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Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR): Legislative Actions Through the 110th Congress, First Session [Updated January 10, 2008]

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"A major part of the energy debate has been whether to approve energy development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in northeastern Alaska, and if so, under what conditions, or whether to continue to prohibit development to protect the area's biological resources. ANWR is rich in fauna, flora, and commercial oil potential. Its development has been debated for over 40 years, but increases in gasoline and natural gas prices, terrorist attacks, and infrastructure damage from hurricanes have intensified the debate. Current law forbids energy leasing in ANWR. This report is intended to provide a summary of legislative attempts to address issues of energy development and preservation in the Refuge from the 95th Congress through the 110th Congress, with emphasis on the 107th through 110th Congresses. This history has been cited by many, in and out of Congress, as background for issues that may be raised in the 110th Congress. The report contains little analysis of the substance of this issue, which is covered in other CRS [Congressional Research Service] reports. See CRS Report RL33872, 'Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR): New Directions in the 110th Congress', for information on actions in the 110th Congress relative to ANWR."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Roberts, Beth A.; Corn, M. Lynne (Mary Lynne), 1946-; Gillis, Anne

2008-01-10
Introduction to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) [July 25, 2017]

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"The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is authorized by the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (NFIA, Title XIII of P.L. 90-448, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §4001 et seq.), and was most recently reauthorized by the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (Title II of P.L. 112-141, henceforth BW-12). Congress amended elements of BW-12, but did not extend the NFIP's authorization further in the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-89, henceforth HFIAA). The NFIP is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), through its subcomponent the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (FIMA). As of February 2017, the NFIP had 4.99 million flood insurance policies providing approximately $1.24 trillion in coverage. The program collects about $3.5 billion in annual premium revenue. Nationally, as of April 2017, about 22,249 communities in 56 states and jurisdictions participated in the NFIP. According to FEMA, the program saves the nation an estimated $1.87 billion annually in flood losses avoided because of the NFIP's building and floodplain management regulations. This report provides introductory information on key components of the NFIP, ranging from floodplain mapping to the standard flood insurance forms. This report does not provide detail on current or future legislative issues for Congress. This report will be updated as significant revisions are made to the NFIP through legislation or administrative action. CRS also has a separate report on flood insurance and other federal disaster assistance programs."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Horn, Diane P.; Brown, Jared T.

2017-07-25
Drought in the United States: Causes and Current Understanding [November 9, 2017]

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"Drought is a natural hazard with potentially significant economic, social, and ecological consequences. History suggests that severe and extended droughts are inevitable and part of natural climate cycles. Drought has for centuries shaped the societies of North America and will continue to do so into the future. The likelihood of extended periods of severe drought and its effects on 21st-century society in the United States raise several issues for Congress. These issues include how to respond to recurrent drought incidents, how to prepare for future drought, and how to coordinate federal agency actions, among other policy choices. [...] This report discusses why drought occurs in the United States; how drought is defined (e.g., why drought in one region of the country is different from drought in another region); and how droughts are classified and reported (e.g., what is meant by moderate, severe, extreme, and exceptional drought). The report briefly describes periods of drought in the country's past that equaled or exceeded drought conditions experienced during the 20th century, and the effects of those droughts on major western rivers such as the Colorado. Lastly, the report discusses the possible influence of human-induced climate change on drought, and current limits on our understanding for forecasting droughts."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Folger, Peter (Peter Franklin)

2017-11-09
Five-Year Program for Federal Offshore Oil and Gas Leasing: Status and Issues in Brief [December 20, 2017]

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"Under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), as amended, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) must prepare and maintain forward-looking five-year plans--referred to by BOEM as five-year programs--for proposed public oil and gas lease sales on the U.S. outer continental shelf (OCS). [...] On April 28, 2017, President Trump issued an executive order directing the Secretary of the Interior to review and consider revising the 2017-2022 program. BOEM has begun work on a new program to cover the 2019-2024 period and replace the final three years of the Obama Administration program. [...] The leasing decisions in BOEM's five-year programs may affect the economy and environment of individual coastal states and of the nation as a whole. Accordingly, Congress typically has been actively involved in planning and oversight of the five-year programs. [...] The 115th Congress could influence the five-year program (either the 2017-2022 program currently in force or the new program under development) by enacting legislation with requirements for the program, as well as by conducting oversight. [...] The options for the Administration to alter a finalized five-year program are more constrained than those of Congress. The Secretary of the Interior's review of the 2017-2022 leasing program under President Trump's executive order must adhere to the program development process required by the OCSLA, which includes requirements for analysis, public input, and environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Comay, Laura B.

