Tag: CCLATX

Hot in Texas

Austin’s Climate Program

On By Carolyn M. AppletonIn CCLATX, Greenhouse GasLeave a comment

USA Today’s Doyle Rice wrote on March 29, 2026, “Double danger? Climate change, El Niño push Earth ‘beyond its limits'”:

A freakish March heat wave has already pushed temperatures to summertime levels throughout much of the western and central United States, but a new report comes with a dire warning: This is just the beginning.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) announced on March 23 that the planet’s climate is now “more out of balance than at any time in observed history.”

The MIT Climate Portal shares scientific insights:

“Greenhouse gases prevent some heat from escaping the Earth out into space, and while this is a natural phenomenon, human behavior has now added so much greenhouse gas that our atmosphere is keeping in too much heat. In fact, ice core data shows us that there is now more CO2 in our atmosphere than at any point in at least the past 800,000 years. Because of this, our planet is almost 1.8°F hotter than it was in the 1880s.”

The website of the Austin Climate Action and Resilience office shares simple to understand information about how individuals and families can help reduce their own “carbon footprint.” Among the initial suggestions:

  1. Ditch the plastic water bottles.
  2. Use cold water for laundry.
  3. Drive efficiently.
  4. Incorporate walking or biking into your daily routine.
  5. Adjust your thermostat.
  6. Recycle and reuse.
  7. Keep tires properly inflated.

We urge our readers to visit the City of Austin website for more helpful suggestions along these lines!

Another thing we hope you will do, is join the secure Citizens’ Climate Lobby platform, and then join the Austin Chapter (TX Austin). Then you will receive notifications of actions you can take, like writing to your elected representatives in Washington, D.C. about key issues under review at the national level, showing them that you care. CCL staff conduct detailed research prior to announcing actions requesting your engagement, so you can rest assured that you are not “stepping out” without proper preparation.

Earth Day Austin is coming up on April 11, 2026 at Huston-Tillotson University.

Historically, Earth Day ATX has been the largest sustainability event in Central Texas. Thousands of people from the Austin Area and beyond come to the Huston-Tillotson University campus to learn about conservation and sustainable solutions, celebrate our love for the environment, and get connected to the best and most innovative green businesses and organizations. With family and friends, festival attendees explore rich, in-depth programming, exciting new activities, and engaging exhibitions that allow them to discover new connections to the environment and environmental issues.

Follow the link above for more information about the event, and if you attend, please come see us at our Austin Chapter table. If you would like to volunteer, visit our Austin Chapter webpage on the CCL national website. We would love to have your help.

Longtime Austin Chapter member Carolyn M. Appleton would like to thank United States Senator John Cornyn for responding to her email request regarding permitting reform. “Permitting reform has emerged as the biggest and most important clean energy and climate policy area in the current session of Congress.” To learn about the importance of permitting reform, follow this link to the CCL website.

John Cornyn Response CCL Environmental Regs 3.24.26Download

Renewable energy

Choose Renewables Not War

On By Kalpana SutariaIn CCLATX, Grid, Renewable EnergyLeave a comment

Re: March 21 article, “War fallout puts focus on renewable energy”

As this article highlights, rich and poor countries are suffering from the consequences of the horrific Iran war due to shortages of energy sources and food supply, jump in prices of daily needs and resulting panic.

Clean energy reduces dependence on polluting fossil fuels, improving people’s health. That is why most Americans want to transition to clean power.

Despite roadblocks by President Donald Trump, Texas’ grid is strong due to renewables. On March 21 at 5:15 p.m., 65% of energy came from solar and wind. Demand was two-thirds of the supply.

China has shown remarkable improvements in its economy by enormous investments in renewable energy while making it more resilient. Poor countries are attempting to upscale renewables, but for faster transition, global focus on clean energy investment is critical.

Instead of starting a war causing destruction, loss of lives and chaos, why not embrace clean energy sources for the well-being of people everywhere?

Kalpana Sutaria is an architect, author and environmental advocate dedicated to tackling global warming challenges. Kalpana is a longtime member of the Austin Chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby. This letter to the editor was published by the Austin American-Statesman on March 27, 2026.

