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Author: WHCEQ  Staff     Published: 11/17/2023     White House Council on Environmental Quality 

This week, President Biden announced the release of the Fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA5). The NCA5, which assesses changes in the climate, its national and regional impacts, and options for reducing present and future risk, indicates that not only is every region of the country already experiencing the impacts of climate change, but ambitious climate action is underway in every region as well.

In coordination with the release of NCA5, President Biden announced more than $6 billion in investments to make communities across the country more resilient to the impacts of climate change, including by strengthening America’s aging electric grid infrastructure, reducing flood risk to communities, supporting land and water conservation efforts, and advancing environmental justice. The Administration is also releasing new resources to boost climate resilience efforts. See the Fact Sheet on Tuesday’s announcements in English here and in Spanish here.

As part of the investments announced in coordination with the release of the NCA5, the Biden-Harris Administration joined the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and public-and private-sector partners in announcing $141.3 million in grants through the America the Beautiful Challenge (ATBC). The 74 new grants announced today will support landscape-scale conservation projects across 46 states, three U.S. Territories, and 21 Tribal Nations, and will generate at least $12 million in matching contributions for a total conservation impact of more than $153 million.

On Wednesday, the Biden-Harris Administration celebrated the two-year anniversary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – a once-in-a-generation investment in America’s infrastructure and competitiveness. The Biden-Harris Administration has been breaking ground on projects to rebuild our roads and bridges, deliver clean and safe water, clean up legacy pollution, expand access to high-speed internet, make communities more resilient, and build a clean energy economy. Learn more here, check out updated state by state fact sheets here, and look here for an updated map showcasing the more than 40,000 projects and awards identified or now underway.

Also this week, the Biden-Harris Administration announced up to $3.9 billion available through the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program. The GRIP Program enhances grid flexibility and resilience against growing threats of extreme weather and climate change while supporting meaningful community and labor engagement, investing in the American workforce, and advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Learn more at the Grid Deployment Office website.

Yesterday, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael S. Regan announced the appointment of 16 members to the agency’s first-ever National Environmental Youth Advisory Council (NEYAC). The newly established federal advisory committee will provide independent policy advice and recommendations to Administrator Regan on how to increase the effectiveness of EPA’s efforts to address a range of environmental issues impacting youth. The council is the first ever at EPA to be exclusively occupied by young people, with all members between the ages of 16 and 29. View the NEYAC launch event recording here.

 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also announced the Get the Lead Out (GLO) Initiative that will help ensure safer drinking water for communities as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. Through the GLO Initiative, which is funded entirely by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and is in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor, EPA will partner with 200 underserved communities nationwide to provide the technical assistance they need to identify and remove lead service lines.

 

SPOTLIGHT: CEQ Chair Brenda Mallory Outlines Biden-Harris Administration’s Vision for Clean Water Post-Sackett v. EPA

CEQ Chair Brenda Mallory delivered a keynote address at the One Water Summit in Tucson, Arizona and laid out the Biden-Harris Administration’s vision for a national commitment to protect clean water. Her speech followed the U.S. Supreme Court’s disappointing decision in Sackett v. EPA earlier this year.

 

Referring to Sackett as “one of the largest judicial rollbacks of environmental protections in U.S. history,” Chair Mallory outlined three keys to bolstering clean water protections and shared how the Administration is working to fulfill President Biden’s belief that every person deserves access to clean water.

 

While in Arizona, Chair Mallory also visited the Sierra Vista Effluent Recharge Project, which is one of 74 projects receiving over $140 million in funding from the second round of America the Beautiful Challenge (AtBC) grant awards.

 

#ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

The Biden-Harris Administration announced $63.4 million in new investments as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda for water conservation, water efficiency, and protection of critical environmental resources in the Colorado River System. The investments, which will improve and protect the stability and sustainability of the Colorado River System now and into the future, are administered through the Lower Colorado River Basin System Conservation and Efficiency Program and funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, the largest climate investment in history.

DOE announced a new $1.3 billion commitment in three transmission lines crossing six states – Arizona, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Utah, and Vermont – to deliver affordable, reliable power to households across the country, creating more than 13,000 direct and indirect high-quality local jobs.

