Biden Administration Completes Meetings on U.S.-China Climate Action: Last week, the Biden Administration's Working Group on Enhancing Climate Action, co-lead by John Podesta, was in Beijing to discuss implementation of each country's nationally determined contributions to reduce GHG emissions. Podesta acknowledged that “some differences” remain on how countries finance sustainability initiatives, and the trip ended without any major announcements.

Energy Department Awards $430 Billion in Hydropower Improvement Grants: Last Thursday, the U.S. Department of Energy announced nearly 300 award selectees for $430 million in incentive payments to upgrade and modernize their facilities. These hydroelectric power improvement projects are funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act -- eighty-four of the selected projects are aimed at increasing grid resiliency, 149 are dam safety projects, and 60 are environmental and recreational improvement projects.  

Senate Hopes for Progress on Interior and NRC Nominations During Work Period: This Wednesday, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will question Matthew Marzano, President Biden’s final nomination to join the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Interior Deputy Secretary nominee Shannon Estenoz could also get a Floor vote in the Senate this week.  

Biden Administration Weighing Federal Support for U.S. Critical Minerals Market: According to Energy Department sources, the Biden administration is considering using federal dollars to bolster U.S. critical minerals development projects being hammered by an influx of cheaper Chinese materials. Under a draft proposal, the Department of Energy could set a price floor and agree to pay the difference for critical minerals produced by certain U.S. projects if the market price drops below that floor. Should the concept be instituted, it is expected to be a temporary measure that would be phased out as U.S. critical minerals projects secure a firm domestic foothold.

States Petition for Further Federal PFAS Oversight: On August 25, North Carolina, New Mexico, and New Jersey filed a petition with the U.S. EPA requesting that the agency use its authority to regulate four PFAS substances as hazardous pollutants under the Clean Air Act.  The petition asks EPA to list the four PFAS PFOA, PFOS, PFNA and GenX – compounds already subject to regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act, as hazardous air pollutants. The petition argues that without adequate oversight and regulation, air-borne PFAS compounds will continue to contaminate land and water.  

Administration Awards $521 Million for EV Charger Infrastructure: On August 27, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced $521 million in grants across 29 states to build more than 9,200 electric vehicle charging stations across the country. The funding is slated to support forty-one various charger projects, and the Biden administration says the number of publicly available EV chargers has doubled since his administration took office.