Climate Change Solutions - April 12, 2022 | Newsletter

View this newsletter online

Subscribe

Review EESI

Hello and welcome to Climate Change Solutions!

This issue includes an a-moose-ing article on wildlife corridors, EESI's electrifying takeaways from the ACORE Policy Forum, a look into the energy impacts of blockchain and cryptocurrency, and a rundown on recent Congressional hearings that focused on climate change adaptation.

In case you missed it, the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a report on the urgent need to scale up climate solutions. In response to the report, EESI's Executive Director Daniel Bresette said, "With an all-in approach, that starts with the rapid deployment of available technologies, it is still possible to limit warming to 1.5°Celsius."

Coming up! EESI is kicking off a new briefing series, Living With Climate Change. The first briefing in the series is happening tomorrow and will cover the polar vortex. Speaking of briefings, last week EESI examined the path forward for the Justice40 Initiative.

Also, don't forget to check out EESI's new episode of The Climate Conversation podcast on Washington State's landmark environmental justice law.

Last but not least, Kurt Shickman, the director of extreme heat initiatives at the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht–Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center, has joined EESI's board of directors. Welcome, Kurt!

Have a climate solution? Send tips to Savannah Bertrand!

Headlines Making Space for Migratory Mammals on the Move [3 min. read] Wildlife crossing structures have successfully provided safer passage for a whole host of species across roadways throughout the nation. In addition to improving safety for both drivers and wildlife, these corridors have the added benefit of reducing habitat fragmentation, which is caused by infrastructure slicing through natural areas. Wildlife corridors have gained political support at the federal level as a win-win for ecosystems and humans. In fact, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L.117-58) provides $350 million for a Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program. [click for more]
	What Is the Role of Blockchain and Cryptocurrency in a Low-Carbon Future? [7 min. read] There is a lot of talk—and hype—about the potentially revolutionary applications of blockchain and cryptocurrencies in the financial sector. The technologies have advantages in terms of privacy and security, but they also have significant drawbacks. There is growing concern among policymakers about the high energy consumption of blockchain technology. A House hearing earlier this year dove into the issue. [click for more]
	The Renewable Energy Outlook According to ACORE Policy Forum Experts [6 min. read] The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) works with key stakeholders across sectors to accelerate the transition to renewable energy. On March 24, ACORE held its annual Policy Forum, bringing together leaders from business, finance, and policy to hear their perspectives on federal renewable energy policy. EESI is proud to have been a supporting partner for the Forum. [click for more]
	Hearings Highlight Five Ways to Advance Climate Adaptation at the Federal Level [5 min. read] Many federal agencies have developed their own distinct adaptation and resilience plans. However, adaptation practitioners and some legislators have expressed concern that developing multiple plans is inefficient, since it could result in conflicting strategies or duplicative efforts. Both the House Science Committee and the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis recently held hearings to explore how adaptation and resilience efforts can be improved and Congress’s role in supporting those improvements. [click for more]

On the Hill

From March 28 to April 8, multiple Congressional hearings focused on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act ("Infrastructure Act").

The House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis held a hearing on nature-based solutions, examining the climate benefits of investments in ecosystem restoration through the Infrastructure Act as well as the Great American Outdoors Act (P.L. 116-52).
A Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs hearing examined how the Infrastructure Act could advance public transportation in small cities and rural areas.
The House Natural Resources Committee held a hearing to explore the benefits of the $16 billion allocated through the Infrastructure Act to clean up old oil and gas wells and coal mines. For more on this topic, check out EESI's article, "Plugging Orphaned Oil and Gas Wells Provides Climate and Jobs Benefits."
Another hearing held by the Natural Resources Committee focused on the Biden-Harris Administration’s priorities for investing in wildfire management, ecosystem restoration, and resilient communities through the Infrastructure Act.

