WEBVTT Madeleine Para: Welcome to citizens. Climate lobbies, July national meeting, and a special welcome to all of you are joining our national monthly meeting for the first time. 182 00:33:14.260 --> 00:33:17.010 Madeleine Para: I'm Madeleine Para, and I'm your host today. 183 00:33:17.290 --> 00:33:33.740 Madeleine Para: You know, we meet each month on the second Saturday so that we can focus our actions and work as a nationwide team, and we also meet to learn and broaden our perspective. And we do that. by all the things we hear about, but especially by hearing from people outside our organization. 184 00:33:33.900 --> 00:33:43.549 Madeleine Para: We want to continually increase our effectiveness and our numbers. And then, of course, most importantly, we're here to remember that we aren't alone in our climate advocacy. 185 00:33:44.140 --> 00:33:59.980 Madeleine Para: So our speaker today will be of special interest for all of those who focus on State climate policies alongside of Ccl's core national policies. and also for those of you who want to learn more about how to build support for carbon pricing within environmental justice communities. 186 00:34:00.140 --> 00:34:06.579 Madeleine Para: After Suria Ben is done, I'll share some June Conference highlights and go over the suggested actions for the month. 187 00:34:07.880 --> 00:34:35.849 Madeleine Para: so I was blown away when I heard 3 of them talk about the legislation that she and a growing coalition are working on in the State of Maryland. I had no idea that environmental justice advocates in Maryland were putting their talents and energy behind, finding a way to move forward on a fee with carbon with a fee on carbon which they call a fossil fuel fee and to do that in a way that meets the needs of vulnerable and neglected communities. 188 00:34:35.960 --> 00:34:44.060 Madeleine Para: So, of course, I immediately reached out to her and asked her to come and talk with us about the policy and about the messaging that she's been part of developing 189 00:34:44.820 --> 00:35:04.349 Madeleine Para: Syria. That is an incredible advocate. She serves as executive director of the policy foundation of Maryland, and with extensive experience and expertise and policy development. Syria is a prominent environmentalist in the State, contributing to the drafting and advising of local, state and national policies in multiple realms. 190 00:35:04.560 --> 00:35:10.189 Madeleine Para: So he has been an active member of various legislative coalitions, including rebuild Maryland. 191 00:35:10.200 --> 00:35:24.020 Madeleine Para: which she joined forces through which she joined forces with other prominent environmentalists to advocate for landmark climate legislation, including the climate crisis and Environmental Justice Act which you'll hear about. 192 00:35:24.430 --> 00:35:35.360 Madeleine Para: I could say a lot more about her, and then the other work she does. because I thoroughly enjoyed meeting her the other day, and in covering that she's also a musician. But I'm gonna stop here and turn it over to you, Sarah. Welcome! 193 00:35:36.910 --> 00:35:39.690 Sarahia Benn: Hello. Hi! Everybody! 194 00:35:39.700 --> 00:35:56.069 Sarahia Benn: My name is Saria Ben. And so I'm really. I'm really excited to be here. Thank you, Madeline, for inviting me. I just honestly, I'm overwhelmed, and so I'd like to start my presentation because it is kind of lengthy. So 195 00:35:56.830 --> 00:35:58.660 Sarahia Benn: start with the first slide. 196 00:35:59.890 --> 00:36:11.840 Sarahia Benn: Okay, thank you. So I want to just Firstly, just talk about the significant significance of environmental justice pricing on carbon a distinctive approach next slide. 197 00:36:13.310 --> 00:36:26.079 Sarahia Benn: I'll give you a brief introduction in the pursuit of mitigating climate change and promoting sustainable practices. The implementation of effective carbon pricing mechanisms has gained considerable attention 198 00:36:26.140 --> 00:36:33.040 Sarahia Benn: among these, the concept of the environmental justice price on carbon has emerged as a crucial consideration. 199 00:36:33.160 --> 00:36:44.320 Sarahia Benn: I will attempt to elucidate the importance of environmental justice pricing on carbon and highlight. It's key distinctions from carbon, pricing other carbon pricing those. Excuse me. 200 00:36:44.600 --> 00:37:02.779 Sarahia Benn: economists support carbon pricing for its ability to incentivize emission reductions in both the short and long term. However, we, as a general community advocate for a middle path that acknowledges the criticisms of carbon pricing while recognizing it's important. 201 00:37:03.060 --> 00:37:16.000 Sarahia Benn: Our stance is based on the principle that the gifts of nature should be shared equally by all, including the right to clean environment. fair distribution of revenue generated from limiting resource use 202 00:37:16.760 --> 00:37:33.169 Sarahia Benn: to address environmental injustice. It is crucial to acknowledge the extent of the problem and to recognize the role of government policies and market forces and perpetuating disparities. Solutions must rectify systemic failures in both the market and the state. 203 00:37:33.220 --> 00:37:41.879 Sarahia Benn: Environmental justice and climate stabilization are interconnected goals. As climate change worsens environmental injustice increase 204 00:37:42.000 --> 00:37:58.880 Sarahia Benn: therefore, climate policy should explicitly incorporate environmental justice. Provisions to ensure existing disparities are not exacerbated by designing well crafted policies. We could work towards the ambitious goal of reducing environmental inequities. 205 00:37:59.280 --> 00:38:03.319 Sarahia Benn: So I would like you to go to the next slide. 206 00:38:03.880 --> 00:38:09.580 Sarahia Benn: and in going to the next slide you're going to see a general overview back one. Please. 