W E E K L Y  U P D A T E  November 9, 2020 In this Week's Issue: Great Lakes Region Plays Pivotal Role in 2020 Election NEMWI Releases Research Brief Advocating a National and Regional Carbon Tax House Agriculture Committee Holds Hearing on Effectiveness of Conservation Practices Follow the Northeast-Midwest Institute on Facebook Quicklinks  Northeast-Midwest Institute Great Lakes Region Plays Pivotal Role in 2020 Election   The Great Lakes proved to be one of the most pivotal regions in deciding the 2020 Presidential election, in which former Vice President Joe Biden defeated the incumbent, President Donald Trump. President-elect Biden was able to flip key states in the region, including Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, from red to blue, helping him accumulate more than the 270 electoral votes need to win the Presidential election.  Additionally, the Great Lake region will see many new faces within its Congressional delegation, with at least 12 new Members being elected to serve in the 117th Congress, and with eight other races still to be called. NEMWI has compiled an overview of election results throughout the region that can be viewed here. NEMWI Releases Research Brief Advocating a National and Regional Carbon Tax   A new NEMWI research brief released last week titled "A Precarious Balance: Addressing Climate Change and Its Impacts," analyzes recent U.S. trends of CO2 emissions and current efforts that have produced mixed results. It highlights the actions of the current Administration in environmental policy and approaches such as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and its cap and trade system.   The research brief emphasizes the effectiveness of a carbon tax in curbing CO2 emissions down to international benchmarks in order to address climate change and its potential to generate revenue for northeastern states facing budgetary issues. Misconceptions regarding a carbon tax are clarified, and the option of providing rebates to low-income households and stimulating innovation also are discussed.   Authored by former Research Intern for Environmental Policy, Leonardo Moraveg, and overseen by Environmental Policy Senior Fellow, Daniel Dozier, the report recommends that states adopt a state carbon tax if federal efforts continue to fail.   The new research brief "A Precarious Balance: Addressing Climate Change and its Impacts" can be found here: House Agriculture Committee Holds Hearing on Effectiveness of Conservation Practices   A hearing in the House Agriculture Committee on October 1 addressed the effectiveness of conservation programs under the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The hearing focused on conservation delivery, how well it contributes to the well-being of farm operations, and how it can aid in recovery post-COVID-19.   Ranking Member Doug LaMalfa (R-California) spoke at the hearing about how the California Rice Commission recently was awarded nearly $5.5 million in RCPP funding for maximizing water route habitat on rice lands in California. During the hearing, Kevin Norton, Acting Chief of the National Regional Conservation Service (NRCS), received and answered questions on conservation program effectiveness, explaining the methods being taken during the current crisis. Also speaking at the hearing were Tim Palmer, President of the National Association of Conservation Districts, and Steve Paterson, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Government Affairs, both of whom highlighted the efforts of their organizations in conservation as well as the successes they have seen in 2020.   To access the House Agriculture Committee hearing from October 1, go here: Follow the Northeast-Midwest Institute on Facebook   LIKE us on Facebook! The Northeast-Midwest Institute is on Facebook with new updates and information on its regional research and policy education program and with announcements for upcoming briefings and events. NEMWI is posting our research reports on current regional issues and ongoing policy education on the page to make keeping up with our policy work easier than ever. The Institute also is updating the page with announcements of upcoming policy briefings and webinars. NEMWI is excited for the opportunity to connect with as many people as possible on our Facebook page.   Please check out our Facebook page here. And be sure to LIKE us to begin following NEMWI on Facebook! This Week in Washington No relevant House or Senate hearings or meetings this week. NEMWI: Strengthening the Region that Sustains the Nation