©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, and Instagram.
“The truth is, almost ten years since the Paris Agreement was adopted, the target of limiting long-term global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is hanging by a thread.”
— United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who plans to call for a global ban on advertising for fossil fuels.
“It is clear that if we are to defend our environment from climate change, native plants are at the heart of this mission.”
— Representative Michael Quigley (D-IL) on legislation he introduced to create an agency within the Department of the Interior dedicated to the restoration and conservation of native plants. Senator Maize Hirono (D-HI) has introduced corresponding legislation in the Senate.
“But at its core, the idea behind the law is simple. Vermont is seeking to reinforce one of the most basic rules children learn in kindergarten, if not before: When you make a mess, you clean it up.”
— Lee Wasserman, director of Rockefeller Family Fund, on the Vermont Climate Superfund Act.
BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION FINALIZES ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW OF POTENTIAL OFFSHORE WIND LEASE ACTIVITIES IN CENTRAL ATLANTIC: The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announced the release of their final Environmental Assessment, which considers the possible impacts for issuing leases, for offshore wind developments off the coasts of Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. Their assessment found that there would be no significant environmental impacts from lease issuance in these regions, paving the way for BOEM to hold a sale later in the year.
VALCV TAKE: Virginia LCV Executive Director Michael Town said, “This announcement is another positive step forward by the most pro-clean energy administration in our nation’s history. With Virginia already establishing itself as a major hub for offshore wind on the East Coast, further offshore wind deployment in the mid-Atlantic means more good-paying jobs in Virginia, more investment in local communities, and more clean energy powering our daily lives.”
MDLCV TAKE: Maryland LCV Executive Director Kim Coble said, “Maryland LCV applauds the Biden administration’s release of the final Environmental Assessment for the Central Atlantic Wind Energy Areas. This step brings us closer to harnessing 6.3GW of offshore wind energy, capable of powering over 2.2 million homes. Offshore wind is a significant opportunity for economic growth, job creation, and environmental stewardship. We look forward to working closely with our partners to ensure these benefits are realized while advancing our goals of clean, reliable, and equitable energy solutions for Maryland and beyond.”
NHTSA FINALIZES CAFE STANDARDS: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has finalized its Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for cars, SUVs, and heavy-duty pickups and vans.
OUR TAKE: LCV Government Affairs Advocate on Climate Change and Clean Energy Darien Davis said, “We applaud the Biden-Harris administration and NHTSA for their quick work to finalize these rules, which will help to create healthier communities and save families hundreds of dollars on fueling up. Fuel economy standards over the decades have successfully saved consumers money at the pump, reduced oil use, increased our energy security, and protected our health. These standards, paired with critical clean energy and infrastructure investments, will ultimately help to reduce vehicle pollution while protecting consumers wallets from Big Oil’s price gouging. We look forward to working with the Biden-Harris administration to continue building a clean energy economy that protects our planet and our communities.”
LCV LAUNCHES AD CAMPAIGN HIGHLIGHTING BIDEN’S ARCTIC PROTECTIONS: LCV has launched a $2.6 million digital ad campaign and content creator program to educate young people about the Biden-Harris administration’s historic action to protect 13 million acres of the Western Arctic. The ads will run in Arizona, Delaware, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C. Watch the ads here and here!
OUR TAKE: LCV Senior Vice President of Campaigns Pete Maysmith said, “People across the country value conserving special places like America’s Arctic and protecting the wildlife and land that have sustained Alaska Native communities for thousands of years. Not enough people know just how much President Biden has already done to stand up to Big Oil by taking action to lower costs and protect these special areas in the Arctic from oil and gas drilling. This campaign will help to spread the word.”
BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES OVER $3.4 MILLION INVESTMENT IN PUERTO RICAN COMMUNITIES: EPA has announced five awardees to receive over $3.4 million to rehabilitate and revitalize local communities in Puerto Rico by repurposing vacant and polluted properties into community assets and spurring job creation. The funding for EPA’s Brownfield program comes from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which plans to invest $1.5 billion in transforming brownfields sites.
