Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI)

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) and the Alliance to Save Energy (ASE) held a briefing about readily-available solutions to help reduce energy costs for homes and small businesses. Together, rising energy demand, extreme weather events, and aging infrastructure are straining the U.S. electric grid, leaving homes and small businesses to feel the impacts of higher utility bills. With U.S. electricity prices having risen an average of 40% since 2020, affordability is now at the center of many conversations on energy policy. Upgrades to heating and cooling systems, insulation, and a wide range of household appliances can add up to cost-effective energy improvements that boost comfort in harsh weather, uplift consumer confidence, expand freedom of choice, and give consumers more control over their utility bills. Appliances with the ENERGY STAR® label, for example, can save a single household $450 annually. This briefing convened experts from around the country with on-the-ground experience in bolstering energy efficiency and delivering savings to consumers. These panelists explored the benefits of energy-saving solutions available to households and small businesses. They also identified key federal programs that support these initiatives, such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the Weatherization Assistance Program.

One year after the catastrophic wildfires that blazed through southern California, the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) and the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) invite you to a briefing on emerging solutions to tackle the wildfire crisis, and the federal policy strategies for getting these solutions into the field. Communities nationwide are experiencing longer wildfire seasons and more intense, destructive wildfires. Hotter and drier weather, decades of fire over-suppression leading to the buildup of flammable materials, and increasing development in and around fire-prone areas have transformed wildfire—once a natural and sustainable part of American landscapes—into a major threat. From California to New Jersey, wildfires are taking a toll—costing the United States up to $424 billion annually and displacing tens of thousands of people. This briefing will highlight efforts to address this crisis, including wildfire preparedness, response, and recovery policies and innovations in the United States. Panelists will identify evidence-backed approaches—from smart zoning and upgraded building codes to fuels management and early detection—and the role of federal policy in supporting the rapid development and cost-effective implementation of these tactics at scale. Attendees will leave this briefing with an understanding of how to strengthen wildfire mitigation efforts, bolster community wildfire resilience, ease the strain on emergency services, and save taxpayer dollars.

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) and the Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE) held a briefing on commonsense technologies and solutions to keep energy costs low and meet rising demand. The rapid growth in energy demand from data centers has raised energy affordability conversations in households across the country. And on Capitol Hill, energy affordability might be the major theme of energy policy discussions. This panel covered a broad portfolio of commercially-available technologies and resources—from energy efficiency to renewable energy to natural gas—that are essential to understand in order to ensure that the U.S. energy system can continue to grow and promote domestic prosperity, encourage innovation, and provide opportunities for economic development. The briefing shared new findings from the 2026 edition of the Sustainable Energy in America Factbook. The Factbook provides valuable year-over-year data and insights on the U.S. energy transformation. It examines trends in data centers and artificial intelligence along with the ways in which permitting and siting as well as federal appropriations impact the deployment of modern energy solutions. The report also features an in-depth look at key topics including demand-side energy resources, renewable energy, natural gas, energy storage, and sustainable transportation.

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) held a Rapid Readout on energy resilience and recovery after Winter Storm Fern in late January. Many on the East Coast and in the South took weeks to dig out from this storm. Homes and businesses in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee were without electricity for more than a week, leaving residents in life-threatening situations. Building on lessons from past devastating winter storms, such as Winter Storm Uri that impacted Texas in February 2021, this Rapid Readout examined Fern's impacts on power grids and potential resilient solutions to help residents weather future storms.

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) and the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) held a briefing about state-led energy solutions to meet rapidly increasing power demand needed to grow America’s economy, support energy security and resilience, and put downward pressure on electricity costs.  Attendees heard from State Energy Office leaders about the 11-state Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative, 13-state Geothermal Power Accelerator, hydropower, advanced transmission reconductoring and grid optimization, and energy storage. Panelists discussed energy efficiency solutions that are lowering energy bills for consumers and businesses, and the latest on state energy security initiatives designed to improve reliability and speed the recovery of energy systems following physical, weather, and cyber incidents. Speakers highlighted key federal policies that can help states in their efforts to catalyze energy innovation and address energy affordability.

