Inside the Greenhouse is a monthly newsletter about FCNL’s environmental work, ways to engage members of Congress, and stories that impact our work.
Trump Administration Announces Replacement to Clean Power Plan
On Aug. 21, the Trump administration announced its draft plan to replace the Obama administration’s Clean Power Plan. The Clean Power Plan would have reduced electricity generation emissions 32 percent lower than 2005 levels by 2030. Trump’s proposed Affordable Clean Energy Rule is much weaker than the Clean Power Plan.
The draft plan would allow states to determine how much to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and regulate coal-fired power plants, if at all. The Environmental Protection Agency’s own analysis found that the draft plan will increase carbon dioxide emissions and lead to up to 1,400 more premature deaths from air particulates annually by 2030 .
We are deeply troubled by ongoing efforts to undo progress to curb climate change. As people of faith, we are called to act as stewards of God’s creation and to care for vulnerable peoples. This draft plan does the opposite. Read FCNL’s press release on the Affordable Clean Energy Rule.
Congress Still Needs to Pass a Budget
Tell Congress: Protect the Earth
This month, members from both chambers of Congress must finalize funding for climate change, clean energy, and science programs. Help protect critical environmental funding by asking your legislators to fully fund climate and clean energy programs at the EPA and other agencies.
California Hosts Global Climate Action Summit
Gov. Jerry Brown of California is hosting a Global Climate Action Summit in San Francisco, Sept. 12-14. In the absence of U.S. leadership on climate at the federal level, this summit represents the continued commitment of many cities, businesses, and other leaders to strong climate action. The summit aims to build partnerships to tackle five key challenges. They are healthy energy systems, inclusive economic growth, sustainable communities, land and ocean stewardship, and transformative climate investments.
The Climate Solutions Caucus Continues with 86 Members.
Other News
Read what Brett Kavanaugh’s likely confirmation could mean for the environment.
FCNL’s Emily Wirzba is quoted in this piece from Sojourners, “Trump’s Clean Energy Plan Replacement a ‘Death Sentence’ for Thousands, Say Faith Leaders.
President Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency Reconsiders Obama-Era Curbs on Mercury Emissions by Power Plants.
In August, New York Times Magazine published a highly-publicized article on climate change. Now, multiple authors are critiquing it, arguing it ignored the role of the GOP and the fossil-fuel industry, as well as the neoliberal movement, in leading us away from government action on climate issues.
Advocacy Spotlight
This month, FCNL lobbyists were joined by 32 seventh graders from Tandem Friends School in Charlottesville, Va. The students learned how to lobby and met with the staff of Virginia’s Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine. The students shared how climate change affects them and future generations. They urged the senators to defend climate change funding in the federal budget.
Hello!
I’m Milo Keller, FCNL’s new Program Assistant for Sustainable Energy and Environment. Since I was a kid I have enjoyed exploring the wilderness in my home state of California. I’m excited to be working in Washington to protect our public lands and other special places. I look forward to interacting with you via this newsletter and hope to meet some of you at the Annual Meeting and Spring Lobby Weekend!
