Climate Change Solutions - September 27 | Newsletter

Hello and welcome to Climate Change Solutions!

Last week, the Senate ratified the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases. Today's newsletter is focused on how ratifying the Kigali Amendment, scaling up renewable energy, and deploying clean transportation will help mitigate climate change.

Speaking of climate change solutions, join us tomorrow for our briefing, Back to School: Catalyzing Climate Action in K-12 Schools, at 3:00 pm EDT. RSVP here.

Have a climate solution or feedback on our new format? Reach out to Savannah Bertrand!

Senate Ratification of Kigali Is Good for the Climate and U.S. Competitiveness
[6 min read]

The U.S. Senate ratified the Kigali Amendment to address HFC emissions, marking an important step forward in confronting the climate crisis. HFCs are potent greenhouse gases that are primarily used as cooling agents in refrigerators and air conditioners. Ratifying the Kigali Amendment will help American-made equipment be competitive in the global economy. [click for more]

Off the Rails: How America Can Revitalize Its Railroads
[4 min read]

Prior to the rise of the automobile, the United States had built one of the most advanced public transportation systems in the world. Now, 45 percent of Americans have no access to public transportation. What happened to the railway system in the United States, and how can we get back on the right track? [click for more]

Renewable Energy Unlocks Energy Sovereignty for Tribal Nations, Changing Lives
[6 min read]

It is vital that the transition to a clean energy economy be both swift and equitable. For tribal communities, having control over their own energy resources can facilitate a just transition away from fossil fuels. Renewable energy development presents an opportunity for just such control. [click for more]

Q&A: Charging Towards Electric Heavy-duty Transportation
[6 min read]

Building out electric vehicle charging infrastructure is crucial for scaling-up electric heavy-duty transportation. EESI connected with Jonah Crespo at Heliox, a heavy-duty transportation charging company, to discuss the state of the industry and how electrification can be scaled up in the years ahead. [click for more]

Boosting Innovative Companies to Accelerate Climate Solutions
[31 min listen]

This episode of The Climate Conversation podcast focuses on how start-up accelerators can drive climate action and features Elaine Hsieh from the climate accelerator Third Derivative and Erica Nemser from Compact Membrane Systems, a company in the Third Derivative portfolio that makes carbon-capturing membranes. [click for more]

Hill Headline—Kigali Amendment: The Senate's bipartisan ratification of the Kigali Amendment initiates a phasedown of HFCs. Read EESI's press release and article on the Kigali Amendment.

Permitting Reform: Also making the news, draft text of Senator Joe Manchin's (D-W.Va.) permitting reform bill, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2022, was released last week. Read the bill summary from the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

On the Move—EV and Wildfire Bills: The bipartisan Strategic EV Management Act of 2022 (S.4057) passed the Senate and would require a strategic plan for federal electric vehicle battery management. In the House, the Wildfire Recovery Act (H.R.1066) passed and would increase federal cost-sharing for FEMA Fire Management Assistance Grants.

Agriculture Hearings: The House Agriculture Committee held hearings in the lead up to the 2023 Farm Bill on conservation programs and broadband. The Committee also held a hearing on regenerative agriculture, which was the topic of a recent EESI briefing.

We track all environmental, energy, and climate legislation and hearings happening on Capitol Hill. See the full legislative trackers for September 12-16 and September 19-23.

Back to School: Catalyzing Climate Action in K-12 Schools

Wednesday, September 28
3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

Public K-12 schools in the United States operate 480,000 fossil fuel-powered school buses, produce 530,000 tons of food waste, and are one of the largest public-sector energy consumers—all of which contribute to climate change. Panelists will discuss the federal policy levers needed to scale up climate mitigation and adaptation actions in schools to build a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable education sector. RSVP here.

Briefing Series: What Congress Needs to Know About COP27

Our briefing series in the lead up to the 2022 U.N. Climate Conference—COP27—is back! RSVP for all of them here.

Key Findings from the Newest Global Assessment Report on Climate Change on October 12 at 1:00 pm EDT
Climate Change Loss and Damage on October 20 at 11:00 am EDT
Natural Climate Solutions on October 28 at 1:00 pm EDT
What's on the Table for the Negotiations? on November 2 at 11:00 am EDT
Climate Summit Recap: Key Outcomes and What Comes Next, date and time TBD

EESI will publish a daily newsletter during COP27, COP27 Dispatch: What Congress Needs to Know From Sharm El-Sheikh. Sign up for the newsletter here.

Hearing Tracker: Congressional Hearings Leading up to the 2023 Farm Bill

EESI is tracking the climate, environmental, and energy highlights of the Congressional hearings leading up to the 2023 Farm Bill. Check out the highlights from the Farm Bill hearings in July. [click for more]

Article: How an Indiana Church Serves Its Community Through Clean Energy and Local Food

Since 2011, Progressive Community Church Pastor Curtis Whittaker has been working to increase community energy and food independence in Gary, Indiana. This article is part of series on energy efficiency and nonprofits. [click for more]

Recent Briefing Video Recording

Did you miss our briefing, What Congress Needs to Know About Corporate Climate Risk, Resilience, and Disclosures last week? A recording of the briefing can be found here.

Latest Media Coverage

EESI's fact sheet on fossil fuel externalities was cited in an Arizona Capitol Times article.

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Thanks to all EESI staff, interns, and fellows who contribute to Climate Change Solutions

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.

Climate Change Solutions - September 27

Why the Kigali Amendment is a Key Climate Change Solution

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