Inside the Greenhouse is a monthly newsletter about FCNL’s environmental work, ways to engage members of Congress, and stories that impact our work.
Interior Department Suspends Oil and Gas Leases in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
On June 1, the Interior Department announced that it suspended all oil and gas leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as it reviews the environmental impacts and legality of previous lease sales.
This suspension reverses a Trump administration decision to open the refuge for drilling. It protects 1.5 million acres in the Alaskan Coastal Plain. This legal review also represents a key first step in canceling leases sold on Jan. 6, 2021.
FCNL strongly opposes development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. We stand with the Gwich’in people as they work to protect this sacred land.
FCNL Joins Faith Leaders in Calling for a Just Transition
On June 8, FCNL joined 28 other faith organizations in urging Congress to pass comprehensive jobs, infrastructure, and climate legislation. This is a historic opportunity to catalyze our transition to a cleaner, healthier, and more equitable world. Other organizational signers included Creation Justice Ministries, Interfaith Power & Light, the Episcopal Church, Union for Reform Judaism, and Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice.
Any meaningful legislation focused on jobs, climate, and infrastructure must include:
- Pathways to renewable energy, energy efficiency, and economic opportunity that advance racial and social equity in both rural and urban communities
- Investments to build climate-resilient communities and infrastructure
- Policies that respect the inherent dignity and worth of all people
- Funding for environmental cleanup of abandoned coal mines and Superfund sites, and for the implementation of job training in these communities, as outlined in the RECLAIM Act (H.R. 1733) and AML Reauthorization Act (H.R. 1734)
In 2021, FCNL constituents have sent 4,581 messages to Congress in support of carbon pricing
News and Updates
Climate Change Increasing Mortality Rates
A new study found that climate change has increased global heat-related deaths by an average of 37%. In Central and South America, greater than 70% of heat-related deaths could be directly linked to global warming. Additionally, the report found that climate change has increased overall mortality from all causes by as much as 5% in some parts of the world.
Hundreds Take Action Against Line 3 Pipeline
As part of the Treaty People Gathering, which took place in northern Minnesota, June 5-8, hundreds of water protectors and supporters blocked construction of the Line 3 pipeline. It was the largest act of resistance yet in the movement to stop Line 3. As the wet season ends, the developer, Enbridge is set to ramp up construction, including drilling underneath the headwaters of the Mississippi River.
EPA Releases New Data on Impacts of Climate Crisis
The Environmental Protection Agency recently released an updated overview of the impacts of the climate crisis on Americans. Ranging from increased inland river flooding to a lengthening ragweed pollen season, these 54 climate indicators underscore the need for strong action on climate now, including mitigation and adaptation.
Constituent Spotlight
On June 1, FCNL’s Clarence Edwards participated in an Eco-Justice Collaborative Workshop with members of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. He provided an overview of FCNL’s energy and environmental advocacy strategy, highlighted our focus on the Environmental Justice for All Act (H.R. 2021), and led a brief lobby training.
Participants in the workshop were eager to hear more about the Environmental Justice for All Act and grateful for the insights into climate policy developments.