WHITE HOUSE AND TREASURY DEPARTMENT HOST LEADERS IN PRE-OWNED VEHICLE SALES INDUSTRY, CLEAN CAR ADVOCATES, AND STATE AND FEDERAL OFFICIALS TO RECOGNIZE IRA PROGRESS: The White House and Treasury Department welcomed leaders in the pre-owned vehicle sales industry, clean car advocates, and state and federal officials to recognize the impact of and promote the Inflation Reduction Act’s 25E used clean vehicle tax credit. The credit provides up to $4,000 off qualified pre-owned electric vehicles for taxpayers that earn less than $75,000, or $150,000 if married filing jointly, making it more affordable and accessible for buyers to switch to EVs. Over 13,000 dealerships have already signed up to provide the tax credit at point of sale, and 90% of EV buyers that qualify for the credit are choosing to cash out immediately, saving buyers more than $850 million in 2024 alone. As part of the convening, vehicle companies made major commitments to promote usage of the credit, such as integrating the credit into their websites and point of sale platforms, and developing campaigns and tools to inform consumers about the credit.
EXECUTIVE ACTION ON IMMIGRATION HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR HUMANE, INTEGRATED APPROACH: The White House issued an executive order under Immigration and Nationality Act sections 212(f) and 215(a) suspending entry of migrants who cross the Southern border unlawfully and restricting them from asylum.
CHISPA AND LCV TAKE: Chispa Senior Director Estefany Carrasco-González said, “Chispa along with Chispa Arizona, Chispa Texas, Chispa Maryland, Chispa Nevada, Protégete Colorado, and the League of Conservation Voters work with communities impacted by climate change and environmental injustice, partnering with the power of the people on issues of clean water, clean air, clean lands and fair representation. Many of our Latine communities have a deep and direct connection to immigrant communities in the U.S., and many of the community members we work with have been driven to migrate by climate change. Today’s executive action on the border does not live up to our American values of offering asylum to those fleeing persecution and violence, and hurts all of our communities. It cannot be the end or the fix to our immigration crisis, a layered and complicated issue that affects the most vulnerable around the world. We need thoughtful, humane and integrated approaches to immigration, just as we do with the climate crisis. We look forward to this administration and future administrations working with all of our communities to make this a reality.”
LCVAF ENDORSED CANDIDATES TAKE PRIMARIES: LCVAF endorsed candidates were successful across numerous states in Tuesday’s primary elections. In New Jersey, LCVAF endorsed candidates Representatives Andy Kim (NJ-SEN), Rob Menendez (NJ-08), Bill Pascrell (NJ-09), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and candidate Sue Altman (NJ-07) won their respective elections.
OUR TAKE: LCV Action Fund Senior Vice President for Government Affairs Tiernan Sittenfield said, “Congratulations to these New Jersey climate champions! New Jersey is a leader in building a clean energy future, and we need elected officials in Congress committed to continue tackling the climate crisis, pollution, and environmental injustice. We’re thrilled to support Andy Kim’s campaign for Senate, and to support Sue Altman and Representatives Menendez, Pascrell, and Watson Coleman for the House to fight for our communities and clean air and water while creating more good paying, clean energy jobs.”
In Iowa, LCVAF endorsed candidates Christina Bohannan (IA-01) advanced to the general election and Lanon Baccam (IA-03) won his primary election.
TAKE 2: LCV Action Fund Senior Vice President for Government Affairs Tiernan Sittenfield said, “LCV Action Fund congratulates candidates Christina Bohannan and Lanon Baccam on their victories in Iowa. Communities across Iowa are experiencing increasingly unusual and deadly extreme weather year after year, and we need elected officials in Congress who will fight for clean air and water, ensure our infrastructure and communities are more resilient, and hold Big Polluters accountable. Christina Bohannan and Lanon Baccam know firsthand the importance of building a clean energy economy, more sustainable agriculture, and tackling pollution, and we know they will fight for all Iowa communities and future generations.”
In Montana, LCVAF-backed Senator Jon Tester and House candidate for Montana’s first district, Monica Tranel, both advanced to the general election.
TAKE 3: LCV Action Fund Senior Vice President for Government Affairs Tiernan Sittenfield said, “We’re thrilled to congratulate strong public lands champions Senator Jon Tester and Monica Tranel on tonight’s victories! Their proven track record and commitment to fight for our public lands is critical to protect our planet, ensure every community has clean air and water, and build a clean energy future. LCV Action Fund is all-in to support these conservation champions to continue fighting to keep Montana the Last Best Place.”