2017-12-20
Clean Air Act Issues in the 115th Congress: In Brief [August 16, 2017]

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"Congressional actions on air quality issues have been dominated since 2011 by efforts-- particularly in the House--to change the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) authority to promulgate or implement new emission control requirements. Often under court order, the Obama Administration's EPA used authorities Congress gave EPA in the Clean Air Act amendments of 1970, 1977, and 1990 to address long-standing issues posed by emissions from various sources. EPA's regulations on greenhouse gas emissions from electric power plants and from oil and gas industry sources have been of particular interest, as have the agency's efforts to revise ambient air quality standards for ozone. The 115th Congress, and a new Administration that includes frequent critics of EPA regulations, have begun to review a number of these regulations, with the possibility of their modification or repeal."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

McCarthy, James E.

2017-08-16
Clean Air Act Issues in the 115th Congress: In Brief [August 13, 2018]

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"Review of regulations issued under the Obama Administration, with the possibility of their modification or repeal,has been the main focus of interest on Clean Air Act issues in the 115th Congress and in the executive and judicial branches in 2017 and 2018. Of particular interest are the ambient air quality standards for ozone promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in October 2015; EPA rules to regulate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from power plants, cars and trucks, and the oil and gas sector; and emission standards for three groups of sources: brick kilns, wood stoves and heaters, and power plants that burn waste coal."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

McCarthy, James E.

2018-08-13
Methane and Other Air Pollution Issues in Natural Gas Systems [November 5, 2018]

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"Congressional interest in U.S. energy policy has often focused on ways through which the United States could secure more economical, reliable, and cleaner fossil fuel resources both domestically and internationally. Recent expansion in natural gas production, primarily as a result of new or improved technologies (e.g., hydraulic fracturing, directional drilling) used on unconventional resources (e.g., shale, tight sands, and coalbed methane) has made natural gas an increasingly significant component in the U.S. energy supply. This expansion, however, has prompted questions about the potential impacts of natural gas systems on human health and the environment, including impacts on air quality. The natural gas supply chain contributes to air pollution in several ways, including (1) the leaking, venting, and combustion of natural gas in the course of production operations; and (2) the combustion of other fossil fuel resources or other emissions during associated operations. Emission sources include pad, road, and pipeline construction; well drilling, completion, and flow back activities; and gas processing and transmission equipment such as controllers, compressors, dehydrators, pipes, and storage vessels. Pollutants include, most prominently, methane (i.e., the principal component of natural gas) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) -- of which the natural gas industry is one of the highest-emitting industrial sectors in the United States--as well as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide (SO2), and various forms of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs)."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lattannzio, Richard K.

2018-11-05
2009 Influenza Pandemic: An Overview [August 6, 2009]

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"This report first provides a synopsis of key events, actions taken, and authorities invoked by [World Health Organization (WHO)], the U.S. federal government, and state and local governments. It then discusses the WHO process to determine the phase of a flu pandemic, and selected actions taken by the Departments of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services, and by state and local authorities. Next, it lists congressional hearings held to date, and provides information about appropriations and funding for pandemic flu activities. Finally, it summarizes U.S. government pandemic flu planning documents and lists sources for additional information about the situation as it unfolds. This report will be continually updated to reflect unfolding events."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lister, Sarah A.; Redhead, C. Stephen

2009-08-06
Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (P.L. 109-417): Provisions and Changes to Preexisting Law [Updated March 12, 2007]

