On December 29th, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (H.R. 2617) or Omnibus Package was signed into law. This bill includes funding to address homelessness, wildfires, drought and environmental concerns, and agricultural pests and diseases. Specifically, the bill appropriates $3.45 billion to agriculture research projects to decrease livestock and crop diseases, improve food safety and water quality, increase production, and combat antimicrobial resistance. An additional investment in energy and water development is included, with the bill providing $3.5 billion for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Lastly, $224.2 million is being appropriated for climate resilience efforts, Western water issues, and wildfires and drought through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). A summary of appropriation provisions can be found here.