207 00:38:10.020 --> 00:38:31.740 Sarahia Benn: Thank you. You're going to see a general overview of what environmental justice is. A general definition. Impact communities are represented at the decision-making process. Why is that important? We're talking about low income. We're talking about black, brown, all marginalized communities included in that representation. The process in planning 208 00:38:31.880 --> 00:38:36.920 Sarahia Benn: are all there to participate the distribution of all the environmental 209 00:38:37.270 --> 00:38:41.020 Sarahia Benn: benefits. Impacts are distributed equitably 210 00:38:41.560 --> 00:38:42.840 Sarahia Benn: next slide. 211 00:38:44.710 --> 00:38:51.850 Sarahia Benn: So now we come to the definition of what environmental justices so important 212 00:38:52.100 --> 00:38:53.320 Sarahia Benn: on carbon. 213 00:38:53.680 --> 00:39:12.220 Sarahia Benn: Erez Agmoni refers to a policy framework that integrates environmental and social equity considerations in the carbon pricing mechanisms it seeks to record by historical and disproportionate burdens borne by marginalized communities, ensuring a fair and equitable transition towards a low-carbon future. 100. 214 00:39:12.320 --> 00:39:20.819 Sarahia Benn: I'll go on, but I'll just tell you I live directly in a marginalized community a veteran community. 215 00:39:20.830 --> 00:39:33.760 Sarahia Benn: A large amount of veterans live in my community and we're totally marginalized. there's low income, there's different disparities. And so this is part of the reason why I fight for environmental and justice 216 00:39:33.880 --> 00:39:35.019 Sarahia Benn: next slide. 217 00:39:36.240 --> 00:39:43.379 Sarahia Benn: So here are some 4 objectives that you need to. to address in environmental justice 218 00:39:43.450 --> 00:39:44.730 Sarahia Benn: carbon pricing. 219 00:39:45.360 --> 00:40:12.509 Sarahia Benn: addressing the disparate impacts of climate change and vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable distribution of the both the cost and benefits associated with carbon pricing policies. That is something that's completely different with other carbon pricing bills. They don't ever equally necessarily address both the cost and benefits and promoting community engagement, inclusion and participation at the decision making process. Excuse me. 220 00:40:12.780 --> 00:40:13.900 Sarahia Benn: Next slide 221 00:40:15.310 --> 00:40:44.469 Sarahia Benn: the importance of environmental justice, price and apartment, reducing inequities by accounting for the different differential impacts of carbon pricing or marginalized communities. An environmental justice price for enquirement can help alleviate historical, environmental and social injustice. It could serve as a means directed by systemic disparities and foster more equitable outcomes, and it can direct toward revenue needed revenue towards affected communities. 222 00:40:44.470 --> 00:41:02.299 Sarahia Benn: and it supports their ability to adapt and respond to the challenges posed by climate change. This includes an investing into climate resilience projects in improving access to clean and affordable energy, strengthening community infrastructure which is so important. 223 00:41:02.600 --> 00:41:10.849 Sarahia Benn: facilitate facilitating sustainable development. clean technologies, job creation, 224 00:41:11.280 --> 00:41:36.550 Sarahia Benn: financial incentives to transition towards clean technologies, renewable energy sources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. anything you could think of that is in that space sustainable industries, environmental justice, pricing on car carbon drives economic growth while ensuring it just in sustainable future for all 225 00:41:38.250 --> 00:41:58.020 Sarahia Benn: overall environmental justice. Pricing on carbon is a powerful tool for address dressing inequities, enhancing social resilience, promoting sustainable development, and it embodies the principles of environmental justice, and serves as a vital mechanism for creating a fairer and more sustainable and resilient society. 226 00:41:58.950 --> 00:42:00.200 Sarahia Benn: and finally 227 00:42:00.260 --> 00:42:22.739 Sarahia Benn: enhancing social resilience, environmental justice, pricing on carbon recognizes the communities facing higher environmental risk, often the most vulnerable to climate change impacts by addressing these vulnerabilities. Such pricing mechanisms enhance the resilience of a marginalized population ensuring their well being in the face of environmental challenges 228 00:42:23.210 --> 00:42:24.359 Sarahia Benn: next slide. 229 00:42:26.440 --> 00:42:28.720 Sarahia Benn: So we have the distinctions. 230 00:42:29.000 --> 00:42:32.470 Sarahia Benn: from other carbon prices. 231 00:42:32.820 --> 00:42:33.780 Sarahia Benn: bills. 232 00:42:34.360 --> 00:42:43.420 Sarahia Benn: Very important to understand that. with an environmental justice carbon pricing bill, you have a targeted approach. 233 00:42:43.930 --> 00:42:57.579 Sarahia Benn: the other bills primarily focus on the economic efficiency. where environmental justice, pricing on carbon, acknowledges and seeks to rectify historical disparities in burden, sharing 234 00:42:57.640 --> 00:43:07.719 Sarahia Benn: it prioritizes the needs and concerns of marginalized communities ensuring a more adjust and inclusive transition to low carbon economy. 235 00:43:08.350 --> 00:43:13.140 Sarahia Benn: 3, 2. Community engagement. This is really important. 236 00:43:13.150 --> 00:43:28.670 Sarahia Benn: Environmental justice, pricing on carbon emphasizes community involvement in the decision making process enabling marginalized groups to actively participate in shaping policies. That is one of the things that is really at the foremost front 237 00:43:28.710 --> 00:43:33.259 Sarahia Benn: of the Ccj policy that we're trying to push in Maryland. 