Congress has moved swiftly to codify the Biden administrations ban on Russian oil, while methane levels in the atmosphere are at historic levels.
This is Overnight Energy & Environment, your source for the latest news focused on energy, the environment and beyond. Rachel Frazin was the editor of The Hill. Zack Budryk was the reporter. This newsletter was sent to you by someone? Subscribe here.
Congress passes bills banning Russian oil imports
Congress on Thursday passed a package to end normal trade relations with Russia and Belarus and codify the administrations ban on Russian oil imports, capping off weeks of negotiations that had stalled the legislation.
Two bills were approved by Senators at 100-0. The first ends all normal trade relations with Russia or Belarus. Magnitsky Act sanctions which are used to punish human rights violations and corruption, such as asset freezes or visa bans, were also reauthorized.
The second bill, passed 100-0, codifies a ban by the Biden administration on Russian oil imports.
Both bills were amended by the Senate before being sent to Congress. They were passed with minimal opposition.
Now the bills are headed to President Bidens desk.
No nation whose military has committed war crimes should be granted free-trade status with America. Charles Schumer, Senate Majority Leader (D-N.Y.), stated that Putin and no other vile thug should be treated as equals with the leaders of free world.
The Hills Jordain Cartney has more.
TUNE-IN TO RISING, now available as a podcast. Its politics without the screaming.
Methane hits record levels
Methane emissions worldwide spiked in 2021 and broke the record set the previous year, according to data released Thursday by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
NOAA’s preliminary analysis showed that atmospheric methane levels increased by 17 parts per million (ppb) in 2018, surpassing the 15.3ppb increase in 2020.
Based on data for 2021, NOAA scientists believe that global methane levels may be around 15% higher than they were in 1984 and 2006.
Our data show that global emissions continue to move in the wrong direction at a rapid pace, NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad said in a statement.
The evidence is clear, alarming, undeniable. We must build a Climate Ready Nation in order to adapt to what is already happening and prepare for the future. At the same time, we can no longer afford to delay urgent and effective action needed to address the cause of the problem greenhouse gas pollution, Spinrad added.
What is the deal with methane Methane is the second-largest contributor of climate change after carbon dioxide. However, it is 25 times more effective at trapping heat in air. It can also be released by livestock digestion and decaying organic matter.
Despite this, scientists see many opportunities to reduce methane emissions. These are likely to be more logistically feasible than carbon dioxide emissions. Major sources of methane are leaks in oil and natural gas wells and pipelines. Upgrades and maintenance are one possibility.
Advocates also point out the short life of methane in the atmosphere. This means that a focus on reducing its atmospheric concentration could be particularly effective in curbing global warming.
You can read more about the new data by clicking here.
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EPA REJECTS BIOFUEL WAIVERS, APPROVES ALTERNATIVE COMPLIANCE
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Thursday rejected 36 requests for exemptions from biofuels blending requirements for gasoline.
Oil refiners are required by law to mix a certain amount of ethanol and other biofuels into gasoline. Small refiners can request exemptions if it would cause them significant hardships.
Of the 36 petitions that were denied, however, the EPA said it will allow 31 of them to meet the 2018 requirements, for which they had asked to be exempt, through an alternate compliance approach.
These refineries won’t have to purchase additional blending credits or use them to meet their obligations. The agency stated that it would grant this authority to the refineries due to extenuating conditions, including the fact there have been previously granted exemptions.
Although the EPA’s decision on Thursday didn’t allow for any exceptions, the agency stated that it is still considering several exemption requests.
In December, 65 petitions were denied by the agency.
Congress established the blending requirements in 2005 under the renewable fuel standard program (RFS). It is intended to reduce the emissions of planet-warming gasses from U.S. gasoline use.
Some studies have questioned the climate benefits of ethanol usage, citing emissions from land changes that are used to grow the corn.
Learn more about the EPAs decision.
INTERIOR REVERSES LONGSTANDING TRIBAL WATER POLICY
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland on Thursday announced she will reverse a 1975 policy giving the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) final authority over tribal water plans.
Roger B. Morton, then-Secretary, gave veto power to BIA supervisors and local authorities over any new codes or ordinances regulating tribe water use. Haaland called the memo an unnecessary procedural hurdle that has caused decades of confusion between the federal government and tribes.
Most tribal constitutions do not require secretarial approval. Those that do have the option to change them can still do so.
If we want to support Tribal self determination, we must be willing to examine and correct past actions that created obstacles for Tribal countries. Haaland stated in a statement that the Department’s commitment to Tribal self-determination is violated by the Morton moratorium.
You can read more about the reversal by clicking here.
WHAT WERE READING
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U.S. solar expansion stalled by rural land-use protests (Reuters)
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To save caribou, Indigenous people confront difficult choices (National Geographic)
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In a first, wind power is second-leading U.S. source of electricity in one day (Yahoo)
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The Texas drought is the worst in years. Are we at the brink of disaster? (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
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Its happening now: how rising sea levels are causing a US migration crisis (The Guardian)
ICYMI
Thats it for today, thanks for reading. Check out The Hills Energy & Environment page for the latest news and coverage. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow.
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