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From the Summary: "Authorities to direct federal preparedness for and response to public health emergencies are found principally in the Public Health Service Act (PHS Act), and are administered by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Three recent laws provided the core of these authorities. P.L. 106-505, the Public Health Threats and Emergencies Act of 2000 (Title I of the Public Health Improvement Act), established a number of new programs and authorities, including grants to states to build public health preparedness. P.L. 107-188, the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002, was passed in the aftermath of the 2001 terror attacks. It reauthorized several existing programs and established new ones, including grants to states to build hospital and health system preparedness. P.L. 108-276, the Project BioShield Act of 2004, established authorities to encourage the development of specific countermeasures (such as drugs and vaccines for bioterrorism agents) that would not otherwise have a commercial market."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lister, Sarah A.; Gottron, Frank

2007-03-12
European Union: Questions and Answers [Updated January 22, 2021]

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From the Summary: "The European Union (EU) is a political and economic partnership that represents a unique form of cooperation among sovereign countries. The EU is the latest stage in a process of integration begun after World War II, initially by six Western European countries, to foster interdependence and make another war in Europe unthinkable. The EU currently consists of 27 member states, including most of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, and has helped to promote peace, stability, and economic prosperity throughout the European continent. [...] This report serves as a primer on the EU. It also discusses U.S.-EU relations that may be of interest to the 117th Congress."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Archick, Kristin

2021-01-22
Federal Civil Aviation Programs: In Brief [Updated January 22, 2021]

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From the Introduction: "Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) programs are funded under four broad budget accounts: operations and maintenance (such as air traffic control and aviation safety functions); facilities and equipment (such as control towers and navigation beacons); grants for airports under the Airport Improvement Program (AIP); and civil aviation research conducted or sponsored by FAA. Additionally, certain aviation programs are administered by the Department of Transportation (DOT) Office of the Secretary, including the Essential Air Service (EAS) program, which subsidizes airline service to certain small or isolated communities. Civil aviation programs are funded primarily through a special trust fund, the Airport and Airway Trust Fund (AATF), and, in part, through general fund contributions. The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (P.L. 115- 254) authorizes AATF taxes and revenue collections and civil aviation program expenditures through FY2023. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act; P.L. 116-136) provided loans, loan guarantees, and payroll support programs, as well as emergency program funding, to help the aviation sector during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Additional funding to the aviation sector was provided in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260). This report offers an overview of FAA programs and also discusses the supplemental relief and assistance provided by the CARES Act and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Elias, Bartholomew; Tang, Rachel Y.

2021-01-22
Federal Communications Commission in the Biden Administration: Issues and New Directions [Updated January 21, 2021]

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From the Introduction: "The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the new Biden Administration may take different positions on several key topics than the FCC under the Trump Administration, including Section 230 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (Section 230), net neutrality, and 5G [fifth generation technology]. The recent confirmation of then-President Donald Trump's nominee to join the FCC, Nathan Simington, and Chairman Ajit Pai's resignation on Inauguration Day has left the agency with a 2-2 split between Democratic and Republican commissioners. The FCC typically has five members, with two commissioners and a chairperson from the President's party. Democrats have effectively taken control of the Senate majority and can be expected to confirm President Joe Biden's nominee for chairperson. On January 21, 2021, President Biden appointed current commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel as acting chairperson and she is seen as a possible nominee for the position."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Figliola, Patricia Moloney

2021-01-21
Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) [Updated February 4, 2021]

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From the Document: "Ex-Im Bank [Export-Import Bank of the United States], the official U.S. export credit agency (ECA), provides financing and insurance to facilitate the export of U.S. goods and services to support U.S. jobs, pursuant to a renewable, general statutory charter (Export-Import Bank Act of 1945, as amended; 12 U.S.C. §§635 'et seq.'). It aims to provide support for U.S. exports when the private sector is unwilling or unable to do so and/or to counter foreign ECA financing. The Bank is demand-driven, fee-based, and backed by the U.S. government's full faith and credit."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias

2021-02-04
Defense Primer: U.S. Defense Industrial Base [Updated January 22, 2021]