238 00:43:33.390 --> 00:43:38.900 Sarahia Benn: our community, all marginalized communities are highly represented in this 239 00:43:39.450 --> 00:43:46.629 Sarahia Benn: coalition, and if it wasn't, I don't think that the bill would have so much of an environmental bent. 240 00:43:46.890 --> 00:43:49.960 Sarahia Benn: 3 3 comprehensive framework. 241 00:43:50.010 --> 00:44:09.270 Sarahia Benn: while other carbon pricing bills may solely concentrate on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, environmental justice, pricing and carbon takes a holistic approach. The compass not only the reduced reduction of carbon emissions, but the promotion of social equity, environmental justice and community empowerment. Conclusion. 242 00:44:09.380 --> 00:44:18.079 Sarahia Benn: The adoption of environmental justice, justice, price on carbon represents a significant step towards achieving a fair and sustainable future 243 00:44:18.640 --> 00:44:33.390 Sarahia Benn: by addressing historical disparities, empowering marginalized communities and fostering inclusive decision making processes. This approach ensures that the benefits and burdens of carbon pricing policies are distributed equitably. 244 00:44:33.550 --> 00:44:37.100 Sarahia Benn: and it's just inclusive. You have to have it inclusive 245 00:44:37.580 --> 00:44:39.120 Sarahia Benn: next slide, please. 246 00:44:40.420 --> 00:44:41.690 Sarahia Benn: So now. 247 00:44:41.950 --> 00:44:51.310 Sarahia Benn: one of the next questions that come to for me, how were the community is most impacted by the climate crisis in Maryland, considered it in the designing of Ccj policy. 248 00:44:51.820 --> 00:45:11.059 Sarahia Benn: And this is something that you could take back to your communities the communities most impacted by the climate crisis in Maryland were integral to the design and redesign of the climate crisis and environmental justice policy. By making this an environmental Justice Carbon Pricing Bill as opposed to a just a carbon pricing bill. 249 00:45:11.210 --> 00:45:19.620 Sarahia Benn: The majority of the advocates behind the bill come directly from these affected communities, providing crucial insights into the environmental justice prevalent 250 00:45:19.740 --> 00:45:20.809 Sarahia Benn: in Maryland. 251 00:45:21.180 --> 00:45:34.140 Sarahia Benn: This is a stark contrast to the Maryland Environmental Justice Commission which is face criticism for its ineffectiveness in addressing environmental justice issues and its overall lack of impact. Since its inception 252 00:45:34.630 --> 00:45:51.610 Sarahia Benn: the Ccj policy incorporates 2 types of fossil fuels fees which generate significant revenue. A no pass through provision, ensuring that polluters bear the responsibility and the most impact that are not impacted because of that new past. Through provision. 253 00:45:52.400 --> 00:45:56.410 Sarahia Benn: The revenue generated is allocated to 2 separate funds. 254 00:45:56.780 --> 00:46:02.430 Sarahia Benn: and I think we can. No, not yet. I don't want you to be one yet. one of them is 255 00:46:02.530 --> 00:46:05.710 Sarahia Benn: the benefits fund, and the other is the infrastructure fund. 256 00:46:05.890 --> 00:46:18.519 Sarahia Benn: The benefits fund directs 50% of the revenue to low and moderate income households and it energy intensive trade exposed businesses protecting them from financial harm by the transition. 257 00:46:18.830 --> 00:46:33.419 Sarahia Benn: and the other is the 50% is the infrastructure fund which invests in projects located within and benefiting environmental justice communities. This through that active involvement and representation of impacted communities. 258 00:46:33.520 --> 00:46:38.109 Sarahia Benn: the policy foundation and the members of the rebuild Maryland coalition. 259 00:46:38.160 --> 00:46:46.289 Sarahia Benn: The Cce policy aims to address environmental injustice and creating more equitable and sustainable future for Maryland. 260 00:46:46.920 --> 00:46:48.610 Sarahia Benn: Next slide. 261 00:46:48.770 --> 00:46:57.140 Sarahia Benn: So you'll see in this next slide. It shows even though it's 2,018, it shows that the transportation sector 262 00:46:57.220 --> 00:47:12.989 Sarahia Benn: is a major contributor to pollution, and specifically in Maryland Diesel trucks and school buses alone account for 50% of the pollution generated. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, the Clean Trucks Act was passed this year to promote a cleaner transportation option. 263 00:47:13.110 --> 00:47:27.329 Sarahia Benn: However, this legislation alone may not be sufficient to fully incentivize industries, to transition away from fossil fuel trucks and buses. This is where the climate, crisis and Environmental Justice Act can play a crucial role 264 00:47:27.390 --> 00:47:45.399 Sarahia Benn: by implementing comprehensive measures and promoting sustainable alternatives. This act can effectively help address the climate price and crisis in it. Environmental justice injustices excuse me. Associated with transportation, pollution, and vulnerable communities. Also, I think it has a building 265 00:47:45.930 --> 00:47:49.139 Sarahia Benn: a fee in it as well as as you'll see in our next slides 266 00:47:50.390 --> 00:47:51.530 Sarahia Benn: next slide 267 00:47:52.700 --> 00:47:56.649 Sarahia Benn: the roles of impacted communities and design in the 268 00:47:57.800 --> 00:48:04.460 Sarahia Benn: the roles of the communities and design and Ccj policy was of utmost importance when the rebuild 269 00:48:04.690 --> 00:48:26.770 Sarahia Benn: Maryland coalition was formed under the core idea of engaging advocates from the marginalized communities and actively involving them in shaping the policy. Recognizing the individuals who, directly affected or affected by environmental injustices, have invaluable insights and perspective that must be heard specifically on the local level. 