Additionally, to ensure that transmission buildout is done efficiently, DOE released the final National Transmission Needs Study, which provides insight into where the grid – and American communities – would benefit from increased transmission, by assessing current and anticipated future capacity constraints and congestion on the nation’s electric grid.

Also, this month EPA announced the launch of the Community, Equity & Resiliency initiative, a groundbreaking effort to help communities across the nation navigate EPA’s Inflation Reduction Act investments and other new funding opportunities made possible by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. To learn more about the effort, visit EPA’s new Community, Equity & Resiliency webpage.

 

GET INVOLVED!

Upcoming White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council Virtual Public Meeting

On Wednesday, December 6, the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council (WHEJAC) will convene a virtual public meeting, from approximately 2 pm to 7:45 p.m. ET. Registration for the meeting is available until the scheduled end time of the meeting. Registration to speak during the public comment period will close at 11:59 p.m. ET, on Wednesday, November 29. Further, the WHEJAC is interested in receiving public comments relevant to charges, topics, and questions currently under consideration, with written comments due by Wednesday, December 20. For more information, please reference this Federal Register Notice and the WHEJAC’s webpage.

Request for Information To Support the Development of a Federal Environmental Justice Science, Data, and Research Plan

The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) seeks information to assist in developing a coordinated Federal strategy to identify and address gaps in science, data, and research related to environmental justice. Information received through this RFI will inform the biennial Environmental Justice Science, Data, and Research Plan. Interested persons and organizations are invited to submit comments on or before December 12, 2023.

Keep reading for more environmental updates from the Biden-Harris Administration. If you were forwarded this email, or are not on our list yet, please sign up here.

 

RESOURCE HUB

Invest.gov: Interactive map showing the historic public and private sector investments President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is bringing to states and territories across America.

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Maps: Updated map reflecting the more than 20,000 projects and funding announced in communities across the United States.

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act Technical Assistance Guide: New guide highlighting programs that help communities navigate programs and resources that can help them deliver infrastructure, clean energy and climate resilience projects.

Inflation Reduction Act Guidebook: This guidebook provides an overview of the clean energy, climate mitigation and resilience, agriculture, and conservation-related tax incentives and investment programs in President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act.

Inflation Reduction Act Tribal Guidebook: Guidebook to the Inflation Reduction Act’s Clean Energy and Climate Investments in Indian Country, which provides clear descriptions of the law’s tax incentives and funding programs for which Tribes are eligible.

Direct Pay Through the Inflation Reduction Act: Find resources on the Inflation Reduction Act’s “elective pay” (often called “direct pay”) provisions, through which tax-exempt and governmental entities can take advantage of tax credits for building clean energy projects.

Inflation Reduction Act Open Funding Opportunities: See a list of funding opportunities that are open for application, the deadline for applying, and relevant links.

 

Grants.gov: Learn about current federal grant opportunities.

Cleanenergy.gov: A one-stop shop for Inflation Reduction Act policy updates.

DOE Interactive Map: Interactive tool showcasing where clean energy investments are occurring across the United States thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda

Energy Savings Hub | Department of Energy: Access resources made possible by President Biden’s Investing in America plan, which will help lower your energy costs, make your home safer and more comfortable, and help the planet.

Environmental Justice Scorecard: Find information about what federal agencies are doing to advance environmental justice in communities across America.

Department of Housing and Urban Development Funding Navigator: Find hundreds of available IRA, BIL and other programs across a range of federal agencies in these categories: Energy Efficiency and Renewables, Utility Scale Energy, Resiliency, Lead and Healthy Housing, Brownfield and Waste Management, Transportation, Broadband, Workforce Development and Environmental Justice. The Navigator provides current program status and type, with live links to the program and support that helps applicants learn where to apply based on audience.

 

NEWS CLIPS OF THE WEEK

The New York Times: The Toll of Climate Disasters Is Rising. But a U.S. Report Has Good News, Too.

E&E News: Biden: New climate report shows urgency of threat

The Washington Post: Wind and solar energy are booming in surprising places

The Hill: Biden Administration Announces 15 New Renewable Energy Projects on Public Lands

 

TWEETS OF THE WEEK

Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP):

Today’s National Climate Assessment makes clear that while the climate crisis impacts all Americans, it disproportionately harms communities of color, low-income individuals, and rural communities.

