Sometimes it's hard to see how we can reach the IPCC's goal of reducing emissions 50% by 2030. Experts tell us Electrifying Everything, paired with cleaning up the energy supply, is the way to go!
If you've learned about carbon pricing, you know that it's an essential tool for moving our electric utilities and co-ops away from carbon-based fuels, by placing a fee on the carbon content of the fuel they buy. Utilities are obligated to their shareholders and ratepayers to choose reliable and less expensive fuel sources, so sources not subject to the fee, like wind, solar, storage, and efficiency, will win out.
Then, if we can use clean electricity to power our cars and trucks, heating, cooling, water heating, dryers, and cooking appliances, we'll eliminate 60% of our US emissions!
Rewiring America, an organization studying this transition, estimates the need to turn over 50 million fossil fueled appliances and machines every year for 20-25 years to meet our emissions goal. Imagine the jobs that would be created, but also the need to help people with the initial up front costs through rebates, carbon dividends, or other programs (that could be paid for by the fossil fuel fees!)
The benefits of electrification are astounding:
Stable and lower energy costs (no crazy swings in oil, gas, and natural gas prices due to global market volatility)
Less outdoor and indoor air pollution and the deaths and health problems it causes
Electric vehicles and appliances have less moving parts, lower energy usage, and lower maintenance costs
If you'd like to learn more about what you can do in your own home or rental, download Rewiring America's Electrify Your Home Guide.
Electrifying Europe's heating and cooling needs with heat pumps built in the U.S. could even help them to wean themselves off of Russian natural gas. See their 'Electrify for Peace' policy plan.
We can do this! Don't forget to call our Members of Congress this month!
Go to our MT Bozemanchapter page on the CCL Community Website to find the link on the event listing or click HERE
Join us on zoom May 16 at 7 pm to share your climate news, discuss objectives for Primary Forums and tele-town halls, hear about recent successes, do a quick online action, and find community!
Saturday May 21st at 2pm Take a walk with fellow CCLers! Get to know people outside of zoom! Check the event page for location information
Contact: Kristen or Joe at Bozeman@citizensclimatelobby.org
Facebook: @CitizensClimateMontana
Webpage: CitizensClimateMT.org
CCL MSU Weds. June 1st at 5 pm Some of us are going to be in Bozeman this summer and want to get together when things are a bit less, shall we say, demanding? Get to know us at a cookout and maybe games?
Contact: Emma Heydenberk through Bozeman@citizensclimatelobby.org Feel free to go to CCL virtual Meetings in other parts of the state!
Find them all listed
Go to your chapter page on the CCL Community Website to find the event listing.
BILLINGS Chapter Meeting: Wed. May 11th, 6:30 pm, Billing Public, Library Conference room, 2nd floor Contact: Lori or Marya at Billings@citizensclimatelobby.org CCL Community Chapter Page:MT Billings
BOZEMAN Chapter Meeting: Mon. May 16, 7 pm Online MSU CCL Club Meeting: Last get together - email us for specifics Contact: Kristen or Emma (for MSU) at Bozeman@citizensclimatelobby.org CCL Community Chapter Page:MT Bozeman
FLATHEAD VALLEY Cleanup Day at Steel BridgeFishing Access Site wasSat. May 7th 9:30am. Climate Beers: Mon. May 9th, 6:30pm at Bias Brewing, 409 1st Avenue East, Kalispell, Montana 59901 Action Meeting: Tues. May 17th, 12 noon Contact: Robin or Angie at FlatheadValley.mt@citizensclimatelobby.org CCL Community Chapter Page:MT Flathead Valley
Around the great state of Montana our CCL volunteers celebrated Earth Month! From tabling in Bozeman and Kalispell to community garden building in Missoula and a chilly clean-up in Billings (followed by cozy coffee!) our team had a great Earth Day weekend.
Billings CCL
Billings CCL tabling at the Billings April Artwalk - This House of Books hosted Alaina Buffalo Spirit - a Northern Cheyenne climate advocate and talented artist!
Bozeman CCL
The CCL MSU club bravely tabled at the Sustainabilibash in sleety rain! Bozeman CCL had a 'take a photo with a Snowman' activity (and send it to the President!) for kids at the Gallatin Valley Earth Day Celebration.
Flathead Valley CCL
Flathead Valley kicked off Earth Month with a trail walk at Lone Pine State Park. Then on Earth Day they tabled at the inaugural Environmental Club's Earth Day Event at Flathead Valley Community College.
Missoula CCL
In Missoula CCL volunteers helped install a community garden.
Montana Actions
It's Primary Season!
Vote June 7th!
Here's information on how to register, assess candidates, and influence candidates to support climate action
1. Register.
Check your voter registration status/update your registration using the "My Voter Pager": https://app.mt.gov/voterinfo/
Forward Montana District One Congressional Candidate forum recording with the 3 Dem and 2 of the Republicans: (Climate questions come first and third!)
Western Native Voice Forum recording: Ronning and Sweeney attended
Democrat Forum: May 19th at 6-8 p.m. at VFW, 124 2nd Ave. NE, Sidney
Farmers Union Forum recording: Republicans Austin, Boyette, & Walking Child attended
3.Join a team to keep track of and attend forums and Town Halls, and preparequestions that will encourage candidates to prioritize solutions to climate change! Email Bozeman@citizensclimatelobby.org to sign up! Check out these CCL tips.