CCL Conservative Conference

Virtual CCL Conservative Conference 2026

On By CCLATXIn CCLATX, ConservativeLeave a comment

If you are interested in participating in the annual Citizens’ Climate Lobby Conservative Conference, you can do so online!

During the event, you will hear from influential conservative voices shaping energy policy and advocacy, including former FERC chairman Neil Chatterjee, Executive Director of republicEN Bob Inglis, and more. Then, you will join others in meeting with Republican members of Congress supporting energy and trade policy that preserves our climate, using insights and guidance from CCL’s Government Affairs team.

We are the EcoRight, a balance to the Environmental Left.

We stand together because we believe in the power of American free enterprise and innovation to solve climate change. Together, we encourage, embolden, and applaud conservative climate leadership.

republicEN

Attend online from anywhere in the country, joining forces with other right-of-center Americans and making your voice heard in Washington, D.C. without the expense of travel. Link up with the broader eco-right movement to learn about responsible, effective climate policy, and then lobby Congress to pass it.

The event occurs April 18 and 21, 2026, and you must submit an application to CCL in order to participate. The deadline to apply is March 31.

Apply today!

This is a virtual event using video conference software. Attendees ages 13-17 years old should participate with their camera turned off, unless accompanied by a parent/grandparent/legal guardian.

Prior to the conference, you can train yourself on the CCL website so that you are fully informed and up to date. Follow the link to the training page on the Citizens’ Climate Lobby website. To review CCL’s lobby statistics, follow this link. And if you are not already a member of CCL, follow this link to join our secure conversation platform!

Wind Energy

We Need Wind Energy

On By Kalpana SutariaIn Wind EnergyLeave a comment

Re: Dec. 23 article, “Administration suspends 5 wind projects off the East Coast over security concerns”

It is mind boggling that large offshore wind energy projects that are under construction were paused by the Trump administration in the name of national security. These projects were awarded permits following review by state and federal agencies. The Department of Defense was consulted at every stage of the permitting process. Based on my professional experience, design and construction of large projects go through an arduous permitting process to ensure safety and security.

Clean energy reduces dependence on polluting fossil fuels, improving people’s health. That is why most Americans want to transition to clean power. This administration has routinely thrown roadblocks to this transition, showing a lack of concern for the welfare of its own people.

New data centers are moving forward in the U.S. They are energy guzzlers, raising overall electricity prices for all customers. To ensure access to affordable energy, the pause must be lifted so these wind energy projects can finish.

Kalpana Sutaria, Media Team Leader for the Austin, Texas Chapter, Citizens’ Climate Lobby

Published in the Austin American-Statesman, January 4, 2026

Austin Skyline View

Austin Chapter Welcomes the New Year

On 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 2026Download

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.

Paris Agreement

Keep Focus on Climate

On By Kalpana SutariaIn Paris AccordLeave a comment

Re: Nov. 10 article, “World has strayed from Paris Agreement”

Nations of the world have been meeting every year for 30 years to address global warming. In 2015, the Paris Agreement was a major milestone by almost all countries to slow down the warming.

Institutions and governments at all levels have made a difference by investing in renewable energy to replace polluting fossil fuels, but it is not enough.

Each year since 2015 has been hotter than the year of the Paris Agreement; and since then, the U.S. has been hit by 193 disasters that cost at least $1billion for a total cost of $1.5 trillion. Adding human suffering to that, the impact is immeasurable.

Innovative research is happening everywhere to lower global warming pollutants and reduce loss of lives and livelihoods.

What we need is a political will to stay on the path and not dismantle what was started. Our leaders need to listen to us.

Austin American-Statesman

Kalpana Sutaria, Member, Austin Metro Chapter, Citizens’ Climate Lobby

Join Citizens’ Climate Lobby today!

