Austin Chapter Welcomes the New Year

On January 2, 2026 By Carolyn M. AppletonIn CCLATX, Citizens' Climate Lobby, Climate ChangeLeave a comment

On behalf of the Austin chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby, welcome to 2026. To those who are already members of our chapter, thank you for being a part of our work. As you know, Citizens’ Climate Lobby is a non-profit, nonpartisan, grassroots advocacy organization focused on national policies to address climate change.

To those who are considering joining, we are pleased to share our core values:

Focus

We are focused on solving climate change. We move Congress to pass big solutions that will ensure a healthy climate. We also work on complementary solutions that help us work together in our communities and foster a more collaborative environment in Congress.

Optimism

In the face of challenges, we choose optimism — that people are good, that democracy can work, that we can solve climate change, and that we are greater than our flaws. Optimism turns our concern about climate change into action, and it’s catching on — more and more people join us every day.

Diversity

We empower everyone in exercising their personal and political power regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, ability, or political affiliation. We continue to bring awareness of important issues to all our volunteers and foster a sense of belonging to our organization.

Relationships

We take the most generous approach to other people as possible — appreciation, gratitude, and respect. We listen, we work to find common ground, and we endeavor to understand our own biases. We are honest and firm. We know that there is a place for protest, but our approach is to build consensus, which we believe will bring enduring change. That’s why elected officials and their staff, no matter what their politics, say they are happy to see us — and mean it.

Exciting News

From the recent press release, we are pleased to share,

“After a six month interim period, Ricky Bradley has been appointed Executive Director of Citizens’ Climate Lobby and Citizens’ Climate Education. The decision was made by the CCL and CCE boards of directors in a unanimous vote during their final joint board meeting of 2025.

Bradley has been active with Citizens’ Climate for more than 13 years. Prior to his former roles as Interim Executive Director and Vice President of Field Operations, he has also served as a volunteer Group Leader and volunteer Regional Coordinator, all of which ground him in Citizens’ Climate’s grassroots model.” Read more by following this link.

Strategic Plan Released

One of the many things we like about being involved with Citizens’ Climate Lobby as one chapter of many across the United States, is how well organized the organization is. You can download the CCL Strategic Plan for 2026 below.

CCL Strategic Plan 2026 Download

Leadership of CCLATX

Stay tuned as we will announce new Austin chapter leadership soon on this website, Voices of Austin. Our thanks go to those who have already donated hundreds of hours of volunteer time over the past several years. We are truly grateful.

If you would like to assume a leadership role in the Austin chapter, please let us know by messaging Marie Miglin via our chapter page on the national Citizens’ Climate Lobby website. Yes, that means you must login to the website and if you please, kindly fill out your individual profile. Thank you! We welcome your help and involvement.

Happy New Year! We hope to see you at future monthly meetings, casual social gatherings, conferences and more in 2026.

Sharper Than Ever: CCL’s Next Chapter | November 14 and 15, 2025

On November 4, 2025November 15, 2025 By Carolyn M. AppletonIn CCL Conference, CCLATXLeave a comment

You can watch the fall conference on YouTube.

Our original post:

Please join Citizens’ Climate Lobby for the annual fall conference, which will be held online. Citizens’ Climate Lobby is pushing climate action forward! What to expect:

Equip yourself to be an effective climate advocate in the current political landscape.
Learn the policy details of permitting reform, a critical component of America’s clean energy future.
Reconnect with CCL’s values and unique culture, so you’re ready to carry our new strategy forward. Questions? Email: conference.inbox@citizensclimate.org.

*Follow this link to learn more and register!*

Citizens’ Climate Lobby is a non-profit, nonpartisan, grassroots advocacy organization focused on national policies to address climate change. Our core values include:

We are focused on solving climate change. We move Congress to pass big solutions that will ensure a healthy climate. We also work on complementary solutions that help us work together in our communities and foster a more collaborative environment in Congress.
In the face of challenges, we choose optimism — that people are good, that democracy can work, that we can solve climate change, and that we are greater than our flaws. Optimism turns our concern about climate change into action, and it’s catching on — more and more people join us every day.
We empower everyone in exercising their personal and political power regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, ability, or political affiliation. We continue to bring awareness of important issues to all our volunteers and foster a sense of belonging to our organization.
Our approach is thoughtful and thorough. We are prepared — we consult experts, use data, and solicit feedback before forming opinions or making decisions. We follow up when we are asked. We keep on going even when it’s hard. People know that they can count on us to be consistent and to do what we say we will do.