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) held a briefing on the state of federal clean energy and energy efficiency tax credits. This briefing reviewed how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (P.L. 119-21) modified or altogether ended 12 key tax credits, including those for electric vehicles, renewables, biofuels, hydrogen, nuclear energy, and energy efficiency. The briefing shared ways companies and consumers are adapting to this new landscape, as well as the short- and long-term implications for the energy industry, developers, and manufacturers. Panelists also explored the outlook for using federal tax policy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy bills for households and businesses, and increase resilience to climate impacts while advancing U.S. competitiveness on the global stage.

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) held a Rapid Readout about the major outcomes from this year’s United Nations climate negotiations in Belém, Brazil (COP30). This Readout unpacked where key negotiations landed on issues including next steps on international climate finance, climate adaptation metrics, the intersection of climate and trade, and the implementation of carbon markets.  The Readout reviewed the status of updated country commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase adaptation efforts and the next steps in the global effort to assess progress towards collective climate goals. Speakers unpacked the U.S. presence at COP30, including federal, subnational, and private sector roles in the proceedings; highlighted next steps following COP30; and explained what it all means for U.S. climate policy. View the full briefing series at eesi.org/cop30-briefings.

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) held a briefing about the nexus of global trade and climate change. International trade is an integral part of the U.S. economy—the United States is the world’s largest importer and second-largest exporter of goods. While trade presents economic opportunities, it also comes at a cost. The global movement of goods via water, air, and land accounts for 20 to 30% of global carbon dioxide emissions. Climate change is also disrupting global supply chains, increasing costs, and damaging vital infrastructure.  This briefing explored multilateral efforts to reduce trade-related greenhouse gas emissions through the lens of the upcoming international climate negotiations (COP30). Panelists discussed climate-related policies being proposed in the United States and abroad, as well as the broader geopolitical trade environment–including tariffs–impacting these efforts. Speakers also described collaborations in the maritime shipping sector, which accounts for 90% of all goods moved. Attendees left with an understanding of the different ways trade is expected to influence COP30 negotiations as well as opportunities for additional international cooperation that could advance, rather than detract from, global climate goals. View the full briefing series at eesi.org/cop30-briefings.

Seventy-one countries, including the United States, are part of the Global Cooling Pledge, a commitment initiated at the 2023 U.N. climate summit (COP28) to address the greenhouse gas emissions associated with refrigerators and air conditioning. The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) held a briefing that explored the imperative of reducing these emissions, especially the superpollutant hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), while also ensuring that people are kept safe from the impacts of extreme heat. The Global Cooling Pledge calls for a 68% reduction in emissions by 2050, increased availability of and access to sustainable cooling solutions by 2030, and increased energy efficiency of air conditioners.  This briefing explored progress made towards these goals—from nature-based and passive cooling to low global warming potential refrigerant technologies. Panelists also discussed the Senate-ratified Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which is phasing down HFCs. The briefing left policymakers with takeaways on what to expect at COP30 related to sustainable cooling and extreme heat as well as the economic and public health benefits of addressing refrigerant emissions domestically. View the full briefing series at eesi.org/cop30-briefings.

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) held a briefing about what Congress can expect during the upcoming United Nations climate negotiations in Belém, Brazil (COP30). Hundreds of negotiating sessions and thousands of events will take place over the course of the two-week U.N. session. Whether traveling to Belém or observing COP30 from D.C., this briefing will guide policymakers on how to engage effectively. Panelists explained key issues on the negotiating agenda, including determining metrics for climate adaptation and charting the path toward international climate finance goals. The briefing described the role of the COP30 Brazil Presidency and its forest and agriculture priorities, unpacked the evolving role of the United States in this international policy-making process, and highlighted which U.S. stakeholders are expected at COP30—from businesses and nonprofits to state and local governments. It will also preview the realm of possible outcomes from COP30 and what they would mean for U.S. climate policy. View the full briefing series at eesi.org/cop30-briefings.