@POTUS and I will continue to take historic action to help communities prepare for and respond to the climate crisis while reducing emissions to achieve our climate goals.

The White House (@WhiteHouse):

Today, the Biden-Harris Administration released the Fifth National Climate Assessment and announced more than $6 billion to strengthen climate resilience – boosting our vision for a climate resilient nation.

EPA Administrator Michael Regan (@EPAMichaelRegan)

I’m honored to introduce the members of @EPA’s National Environmental Youth Advisory Council. This council ensures young people have a permanent seat at EPA’s table and a voice in the work we do. It’s a committee by young people, for young people.

https://www.teenvogue.com/story/the-epa-finally-recruited-young-people-for-climate-crisis-help

DOE Secretary Jennifer Granholm (@SecGranholm):

We’re delivering an equitable clean energy transition—one community at a time.

With $31M, we’re empowering states + local governments with the resources they need to implement projects for:

☀️Solar streetlights

?Zero-carbon building retrofits

?and more

https://energy.gov/articles/biden-harris-administration-announces-more-31-million-clean-energy-funding-19-states-and

 

RECENT BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCEMENTS

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $169 Million to Accelerate Electric Heat Pump Manufacturing as Part of Investing in America Agenda

As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced a historic $169 million for nine projects to accelerate electric heat pump manufacturing at 15 sites across the country. The selected projects are the first awards from DOE’s authorization, invoked by President Biden using emergency authority on the basis of climate change, to utilize the Defense Production Act (DPA) to increase domestic production of five key clean energy technologies, including electric heat pumps.

CEQ Chair Brenda Mallory Outlines Biden-⁠Harris Administration’s Vision for Clean Water Post-Sackett v. EPA

Today, White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Chair Brenda Mallory delivered a keynote address at the One Water Summit in Tucson, Arizona and laid out the Biden-Harris Administration’s vision for a national commitment to protect clean water. Her speech followed the U.S. Supreme Court’s disappointing decision in Sackett v. EPA earlier this year. Referring to Sackett as “one of the largest judicial rollbacks of environmental protections in U.S. history,” Chair Mallory outlined three keys to bolstering clean water protections and shared how the Administration is working to fulfill President Biden’s belief that every person deserves access to clean water.

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $3.5 Billion to Strengthen Domestic Battery Manufacturing

Today, two years after President Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced up to $3.5 billion from the Infrastructure Law to boost domestic production of advanced batteries and battery materials nationwide. As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the funding will create new, retrofitted, and expanded domestic facilities for battery-grade processed critical minerals, battery precursor materials, battery components, and cell and pack manufacturing, all of which are critical to supporting clean energy industries of the future, such as renewable energy and electric vehicles.

Biden-Harris Administration Announces More than $90 Million in Tribal Recycling Infrastructure Projects and Recycling Education and Outreach Grants

Today, in conjunction with America Recycles Day, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced 59 selectees to receive over $60 million in Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia, and 25 selectees to receive over $33 million in Recycling Education and Outreach (REO) grants. These grants, which are part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, a key pillar of Bidenomics, will expand recycling infrastructure and education for waste management systems across the country.

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $51 Million from Investing in America Agenda for Water Resources and Ecosystem Health

The Department of the Interior today announced $51 million from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda for 30 new Environmental Water Resource Projects in 11 states through the Bureau of Reclamation. The collaborative projects focus on water conservation, water management and restoration efforts that will result in significant benefits to ecosystem or watershed health.

President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda Provides $50 Million for Water and Energy Efficiency Projects

The Department of the Interior today announced the availability of up to $50 million for water conservation and efficiency projects as part of the President’s Investing in America agenda to enhance the resilience of the West to drought and climate change. Funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will boost the Bureau of Reclamation’s Water and Energy Efficiency Grants Program, which provides funding for projects that result in quantifiable water savings, implement renewable energy components, and support broader resilience and sustainability benefits. These projects conserve and use water more efficiently; increase the production of renewable energy; mitigate conflict risk in areas at a high risk of future water conflict; and accomplish other benefits that contribute to sustainability.