If you haven’t already joined Citizens’ Climate Lobby and the secure online conversation platform, please do. It is free to join! Then you will have access to a wide variety of resources, you can join affinity groups based upon your interests, you can receive training (live or recorded), and more! The Austin chapter has a its own page on the website, and there you can discover local events held throughout the year, from happy hours to monthly meetings and official “lobby” days. We would love to have you join us!

*For a preview of issues to be covered during virtual lobby meetings this fall, follow this link to the, “Lobby Meeting Toolkit.”*

Sun Day Austin | September 21, 2025

On September 11, 2025 By Carolyn M. AppletonIn CCLATX, Solar EnergyLeave a comment

Bob Hendricks has been a volunteer for Citizens’ Climate Lobby for many years. He shares with us a call to participate in Sun Day in Austin, one of many sites across the nation participating in the annual event.

“Sun Day is a day of action on September 21, 2025, celebrating the power of clean energy. The clean energy revolution is here. Solar, wind and batteries are the cheapest form of power on the planet, lowering costs, creating new jobs, and strengthening our communities. But some politicians and industries are trying to hold it back.”

Bob notes that on September 21 at the Texas State Capitol, “we will celebrate the progress we’ve made and push for more. We’ll install new solar, host e-bike parades, give heat pump tours, and rally for change. Together, we’ll make the sun rise on our clean energy future.”

Bob heartily believes in the goal of Citizens’ Climate Lobby “to create the political will for a livable world.” Further he asks, “we value our volunteers’ time and resources. We ask for action only when it is timely and significant. I am now asking you who care about the future of our kids and grandkids, about the future of all kids and grandkids, about the future of civilization, to come to and support our September 21 Sun Day Austin rally and tabling event at the Texas State Capitol grounds from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday September 21.”

“We celebrate that solar energy especially, along with wind energy and battery storage, provides cheaper energy than fossil fuels – and is getting still cheaper. This is huge. Our economy gravitates towards cheaper and better so the transition to clean energy is certain. And that same solar energy is clean and will wipe out a major source of pollution that causes severe asthma and other illnesses for millions of people. This is worth celebrating.”

We also are calling people to action. “We see the effects of overheating the planet already in unprecedented destruction – flooding, heat waves, freak storms, wildfires. And the science, which predicted all this, tells us it will get worse and worse as we continue to dump more and more carbon pollution into our sky.”

Your attendance at Sun Day Austin or at any of hundreds of other Sun Day events, will send a message to policy makers that we, the people, know that solar energy is cheap and clean; that we know more solar will avoid even more increases in our electricity bills; and that more solar will greatly improve our health, especially for our more vulnerable, children, and seniors. It is a message that won’t change things immediately but will be an important step in the right direction.

We’re making Sun Day Austin a fun, inspiring and informative event. We’re hosting with our allies on September 21 at the Texas Capitol on the South Lawn. We will also have fun, children-focused events for the full time, so bring those kids and grandkids.

Please register, attend in person, and bring as many people as you can. We look forward to seeing you there.

Learn more and register!

Interested in volunteering? Email Bob Hendricks (bob.hendricks@citizensclimatelobby.org) or join the CCL secure conversation platform and message him securely there.

You might enjoy reading an opinion by Bob Hendricks that appeared in the Austin Chronicle in 2022, “Wake-Up Calls for Our Fossil Fuel Addiction.”

Environment Texas, “5 surprising facts about renewable energy growth in Texas” (October 2024).

Be Patriotic: Everyday Acts of Civil Engagement

On July 3, 2025 By Carolyn M. AppletonIn CCLATX, HealthLeave a comment

The American Lung Association in “A Declaration on Climate Change and Health” observes that climate change is a health emergency, one “already harming health and causing loss of life. The window to prevent the worst impacts is rapidly closing.”

