This Week In Climate Action

THIS WEEK IN CLIMATE ACTION(!) – APRIL 30, 2021

Apr 30, 2021

Mika Hyer, mhyer@lcv.org, 940-783-2230

Your weekly resource to learn what the environmental movement is saying about the news of the day and the political fight of our generation. Be sure to follow LCV on Facebook and Twitter.

QUOTES OF THE WEEK:

“The history of segregation has been very deliberate. When we talk about systemic issues around illegal dumping and littering, it’s a very complex issue, and the systems that created it are complex, as well.”

— Myrna Newman, Allegheny CleanWays Executive Director, speaking on communities of color experiencing increased illegal dumping in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article, “Combating environmental racism, one neighborhood cleanup at a time”.

“They’re going to poison us, and this is where our children live. This landfill will be just a few feet from where our groundwater table is, and we rely on that groundwater for drinking water and to wash dishes, and we can’t have this here.”

— Dollie Burwell, environmental justice advocate whose advocacy against a landfill in her community in North Carolina in the 80s is featured in Washington Post podcast, “Fighting environmental racism: How a protest in a North Carolina farming town sparked a national movement for environmental justice”.

“If you go to communities of color across this country and ask them, ‘What’s the source of the environmental problems?’ they can point you to every one: the highway, the chemical plants, the refineries, the legacy pollution left over from decades ago, in the houses, in the air, in the water, in the playgrounds,” he said. “Empirical research is now catching up with the reality: that America is segregated and so is pollution.”

— Robert D. Bullard, a professor at Texas Southern University who has written for more than 30 years about the need to address environmental injustice in communities in a New York Times article, “People of Color Breathe More Hazardous Air. The Sources Are Everywhere.”

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LCV IN THE NEWS:

E&E News: Biden looks to get past ‘the easy stuff’
Axios: Exclusive: The big push for a clean power mandate
Roll Call: Biden Biden faces big sales challenge in wake of climate summit
American Independent: Alaska senator’s ‘climate plan’ is just to burn more fossil fuels

OUTSIDE THE BELTWAY: 

LCV’s affiliates are hard at work protecting the environment and fighting climate change in the states. Here’s what people are reading across the country:

Las Vegas Review-Journal (NV): COMMENTARY: Natural gas is going the way of the dinosaurs
Maine Beacon (ME): Maine groups show solidarity with tribes’ push for sovereignty
AP (CA): California governor seeks ban on new fracking by 2024
Public News Service (NC): With NC Native Heading EPA, Local Officials Build On Renewed Climate Focus
Albuquerque Journal (NM): Senate votes to restore EPA methane regulations
Spokane Public Radio (WA): Washington Joins Oregon, California, British Columbia In Passing Low-Carbon Fuel Standard
Fayetteville Observer (NC): Biden plan and clean energy can be ‘economic shot in the arm’ for NC and America
Florida Phoenix (FL): Gov. DeSantis to decide fate of controversial toll road projects through sensitive lands in Florida
Harlem World Magazine (NY): Senate Majority Advances Legislation To Improve Water Protections During Water Week
New Haven Biz (NH): A battle to get more clean energy into New England’s electric grid is underway. Here’s what you need to know.
ROI-NJ (NJ): Save the bees? Yeah, it’s a thing — here’s why it should concern businesses
Missoula Current (MT): Legislature passes marijuana bill with conservation funding

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REMEMBERING ADAM KOLTON: On Monday, the environmental advocacy community reeled from the loss of Adam Kolton, who dedicated decades of his career to fighting for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge against oil development. A tireless voice for public lands, a glimpse of Adam’s leadership, advocacy, and impact on the environmental community can be seen in a tribute from E&E News here.

AWL TAKE: The Alaskan Wilderness League powerfully stated, “Regardless of the challenge, he attacked it head on with confidence that we would triumph in the end. When we speak of the shoulders of giants on which we stand, Adam is among those ranks.”

OUR TAKE: LCV President Gene Karpinski stated, “We are heartbroken by the sudden passing of our longtime friend and colleague, Adam Kolton, and holding his family, friends, and the Alaska Wilderness League and the National Wildlife Federation close. Adam was a fierce advocate, a savvy strategist, a loyal friend, a formidable opponent – and a long-suffering but avid Mets fan. We are so grateful to Adam for his incredible leadership for the environment and especially for protecting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and other special places throughout Alaska and across the country. We will miss him dearly, but his legacy lives on and we will honor him by continuing to fight for all he held dear.”

