<[link removed]> The 118th Congress has begun, and what a start it has been! Congratulations to Roosevelt Conservation Caucus members Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) and Rep. Bruce Westerman (AR–04) who have secured important and highly coveted chairmanships. Rep. McMorris Rodgers has been named the Chair of the House Energy and Commerce committee; she is the first woman in the history of the committee to hold that title. Rep. Westerman has been named Chair of the House Natural Resources committee. Both committees are integral to the work we do here at ConservAmerica, and we look forward to working with the Chairs as they serve in these new capacities. During the 118th Congress, our team will pursue a proactive agenda that builds off our accomplishments and the momentum we have generated in recent years. We will continue to develop and advocate for policies that protect the environment, unlock our country’s abundant natural resources, spur technological innovation, and ensure the efficient and transparent use of taxpayer dollars. Toward this end, we will work with members of Congress to support legislative and oversight efforts that ensure existing programs are being implemented in a timely manner and are consistent with Congressional intent. Working closely with the bicameral Roosevelt Conservation Caucus, whose members have successfully pushed for major reforms over the country’s environment and energy legal and regulatory framework, we will focus on a set list of priorities. To view ConservAmerica’s priorities for the 118th Congress, click here <[link removed]> . That’s it from us for this month. We hope your new year is off to a calmer start than the new Congress, and that you are staying warm and safe. January Highlights <[link removed]> Roosevelt Conservation Caucus member Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers Leads the Charge on Strategic Petroleum Reserve <[link removed]> House Republicans have worked through their internal power dynamics at the start of the 118th Congress and have officially gotten down to business. Right out of the gate, one of the main priorities has been legislation focused on the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), responding to what many see as the politically motivated drawdowns by President Joe Biden before last year’s midterm elections. The SPR was created to protect the United States from oil shortages and price spikes caused by physical supply disruptions. However, over the last two years, President Biden has authorized the sale of more than 250 million barrels of oil, or approximately 40 percent of the reserve, to tamp down domestic gas prices in a contentious election year. Roosevelt Conservation Caucus member and Chair of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), has led the SPR charge with two bills, both of which have since passed the House. Read More <[link removed]> <[link removed]> Commentary: The Inconvenient Truth About Solyndra <[link removed]> When Republicans in Washington talk about energy policy, one word often comes up: Solyndra. Before the recent elections, headlines <[link removed]> blared about this defaulted government loan guarantee – “Republicans look for the next Solyndra.” With Republicans now controlling the U.S. House of Representatives, should they actually “look for the next Solyndra”? What are the real lessons from it for both Congressional Republicans and the Biden Administration? We believe there are lessons, and here’s what they are: Read More <[link removed]> <[link removed]> ConservAmerica Sends Letters to Key Members of Congress about Importance of LWCF <[link removed]> ConservAmerica recently sent letters to key members of Congress on the importance of conservation programs like the Land and Water Conservation Fund <[link removed]> (LWCF). The LWCF, which receives its main source of project funding from offshore oil and gas revenues, has long provided crucial funds for our country’s national and state parks, historical sites and battlefields, conservation areas, and community programs and parks. Established in 1964, the LWCF’s main source of project funding is from offshore oil and gas revenues. Annually the fund receives nearly $900 million and is responsible for significant funding and support of America’s national parks, wildlife refuges, national forests, historic sites, local community projects, and other outdoor space and public works. Read More <[link removed]> <[link removed]> Upper Colorado River Basin States Launch Program Aimed At Reducing Water Usage <[link removed]> The population around the Colorado River Basin has exploded in recent years, with the area now supporting roughly 40 million people. However, as more and more people are discovering the magic of the American West, water levels are declining to their lowest levels in history. The Colorado River, which serves roughly 10% of the country, is the region’s most important waterway. Fed by our country’s largest reservoirs, Lake Powell and Lake Mead, the 1,450-mile river starts in the Colorado Rockies and ends in the Sea of Cortez in Mexico. Since 2000, the Colorado River basin has been experiencing a historic, prolonged drought that has most importantly impacted regional water supply and hydropower. Read More <[link removed]> <[link removed]> VIDEO: ConservAmerica 2022 Annual Award Reception <[link removed]> The ConservAmerica 2022 Annual Award Reception video is now live! ConservAmerica recently held its annual reception to honor members of the Congressional Roosevelt Conservation Caucus in Washington, DC. This year’s recipients of the Congressional Champions Award are Senator John Thune of South Dakota, Senator Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, Rep. Pete Stauber of Minnesota’s 8th District, Rep. Buddy Carter of Georgia’s 1st District, and incoming Energy & Commerce chair Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington’s 5th District. The award recognizes members for their commitment to advocating for innovative and commonsense environmental, energy, and conservation policies. Read More <[link removed]> Please consider supporting our work with a tax-deductible donation. With your help, we can continue to provide leadership on environmental and conservation issues based on the principles of respect for free markets, property rights, and personal responsibility. Donate <[link removed]> <[link removed]> <[link removed]> <[link removed]> <[link removed]> Follow us! ConservAmerica, 1455 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 400, Washington DC, United States Unsubscribe <[link removed]>