Electric vehicles were another popular topic in Congress. The House Oversight and Reform Committee held a hearing to examine the benefits, opportunities, and challenges of electrifying the Postal Service fleet. Additionally, Rep. Sean Casten (D-Ill.) introduced H.R.7453 to help meet the increasing electricity demand of electric vehicles, and Rep. John Garamendi (D-Calif.) introduced H.R.7379, which would require the Department of Defense to purchase electric vehicles going forward.

See EESI's full environment and energy legislative trackers for March 28-April 1 and April 4-8.

EESI News, Briefings, and Fact Sheets

	Press Release: U.N. Report Calls for Immediate, Sweeping Climate Action [1 min. read] The U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a new report on April 4 focused on climate change mitigation. "A key message from the report is that fighting climate change is an opportunity," said EESI's Executive Director Daniel Bresette. [click for more]
	Kurt Shickman Joins EESI Board of Directors [2 min. read] EESI is delighted to welcome a new member, Kurt Shickman, to its board of directors. Shickman is the director of extreme heat initiatives at the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht–Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center, which has pledged to reach one billion people about climate resilience solutions by 2030. [click for more]
	Briefing: Justice40: The Path Forward for the Administration's Environmental Justice Initiative During this briefing, experts discussed the wide range of benefits frontline communities could realize from fair and just implementation of Justice40, as well as the current status of and path forward for the initiative. If you missed the briefing, you can watch it here. Written highlights will be published soon!
	New Podcast Episode! The Road to a Just Climate Future in Washington State [29 min. listen] In April 2021, Washington State passed the Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act, a landmark piece of environmental justice legislation that establishes an Environmental Justice Council, requires the use of an environmental health disparities map, and builds community input into the decision-making process. This episode of The Climate Conversation podcast dives into the law and the progress that has been made over the past year, featuring Dinah Wilson of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and Guillermo Rogel Jr. of Front and Centered. [click for more]

Upcoming Events

Briefing Series: Living with Climate Change
The Polar Vortex: Anticipating Threats and Building Preparedness
Wednesday, April 13
12:00pm - 1:30pm

The polar vortex is an area of low-pressure, frigid air that usually stays around the North Pole due to the Earth’s rotation and temperature differences between latitudes. However, changes in temperature differences can make the polar vortex expand south. Climate change is expected to impact the frequency and severity of polar vortex events.

What can communities do to avoid blackouts when polar vortex freezes make temperatures go from cold to deadly? Join us tomorrow to find out! RSVP here.

This briefing will kick off EESI's Living with Climate Change briefing series, covering strategies, policies, and programs preparing communities around the country for four major climate threats: polar vortices, sea level rise, wildfires, and extreme heat.

EESI is Hiring!

EESI is seeking a part-time Salesforce Administrator.

The Salesforce Administrator is responsible for managing EESI’s Salesforce database. This is a part-time position for one year with an option for EESI to renew for a second year.

The position is open until filled with a priority application deadline of April 21, 2022.

EESI Around Town

RTO Insider [subscription only] and Coastal Review cited EESI's press release on the IPCC's climate change mitigation report.

EESI's 2017 biogas fact sheet was cited by Popular Science in an article about using trash as an energy source.

AS.com cited EESI's 2019 fossil fuel subsidies fact sheet in a piece about the most subsidized energy sources in the United States.

Thank You to EESI Team Members for Their Contributions to Climate Change Solutions:

Emma Johnson and Alison Davis - Layout, Design, and Content Editors

Amaury Laporte - Communications Director

As well as all EESI Staff, Interns, and Fellows who write and review content!

Environmental and Energy Study Institute

Daniel Bresette, Executive Director

EESI is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 1984 by a bipartisan Congressional caucus to provide timely information and develop innovative policy solutions that set us on a cleaner, more secure and sustainable energy path.

www.eesi.org

CFC #10627

Climate Change Solutions - April 12, 2022

Featuring content on wildlife corridors, cryptocurrency, and environmental justice

Table Of Contents

Thank You to EESI Team Members for Their Contributions to Climate Change Solutions: