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May 18, 2021
Welcome to EESI Impact!
In the lead-up to Earth Day, the Biden-Harris Administration announced new greenhouse gas emission reduction commitments as part of the Paris Agreement. The new goal—to reduce emissions by at least 50 percent by 2030—is more ambitious than the one rolled back by the previous administration. This new Nationally Determined Contribution puts the United States on the right track. And that is where you enter along with EESI. After the new goal was announced, EESI convened experts to explain how domestic policy choices will help the United States meet its international commitments, which we can achieve if we all act wisely and quickly. We are just about to wrap up our latest briefing series—Congressional Climate Camp—that has covered the causes of climate change as well as some near-term opportunities that would reduce emissions, create jobs, and improve the resilience of communities. Even if we stopped polluting the atmosphere right now, significant global warming is already “locked in.” Coastal communities, in particular, are at high risk. We partnered with the 2021 U.N. Climate Change Conference, the British Embassy, and the American Society of Adaptation Professionals to host a briefing raising awareness of the urgency of climate adaptation and mitigation. Unfortunately, the role of Congress in climate policy receives too little attention. Congress writes our laws; it gave us the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, and, late last year, the Energy Act, which will phase out harmful hydrofluorocarbons. And Congress will need to give us much, much more: new policies, funding for programs, and strong environmental justice protections for frontline and other disadvantaged communities. Before it can act, Congress needs to know what to do. That takes lots of information--objective, science-based information delivered independent of special interests. You are more important than ever before. Thank you for your commitment to advancing climate change solutions. As always, please feel free to email your feedback and ideas. Thanks,
Daniel Bresette Executive Director
Jacqui Patterson
"We have to collectively reject the myth of scarcity and embrace the reality of abundance—whether we’re talking about regenerative systems of food, the regenerative design that we need for our buildings, or the regenerative nature of clean energy." "We have to shift to a society that’s rooted in principles around regeneration, around cooperation. The frontline communities have laid out how we do it: Letting people speak for themselves, making sure that we have bottom-up organizing, committing to self-transformation. As we think about changing each and every one of our systems, we have to make sure that national policies and programs support local vision and leadership.”
This staircase was made from “junk” wood—small-diameter trees unsuitable for traditional lumber. These trees tend to spread fast and may contribute to forest fires if not removed. When harvested responsibly, useful and attractive structures can be and are built from them using a product called cross-laminated timber, in which layers of such wood are attached together to create a very light but strong building material. Russ Vaagen, Founder and CEO of Vaagen Timbers, shared several such examples as part of EESI’s briefing, Congressional Climate Camp #4: Federal Policy for Mitigation and Adaptation Win-Wins.
Dick Ottinger
EESI co-founder and former U.S. Representative Richard L. Ottinger was one of the first environmentalists in Congress and is still passionate about his work on climate change solutions, including through his service as EESI's Board Chair Emeritus. Ottinger served in Congress from 1965-1971 and again from 1975-1985, representing Westchester County, New York.
Dick Ottinger is heartened by the actions of today’s youth. “Young people get it! They’re out campaigning for change. Let’s do it for the children--my grandchildren and the kids in your life-- and act now.”
There are many ways we each can take positive action. Through your involvement with EESI, you are already making a big difference. Ottinger says, “Legislators need nonpartisan research and tools, and you play a significant role in making this possible. Thank you!”
Dick emphasizes the importance of working internationally to set more ambitious goals, rethinking agricultural systems, and ensuring all the work is happening in an equitable way that does not leave people and communities without livelihoods. “Most coal plants are located in or near low-income areas home to many people of color. It's essential to ensure equity is a key element of climate policy.”
Ottinger also notes the nuance needed in designing policy to overcome climate obstacles. “For example, with vehicles, there is a push to electrify everything. But the turnover of cars is slow and we don’t have a lot of time. So, many different measures need to be taken. Congress needs to create incentives for people to turn in their gas guzzlers for electric vehicles.”
Dick Ottinger sees the many challenges both behind and ahead of us, but through it all he preserves a clear sense of hope for the future.
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.
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