Current Issue

OP-ED

Hochul must sign the Climate Change Superfund Act,Op-ed by William Reinhardt

“The costs of climate change are not just staggering; they’re potentially catastrophic. Imagine a future where New York is spending $10 billion every year just to adapt to a changing climate. That’s the harsh reality we could face by mid-century, according to an assessment prepared for NYSERDA. To put that in perspective, it’s more than the entire budgets of many of our state agencies combined. We’re talking about billions that won’t be available for funding education, shoring up health care – or supporting working families.

“The Climate Change Superfund Act isn’t just necessary; it’s a lifeline for New York’s working families. By signing it, we can make polluters pay for the damage they’ve caused and provide our communities with the resources we desperately need to adapt to a changing climate. . .”  More

OP-ED

Hurricane Debby was a wake-up call for Coastal Georgia,Op-ed by Savannah City Councilman Nick Palumbo

“. . . the City of Savannah is investing as never before to improve our infrastructure and adapt to the impacts of extreme weather . . .

“Beyond merely adapting to a changing climate, we’re also working to address the problem at the source. With our Savannah 100 initiative, the city has pledged to transition to 100% clean, renewable energy by 2035. Since making the pledge, we’ve installed rooftop solar at 19 city facilities and are poised to become the largest municipal power producer (by megawatt-hours) in Georgia. This effort not only makes a difference for our planet, but it saves taxpayers money as well. These panels not only pay for themselves, but are revenue positive — freeing up your dollars to be invested across our community . . . More

OP-ED

New York can hold polluters accountable for climate change with NY Climate Change Superfund Act, Op-ed by Susan Hughes-Smith, Monroe County Legislator

 “As a Monroe County legislator serving on our Climate Action Plan Advisory Committee, I know our communities are struggling to adapt to this new reality. We urgently need resources to upgrade our infrastructure, protect vulnerable residents, and build resilience against the intensifying storms and heatwaves. NY’s Climate Change Superfund Act must become law.

“That’s why I joined over 100 other local elected officials from across New York in calling on Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign the Climate Change Superfund Act into law. This common-sense legislation, passed by the state legislature in June, would require the fossil fuel companies most responsible for the climate crisis to pay $75 billion over 25 years into a fund for climate adaptation and mitigation projects . . .. More

Mayor Christopher Taylor, his community, and team have made Ann Arbor, MI America’s Climate City with federal investments

Amongst other funds Ann Arbor received $2.8 million to expand equitable access to public EV charging infrastructure amongst other measures. Read more HERE.

With A2ZERO Ann Arbor has made substantial progress:

  • The city has created the nation’s first fully carbon neutral existing neighborhood
  • Installed Michigan’s first utility-pole EV chargers; 
  • Invested in resilience hubs and resilience infrastructure
  • Deployed nearly 8 MW of rooftop solar throughout the city; 
  • Launched Michigan’s first commercial, multifamily and single-family energy disclosure ordinances.

“Thanks to the Biden-Harris administration, we’re making historic investments to fight the climate crisis, clean our air, protect public health and water, and improve our infrastructure. All of which will help Ann Arbor reach our climate goals on the road to a clean energy economy,” said Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor . . .” Read more HERE.

MI Mayor Hammoud implements Dearborn’s climate transition, spurred by federal Investments in pollution reduction, transportation, and health

Over $369 billion in IRA Tax Breaks and Incentives — Put USA on the Road to a Clean Energy Economy

Dearborn uses Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law federal investments to protect residents from climate change.  To address the climate crisis and underlying environmental issues across the city, Dearborn Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud mandated a health-in-all policies approach, which prioritizes health, environmental justice, and climate action in all public policy decisions.

“With our health-in-all policies approach we’ve been able to make significant changes to protect our city from extreme weather, while improving our infrastructure,” said Dearborn Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud. “I’m proud we are addressing these issues equitably. A safe and healthy environment is a key component of a happy, healthy, and productive city. ” 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.

Chatham County Commissioner Aaron “Adot” Whitely speaks about the Inflation Reduction Act on how it helps GA to combat the climate crisis

 “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.

Climate Mayor Van Johnson II Highlights Federal Climate Investments to Help with Clean Energy

“We will achieve equitable clean energy for all,” said Savannah Mayor Van R. Johnson, II. “We are grateful to our federal and coalition partners for investing in our community-centered vision. Solar for All, retrofitting buildings, and transitioning to electric vehicles will improve economic growth, save taxpayers money, reduce carbon pollution, and improve the city’s air quality and public health. Additionally, our climate resiliency plan will give our residents confidence in the future. The resources we humbly receive are going to communities who need them the most, while creating jobs.”

 Listen HERE.

 

EOPA United for Health and Energy EV Tour highlights Georgia Commissioner Robert Patrick, District 1

““I know at the federal level that investment in the future like EV’s can be controversial. We are rewarded with clean air, clean environments, and a great economic hand-up. So whatever the fight is, please know we got your back,” said Georgia Commissioner Robert Patrick, District 1

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

Soft,  2017 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 Cornell du Houx

Protect Earth Newsmagazine is a 501(c)4 with EOPA Code Blue