Earl Blumenauer

Earl Blumenauer, in an exclusive and instructive interview with The Planning Report, surveys his distinguished 50 years in elected office, including 14 terms of representing Oregon's 3rd Congressional District. A political veteran trailblazer in bipartisan collaboration, Blumenauer, who recently announced his retirement rather than seeking a 15th term, reflects on his decision-making process, noting a desire going forward to focus on impactful civilian work outside of Washington, DC. Our conversation spans his truly prolific livable communities & transportation legislative achievements, including last session’s Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, which he rightfully believes signify a transformative era for American infrastructure.

In a surprise move before Congress’ August recess, US Senate Majority Leader Schumer and Energy Committee Chair Manchin announced a deal on budget reconciliation—the Inflation Reduction Act.

With climate change fueling increasingly frequent and severe natural disasters—whether from flooding, wildfire, or extreme heat events—2021 was another record-breaking and deadly year for climate disasters in the US.

Ahead of the budget reconciliation process, VX News spoke with US Congressman Earl Blumenauer, who sits on the House Ways & Means Committee, for insights on the also-pending $1 trillion bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act.

For the US agriculture industry, the coronavirus has both revealed the fragility of food systems and the impacts of prioritizing agricultural commodities over local food sourcing and supply diversification.