©2024 League of Conservation Voters
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, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
QUOTES OF THE WEEK:
“In this election, many fundamental freedoms are at stake…The freedom to breathe clean air, drink clean water, and live free of pollution that fuels the climate crisis. And the freedom that unlocks all others, the freedom to vote.”
– Democratic Presidential Nominee Kamala Harris in her keynote address on the final night of the Democratic National Convention.
“We believe in the freedom to provide for your family if you’re willing to work hard. The freedom to breathe clean air and drink clean water and send your kids to school without worrying if they’ll come home.”
— Former President Barack Obama speaking on the second night of the Democratic National Convention.
“Our messaging cannot be ‘okay we did the big climate bill, everyone should love us. It will either be developed or destroyed. Let us make sure that this legislation meets its potential.”
– Pete Buttigieg speaking in his personal capacity at the “Climate Voters Go All In” event hosted by LCV, Climate Power, NRDC Action Fund and other climate and environment groups during the DNC in Chicago.
BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION RELEASES FIRST-EVER NATIONAL HEAT STRATEGY: The National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS), a group of federal agencies that includes the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the HHS Office of Climate Change and Health Equity (OCCHE), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), released the first-ever National Heat Strategy for 2024-2030. The strategy aims to protect vulnerable populations from the dangers associated with the growing threat of extreme heat by boosting heat planning, resilience, and response.
BOEM APPROVES NATION’S FIRST FLOATING OFFSHORE WIND RESEARCH ARRAY: The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has approved the lease for the U.S.’s first floating offshore wind research array off the coast of Maine. Once completed, the array will generate up to 144 megawatts of renewable energy, helping Maine achieve its clean energy goals.
EPA ANNOUNCES $26 MILLION TO REDUCE LEAD EXPOSURES IN SCHOOLS IN CHILDCARE FACILITIES: EPA announced $26 million in grants that will help states, territories and Tribes protect children from lead exposure by reducing lead in the drinking water at schools and childcare facilities. Because lead can cause significant harm in children’s mental and physical development, this funding from the Biden-Harris administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is critical in providing our children healthy, safe places to learn and grow.
LCV AT THE DNC: This week, nearly 70 members of the Conservation Voter Movement (CVM) – LCV and our 30+ state affiliates – joined people from all across the country in celebrating the nomination of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as the Democratic candidates for president and vice president. Our current, former, and future presidents and other party leaders continually showed that they will fight for a healthy climate and democracy. LCV hosted and supported a number of events, including the following:
DNC CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL MEETING: LCV Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Tiernan Sittenfeld joined the DNC Climate and Environmental Council Meeting, and had this to say, “The stakes for our climate, for environmental and racial justice, for our democracy, for our lands and waters, for all that we hold dear has never been higher. The need to make more progress has never been greater.”
CLIMATE VOTERS GO ALL IN RECEPTION: LCV, Climate Power, NRDC Action Fund and other climate and environment groups hosted an event where Pete Buttigieg, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Representative Andy Kim spoke, and they were joined by surprise guest Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
ILLINOIS’ EQUITABLE CLEAN ENERGY PROGRESS: LCV joined our state affiliate, the Illinois Environmental Council, for an event that highlighted the ways the state’s groundbreaking Climate and Equitable Jobs Act and the Biden-Harris administration’s affordable clean energy plan are more powerful together. See more in our state section below!
CLIMATE POLL BRIEFING: LCV Victory Fund joined Climate Power, EDF Action, NRDC Action Fund, and Global Strategy Group for a climate poll briefing. The polling explored overall attitudes on climate and clean energy, and it showed that swing voters strongly prefer Democrats’ approach to climate and clean energy over Republicans’ focus on fossil fuel production. For more findings, check out this slide deck.