Biden-Harris Administration Invests $444 Million to Strengthen America’s Infrastructure for Permanent Safe Storage of Carbon Dioxide Pollution

As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced over $444 million to support sixteen selected projects across twelve states that will fight climate change by bolstering the nation’s carbon management industry. The projects, funded by the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will expand carbon dioxide (CO2) storage infrastructure needed to significantly and responsibly reduce CO2 emissions from industrial operations and power plants, as well as from legacy emissions in the atmosphere. Large-scale, responsible deployment of carbon management technologies is crucial to meeting the Administration’s ambitious climate goal of achieving a net-zero emissions economy by 2050.

Biden-Harris Administration Announces More than $31 Million in Clean Energy Funding to 19 States and Local Communities

In support of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the next 19 state and local governments to receive more than $31 million in formula grants through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program, funded by the President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and managed by DOE’s Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP). Funds will be deployed to advance crucial clean energy and infrastructure upgrades by state governments, local governments, and in Puerto Rican municipios.

FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Releases Fifth National Climate Assessment and Announces More Than $6 Billion to Strengthen Climate Resilience Across the Country

To equip Americans with the best available science and understanding of climate change impacts in the United States, President Biden is today announcing the release of the Fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA5). NCA5, which assesses changes in the climate, its national and regional impacts, and options for reducing present and future risk, indicates that not only is every region of the country already experiencing the impacts of climate change, but ambitious climate action is underway in every region as well.

Biden-Harris Administration, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Announce Over $140 Million in Grants from the America the Beautiful Challenge to Restore Lands and Waters

The Biden-Harris administration joined the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and public-and private-sector partners today in announcing $141.3 million in grants through the America the Beautiful Challenge (ATBC). The 74 new grants announced today will support landscape-scale conservation projects across 46 states, three U.S. Territories, and 21 Tribal Nations, and will generate at least $12 million in matching contributions for a total conservation impact of more than $153 million.

Biden-Harris Administration Agencies Sign Interagency Agreement to Address Wildfire Risk and Protect Communities from Smoke  

Today, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael S. Regan, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Mandy Cohen announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to further their joint work to protect communities from the impacts of wildfire smoke, while promoting land management practices that reduce the risk of large, severe fires.

 

Biden-Harris Administration Invests More than $1.2 Billion in Rural Cooperatives to Increase Economic Opportunity and Advance Equity in Rural America

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is investing more than $1.2 billion in loans and grants to spur economic development, catalyze rural prosperity and advance equity through rural cooperatives in 36 states and Puerto Rico. Last month, USDA celebrated its 59th annual National Cooperative Month and the vital role cooperatives play in helping people build bright futures in rural America.

 

Fact Sheet: Biden-Harris Administration Celebrates Historic Progress in Rebuilding America Ahead of Two-Year Anniversary of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

Two years ago, President Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – a once-in-a-generation investment in America’s infrastructure and competitiveness. Since then, the Biden-Harris Administration has been breaking ground on projects to rebuild our roads and bridges, deliver clean and safe water, clean up legacy pollution, expand access to high-speed internet, and build a clean energy economy.

Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Get the Lead Out Initiative to Accelerate Removal of Lead Service Lines nationwide as Part of Investing in America Agenda

Today in Washington, D.C., U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox announced the Get the Lead Out (GLO) Initiative that will help ensure safer drinking water for communities as part of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda. Through the GLO initiative, which is funded entirely by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and is in partnership with the Department of Labor, EPA will partner with 200 underserved communities nationwide to provide the technical assistance they need to identify and remove lead service lines.

 

Biden-Harris Administration Advances 15 Onshore Clean Energy Projects with Potential to Power Millions of Homes

During remarks at the Western Governors Association Winter Meeting today, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced that the Interior Department is advancing 15 onshore renewable energy projects across the West. The Bureau of Land Management is making progress across several states, including achieving full operational status for two solar and battery storage projects in California, permitting milestones for transmission lines proposed across Arizona, Nevada and Utah, next steps for geothermal energy development in Nevada, and progress on environmental reviews for seven solar projects proposed in Nevada and a solar and battery storage project in Arizona.

