Weekly Briefing: Relational advocacy in action to honor America’s birthday 🇺🇸

July 8, 2026

Saturday marked the 250th anniversary of America's independence. “This moment invites us to look beyond the partisan politics of our time and deeply reflect” on “values that span right and left — family, faith, hard work, patriotism,” said Sen. John Curtis (R-UT) in a press release and to local media. To do that reflection, the Senator spent nine days walking 250 miles across Utah — and on July 3, Utah CCLers joined him! 

“Hiking with Sen. Curtis has become an annual tradition and is always more than just a hike. It's an opportunity to build stronger relationships through meaningful conversations outside the walls of a congressional office,” explains CCL Network Director Bill Barron.

“Along the trail, conversations naturally turned to the values he sees that define our state: taking care of one another, maintaining faith in our country, finding the fortitude to stay engaged, and recognizing that happiness often comes through civic duty and service,” Bill shares. 

Sen. Curtis had these types of conversations with folks throughout the state all during his walk. “What I am loving about this 250-mile walk is the chance to meet one-on-one with those who embody the best of Utah,” he said on social media. “I think everybody should walk the state at 3 miles an hour,” he added, speaking to local reporters. “You get a whole different view, and it’s a good view.”

It’s true! When you slow down and spend some real time with someone, you can understand them better and connect more deeply. That’s part of the relational approach we take to our climate work not just in Utah, but nationwide. 

Thanks to every CCLer who puts this approach in action with their Members of Congress. Because this approach — leading with our values and with a real desire to understand and connect — is absolutely vital to start America’s next 250 years off right.

In other news this week:

• CCL letter in Washington Post: Maryland CCLer Lyla Fadali wrote a fantastic letter to the editor of the Washington Post, tying together the Fourth of July holiday and the extreme heat experienced across much of the country last week. "Who wants to be outside on the National Mall or grilling in the backyard with this heat and humidity? The heat is ruining our beloved traditions," she wrote. "For America’s 250th birthday, Congress should give us the gift of renewed climate action." See her full letter in the Washington Post or in the CCL Community Media Relations forum.
   
• New study emphasizes importance of permitting reform: A new analysis from Lily Bermel at MIT's Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research makes clear that slow permitting is limiting clean energy deployment in the U.S. "Permitting reform is perhaps the single best policy action that can be taken to accelerate the energy transition and power economic growth and opportunity," the analysis states. Good thing we're lobbying for permitting reform on Capitol Hill later this month! Will you join us in D.C.?

Take action this week

• If you have a little time: Lobby Day is the heart and soul of CCL's Summer Conference 💚 In a new video, CCL VP of Government Affairs Jenn Tyler explains why it’s so important that constituents meet face-to-face with Congress — and why now is a critical time to show up. Check out Jenn's video and share it to your network on Facebook, Instagram, or X.
  
  Then, plan to join us this July 26-28 in D.C. to experience Lobby Day for yourself! Registration closes this Thursday, July 9, at midnight PT. Secure your spot at cclusa.org/summer.
   
• If you have more time: Plan or attend a summer social with your chapter. In the coming weeks, many CCL chapters around the country will be hosting summer socials. Consider planning or attending one of these events with your local chapter! You’ll have the chance to meet other climate advocates in your area and maybe even hear from local CCLers about their experience at our Summer Conference & Lobby Day in Washington, D.C. Get more details in our July Action Sheet, and make sure you’re connected with your local chapter to plug into whatever they’re planning.

Featured: Mountain West media hits

CCL volunteers Alex Amonette, Karen Jackson, and Madeline Dalrymple banded together to write a joint op-ed about permitting reform that has gotten some serious traction across Montana, Utah, and Wyoming — the states where they live, respectively.

“With energy demand soaring and utility prices rising, affordable and reliable energy is a non-negotiable for farms, ranches, small businesses, local economies and hard-working households,” they write in their piece. They identify America’s slow federal permitting process as a major barrier. “The problem isn’t the existence of permits. The problem is obtaining them can take years,” they explain clearly.

Versions of the piece have appeared in Utah’s Deseret News on June 14, Montana’s Billings Gazette on June 21, and in Wyoming’s Laramie Boomerang on June 26. The pieces urge bipartisan cooperation on permitting reform and encourage readers to contact Congress in support. Great work, Alex, Karen and Madeline!

Want to generate more media buzz for climate solutions in your state? Check out our Powering Up Statewide Media training or connect with your Statewide Media Manager.

Upcoming trainings

7/9: Foundations of Celebration: CCL’s Progress in Congress - Passing federal climate legislation is extraordinarily difficult — and understanding that reality helps us better appreciate the impact of effective advocacy. In this training, we’ll explore the complex ecosystem surrounding Congress. Volunteers will leave with a better understanding of why incremental progress matters, why celebrating advocacy wins is essential for sustaining long-term engagement, and how disciplined grassroots organizing can still shape policy outcomes even in a highly polarized political environment. Join us!

7/16: Summer 2026 Lobby Training #1: Primary & Secondary Asks - Join CCL's Vice President for Government Affairs Jennifer Tyler, Congressional Liaison Program Director Mindy Ahler, and Research Manager Dana Nuccitelli for a training that will review the updates and context for CCL's Summer 2026 Primary and Secondary Asks as well as guidance for lobby teams as they plan their in-person meetings. This is a recommended training for any CCL volunteer planning on being a part of CCL’s 2026 Lobby Day. Join us!

7/21: Summer 2026 Lobby Training #2: Lobby Plans and Q&A - This Lobby Day training will review more details and the context for CCL's Summer Primary Asks as well as guidance for lobby teams as they plan their DC meetings. We'll also have time to get your questions answered by CCL's Government Affairs team. This is the second of two recommended trainings for any CCL volunteer planning on being a part of CCL’s 2026 Lobby Day. Join us!