Clean Energy

Support Bills that Boost Clean Energy and Texans’ Health

On By Kalpana SutariaIn CCLATX, Clean Energy, Texas LegislatureLeave a comment

Generation of clean energy is a no-brainer for anyone who is worried about the warming world, extended summer seasons, rising electric bills for cooling and harmful pollution from burning fossil fuels. It allows many countries to reach clean energy goals, including the United Kingdom, which recently announced a policy for all new homes to be fitted with solar panels.

About 2.3 million Texans live within half a mile of active oil and gas operations and are directly affected by the toxic emissions, which can bring a higher risk of cancer, respiratory diseases and other health problems.

We urge lawmakers to approve bills this session to strengthen grid reliability and energy efficiency; improve solar panel review and installation; and expand energy resources and local energy independence. Those bills include House Bill 3069, SB 1915, HB 4374, HB 3826, SB 1202/HB 2304 and HB 3346.

Kalpana Sutaria, Citizens’ Climate Lobby, Austin Chapter and

Project Manager, Public Works, City of Austin

Published on May 11, 2025

Austin American-Statesman

Texas State Capitol Rotunda

CCL Texas Lobby Day 2025 a Success

On 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!

Texas State Capitol

Citizens’ Climate Lobby Texas Lobby Day 2025

On By CCLATXIn Texas LegislatureLeave a comment

Did you know, in-person meetings are the most powerful way to build relationships with legislators and to influence Texas’ climate policy. CCL’s Texas Lobby Day not only offers you the chance to meet and share your concerns with elected officials of the State of Texas, but you will also have a chance to meet with and be inspired by your fellow climate advocates from across the state. Our last Lobby Day at the Texas State Capitol was a tremendous success. Please consider joining us in Austin for 2025!

What will happen?

First, you will be trained to understand the top priorities of Citizens’ Climate Lobby during an afternoon meeting held on Monday, March 31 at Sumners Hall, St. David’s Episcopal Church in downtown Austin. The training occurs from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. You will be fully briefed by experts, so that your meetings with elected officials the following day are focused and productive.

Then, after breakfast on Tuesday, April 1 at Crail Hall, St. David’s Episcopal Church (a comfortable walking distance to the State Capitol), you will meet with State House and Senate representatives to advocate for strong, nonpartisan actions on climate. All meetings will have been re-arranged, so you know where to go, and to whom you will be speaking.

CCL Texas Lobby Day

Make your voice heard and urge lawmakers to make smart investments in the clean energy future of Texas. We will also ask our legislators to come to the table on climate solutions by joining the bipartisan Texas Energy & Climate Caucus.

We need you to be present! To review the full agenda and to register, follow this link to Eventbrite. We look forward to seeing you then. Thank you.

You may be wondering, “How do you talk to friends and family about climate change in a way that brings you both hope? How do you get involved with your local chapter’s lobbying team, and what do you say to your members of Congress?” For an advance preview of what lobby meetings are like and what to expect, follow this link to Citizens’ Climate Lobby and its Climate Advocate Lobby Training page.

Email Congress!

CCL Action Items and Upcoming Events

On By CCLATXIn CCLATX, Energy Permitting Reform Act, S.4753Leave a comment

The fall has arrived and Citizens’ Climate Lobby could use your help.

As you may have read, this summer, Sen. Joe Manchin (I-WV) and Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) introduced the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 (S.4753). “Expert analysis from the most trusted climate and energy modelers finds this legislation could reduce America’s climate pollution up to 25% by 2050. That means Congress could notch a huge climate win by passing this bill!”

The bill has recently passed the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, so it has momentum. Now, it’s time for us to help push this bill across the finish line. We believe there’s a real opportunity for this to pass before the end of this Congress — but there are only a few months left to make it happen. Follow this link to email Congress! Thank you for taking the time.

In addition, the Higher Education and National Youth Action Teams of Citizens’ Climate are teaming up for a youth-driven campaign to get out the climate vote in 2024. The Climate GOAT Campaign is our way of channeling our superpower as authentic champions of the need for climate action to mobilize climate voters.

If you’re ready to use your voice to help the people you care about prioritize climate when they vote this year, sign up right now to join us on the Empower app. Follow the link!

Last but not least, please join us at these upcoming events:

Very best wishes!

CCLATX Logo