Environment

in committee · United States · House Jan 10, 2025

HR 284: GLRI Act of 2025

This bill reauthorizes the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) through fiscal year 2031, providing $500 million annually for Great Lakes cleanup and restoration projects. It directly affects federal agencies (like the EPA), state governments, tribes, and environmental groups working on Great Lakes water quality, habitat restoration, and pollution prevention. The key provision extends existing funding levels for five additional years (2027-2031), ensuring continued support for projects addressing invasive species, toxic pollutants, and coastal wetlands restoration across the Great Lakes region. This is a funding authorization bill, not a policy change to the program's scope.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesReauthorizes $500M annual federal funding for Great Lakes cleanup, directly increasing budget allocation for environmental programs without tax changes.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill reauthorizes $500M annual funding for Great Lakes cleanup, restoration, and pollution prevention, directly advancing environmental protection and conservation efforts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Water Quality

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in committee · United States · House Oct 17, 2025

HRES 812: Condemning the United Nations and International Maritime Organization for proposing a global tax on shipping emissions, threatening United States sovereignty, trade, and economic interests.

HRES 812 is a non-binding House resolution condemning the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and United Nations for proposing a global tax on shipping emissions. It opposes the plan to require vessels to pay into a centralized international fund based on carbon emissions, arguing this would threaten U.S. sovereignty, raise costs for American exporters, and harm trade competitiveness. The resolution demands that U.S. representatives at the IMO vote against the proposal and asserts that no American shipping company can be taxed by international bodies without Congressional approval. It also calls for reciprocal measures against nations enforcing such a tax, though the resolution itself has no legal effect.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill explicitly opposes a proposed global tax on shipping emissions, arguing it threatens U.S. economic interests and sovereignty, directly opposing a tax measure.95% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill opposes a global shipping emissions tax, resisting an environmental regulation intended to reduce emissions and fund climate efforts, arguing it threatens U.S. sovereignty and trade.95% confidence ✗ TransportationOpposes TransportationBill explicitly opposes a global tax on shipping emissions, which would impact transportation sector operations and costs, aligning with 'oppose' stance against regulatory restrictions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change Ports

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passed · United States · House Mar 4, 2025

HRES 177: Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 42) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to "Energy Conservation Program for Appliance Standards: Certification Requirements, Labeling Requirements, and Enforcement Provisions for Certain Consumer Products and Commercial Equipment"; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 61) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Rubber Tire Manufacturing"; and providing for consideration of the joint resolution (S.J. Res. 11) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management relating to "Protection of Marine Archaeological Resources".

HRES 177 is a procedural resolution that sets the rules for the House to consider three separate disapproval resolutions. It enables debate and voting on H.J. Res. 42 (to disapprove a Department of Energy appliance energy efficiency rule), H.J. Res. 61 (to disapprove an EPA rule on tire manufacturing emissions), and S.J. Res. 11 (to disapprove a Bureau of Ocean Energy Management rule protecting marine archaeological resources). The resolution waives most procedural objections and limits debate to one hour per disapproval measure. It does not change any regulations itself but provides the process for Congress to potentially reject them.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyDisapproves DOE appliance energy efficiency rule (H.J. Res. 42), weakening mandatory conservation standards. Directly targets energy efficiency regulations, opposing strengthened conservation measures.90% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentEnables disapproval of three environmental regulations: energy efficiency standards, air pollution controls, and marine resource protections, weakening environmental safeguards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Conservation

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passed · United States · House Feb 25, 2025

HRES 161: Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 20) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to ‘‘Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters’’; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 35) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to ‘‘Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems: Procedures for Facilitating Compliance, Including Netting and Exemptions’’; and providing for consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 14) establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034.

HRES 161 is a procedural resolution that establishes rules for the House of Representatives to consider three specific measures: (1) a joint resolution disapproving an Energy Department rule on water heater efficiency standards, (2) a joint resolution disapproving an EPA rule on emissions charges for gas systems, and (3) a concurrent resolution setting the federal budget for fiscal year 2025 and future years. It waives procedural objections, sets time limits for debate (one hour each for the first two), and outlines the voting process for these items. This resolution itself does not change policy but enables Congress to vote on the underlying disapproval measures and budget resolution. It affects House members and the legislative process, not direct policy outcomes for the public or industries.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill enables disapproval of Energy Department efficiency standards for water heaters and EPA emissions rules, weakening energy efficiency and emissions regulations.95% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentEnables disapproval of EPA emissions rule and DOE water heater efficiency standards, directly weakening environmental regulations and pollution controls.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Oil & Gas Conservation

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in committee · United States · Senate Jan 7, 2025

S 25: Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act of 2025

The Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act of 2025 imposes a tax on fossil fuel companies based on their historical carbon emissions from 2000-2023. Companies that emitted more than 1 billion metric tons of CO2 during this period must pay a tax calculated as a proportion of a total $1 trillion tax amount, based on their excess emissions. The tax revenue will fund a new trust fund to support climate resilience projects, with at least 40% of funds directed to environmental justice communities (communities of color, low-income, and Tribal/Indigenous communities). Companies can pay the tax over 9 years in installments, and the bill explicitly states it doesn't affect existing legal claims against polluters or preempt state climate laws.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesImposes tax on fossil fuel companies to fund climate resilience projects, aligning with fiscal responsibility and funding essential environmental programs.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyTax on fossil fuel companies funds climate resilience projects with 40% to environmental justice communities, reducing fossil fuel reliance and advancing clean energy infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentTax on fossil fuel companies based on historical emissions funds climate resilience projects, with 40% directed to environmental justice communities, directly advancing climate action and pollution reduction.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Climate Change Environmental Justice

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signed · United States · House Jun 12, 2025

HJRES 89: Providing congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "California State Motor Vehicle and Engine and Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; The "Omnibus" Low NOX Regulation; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision".