MCCABE CONFIRMED!: This week, the Senate confirmed Janet McCabe as deputy administrator of the EPA. McCabe will be returning to familiar territory, having served as acting assistant administrator from 2013-2017 and deputy principle assistant administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation from 2009-2013. And it’s clear, given her record and testimony during the confirmation process, that McCabe is intent on prioritizing the health and well being of communities across the country: “Air pollution is connected with heart disease, cancer and birth defects. It shortens lives. These and other public health issues facing our fellow Americans have motivated my work.”

OUR TAKE: LCV Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Tiernan Sittenfeld said, “Congratulations to Janet McCabe on her confirmation as deputy administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). McCabe has deep experience with the climate policy and clean air standards that will be key to the Biden administration’s success on climate and environmental justice. Her leadership will provide a needed morale boost at the EPA after four years of the Trump administration undermining science and health protections.  We can’t wait for her to work alongside Administrator Michael Regan to restore the core mission of the EPA protecting our air, water, climate, and health for all communities.”

PETITION FOR CLEAN BUSES: Chispa and LCV led a petition with a coalition of advocates urging the Biden-Harris administration to invest $25 billion over 10 years, which would jump-start the electrification of nearly half the nation’s school bus fleet, and clean up the air that 25 million school children breathe each day. A bold transition to clean buses will impact over 25 million children and hundreds of thousands of bus drivers who currently breathe polluted air from dirty diesel school buses — particularly in communities of color and low wealth communities where children are at a higher risk of breathing polluted air, and are already disproportionately impacted by pollution. See and sign the petition urging the Biden-Harris administration and Congress to switch to electric school buses for the health and safety of our children and our communities here.

CHISPA TAKE: Chispa tweeted, “25M students (nearly half of all school-aged students in the US) rely on diesel school buses to get to school every day. A return to in-person learning means a return to toxic diesel pollution exposure for our children. Tell @POTUS & @VP to #BuildBackBetter with #CleanRide4Kids!”

GOP CLIMATE LIES: On Wednesday, ahead of Biden’s joint-session address to Congress, LCV released a memo highlighting how Republicans fueled by oil and gas money are putting polluter interests before their constituents, instead of providing the investments our nation needs to be a world leader in energy while addressing the climate crisis. Read the facts on the real reason for climate denialism and criticism of the American Jobs Plan —  the LCV scores and contributions from the fossil fuel industry make it clear.

OUR TAKE: As outlined in LCV’s factsheet on what to expect from Congressional Republicans ahead of the joint address to Congress:

“You’ll hear that the American Jobs Plan is just a scheme to raise taxes, but the truth is Americans support making corporations pay their fair share by overturning the irresponsible GOP tax cuts.

You’ll hear that this is not infrastructure because it’s not just about roads and bridges, but the truth is these are the investments in infrastructure required to propel our nation forward and a majority of voters agree.

You’ll hear that this is not actually a jobs plan and it will cause job loss, but the truth is investing in a clean energy future will create and sustain millions of good-paying, union jobs right here in the U.S.

And finally, you’ll hear that this will ban hamburgers and force beer-drinkers to  consume meatless beer, but the truth is… well, that’s just not true.”

A DOSE OF HOPE: On Wednesday, President Biden gave his joint-session speech to Congress, highlighting how bold, transformational investments have historically propelled job creation and economic growth, and how the American Jobs Plan will address climate change while creating good-paying jobs by updating transportation infrastructure, building a resilient grid, preparing for extreme weather exacerbated by climate change, and replacing lead pipes in communities without access to clean water.  The Biden-Harris administration has further committed to direct at least 40% of these investments to communities who have been bearing the brunt of pollution and climate impacts and previously have been cut out of their fair share of the benefits. See LCV’s memo on why centering clean energy, justice, and jobs is good policy and good politics here.

PRESIDENTIAL TAKE: During President Biden’s joint session address he stated, “For too long, we have failed to use the most important word when it comes to meeting the climate crisis. Jobs. Jobs. For me, when I think about climate change, I think jobs. The American Jobs Plan will put engineers and construction workers to work building more energy efficient buildings and homes.”