270 00:48:27.280 --> 00:48:44.519 Sarahia Benn: Our coalition has taken significant steps to ensure continuous engagement with these in pick pacted communities we conduct in regular meetings discussions to refine the policy over the past couple of years ensuring that it addresses the specific environmental justice needs to Marylanders. 271 00:48:44.630 --> 00:48:50.560 Sarahia Benn: And during these meetings and discussions we have shed light on prevalent environmental injustice in Maryland 272 00:48:50.740 --> 00:48:52.960 Sarahia Benn: to craft this policy. 273 00:48:53.260 --> 00:48:59.109 Sarahia Benn: such as first-hand accounts in my area in Southern Harvard. It's pairing it. And Perryman Peninsula. 274 00:48:59.160 --> 00:49:14.500 Sarahia Benn: which is one of the most industrialized areas on the east coast, and it's located in one of the most historic hit African American communities in Maryland. We've also discussed the abuses in Prince George's brandy, wine and Baltimore cities areas. 275 00:49:14.770 --> 00:49:23.939 Sarahia Benn: It's crucial to understand that and have that meaningful engagement to craft these policies. So let's talk about the components next slide 276 00:49:24.030 --> 00:49:25.710 Sarahia Benn: of the C. 277 00:49:27.920 --> 00:49:31.390 Sarahia Benn: In context of environmental justice. Carbon pricing 278 00:49:31.420 --> 00:49:41.219 Sarahia Benn: a. No pastry provision refers to a policy of regulation that prevents businesses or entities from transferring the cost of carbon pricing directly to the consumer. 279 00:49:41.630 --> 00:49:58.419 Sarahia Benn: The purpose of a no pass through provision is to ensure that costs associated with carbon pricing are not fairly born, but at vulnerable or low income household. It aims to prevent price increase on a central goods and services that could disproportionately impact those who are already economically disadvantaged. 280 00:49:58.470 --> 00:50:04.680 Sarahia Benn: So it's so important that we put that in there, and so important that it hits them at the beginning. 281 00:50:05.220 --> 00:50:07.859 Sarahia Benn: So next slide, please. 282 00:50:09.420 --> 00:50:13.820 Sarahia Benn: I think we're at. yeah, no, no back. Yeah, right there. 283 00:50:13.890 --> 00:50:25.999 Sarahia Benn: So the whole purpose of this this policy and what you're going to learn in your advocacy is to look for policies that you can work to strengthen. the. 284 00:50:26.010 --> 00:50:36.289 Sarahia Benn: When we try first tried to pass this policy it actually got stopped because the Covid believe it or not, it started stop the Covid. And in the next year 285 00:50:37.150 --> 00:50:42.959 Sarahia Benn: politics took in, and sometimes that happens so the climate solutions now policy went through. 286 00:50:43.190 --> 00:51:09.929 Sarahia Benn: But the problem is, it needs more strength. And so this bill, the Ccj is actually a support in the climate solutions. Now, policy by strengthening and helping it move towards its goals. And so if you're out there advocating for policies such as the carbon pricing, environmental carbon pricing Bill, look for those policies that it can strengthen. That will probably help you. Better get a carbon pricing environmental justice, carbon pricing build through 287 00:51:10.080 --> 00:51:11.340 Sarahia Benn: next slide 288 00:51:13.120 --> 00:51:17.590 Sarahia Benn: and next slide. Think we should be at establishing. There you go. 289 00:51:17.960 --> 00:51:23.490 Sarahia Benn: savage, and 2 bills, and so it gets down to the allocation of 290 00:51:23.560 --> 00:51:28.580 Sarahia Benn: what the 2 bills are. non-transportation fuel fee. 291 00:51:28.670 --> 00:51:48.199 Sarahia Benn: It starts at 15 a tonne Co. 2, and it gradually moves on a transportation fuel fee, and it does the same thing, and if you look in the next slide, it'll show it actually better in a graph. And how it goes of bread actually thinks it should be hired. But you know, that's just me. 292 00:51:48.350 --> 00:51:55.649 Sarahia Benn: but I think it just shows a great example of how this bill over a period time can help 293 00:51:56.420 --> 00:52:13.690 Sarahia Benn: marginalized communities transition and just overall transition and get revenue into low to moderate income households. as well as trade intensive businesses. And then also, as you could see in the next slide, which is the 294 00:52:13.860 --> 00:52:20.830 Sarahia Benn: a very good pie shape. No back room for at least I'm sorry next one. Sorry. 295 00:52:22.030 --> 00:52:24.070 Sarahia Benn: Which is the pie. There you go 296 00:52:24.250 --> 00:52:51.480 Sarahia Benn: you'll see where it's really broken down in the environmental justice space where you see the actual households that benefit in the blue year and the trade intensive exposed businesses. And then, you see, right here the environmental justice projects that could really help transform a community. And then the locate climate plans which tell you what's really going on locally, and then you can build resilience right there. So it just tells you right there. 297 00:52:51.600 --> 00:52:52.560 Sarahia Benn: without 298 00:52:53.530 --> 00:53:00.199 Sarahia Benn: built in the policy last section. And then I'm going to wrap this up because I do know I'm going a little bit further 299 00:53:00.380 --> 00:53:02.620 Sarahia Benn: in time that I should have been 300 00:53:03.490 --> 00:53:11.799 Sarahia Benn: environmental justice outcomes the Ccj Some of the lessons that we learned was that 301 00:53:12.640 --> 00:53:29.470 Sarahia Benn: timing is everything, and unfortunately, we could not predict that a a pandemic was going to happen, and literally literally one weekend was the difference between our bill passing and not passing. It literally was that the pandemic came in on a week, and then our bill had an opportunity to pass it. 302 00:53:29.510 --> 00:53:32.870 Sarahia Benn: So what we've done is continue community engagement 303 00:53:33.200 --> 00:53:52.720 Sarahia Benn: and empower our community to keep pushing the bill and refine it. Understanding local context is so important. If you don't continue to engage locally, you cannot understand the challenges, the priorities that are different in your areas because there are different climate priorities all over your areas. 