Message from the Chair
February commenced with President Biden's resoundingly successful State of the Union address, during which he highlighted the urgency of the climate crisis and the bold advances of his administration. “The climate crisis doesn’t care if you’re in a red or blue state. It’s an existential threat,” Biden stated. “I’m proud of how America at last is stepping up to the challenge. The Inflation Reduction Act is also the most significant investment ever in climate change — ever,” Biden emphasized. “Lowering utility bills, creating American jobs, leading the world to a clean energy future.”
Since the Inflation Reduction Act was passed in August, companies have announced more than 100,000 new climate-related jobs. Battery manufacturing, electric vehicle production, and other clean energy facilities are ramping up in key states, and billions of dollars are being allocated to programs to address environmental justice across the U.S. The International Energy Agency (IEA) recently announced that low-emissions sources will account for nearly all global electricity growth in the next three years. Though this progress certainly underscores the reassuring prospect of a fossil-free future, many hurdles remain unscaled for the energy sector’s total transformation as the country and planet continue to face environmental calamity.
On Feb.3rd, the people of East Palestine, Ohio, suffered immediate and long-term consequences from the Norfolk Southern train derailment, which spewed toxic chemicals such as vinyl chloride into the air and, ultimately, into the groundwater and soil. Much blame for the catastrophe was pointed at roll-backs implemented by the Trump administration in railroad safety regulations. Federal and EPA representatives have assessed the site, and deployed additional resources to the area (see White House fact sheet). The EPA has now ordered Norfolk Southern to clean up and pay for damages. Sadly, railroad executives have sacrificed safety over profits for centuries at great cost to human health and the environment. The Progressive Change Campaign Committee (PCCC) is calling on Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to reinstate railway safety regulations from the Obama administration and to address the wider implications of these regulations.
We must stay engaged on all fronts to encourage and press our representatives to take decisive action on behalf of the environment and climate. Your voice matters. Your vote matters.
Dana Freling,
Chair, DA Environment & Climate Crisis Council
Six states have elections scheduled for 2023:
|
Kentucky |
Louisiana |
Mississippi |
|
New Jersey |
Virginia |
Wisconsin |
It’s good practice to register every year to vote, so request your absentee ballot today from Votefromabroad.org! For more information about specific races, check 2023 State Voting Information and 2023 Election Dates.
First up: Wisconsin! WI will be choosing a state Supreme Court judge in April, and by electing the liberal progressive, the Court majority will flip from 4-3 "conservative" to 4-3 "liberal." (The position is "nonpartisan," so we are not using Party names.)
Welcome to our March Climate Cafe – African Women Entrepreneurs: Green Energy Innovators. In homage to Women's History Month, Tracy Dolan will be our guest to discuss the pivotal role women entrepreneurs in Africa play in the green energy transition.
 |
March Climate Cafe March 22, 2023, 10:00am ET/ 4:00pm CET |
|
 |
|
The Emergence of Circular Carbon by Diana Powers |
 |
|
Climate Change, Heatwaves, and Low-Income Populations: A Deadly Combination by Elizabeth Clarey |
Check out these news highlights from the last month!
💧 “Water Always Wins:” A Nat Geo Explorer’s Quest to Help Solve Drought
♻️ Biden backs EV battery recycling with $2B loan
🚗 Electric Vehicles Could Match Gasoline Cars on Price This Year
🍀 Minnesota Has Passed a Landmark Clean Energy Law. Which State Is Next?
🦌 Wildlife species worldwide exposed to ‘forever chemicals,’ survey shows
⚖️ 87 Countries Have Reached Clean Energy Tipping Point
♨️ Meet the top House recipients of oil and gas money
🎯 EPA eyes cumulative pollution to boost environmental justice
🚞 The Ohio Train Disaster: Corporate Greed & Regulatory Failure
🔔 Buttigieg pushes Norfolk Southern to support higher rail safety standards
Volunteer with the ECCC – Contact us at [email protected] if you’d like to get more involved. Join our working group, the Watchdogs Research Task Force, or help with various tasks, including social media and communications.
Write your representative:
Guide to the IRA - This Guide Can Help You Save Money and Fight Climate Change
Sign the Petition to Declare a Climate Emergency -
https://forms.gle/xgLiwjdowDxFpnhT9
Phone Bank - On February 23, we started calling DA members who vote in WI. On February 26, we’ll start calling other overseas WI Democrats from the “voter rolls.” (If you want to join the special team making voter rolls calls, please write to [email protected].
🌎 Watch our February 2023 Climate Café - Preserving the Lungs of the Planet: Brazil's 2nd chance!
🌍 Watch our December Climate Café – Arts and Climate Activism, with special guest Michelle Deatrick
🌍 Watch our November Climate Café - COP27 Round up: Live from Sharm El Sheik with Sam Goodman
🌍 Watch our YOUTH v GOV Voices Webinar
🌍 Watch our October Climate Café – Climate Change and Environment Justice: Doing Right by Africa
🌍 Watch our September Climate Cafe on the Inflation Reduction Act
🌍 Read the ECCC Statement on the Inflation Reduction Act
🌏 Watch our August Climate Café on Climate and Disabilities
🌍 Watch our July Climate Café on Queer Ecology
🌍 Did you miss our Co₂nsequences: Global Climate Rally in April? You can watch it here. We had a lot of great speakers and performers.
🌍 Want to make your lifestyle greener? Boost your knowledge. Check out our Earth Care Toolkit.
Please consider donating to Democrats Abroad Environment & Climate Crisis Council to help with our ongoing efforts to get out the green vote and connect all of you with the policies and people fighting for a more sustainable planet.
Click on the link to become a one-time or sustaining donor!
A meaningful way to get out our message is through social media. We need your help extending our essential message by following, liking, and subscribing to our newly established social media accounts: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. We can’t beat the algorithms without your help.
Thank you for your engagement and support,
DA Environment & Climate Crisis Council