To: Interested Parties
From: Jennessa Agnew, National Field Director, LCV
Date: October 6, 2021
Re: Pennsylvanians 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania, voters throughout the Pittsburgh area 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. 

• Pittsburgh, PA: Elaine, a mother of young children, expressed that climate action is a top issue for her and excitedly told her children that “climate activists are working to save the planet.”

• Pittsburgh, PA: Tyrone, the owner of a corner store, and Benelinda, one of his employees, are both highly supportive of Congress taking bold climate action and are happy to show their support by signing a petition, hanging a placard in the window, and distributing information to customers.

•  Pittsburgh, PA: Derek and Bon’Sel, hair salon owners, care deeply about the climate and want to do all they can to support the cause including reaching out to their own members of Congress and thanking them for taking action.

• Pittsburgh, PA: Andrew, a pet store owner, is extremely supportive of taking bold action on the climate crisis and especially the importance of prioritizing people over profits.