Welcome to Tuesdays Overnight Energy & EnvironmentThe Hill is your source for the most recent news on energy, the environment, and beyond. Subscribe here: thehill.com/newsletter-signup.
Today’s focus was on the comments of President Obama on a possible Russian invasion, how it could impact energy prices and how it might impact energy prices, as well as discussions on a possible suspensionof the gas tax and a push for green manufacturing from the White House.
Rachel Frazin and Zack Budryk were the Hill’s editors. Send us tips to [email protected] or [email protected] Follow us on twitter: @RachelFrazinAnd @BudrykZack.
Lets jump in.
President warns about rising energy prices
President Biden
Joe BidenBiden’s FDA selection clears key Senate hurdle Overnight Health Care DC end mask, vaccine mandates American unity key to a Europe free and whole MORETuesday’s warning came from the Americans that there would be consequences for them at home if Russia invades Ukraine. This included high gas prices.
While I won’t pretend that this will be easy, there could be an impact on our energy prices. Biden stated that we are taking active steps in order to increase the pressure on our energy markets to offset rising prices.
These steps include working with Congress to develop additional measures to reduce the impact of high gas prices and coordinating with major energy producers and consumers.
A fresh warning:Russian President was warned by the president Vladimir Putin
Vladimir Vladimirovich PutinSenators examine Plan B amid Russia sanctions stalemate American unity and freedom are key to a Europe that is whole and free of corruption. MOREHe resented invading Ukraine in these remarks, stating that it would be a self inflicted wound for Russia. He urged Russia not to invade Ukraine, citing the Biden administration’s efforts to deter the Kremlin. U.S. officials warned that an attack could occur at any moment.
To be clear, Russia could invade the United States, which would have consequences for us here at home. Biden stated that the American people are well aware that defending democracy is not always without cost.
The background information…According to the U.S Energy Information Administration (USEIA), Russia was the third-largest supplier of foreign oil for the U.S. in 2020. This country also supplied 7 percent of the nation’s imported oil. In 2019, Russia exported $13 Billion in mineral fuels to America. This was more than half of all goods that were sent to America.
You can read more about it here.
Dems’ holiday plan for gas tax holidays is met with pushback
A group of Senate Democrats has proposed to suspend the gas tax amid high prices. This is facing bipartisan resistance, underscoring the difficulty in passing the legislation.
Democratic Sens. Mark KellyMark KellyStock ban faces high hurdles despite growing popularity Democrats see inflation growing as a problem for their agenda Arizona Senate Candidate releases Super Bowl ad showing an armed’showdown’ with Dem leaders MORE (Ariz.), Maggie Hassan
Margaret (Maggie?) HassanBiden’s FDA nomination clears a key Senate hurdle This Week: The confirmation fight over Biden’s FDA nominee comes up Democrats see inflation growing as a problem for their agenda. (N.H.), Raphael Warnock
Raphael WarnockOn Money Lawmakers closer towards government funding deal Overnight Energy & Environment Postal Service faces ireover vehicles plans Vulnerable Democrats demand gas tax suspension amid rising costs MORE(Ga. Catherine Cortez Masto
Catherine Marie Cortez MatoDemocrats see inflation as a growing problem on their agenda On the Money Lawmakers closer to a government funding deal Overnight Energy & Environment Postal Service faces ireover vehicles plans MORE(Nev.), are all up for reelection as Democrats Sens. Debbie Stabenow
Deborah (Debbie Ann StabenowStock trade ban gains steam but splits Senate GOP on The Money Lawmakers closer towards government funding deal Overnight Energy & Environment Postal Service faces ireover car plans MORE(Mich.). Jacky Rosen
Jacklyn (Jacky), Sheryl RosenOn the Money Lawmakers are closer to a government funding deal Overnight Energy & Environment Postal Service faces ireover car plans Vulnerable Democrats call on gas tax suspension amid rising costs MORE(Nev.), introduced legislation that suspends the approximately 18-cents per gallon tax on fuel until 2023.
However, the idea is facing resistance from GOP senators. The legislation would need their support, as well some Democrats who are showing early skepticism.
What did the Republicans say?Sen. John Thune
John Randolph ThuneMcConnell-McCarthy split heading into November Stock trading ban gains steam but splits Senate GOP Questions loom over how to form congressional staff union MORE (S.D.(S.D. 2 Senate Republican.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski
Lisa Ann MurkowskiBiden’s FDA selection clears key Senate hurdle Manchin clarifies he’d oppose a second high court nominee right prior to the presidential election This week: The confirmation fight over Biden’s FDA nominee comes up MORE(R-Alaska), added that a temporary suspension to the gas tax is not enough to address the larger problem.
Murkowski stated, “My view, the bigger problem is we should be producing more of what’s here, rather than relying upon it for others.”
The Washington PostOn Tuesday, the Post reported that the Biden Administration and Democrats were discussing suspending gas tax throughout the year. The White House told the Post that “all options” are on the table. The idea was also discussed by Senate Democrats during a closed-door caucus lunch Tuesday. They were focusing on economic issues at the kitchen table with an eye to the midterm elections.
Senate Majority Leader: “We are focused to getting costs down, so you’re going see a lot more activity in March…from us on that issue.” Charles Schumer
Chuck SchumerUnity is key to a Europe that is whole and free. Anxious Democrats want Biden speed up vetting to the Supreme Court. The Democratic Senate debates merits vs. pragmatics MORE(D.N.Y.) said to reporters.
