MEMO: Arizonans share why they want climate action NOW
Oct 6, 2021
Dominic DiFiglia, ddifiglia@lcv.org
To: Interested Parties From: Jennessa Agnew, National Field Director, LCV Date: October 6, 2021 Re: Arizonans share why they want climate action NOW
We are in the midst of one of the biggest pushes for climate action in our nation’s history as members of Congress work to finalize the Build Back Better Act. President Biden, House Speaker Pelosi, and Senate Majority Leader Schumer have made it clear that the bipartisan infrastructure framework must move in tandem with the Build Back Better Act with a new deadline of October 31st. From the ‘code red’ IPCC report, to devastating climate change-fueled hurricanes and tropical storms, scorching heat waves, drought, wildfires, and other extreme weather events that have impacted nearly 1 in 3 people in America just this summer, voters have had enough and it has never been more urgent for Congress to act on climate. Since launching in late June, LCV’s field program has been on the ground in Arizona and across the country, knocking on over 260,000 doors, and nearly 13,000 households and 9,000 businesses are displaying “Climate Action Now” signs in their neighborhoods.
In Arizona, voters from Sedona to Phoenix to Tucson have shared their concerns about extreme weather, climate injustice, and the overall health of the planet and they are stepping up by calling their representatives and demanding they take climate action now.
Sedona, AZ: Barbara and Robert, who have lived in the area for 40 years are extremely concerned about wildfires due to climate change. Barbara’s sister lost her home to a wildfire in 2017, making this a very personal issue for their family.
Tucson, AZ: Rosario, the owner of an alterations store, understands that marginalized communities suffer the brunt of pollution and the climate crisis while the wealthier areas have no pollution or potholes. She wants her neighborhood to have clean air and water, saying, “Our air feels different, sometimes my nose burns.” Rosario is doing her part by not wasting materials and using what she has on hand to create garments instead of producing more waste, but she wants to see Congress take action on the climate crisis and now proudly displays a “Climate Action Now” placard in her store window.
Tucson, AZ: Veronica is excited to see so much climate and environmental activism happening in her community and wants to make sure Congress, especially the Senate, listens to voters and takes action on the climate crisis now. She is anxious for change because public health is important to her and she knows how critical environmental health is to maintaining the health of the general public.
Tucson, AZ: Joel pledges to educate his neighbors and hopes more Arizonans join the fight for environmental justice, clean energy jobs, and clean air and water. He wants to see more action on climate so we can protect our environment, saying, “I was born in New York, and I moved to Tucson 15 years ago. I fell in love with the clear skies and mountains. Now, I cannot see the stars the same and we have droughts every year. Something has got to change! We may not have a lot of money, but there’s a lot of us, we have strength in numbers and we mean business!“
Phoenix, AZ: Trent, who works for an electric company has noticed the “Climate Action Now” signs in his neighborhood and was happy to finally get one for himself. Trent hopes to see our nation transition to a clean energy future once and for all and he’s excited for the opportunity to one day work in the clean energy sector himself.
Tucson, AZ: Teresa is concerned about the devastating effects of climate change and the impact it will have on her two college-aged children. Teresa has called both of her U.S. Senators to ask that they make sure these issues don’t go unchecked and to take bold action on the climate crisis now.
Tucson, AZ: Michelle is a strong supporter of climate action and clean energy jobs and is thrilled to see so many of her neighbors show their support with Climate Action Now yard signs.
Tucson, AZ: Carmen and Antonio, the owners of a flower shop, are very enthusiastic about climate action and hope to help raise awareness within their community about the benefits of clean energy, saying “every business in this town should have one of these [Climate Action Now] placards on their businesses! This is an important issue.” The couple also recently purchased solar panels for their own home and are excited to know they will save money in the long run and leave a smaller carbon footprint.