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From the Document: "The Department of Defense (DOD) relies on a wide-ranging and complex industrial base for the products and services that enable the Department's warfighting capabilities. Definitions of what this industrial base encompasses vary in scope and emphasis. Some analysts and experts distinguish between a domestic 'defense industrial base' (DIB) and a global DIB. The domestic DIB includes public-sector (government-owned, government-operated) facilities, academic institutions, and private-sector (commercial) companies located in the United States. Congress has taken some interest and action to support and sustain the domestic DIB. [...] The DIB entities that work with the DOD as prime contractors and subcontractors are diverse, ranging in size from small- and medium-sized businesses to some of the world's largest corporations. Together, these entities provide a wide range of products and services to the DOD, encompassing everything from complex platforms unique to the military (e.g., aircraft carriers) and highly specialized services (such as launching military satellites), to all kinds of commercial products (e.g., laptop computers and semiconductors) and routine services (e.g., information technology (IT) support)."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Peters, Heidi M.

2021-01-22
Expedited Removal of Aliens: An Introduction [Updated January 21, 2021]

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From the Document: "Non-U.S. nationals (aliens) who do not meet requirements governing their entry or continued presence in the United States may be subject to removal. The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) establishes different removal processes for different categories of aliens. Most removable aliens apprehended within the interior of the United States are subject to 'formal' removal proceedings under INA § 240. Aliens in these proceedings are given certain procedural guarantees including the rights to counsel, to appear at a hearing before an immigration judge (IJ), to present evidence, and to appeal an adverse decision. The INA, however, sets forth a streamlined 'expedited removal' process for certain arriving aliens and aliens who recently entered the United States without inspection. This In Focus provides a brief introduction to the expedited removal framework."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Smith, Hillel R.

2021-01-21
Faces and Voices of the United States Abroad: Diversity at U.S. Foreign Affairs Agencies [January 21, 2021]

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From the Introduction: "For many decades, Congress and successive Administrations established laws and policies to achieve a federal workforce that reflects the diverse characteristics of the American public , including race, ethnicity, sex, age, and disability. While increased diversity is a stated goal across much of the federal workforce, it has unique implications for foreign policy agencies, whose personnel often represent the official face and voice of the United States abroad. [...] This report discusses the relevance of workforce diversity in the U.S. foreign policy context and provides information and analysis on racial, ethnic, sex, and other aspects of diversity and minority representation within the workforces of the primary U.S. agencies responsible for international diplomacy and foreign assistance: the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), and the Peace Corps, among others. The report discusses diversity at these agencies in the context of whole-of-government efforts to promote a culture of diversity and inclusion, agency-specific policies and programs related to diversity, and how personnel diversity may affect each agency's unique role in foreign policy. It ends with a discussion of related issues for Congress."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lawson, Marian Leonardo; Brown, Nick M.; Collins-Chase, Edward J. . . .

2021-01-21
Community Vaccination Centers Playbook

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From the Purpose and Background: "This playbook establishes guidance for providing federal support to existing and new Community Vaccination Centers (CVCs) that are essential to accomplishing the mission, to include interagency coordination, resource support, facility setup, and other requirements that may necessitate federal support. [...] To date, the ongoing COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic has claimed the lives of more than 430,000 Americans. While mitigation measures such as social distancing and the wearing of masks are effective tools in preventing the spread of COVID-19, an additional way to protect people and reduce the spread of this disease is with the widespread administration of COVID-19 vaccines. As part of a national effort to speed the pace of COVID-19 vaccination campaigns, the President has directed the federal government to establish new federally supported CVCs. As stated in the National Strategy for COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness, FEMA is charged with supporting the set-up and operations of such CVCs."

United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency

2021-02-04
Fiscal Policy: Economic Effects [Updated January 21, 2021]

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From the Summary: "Fiscal policy describes changes to government spending and revenue behavior in an effort to influence the economy. By adjusting its level of spending and tax revenue, the government can affect economic outcomes by either increasing or decreasing economic activity. For example, when the government runs a budget deficit, it is said to be engaging in fiscal stimulus--spurring economic activity--and when the government runs a budget surplus, it is said to be engaging in a fiscal contraction--slowing economic activity. The government can use fiscal stimulus to spur economic activity by increasing government spending, decreasing tax revenue, or a combination of the two."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Weinstock, Lida R.

