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CCL's Mark Reynolds brings Energy Innovation Act to
Fox News viewers
At Citizens’ Climate Lobby, we often tell our volunteers to get outside their comfort zone, because that’s where the magic happens. As they say, practice what you preach, and that’s precisely what CCL Executive Director Mark Reynolds did right after Christmas when he appeared on Fox News’ primetime show Tucker Carlson Tonight to talk about the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act. Host Mark Steyn (sitting in for Carlson) opened his interview with Mark by referencing the rioting in France, which has been seen as a backlash against carbon pricing. Totally unflappable, Mark deftly responded: “The nice thing about the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act is that it actually puts money in people’s pockets. So, I think there are people who are suffering, both here and in other countries, and I think the reason that there’s so much Republican support for both the House and the Senate version of this bill is it actually allocates money back to households so they are prepared to deal with whatever they have to.” Mark offered a textbook example of staying on message throughout the five minute interview, no matter what question was asked. Watch the clip and share it with others.
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Volunteers build support for bill reintroduction
As one might expect, CCL volunteers responded with great energy and enthusiasm to the launch of the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act, introduced as bipartisan legislation in both the House and Senate late last year. We’ve gotten word from the lead sponsor of the house bill, Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL), that he wants to reintroduce the bill as soon as possible. We expect all returning House cosponsors to be on the bill, too. In the month of December, our volunteers generated over 600 letters to the editor, more than twice the monthly average for LTEs. Most of those letters referenced the Energy Innovation Act. Our volunteers also generated 102 op-eds, double the number in our best months. Among those op-eds were 20 placements of Mark Reynolds’ op-ed about giving carbon pricing revenue to households. Using our online action tool, volunteers have sent 8,427 messages to members of Congress asking them to learn about and support the legislation. Please plan to attend the next monthly meeting of your chapter. Suggested actions for January include scheduling activities to generate grassroots support for the bill through tabling and presentations and also generating grasstops support with endorsements from community leaders and organizations. The first recess for the new Congress is coming up Jan. 21, an excellent time for groups to schedule district meetings with their members of Congress. If you haven’t already, send a message to your representative and senators (and ask others to do the same) using our online action tool.
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Regional conferences back in full swing
Following a break for the holidays, CCL regional conferences will resume around the country. These conferences are a great opportunity to get together with like-minded volunteers, hone your lobbying skills, and strategize on ways that we can push our legislation over the finish line. If you’re new to CCL, the regional conference is a great opportunity to take CCL’s Climate Advocate Training. First up is the Mid-Atlantic Conference in Atlantic City, Jan. 25-27. CCL Executive Director Mark Reynolds will lead several sessions, and the keynote speaker is Tammie Souza, Chief Meteorologist of NBC-10, who will talk about communicating climate risks through media. That same weekend, over on the West Coast, the Northern California Region will hold their conference in Atherton, California. CCL Vice President of Programs Madeleine Para will emcee the proceedings, and Energy Innovation Act co-sponsor Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA) is the keynote speaker. Coming up in February: Third Coast Conference in Houston, Feb. 8-10; Florida Conference in Tampa, Feb. 23; Tornadoes Conference in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Feb. 22-24; SoCal Conference in Los Angeles, Feb. 23-24. See a full list of conferences with links to registration on CCL’s website.
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Conference and lobby day in D.C. June 9-11
Make plans now to attend the 10th annual Citizens’ Climate International Conference and Lobby Day in Washington, D.C. (June 9-11). With the sponsors of the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act committed to reintroducing their groundbreaking legislation, our lobbying in June is shaping up to be very exciting. Registration opens Feb. 11. More details coming soon. |
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Carbon fee & dividend in Ireland?
CCL Ireland's leader, Graham Caswell, reports that Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar (above) is proposing that revenue from that nation’s carbon tax “should be given back to households.” More about Varadkar’s announcement in the Irish Times. Graham explained, "That interview touched off a wave of national media commentary. It was weird cooking dinner and listening to a national prime time discussion of 'Carbon Fee and Dividends' (exact words!). Michael Taft, a researcher and communicator for Ireland's largest trade union has come out in favor. Best of all, Sinn Féin has indicated support! This is all a consensus-based process that began with the Citizen's Assembly, that is the subject of a cross-party parliamentary committee." CCL Ireland tweeted, "When our Taoiseach [prime minister] first spoke about a revenue-neutral carbon tax in parliament he called it ‘the Canadian model.’ The work you and so many others have done over the years is having ripple effects here across the Atlantic. Thank you so much!" |
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LTE of the Week: Cap Times in Madison
Nothing like starting the new year by getting a letter to the editor published. Will Busse’s letter in the Cap Times of Madison, Wisconsin, looks ahead with hope for action in Congress:
Carbon Dividend Act brings hope for 2019
New beginnings can offer hope as we consider how things might be different. As I reflect on 2018, I am struck by the increasingly common occurrence of severe weather patterns and the disastrous consequences on human life. Despite this, I am choosing to be hopeful as we begin 2019.