The organization points out several worrisome facts:

Climate change puts everyone’s health at risk, regardless of where you live.
Lots of people are at increased risk of getting sick or injured as a result of climate impacts, even if they don’t realize it. They include kids, seniors, people with chronic diseases like asthma or diabetes, people who are pregnant, people with disabilities, people who work outdoors, people with low-incomes, people of color and many more.
Extreme heat is killing people. It causes more deaths than any other weather-related hazard, and climate change is making it much worse. Heat is also linked with a wide array of short-term and long-term illnesses.
Wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense, spreading dangerous smoke that is making people sick. Particle pollution and other harmful substances in the smoke are linked to lung disease, lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, dementia, and preterm birth.
Climate change is making smog worse. Warmer temperatures increase smog (also called ozone pollution), which is linked to asthma attacks, lung disease, cardiovascular disease, preterm and low birthweight infants, cancer, harms to brain health and premature death.
Storms and flooding are getting more severe, causing injuries, worsening physical and mental health, and cutting people off from their healthcare.
Disease-carrying insects like ticks and mosquitoes are multiplying and spreading to new areas, increasing exposure to illnesses like Lyme disease and Dengue fever. Water- and food-borne pathogens are also spreading.
Allergy seasons are getting longer and more intense.
Rising carbon dioxide are projected to decrease the nutritional content of crops.

If we care for our families and our fellow citizens of the United States of America, then we must care about the impact of climate change on their health and well-being. We must be vocal. In this way, America will remain strong, vibrant, healthy and productive for generations to come.

Citizens’ Climate Lobby is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization. CCL insists – and we agree – “The everyday acts of civil engagement that CCLers do around the country – calling, writing, or meeting with lawmakers; creating dialogue and building coalitions in our communities – will be incredibly powerful. With every climate action we take, we’re making the voice of the American people louder in a time when it’s far too easy for those voices to be drowned out.”

Further, “Because we believe in a government that listens to the people it represents. So, we intend to keep showing up to be heard. We hope you’re with us and ready to make your voice heard, too.”

Our growing community of CCL members must remain engaged, and we must keep speaking up in writing and by calling our elected officials about bills and issues that are of critical importance to our communities.

Rex Huppke writes for USA Today, “This July Fourth, my patriotism looks like two middle fingers – and that’s OK | Opinion” (June 30, 2025).

What does our patriotism, in this rather pivotal moment in American history, look like? How do we celebrate America – the right-now version of America – when democracy looks as fragile as a cracked sheet of thin ice over a warming pond?

My America won’t tolerate racists or xenophobes or clout-chasing knuckleheads who think the American dream involves trampling carelessly over others while forgetting the very things that make this country great …. My America fights back against tyranny and indecency with ridicule, peaceful public protest, voting and a unified voice.

I’m not happy with the state of America …. But I’m not going to look at the American flag and feel ashamed. That flag still represents a country I believe to be well worth fighting for ….

If you are not receiving regular email from Citizens’ Climate Lobby, especially those alerting you to take simple yet meaningful actions about bills that harm human health, our shared natural resources, and the safety and well-being of our fellow Americans – sign up today! We need your voice now more than ever.

Join Citizens’ Climate Lobby Today!

You might enjoy reading Flannery Winchester’s blog post with several additional helpful links, “These times call for us to hold the line on climate” (June 25, 2025).

Why Congress Can’t Pull the Plug on Texas’ Clean Energy Progress

On May 28, 2025 By Carolyn M. AppletonIn Clean Energy, Congress, House of Representatives, Tax CreditsLeave a comment

On May 22, the House of Representatives voted to pass a budget bill that drastically cuts America’s clean energy tax credits. I’m disappointed to see that the House advanced this legislation.

Make no mistake: These cuts will hurt Texas if they go on to become law. Experts are already warning that these changes would raise energy costs for American households, increase pollution, and threaten growing economic investments we’ve seen in Texas. The House passage of this bill just put these investments at risk.

These federal tax credits—designed to boost clean energy manufacturing in the U.S. – have been working, just as decades of tax-related supports have helped oil and gas. Since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in 2022, Texas has benefited from nearly $8 billion invested in 29 projects leading to over 10,000 new jobs from clean energy projects. Besides our strengths in oil and gas production, Texas can continue to be the leader among states in clean energy deployments. But by some estimates killing these tax credits will jeopardize as many as 122,000 jobs and up to $130 billion in private investments in Texas.