HJRES 89 is a congressional disapproval resolution that blocks an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule concerning California's vehicle and engine pollution standards. The resolution specifically targets the EPA's "Omnibus Low NOX Regulation" and waiver of preemption, which would have allowed California to enforce stricter emissions rules. By disapproving this rule under Chapter 8 of Title 5 U.S. Code, Congress has nullified the EPA's action, meaning the regulation will have no legal effect. This directly affects the EPA's authority to approve California's state-level pollution control standards for motor vehicles.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBlocks EPA rule enabling California's stricter emissions standards, preventing stronger pollution controls and weakening environmental regulations.95% confidence ✗ TransportationOpposes TransportationBlocks EPA rule enabling California's stricter vehicle emissions standards, weakening federal transportation pollution regulations for engines and vehicles.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Air Quality Vehicle Registration

signed · United States · House May 23, 2025

HJRES 61: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Rubber Tire Manufacturing".

HJRES 61 is a congressional resolution that formally disapproves an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule setting new air pollution standards for rubber tire manufacturing. It directly affects tire manufacturers by blocking the EPA’s proposed rule (published November 29, 2024), which would have required them to meet specific limits on hazardous air pollutants. The resolution’s key mechanism is a formal congressional vote to nullify the rule, making it legally ineffective under Title 5, U.S. Code. This action stops the EPA rule from taking effect without creating new regulations.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill blocks EPA air pollution standards for rubber tire manufacturing, weakening environmental regulations on energy-intensive industrial emissions.90% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBlocks EPA rule requiring lower hazardous air pollutant limits for tire manufacturers, weakening environmental regulations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Air Quality

in committee · United States · Senate Feb 11, 2025

S 513: Help Our Kelp Act of 2025

S 513, the Help Our Kelp Act of 2025, creates a federal grant program to fund projects restoring and conserving kelp forest ecosystems. It directly affects eligible entities like fishing industry groups, tribal governments, nonprofits, and coastal local governments, which can apply for grants covering up to 85% of project costs. Key provisions require projects to address declining kelp forests through methods such as removing sea urchins, restoring natural food chains, integrating Indigenous knowledge, and monitoring ecosystems. The bill authorizes $5 million annually (2026-2030), with at least $750,000 reserved specifically for tribal-led projects.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates federal grant program funding kelp restoration projects, directly allocating government spending for environmental conservation.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates federal grants to restore kelp forests, directly conserving marine ecosystems through habitat restoration, sea urchin removal, and Indigenous knowledge integration.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Forestry Water Quality

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in committee · United States · House Apr 21, 2025

HR 2977: MRRRI Act

The MRRRI Act establishes a federal initiative to protect and restore the ecological health of the Mississippi River and its floodplain by creating a Mississippi River National Program Office within the Environmental Protection Agency. The program focuses on five key areas: improving water quality, enhancing community resilience to floods, protecting fish and wildlife habitat, preventing invasive species spread, and improving scientific monitoring. It will fund projects through grants to states, tribes, local governments, and organizations that address these focus areas, with specific requirements for Tribal involvement and environmental monitoring. The initiative requires the development of actionable goals, an action plan, and a science plan, and mandates regular reporting to Congress on progress.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates EPA office to protect Mississippi River ecosystem through water quality, habitat restoration, invasive species prevention, and federal grants for environmental projects.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation Water Quality

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in committee · United States · House Feb 26, 2025

HR 1594: Sustainable Aviation Fuel Act

The Sustainable Aviation Fuel Act establishes national goals for reducing aviation greenhouse gas emissions, aiming for a 35% reduction by 2035 and net zero by 2050 compared to 2005 levels. It creates a low-carbon fuel standard requiring a 20% reduction in carbon intensity by 2030 and 50% by 2050, with a credit system allowing producers of sustainable aviation fuel to generate credits for sale to those who don't meet the standard. The bill requires the Department of Defense to purchase at least 10% sustainable aviation fuel for military aircraft by 2025 if cost-competitive and produced domestically. It also provides funding for research through the FAA and Department of Energy, and extends tax credits for sustainable aviation fuel production through 2032.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergySets emissions reduction goals, mandates low-carbon fuel standard, creates credit system for sustainable aviation fuel producers - directly promotes renewable energy infrastructure and reduces fossil fuel dependence.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEstablishes emission reduction targets (35% by 2035, net zero by 2050) and mandates low-carbon fuel standards (20% by 2030, 50% by 2050), directly advancing environmental protection.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes sustainable aviation fuel standards and emissions goals, promoting sustainable transportation infrastructure within aviation sector.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change Conservation Airports

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