OUR TAKE: LCV President Gene Karpinski stated, “Tonight, on the eve of the strongest first 100 days for climate and environmental justice we’ve ever seen from any presidential administration, President Biden made clear once again that he is centering communities and justice in our recovery, from the workers who built this country to the people who have been left out of economic opportunity and disproportionately impacted by the nation’s four interconnected crises. The stakes of the climate crisis couldn’t be higher, and in order to help cut carbon pollution, address environmental and economic injustice, and continue on this path of economic recovery, we must invest in infrastructure that creates millions of good-paying union jobs — including clean energy jobs — across the country. We are all in to continue working with the administration and Congress to pass the American Jobs Plan, strengthen our democracy by passing the For The People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, confront racial injustice, and transition to a just and equitable clean energy future that works for all communities.”

FIRST 100 DAYS PROGRESS REPORT: On Tuesday, LCV released a report outlining major climate wins in the Biden-Harris administration’s first 100 days, and on Thursday — the administration’s 100th day — hosted a virtual event with Senator Alex Padilla and Representative Andy Kim to discuss the administration’s strong start. This administration has made it clear that bold, transformative action while centering the most impacted communities is critical for our nation’s economic recovery and to tackle the climate and public health crises. Selecting a visionary cabinet and expert personnel with a range of experiences and identities to help find solutions to some of the nation’s most pressing issues shows the administration’s commitment towards building a whole-of-government approach and ensuring that communities who are too often excluded from the process have a seat at the table and are setting the agenda. Watch the event here and see statements from Padilla and Kim here. Additionally, read more highlights from LCV’s report, “100 Days in Office: A Foundation for Transformational change” here and see the full report here.

PADILLA TAKE: Senator Alex Padilla stated, “The Biden/Harris administration has made a tremendous impact on climate, environmental justice, and democracy in their first 100 days. Looking ahead, Congress must ensure we invest in our infrastructure equitably and in a way that addresses climate change and creates good-paying jobs — especially for those who have historically been left out of economic opportunity. That’s why I’ve introduced legislation to help transition our school bus fleet to zero-emission vehicles. This is an essential aspect of building equitable, sustainable infrastructure. I’m proud to work with my fellow members of Congress to not just protect the environment, but also the health of our families.”

KIM TAKE: Representative Andy Kim stated, “A lesson we must learn from the last year is the need to be prepared — Whether it’s preparing for future pandemics or to tackle the challenges of the climate crisis, we need bold leadership and action to keep America resilient and strong. The actions taken by President Biden and Vice President Harris have helped put us on that path to a resilient future. Congress must now come together to pass common-sense efforts that will keep our communities safer and stronger, no matter the challenges ahead.”

OUR TAKE: LCV Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Tiernan Sittenfeld stated, “President Biden and Vice President Harris have just completed the strongest first 100 days for climate and environmental justice we’ve ever seen from any presidential administration, and we know they are just getting started. The Biden administration has set the stage for the transformational change we need to establish the U.S. as a world leader fighting climate change, confronting racial injustice, and strengthening our democracy. We are all in  to continue working alongside this administration and Congress as we transition to a 100% clean energy economy, center environmental justice, and maintain and create good-paying union jobs here in the U.S.”

OUR DOUBLE TAKE: LCV President Gene Karpinski stated, “This has been the strongest first 100 days for climate and environmental justice we’ve ever seen from a president. President Biden and Vice President Harris have set the stage for the transformational change we need to establish the U.S. as a world leader fighting climate change, confront racial injustice, and strengthen our democracy. And they’ve done it all in the middle of a global pandemic while getting hundreds of millions of shots in arms.”

CLIMATE IMPACTS PREGNANCIES: Last week, Center for American Progress released a new report, “5 Ways To Improve Maternal Health by Addressing the Climate Crisis,” which focuses on the detrimental impacts the climate crisis has on the health of pregnancies — increasing the risk of preterm birth, pregnancy-related complications, and poor maternal mental health. The United States has one of the highest maternal mortality rates of developed nations in the world — with Black pregnant and postpartum people three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications compared with their white counterparts. Climate risk factors, including extreme heat and weather, air pollution, flooding, and hurricanes directly negatively impact people of color, people with disabilities, and people in the LGBTQ+ community more than their straight, white counterparts — and this research shows how these risk factors impact people before they are even born. Read the full report here.

$$ FOR CLIMATE: Last week on Earth Day, Representative Adriano Espaillat introduced H.R.2774, the Green Climate Fund Authorization Act, which would commit the United States to provide a bold investment of $8 billion in climate financing over two years to the Green Climate Fund, an independent, multilateral fund established by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to help developing nations limit their greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. Investments from nations with wealth who also emit the most greenhouse gases are critical to mitigate the global impacts of the climate crisis, to address environmental injustices in communities who bear the most burden from the climate crisis, and to equitably help nations adapt to the climate crisis. See more on the bill here.