The need for power – and clean power in particular – is almost infinite in the face of future demand from high-consumption applications like datacenters and water purification. Why not continue to unleash our state’s huge potential for sun, wind, and geothermal?

The tax credits were passed by Democrats, so they have been an easy target for Republican attacks. But nationwide the legislation has overwhelmingly benefited Republican-held districts – 78% of the funding has gone to rural and suburban areas held by the GOP. That includes Texas, where manufacturers like Samsung C&T Renewables, General Electric and many, many smaller companies announced major investments thanks to these tax credits.

But that success story could unravel quickly. The legislation is now in the Senate’s hands, and the House passage has set them on a path toward drastic cuts.

If the cuts become law, energy prices will rise. Rolling back these tax credits means Texas ratepayers will face higher electricity prices in coming years.

By contrast, if Congress protects clean energy tax credits, it would boost Texas’ economy over the next decade, helping meet the challenges of a growing population and growing high-energy demand industries. Clean energy projects can even help stabilize our water supply in the Permian basin where oil and gas production requires huge amounts of water that can be reused if enough energy is applied to clean it up.

Encouragingly, some Republican members of Congress are vocalizing their support for the clean energy tax credits. Four Republican Senators sent a letter to leadership last month saying that repeal would “lead to significant disruptions for the American people and weaken our position as a global energy leader.”

The numbers are clear: clean energy tax credits are working for Texas. Undoing clean energy tax credits now – as the House just voted to do – would be reckless and harmful. I urge Senators Cornyn and Cruz to work with their colleagues in the Senate to protect these tax credits.

Cynthia Lesky, Group Development and Organization for Citizens’ Climate Lobby Austin, Texas

Letter submitted to the Austin American-Statesman

May 25, 2025

From the Citizens’ Climate Lobby secure conversation platform, Austin Chapter:

“I’ve been a member of CCL since the fall of 2017. I joined shortly after moving to Austin from Highland Park, IL. For the last 30 years I’ve devoted most of my energies to my family and to a small business I built serving the needs of corporate information centers (I’m a librarian by training.) When I finally had the time to give back a little bit, I went searching for ways to get involved in climate change activism and also to meet people in my new community.

The laser focus on carbon pricing and the genuinely big-hearted, bipartisan, respectful culture of CCL were the big draws for me. I’ve been growing steadily more active as I find my strengths intersect with the various needs of the organization and of the cause. My involvement with Citizens’ Climate Lobby has been an affirming, learning experience for me, a source of new friends, and an avenue for personal growth.“

Science Underpins the Work of Citizens’ Climate Lobby

On May 3, 2025 By Carolyn M. AppletonIn CCLATX, ScienceLeave a comment

Citizens’ Climate Lobby bases its work and policy initiatives on scientific evidence. In fact, you can study and learn about the science behind climate change on the organization’s website in the section, “Climate Change Science.” Topics range from greenhouse gases to the role of carbon dioxide, ozone to the impact of human beings on the climate. Citizens’ Climate Lobby provides this information free of charge as a public service.

Another insightful training CCL provides is called, “Weather Attribution Science,” and it focuses on the background behind attribution science – the process of quantifying the contribution of global warming to extreme weather – and other events. The training includes a discussion about the process for connecting climate change with extreme weather events.

Extreme weather is a significant concern for citizens of the State of Texas. As Texas Tribune laments, “Texas weather extremes likely to become normal, scientists say” (2024). Alejandra Martinez and Yuriko Schumacher report, “Climate scientists and academics say that as emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases continue to push temperatures higher, severe weather in the state is likely to worsen. They add that Texas will likely see a growing gap between wet parts of the state and dry parts as climate change alters precipitation patterns and warms oceans.” You can also listen to the article by click on the link above.

More recently, on May 3, 2025 Guardian US shared, “Scientific societies to do climate assessment after Trump administration dismissed authors.”

Two major US scientific societies have announced they will join forces to produce peer-reviewed research on the climate crisis’s impact days after Donald Trump’s administration dismissed contributors to a key Congress-mandated report on climate crisis preparedness.

On Friday, the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and the American Geophysical Union (AGU) said that they will work together to produce over 29 peer-reviewed journals that will cover all aspects of climate change including observations, projections, impacts, risks and solutions.

