By Daniel Bresette | President
Frankly, the headlines about the new Congress so far have not exactly inspired confidence in its ability to take further actions on climate.
What do you think about the goings-on in Washington? Let me know: dbresette@eesi.org.
One way or another, Congress still has work to do: appropriations, oversight of the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, and, of course, the Farm Bill. You are helping equip policymakers with the nonpartisan, science-based information we know they need—and this is important—before they even know they need it.
We have met with Congressional staff in more than 80 offices across the political spectrum. We are not bringing them any “asks” to consider. Our goals are just to (re)introduce ourselves, share an overview of our upcoming briefings, and hear feedback about information gaps they need addressed.
We are making many new friends, getting lots of ideas, and finding an impressively receptive audience for our resources.
The Farm Bill has been a major topic of our discussions. I do not have a crystal ball, but I sense real—if tempered—optimism about the potential for the two parties to work together.
Congress is gearing up to renew U.S. agriculture and nutrition programs in legislation known as the "Farm Bill" as early as later this year. You are helping EESI provide resources to Congressional staff to aid them in identifying climate, environmental, and clean energy opportunities across the massive bill. This includes forestry, conservation, rural development, research and development, and energy efficiency. Our Farm Bill resources include articles, hearing trackers, and a briefing series happening now. Soon, we will release side-by-side comparisons of the House and Senate versions of key environmental provisions for the new Farm Bill.
One of our briefings will focus on mitigation and adaptation "win-wins," like agroforestry, cover crops, and no-till farming. Many other agricultural practices that we might call “sustainable” today actually date back generations, and often to Indigenous farmers.
Thanks for making possible a wide range of Farm Bill educational resources. These materials are proving to be a big hit with Congressional staff in Republican and Democratic offices, especially those newer to climate and agriculture issues.
As we finish celebrating Earth Month, thanks for your continued commitment to climate solutions. You are essential in the crucial work to create a sustainable, resilient, and equitable world, no matter who controls Congress.
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