Weekly Briefing: Let’s electrify: A chat with Rewiring America

February 1, 2023

CCL discusses electrification with Rewiring America

In the latest Big Tent Climate Talk, CCLers got a chance to glimpse into the future of building electrification. CCL’s Manager of Stakeholder Engagement and Government Affairs, Kyle Kammien, talked with Dr. Luis Aguirre-Torres, the Senior Advisor at Rewiring America, about shifting toward cleaner energy alternatives. This discussion comes on the heels of CCL unveiling our new areas of policy focus, one of which is building electrification and efficiency. 

Kyle explains, "Now that we have expanded our focus, we need to lean on trusted partners who are as focused on those policies as we have been on carbon pricing and carbon fee and dividend.”

“I really believe that the reach [Citizens’ Climate Lobby] has, combined with the tools and the mission of Rewiring America — we can make a wonderful partnership,” Dr. Aguirre-Torres says. “The idea is to help the entire country electrify homes, businesses, communities, cars, everything.” 

Dr. Aguirre-Torres says this exciting work is already underway, supported by last year’s passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. Watch the recording below so you’re ready to jump in and help advocate for electrification.

LET'S ELECTRIFY
In other news this week: 

• In-person conference opportunities: Let’s get together! CCL is hosting regional conferences in the Northeast, Southeast, and California in the coming weeks. We’re also hosting a Conservative Climate Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., on March 28-29. 
• How to make carbon pricing more popular: If carbon pricing is worth doing, and experience proves it’s possible, how can we raise the odds of implementing it? Here’s how, from CCL Research Coordinator Jonathan Marshall.
• Presentations are crucial for expansion and outreach: As CCL sets out to expand our volunteer base, a crucial tool for outreach and recruitment volunteers can use is presentations. 
• The science behind climate change: What’s the basic science behind global warming? CCL Research Coordinator Rick Knight breaks down the science.
• Meanwhile, on Nerd Corner: A divided Congress might dissuade lots of activists, but not us! Jonathan Marshall shares how to cut through partisanship to rescue climate policy on Nerd Corner. 
• Save the date for June: CCL’s June conference and lobby day is back June 10-13, with registration opening soon. Save the date so you can get updates as they come out. 

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Take action this week  
If you have a little time: Like and share this meme
At CCL, we support each other. And that means that for every action you take, no matter how small, we’ll be cheering you on! Like and share CCL’s meme on our Instagram here.

If you have more time: Help us get endorsements
Endorsements for carbon pricing are crucial in showcasing the popularity of this policy to members of Congress. Visit this link here to help us get endorsements from organizations and prominent individuals. 

If you have more time: Join our LTE party!
Want to make a difference but only have 30 minutes? Then you’re a perfect candidate for one of CCL’s letter-to-the-editor writing parties! These letter-writing parties take place over Zoom, and they’re designed to give you the time and help needed to write a letter to the editor about climate in your area. Plus, these parties are a great way to meet and greet other folks in CCL. Sign up here for our next LTE party on Feb. 14.

Log your actions in the Action Tracker: Don’t let your hard work slip through the cracks! Be sure to log any actions that you’ve taken in CCL’s Action Tracker.

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Featured Lever This Week 

Flathead Valley CCLers lead ‘snowman protest’

As students from Flathead Valley, Montana, joined the local CCL chapter’s demonstrations, one student observed out loud, “Time waits for snowman.”

The humorous pun best summarizes the “snowman protests” put together by CCLers, who have been braving the elements to let their members of Congress know about the effects of climate change. 

CCLers with the Flathead Valley chapter, led by chapter leaders Robin Paone, Angie Winter, and Bret Luedke, have been trying all sorts of unique activities to build up their chapter, including trail walks, working alongside Flathead Trout Unlimited to clean up fishing access sites, gathering for skiing events to raise awareness for the outdoors, and developing effective calling teams and writing teams to help recruit and retain new volunteers. 

But one of their latest activities, the snowman protest, has picked up steam with media outlets across Montana. The tiny snowmen, built outdoors with snow and inside with paper, urge members of Congress to “protect our home” and use the hashtag “SnowFolks4Climate.”

"I am really impressed by the Flathead Chapter and their many accomplishments,” said Bill Barron, the Mountain West Regional Coordinator. “The Flathead Valley Chapter has assembled teams for all the levers of political will with great success locally and has included engaged volunteers from across the state on specific projects. Aside from their many actions found in the action tracker, it is clear that they have a fun time doing it!"

SHARE THE SNOWMEN

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Upcoming Trainings 

2/2: Growing Your Conservative Membership — Ahead of CCL's March 28-29 Conservative Conference, join Conservative Outreach Director Drew Eyerly for a training that will provide ideas and resources for all members of CCL to recruit conservatives. Join us!    

2/9: Hosting a Film Screening Update — Join CCL staff for a training that will unveil the updated Film Screening Guide resource. This training will walk through how CCL chapters have used screenings to attract their community to discussions on climate and clean energy solutions. Join us!

Need training on the basics? Catch our next session of Core Volunteer Training, made for newer volunteers:

2/7: Economics of Carbon Fee & Dividend Policies — Join Robert Archer, US-AID economist (retired) and CCL Economic Policy Network co-lead for a webinar on new ways of thinking about the key components behind carbon fee and dividend policy. Join us!

To see other topics and past trainings, visit the Training Topics page of CCL Community. 

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