CLIMATE GROUPS LAUNCH $55 MILLION AD CAMPAIGN SUPPORTING HARRIS: A coalition of climate groups, including LCV Victory Fund, Climate Power Action, and EDF Action Votes, in partnership with Future Forward (FF PAC), launched a $55 million advertising campaign to support Vice President Harris with a focus on her vision to lower energy costs and create hundreds of thousands of good paying, U.S. jobs in clean energy manufacturing.
LCVVF TAKE: LCV Victory Fund Senior Vice President for Campaigns Pete Maysmith said, “We will be making sure that voters know that as Attorney General Kamala Harris took on Big Oil and won while Trump’s unhinged attempts to cater to oil executives only get more extreme. Harris’ record as Attorney General, Senator and Vice President, her work holding oil companies accountable, and the jobs and cost savings that come with clean energy mean she represents the future that voters are looking for.“
CLIMATE POWER TAKE: Climate Power President Lori Lodes said, “There is only one climate champion in this race, Kamala Harris; and only one candidate who’s begged Big Oil to fund his campaign, Donald Trump. As President, Harris will continue investing in clean energy manufacturing in the United States, to create good jobs, deliver cheaper energy options, and strengthen climate actions. Our new campaign will show voters how Harris has put the health and well-being of hardworking people over Big Oil and corporate polluters her entire career.”
EDF ACTION VOTES TAKE: EDF Action Votes Director Jack Pratt said, “By partnering together, we can ensure voters understand all that is at stake in this election. The choice could not be any more stark. As a candidate in 2024, Donald Trump has doubled down on his awful environmental record. He jokes about sea level rise delivering more ocean front property and pledges to roll back protections for clean air and water, while pursuing $1 billion in campaign donations from oil CEOs. We can’t afford to let Trump deliver on his dirty promises.”
FF PAC TAKE: Future Forward PAC President Chauncey McLean said, “There are two visions for the future in this election: Kamala Harris’s vision is focused on helping working families – from lowering energy bills to creating new jobs in growing industries like clean energy. Donald Trump is focused on helping wealthy corporations like big oil companies make more money. This partnership will make sure voters know that Kamala Harris is the one who’s on their side.”
CLIMATE CHAMPION REPRESENTATIVE BILL PASCRELL PASSES AWAY AT 87: Representative Bill Pascrell of New Jersey, a climate champion and fixture of New Jersey politics, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 87.
OUR TAKE: LCV Senior Vice President for Government Affairs Tiernan Sittenfeld said, “Representative Bill Pascrell was a fervent climate champion for New Jersey communities, our environment, and our democracy. His legacy has helped ensure our future generations have cleaner air and water, more protected public lands, and transformative clean energy solutions. We are incredibly saddened to hear of Representative Pascrell’s passing and send our condolences to his family and friends.”
NJLCV TAKE: New Jersey LCV Executive Director Ed Potosnak said, “We’re deeply saddened by the passing of Representative Pascrell, a true NJ Giant and climate champion. His tireless commitment to working families, willingness to advance strong environmental protections, speaking truth to power for our communities, particularly against Big Polluters and corporate interests. Our condolences to his family, friends, and community.”
SECRETARY HAALAND VISITS PROPOSED FRANCES PERKINS HOMESTEAD NATIONAL MONUMENT: Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland visited the proposed Frances Perkins Homestead National Monument in Maine on Thursday. The proposed monument would honor the life and legacy of Frances Perkins, the first woman to serve on a presidential cabinet, and a fierce champion for social justice and labor rights.
OUR TAKE: LCV Conservation Program Director America Fitzpatrick said, “Secretary Haaland’s visit to the proposed Frances Perkins Homestead National Monument exemplifies the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to honoring the legacy of social justice and labor rights icon Frances Perkins. Perkins’ legacy of protecting workers endures today through programs such as Social Security, federal minimum wage, and the 40-hour work week, and reminds us of the importance of a healthy labor movement in reaching our climate and clean energy goals. We urge the Biden-Harris administration to continue its work to protect our nation’s most culturally and environmentally significant sites by designating the Frances Perkins Homestead National Monument to honor her incredible achievements for social justice and labor rights.”