From our friends at Families for a Livable Climate: a letter to Northwestern Energy
We urge you to make a meaningful plan now that is in line with climate science, and supports the bold 100% clean electricity commitments made by Missoula, Bozeman and Helena, to help ensure a livable future for Montana families, our communities, and our world.
Montana Print Media Team Next meeting: Thursday May 10th 4:30pm - new time this month! We will be joining Charlotte Ward's letter to the editor writing party. Link and Information will be on the Montana Media Team page.
This statewide group shares ideas for letters to the editor, helps with editing, and offers support for regular submissions to local media.
If you are interested in joining this team please contact Mary at Missoula@citizensclimatelobby.org
Montana Endorsement Team Next meeting: Tuesday May 17th, 2 pm. Link and information on the Montana Endorsement Team page.
This statewide group seeks endorsements for effective climate action from Montana businesses, prominent individuals, and organizations. Join us! Contact Angie Winter at FlatheadValley.mt@citizensclimatelobby.org
Montana Chamber Outreach Team
If anyone wants to connect with their local Chamber of Commerce and share the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's position on climate change with them as an "icebreaker" that would be a good volunteer activity. You don't have to be a member of your local Chamber of Commerce to contact them. Email Robin Paone to get connected: with this team at FlatheadValley.mt@citizensclimatelobby.org
Montana Social Media Team
CCL national has a Social Media toolkit that is updated weekly (usually on Thursdays) with direct links to CCL posts. Simply click the link and Like/Share/Comment. Details with step-by-step instructions are here: https://community.citizensclimate.org/resources/item/19/489
TIP: Set a weekly calendar reminder at a time convenient to you including one of the links above. It’s a great way to catch up with the latest CCL news, too!
May Monthly Speaker: Jad Daley and Joel Pannell, American Forests
Saturday May 14th, 11AM MDT
Increasing the number of trees is an effective means to store carbon that also has bipartisan support. But the preservation and planting of trees isn't just a way to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. It's also a way to foster environmental justice by improving the quality of life in urban areas where people of color are often marginalized. Joining our national call this month from American Forests are Jad Daley, President and CEO, and Joel Pannell, Vice President of Urban Forestry. They'll discuss American Forests' work with tree cover in American cities, which is often determined by income and race, and the work their organization is doing to restore forest health across the U.S., Mexico and Canada.
Last week, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and several of his colleagues in Congress began talks to gauge bipartisan interest in a climate deal. One policy that has been repeatedly mentioned in these talks is a border carbon adjustment mechanism, which is a key element of CCL’s preferred carbon pricing legislation.
Danny Richter, CCL VP of Government Affairs, relays that “Our top two trading partners, the E.U. and Canada, are already moving forward with border carbon adjustments of their own. It’s smart of Congress to consider this policy, and it could lay additional groundwork for a domestic carbon price.”
In addition to these bipartisan climate talks, there is still an opportunity for significant climate legislation to pass through the reconciliation process.
This is an excellent time to urge your senators, representatives, and President Biden to take action on climate and clean energy. Send them a message with our easy action tool!
The CCL June Conference is Back! Come spend time with your people, in person, in D.C. Plenaries and some seminars will be streamed and recorded.
Sunday, June 12- Monday, June 13, 2022
Pre-conference optional sessions Saturday, June 11
Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, D.C.
Keep Congress focused on a healthy climate
Together we've pushed climate change to the top of the priorities in Washington, DC. And, we'll keep showing up until Congress passes strong climate policies like a price on carbon and we see declining emissions in America. This year's conference coincides with CCL's international week of action, including virtual lobby meetings across the world.
Nate Abercrombie, Conservative Outreach Coordinator for CCL, reflects on the CCL Conservative Conference held this spring in D.C., where 85 right-leaning climate advocates heard from 6 Republican Members of Congress. If you or a right-leaning friend are interested in joining CCL, check out our conservative opportunities here.
CCL National Outdoor Industry Action Team
Flathead Valley CCL supporters riding Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park, June 2021.
Advocate for the Outdoors
Citizens' Climate Lobby has an action team for folks who love the outdoors, which for us here in Montana, is everyone!
Outdoor recreation is a perfect place to begin your work with the grasstops lever of political will, reaching out to outdoor businesses and elite athletes. The action team has many active Montanans including state co-coordinator Robin Paone, Laurel Eastman, Anne Ready, and Amy Trad, the Sustainability Director of Big Sky Resort.
It's easy to get involved, just join the Outdoor Industry Action Team on CCL Community and they'll help you get going! As summer gets closer and we start to get back together on rivers, at campsites, and trails, there's a great opportunity for conversations around the state with outdoor recreation businesses and leaders. Your voice can make the difference!
Resources
Youth v Gov is a moving documentary following the journey of 21 young plaintiffs suing the US government for its actions in creating the climate crisis. On Netflix now! FYI, Held v State of Montana will be the first ever children's climate trial in U.S. history in February 2023! Support them and find out more at youthvgov.org/held-v-montana
RECORDING: Film & Panel Discussion | Drop: Water connects us all | Hilary Hutcheson | Hilary Lindh | David Brooks Montana TU
View the short film and lively discussion of these world class fishers and skier and climate advocates on our YouTube channel HERE Recent industry announcements for carbon pricing: The American Petroleum Institute, the Business Roundtable, and the Electric Power Supply Association. CCL Community is a website just for volunteers. It has tons of trainings and resources on topics from lobbying, policy, how to approach different groups, to skills like how to write a letter or use twitter. You can also 'Connect with Others' on nationwide Action Teams. It's also home to Bozeman CCL's homepage and calendar!