Inside the Greenhouse is a monthly newsletter about FCNL’s environmental work, ways to engage members of Congress, and stories that impact our work.
Celebrating 50 Years of Earth Day
Fifty years ago, Sen. Gaylord Nelson (WI) elevated the environmental movement to the national stage. He harnessed the energy behind the student anti-war movement and focused it on pollution awareness. The result was the very first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, in which more than 20 million people took to the streets to demand a healthier planet. That day kicked off the modern environmental movement.
This year’s celebration looked different than past years, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this crisis, thousands of people still took action from their homes. FCNL did its part by hosting a virtual lobby training on carbon pricing with more than 40 people in attendance! Watch a recording of the training.
Pandemic Shows That Congress Can Respond to a Crisis
COVID-19 has taught us this: When Congress views an issue as a genuine national and global crisis, members will pass legislation in record time. Now, legislators should apply that same urgency to addressing the climate crisis. We cannot wait for climate change to kill thousands from air pollution or displace millions because of climate-exacerbated events. Congress must address the climate crisis before we reach catastrophic consequences, not after.
In 2020, there are 14 senators in the Climate Solutions Caucus
News and Updates
Celebrating 50 Years of Climate Activism
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, I asked some environmentally-minded constituents to share their own stories of activism. Together, they help capture a broader sense of the environmental movement since 1970.
FCNL Urges Advancement of AIM Act
FCNL joined nine faith organizations in urging the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee to advance the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act (S. 2754). This bill seeks to phase down the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), one of the most potent climate-changing chemicals, by 85 percent over 15 years.
Fossil Fuel Companies Receive Millions in COVID-19 Aid
The Federal Reserve made changes to its lending program that allow oil and gas companies to receive government financing during the pandemic. Fossil fuel companies have received more than $50 million in federal relief since this change. Congress should prioritize clean energy investments in COVID-19 relief, both to protect these growing sectors and to create well-paying jobs.
FCNL Calls for a Sustainable Recovery
FCNL was one of 23 faith organizations to sign a letter calling on Congress to prioritize climate justice and sustainability in short-term COVID-19 relief measures.
A Legacy of Rollbacks
The Trump administration has weakened (or is in the process of weakening) almost 100 environmental rules and regulations. These unnecessary rollbacks, reversals, and revocations are estimated to significantly increase greenhouse gas emissions and damage public health.
Decline in Global Emissions
Global emissions are on track to decline 8 percent this year because of the pandemic. But this decrease in emissions should not be celebrated. Without proper government frameworks, we could see a surge in emissions once the worst of this crisis has passed, just as we saw after the financial crisis in 2010.
Constituent Spotlight
Middle schoolers from Cambridge Friends School in Massachusetts couldn’t visit Rep. Ayanna Pressley’s (MA-7) office in person, but that didn’t stop them from lobbying on climate change! They arranged a virtual lobby visit with the congresswoman’s staff, and asked her to cosponsor the Climate Action Rebate Act of 2019 (H.R. 4051/S.2284). Learn how to do virtual lobbying of your own.