MCV TAKE: Maine Conservation Voters Partnerships Director Nick Janzen said, “People in Maine care about preserving our environment and heritage, including recognizing homegrown leaders who make our nation proud. Francis Perkins was a trailblazer, labor rights pioneer, and major advocate for programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps. Her life and work remind us that strong environmental and pro-union policies go hand in hand. We are thrilled that the Biden-Harris administration has taken the next step in heralding her life and achievements by proposing designating her ancestral homestead, the Frances Perkins Homestead National Historic Landmark, as a National Monument.”
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCATES SHOWCASE ILLINOIS’ EQUITABLE CLEAN ENERGY PROGRESS: During the DNC, Illinois Environmental Council gathered leaders – including the Honorable Ali Zaidi (participating in his personal capacity), Representative Sean Casten, and City of Chicago Chief Sustainability Officer Angela Tovar – to highlight the ways Illinois’ 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) and the 2022 federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) have positioned Illinois to make significant progress toward national climate and equity goals. The IRA is the largest investment in clean energy in United States history and, coupled with Illinois’ CEJA, has delivered critical cost-savings and air quality protections to Illinoisans across the state while also mitigating climate pollution.
IEC TAKE: Illinois Environmental Council Director Jen Walling said, “Thanks to the leadership of the Biden-Harris administration, Governor JB Pritzker, Mayor Brandon Johnson and his administration, and the countless advocates who call Illinois home, Illinois is a blueprint for clean energy progress and environmental protection nationwide. Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act and the federal Inflation Reduction Act are powerful together. Illinois is uniquely and competitively positioned to leverage federal climate investments, and we’ve been able to make historic strides toward our clean energy future more quickly, equitably, and strategically than other states. Illinois is leading the way.”
BONUS: To learn more about the ways the Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act are more powerful together, check out our new video!
CHISPA NEVADA ADVANCES ORGANIZING SKILLS WITH INTENSIVE TRAINING WEEK: This week, Chispa Nevada conducted a thorough, week-long training program for our staff and members, honing crucial organizing skills. The training featured in-depth workshops on effective one-on-one interactions, power dynamics, individual roles in organizing, and advanced tactics and strategies. We extend our gratitude to our partner organizations—Silver State Voices Nevada, Plan Nevada, and Make the Road Nevada—for their invaluable support throughout this event. Photos of the event here!
CHISPA ARIZONA CELEBRATES TWO YEARS OF THE INFLATION REDUCTION ACT WITH COMMUNITY SUMMIT: Chispa Arizona commemorated the second anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act, a pivotal milestone in climate and clean energy investment, with a dynamic community summit at Audubon Southwest. Attendees enjoyed a day of food, shared enthusiasm, and engaging discussions on how these investments can enhance our neighborhoods. We extend our gratitude to Unlimited Potential AZ for their crucial contribution to this event. Photos of the event here!
ON THE BLOG: Stay tuned for upcoming content on The Power Source Blog!
ON OUR SOCIALS: We’re SO excited to be at the DNC this week, and that it’s the 104th anniversary of the 19th amendment, but we don’t go crazy on our socials; we’re very demure, very mindful. See how we’re celebrating vice presidential nominee Governor Tim Walz and Democrats’ climate records? Very cutesy. But Project 2025 and Trump lying about his climate record? Not demure.
THIS MONTH: August Congressional Recess.
SEPTEMBER 2: Labor Day.
SEPTEMBER 9: Congress comes back into session.
SEPTEMBER 14: Start of Latinx Conservation Week.
SEPTEMBER 15: Latinx Heritage Month begins.
SEPTEMBER 17: Voter Registration Day.
SEPTEMBER 22: First day of autumn.
SEPTEMBER 30: Current government funding expires
©2024 League of Conservation Voters