If enacted, HB 7782 would significantly reshape the landscape of public housing laws. It mandates that every public housing unit transitions to zero-carbon homes within a decade and establishes various requirements that public housing agencies would need to comply with regarding resident involvement, planning processes, and profit distribution from energy initiatives. Additionally, it encourages the creation of resident councils to enhance community engagement and improve resident satisfaction, ensuring that public housing efforts align with the needs of the communities they serve.
Summary
House Bill 7782, known as the 'Green New Deal for Public Housing Act,' aims to enhance the quality and sustainability of public housing in the United States. The bill seeks to modernize existing public housing, incorporating energy-efficient and all-electric appliances and infrastructure sourced from U.S. manufacturers. A key aspect of the bill is its emphasis on creating workforce opportunities for low- and very low-income individuals, ensuring that public housing projects not only improve living conditions but also contribute to local economic growth through job creation directly related to modernization efforts.
Contention
Notably, the bill has faced contention regarding the financial implications and the enforceability of its ambitious goals. Critics raise concerns about the feasibility of meeting the zero-carbon mandate within the stipulated time frame and fear that federal funding might not adequately cover the costs associated with extensive upgrades and renovations. Proponents argue that such investments are essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring better health and safety standards for residents in public housing. Overall, debates surrounding HB 7782 highlight striking a balance between sustainability, economic feasibility, and the immediate needs of residents.
BUILD GREEN Infrastructure and Jobs Act Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development and Generating Renewable Energy to Electrify the Nation's Infrastructure and Jobs Act
Working to Advance Tangible and Effective Reforms for California Act or the WATER for California Act This bill addresses the operation of the Central Valley Project (CVP), a federal water project in California owned and operated by the Bureau of Reclamation, and the California State Water Project (SWP), which is operated jointly with the CVP. Specifically, the bill requires that Reclamation operate the CVP and SWP pursuant to a specified alternative to a proposed action in a final environmental impact statement and 2019 agency published Biological Opinions (BiOps). The bill also requires Reclamation and the Department of Commerce to submit a justification to Congress that meets certain requirements prior to requesting or completing a reinitiation of consultation that will result in new BiOps. This bill also requires Reclamation to allocate water to existing agricultural water service contractors within the CVP's Sacramento River Watershed based on the water year type (e.g., dry, wet). These allocations must not affect the United States' ability or obligations to deliver water under other designated contracts. Further, the bill repeals certain eligibility requirements for water infrastructure construction funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to make the Shasta Dam and Reservoir Enlargement Project in California eligible for funding. The bill also requires that Reclamation funds made available but not used for this project in previous appropriations years be made available to the project. Finally, the bill reauthorizes Reclamation's support for the construction or expansion of water storage projects.
To amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to authorize grants for toxic substances remediation in schools, to reauthorize healthy high-performance schools, and for other purposes.