Weekly Briefing: Summer of Disasters Demands Action in Fall
August 25, 2021
Climate-related disasters unfolding this summer are beyond the scope of anything most people could have imagined, and they serve as a warning:
We dare not blow this chance, finally, to enact policies that address climate change.
Throughout our nation, few places have escaped the impact of a climate altered by rising temperatures:
- In Tennessee, 22 people perished and dozens remain missing after horrific flooding caused by extreme rain, up to 17 inches within 24 hours. NPR’s Rebecca Hersher said, “It was another deadly example of climate change.”
- In California, 42,000 people have been forced to evacuate their homes in the face of wildfires raging out of control.
- Out West, a drought is forcing water rationing throughout the Colorado River water system.
- A rare tropical storm hit the Northeast, where Henri caused $12 billion in damage.
Has your area been affected by climate change this summer? Take a few minutes to share your story with your representative and urge them to make sure that a price on carbon is included in legislation moving forward this year. We’re in the final week of our campaign with the House, and personal stories are one of the most powerful ways to influence members of Congress.
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In other news this week: 
Keep track of Congress’ next steps: Even if you’re keeping an eye on political news, you may still be a little fuzzy on the various legislative packages that Congress is working on right now. The latest news is that the House passed its version of the budget resolution, which kicks off the reconciliation process in that chamber, and it scheduled a vote on the bipartisan infrastructure package for Sept. 27. Revisit this blog post from earlier in August to learn more about the infrastructure package, the budget reconciliation process, and what you can be doing to help pass a carbon price this year. (And don’t forget, key Senators are also pushing for a carbon price, even if you’re not seeing it in the news!)
Another cosponsor for H.R. 2307: Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) became the 80th cosponsor of the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act this week. You can show your appreciation by replying to and retweeting our post on Twitter.
Native American support for carbon pricing: An op-ed published in Indian Country Today has endorsed the Save Our Future Act, carbon pricing legislation introduced by Sen. Sheldon Whithouse (D-RI). If you have a progressive member of Congress concerned about environmental justice, share this piece with them.
Group Development Coaches: Are you an experienced CCL volunteer in a healthy chapter and would like to help other groups get started and thrive? We’re relaunching the Group Development Coaches team, which will conduct monthly support calls for coaches. The team’s first Zoom meeting will be held on Thursday, Sept. 2. RSVP for the call here.
Braver Angels workshop Saturday: Climate change can be a polarizing topic, especially when it comes to talking about solutions. Bridging the Divide on Climate Solutions, a Braver Angels workshop designed in collaboration with CCL, teaches people to talk more constructively with each other about solutions to climate change. Register here.
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Take action this week 
If you have a little time: Share, like and comment on our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram posts about Sen. Ben Cardin’s support for a price on carbon. Amplifying the voices of senators who back carbon pricing is one of the ways we can build support to include this essential tool in the budget reconciliation bill.
If you have more time: Ask friends to email and call their representative about supporting a price on carbon in the reconciliation bill. Set a goal of getting five people to take this action using CCL’s online tool.
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Featured Lever This Week 
Media: Editorial endorsement in Michigan
One of the most powerful ways to influence members of Congress is with an editorial endorsement in a local newspaper. If a newspaper has endorsed a particular policy, an elected official knows they may be asked about their position on that policy when they seek an endorsement for re-election. CCL provides training and resources for generating these editorial endorsements.
Earlier this month, the Marquette, Michigan, CCL chapter generated an editorial endorsement in The Mining Journal for the Energy Innovation and Carbon Act. Kristen Carlson, the chapter’s leader, said they pitched CCL’s editorial packet back in April. After months of patient and persistent follow up, the paper published the endorsement. The editorial urged Republican Congressman Jack Bergman to support the bill and concluded with a strong call to action:
“We urge our readers — and leaders at all levels — to get involved in supporting this legislation. It could make all the difference for our future — and the intertwined futures of the plants, animals and ecosystems that sustain and enrich our world — on this planet.”
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Upcoming Trainings 
8/26: Big Tent Climate Talks with DSM North America - Join our monthly conversation with leaders in the climate community outside of CCL. This month, we’ll talk with Hugh Welsh, President and General Counsel of DSM North America, which specializes in nutrition, health and sustainable living. Join us!
9/2: Reviewing CCL’s Transformation Organizing Model - Reaching our goals requires volunteers who are engaged and motivated to take action. This session will review the steps leaders can take to empower our members for effective advocacy. Join us!
Need training on the basics? Catch our next session of Core Volunteer Training, made for newer volunteers:
8/31: Understanding Congress Basics - In our advocacy work, it’s important to understand the legislative process in Congress. This session will walk you through that process and what life is like for members of Congress and their staffers. Learn more and RSVP.
To see other topics and past trainings, visit the Training Topics page of CCL Community.
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