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October 14, 2020
Welcome to the first print issue of EESI Impact! You enable us to do so much across a wide range of climate, environmental, and clean energy topics. There is so much to tell you about, so hopefully you find this new format appealing and easy to read. Please feel free to pass along feedback.
Although the impacts and risks of climate change are obvious, the impetus to act remains elusive. EESI is giving policymakers the information and educational resources they need along with case studies of successful programs already underway. One topic that is attracting more attention lately is financing. This newsletter includes an update about rural utilities becoming increasingly interested in “beneficial electrification”—switching from fossil-fuel-fired appliances to money-saving electric alternatives that reduce emissions.
And then we have the election. I will save my commentary on that for later. As it happens, we are planning a special, interactive webinar for EESI donors and supporters for Friday, Nov. 20, to help interpret the results in terms of climate policy. Invitations will be sent by e-mail, so make sure you are signed up for our digital newsletters and notices so you never miss a thing. I hope you will join us.
Thanks for your commitment to advancing climate change solutions.
- Daniel Bresette, Executive Director
A New Spin on Conservation Corps
"We come in to educate residents on sustainability as well as swapping out inefficient lining, aerators, and showerheads to try to reduce that water flow." - Josh Owens, Social Enterprise Manager at Green City Force
Energy Transitions in Coal Country
"I am proud to be leading the Marshall Plan for Coal Country Act. This bill would enhance funding for research and investment in clean coal technology and would provide support for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and families in coal country to establish thriving local communities." - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth
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Send a check to 1020 19th St NW #650, Washington, DC 20036
Bryan Butler and his students celebrate their sustainable oyster harvest.
Photo courtesy of Bryan Butler
What if aquaculture was offered as a four-year program in public schools? Bryan Butler, Aquaculture Teacher at Ocean Springs High School in Mississippi, had the same thought and decided to try it out! As part of EESI’s Workforce Wednesdays briefing series, Butler and others in innovative Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs across the United States shared their experiences. Since 2016, students at Ocean Springs have learned to manage fresh and saltwater tanks that house both produce and a variety of fish and shellfish.
As the price of a college education continues to skyrocket, the gap between those who can afford a degree and those who cannot continues to expand. That’s why exposure to CTE programs is vital for students at an early age. Public school Career and Technical Education programs help bridge the equity gap and provide smooth transitions into the workforce by teaching valuable work skills to young adults.
Many of Butler’s students go on to pursue careers in biology, and others start their own horticulture and aquaponics companies and produce food for sale.
When I started my internship with EESI, the staff made it clear that they wanted interns to feel valued by the organization. Being treated with respect and given substantive tasks by EESI’s smart and hardworking team prepared me for a “real” job and showed me the great things I can achieve when given the opportunity and guidance.
As the summer Communications and Policy intern, I was involved in a wide variety of projects and worked with many staff members. My “comms” work included running the Facebook and Twitter pages, creating infographics, and tracking social media metrics. I also worked with the comms team on social media projects, including various engagement campaigns and revamping the Instagram feed.
For EESI’s policy team, I wrote articles on innovative climate change solutions across the country. The team helped me pick topics that allowed me to expand upon my interests and aligned with EESI’s goals. I was thrilled to be given the chance to interview experts like John Porcari, President Obama’s deputy secretary of transportation, and Michael Arquin, the founder of KidWind. After sharing one of my articles with my representatives in the North Carolina State Legislature, one asked me to help inform a clean energy bill she was drafting. Over the summer, I also wrote a fact sheet on sustainability initiatives at ports across the country.
My experience at EESI completely outdid any expectations I could have imagined. Thanks to EESI, I feel confident in my ability to enter the workforce as a positive, productive member of any organization.
-Bridget Williams, Communications Intern - Summer 2020
EESI's resilience briefings and report include solutions being carried out by Casa Pueblo and others in Puerto Rico.
From intense hurricanes to raging wildfires, the country is experiencing climate impacts today. You are enabling essential research and policy improvements that allow people in the most affected communities to live safer and more sustainable lives.
You have already helped EESI present a 16-part briefing series on coastal resilience. Now, the findings discussed during those briefings are being synthesized into an actionable report for federal policymakers based on policies and practices developed and tested by communities across the U.S. In the Great Lakes region, for example, 11 Ojibwe tribes are working together to assess the climate vulnerability of culturally important animals and plants, and they developed a Tribal Climate Adaptation Menu to guide resource management decisions. On the Gulf Coast, Louisiana’s Strategic Adaptations for Future Environments initiative supports training of local leaders on coastal development, race and leadership, organizing, and advocacy.
From nature-based restoration projects in San Francisco Bay to inclusive federal-state-tribal partnerships in Alaska to major storm recovery strategies in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, a mosaic of climate adaptation and resilience solutions are emerging from all regions of the country.
Based on these examples, EESI’s report will include recommendations for new policies and programs to boost resilience in coastal areas. You will soon be able to read about the work you are making possible. If you are not already subscribed to EESI’s Climate Change Solutions newsletter, please sign up at eesi.org/signup, and we will be sure to email it to you!
What:
Beneficial electrification is replacing fossil-fuel-consuming appliances, equipment, and vehicles with electric alternatives — delivering economic and environmental benefits to families and businesses.
Why:
In many parts of the country, especially where renewable energy is on the rise, generating and consuming electricity results in lower greenhouse gas emissions than burning natural gas, propane, and fuel oil. Plus, removing fossil fuel combustion from buildings can improve indoor air quality.
How:
EESI is working with a growing number of rural cooperative and municipal utilities to encourage customers to switch to electric heat pumps, water heaters, cars, and trucks, including by providing convenient, low-cost on-bill financing options.
The Environmental and Energy Study Institute is an independent, non-profit organization founded in 1984 by a bipartisan Congressional caucus dedicated to finding innovative environmental and energy solutions.
You are needed now more than ever—show your commitment with a tax-deductible gift today and feel good knowing that EESI has again achieved the highest rating from Charity Navigator and been named a Top-Rated Nonprofit by GreatNonprofits!
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