304 00:53:52.730 --> 00:53:57.320 Sarahia Benn: And so you have to tailor a bill that can help address all those areas. 305 00:53:57.600 --> 00:54:05.730 Sarahia Benn: education and awareness. about the climate crisis in the environment, on justice. get the community to buy in 306 00:54:05.870 --> 00:54:08.660 Sarahia Benn: as well as the legislature to buy in 307 00:54:08.680 --> 00:54:37.780 Sarahia Benn: providing educational resources conducting outreach initiatives can help specifically because these bills they tend to be complex and a little bit people. It's unknown. And so people tend to need that awareness, building partnerships and coalitions through diverse stakeholders environmental justice organizations, community groups, academic institutions, nonprofits to strengthen your advocacy forming 308 00:54:37.790 --> 00:54:52.040 Sarahia Benn: through any kind of way you can. don't say no to anybody. That's my suggestion. Identifying and engaging legislative champions. That was one of the things that I did just in general, as a person who became a a political advisor 309 00:54:52.670 --> 00:55:00.569 Sarahia Benn: network network network and and find those legislative champions. Those will be your best advocates for your bills. 310 00:55:00.840 --> 00:55:13.800 Sarahia Benn: building solid evidence base when you are creating a bill or draft in a bill, or helping to push a bill. If you have strong evidence supported by scientific research and data. 311 00:55:14.400 --> 00:55:20.430 Sarahia Benn: make sure you have that. But make sure you message it. You have to message it in a simplistic way 312 00:55:20.550 --> 00:55:33.079 Sarahia Benn: that everyone can understand And once you have that, I believe that most people will buy into it. And just finally, for instance, and long term engagement don't give up. 313 00:55:33.480 --> 00:55:42.630 Sarahia Benn: So I'm going to stop there at that point, because I think I went over my 20 min but 314 00:55:42.670 --> 00:55:48.990 Sarahia Benn: any questions at that point you can ask me. But just in general, the Ccj, we're definitely going to get it through. 315 00:55:49.270 --> 00:56:10.550 Sarahia Benn: Let's say this and rapping. I didn't talk too deep about because I talked more about an environmental justice card and pricing. But it's important to get through, because we do have a lot of climate impacts in Maryland, and we're going to get it through by doing everything I just said we're going to do. We've been doing it over the last couple of years, and I suggest you do the same 316 00:56:10.990 --> 00:56:26.450 Sarahia Benn: because it's important. It's a tool, it's not. It's not the, you know, as they say the grand Holy Grail, or anything. There's no Holy Grail to anything. Everything is one step to helping us become a better society, a better environment, a better world. 317 00:56:27.950 --> 00:56:37.879 Sarahia Benn: then. CC. The future. Oh, this has been so helpful, Sara. Thank you. really great overview and really great description of the policy. 318 00:56:37.880 --> 00:57:01.129 Madeleine Para: And you you alluded just a little bit to messaging. So while that figures out like, What's what's the top question in the questions in the Q. A. I just want to ask you if you'd say just a Smidgen more about what you figured out. You talked about simplifying the message. What does that sound like like if you're talking to people in the community, what? What's your elevator pitch? 319 00:57:01.240 --> 00:57:10.510 Sarahia Benn: Oh, Whoa! Well, lot of times my elephator pitch is is not very long. Usually, I just tell them, is that 320 00:57:10.920 --> 00:57:21.359 Sarahia Benn: you have asthma. It does it run in your family? Look, look at, look at our community. Compared to other communities that are not marginalized. 321 00:57:21.420 --> 00:57:35.289 Sarahia Benn: Why, why are we having more health impacts compared to them? A lot of times? It's just as simple as that. Why, why is this one row? Why is this one street? All have cancer? And 322 00:57:35.620 --> 00:57:39.299 Sarahia Benn: on the other side of our county does not. 323 00:57:40.860 --> 00:57:47.020 Sarahia Benn: It's all. It's a lot of times. It's just about something as simple as that, just showing them the evidence. 324 00:57:47.680 --> 00:58:05.340 Sarahia Benn: Yeah. why are they building tired of paralysis or more warehouses in our area, but they don't build them on that other side. They have nice green walking trails there, and they have parts there, but they don't have them here. 325 00:58:05.590 --> 00:58:10.630 Sarahia Benn: Why can't we go outside? None of us go out inside and cook out anymore? Why 326 00:58:11.930 --> 00:58:29.969 Sarahia Benn: is it as if we know that the air isn't breathable, not because we tell each other, but we just. We know it isn't. We feel it. And so it's real. It's real. I mean, I don't care if it seems scary from what I'm saying, I'm saying, because if you go out in my community 327 00:58:30.400 --> 00:58:33.900 Sarahia Benn: it's like a ghost town in a lot of areas. And I'm not joking. 328 00:58:34.040 --> 00:58:41.309 Sarahia Benn: A lot of people do not go outside, not because you tell them not to go outside, because the air is really just not that brief. 