One reason for this is the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act, recently introduced in the U.S. House. This is the result of a historic bipartisan effort to address the issue of climate change. A similar bill has been introduced in the Senate. This bill would place a fee on fossil fuels to price them to more closely represent their true economic cost. The fee would start low and increase over time... All fees would be allocated to Americans to spend as they choose; none would be kept by the government.
We have a choice. We can ignore this challenge and retreat further into isolationism and short-sighted self-interest. Or we can choose to be inspired by our hope and re-establish the U.S. as a leader in addressing global challenges. Let’s call on our state leaders in Congress to do what’s right for our planet and for future generations.
LTE OPPORTUNITY: CCL Communications Director Steve Valk offers a couple of opportunities this week in the Print Media Action team -- an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal from former congressman and Climate Solutions Caucus member Ryan Costello and a new report showing carbon emissions in the U.S. are heading up again.
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This week on the CCL blog
Lessons from the road: Last year, Dr. Shahir Masri and educator Athina Simolaris set out on a months-long journey across the country to educate people about climate change and solutions to the problem. Masri reflects on what he learned from that experience. Read more. Taking climate solutions to the campus: Meet CCL volunteer Jonathan Lu, a recent college graduate who started the Princeton Student Climate Initiative to elevate the discussion about climate change among students on campus. Read more. Staying grounded in the climate struggle: For some advocates, the climate issue can take an emotional toll. Jeff Joslin writes how peer support can help people with the ups and downs they experience in this vital work. Read more. |
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CCL offers two ongoing learning series for volunteers: Citizens' Climate University and Core Volunteer Training. Here are the next few sessions you can join: 1/10 Citizens' Climate University: Tabling Updates On The Energy Innovation Act - Now that we have a bill in play, what are some of the resources and strategies groups can employ when tabling? Find out in this webinar. Learn more. 1/15 Special webinar: Values, Democracy and Solutions for a Changing Planet - Join Ed Saltzberg, Managing Director of the Security and Sustainability Forum, for a one-hour conversation with Citizens’ Climate Lobby’s Executive Director, Mark Reynolds. Learn more. 1/15 Core Volunteer Training: Welcome to Community & Empowering Our Volunteers - If you’re new to CCL, this webinar kicks off a cycle of training for volunteers by helping participants navigate our websites and the opportunities for harnessing their talents, experience and interests. Learn more. 1/17 Citizens' Climate University: Making In-District Lobbying Plans - As we build support for the Energy Innovation Act, district meetings with members of Congress are a high priority. CCL’s Amy Bennett walks through process of planning successful meetings. Learn more. To see all upcoming topics, visit the Learn page of CCL Community. |
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 Featured Action Team: CCL Advisory Board member and former congressman Bob Inglis (left) will be the guest speaker on the Conservative Caucus Action Team's next monthly call on Monday, Jan. 14 at 8 p.m. ET. The CCL Conservative Caucus Action Team is a group for Republican, libertarian, conservative, and fiscally conservative independent CCL volunteers working to help grow and activate CCL’s conservative membership. Bruce Morlan leads the team in striving for solid messaging and outreach to conservatives. To learn more and to join the team, visit their page on Community.
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1/9 - Effective Communication Team support call to discuss handling criticism at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
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1/9 - Team O.I.L. Action Team support call at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
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1/9 - Grasstops Engagement Action Team support call at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
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1/15 - Rural Electric Coops Action Team support call at 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT
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1/16 - Coal Country Action Team support call at 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT
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Visit the full event calendar for dial-in details and future events
To check out all of CCL's Action Teams and join any that interest you, head to the Action Team directory on CCL Community. |
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Sign up for CCL Text Messages
As we build political will for climate solutions, CCL can notify you of timely actions via text message. This will be critical once a bill is in congress. You can opt out at any time. Sign up today!
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CCL Climate Advocate Training
Do you want to be a more effective volunteer? Start by joining our Informational Session, then register for our Climate Advocate Training, and wrap up with our Core Volunteer Training.
The Info Session is held weekly on Wednesdays at 8pm ET, 5pm PT.
Climate Advocate Training is held the first Wednesday of every month at 1 pm ET and the third Wednesday monthly at 8 pm ET (adjust for your local time zone).
Core Volunteer Training is held weekly on Tuesdays at 8 pm ET, 5 pm PT.
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Donate now to support our climate action work
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