ESPAILLAT TAKE: Rep. Adriano Espaillat stated, “The global climate crisis is upon us, and it is an existential threat. We have waited far too long to take serious action to combat climate change, and it is time the United States restores its leadership in the world by contributing to international efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change. As the world’s largest historical greenhouse gas emitter and one of the wealthiest countries in the word, it is incumbent upon the United States to contribute its fair share to global mitigation and adaptation efforts by providing financing to developing countries for just and equitable climate action. The Green Climate Fund is the world’s largest dedicated fund helping developing countries reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and enhance their ability to respond to climate change. Through supporting the Green Climate Fund, the United States can promote environmental justice by assisting marginalized communities in countries that contribute the least to climate change, yet bear the greatest burden of its impacts. This is a moral imperative.”

NYLCV TAKE: New York League of Conservation Voters President Julie Tighe stated, “Climate change doesn’t start and stop within our borders. While the U.S. is making progress on climate by proposing bold policies that will bolster renewable energy and clean transportation, we must also support the transition to a green economy across the globe. Authorizing a Green Climate Fund will provide climate financing to support global mitigation and adaptation in a just and equitable manner. We thank Congressman Espaillat for his leadership and look forward to working with him as this legislation progresses.”

MADRE TAKE: Madre Executive Director Yifat Susskind stated, “We know that any effective, just US climate policy must recognize this country’s responsibility to contribute to global solutions, including through an unprecedented commitment to climate financing. Moreover, we know where the money goes matters. The more that resources needed to mitigate and adapt to climate breakdown are channeled to changemakers at the grassroots level — and particularly women and girls in frontline communities of the Global South — the better chance we have to tackle climate breakdown locally and globally. Frontline women climate defenders sustain their communities through climate catastrophes, from preserving local water sources through drought to storing seeds after floods destroy crops. We must resource their vital work and advance policies guided by their expertise. We commend the Green Climate Fund Authorization Act for spotlighting that our policy efforts must center women, communities of color, Indigenous Peoples, and all frontline communities globally, and for committing to fulfill US obligations to climate financing.”

🚦GREENLIGHT: For decades, California has led the country on pollution standards for new cars because they have wrestled with the scourge of air quality problems since before the Clean Air Act. Their longstanding actions to safeguard their communities from air pollution earned them special authority to set their emissions standards higher than the federal standards, and other states were allowed to opt into those higher standards. However, the Trump administration attempted to revoke this right, and this week the Biden-Harris administration proposed to reinstate California’s waiver, helping the golden state and others breathe easier, especially communities who bear the brunt of pollution from cars and trucks.

OUR TAKE: LCV Board Chair and former Administrator of the EPA Carol M. Browner said, “If we are going to tackle the climate crisis and rebuild manufacturing in this country we need bold policies that drive innovation and cut carbon pollution. Reestablishing the ability of states to band together to set tougher pollution standards for vehicles will cut carbon pollution and feed the innovation we need to build cleaner, affordable, reliable and pollution-free vehicles that save consumers money. Transportation accounts for the largest share of carbon pollution and this decision will lead to significant pollution reductions, economic growth and savings for families at the pump.”

CLCV TAKE: California League of Conservation Voters Chief Executive Officer Mary Creasman said, “Make no mistake: this climate move was made possible by our country electing leaders who prioritize climate action. Today is a reminder of the role elections play in shaping policy and how with the right leadership, our government can use every tool available to ensure our economy and the corporations who drive our economy change as quickly as possible…If we are to prevent major climate catastrophe, this victory can’t be the end.  California has the chance to lead the way and collaborate at a national level again to set the standards for tailpipe emissions that is ultimately beneficial to all.”

CURBING METHANE: On Wednesday, the Senate approved a Congressional Review Act Resolution of Disapproval of the EPA’s roll back of methane standards for new and modified sources in the oil and gas industry — a vote that aims to allow the EPA to move forward aggressive safeguards against this highly potent greenhouse gas that is responsible for 25 percent of the climate change we are experiencing today. Now it’s time for the House to swiftly take up the CRA and help eliminate dangerous methane pollution that significantly contributes to climate change and perpetuates environmental racism.