The collaboration comes just days after Trump’s administration dismissed all contributors to the sixth National Climate Assessment, the US government’s flagship study on climate change. The dismissal of nearly 400 contributors had left the future of the study in question.

We are delighted to see the good work continue. Factual information, rather than gossip and misinformation, are the best way to make qualified, realistic and informed decisions when it comes to understanding and mitigating the effects of climate change, and to protecting the citizens of the State of Texas.

Megan Johnson wrote for Harvard T. H. Chan, “Stopping Misinformation: Scientists and Medical Professionals are Important Players in Communicating Reliable Information” (2025). She observes, “In a highly complex information ecosystem, news travels fast. Whether it’s dispersed through traditional news publications, social media, or fringe outlets, the news can get warped. That’s why communicators are trying to find the best ways to share their messaging accurately and promptly.”

It is great to see high level training being provided to the science community to help them deal with misinformation and to respond quickly. It would be great to see an educational program developed for the public as well. In the meantime, be sure to sign up on the Citizens’ Climate Lobby website for the fact- and science-based trainings discussed above.

One thing the Austin Chapter of CCL has learned since joining Bluesky during the final months of 2024, is that many scientists are active on the platform. You can find us at @cclatx.bluesky.social, and we do share scientific updates in addition to our own organizational information. If you are interested in science and the facts behind climate change, Bluesky is the place to be!

Once you join Bluesky, look under “Discover” and follow hashtags like #Science #Climate Science #Climate Politics #Climate Change Sciences #Climate Crisis #Climate & Sustainability #Climate Adaptation and more. You can also follow “Lists” like “Climate Science, Impacts and Solutions.” Katharine Hayhoe has several “starter packs” that help you quickly identify influential scientists to follow. Among them are, “US National Nature Assessment Authors,” “Climate Justice,” “Climate + Finance” (and more). Our experience on Bluesky has been terrific and we learn a lot every time we “log in.”

Science knows no country, because knowledge belongs to humanity, and is the torch which illuminates the world. Science is the highest personification of the nation because that nation will remain the first which carries the furthest the works of thought and intelligence.

Louis Pasteur, French scientist (1822-1895)

Join us at the CCL Summer Conference and Lobby Day in Washington, D.C. this July. Follow the link to learn more!

CCL Summer Conference & Lobby Day in Washington, D.C.

On April 16, 2025July 12, 2025 By Carolyn M. AppletonIn CCL Summer Conference, CCLATXLeave a comment

Registration closed July 3, 2025

This year’s summer conference July 20 to 22 will not be livestreamed. Follow the event on social media!

Did you know, in-person meetings with elected officials are highly effective. All In Together notes that meeting with your elected officials offers several advantages:

Build Relationships: In-person meetings help build credible, long-lasting relationships with legislators and their staff.

Memorable Advocacy: Face-to-face interactions allow you to convey your message in a more nuanced and memorable way.

Deepened Engagement: You can invite others to join the cause, building broader community support.

Consider a combination summer vacation to Washington, D.C. where you can: 1) participate July 20 to 22 in our CCL conference, gain deep insights into current climate issues, and support our work in a genuinely impactful way; and 2) relax and enjoy the many interesting and enjoyable sites in Washington, D.C.

As noted on the conference website, you can expect:

A jam-packed event dedicated to building the skills you need for Lobby Day.

Insight into today’s climate landscape and key perspectives on where CCL fits in.

To be with the best people in the world, doing the best work, for the best cause.

The conference will be held at the historic Omni Shoreham Hotel. “The Shoreham hosted every presidential inaugural ball of the 20th century since President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and the Shoreham has also played host to a number of famous entertainers in the legendary Blue Room throughout its 90-year history.” The hotel is listed on the Historic Hotels of America website, as designated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

To reach the main hotel website and find a room to your liking, follow this link. Tripadvisor lists quite a few noteworthy places to visit near the Omni Shoreham, too!

*Learn more about the history of the Omni Shoreham by clicking on the postcard.*

Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, grassroots advocacy climate change organization focused on national policies to address the national and global climate crisis. Sign up to join the Austin chapter and learn about more programs and actions you can take by following this link.