Finally in New Mexico, LCVAF-backed candidates Senator Martin Heinrich and Representatives Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), and Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03) all advanced to their respective general elections.
TAKE 4: LCV Action Fund Senior Vice President for Government Affairs Tiernan Sittenfield said, “LCV Action Fund is thrilled to congratulate this slate of climate champions in New Mexico who have dedicated their time in Congress to fight for healthier communities and a healthier climate. Communities across New Mexico are experiencing some of the worst impacts of the climate crisis and the hottest months on record for the last twelve months, putting us on track to yet again see the hottest year on record. Senator Heinrich and Representatives Stansbury, Vasquez, and Leger Fernandez will continue to fight to protect our planet, our communities, and future generations.”
HOUSE PASSES MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AND VETERANS AFFAIRS APPROPRIATIONS BILL: The House narrowly voted to pass H.R. 8580, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The bill is loaded with poison pill riders that would, among other things, block funding for a variety of executive orders on climate change that help reduce harmful pollution, advance environmental justice, jumpstart clean energy innovation and deployment, and accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy.
Prior to the vote, LCV led a coalition of 11 environmental groups in sending a letter to members of the House urging them to remove anti-environmental provisions from H.R. 8580.
COALITION TAKE: From the letter, “Poison pill riders have no place in this bill. We urge the House of Representatives to remove these harmful provisions and undo these anti-climate spending cuts from H.R. 8580. If these anti-environmental attacks are not removed, we urge members to oppose this bill on these grounds.”
SOMOS PAC AND LCVVF LAUNCH $1.7M BROADCAST AD BUY IN ARIZONA SENATE RACE: Somos PAC and the LCV Victory Fund launched a $1.7M broadcast ad buy in support of Ruben Gallego’s campaign. These Spanish-language ads are the earliest and largest Spanish–language ads in the Senate race this year. Watch the ads on Instagram!
LCVVF TAKE: LCV Victory Fund Campaigns Director Eva Estrada said, “Ruben Gallego is a climate champion, who has demonstrated time and time again that he will fight to protect Arizona communities and families and our planet. He knows that we need to continue building a clean energy future with good paying jobs. That’s why we are committed to supporting Gallego this election cycle and uplifting the great work he has already done in Congress and will continue to do as Senator. Record breaking heat and worsening droughts are affecting millions across Arizona – especially those who can least afford it. We cannot let MAGA Republicans like Kari Lake take away the opportunities of the clean energy economy or the protections for clean air and water that our communities so badly need.”
SOMOS PAC TAKE: President and Founder of Somos PAC Melissa Morales said, “Ruben Gallego is focused on the issues that matter to hardworking Arizonans – including Latinos. And in turn, we are focused on ensuring that Latinos statewide learn more about his background, how he is fighting to lower prices, making life more affordable and providing working families with the tools and opportunities we need to build a good life. This election will be decided on the margins. To win, we must engage voters who are on the margins. That is why investing early in our Latino community – especially in Spanish, is paramount to our mission and will be critical in electing the first Latino to represent Arizona in the U.S. Senate come November.”
COLORADO RESTORES WETLAND PROTECTIONS GUTTED BY SCOTUS: Colorado has become the first state to take action to protect wetlands one year after the Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA removed federal protections for many waters, including wetlands and streams.
CONSERVATION COLORADO TAKE: Conservation Colorado Senior Water Campaign Manager Josh Kuhn said, “Colorado is the first state to pass legislation on this issue. It had a lot of attention because of the magnitude of the bill. There were dozens and dozens of meetings to try and strike the right balance. We’re really happy with this final piece of legislation.”
