Weekly Briefing: Senators take ‘important, tangible step’ on permitting reform

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March 25, 2026

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Senators are moving and shaking on one of our top policy issues this week: permitting reform!

Politico reported this morning, “A group of Senate Energy Committee Democrats are circulating a draft bill to facilitate the buildout of new transmission lines to combat electricity price hikes and meet the rising power demand.”

The proposal is led by Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and also includes Sens. Alex Padilla (D-CA), Angus King (I-ME), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV).

“It comes as Energy Committee Chair Mike Lee (R-UT) and ranking member Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) are holding a hearing today on ways to bolster the power grid, a signal of bipartisan interest in a key element of permitting talks,” the Politico newsletter added.

“This is an important, tangible step toward the type of comprehensive permitting reform package we've been pushing for,” says CCL’s Vice President of Government Affairs, Jennifer Tyler. “Our action earlier this month was well-timed to encourage Members of Congress to keep going in this positive direction.”

That action has generated 5,321 messages so far. If you haven’t sent your messages yet, you can do so right now and personalize your message to let your members of Congress know you’re encouraged by this recent development.

When we show up together in moments like these, our collective power can truly influence the direction of America’s climate policy. Let’s keep it going!

Can you help CCL keep bringing you updates and actions like these? There’s less than a week left to sign up as a monthly donor and secure a 10-month gift match — meaning if you donate just $25 per month, CCL receives $500 by the end of the year!

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In other news:

U.S. heat wave: Over 100 U.S. cities experienced a new record-high temperature this March. Springtime highs in the 80s, 90s, and triple digits swept the nation from Phoenix all the way up to Pittsburgh. Even the Plains states were around 45 degrees hotter than normal. Most of the record-setting temperatures came from a massive heat dome parked on the west side of the country. This is yet another example of how the people and places we love are already facing the impacts of climate change — but we’re working hard to reduce emissions, remove climate pollution, and protect people as we solve this.
NYAT VOICE Project: CCL’s National Youth Action Team (NYAT) is offering a new opportunity for youth climate advocates to bring their story to a nationwide audience. The VOICE Project will kick off on Sunday, March 29 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. Please RSVP here and pass this invite on to any middle or high school student you know who might be interested.

Take action this week

If you have a little time: Share our Conservative Conference invite. Applications for CCL’s annual Conservative Climate Conference close March 31. Right-of-center environmentalists have six days left to apply to join the virtual conference April 18 from 1-5 p.m. ET/10 a.m.-2 p.m. PT. Share our invitation from National Events Director Alison Kubicsko on Facebook, Instagram, X, and Bluesky to attend both the conference and Lobby Day April 21. And don’t forget — livestream registrations for select sessions are still open through April 17!

If you have more time: Get ready for Earth Month! April is Earth Month, and every year it offers lots of great opportunities to mobilize people into action and recruit new volunteers. Does your area have a special Earth Day festival, parade, or other event where your chapter can have a presence? Make sure you’re signed up for your chosen event(s) and approved to table. Then watch CCL’s Tabling Outreach Review training to make sure you have your materials and talking points ready to go. During your event, remember to take photos of your tabling team and setup and send them to marketing@citizensclimate.org. With all of this prep, your chapter will be ready for a busy month of outreach in April!

Upcoming trainings

3/26: Applying Moral Foundations to Climate Messaging (CCL BRIDGE Training #3) - Building on Moral Foundations Theory, this training explores how moral reframing helps people hear ideas they might otherwise resist. Practice bridging the “moral empathy gap,” so conversations around CCL policy feel more respectful, persuasive, and relationship-centered, even when people see the world differently. Join us!

4/2: Fair Permitting Certainty and Key Messages (CCL Permitting Reform Series) - Presidents from both political parties have taken steps to interfere with the permitting of certain types of energy infrastructure that they oppose. These executive actions create uncertainty that inhibits the development of new energy sources in the United States. Join CCL's VP of Government Affairs Jenn Tyler and Research Manager Dana Nuccitelli to learn about how Congress can ensure certainty in a permitting reform package, and key messages for congressional offices. Join us!

4/10-11: CCL NE Multistate Conference: Building Bridges to Climate Solutions - CCLers from CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, and VT are invited to join in person at Union College in Schenectady, NY to develop skills and strategies for building climate solutions. After a social gathering Friday, volunteers will meet Saturday to learn from experts the latest on technology, policy, and strategies for enacting meaningful climate legislation and educating the public on solutions. Lunch is included. Register now!

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

Posted by Elissa Tennant on Mar 26, 2026 12:00 AM America/Los_Angeles