THIS WEEK IN CLIMATE ACTION – FEBRUARY 28, 2025

Your weekly resource to learn what the environmental movement is saying about the news of the day and the political fight of our generation. This week, LCV released our 2024 National Environmental Scorecard just hours before all Senate Democrats banded together and voted to terminate Trump’s energy emergency.  And, of course, Trump and congressional Republican leadership continue to embrace chaos, which is certainly not a new trend.

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QUOTES OF THE WEEK:

“The Scorecard reveals exactly who’s fighting for our environmental future and who’s selling it to corporate polluters.”

– Representative Chellie Pingree at the press conference releasing LCV’s 2024 National Environmental Scorecard.

“Let me be clear — House Democrats will not provide a single vote to this reckless Republican budget. Not one. Not one.”

— Minority Leader of the House of Representatives Hakeem Jeffries on House Republicans’ dangerous and extreme budget resolution.

“Clearly, we need to put an end to this stunt that will fuel a REAL energy emergency, kill thousands of jobs, and raise electricity costs on American families.”

— Senator Martin Heinrich in a floor speech before all Senate Democrats supported the Kaine-Heinrich motion to terminate Trump’s sham Energy Emergency.

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TOP NEWS IN THE FIGHT FOR A HEALTHY CLIMATE AND DEMOCRACY

NATIONAL NEWS

LCV RELEASES 2024 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SCORECARD: LCV released our 2024 National Environmental Scorecard at a virtual press conference with Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (RI) and Andy Kim (NJ) and Representatives Chellie Pingree (ME-01) and Andrea Salinas (OR-06). The 2024 Scorecard shows, for the second year in a row, that extreme Republicans in the House embraced chaos and catered to Big Polluters with dozens of votes to cut clean energy incentives and remove protections for our environment and communities. Meanwhile the Senate continued to confirm strong, well-qualified federal judges. The votes scored in 2024, especially in the House, provide a chilling preview of what to expect from the new trifecta in Washington this year – and we’ve already seen similar attacks on the environment and affordable clean energy.

OUR TAKE: LCV Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Tiernan Sittenfeld said, “In 2024, the House Republican leadership again embraced chaos, dysfunction, and their polluter allies and most extreme members at the expense of our environment, our democracy, and our economy.  We applaud the congressional champions who opposed these attacks – especially those to repeal the affordable clean energy plan during the hottest year on record and amidst deadly and devastating climate-fueled extreme weather disasters.”

LCV, CAC, REPRESENTATIVE DELAURO, AND OTHERS FIGHT BACK: LCV, Climate Action Campaign and others hosted a webinar with Representative Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) to discuss ways the community can fight back against the Trump administration’s reckless funding cuts. During the townhall-style call with activists from across the country, DeLauro highlighted ways Congress and communities can work together to counter the administration. Watch the full recording here.   

DELAURO’S TAKE: On the webinar, Representative Rosa DeLauro said, “The weatherization assistance program, which helps lower-income households improve their energy efficiency, was also frozen. Those households would now have to spend an average of $372 dollars more every year.  But I’m not just focused on nationwide statistics. And if anyone from the North Carolina League of Conservation Voters is here, I’m talking about you. The work done by programs like PowerUp NC to uplift the human consequences of these investments is crucial to our campaign. I watched the videos. I was moved by the stories of Crystal Barnes and  Vanessa Vinson that you have uplifted. Amazing women, who are both single moms on low and fixed incomes. They are cancer survivors, like I am a cancer survivor. The weather assistance program helped both of them improve the quality of air in their homes and realize energy savings that not only reduce their monthly cost of living, but cut Crystal’s energy bill in half. The stories are powerful. And that’s what we need to do – tell the stories – because the administration’s executive orders are stealing these funds from the Crystals and Vanessas across our country.”    

SENATE DEMOCRATS VOTE TO TERMINATE SHAM TRUMP ENERGY EMERGENCY: This week, every Senate Democrat voted for the Kaine-Heinrich motion to terminate Trump’s phoney Energy Emergency – this executive order withdraws support for renewable energy, despite renewables’ benefits to our economy, pocketbooks, and environment, and grants more power to the fossil fuel industry.    

