Monthly Policy Update | November 2020 No images? Click here Policy Update The Election: A Message From Tim Carter on Behalf of Second Nature This work is too urgent to be done in isolation, it requires all of us working together. We look forward to scaling and accelerating the climate work that we have been doing with the Climate Leadership Network signatories, the University Climate Change Coalition (UC3) members, our partners, and others, and working in conjunction with the incoming Biden-Harris administration to further our progress. Need to KnowFEDERAL - In late October, House Democrats introduced the Oceans Based Climates Solutions Act which focuses on expanding offshore wind while banning offshore drilling. Proponents view it as another way to combat climate change. More... - Also in late October, the Trump Administration restarted the National Climate Assessment in response to widespread criticism. The National Climate Assessment is a report focused on climate change that is dependent on researched studies. The last Assessment printed was in 2018. More... - However, it should also be noted that according to California's Public Utilities Commission (PUC), utilities in the state are on target for meeting their renewable energy
goals and requirements this year. More... Opportunities to ParticipateFOR ALL Webinar: Ceres’ 2020 Elections Results Analysis and Climate Policy Outlook Briefing Webinar: Climate Policy and Environmental Justice ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA, COLORADO, NEVADA, AND WASHINGTON Ceres has drafted a high-level sign-on letter that does not endorse specific policies but will instead help generate much needed momentum across the region in support of decarbonizing buildings. This is an opportunity to ensure that the voice of the higher education sector is heard. Below is additional information, including a background briefing, a copy of the sign-on letter, and how to sign-on if you are interested in doing so. NOTE: The above opportunity is for colleges and universities to sign-on; not an opportunity for individuals at colleges and universities to do so. Are you an individual at a higher education institution who believes your college/university may be interested in signing onto this opportunity? We encourage you to reach-out to the leadership at your institution and let them know. Header Photo by Darren Halstead on Unsplash Sources: Beitsch, R. (2020, October 20). "Democrats push expansion of offshore wind, block offshore drilling with ocean energy bill." The Hill. URL. Retrieved: 11/6/2020. Friedman, L. (2020, November 4). "U.S. Quits Paris Climate Agreement: Questions and Answers." The New York Times. URL. Retrieved: 11/6/2020. Kovaleski, D. (2020, November 5). "California PUC says utilities on track to meet renewable requirements." Daily Energy Insider. URL. Retrieved: 11/6/2020. Shemkus, S. (2020, October 15). "Justice advocates keep pressure on transportation emission pact planners." Energy News Network. URL. Retrieved: 11/6/2020. We Are Still In. (2020, November 4). "U.S. Exists Paris, We Are Still In." URL. Retrieved: 11/6/2020. Williams, M. (2020, October 13). "HB6 ends AEP Ohio energy efficiency programs." The Columbus Dispatch. URL. Retrieved: 11/6/2020. Our monthly policy updates, information, and opportunities to participate, are developed with support from Ceres, which is an organizational partner of Second Nature. Ceres has identified 15 states plus Washington, D.C. for our primary focus - Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. - because of the beneficial legislative climates and real opportunities for policy advancements in these states. Note: The states included in each monthly Policy Update will be based on what policy updates we are recommending for that month, and are due to change - but will always be focused on the above 15 states (plus Washington, D.C.) - from month to month. |