 PM Reception
Politico
District of Columbia
05/18/2023 at 12:00PM

Tax Incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act: Jobs and Investment in Energy Communities

A full committee hearing to examine tax incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act, focusing on jobs and investment in energy communities.

Member Statements

  • Ron Wyden (D – Ore.)
  • Mike Crapo (R – Idaho)

Witnesses:

  • Katie Harris, Ph.D., Legislative Director, BlueGreen Alliance
  • Daniel Simmons, Principal, Simmons Energy and Environmental Strategies
  • Philip Rossetti, Resident Senior Fellow, Energy, R Street Institute
  • Patty Horvatich, Senior Vice President, Business Investment, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance
Senate Finance Committee
215 Dirksen

05/18/2023 at 10:15AM

May Open Meeting

FERC Open Meeting.

Commission Meeting Room (Room 2C) FERC Headquarters, 888 First St. N.E., Washington, D.C. 20426

Meeting agenda

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
District of Columbia
05/18/2023 at 10:00AM