329 00:58:42.190 --> 00:58:49.040 Sarahia Benn: And so that's so. If it's scary what I'm saying, it's just true that that is life. 330 00:58:49.090 --> 00:59:07.730 Thaddeus Waterman: It is. Then what are you seeing in the Q. A. That you want to pull out. Yeah, I think this is a, this is a really good question. it comes up actually, a lot of discussions. And we've been on discussions with this. people have some questions about the no password language simply who does end up paying with the policy like such as this. I I can't hear you. 331 00:59:07.730 --> 00:59:23.319 Sarahia Benn: You said it so low. You said yes, so people have a question about the no policy, no pass through language, and who doesn't have paying the fee on this. In this type of policy in Maryland the polluter the polluter pays, and so it's paid at the front end for the polluter. 332 00:59:23.400 --> 00:59:25.110 Sarahia Benn: That's the purpose of it. 333 00:59:25.120 --> 00:59:31.739 Sarahia Benn: It's the pay at the beginning. So no one at the back end is supposed to be able to pay. And so that's the point. 334 00:59:32.070 --> 00:59:37.139 Sarahia Benn: And of course, you know, all things are not perfect. We understand that 335 00:59:37.580 --> 01:00:01.089 Sarahia Benn: policy is never perfect. It requires enforcement, but the intent of the language. And it's written specifically, if we sent out the bill to you, it's written specifically in the drafting of the Ccj. That the polluter pays and that none of the costs are actually born on marginalized communities. It's specifically when I say, specifically written in the bill, there's no way you can mistaken it. 336 01:00:05.410 --> 01:00:17.090 Madeleine Para: Thank you. 337 01:00:17.580 --> 01:00:20.870 Madeleine Para: And they can contact you. Fantastic. Thank you. 338 01:00:21.380 --> 01:00:41.029 Madeleine Para: Very cool. we have like just a minute left, and you know you are such a inspiring advocate. Do you have any words of encouragement for the climate advocates on this call? Sure, I I just want you to get out locally, because locally, we'll tell you what is going on 339 01:00:41.220 --> 01:00:46.700 Sarahia Benn: in the communities will help you build a constituency, a coalition 340 01:00:47.160 --> 01:00:50.890 Sarahia Benn: which is so important because it's not in the newspapers. 341 01:00:51.080 --> 01:00:53.960 Sarahia Benn: They're not going to report what's happening locally. 342 01:00:54.420 --> 01:01:05.959 Sarahia Benn: The voices unheard are the people you need to connect with. Those are the people that are going to help build your coalition, which is going to help build your your movement to get these policies passed. 343 01:01:06.030 --> 01:01:08.150 Sarahia Benn: is it? Then it's gonna take time. 344 01:01:08.330 --> 01:01:17.370 Sarahia Benn: You must be patient. If you think this is gonna happen overnight. This is not the business to be it. You have to be patient. 345 01:01:17.660 --> 01:01:44.770 Sarahia Benn: You have to be said best, and you have to be focused and just make sure your policy is clear in everything that you're trying to do. If you're trying to do one thing, make it clear about that one thing, and it get that thing through, and then do the next thing, and so on, and so forth and just stay encouraged. I just say, stay encouraged, because we're going to get this through because we have to. It's for our better life. We all deserve a better, cleaner environment 346 01:01:45.040 --> 01:01:45.900 Sarahia Benn: period. 347 01:01:46.610 --> 01:01:52.930 Madeleine Para: Oh, thank you so much. That is, those are words we can all take to heart. 348 01:01:53.130 --> 01:02:05.129 Madeleine Para: And it's so heartening to know that you and your partners are doing what you're doing in Maryland. We will keep doing what we do around the country, and I look forward to crossing path some more. 349 01:02:05.470 --> 01:02:21.750 Madeleine Para: Thank you for for this, and you're completely welcome to stay on for the next 10 min while we talk about that as a national actions. But I understand, if you might have other things to do on Saturday. So look forward to to talking with you more, Syria. 350 01:02:23.430 --> 01:02:35.389 Madeleine Para: Okay, well, let me tell you what else we're gonna do. We're going to talk about the National Conference. report on that and about our actions. 351 01:02:36.660 --> 01:02:58.749 Madeleine Para: so first of all, I want to turn to the things that you wonderful climate advocates have been doing. And we got to start with the June Conference and the energy there. Wow! Was it good to be back together, and very just energizing to be on the hill? The numbers tell part of the story. Nearly 900 people made it, and we had an official delegation from Ghana 352 01:02:59.060 --> 01:03:06.179 Madeleine Para: and 436 lobby meetings were held as part of our lobby day. So that was fantastic. 353 01:03:06.270 --> 01:03:34.420 Madeleine Para: You know, it's always you worked incredibly hard to get ready for those lobby meetings you had to sort out and master multiple asks which is new for us, and but not completely new, and you had to craft the right use of our new policy agenda for your particular members of Congress. So we asked a lot of you, and I'm totally wasn't always comfortable. So if I want to give a particular shout out to every single team leader, the lobby team leaders. You'll send some of you had more than one team to organize 354 01:03:34.530 --> 01:03:50.689 Madeleine Para: you and your teams. You made this happen, and everything I hear about the lobby meetings validates that our policy agenda enabled fresh new conversations to happen, and that special things can happen when we're able to be in the room together. I hope you're enjoying the pictures. 355 01:03:51.040 --> 01:04:03.340 Madeleine Para: We did make extra time, and it's never enough, I know, for planning meetings and for socializing this year, and it was really cool to see folks connecting in their teams on the dance floor in the game room and all over the hotel. 