VIRGINIA GOVERNOR TO ABANDON ADOPTION OF CALIFORNIA EV STANDARDS: Governor Youngkin announced that Virginia would be abandoning the adoption of California’s updated electric vehicle emissions standards. California’s Advanced Clean Cars 2 (ACC2) standards were set to take effect on January 1, 2025 and require at least 22% of new car sales be zero-emission vehicles by the end of the year, increasing to 100% zero-emission new car sales by 2035. Virginia passed legislation in 2021 to follow California’s Advanced Clean Cars (ACC) regulations which are stronger than federal standards. The original ACC standards expire in 2025, which is when the new ACC2 standards begin. Youngkin’s decision is based on an interpretation of the law to only bind Virginia to the original regulations, a move many advocates are calling illegal overreach and will likely be challenged in court.
VALCV TAKE: Virginia LCV Executive Director Michael Town said, “Taking away one of our best tools to protect Virginians from power plant pollution wasn’t enough. Now, Governor Youngkin wants Virginians to keep breathing tailpipe pollution too, despite laws on the books mandating the Commonwealth to tackle both of these major drivers of the climate crisis and detriments to public health. By continuing to stand in the way of climate progress, Youngkin is jeopardizing our health and our economy. The transition to a cleaner transportation future is well underway, with most major car manufacturers responding to consumer demand with plans to transition most or all of their fleet to clean cars in the coming years. In the face of a massive economic opportunity, Youngkin is fine with Virginia being left in the dust on the road to nowhere.”
NEW YORK GOVERNOR HOCHUL POSTPONES CONGESTION PRICING PROGRAM: New York Governor Hochul announced the indefinite postponement of the first-of-its-kind congestion pricing program in New York City which was set to start on June 30.
NYLCV TAKE: New York LCV President Julie Tighe said, “A day after NYC issued its first air quality alert of the year, and less than a year after apocalyptic orange skies blanketed our city as we endured the hottest year on record, I am shocked and dismayed that the governor is turning her back on congestion pricing. We cannot drive our way out of the climate crisis – and we shouldn’t let a small number of drivers who refuse to take mass transit in the most transit-rich region of the country dictate transportation policy. Congestion pricing is the signal that people need to get out of their cars and onto our region’s trains, subways and buses.
The governor has long said she will do the hard things to benefit the people of New York. Congestion pricing is one of those things. It will cut traffic and invest $15 billion in capital and service improvements the MTA so desperately needs and riders deserve. She has called the MTA the lifeblood of NYC and touted how congestion pricing would ‘provide critical resources to the MTA.’ The time is now, Governor. Show New Yorkers you have the courage to stand up and do the hard thing that will have the best result for the most people.”
PROTEGETE COLORADO HOSTS ELEVATE CONSERVATION FOR ALL: Protegete Colorado helped organize the Elevate Conservation Outdoors For All event in Denver last week as part of the Outside Festival. Honorees included Fred Mosqueda and Chester Whiteman from the Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes for their role in renaming Mt. Blue Sky. Governor Jared Polis and a coalition of legislators were recognized for establishing the Climate Resilient Wildlife and Land Fund and expanding the conservation easement tax credit program. Additionally, Diane Regas, retiring CEO and president of Trust for Public Land, was honored for her leadership in promoting outdoor access for all. Check out a video of the event!
CHISPA JUNE NEWSLETTER: Chispa’s June newsletter is live! Check it out to learn about Chispa Nevada’s efforts to get Berkshire Hathaway to invest in clean energy, the GreenLatinos Summit in Puerto Rico, a White House panel on how Latino communities experience environmental crises, and more!
ON THE BLOG: Hear from Chispa Communications Director Elena Gaona on how the President Biden’s affordable clean energy plan and the burgeoning clean energy economy are providing opportunities for Latine communities nationwide, from good paying jobs in green sectors to community change grants and more. And, don’t miss this week’s edition of Good Climate News on the Power Source Blog!
ON OUR SOCIALS: The reality TV star formerly known as President Donald Trump will now and forevermore be known as Convicted Felon Donald Trump, and the choice in the upcoming elections couldn’t be more clear. He continues to be a threat to our democracy and the planet, and this month his dangerous legacy is on display as the Supreme Court attempts to further strip agency power, environmental protections, and abortion and voting rights.
The Four Seasons Orlando baby agrees: to protect our democracy, people, and the planet we have to make our voices heard.
THIS MONTH: Pride Month.
JUNE 16: Father’s Day.
JUNE 19: Juneteenth.
JUNE 20: First day of summer!
©2024 League of Conservation Voters