2021-01-21
Federal Contested Elections Act: Overview and Recent Contests in the House of Representatives [January 19, 2021]

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From the Document: "The Federal Contested Elections Act (FCEA; 2 U.S.C. §§381-396), enacted in 1969, rests at the intersection of federal election law and policy, legislative procedure, and constitutional provisions regarding congressional authority over House elections and membership. This CRS [Congressional Research Service] In Focus provides a brief overview of the FCEA and highlights recent contests initiated under the statute. FCEA contests rarely change election results, as doing so typically requires the House to overturn a state-certified election result."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Garrett, R. Sam, 1977-; Whitaker, L. Paige; Davis, Christopher M., 1966-

2021-01-19
Keystone XL Pipeline: The End of the Road? [Updated January 22, 2021]

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From the Document: "On January 20, 2021, President Biden signed an executive order revoking the Presidential Permit for the cross-border segment of the Keystone XL [export limited] Pipeline between Canada and Montana. The order asserts that the pipeline 'disserves the national interest' and that leaving the permit in place 'would not be consistent' with the Administration's 'economic and climate imperatives.' The border crossing had been authorized under a 2019 Presidential Permit issued directly by President Trump, superseding a prior Presidential Permit issued by the U.S. State Department in 2017 under delegated presidential authority. President Biden was able to revoke the permit as the 2019 permit stated that it 'may be terminated, revoked, or amended at any time at the sole discretion of the President.' In anticipation of the president's action, the pipeline's developer, TC Energy (previously named TransCanada) announced that the project would be 'suspended.' Although TC Energy said it would 'review the decision ... and consider its options,' it appears that the Keystone XL Pipeline project will not be completed."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Parfomak, Paul W.

2021-01-22
Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda): U.S. and International Response to Philippines Disaster [Febrary 10, 2014]

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"This report examines the impact of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda), which struck the central Philippines on November 8, 2013, and the U.S. and international response. Haiyan was one of the strongest typhoons to strike land on record. Over a 16 hour period, the 'super typhoon,' with a force equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane and sustained winds of up to 195 mph, directly swept through six provinces in the central Philippines. The disaster quickly created a humanitarian crisis. In some of the hardest hit areas, particularly in coastal communities in Leyte province and the southern tip of Eastern Samar, the storm knocked out power, telecommunications, and water supplies. The humanitarian relief operation was initially hampered by a number of significant obstacles, including a general lack of transportation, extremely limited communications systems, damaged infrastructure, and seriously disrupted government services. Despite the physical and logistical challenges, regular relief activities reportedly reached most of the worst-stricken areas within two weeks of the storm. Two and a half months after the typhoon struck, United Nations (U.N.) agencies reported that 14.1 million people had been affected, with more than 4.1 million displaced. Estimates of the number killed had risen to 6,201 with more than 1,785 missing. The number of injured was unknown. In addition, assessments revealed that an estimated 1.1 million houses had been damaged or destroyed and nearly 5.6 million people required food assistance."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Margesson, Rhoda; Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-

2014-02-10
Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda): U.S. and International Response to Philippines Disaster [November 25, 2013]

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"This report examines the impact of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda), which struck the central Philippines on November 8, 2013, and the U.S. and international response. Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) was one of the strongest typhoons (cyclones) to strike land on record. Over a 16 hour period, the 'super typhoon,' with a force equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane and sustained winds of up to 195 mph, directly swept through six provinces and affected over 10% of the nation's population of 105 million people. The areas damaged by the typhoon were some of the poorest parts of the Philippines. Congressional concerns related to the storm and its aftermath include the immediate U.S. and international humanitarian response, the impact on the U.S. foreign aid budget, the long-term U.S. foreign aid strategy for the Philippines, and how the U.S. response to the disaster may impact the U.S.-Philippines relationship as well as regional geopolitical dynamics. […] The involvement of U.S. military forces in Haiyan relief efforts has come at a time of growing U.S.-Philippine security cooperation. The United States and the Philippines maintain close ties stemming from the U.S. colonial period (1898-1946), a security alliance, and common strategic and economic interests. Other pillars of the bilateral bond include shared democratic values and extensive people-to-people contacts. U.S. military forces engage in regular joint exercises with the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The United States also has an ongoing, limited, nonpermanent military presence in the country engaged in counterterrorism and humanitarian activities."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-; Margesson, Rhoda