356 01:04:03.850 --> 01:04:24.699 Madeleine Para: And then there was that music video produced live at the conference, which I think captures the energy of the event and the power of being together better than any numbers or words I could share. So I want to thank Dane Myers, of Ccl. By Miami, who spearheaded, that backed up by his region, and a ton of other enthusiastic singers and musicians. And we're going to roll that 357 01:04:40.120 --> 01:04:40.780 next 358 01:04:44.930 --> 01:04:46.950 voice. Yeah. of my. 359 01:04:48.490 --> 01:04:50.900 And this and pollution is the way 360 01:04:54.970 --> 01:05:02.100 he plays 5 times outside part time as a no change to 361 01:05:06.210 --> 01:05:10.940 the that. A. 362 01:05:12.190 --> 01:05:30.849 The time. you see, I let the army do some people to war me. This is a peaceful army. me showing up with the girl. It's getting up for the thinking that what's the Ser. Don't sit on the side. It's silence now it doesn't seem like power is always trying to divide us. Man, that's why I'm smile it. We're not going to 363 01:05:31.180 --> 01:05:43.180 t this to you. It's because he spot outside part time. No change to don't have 364 01:05:44.600 --> 01:05:47.920 a oh, yeah. 365 01:05:52.330 --> 01:06:02.869 right now. primary as the carbon fee and dividend act, which means we gradually price these on price externalities, and make this a fair fight for renewable energy. But besides that. 366 01:06:02.980 --> 01:06:04.000 my second 367 01:06:05.040 --> 01:06:13.370 knitting reform come on, because if we can night fast and rise to the task. That's it. We change the world because people spot 368 01:06:14.590 --> 01:06:21.610 our time is of her. No change to a day. We won't hide from English. We're going up. 369 01:06:23.020 --> 01:06:25.380 I. They change you to change 370 01:06:31.170 --> 01:06:31.960 the 371 01:06:33.360 --> 01:06:36.589 the. to get the class in there. 372 01:06:38.040 --> 01:06:43.270 One more time. One more time. A, 373 01:06:48.060 --> 01:07:01.400 Madeleine Para: okay. I'm going to have that ringing in my ears with last lobby. And, by the way, you know, it was a it's quite a feet to get hundreds of people standing on the capital steps to sing somewhat in tune and on beat. I think we're awesome. 374 01:07:02.860 --> 01:07:15.090 Madeleine Para: So I do also want to take a minute to appreciate our many volunteers who didn't come to the conference and who took action from home. We set a goal of 5,000 member messages to Congress in the months surrounding our lobby day. 375 01:07:15.270 --> 01:07:23.920 Madeleine Para: and we did that in order to put extra attention on the importance of Congress continuing to move further ahead on clean energy permitting reform. 376 01:07:23.960 --> 01:07:40.240 Madeleine Para: And you did that times 3 you achieved 15,536 messages by the time we stopped counting on July fifth. So thank you for that, and thank you for helping to get your teammates to DC. And for all the planning and support that you provided at home. It all makes a difference. 377 01:07:41.080 --> 01:07:48.130 Madeleine Para: Before I go over the suggested actions for the month. I want to give you a mid-year report on just how much you've been doing. 378 01:07:48.440 --> 01:08:04.969 Madeleine Para: As you know, we're committed to being in action persistently, just like, Saria said, in order to reach our goals, and we're also committed to using your time well, by only asking you to take actions that we're convinced are effective ways to build political will and to grow our numbers. 379 01:08:05.200 --> 01:08:18.329 Madeleine Para: We totally respect that you have varying amounts of time to give and appreciate what that everything, just everything that you do, whether you've got 5 min or 5 h or 50 h. Whatever you've got, we appreciate it. 380 01:08:18.720 --> 01:08:28.529 Madeleine Para: Here's how your actions added up in the first 6 months of the year 716 lobby meetings with Congress, including 75 town halls. 381 01:08:29.080 --> 01:08:41.630 Madeleine Para: 59,248 messages to Congress by email, phone and social media. 1,339 grassroots, outreach events, such as tabling and presentations. 382 01:08:41.990 --> 01:08:53.319 Madeleine Para: 242 meetings with community leaders, which we also call grass tops, outreach. and 1,088 media hits which included print, radio and TV. 383 01:08:54.390 --> 01:08:56.320 Madeleine Para: So that's fantastic work. 384 01:08:56.729 --> 01:09:05.140 Madeleine Para: And we all know that in fact, the true numbers are actually somewhat higher, because we only can count what's been reported through the action tracker 385 01:09:05.450 --> 01:09:32.980 Madeleine Para: as an early group leader. I remember every month being asked to put down in a spreadsheet, or in a document, what our chapter did, the actions our chapter took each month, so that then Staff could add that up for all the chapters by hand in order to get those kinds of numbers. there weren't as many chapters in our early years. But wow! What a task! So I am so grateful for the automation of our action tracker, and for the time that you spend entering 386 01:09:33.265 --> 01:09:46.099 Madeleine Para: activity into it. So thank you. To everybody who does that it lifts us all up to see those numbers. And of course it helps with donors. when they could see the impact that you're having to and what you do. So thank you. 387 01:09:47.000 --> 01:10:00.569 Madeleine Para: Okay, on to the recommended actions. This month they focus on building our strength as an organization through outreach and through fundraising. And I totally love the idea of building off the energy of the National Conference to reach out for donations. 