CCL Texas Lobby Day 2025 a Success

On April 3, 2025 By Carolyn M. AppletonIn CCLATX, Citizens' Climate Lobby, Texas Lobby DayLeave a comment

First and foremost, we wish to thank those who took the time to meet with our Citizens’ Climate Lobby volunteers on April 1. We know how busy you are, and we deeply appreciate your listening to our concerns and suggestions.

Many Austin chapter members of Citizens’ Climate Lobby participated in this year’s Texas Lobby Day at the Texas State Capitol. Our volunteers were prepped in a detailed and enjoyable training session at St. David’s Episcopal in downtown Austin, with Lobby Day following on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

Training session at St. David's Episcopal Church. — *Training session at St. David’s Episcopal. Photo collage by Carolyn M. Appleton*.

Volunteers traveled from across Texas to participate. Did you know? There are more than 11,000 Citizens’ Climate Lobby advocates in the State of Texas!

The information we shared with our elected officials and their staff members on April 1 was wide ranging, but focused.

Expand Transmission: We support HB 3069 which upgrades the planning process for ERCOT’s economic evaluation of transmission projects, including evaluating the cost/benefit relationship over 10 years versus the current 3-year period.

The Texas grid isn’t keeping pace with the state’s growth. This mismatch is leading to increased energy costs, reliability issues, and potential barriers to future economic development.

CCL volunteers on the Texas Capitol Grounds. — *CCL Volunteers gathering for a group photo on the grounds of the Capitol prior to going through security and visiting with elected officials. Photo collage by Carolyn M. Appleton.*

Increase Energy Efficiency: We support SB 1915 that requires utilities to meet new annual energy savings goals and HB 3826 which would establish the Texas Energy Efficiency Council.

Energy efficiency is an important element of grid resilience because it reduces peak demand in both summer and winter; it lowers energy bills due to reduced consumption; and energy efficiency measures can relieve pressure on the grid in the short term while we’re working on expanding long-term supply. That’s important because it will be a few years before new natural gas generation is up and running.

Expand Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Deployment: Distributed Energy Resources (DER) are things like rooftop solar, and solar and batteries on homes and businesses, electric vehicles and smart thermostats. These are technologies that can be deployed quickly to increase grid capacity.

We support SB 1202, and its companion HB 2304, which would streamline approval processes for home distributed energy resources. It allows homeowners to use third parties for inspections rather than depending on city inspectors.

We also support HB 3346, which would allow small customers to receive fair compensation for excess energy that they’re able to generate and/or store in batteries and sell to the grid when supplies are tight. We had a pilot program that provided proof of concept, now it’s time to write it into law.

Last but not least, we urged those who are not already members of the nonpartisan Texas Energy and Climate Caucus to join. The world is decarbonizing to reduce climate pollution, and we need to have constructive conversations on policies that will best position Texans to participate in the huge economic opportunities of this decades-long global trend.

CCL volunteers at the office of John H. Bucy, III. — CCL volunteers are shown here in the office of John H. Bucy, III. Photo by Carolyn M. Appleton. Note to those at the State Capitol needing more technical information and advice: Rowen Kliethermes shown at right is highly trained and very knowledgeable. She would be an excellent resource onsite.

Our first attempt at taking video “shorts” is now available on YouTube @citizensclimatelobbyatx.

This “short” shows our volunteers departing St. David’s Episcopal for the State Capitol bright and early on April 1, 2025. CCL volunteers are of all ages and backgrounds! We hope you will join us.

Join Citizens’ Climate Lobby today! We would welcome your help. To join is free of charge and our Austin Chapter is housed within the national conversation platform. Follow the link to sign up and learn more!

Conservative Conference in Washington, D.C. and Preserving Clean Energy Tax Credits

On February 27, 2025March 9, 2025 By Carolyn M. AppletonIn Inflation Reduction ActLeave a comment

Follow Up

Now that the conference is over, you might enjoy this panel discussion featuring CCL Congressional Liaison Manager Mindy Ahler, Action Team Director Drew Eyerly, and Vice President of Government Affairs Jenn Tyler. Mindy, Drew, and Jenn review the outcome of our annual Conservative Climate Leadership Conference and Lobby Day and answered questions about lobby meetings, asks, and the importance of sending right-of-center volunteers to meet with Republicans.