OUR TAKE: LCV Deputy Legislative Director Madeleine Foote said, “Thanks to the leadership of Majority Leader Schumer and Senator Heinrich and support from a bipartisan coalition of senators today we are one step closer to protecting our communities and environment from toxic methane — the dangerous, potent greenhouse gas responsible for about 25 percent of the climate change we are experiencing today. This vote paves the way for the EPA to move forward with widely supported, sensible safeguards for methane and other air pollution from oil and gas production that would go a long way towards dismantling environmental racism and improving public health.”

WATER INFRASTRUCTURE: On Thursday, the House passed the Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act with strong bipartisan support. Earlier in the week, a coalition of environmental organizations, led by LCV, sent a letter to Congress urging them to support the Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act, which would be an important step toward providing all communities with access to clean, safe and affordable water. The legislation would replace lead service lines and reauthorize the Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds, create an EPA pilot program for low-income water assistance, and authorize funding for rural and disadvantaged communities, among other measures.

OUR TAKE: LCV Deputy Legislative Director Madeleine Foote said, “This is an important, bipartisan step on the path towards providing all communities in this country with access to clean, safe, and affordable water and we commend Senators Carper and Capito for leading this effort. While the bill makes some important down payments on investing in our water infrastructure, more work is needed to ensure that everyone, especially low-income communities and communities of color who have historically borne the brunt of pollution and failing water infrastructure, has access to clean water. Clean water is a basic human right and we look forward to working with Congress to build our water infrastructure back better.”

COALITION TAKE: In the letter, the coalition says, “While the current bill represents progress in the right direction, more work is needed to ensure  that everyone, especially low-income communities and communities of color who have historically borne the brunt of pollution and failing water infrastructure, has access to clean water for drinking, fishing, and recreation.”

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE STATES:

WISCONSIN JOBS: On Thursday, the Wisconsin Examiner published “American Jobs Plan presents opportunity to rebuild Wisconsin’s manufacturing, labor, environmental legacy,” an opinion piece by Wisconsin Conservation Voters Government Affairs Director, Jennifer Giegerich, and Milwaukee Area Labor Council and Milwaukee Building and Construction Trades Council for Laborers Union Local 113 delegate, Pam Fendt. Giegerich and Fendt highlight how Wisconsin’s history of manufacturing provides an opportunity for success with the American Jobs Plan. Bold, transformative investments to tackle the climate crisis that center justice, equity, creating pathways for good-paying clean energy jobs is a critical step towards economic recovery and a reinvigorated manufacturing sector in Wisconsin.

WCV + GREAT LAKES REGION ORGANIZING TAKE: Wisconsin Conservation Voters Government Affairs Director Jennifer Giegerich and Milwaukee Area Labor Council and Milwaukee Building and Construction Trades Council for Laborers Union Local 113 delegate Pam Fendt stated, “We applaud the president for recognizing the interconnected nature of the climate crises, income inequality and racial injustice and taking strides to address all three crises simultaneously. This plan is built on the idea that in fighting the threat of the climate crisis, we have before us an opportunity to rebuild our nation’s infrastructure, power our nation with clean energy, right the wrongs of environmental injustice and create new career pathways.

CLEAN ENERGY TRANSITIONS IN NEVADA: On Saturday, Las Vegas Review-Journal published an opinion piece, “Natural gas is going the way of the dinosaurs,” authored by Nevada Conservation Voters Deputy Director Verna Mandez. Mandez explains that gas utilities in Nevada aren’t held to the same standards as electric utilities and aren’t required to provide a plan for new projects to prove that they’re necessary and cost effective. In the op-ed she asks, “if our utilities can’t prove that they’re making good investments, how can we trust them to provide affordable energy?” Without this accountability to ratepayers, gas utilities have little oversight to prevent them from making poor investments in wasteful and unnecessary expensive projects that will raise customer’s bills. It’s also critical to enact policies that help lower-income Nevadans transition away from gas to cheaper, more efficient energy so they aren’t left footing an ever-rising gas bill.

NCV TAKE: Nevada Conservation Voters Deputy Director Verna Mandez wrote, “Preventing wasteful and unnecessary gas infrastructure spending means lower bills, and better appliances for low-income Nevadans and seniors will improve public health. For our health and for a more affordable Nevada, we can’t keep hiding from our questions about the future of gas. It’s time to face our problems head-on and ensure that this energy transition prioritizes the health and well-being of all Nevadans — and offers them better options when they decide it’s time for a change.”

