Weekly Briefing: Permitting Reform Included In Debt Deal, But More Will Be Needed
May 31, 2023
Lawmakers have reached a deal to raise the debt limit, and it includes some reforms to America’s energy permitting processes. That deal is now working its way through Congress in an attempt to beat the June 5 deadline when the government is expected to run out of money to pay its bills.
In a post on CCL Community, CCL Research Coordinator Dana Nuccitelli gives insight into exactly what permitting reform is in this deal, including the approval of the Mountain Valley Pipeline.
Our main takeaway, which we shared in a public statement today, is that these permitting measures are not enough. We still need to speed up approval of additional power lines to transmit clean energy — these are critical if we’re going to meet our climate targets. We also need to make sure communities can make their voices heard on the environmental and other impacts of proposed energy projects.
This means CCLers can make a big impact on Capitol Hill on June 13. Nearly 1,000 of our volunteers will attend lobby meetings to continue pushing for the clean energy permitting reforms we need.
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In other news this week: 
• CCL highlighted in new book: Citizens’ Climate Lobby will be featured in a book, “Am I Too Old to Save the Planet? A Boomer’s Guide to Climate Action,” which will be released later this year. “I'm hoping that it will bring many more boomers into the climate movement, including into CCL,” said author Lawrence MacDonald, a former VP of the World Resources Institute.
• CCL comms staffer goes international: In June, CCL’s longtime communications staffer Steve Valk will transition to the Citizens’ Climate International team to support volunteer media efforts in other countries. If you have worked with Steve over the years and would like to share memories and appreciations, join us for a Zoom send-off this Friday at noon ET / 9 PT.
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Take action this week 
If you have a little time: Follow CCL on social media. CCL’s national staff maintains accounts on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Facebook. If you use any of those platforms and don’t already follow us, please do! During our June conference, we’ll be posting lots of great photos, quotes, and lobby meeting updates that you will want to see and share. (If you’re attending the conference and posting from your own profiles, don’t forget to tag us!)
If you have more time: Practice describing the benefits of the Energy Innovation Act. There are few climate policies we love as much as carbon fee and dividend. The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act is an upcoming bill in the House that would make this policy a reality. It’s time to brush up on how to talk about this powerful legislation. Check out our May Action Sheet to practice describing its benefits, from slashing emissions to saving lives and putting money in people’s pockets.
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Featured Chapter: CCL Flathead Valley
CCL Flathead Valley is a vibrant chapter located in the scenic Flathead Valley of Montana — the gateway to Glacier National Park. The chapter, led by Robin Paone, Angie Winter, and Bret Luedke, has a dedicated and organized leadership committee and a hardworking team of active volunteers. Together, they recently kicked grassroots outreach into high gear by hosting a well-attended and engaging Earth Day event.
Chapter member Laurel Eastman says, “Through careful planning and extensive marketing, we brought together local residents, businesses, and organizations to raise awareness about climate change and promote sustainable practices.” The chapter invited 10 other local organizations and businesses for tabling, and 20 of their own chapter members participated. Chapter co-leader Bret gave an Electrify Your Life presentation and an En-ROADS workshop.
Local elected officials came out to participate, including the Flathead County Commissioner and a city councilman who attended with his family. Local media was supportive as well, publishing the chapter's press release about the event and hosting Bret and Angie for a 15-minute segment on a local radio talk show.
“The event was a tremendous success, fostering meaningful conversations and inspiring action,” Laurel says. “We're proud of our chapter's ability to mobilize and make a positive impact on Earth Day by creating this memorable and impactful experience for our community.” Incredible work, CCL Flathead Valley!
Have you logged your latest activities in the Action Tracker? Tell us what your chapter has been up to lately!
ACTION TRACKER | FIND YOUR NEAREST CHAPTER
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Upcoming Trainings 
6/1: Leading a Lobby Team - This training will review the role of a lobby team leader, how to assign team roles, how to coordinate practice times, and how to handle other special situations in meetings with congressional offices. Join us!
6/8: Citizens' Climate Roadmap for the 118th Congress - Attend this training for a high-level overview of how CCL moves the needle in each of our policy areas, and what we specifically aim to do in the 118th Congress. Join us!
Need training on the basics? Catch our next session of Core Volunteer Training, made for newer volunteers:
6/6: CCL's Policy Agenda - CCL's Research Coordinator Dana Nuccitelli leads this training about how Citizens’ Climate advocates for an array of policies that are effective in reducing net emissions and building bridges both in Congress and in our communities. Join us!
To see other topics and past trainings, visit the Training Topics page of CCL Community.
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