IRA Handout Download

Original Post …

Next week is the Citizens’ Climate Lobby Conservative Conference and Lobby Day in Washington, D.C. Right-of-center CCL volunteers will meet with Republican offices. Their primary request in the lobby day meetings will be to preserve the clean energy tax credits of the Inflation Reduction Act. And we will probably be defending the IRA’s clean energy tax credits for a while! Budget reconciliation takes a long time as all the spending and cuts get hammered out. This is an essential start to the process.

The resolution the United States House of Representatives just passed as we post this article, directs all the committees in the House to either spend or cut certain amounts from their budgets for the next 10 years. Remember, the budget reconciliation process is a partisan one and Republicans are in charge of it this time. So, it is strategically helpful that Republican offices will hear first from fellow conservatives on this issue.

CCL’s national office notes,

“Some energy provisions and regulations that relate to the clean energy tax credits would fall under the jurisdiction of the Energy & Commerce Committee, which as noted earlier, has to cut $880 billion. But tax credits themselves are in the jurisdiction of the Ways and Means Committee. That committee can spend an additional $4.5 trillion, but that amount is intended to extend the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. So, when it comes to the clean energy tax credits, we’re likely to see a collaborative discussion across these key committees.”

If you haven’t already joined Citizens’ Climate Lobby via its secure community platform, do so today! It is free to all, and once you sign up – including joining our “TX Austin” chapter – you will receive information direct to your inbox. Although registration for our Conservative Climate Change Leadership Conference and Lobby Day is now closed, you will definitely want to be following the proceedings and checking YouTube for any recordings that are posted there.

Follow-up actions for all volunteers including those in our TX Austin chapter will be shared by the staff of Citizens’ Climate Lobby as well. We need your help now more than ever!

Sign up here to be a part of our free secure conversation platform!
Join the National Monthly Meeting online, for a recap about the Conservative Conference and Lobby Day: Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 12 noon Central Time.

Upgrading Homes and Buildings Can Reduce Emissions and Save You Money: Austin Energy Can Help

On November 20, 2024 By Carolyn M. AppletonIn CCLATX, ElectrificationLeave a comment

Electrification of homes and buildings has been a core focus area of Citizens’ Climate Lobby for the past few years. The best way to reduce appliance emissions is to switch to clean energy and, “to increase the efficiency with which we use all forms of energy to provide the services we want – heating, cooling, cooking, lighting, and more.” Did you know, furnaces generally last 15 to 20 years and hot water heaters 8 to 12 years. Hence, it is essential that we start now to accelerate the process of converting these appliances to clean energy.

Upgrading homes and other buildings can both reduce emissions and save people money. Buildings currently represent over 30% of emissions in the United States. About 10% of building emissions come directly from onsite burning of fossil fuels and almost all the rest from generating the electricity buildings use. The biggest sources of direct emissions are space and water heaters, but stoves and clothes dryers are other examples in the residential sector.

Austin Energy has an smart incentive program to help you convert to electric appliances of all kinds, from thermostats to Energy Star refrigerators, heat pump water heaters, clothes dryers, and freezers. If you are putting of replacing your old appliances, now might be the time to take advantage of these discounts! Click on the image below to reach the Austin Energy discount website.

Citizens’ Climate Lobby has developed an electrification fact sheet you can keep handy to refresh your memory about the importance of electrification.

*Follow the link to reach the CCL advanced information page on building electrification and efficiency. It is packed with facts!*

Health is another critical reason we should switch to electricity. A 2020 report by Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) cited research from MIT showing that “combustion emissions from the building sector now contributes to the largest share (37 percent) of premature deaths associated with air pollution, compared to other sectors like transport, industry, and power generation.” Unvented gas stoves produce indoor nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and benzene pollution that can harm human health, including a 24 to 42% increased risk of childhood asthma!

Questions? Reach out to Dana Nuccitelli, Research Coordinator of Citizens’ Climate Lobby. Dana is an environmental scientist and climate journalist with a Master’s Degree in physics. He has written about climate change since 2010 for Skeptical Science, for The Guardian from 2013 to 2018, and since 2018 for Yale Climate Connections. In 2015 he published the book ‘Climatology versus Pseudoscience’, and he has also authored ten peer-reviewed climate studies, including a 2013 paper that found a 97% consensus among peer-reviewed climate science research that humans are the primary cause of global warming. Follow the link above to read more about Dana and to find his email address.