NEMWI Weekly Update
April 19, 2021
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NEMWI To Host 2021 Great Lakes Primer and
Orientation Program

The Northeast-Midwest Institute is presenting a 2021 Great Lakes Primer and Orientation Program in a series of one-hour webinars each Friday from 12 Noon to 1 p.m. starting on Friday, April 30. The Great Lakes Primer and Orientation Program is endeavoring to provide Congressional staff with a fundamental policy education on the most critical issues that directly impact the health of the Great Lakes at the federal level. 
 
Session topics for this four-part Great Lakes Primer and Orientation Program include:
  • The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI);
  • Invasive Species in the Great Lakes;
  • Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in the Great Lakes; and
  • Climate Change and Coastal Resiliency in the Great Lakes. 
 
The first session focusing on the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) on Friday, April 30th at Noon EDT is open for registration now.  To register for the first session, please visit here. Additionally, if you have any questions, please email Matt McKenna at mmckenna@nemw.org.  
Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021
Heads to the Senate Floor
 
The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works last Wednesday voted to send the Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021 to the full Senate for further consideration. The bill (S.914) has been placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders.
 
This legislation authorizes the investment of more than $35 billion in water infrastructure projects across the United States. The bi-partisan initiative seeks to provide clean drinking water to all Americans while building climate-resilient infrastructure.
 
The major components of this legislation include:

  • Prioritizing environmental justice through targeted grant programs and technical assistance for small, disadvantaged, rural, and tribal communities.
  • Empowering states with increased funding and program flexibilities to invest in community water projects that address aging infrastructure and improve water quality.
  • Increasing investments in lead abatement through grant programs and technical assistance.
  • Authorizing funding to connect households to public drinking water and wastewater services, install decentralized wastewater systems, and improve sanitation in Alaskan rural and native villages.
  • Supporting climate resilient water projects to address the worsening impacts of climate change on drinking water and wastewater infrastructure.
  • Investing in the drinking water and wastewater needs of tribal communities.
  • Fostering the development and deployment of emerging technologies that result in cleaner, safer, and more reliable water.

More information on The Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021 can be found here.
U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
Holds Hearing on the Future Role of the Department of Energy
 
The U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources held a hearing on April 15 to examine the future leading role of the Department of Energy in American energy innovation.  The hearing also addressed how the Department of Energy’s research, development, demonstration, and deployment programs may be enhanced to further boost the economic competitiveness of the United States. 
 
Senator Joe Manchin, Chairman, opened the hearing stating that “the Department of Energy, National Laboratories and even the science agencies and the Department of Interior engage in scientific research and discovery on a daily basis” and “form the premier energy research development and commercialization enterprise in the world.” Senator Manchin stated that he and the committee are committed to identifying the needs of the Department of Energy, building on its strengths, and clarifying its role.  
 
Ranking member Senator John Barrasso said that “innovation is not a luxury; it is a necessity” and we cannot address climate change without further innovation.  He expressed his concerns that the United States is in an innovation competition with China. 
 
In testimony to the Committee, Dr. Thomas Mason, the Director of the Los Alamos National Laboratory, stated that “technological innovation remains the key to economic growth and national security.” 
 
Also testifying was the Honorable Paul M. Dabbar. He explained that mission driven science has been at the core of the Department of Energy since the beginning. 
 
Testimony also was presented by Sarah Ladislaw who explained three key points that need to be addressed in clean energy technology: clean energy is a promising an important market; clean energy competition is heating up; and the United States government needs an innovation strategy. 
 
Dr. Lara Pierpoint also gave testimony at the hearing with a focus on climate change. She said, “Whatever our opinions on climate, the fact of the matter is the world is beginning to demand products and services that enhance sustainability.” She explained that the government can act now and reap the benefits or sit it out and lose.  
 
Summing up the hearing, Senator Barrasso expressed concern that we need to have safeguards in place to protect research and prevent China from benefitting from any funding. Senator Manchin closed by saying that the committee needs to figure out how to get the biggest bang for the buck without trying to reinvent the wheel. 
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
In the House:

Tuesday, April 20th, 2021 10:00AM| Host: Committee on Appropriations | Committee on Appropriations | Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies

Tuesday, April 20th, 2021 10:30AM | Host: Committee on Energy and Commerce | Subcommittee on Energy

Tuesday, April 20th, 2021 12:00 PM | Host: Select Committee on the Climate Crisis

Tuesday, April 20th, 2021 2:30 PM | Host: Committee on Natural Resources | Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources

Hearing: Sustainable Wastewater Infrastructure: Measures to Promote Resiliency and Climate Adaptation and Mitigation. Wednesday, April 21st, 2021 11:00 AM - 2167 Rayburn HOB| Host: Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure | Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment

Thursday, April 22nd, 2021 10:00 AM | Host: Committee on Oversight and Reform | Subcommittee on Environment
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