Schumer stated that Democrats are having “caucus discussions” about the gas taxes, but that “we haven’t yet taken any caucus positions on it.”
However, some Democrats have reacted negatively to the idea.
What about Democratic skeptics. Sen. Joe Manchin
Joe ManchinBiden’s FDA Pick Clears Key Senate Hitch Why congressional Democrats Should Rethink Their Universal Pre-K Plan Manchin clarifies: He would oppose a second high court nominee right prior to the presidential election(D-W.Va.), warned that suspending gas tax would “just not make sense” as it could negatively affect federal highway funds.
People want their roads and bridges. We have an infrastructure bill that was passed this summer. Manchin stated.
Learn more at The Hills Jordain.
GO TO THE RISE
According to a Tuesday report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (“NOAA”), sea levels along the U.S. coasts will rise by up to a foot between now and 2020. This increase is equivalent to the rise in the past century.
White House climate adviser, in a statement Gina McCarthy
Gina McCarthyOvernight Energy & Environment Judge restores gray wolf protections. Overnight Energy & Environment Postal Service faces ireover car plans Biden meets with executives from utility companies to push for spending agenda.The finding of a confirmation that our climate crisis…is blinking red is known as the “Finding a Reconfirmation”.
NOAA projects that sea levels will rise 10 to 12 inches over the next 30 years, with regional variations. The report predicts that sea levels will rise most along the Gulf Coast, with an increase of 14-18 inches. This is followed by an increase of 10-14 inches along the East Coast. NOAA forecasts a 4-8 inch increase on the West Coast. However, 8-10 inches is expected for the Caribbean.
It also stated that major flooding events will occur on average once every five years, which is a sharp increase over current levels.
Learn more about the most recent findings here.
COMING SOON FROM HILL
Introduce NotedDC: The HillsA commentary on the beats of the Beltway. Click here to sign up for our latest newsletter.
Officials from Biden try to reduce industrial emissions
Tuesday’s announcement by the Biden administration was a series of actions aimed at encouraging green manufacturing and addressing climate change contributions from industry.
According to a White House fact sheet, it will do this through a series aimed at increasing clean hydrogen energy and using federal purchasing power to help achieve its climate goals.
Wait…why is federal buying so familiar?The Postal Service is making an attempt to purchase the vehicles. However, this is a major point of contention.
The Postal Service has been led by Louis DeJoy
Louis DeJoyOvernight Energy & Environment Postal Service is under fire for its vehicle plans Democratic lawmakers condemn USPS’s plan to purchase gasoline-powered trucks Democrats urge postmaster to switch to electric vehiclesBiden cannot replace them all. DeJoy claimed that the mostly gasoline fleet is a cheaper option, much in the dismay of congressional Democrats as well as administration officials.
The hydrogen specifics…The Energy Department announced that they will make a move toward implementing the Bipartisan infrastructure Law on clean hydrogen. This law allows for hydrogen production using clean energy. They will also issue new requests to information from stakeholders.
According to the White House’s factsheet, hydrogen efforts will be crucial for difficult-to-decarbonize processes and sectors, including steel manufacturing.
The largest hydrogen program in bipartisan legislation being presented Tuesday is an $8 billion initiative for regional clean hydrogen hubs. It aims to increase fuels production and processing, delivery, storage, and end-use.
A $1 billion initiative to support research and development to commercialization and deployment will also be requested. This initiative will help to reduce costs and boost efficiency.
The buying details…Its purchasing efforts include efforts by the General Services Administration (GSA) to purchase low-carbon concrete, asphalt. It also includes efforts by the Department of Transportation to use cleaner materials in federal transportation projects, including a pilot programme incentivizing low-carbon materials acquisition and the creation of a DOT work group that will evaluate and take steps to reduce emissions from transportation infrastructure construction materials.
It will also expand an effort by the State Department known as the First Movers Coalition. This coalition aims to help companies leverage their purchasing power to drive demand and supply clean goods to include the carbon, cement, and chemical removal sectors.
So what’s the deal?The vast majority of climate change mitigation efforts in the United States are also attributed to green manufacturing. This includes construction and manufacturing. Some industries, such as steel and cement, are more difficult to reduce emissions because of technological or cost-related problems.
Learn more about the push by administrations here.
ON TAP FOR TOMORROW
- The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee is expected to vote on two nominees for EPA. It will then hold a meeting.Hearingon biofuels
WHAT WAS READING
- White House Takes a stance against environmental racism, but won’t mention raceThe New York Times)
- AP FACT CHECK: Biden takes half steps on electric vehiclesThe Associated Press)
- Alberta to increase oil sands emission standards, which reward big Canadian polluters (Reuters)
- Red Hill housing is now under the purview of Hawaii health officials.Honolulu Star-Advertiser)
ICYMI
- New study challenges ethanol’s climate benefits
- Senate passes bill to declare former internment camp a national historic location
- UN report: Pollution is causing more deaths that the first 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic
Last but not least, something slightly offbeat but VERY ON-beat Did you see the EV Superbowl ads this weekend?
That’s all for today. Thank you for reading. Check out The HillsEnergy & Environment pageStay up-to-date with the latest news and coverage We’ll see you Wednesday.
