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.

The US Capitol Building
Jeff Kisling

Government Shutdown: The biggest news out of Washington also happens to be the most recent. On Friday, January 19^th at midnight, the Senate failed to agree on a spending bill, and the federal government shut down. On Monday the 22^nd Congress passed their fifth short term funding bill, known as a continuing resolution or CR designed to re-open the government for a short time, as legislators work towards putting together a comprehensive funding bill.

As these budget negotiations continue, Congress will be working to finalize spending levels for all parts of the federal government. That’s why, this month, we are asking you to contact your Senators and ask them to protect funding for the EPA in 2018.

Protect Climate and Environment Funding

No cuts to the EPA in 2018

The Senate’s proposed budget for the EPA includes significant cuts to the agency that would endanger clean air and water and put communities at risk. The proposed bill would completely eliminate the EPA’s Integrated Risk Information System, which provides life-saving assessments on the toxicity of chemicals. The bill would also include a 10% cut to clean air and water programs, environmental justice programs, greenhouse gas tracking, and the office of enforcement. Please write your senator and tell them that these cuts are unacceptable.

Tax Reform & ANWR: Just before Congress left Washington for the holidays, congressional leadership managed to pass sweeping tax reform with far reaching implications. Of particular note to the environmental community was a provision in the bill which opened up the Alaska National Wildlife Reserve to oil extraction. Opening ANWR to drilling was celebrated by the Alaska Congressional delegation and widely condemned by environmental groups. It is unclear how much oil is actually in the area, and at least so far, oil companies have not showed much interest in buying leases within ANWR.

Alaskan Caribou

CA Wildfires: In one of the most glaring displays of the current effects of climate change, the 2017-18 wildfires in California erupted into a destructive and prolonged season, which broke all of the wrong records. The Thomas Wildfire became the largest fire by area to ever be recorded, burning over 280,000 acres, while the Tubbs fire broke the record for most structures destroyed at 5,643 structures. Disaster relief funding for people affected by the wildfires is one of the items congress is discussing in its funding negotiations.

Wildfire

Climate Solutions Caucus: The Climate Solutions Caucus gained Six new members in January: Representatives David Cicilline (RI-01), Mark Sanford (SC-01), Elizabeth Esty (CT-05), Daniel Donovan (NY-11), Fred Upton (MI-6), and Jan Schakowsky (IL-9) . Mark Sanford is the first member of the conservative and libertarian House Freedom Caucus to also join the Climate Solutions Caucus.

CSC members January

There are currently 68 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

On January 22nd President Trump imposed a 30 percent tariff on imported solar panels. The tariff could lead to a loss of 88,000 American solar jobs in 2018.

Freezing weather in the northeast and Midwest caused by the polar vortex contradicted Energy Secretary Rick Perry’s argument for coal and nuclear subsidies. Shortly thereafter, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission rejects Perry’s proposed rule.

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke announced that he will be opening most of the country’s continental shelf for offshore drilling. The plan drew criticism from climate solutions caucus members including Florida republicans Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, and Matt Gaetz an outspoken Trump supporter.

Lead by James Langevin and Elise Stefanik, 106 Lawmakers Urge Trump: Restore Climate Change in National Security Strategy

The Mayor of New York, de Blasio, will sue the country’s five biggest oil companies for their hand in the effects of climate change including the fallout from Hurricane Sandy.

Advocacy Corps Spotlight

Advocacy Corps Thompson Dickerson with students
In December, Advocacy Corps Organizer Thompson Dickerson organized a conference call with Senator Jim Inhofe’s Staff. 51 students joined Thompson to talk to Inhofe’s staff about protecting funding for the EPA. Their discussion included the function of the EPA, the proposed cuts, and the effects of neglecting environmental issues, especially on Native land and communities. Senator Inhofe has not had a good voting record on climate and environmental issues historically. It is important, however, to have sustained pressure from constituents to ensure that he knows that he will be held accountable. With 51 students calling his staff, that message was conveyed loud and clear.

Thompson is excited about many things but is mainly looking forward to meeting everyone and building strong connections.

Scott Greenler

Scott Greenler

Program Assistant, Energy and the Environment

Scott helps lobby Congress to acknowledge man-made climate change and to act on climate change on a bipartisan basis. He helps FCNL track legislation and amendments relevant to climate change and create space for bipartisan efforts to address this pressing issue. Scott also works closely with coalition partners throughout the faith-based and environmental communities to create a unified voice calling our leaders to action.

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