Current Issue
climate action
EOPA elected officials urge Congress to defend life-saving EPA vehicle standards against repeal during Health, and Energy Security EV Tour at NJ State House
Climate action
California awards $32 Million in federal funding to deploy over 450 fast chargers along interstates and highways
Climate ACTION SUCESS
On 2nd anniversary of Inflation Reduction Act, investments start to pay off in California
OP-ED
Fire and water – a new deadly combination for New Mexico with fossil fuel caused climate change,Op-ed by New Mexico State Representative Debbie Sariñana
“This year has been the hottest on record and already large swaths of the world have endured blistering temperatures in heatwaves. The World Weather Attribution group of climate scientists said the extreme high temperatures experienced across the region this spring were four times as likely to occur today as a quarter of a century ago. These scientists said as the world continues to burn fossil fuels and emit climate-heating greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, millions more people are expected to be exposed to dangerous levels of heat in the future. With extreme heat comes the risk from heat exhaustion, dehydration and heat stroke—a potentially fatal condition that occurs when the body’s internal cooling mechanism begins to fail . . .” More
OP-ED
CA Offshore wind is critical to achieve our energy goals and to hold back extreme weather Op-ed by Alex Walker-Griffen, Council Member, Hercules, CA
“An equitable central procurement program would provide tangible opportunities for local Tribes, communities, and California workers. The offshore wind buildout will add thousands of good paying union jobs up and down the coast and local economies will flourish as more is spent in their communities. In addition to on site construction jobs it will support the greater economy because the consistent stream of workers will provide much needed dollars to the local community. The jobs can help raise property values and provide better schooling opportunities for the children that live there.
This is a once in a generation opportunity for us to capture never ending clean energy in large quantities that will spur significant economic development in our clean energy transition from dirty global warming fossil fuels. . .” More
OP-ED
To achieve equality — we must solve and work for environmental justice for all, Speech by actress/writer/producer Yetide Badak
“. . . I’m excited by the Inflation Reduction Act. It is a climate justice law. To achieve equality — we must solve and work for environmental justice for all. The Inflation Reduction Act’s focus on environmental justice and Justice40 areas is historic and puts us on that path. . . . When I think of the environmental justice leaders and civil rights leaders that came before us, I am humbled. When I think about civil rights, women’s rights, equal rights — and especially equal voting rights, I see this law moving us all in the direction of a more perfect Union — moving us towards that hopeful future, moving us toward a true American Democracy.” More
On EV tour lawmakers highlight public health benefits from the transition to EVs as communities plug into the incentives from the IRA, especially for Justice40 communities in GA
Lawmakers say, with strong EPA clean car standards GA’s transition to EVs will improve health and help ensure energy security. Read more HERE.
EOPA’s EV educational tour is raising awareness about what lawmakers are doing to combat the climate crisis to help Justice40 communities by using the tools from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and how EVs are important to clean up toxic air pollution.
“Tragically, environmental justice communities suffer disproportionately the most from vehicle emission pollutants that can lead to lung and cardiovascular disease, and premature death. This fact makes the EPA’s new vehicle emissions standards critical as a bridge on the road to a zero emissions future,” said Georgia State Representative Sandra Scott, District 76, Army Veteran, EOPA Leadership Council member. “Additionally, Georgia will receive almost $219 million from the IRA to implement a Home Energy Rebate program. Low-income households in Atlanta could save an average of 41 percent on their home energy bills when they upgrade their appliances and improve energy efficiency through this program . . . Read more HERE.
Elected Officials and Star Trek’s Yetide Badaki say Inflation Reduction Act Investments are Critical for Energy Security and Justice40 Communities
Over $369 billion in IRA Tax Breaks and Incentives Help Mitigate the Climate Crisis — Put USA on the Road to a Clean Energy Economy
The IRA has become a model for other countries.
“As we work globally to bring energy security, we look to America. The collaborative spirit in elected officials here and how the IRA is being implemented are things we must do more of at home. So, when we put solar panels on our schools we are also looking to ensure they are sustainably made in the UK. In this way we build our energy security, jobs and communities,“ said Jordan Meade, UK Kent Councilor from Graves End, Advisor to Parliament. “The IRA recognizes environmental justice with multiple programs, and with the administration’s Justice40 mandate—that specifically helps underserved communities that have been left behind—it allocates 40 percent of new funding for these areas. ” Read more HERE.
Explore our radio shows, videos, more op-eds and documentaries
From California to Maine elected officials share their stories with us about how they are working to combat the climate crises in their communities, state and nation.
Dr. Donya Sartor, Jonesboro Mayor, of Georgia speaks about the importance of the IRA for environmental justice
“This is the first law to stimulate the growth of good jobs in environmental justice and Justice40 communities that has the sweeping potential to create prosperity on the road to true equality while improving health outcomes. The more it is implemented the more the atmosphere will have less fossil fuel pollutants, which have been fueling the climate crisis,” said Dr. Donya Sartor, Jonesboro Mayor, Georgia.
Listen and/or read HERE.
PA State Rep. Mary Jo Daley spoke in support of Senator Fedderman and Senator Casey to contiue to uphold EPA clean emission standards for vehicles
“Senator Casey and Senator Fedderman, I hope you are going to be continuing to support the infrastructure for eclectic vehicles. We need this to keep our air and water clean and less reliance on fossil fuels”” said PA State Rep. Mary Jo Daley
Listen and/or read more HERE.
Pennsylvania Swissvale Council Member Fred Quinn III says the IRA is a catalyst for positive change and better health
“The act is fostering a cleaner, healthier environment for all of us. By encouraging the adoption of renewable energy sources, we are cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality. This is crucial for a city like Pittsburgh, which has historically dealt with industrial pollution. The Goonies Solar project, for example, will generate enough clean energy to power 33,000 homes annually, significantly contributing to our sustainability goals,” said Pennsylvania Swissvale Council member Fred Quinn III
Read and/or listen HERE.
Explore podcasts with elected officials, community leaders, and concerned citizens from across the country who are actively combating the climate crisis.
Explore podcasts from the City Climate Corner as they explore how small and mid-sized cities are tackling climate change and moving toward an equitable and sustainable future. Share their ideas and innovations with others. Co-hosted by Abby Finis and Larry Kraft.
For City Climate Corner podcasts click HERE.
Radio/Print news reports
A partnership with PUBLIC NEWS SERVICE allows PEN to share important RADIO news reports from across the country on the climate crisis and action being taken.
Go HERE.
ART CORNER
In every issue PEN will highlight climate crisis art for change
Life’s Trails, 2024 by Ramona du Houx. Ramona is the President of the Solon Center for Research and Publishing.
“In order for help understand that the climate crisis effects us all my art shows how everything in nature is interconnected and interdependent. We are all a part of the whole.” – Ramona du Houx
Protect Earth Newsmagazine is a 501(c)4 with EOPA Code Blue