Inside the Greenhouse is a monthly newsletter that provides insight into FCNL’s environmental work, discusses opportunities to engage members of Congress on environmental issues, and shares stories of your work around the country.
Challenges and Prizes for Climate Act Introduced: On February 15th, the bipartisan Challenges and Prizes for Climate Act of 2018 was introduced in Congress by Reps. Dan Lipinski (D-IL) and John Faso (R-NY), both members of the Climate Solutions Caucus. The bill (H.R. 5031) would establish a competitive challenge overseen by the Department of Energy to encourage innovation in science and technology to advance industries towards climate solutions. The challenge is modeled after the DOE L prize, which led to the development of the modern LED lightbulb.
Ask your rep. to support innovative solutions to Climate Change
The Challenges and Prizes Act encourages innovation in five areas: carbon capture, energy efficiency, energy storage, climate resiliency, and data analytics. FCNL released a statement in support of the bill, thanking Representatives Lipinski and Faso, as well as the other original co-sponsors, Reps. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL-07), Carlos Curbelo (R-FL), Charlie Crist (D-FL), and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), all members of the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus.
Renewable Energy Passes with Budget Deal: On February 9th the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 was enacted into law. The bill set up a two year funding plan for the federal government, and included disaster relief funding for Puerto Rico, Texas, and for western states affected by wildfires. The bill also included several tax provisions that affected renewable energy. The bill renewed the so called “orphaned” tax credits for fiber-optic solar energy, fuel cells, microturbines, combined heat and power systems, small wind energy, and thermal energy property. These same provisions were previously included in H.R. 1090 which was supported by many members of the Climate Solutions Caucus and garnered over 100 cosponsors. The effort to renew these “orphaned” tax credits was led by Rep. Tom Reed (NY).
President’s Budget Threatens Environmental Protection, Climate Research: On February 12th the Trump administration released their budget proposal for fiscal year 2019. The president’s proposed budget included significant cuts to programs within numerous departments, especially the EPA and State Department. While FCNL does not expect these cuts to be passed into law, since there is bipartisan opposition in Congress, it remains a strong indication of the administration’s priorities. The proposed budget would: - Cut research programs at the EPA, DOE, NASA, and NOAA - Cut the FEMA flood mapping and risk analysis program - Cut the DOE’s EnergyStar program - Eliminate US funding for the Global Climate Change Initiative (GCI) - Eliminate US funding for the Global Environment Facility (GEF)
Ultimately Congress has the authority to set the funding levels for these departments, agencies, and programs, so be sure to contact your representatives to tell them to protect climate funding and research in the 2019 budget.
During the 2016 meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP) in Kigali, Rwanda, an agreement was reached to globally phase down HFC use. This agreement is known as the Kigali amendment, and will enter into force on January 1st, 2019. President Obama signed the treaty, but it was never ratified by the Senate. Instead, he attempted to use executive authority to direct the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate HFCs. This effort was struck down in federal court.
Under the Trump administration, it appeared that there was still potential to support the Kigali amendment. This support largely came from George David Banks, White House international energy and environment advisor. However, Banks recently resigned after failing to receive permanent security clearance. Despite this uncertainty from the White House, the senate has begun to take action on HFCs. Senators Tom Carper (D-DE) and John Kennedy (R-LA) introduced the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act along with Senators Cassidy (R-LA), Coons (D-DE), Collins (R-ME), and Merkley (D-OR). This bipartisan group of six is encouraging the phasedown of HFCs by requiring the potent greenhouse gas to be regulated by the EPA. Read more on FCNL’s website.
Climate Solutions Caucus: The Climate Solutions Caucus gained two new members in February: Representative Amata Radewagen of American Samoa (AS-00), and Representative Judy Chu of California (CA-27).
There are currently 70 members of the Climate Solutions Caucus
The Climate Solutions Caucus is the first bipartisan body of its kind. It educates representatives on economically-viable options to reduce climate risk and explores bipartisan policy options that address the impacts, causes, and challenges of our changing climate. See who’s involved.
News and Updates
Hundreds of mayors sent a letter to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt opposing the decision to repeal the Clean Power Plan: Hundreds of mayors unite against Trump reversal of Obama-era climate plan
During the annual summary of global threats, US intelligence agencies identified climate change as a driver of upheaval and social discontent. This statement came shortly after President Trump removed climate change from the national defense strategy: Intelligence Agencies Warn of Climate Risks in Worldwide Threat Assessment
The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released a handbook to help scientists connect the data of climate science with everyday lives of people.
More than 60 scientists are running for federal office in 2018, and nearly 7,000 are running for state offices comprising The Largest Number Of Scientists In Modern U.S. History Running For Office
Advocacy Corps Spotlight
Alabama organizer Abbie Patterson had a busy month! This month she organized a lobby visit that was attended by the Birmingham Friends Meeting to discuss climate concerns with Senator Shelby’s office. FCNL’s Young Adult Program Manager Katie Breslin visited Abbie at Jacksonville State University to host a lobby training. The lobby training was well attended with 25 students in attendance. Before the lobby training many of the students had never lobbied before. Now we are hoping they will join Abbie in lobbying for climate change in Alabama.
Abbie Patterson is junior at Jacksonville State University double majoring in Political Science and Public Relations.
