Congress — Latest News — ConservAmerica

ConservAmerica Encourages Congressional Leaders to Address Critical Minerals Supply Chain

ConservAmerica President Jeff Kupfer sent a letter to congressional leaders last week stressing the need for policies that support critical minerals development in the United States.

“The data makes clear that America has a deep, persistent, and dangerous reliance on overseas production and processing. This is largely a problem of our own making – one that can be addressed by reforming our national policy framework in support of mineral and energy resource development,” Kupfer wrote in the letter. “A shift in federal policy is essential and long overdue to solving America’s deepening dependence on foreign countries, particularly China, for minerals that are essential to our energy, economic, and national security interests.”

The letter and copies of the report were sent to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell in the Senate, and Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy in the House.

Press Release, Blog, PublicationsRobert DillonMarch 27, 2022critical minerals, Congress

ConservAmerica Welcomes Senators Portman and Capito to Leadership Team of Congressional Roosevelt Conservation Caucus

ConservAmerica is pleased to welcome Republican Senators Rob Portman of Ohio and Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia as the new Senate vice-chairs of the bicameral Roosevelt Conservation Caucus (RCC).

“We are excited to have Senators Portman and Capito - both of whom have an impressive record of promoting sound energy, environment and conservation policy - join the leadership team of the RCC,” said ConservAmerica President Jeff Kupfer. “Now, more than ever, it’s important to support strong Republican leaders working to build consensus around responsible policies that can endure for generations, not just a single administration or Congress.”

Press ReleaseRobert DillonJune 17, 2021Congress, RCC

ConservAmerica Encourages Congress to Fully Fund Energy Innovation and Research

ConservAmerica this week joined more than 100 energy and conservation organizations in urging appropriators in Congress to fully fund energy innovation and research to ensure America maintains a competitive edge in the global market. The federal government plays a crucial role in supporting innovation through effective research and development programs.

Press ReleaseRobert DillonMay 4, 2021innovation, appropriations, Congress

Webinar: Energy and Environment Legislation and Regulation in the Lame-Duck Session and 117th Congress

Listen to a conversation between ConservAmerica, Bracewell Partner Scott H. Segal, and E&E Reporter Lesley Clark on the outlook for energy and environment legislation and regulation in the lame-duck and next year under a Biden administration. They also provided an update on the transition process.

WebinarRobert DillonDecember 4, 2020Congress, Scott Segal, Lesley Clark, regulation

ACE Act Signed by President Trump

Originating in the Senate, the ACE Act is a bipartisan effort lead by Senators Barrasso (R-WY) and Carper (D-DE) and supported by Roosevelt Conservation Caucus (RCC) members Cramer (R-SD) and Capito (R-WV). Similarly, the legislation enjoyed bipartisan support as it moved through the House and was championed by RCC members Rep. Watkins (R-KS-2), Rep. Zeldin (R-NY-1), and Rep. Stivers (R-OH-15). Following the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act, the legislation is the second major conservation bill to become law this year.

Press ReleaseRobert DillonNovember 2, 2020Conservation, Congress, ACE Act

What We Love About Save Our Seas Act Version 2.0

On Wednesday, after many months of work and consultation with us and other ocean experts and stakeholders, Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) introduced Save Our Seas Act 2.0.

Save Our Seas Act 2.0 builds on the original legislation in substantial ways. Here’s what we love about the new bill:

SOS Act 2.0 proposes a variety of new measures to bolster international engagement and cooperation to research and address the marine debris crisis.
It commits resources to scientific research to better understand and address the root causes of plastic pollution, both here in the U.S. and around the world.
The bill also proposes a host of new efforts here at home to improve our waste management system, particularly our recycling infrastructure. For example, the bill creates a loan program for states to support trash wheel and litter trap technologies.

MEDIA