2013-11-25
Drought in the United States: Causes and Current Understanding [February 26, 2014]

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"Drought is a natural hazard, often with significant societal, economic, and environmental consequences. Public policy issues related to drought range from how to identify and measure drought to how best to prepare for, mitigate, and respond to drought impacts, and who should bear associated costs. Severe droughts in 2011 and 2012 in Texas and the midcontinent region, and the current drought in California and the American Southwest, have fueled congressional interest in drought and its near-term effects on water supplies and agriculture, as well as interest in long-term issues, such as drought forecasting and links between drought and human-induced climate change. Continuing drought conditions throughout the country contribute to ongoing interest in drought. Some part of the country is almost always experiencing drought at some level. Since 2000, no less than 6.6% of the land area of the United States has experienced drought of at least moderate intensity each year. The land area affected by drought of at least moderate intensity varies by year and also within a particular year. For example, since 2000, the total U.S. land area affected by drought of at least moderate intensity has varied from as little as 6.6% (July 6, 2010) to as much as 55% (September 25, 2012). Based on weekly estimates of the areal extent of drought conditions since 2000, the average amount of land area across the United States affected by at least moderate-intensity drought has been 27%."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Folger, Peter (Peter Franklin); Cody, Betsy A.

2014-02-26
Five-Year Program for Federal Offshore Oil and Gas Leasing: Status and Issues in Brief [February 1, 2017]

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"Under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), as amended, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) must prepare and maintain forward-looking five-year plans--referred to by BOEM as five-year programs--for proposed public oil and gas lease sales on the U.S. outer continental shelf (OCS). On January 17, 2017, former Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell issued a record of decision approving BOEM's final program for the period from mid-2017 through mid-2022. The leasing decisions in BOEM's five-year programs may affect the economy and environment of individual coastal states and of the nation as a whole. Accordingly, Congress has typically been actively involved in the planning process for the five-year programs. The following discussion briefly summarizes the status of the 2017-2022 program, discusses selected issues of congressional interest, and considers the role of Congress in shaping the program."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Comay, Laura B.

2017-02-01
Is Biopower Carbon Neutral? [February 4, 2016]

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From the Summary: "To promote energy diversity and improve energy security, Congress has expressed interest in biopower--electricity generated from biomass. Biopower, a baseload power source, can be produced from a large range of biomass feedstocks nationwide (e.g., urban, agricultural, and forestry wastes and residues). The two most common biopower processes are combustion (e.g., direct-fired or co-fired) and gasification, with the former being the most widely used. Proponents have stated that biopower has the potential to strengthen rural economies, enhance energy security, and minimize the environmental impacts of energy production. Challenges to biopower production include the need for a sufficient feedstock supply, concerns about potential health impacts to nearby communities from the combustion of biomass, and its higher generation costs relative to fossil fuel-based electricity. At present, biopower generally requires tax incentives to be competitive with conventional fossil fuel-fired electric generation."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Bracmort, Kelsi

2016-02-04
Is Biopower Carbon Neutral? [September 28, 2015]

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From the Summary: "To promote energy diversity and improve energy security, Congress has expressed interest in biopower--electricity generated from biomass. Biopower, a baseload power source, can be produced from a large range of biomass feedstocks nationwide (e.g., urban, agricultural, and forestry wastes and residues). The two most common biopower processes are combustion (e.g., direct-fired or co-fired) and gasification, with the former being the most widely used. Proponents have stated that biopower has the potential to strengthen rural economies, enhance energy security, and minimize the environmental impacts of energy production. Challenges to biopower production include the need for a sufficient feedstock supply, concerns about potential health impacts to nearby communities from the combustion of biomass, and its higher generation costs relative to fossil fuel-based electricity. At present, biopower generally requires tax incentives to be competitive with conventional fossil fuel-fired electric generation."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Bracmort, Kelsi

2015-09-28
Greenhouse Gas Pledges by Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change [July 1, 2015]

