Climate Change Solutions - September 17, 2019

Welcome to Climate Change Solutions for September 4-17!

Democrat presidential hopefuls Kamala Harris and Pete Buttigieg published their climate plans, just in time for the seven-hour long CNN Climate Crisis Town Hall. Climate change action was again discussed in the later Democratic debate held in Houston, Texas. 

In the media, TIME magazine dedicated an entire issue to the climate crisis, NBC’s Al Roker studied melting glaciers in Greenland, and the New York Times published a proposal for “grocery happy hour” to combat food waste.  

Rocker Mick Jagger threw his support behind climate protesters like Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, who is in D.C. for a demonstration and to speak at a Congressional hearing. Meanwhile, President Trump received harsh criticism from former governor and movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger and others for anticipated roll-backs in vehicle emission standards.

The Trump administration also repealed the Obama-era Waters of the United States Act, lifting federal protections on some natural waterways. Plausibly related, environmental NGOs have seen a spike in funding since 2016.

While Las Vegas struggles with extreme heat and water stress, new tech harvesting water from the air could provide some relief. Over the border, Canada’s buyout program for flooded homeowners is well underway and may serve as an example in Great Lakes communities experiencing more and greater flooding events. 

Read more at this issue's climate headline round-up here. 

Tips? Comments? Suggestions? Reach out to Solutions editor Amber Todoroff.
 

Video Short: Energy Burdens in Rural America The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy highlights the extreme energy costs faced by low-income, rural communities. These issues were further explored in EESI's briefing, "Equitable Solutions to Rural Energy Burdens."   Headlines The CNN Climate Crisis Town Hall: What You Might Have Missed EESI breaks down the seven-hour long climate special featuring ten Democratic presidential hopefuls. [click for more]   Global Commission on Adaptation Unveils Report and Launches Year of Action The Commission seeks to accelerate climate adaptation by focusing on concrete solutions. [click for more]

On the Hill Congress came back from recess September 9. The Senate did not introduce any bills and held one hearing on environmental topics. The House introduced two bills and held seven committee hearings. See EESI's full environmental legislative tracker for September 9-17 here.   House Committee on Small Business Holds Hearing on the Clean Energy Economy Expert panelists discussed pathways to supporting green businesses. [click for more]   Workforce Development and Emissions Reduction Featured in House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis Hearing Panelists discussed pathways to building the American clean energy manufacturing sector. [click for more]

EESI Briefings and Fact Sheets   How Do Communities Ensure Federal Energy Programs Help Those Most in Need? Briefing held with Energy Efficiency for All discussing successful campaigns delivering energy/cost savings to low income communities. [click for more]   EESI Experts Provide Comments on Green Community Standards  Policy Director Ellen Vaughan and Policy Fellow Jonathan Herz highlight importance of holistic planning in green communities. [click for more]

EESI Around Town   Policy Director Ellen Vaughan Quoted in Vox. The article features comments on Kamala Harris's recently released climate plan.   EESI Executive Director Carol Werner's comments featured in local Oregon news. The article explored the implications of the Community Energy Savings Program Act of 2019.   EESI's Fact Sheet on Battery Storage was Cited in Clean Technica. The article highlights new technology advancing the off-grid solar industry.   Upcoming Events   Climate and National Security Forum 2019  September 24 Room 2168 (Gold Room), Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC  Briefing to be held with the Center for Climate & Security on the risks climate change poses to national defense infrastructure and national security and a plan to mitigate and adapt to those risks.    ACEEE National Conference on Energy Efficiency as a Resource October 15-17 Radisson Blu Minneapolis Downtown Minneapolis, MN EESI Policy Associate John-Michael Cross will be presenting on rural electrification financing at ACEE's conference on energy efficiency innovation, delivery, and programs. 14th Annual American Passive House Conference December 4-8 Hyatt Regency Crystal City Washington, DC Attendees get real-world case studies on passive home projects ranging from single family homes to high-rises, the latest on mechanical systems, building science, constructions details, and expo hall full of the latest building components.   EPRI Electrification 2020 International Conference and Exposition: Enabling Efficient and Sustainable Solutions April 6-9, 2020 Charlotte, NC  Event bringing together stakeholders across industry sectors for conversations on accelerating the use of electrification technologies – from transportation, to industrial processes, to smart home applications and many more. Early bird registration ends September 30.    Keep a lookout for upcoming EESI Congressional briefings on Northeast coastal adaptation, the National Flood Insurance Program, the Global Commission on Adaptation, and Deep Decarbonization of the U.S. Economy.   Environmental and Energy Study Institute  Carol Werner, 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