388 01:10:00.630 --> 01:10:17.009 Madeleine Para: and I super super love the idea of having a Ccl. Summer of fun fundraiser. I just scroll through this morning through the webinar that Ellie Sparks created to walk you through your options for those a summer of fun fundraising ideas 389 01:10:17.070 --> 01:10:27.320 Madeleine Para: and the resources that have been made for it. It's set up so that you can do something quick and easy as an individual or with a partner, or as a chapter. You've got options. 390 01:10:27.530 --> 01:10:43.379 Madeleine Para: and maybe, like me, you've had friends and family. Say to you how much they admire you for working on climate change. There's some for a fundraiser can help those folks feel even better about the future by donating whatever they can at whatever level works for them. 391 01:10:43.570 --> 01:11:06.100 Madeleine Para: at least, presentation took all the fear and stress out of it for me. So if you're even like halfway thinking maybe you might do it, take a look at that, and then decide. The second action encourages you to take advantage of the many opportunities that are offered in the summer months to connect with people in your community through tabling, and it highlights our new clean energy, permitting reform flyers. 392 01:11:06.470 --> 01:11:09.990 Madeleine Para: So I recommend taking a look at a good look at the flyers. 393 01:11:10.070 --> 01:11:19.080 Madeleine Para: and then learning to use the language on them. When you talk to people, the flyers are kind of like having what we call laser talks with a good graphic and a QR code. 394 01:11:19.580 --> 01:11:26.269 Madeleine Para: and then the communication skills exercise. This month also gives you more help in talking about clean energy permitting reform. 395 01:11:26.280 --> 01:11:51.679 Madeleine Para: Because, as Saraya said, Syria said, it's it's really about having a clean, simple message to start with. And do you notice that I have been saying clean energy, permitting reform rather than just permitting reform. I've learned that from these flyers, and that communicates more clearly what we want to people who have no idea what we mean when we just say permitting reform. 396 01:11:52.710 --> 01:12:03.270 Madeleine Para: So one of the things I've been thinking about lately is about getting out and tabling with my chapter, and that's because I want to get some practice myself. But talking about our new agenda with the public 397 01:12:03.610 --> 01:12:12.979 Madeleine Para: and before a table. I'm going to take this flyer that we've made, and that's in the action sheet, and I've got a practice saying what's in it out loud in front of my bathroom mirror. 398 01:12:13.550 --> 01:12:34.109 Madeleine Para: If you've never tried doing mirror talk, give it a try a few times before you go tabling. You can use our flyers or the communication skills exercises to practice in front of your mirror. And you know, just like 5 min a day before you brush your teeth. and before you know it, you're going to be a better communicator to try it. 399 01:12:36.020 --> 01:12:50.150 Madeleine Para: Well, as you make your plans for your summer climate work. I'd like you to just pause a minute and think about what's most important to you. What do you want for the world, and what do you want for humanity? 400 01:12:50.210 --> 01:12:55.640 Madeleine Para: How can you leave that into your life this summer in ways that are big or small? 401 01:12:56.390 --> 01:13:04.629 Madeleine Para: You know, here in Ccl. We've taken a stand for humanity coming together to solve its biggest problems. And for us, that's climate change. 402 01:13:04.950 --> 01:13:10.260 Madeleine Para: And each of us is always going to be a work in progress, moving us towards a stable climate. 403 01:13:10.790 --> 01:13:15.669 Madeleine Para: Every one of us adds our we and our intention to getting us to a better place. 404 01:13:16.000 --> 01:13:19.330 Madeleine Para: and we don't have to be perfect in order to make a difference. 405 01:13:19.550 --> 01:13:25.390 Madeleine Para: So go do what you can bring in who you can, and be at peace with your progress. 406 01:13:25.570 --> 01:13:32.109 Madeleine Para: I'll see you next month on this call. Thanks for being here, or for watching the recording. Have a great rest of your weekend. 407 01:13:33.950 --> 01:13:40.979 To me. Conservation is extremely important, and there is no bigger conservationist than the American hunter. 408 01:13:44.270 --> 01:14:13.950 Why is hunting and fishing so important to rural America? That is a deep question. I can't answer it for everybody. But for me it was just great bonding time with my family, you know. Everybody worked really hard when you're working 40 plus hours a week at some factory, some industry. You're not seeing your dad, your uncle, your pap being able to go out with them on the weekend. Get up early and just go around the woods or sit by the lake for the river. My best memories are being in the outdoors with my family, getting to talk to them and spend time with them. 409 01:14:14.120 --> 01:14:29.620 You don't just have to be into hunting and fishing to enjoy the outdoors, kayaking, snowboarding, skiing, surfing, just being out and disconnected and unplugged. There's something for everybody, and there's a reason to want to preserve it, and, you know, conserve all these natural resources that we get to enjoy 410 01:14:29.650 --> 01:14:45.259 outdoorsmen, hunters, anglers, they have every reason to be concerned with climate change. It is impacting our way of life from the Tonga grass up in Alaska that housed the black-tailed deer down to Montana, to where the water is too warm to support trout fishing. 411 01:14:49.730 --> 01:15:09.570 That is my way of life. It it's something that I share with my daughters. It can be a hot topic. But one of the things I've tried to really get across is that issues, whether it's climate, whether it's the outdoors issues are not polarized. It's our approach to issues that become polarized. And if we want to get rid of that polarization, we need to take the time to talk and understand.