OUR TAKE: LCV Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Tiernan Sittenfeld said, “We applaud Senators Kaine and Heinrich and all Senate Democrats for voting unanimously to terminate this sham Trump energy emergency that is designed to line the pockets of Big Oil CEOs, while putting the health and safety of our communities at risk and increasing costs for hardworking families. We are NOT in an energy emergency. In fact, Trump inherited a thriving clean energy economy with more than 400,000 new jobs and more cheaper and cleaner energy than ever before. Yet Trump and Musk are desperate to impound, freeze, and repeal the very clean energy investments that lower energy bills and create jobs – the majority of which are in districts currently represented by Republicans – so they can pay for tax cuts for their billionaire buddies. By bringing this commonsense resolution to a vote, Senators Kaine and Heinrich made clear who is siding with the people, and who is siding with Big Oil CEOs. We will continue to fight back against these egregious attacks that are threatening our air, water, and our most precious public lands all so Trump can make good on his promise to Big Oil CEOs to drill, drill, drill.”

COALITION TAKE: LCV and over 130 organizations sent a letter to the Senate urging them to support S.J.Res 10 to Terminate Energy Emergency Executive Order. The letter noted, “Unfortunately, this administration is doing everything in their power – and trying to do many things well beyond their power – to undermine bedrock environmental laws, cut American jobs, raise costs on families, and harm communities, all for their corporate polluter executives.” 

STATE NEWS
STATES ARE MAKING CLEAN ENERGY PROGRESS, FIGHTING BACK AGAINST TRUMP’S CLEAN ENERGY BAN: In case you missed it, LCV released a memo detailing the ways that states are fighting back against the Trump administration’s attempts to gut clean energy and attack climate science.  All across the country, legislatures and governors have announced ambitious plans to invest in clean energy, continue to electrify transportation, protect communities, and hold big polluters accountable. Read the full memo here.

OUR TAKE: In the memo, LCV Vice President of State Policy and Advocacy Bill Holland said, “This year, in legislatures and governors’ offices across the country, we have already seen champions announce ambitious new plans and seek to “Trump-proof” climate goals…This is thanks to the dedicated work of state and local leaders as well as advocates like the League of Conservation Voters’ state affiliates in the Conservation Voter Movement rallying the public to action across the country. Together, they understand that we cannot afford to go backwards. State action is critical to not only hold the line against federal attacks, but to keep the country moving forward on climate.” 

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATORS REINTRODUCE CLIMATE SUPERFUND BILL: Following January’s devastating wildfires, California state Senator Caroline Menjivar and Assemblymember Dawn Addis have reintroduced The Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act to hold polluters financially responsible for damages from climate catastrophes. Currently, the cost to repair damage caused by climate disasters exacerbated by fossil fuels is passed on to taxpayers. Nationwide in 2024, just the largest climate change-fueled disasters cost around $200 billion in damages alone, and preliminary estimates of the damages from the LA wildfires in 2025 are over that amount.

CEV TAKE: California EnviroVoters Chief Executive Officer Mary Creasman said, “California is facing billions in costs from ongoing devastation and climate impacts, while fossil fuel companies continue profiting from the crisis they created. Right now, taxpayers are left covering the damages, driving up costs for working families. Holding corporate polluters accountable is a necessary step to protecting our economy, strengthening climate resilience, and making California more affordable for everyone. That’s why the Polluters Pay Superfund is so critical – we have to ensure that industry pays their fair share, rather than leaving communities to bear the burden alone.”

IDAHO BLOCKS ABSENTEE VOTER ATTACKS: In Idaho, House Bill 139, which would have created significant barriers to absentee voting, was defeated. This means Idahoans will continue to have the right to vote by mail in the next election. 

CVI TAKE: Conservation Voters for Idaho celebrated on Instagram saying, “CVI and more than 750 supporters successfully defeated House Bill 139. This bill would have created significant barriers for Idahoans who utilize absentee voting. The defeat of this bill allows Idahoans to vote safely and securely by mail in the next election. Your diligence has once again directly safeguarded our right to vote and our ability to elect conservation champions. Thank you!” 

NEW JERSEY GOVERNOR COMMITS TO CLEAN ENERGY IN STATE BUDGET ADDRESS: New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy outlined his proposed 2026 budget this week. Murphy promised to continue the state’s progress toward 100% percent clean electricity by 2035, despite the Trump administration’s attempt to ban clean energy.

NJLCV TAKE: New Jersey LCV Executive Director Ed Potosnak said, “Governor Murphy has once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to tackling the climate crisis by standing firm on New Jersey’s goal of 100% clean energy by 2035. Every dollar spent in resilience saves $13 in recovery, and in a year where we need to make tough financial choices, we must be planning strategically to help New Jersey families and businesses. Governor Murphy understands that climate change is real and that we need to prepare for the ongoing impacts. Solar is the cheapest form of energy, and a clean energy future is key to making New Jersey more affordable for families and businesses. His leadership ensures that our state remains at the forefront of the fight for a healthier, more sustainable, and more prosperous future for all.”

VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY SESSION YIELDS CLIMATE WINS: Virginia lawmakers wrapped up the 2025 General Assembly session on Tuesday with some exciting wins for climate, including creating a program to install electric vehicle charging infrastructure in rural and low-income communities, supporting offshore wind workforce development and training, and promoting small-scale clean energy development.  Climate champions in the legislature also blocked over a dozen attacks on Virginia’s 100% clean energy law. The bills await action by Governor Glenn Youngkin and Virginia LCV is hard at work to ensure he does not veto these important policies that will help lower energy costs for consumers, reduce pollution, and advance our clean energy future.

VALCV TAKE: Virginia LCV Executive Director Michael Town said, “The ‘Conservation Majority’ at the legislature again showed that it values a clean, affordable energy future as they defeated attacks on our climate laws and advanced measures that advance clean energy solutions that cut costs, create jobs, and clean our air. Though more work remains to be done, and we came far from getting everything we wanted out of this session, lawmakers made a lot of progress in 2025 and we are grateful for their leadership and their commitment to environmental protection. We now hope that Governor Youngkin’s actions match his rhetoric as bills head to his desk that will advance a clean Chesapeake Bay, lower energy costs, and help Virginia meet its electricity needs with clean, affordable energy.”

VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE ADVANCES RIGHTS RESTORATION: With the Virginia Legislative Session wrapping up, both chambers passed the Restoration of Rights constitutional amendment resolution. While another resolution will have to pass in the next legislative session before heading to the ballot for voters to ultimately decide, this is a massive victory for our democracy.  

VALCV TAKE: Virginia League of Conservation Voters celebrated on Instagram: “Big win for democracy. Both chambers have passed resolutions to secure automatic rights restoration in Virginia. We look forward to working to get this issue on the ballot in 2026 and ending a huge source of disenfranchisement once and for all.”   

CHISPA ARIZONA’S YOUTH STAND FOR SACRED LANDS: Chispa Arizona’s #PlantandoSemillas youth recently embarked on a powerful journey to Oak Flat, standing in solidarity with Indigenous relatives to protect these sacred lands from destruction. For them, these lands are not just spaces – they are living, breathing connections to history, culture, and future generations. Through their voices and actions, they continue advocating for environmental and cultural justice. Chispa Arizona’s Plantando Semillas summer program empowers young people (ages 12-18) to engage in environmental advocacy and leadership. Learn more here and check out their post here.

CONSERVATION COLORADO PUSHES FOR WORKER PROTECTIONS: Conservation Colorado is advocating for new legislation to protect workers from extreme weather as climate change intensifies. Tykee James, Conservation Colorado’s senior environmental justice campaign manager, emphasized the urgency of these protections, especially as climate change  added an average of six more weeks of extreme heat in 2024. The bill would require employers to provide water, shade, and rest breaks, offer safety training in workers’ preferred languages, and enforce protections to prevent heat-related illnesses. Hear what Tykee has to say here.

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CLIMATE ATTACKS FROM THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION AND CONGRESS

TRUMP AND ZELDIN PLAN TO GUT THE EPA AND IGNORE CLIMATE IMPACTS ON HEALTH AND WELLBEING: President Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced a plan to cut the EPA by 65%. It is unclear whether they plan to cut 65% of staff or 65% of the EPA’s budget, but either will result in gutting our country’s efforts to hold polluters accountable and provide people clean air and water.  Once again, this administration is prioritizing polluting industries and their profits rather than providing a safe and affordable place for us to live. 

OUR TAKE: LCV Vice President of Federal Policy and former EPA scientist Matthew Davis said, “At a time when people are increasingly concerned about health and exposure to toxic pollution, cutting the EPA makes no sense. The workers at EPA protect communities in every corner of this country – ensuring that our air is safe to breathe, our water is safe to drink, and our rivers, lakes and coastlines are safe to enjoy. Poll after poll show that people want more, not less, protections and more accountability for polluters. Cutting two-thirds of our country’s front line of environmental protection would mean no inspections or enforcement on air and water polluters, no cleanups of toxic waste or lead and PFAS in our drinking water, no clean electric buses to bring our children safely to school, no expert response and cleanup when there is a train derailment or factory explosion that threatens peoples lives and properties. 