Biden-Harris Administration Announces Nearly $64 Million for New Water Conservation Agreements to Protect the Colorado River System

The Biden-Harris administration today announced $63.4 million in new investments as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda for water conservation, water efficiency, and protection of critical environmental resources in the Colorado River System. The investments, which will improve and protect the stability and sustainability of the Colorado River System now and into the future, are administered through the Lower Colorado River Basin System Conservation and Efficiency Program and funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, the largest climate investment in history.

DOE Announces up to $440 Million to Install Rooftop Solar and Batteries in Puerto Rico’s Most Vulnerable Communities

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced a slate of solar companies and nonprofits selected to install rooftop solar and battery storage systems for vulnerable households in Puerto Rico through the Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund (PR-ERF). The first tranche of PR-ERF funding, up to $440 million, will help lower energy bills for 30,000–40,000 single-family households in Puerto Rico, improve household energy resilience, and keep the lights on during extreme weather events.

EPA Launches New Community-based Initiative to Help People Access Unprecedented Resources for Local Climate and Environmental Justice Solutions

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the launch of the Community, Equity & Resiliency initiative, a groundbreaking effort to help communities across the nation navigate EPA’s Inflation Reduction Act investments and other new funding opportunities made possible by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. Through this new initiative, EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation and Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights will facilitate community-driven partnerships and provide a space for communities to learn, connect, and cultivate ideas on how to access the historic resources, especially in low-income and disadvantaged communities.

Biden-Harris Administration Announces State and Tribal Allocations for $48 Million Grant Program to Protect Groundwater Resources and Tackle Climate Change

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced grant allocations for states and Tribes to tap into over $48 million in funding through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to develop and implement Underground Injection Control (UIC) Class VI programs. This program is a key part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s goal to reach a net zero emissions economy by 2050, particularly for the industrial sector.

FACT SHEET: President Biden Announced Over $5 Billion to Support Rural Communities During Investing in Rural America Event Series

Today, President Biden will travel to Northfield, Minnesota to visit Dutch Creek Farms to lead his Administration’s Investing in Rural America Event Series and highlight investments from the Biden Administration in Rural America. During the visit, President Biden will announce over $5 billion in new investments from his Investing in America agenda – including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act – to advance rural prosperity, economic development, competition, and sustainability. President Biden will also discuss how Bidenomics and his Investing in America agenda are ensuring rural Americans do not have to leave their hometowns to find opportunity.

Biden-Harris Administration Approves Largest Offshore Wind Project in the Nation

The Biden-Harris administration today announced its approval of the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) commercial project – the fifth approval of a commercial-scale, offshore wind energy project under President Biden’s leadership. Today’s announcement supports the Administration’s goal of deploying 30 gigawatts of offshore wind energy capacity by 2030, following the approval of the Vineyard Wind 1, South Fork Wind, Ocean Wind 1, and Revolution Wind projects. When completed, these five projects will collectively add more than 5 gigawatts of clean, renewable energy to our nation’s grid, enough to power more than 1.75 million homes.

Fact Sheet: Biden-Harris Administration Announces Historic Investment to Bolster Nation’s Electric Grid Infrastructure, Cut Energy Costs for Families and Create Good-paying Jobs

This week, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the latest steps in efforts to protect the stability and sustainability of the Colorado River System and strengthen water security across the West. Leveraging historic investments from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the Administration will continue to partner with states and Tribes facing historic drought conditions and build a more sustainable and equitable future for communities across the country.

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $65 Million in Rural Water Funding from President’s Investing in America Agenda

As part of the Biden-Harris administration’s Investing in Rural America Event Series, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton traveled to Clovis, New Mexico today to announce $65 million for rural water projects in fiscal year 2024 through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. Investments through Reclamation will support six projects already under construction or in the planning phase in Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota and South Dakota, and follows $668 million previously announced for rural water projects from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $1.3 Billion to Build Out Nation’s Electric Transmission and Releases New Study Identifying Critical Grid Needs

As part of the President’s Investing in America agenda, a key pillar of Bidenomics, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced up to a $1.3 billion commitment in three transmission lines crossing six states. This historic commitment, made possible by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will advance transformative projects aimed at adding 3.5 gigawatts (GW) of additional grid capacity throughout the United States, equivalent to powering approximately 3 million homes, and creating more than 13,000 direct and indirect jobs.