ROOFTOP SOLAR IN SC: The South Carolina Public Service Commission unanimously rejected a plan by Dominion Energy to increase fees for residential solar customers on Wednesday. The PSC instead supported a proposal by solar companies and partners of the Conservation Voters of South Carolina (CVSC) in an important win for protecting solar access in the state. Dominion’s plan would have increased electric bills by over $50 a month, significantly reducing the cost savings of having a rooftop system – the main incentive for customers to go solar. This decision comes following sustained efforts by CVSC to engage in the PSC selection process. Last year they successfully advocated for the selection of 4 new commissioners that support clean energy out of 5.

CVSC TAKE: John Tynan, director of the Conservation Voters of South Carolina said: “This is a bright day for solar in South Carolina. This decision allows rooftop solar to continue to grow and it shows that our Public Service Commission is serious about standing up for what is good for customers and what is good for clean energy, and is not afraid to push back on utility monopolies when they do something that is egregious.’’

WASHINGTON WINS: A historic legislative session came to a close in Washington this week with multiple exciting climate wins, including passing a clean fuel standard, strong budget investments in climate action, codifying environmental justice, and creating the strongest and most comprehensive carbon pricing program in the country. After more than a decade of advocacy to put a price on carbon, the Climate Commitment Act passed as the result of intentional, powerful and diverse partnerships and collaboration, especially following the leadership of sovereign tribal nations. The HEAL Act officially defines environmental justice in state law and establishes an environmental justice council to review policy and give recommendations to state agencies. Washington also critically restored voting rights to an estimated 20,000 people in the state.

WCV + WEC TAKE: Washington Environmental Council and Washington Conservation Voters CEO Alyssa Macy stated, “The incredible progress that was made for our futures is a remarkable turn of events after the year we’ve just experienced. In the great pause created by COVID, and in the context of a national racial reckoning and an uncertain economic recovery, this year’s environmental progress is truly remarkable. Legislators in Olympia heard our communities loud-and-clear: we won’t back down until you’ve achieved bold environmental progress and they certainly delivered.

When carbon pricing bills were first proposed this year, Washington Environmental Council got to work listening to Tribal Nations, Black-led movement groups, and overburdened communities in order to strengthen and pass a strong carbon pricing policy that met their needs and the goals of our state. Future generations will look back at this moment and know that we valued their futures by passing the Climate Commitment Act. I commend the Washington Legislature, Representative Fitzgibbon, and Governor Inslee for keeping their promise to act boldly on climate this year.”

EARTH DAY IN VIRGINIA: This year Virginia LCV organized a virtual week-long Earth Day festival with panel discussions, presentations, virtual yoga, and a talk show hosted by Earth herself.The festival brought together multiple partners and presenters, and covered a variety of topics including civic engagement, sustainable agriculture, exploring urban nature, faith and climate action, and sustainability efforts at the local level.

CLIMATE AND GENDER JUSTICE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE: LCV’s New Hampshire state affiliate, Climate Action NH, partnered with the NH Women’s Foundation for Earth Day to bring awareness to the intersection of climate and gender justice. Tanna Clews, CEO of the New Hampshire Women’s Foundation and Rob Werner, New Hampshire State Director for LCV co-authored an op-ed last week calling attention to the disproportionate impacts of climate change on women, and women-led and women-focused solutions. The organizations also teamed up for an Earth Day event as part of NHWF’s  Women’s Wednesday series, discussing the role of women in the environmental movement. The virtual panel featured Congresswoman Annie Kuster, US Department of Energy Deputy Director of Energy Justice Shalanda Baker, and NH State Senator Rebecca Perkins Kwoka.

CANH + NHWF TAKE: In their op-ed, Tanna Clews and Rob Werner wrote: “As we celebrate Earth Day, we hope you’ll add a gender lens to your consideration of climate justice. The promise of solutions from bold women and eco-feminists that lead the fight against climate change, contrasted with the disproportionate burden that women bear for environmental harms, calls us to action. There is no climate justice without gender justice.”

KUSTER TAKE: Representative Annie Kuster tweeted, “As we celebrate #EarthDay2021, we recommit to combating #ClimateChange. With the support of @POTUS & the #AmericanJobsPlan, we’re on our way to building the clean energy economy of the future & a more resilient infrastructure to protect our environment for generations to come.

COMING UP:

May 8 — John Lewis Voting Rights Act Day of Action
June 1 — New Mexico 1st Congressional District Election