Meanwhile, Administrator Lee Zeldin and his fossil fuel industry colleagues in Trump’s billionaire cabinet are trying to say that the pollution that causes climate change does not endanger public health and welfare. Try to say that with a straight face to the communities of Florida, North Carolina, and Tennessee still trying to rebuild from last fall’s climate-change supercharged hurricanes, or the communities of LA sifting through the rubble of wildfire-leveled neighborhoods, or the Midwestern farmer barely hanging on because of flooding, drought, or extreme thunderstorms and tornadoes. Those communities won’t stand for it, and neither will we.

Both of these actions reek of corruption –  Trump and unelected Musk are delivering Project 2025’s plan for their oil and gas executive friends–giving them free rein to do what they please, all at the expense of everyday families’ budgets, health, communities, and environment.”

HOUSE PASSES DIRTY BUDGET RESOLUTION: The House passed their budget resolution on Tuesday, which proposes cutting crucial government programs to pay for tax cuts for the wealthiest people in the country. Prior to the vote, House Democrats held a press conference protesting the resolution. LCV also sent out a letter urging representatives to oppose the resolution.

OUR TAKE: LCV Senior Government Affairs Advocate David Shadburn said, “This is only the beginning of the process and we will continue to fight this at every step because the public deserves so much better. House Republicans showed once again that they are only looking out for their Big Oil and Big Polluter allies by extending tax cuts for the wealthiest, while proposing cutting the clean energy investments that are already creating jobs, lowering costs and making the U.S. a world leader in this growing sector of the global economy. These clean energy investments are benefitting both red and blue districts across our country – passing this resolution would set us on a path to increasing costs for hardworking families, halting the boom in manufacturing and jobs, and putting our health and safety at risk. Instead of fighting among themselves over how extreme their cuts to the social safety net should be, Republicans should be holding President Trump and Elon Musk accountable for illegally stealing funds meant to help working families and passing a bipartisan budget that keeps energy costs low for families and protects our environment.”

CONGRESS ROLLS BACK COMMONSENSE METHANE POLLUTION SAFEGUARDS: Both the House and Senate passed a Congressional Review Act resolution that rolls back EPA’s rule to implement the fee charged to oil and gas companies for emitting excess methane pollution. Again, congressional Republicans are prioritizing polluting industries rather than people’s health and safety.

OUR TAKE: LCV Healthy Communities Program Director Madeleine Foote said, “As a surprise to no one, Congressional Republicans are again prioritizing the profits of the oil and gas industry instead of the health of our families by rolling back this commonsense safeguard against dangerous methane pollution. The methane polluter fee is designed to hold the biggest polluters accountable for reducing their methane pollution, which would not only curb excess waste of our national resources, but also secure American energy, create good jobs, protect public health, and fight the climate crisis. By using this blunt extreme tool to eliminate the EPA’s rule to implement the methane polluter fee, Congressional Republicans are giving Big Polluters the a-okay to dump toxic pollution into our air and harm our communities.”

COALITION OPPOSES NOMINATION OF EDWARD R. MARTIN, JR. FOR U.S. ATTORNEY FOR D.C.: This week, LCV joined a coalition letter, led by Demand Progress and Freedom of Press Foundation, opposing the nomination of Edward R. Martin, Jr. for U.S. attorney for D.C.  As the interim U.S. attorney, Martin has already shown a willingness to twist the law and use his power to seek political retribution against the administration’s perceived enemies. 

COALITION TAKE: The letter states, “Martin has already exploited his public office to seemingly threaten criminal investigations and prosecutions against Americans for exercising their First Amendment rights. …Martin’s statements are fundamentally at odds with one of our most cherished civil liberties as Americans – the right to criticize and protest our government’s leadership and decision-making.”     

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NEW ON THE POWER SOURCE BLOG AND SOCIALS:
ON THE BLOG: Did we mention that LCV released the 2024 National Environmental Scorecard this week? If you missed it, we’ve got a blog. If you missed all of February, we’ve got a blog about that too – check out our top five stories from the month.

ON OUR SOCIALS: Our productivity was high this week. We recounted our accomplishments from last week, recounted members of Congress’ environmental records from last year, and recounted the ways privatizing the Postal Service will harm our democracy.  It looks like the administration may have some of their own re-counting to do, and while we’ll need those TPS reports ASAP, we already know the takeaway: the administration is killing us, Smalls. (This is what you get when you let a Xennial ford the river and write the tipsheet, am I wrong?).  

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COMING UP:
FEBRUARY 28: Ramadan begins at sunset.
MARCH 4: The president’s Joint Address to Congress
MARCH 7: 60th Anniversary of “Blood Sunday” march in Selma, AL
MARCH 8: International Women’s Day.
MARCH 14: Government funding runs out.
MARCH 20: First day of spring!