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) held a Rapid Readout about the status of reform efforts for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Trump Administration and Congress are considering changes to pre-disaster preparedness, disaster response, and post-disaster recovery. This readout provided background on why FEMA reforms are on the table, unpack how communities could be affected, and outline the most prominent proposal, the bipartisan Fixing Emergency Management for Americans Act of 2025 (H.R.4669). It also described what has happened to date with the FEMA Review Council, established by Executive Order 14180 in January 2025.

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) held a briefing about pathways for industrial decarbonization. Materials like steel, iron, and cement form the backbone of U.S. industry, and have long been a symbol of U.S. innovation and prosperity. The production of these materials, as well as chemicals and plastics, often requires extremely high temperatures typically achieved by burning fossil fuels. The industrial sector is the second-largest greenhouse gas emitter, representing 30% of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, and is projected to be the largest by 2035.  This briefing identified opportunities for industrial emissions reductions—such as electrification and material reuse. Panelists also highlighted how key players from the federal government and private sector come together to advance deployable innovations like green steel and carbon-negative concrete. Attendees left with an understanding of industrial decarbonization efforts that also boost American competitiveness and create a more resilient economy and climate.

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) held a briefing about policy solutions to meet the reliability, resilience, and affordability challenges facing the U.S. energy grid. The grid underpins modern life—enabling economic activity, supporting national security, and powering everything from basic necessities in homes to critical infrastructure like hospitals and transportation. Today, the grid’s stability is being tested like never before. Aging infrastructure, extreme weather, and unprecedented increases in electricity demand could soon overwhelm generation and transmission capacity and outpace states and utility planners. These challenges hit home, from higher energy bills for consumers to rolling blackouts that leave communities vulnerable during heat waves, wildfires, winter storms, and hurricanes.  This briefing outlined policy options and technological innovations to address these challenges. Panelists expanded on several aspects of grid modernization, including the buildout of new transmission lines, bringing online new power generation and energy storage capacity, and improving energy efficiency. They also described the state of permitting reform in the 119th Congress. Attendees left this briefing with a better understanding of the imperatives and multiple benefits of an environmentally and economically sustainable energy grid to power the 21st century.

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) held a briefing discussing the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and climate change in federal policy-making. While AI can aid in climate resilience and boost economic competitiveness, it is also on a trajectory to increase energy demand, greenhouse gas emissions, and water usage. This paradox presents an important opportunity for discussion on how to best minimize the negative impacts of AI on the environment and harness its powers for a sustainable future.  This briefing provided a foundational understanding of AI’s role in the climate and energy arena. Panelists discussed the massive energy and water needs of data centers that run AI algorithms. They also layed out how the technology is already being put to use—from precision agriculture to resilient grid infrastructure and improved weather forecasting. The briefing highlighted the frontiers of AI, including the federal government’s role in research and development at the Department of Energy’s National Laboratories, and explored Congress’s role in aligning the rapid rise of AI development and usage with global goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate impacts.

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) and the Ohio River Basin Alliance held a briefing outlining how policymakers and community stakeholders can help restore the health of the Ohio River. The Ohio River is an important driver of economic growth for the six states it runs through—Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois. It also supplies drinking water for more than 30 million people. However, impacted by toxic waste and sewage, mining and agricultural runoff, and inadequate water infrastructure, the Ohio River is considered one of the most heavily polluted rivers in the country. It also faces conservation challenges, from habitat loss to the spread of invasive species. This briefing unpacked the challenges and opportunities embedded in increasing the health and resilience of the Ohio River Basin. In particular, panelists addressed the disproportionate impact of both pollution and flooding on economically disadvantaged communities. Policymakers left with an understanding of how collaboration between community stakeholders, industry, and federal, state, and local governments advances pollution remediation work, conservation efforts, and climate resilience projects. 

