Inside the Greenhouse is a monthly update on FCNL’s environmental advocacy and the emerging climate issues that impact our work.   

Republicans Aim to Increase Drilling on Federal Lands

On Jan. 27, the House passed the Strategic Production Response Act (H.R. 21), which would prevent the Department of Energy from using more oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve until the Biden administration presents a plan to increase the number of federal lands available for oil and gas drilling leases. All Republicans and one Democrat, Rep. Jared Golden (ME-2), voted in favor of the bill.

After the passage of several historic climate bills during the last session of Congress, this bill would represent a firm step backwards.

After the passage of several historic climate bills during the last session of Congress, this bill would represent a firm step backwards. Although unlikely to pass the Senate, it would open the door for the destruction of key habitats and introduce new pollution threats to adjacent communities.

Amid the devastating war in Ukraine and the global energy crisis, President Joe Biden repeatedly tapped the Strategic Petroleum Reserve last year. With the Strategic Production Response Act, Republicans aim to boost drilling efforts in an effort to bolster domestic energy security—a clear departure from the administration’s plans to boost renewable energy production through the Inflation Reduction Act (P.L. 117-169).

Administration Authorizes 20-Year Mining Ban in Minnesota Forest

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland signed a 20-year moratorium on leases for mining and geothermal energy exploration in Minnesota’s Superior National Forest. The Department of Interior decided on the suspension after conducting a scientific review and obtaining feedback from local and Native groups like the Chippewa tribes, which hold hunting and fishing rights in the area.

If the area were used for mining sulfide ore, as proposed by the Twin Metals Minnesota mining company, nearby water sources would be at high risk of contamination. The moratorium is a victory for frontline communities, who have historically been overburdened by harmful energy projects.

News and Updates

European Leaders Criticize Biden’s Flagship Climate Bill
At the World Economic Forum in Switzerland this month, European Union (EU) officials criticized provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act that incentivize the purchase of North American-made electric vehicles. European leaders fear that auto companies will move their production to North America to gain benefits posed by the bill. Talks between European and U.S. leaders, meant to increase transparency on the economic impacts of the energy transition, remain ongoing.

New Leadership in the House Natural Resources Committee
With Republicans controlling the House, Rep. Bruce Westerman (AR-04) assumed leadership of the Natural Resources Committee this month. The chairman’s priorities include energy infrastructure permitting reform, boosting critical mineral mining efforts, and increasing offshore oil and gas drilling under the Inflation Reduction Act. We will continue to work with new leadership as we advocate for the communities most vulnerable to environmental harm.

Manchin Restarts Permitting Reform Talks
In the 117th Congress, Sen. Joe Manchin (WV) authored legislation that would expedite permitting processes for fossil fuel projects. The legislation didn’t advance, but in this new session, Sen. Manchin has restarted talks to potentially craft bipartisan permitting legislation. Any permitting reform should boost green energy production and protect the health of vulnerable communities and the environment.  

What We’ve Been Reading

 

Staff: Jus Tavcar

Jus Tavcar

Interim Legislative Associate, Sustainable Energy and Environment (2022-2023)

Jus Tavcar is the interim legislative associate for sustainable energy and environment. In his work, Jus lobbies Congress to pass policies in favor of transitioning into a just green economy.

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