Tag: Clean Energy

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!

Sun Day Logo

Sun Day Austin | September 21, 2025

On 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.”

Sun Day 2025

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).

Texas Legislature

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

On 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.“

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

Omni Shoreham D.C.

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

On 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.

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!

CCL Conservative Conference

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

On 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 HandoutDownload

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.”

CCL Conservatives

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!

Permitting Reform

Action Item: Ask Congress to Enact Further Permitting Reform

On By CCLATXIn Clean Energy, Inflation Reduction Act, Permitting ReformLeave a comment

The summer 2024 Citizens’ Climate Lobby conference in Washington, D.C. was a great success. As part of that event, 442 information-packed meetings were held with elected officials.

Following up on those meetings, we need your help. Follow the link to email your elected officials to urge them boost transmission projects, improve early community involvement, and to speed up the pace with which the U.S. builds and deploys new clean energy projects.

This is a simple task but exceedingly important. For without permitting reform, roughly half of the potential carbon pollution reductions from the Inflation Reduction Act will be lost.

Just like you need a building permit to expand your home, big energy projects must get written approval from local, state, and/or federal authorities to start construction. There are three key parts to successful energy permitting reform:

Siting/building clean energy projects

    Right now, it takes an average of 4.5 years for federal agencies just to complete environmental impact statements for major energy projects. These are important assessments, but we need them to move faster and speed up the pace with which we build new clean energy projects. Congress took the first steps to address this in the June 2023 debt ceiling bill.

    Transmitting that clean energy across the country

      Thanks to tax credits passed in the Inflation Reduction Act, development of new solar and wind energy projects will grow exponentially. But building them is only part of the challenge – they also need to be connected to the grid to move power to the houses and businesses that need them. Ultimately, we need to triple our current capacity to transmit clean electricity by 2050.

      Involving local communities

        Better permitting allows local communities to give their input on energy projects early in the process and choose good projects over bad ones. Good projects should be approved faster, harmful projects should be rejected faster, and all new projects should safeguard the lives and health of people living nearby.

        Thank you for taking the time to email your elected representatives!

        Conservative case for clean energy

        The Conservative Case for Clean Energy and Climate Security Action

        On By CCLATXIn Clean Energy, Faith and ClimateLeave a comment

        Despite partisan politics, there’s a strong synergy between conservation efforts, carbon emissions reduction, and conservative principles. I am an advocate of traditional conservative policies – from balanced budgets and eliminating deficits in government, to personal responsibility and social policies which value life though clean air, water and energy. I have supported conservative candidates throughout my life beginning with serving as part of Governor Bill Clements’ election campaign staff.

        Additionally, as a native Texan and ministry leader for 18 years, my love for this state and my faith drive me to leave the world in better condition than I found it—as I believe is the case for millions of Texans. We must continue to reduce greenhouse gases and promote technology that aids this mission to protect the natural, God-given beauty of our state and nation. To do that, we need smart, practical and bipartisan climate solutions from Washington to Texas.

        Texas has always been a leader when it comes to developing the energy resources with which we have been blessed, which has increasingly—and rightfully— included renewables like wind and solar power. As America’s power grid faces rising demand, it is imperative that our congressional delegation, including Senator John Cornyn, find bipartisan solutions that support clean energy as part of an all-the-above energy strategy that will address conservation and emissions reduction efforts for a more sustainable future while making America more energy independent.

        While climate change is a complex issue, understanding it comes down to the basic principle that greenhouse gas emissions released by human activity are the primary cause of global warming that’s leading to climate change. The data supporting this is decidedly not partisan—over two-thirds of Republicans agree—and has been on scientists’ radar for many years. It is time for us to apply 21st century-solutions to this growing problem that threatens communities across Texas and the country.

        Conservative and religious figures from Billy Graham to President Ronald Reagan have a long history of supporting conservation and environmental protection efforts. Rev. Graham called for us to be the “trustees of God’s creation” and said, “we aren’t to abuse it or neglect it”. Whether the impetus lies in acting as good stewards of God’s creation or protecting our natural resources from the ravages of pollution, as President Reagan spoke of, conservatives have been active on these issues for generations—and we must continue to lead the way in advancing policies that address carbon emissions and clean energy in a way that protects our people, our land, and our economy.

        Lawmakers from Austin to Washington, D.C., must work together to advance pragmatic, bipartisan, fiscally sound solutions to the climate and energy challenges we face. Doing so will not only help us continue to protect and preserve our environment for generations, but will also help attract new businesses and industries to the state, which in turn will help create new jobs for hardworking Texans and strengthen local economies.

        Investing in renewable energy, as well as new, emerging carbon-capture technologies, can help us support the growing need for energy in a way that benefits Texas communities. As it is, millions of Texans are already paying a hefty price for the lack of energy security, both through their wallets and with their health. We pay more for air conditioning due to our rising temperatures, we are experiencing more frequent extreme weather events that prevent families from keeping the lights on, and we are spending more due to congestion from outdated transmission lines.

        Without a doubt, energy security and the need for more clean energy is now more important than ever. We need lawmakers to continue supporting and advancing bipartisan solutions that help reduce emissions and increase our clean energy capabilities, while protecting our environment, creating jobs and powering a stronger, more sustainable economy.

        Larry Linenschmidt

        Larry is a native Texan, activist, and ministry leader

        Published by the Austin American-Statesman

        June 9, 2024

        LTE Under Consideration: COP28 – Progress, Yes! But We Need More

        On By Kalpana SutariaIn CCLATXLeave a comment

        Re: December 14, 2023, Statesman article, “Nations across globe agree to transition away from fossil fuels”

        Nearly 200 nations agree for the first time to transition away from fossil fuels. A step in the right direction with spirit of cooperation but it is a small step. In 2015, nations agreed to limit global warming to 1.5 degree Celsius above pre-industrial times. Despite ramping up of renewable power and energy efficiency to reduce emissions, warming has reached 1.2 degrees Celsius above the mid 1800s. Temperatures are trending up, not stabilizing due to large amounts of CO2 that has collected in the atmosphere that would continue to warm even if we stop burning fossil fuels today.

        Like the Paris Accord, these agreements by nations are non-binding and aspirational. The COP28 agreement allows loopholes to powerful oil producing countries.

        What can citizens of these countries do?  Reach out to your lawmakers, demand investments and policies to lower use of fossil fuels for improvement to health and well-being of people.

        Kalpana Sutaria

        Project Manager, City of Austin and Austin Metro Chapter, Citizens’ Climate Lobby

        Submitted to the Austin American-Statesman

        December 14, 2023