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) and the Federation of American Scientists held a briefing about how federal policies can bolster resilience to extreme heat at the state and community level. Communities are experiencing hotter, more frequent, and more prolonged periods of record-breaking heat. Not only does extreme heat have immediate public health ramifications (heat-related deaths have more than doubled since 1999), it also exacerbates drought and wildfire risk, harms crops and livestock, and strains energy systems. Together, these impacts cost the United States an estimated $162 billion in 2024.  This briefing highlighted the Federation of American Scientists’ 2025 Heat Policy Agenda, which outlines policy considerations for Congress and the Administration to prevent infrastructure damage, economic impacts, and loss of life from heat. Speakers described opportunities to safeguard critical infrastructure such as our energy systems, improve productivity, and improve federal and subnational coordination on heat preparedness, management, and resilience.

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) held a briefing focused on the past, present, and future of the U.S. highway system. Since the end of World War II, Congress has paved the way for thousands of miles of roadways to connect U.S. towns and cities and foster economic activity. But highways have divided us as much as they have connected us. Multilane roads have bisected communities, made it hard to get around without personal vehicles, and even prevented wildlife from moving within habitats. Highways have also come with an ever-increasing price tag, with $62 billion allocated to the Federal Highway Administration for maintenance, repair, and expansion in fiscal year 2025. This briefing highlighted how the country’s highways can be maintained in the context of a changing climate, from increasing preparedness for extreme weather events to building out electric vehicle charging corridors. Panelists highlighted opportunities for federal policy to help relocate highways to reconnect communities, use cool pavement and climate-smart building materials, and manage toxic runoff from roads. The briefing also identified opportunities to optimize federal funding to improve the way the country’s highways connect people.

Railways play a key role in American transportation and commerce, moving 28% of U.S. goods and tens of thousands of people across the country every day. The United States boasts 140,000 miles of freight rail lines underpinning an $80 billion industry that employs roughly 167,000 people. Meanwhile, Amtrak, the primary provider of U.S. passenger rail connecting people across rural and urban America, reported record ridership in fiscal year 2024 with 32.8 million passengers. From the crucial Northeast passenger rail corridor to the nation’s largest freight hub in Chicago, rail has the potential to play a key role in a decarbonized transportation sector by displacing emissions from cars, trucks, and planes.  This Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) briefing explored the past, current, and future role of rail in the U.S. transportation sector and highlighted key rail programs under the surface transportation bill. Speakers also described opportunities to modernize railways through electrification, faster trains, track expansion, and safety improvements.

Welcome to a new twist on the typical EESI Congressional briefing: EESI Rapid Readouts! Things are happening faster than ever, and you need information quickly. These 30-minute interactive Readouts bring you what you need to know, when you need to know it.  This Readout will answer your questions on the mechanics of reconciliation, how the process could unfold in the coming months, and how the package moving through Congress could affect clean energy tax incentives and other funding provided by the Inflation Reduction Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and more. To learn about the basics of budget reconciliation, as well as the annual appropriations process, watch or read the highlight notes from EESI’s February 2025 briefing, Understanding the Budget, Reconciliation, and Appropriations. We are here to help you answer questions from your boss and constituents. Let us know what climate, energy, and environmental topics you want to see us cover in future Rapid Readouts by emailing us here. 

Welcome to a new twist on the typical EESI Congressional briefing: EESI Rapid Readouts! Things are happening faster than ever, and you need information quickly. These 30-minute, interactive Readouts will bring you what you need to know, when you need to know it. This venerable U.S. Environmental Protection Agency program is best known by its distinctive blue logo, which helps consumers choose high-efficiency appliances and electronics that save them money. But ENERGY STAR is much more than that, and it underpins countless federal, state, and local energy efficiency initiatives. This Readout provided background on the bipartisan origins and heritage of ENERGY STAR and described the many benefits the program delivers to households and businesses, including retailers, developers, and utilities.