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"International negotiations are underway toward an agreement, due in December 2015, under the 'United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change' (UNFCCC) regarding commitments and actions to address human-related, global climate change from 2020 on. This report briefly summarizes the existing commitments and pledges of selected national and regional governments to limit their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as contributions to the global effort. The negotiations cover additional topics, including adaptation to the impacts of climate change and financing to assist the efforts of low-income countries. However, parties to the UNFCCC have not agreed that intended nationally determined contributions (INDCs) of parties must or should include those other topics. Consequently, this report focuses only on the GHG mitigation pledges. More extensive information on the climate change negotiations is available in several additional CRS [Congressional Research Service] reports. Following background on the UNFCCC, this report describes the role of INDCs in the current negotiations. It then summarizes selected parties' existing GHG mitigation commitments and pledges in a table that covers both the period to 2020 and from 2020 on. Information on additional parties' INDCs is available through the website of the UNFCCC."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Leggett, Jane A.

2015-07-01
Greenhouse Gas Pledges by Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change [June 29, 2015]

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"International negotiations are underway toward an agreement, due in December 2015, under the 'United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change' (UNFCCC) regarding commitments and actions to address human-related, global climate change from 2020 on. This report briefly summarizes the existing commitments and pledges of selected national and regional governments to limit their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as contributions to the global effort. The negotiations cover additional topics, including adaptation to the impacts of climate change and financing to assist the efforts of low-income countries. However, parties to the UNFCCC have not agreed that 'intended nationally determined contributions' (INDCs) of parties must or should include those other topics. Consequently, this report focuses only on the GHG mitigation pledges. More extensive information on the climate change negotiations is available in several additional CRS reports. Following background on the UNFCCC, this report describes the role of INDCs in the current negotiations. It then summarizes selected parties' existing GHG mitigation commitments and pledges in a table that covers both the period to 2020 and from 2020 on. Information on additional parties' INDCs is available through the website of the UNFCCC."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Leggett, Jane A.

2015-06-29
Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress [October 25, 2018]

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"The diminishment of Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activities in the Arctic, and has heightened interest in, and concerns about, the region's future. The United States, by virtue of Alaska, is an Arctic country and has substantial interests in the region. Record low extents of Arctic sea ice over the past decade have focused scientific and policy attention on links to global climate change and projected ice-free seasons in the Arctic within decades. These changes have potential consequences for weather in the United States, access to mineral and biological resources in the Arctic, the economies and cultures of peoples in the region, and national security. The five Arctic coastal states--the United States, Canada, Russia, Norway, and Denmark (of which Greenland is a territory)--have made or are in the process of preparing submissions to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf regarding the outer limits of their extended continental shelves. The Russian submission includes the underwater Lomonosov Ridge, a feature that spans a considerable distance across the center of the Arctic Ocean."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

O'Rourke, Ronald; Comay, Laura B.; Folger, Peter (Peter Franklin) . . .

2018-10-25
Resource Allocation and Pandemic Response: An Evidence Synthesis to Inform Decision Making

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From the Background and Purpose: "In a pandemic, such as COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019], the need for medical resources, including staff, stuff (e.g., supplies and equipment), and space or structure (e.g., physical location), can quickly outstrip the available resources. Policymakers need information and tested strategies to inform key decisions about how to respond and make the best use of scarce resources. Potential strategies seek to increase the overall quantity of resources, stretch existing resources, and when needed offer guidance about how to determine which patients receive those resources. These strategies focused on the healthcare delivery system are complemented by population-based strategies that seek to reduce the spread of the disease and therefore the demand for health care services. There is a wealth of guidance developed by the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) and the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) about the allocation of scarce resources. The degree to which these guidelines are implemented as policies or affect outcomes at the population level is harder to examine. A 2012 AHRQ [Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality] review identified the existing evidence on outcomes of strategies for allocating medical resources in mass casualty events. That review defined resource allocation broadly, and included pandemic response such as mitigation and community strategies that were useful to policymakers. In this rapid evidence review, we updated the search for studies about outcomes of strategies regarding allocations of scarce resources (including mitigation and community strategies) that would be of interest to a broad array of decision makers, and updated terminology to reflect the current scope."

United States. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

2020-10-05

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