Monthly Policy Update |

October 2022  

Policy Updates

NEED TO KNOW
Study: World at risk of triggering multiple climate "tipping points"
Publication Date: September 9, 2022 | Source: Axios 

• Why This Matters: Even as countries meet the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement, global warming could likely still trigger climate "tipping points" that could dramatically alter life on Earth, according to a new study. This new knowledge is a wake-up call to all sectors to better prioritize climate mitigation and adaptation, and higher education institutions should recognize the urgency of this crisis. 

Video: The 6 key elements of a just energy transition 
Publication Date: September 12, 2022 | Source: Canary Media  

• Why This Matters: Climate policy at all levels of government requires a just transition, a concept that acknowledges the need to shift toward renewable energy while ensuring the voices of the most impacted communities are centered. A just transition ensured that everyone has access to affordable electricity and heating, financing remedies past injustices, displaced workers are supported, and environmental impacts are considered every step of the way. 

GLOBAL
Climate Envoy John Kerry Seeks Restart to US Emissions Talks with China
Publication Date: August 31, 2022 | Source: Inside Climate News 

• Why This Matters: Kerry has praised China's efforts at tackling climate change, noting that the country is the world's largest producer and deployer of renewables in the world. Kerry stressed that regardless of other issues between the two countries - such as Ukraine and Taiwan - climate cooperation is critical, signaling the US is willing to put politics aside to address climate change. 

Denmark becomes first to offer 'loss and damage' climate funding
Publication Date: September 20, 2022 | Source: Reuters

• Why This Matters: Last month, Denmark pledged over $13 million to support vulnerable nations, including low-laying islands, that have experienced losses caused by climate disruptions. Denmark's leadership is setting the stage for other states to make similar commitments ahead of COP 27. 

First climate lawsuit against Russian government launched over emissions
Publication Date: September 13, 2022 | Source: The Guardian

• Why This Matters: A group of activists have filed a lawsuit against the Russian government for failing to take measures to reduce the country's emissions in line with targets agreed upon by the Paris Climate Agreement. The case, which will be heard by the European Convention on Human Rights, is a prime example of citizens holding government accountable for climate inaction.  

OPEC Moves Shows the Limits of Biden's Fist-Bump Diplomacy with the Saudis
Publication Date: October 5, 2022 | Source: NY Times

• Why This Matters: OPEC's decision to sharply reduce oil production will lead to sharp increases in gas prices. The move serves as a reminder that fossil-fuel based energy prices are largely in the hands of Saudi Arabia and oil-producing nations, and that transitioning to clean energy will increasingly benefit higher education institutions in the long-term. 

FEDERAL
At a Global Conference on Clean Energy, Granholm Announces Billions in Federal Aid for Carbon Capture and Emerging Technology
Publication Date: September 26, 2022 | Source: Inside Climate News 

• Why This Matters: Environmental activists critiqued the move, concerned increased investment in carbon capture would promote the extraction of oil and gas. Colleges and universities conducting research on this technology should know the federal government is making such investments.  

Podesta-led White House team lagged to executive climate law
Publication Date: September 12, 2022 | Source: Politico

• Why This Matters: President Biden announced the creation of a new White House team that will oversee how the $369 billion in climate incentives included in the Inflation Reduction Act will be spent. This office will be tasked with structured the law's grant programs and clarifying language for tax credits, which are particularly relevant for colleges and universities interested in applying. 

Inflation Reduction Act Benefits: Clean Energy Tax Credits Could Double Deployment
Publication Date: August 23, 2022 | Source: Forbes 

• Why This Matters: The IRA revamps clean energy tax credits in several key ways, such as by extending credits at their full value for at least ten years and expanding tax credits' scope and flexibility. These changes, among others, provide more certainty for colleges and universities working on decarbonizing their campuses. 

New Documents Unveiled in Congressional Hearings Show Oil Companies are Slow-Rolling and Overselling Climate Initiatives, Democrats Say 
Publication Date: September 16, 2022 | Source: Inside Climate News  

• Why This Matters: In a hearing last month, Congressional Democrats presented additional evidence showing that companies like ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell and BP are continuing to mislead the public on climate change and undercut efforts to pass climate legislation. The memos reveal that companies sought to weaken climate commitments and an acknowledgement that they knew many of the technologies they were investing in were unproven. 

Manchin releases permitting reform package
Publication Date: September 21, 2022 | Source: E&E News  

• Why This Matters: Senator Joe Manchin released his long-awaited permitting reform plan (summarized here), which would direct federal agencies to issue all approvals and permits and limit the timelines for environmental reviews. Republicans have introduced an alternate bill that goes even further in introducing reform.

INDIVIDUAL STATES
CALIFORNIA
Governor Newsom Signs Sweeping Climate Measures, Ushering in New Era of World-Leading Climate Action 
Publication Date: September 16, 2022 | Source: Office of Governor Gavin Newsom 

• Why This Matters: The California Climate Commitment includes a record $54 billion investment in climate action, which is expected to create 4 million new jobs, cut air pollution by 60%, reduce the state's oil consumption by 91%, and reduce fossil fuel use in buildings and transportation by 92%. Other states can look to California for climate leadership. 

California Has Provided Incentives for Methane Capture at Dairies, but the Program May Have 'Unintended Consequences'
Publication Date: September 19, 2022 | Source: Inside Climate News 

• Why This Matters: California has invested about $350 million in anaerobic methane digesters in dairy farms, which are meant to reduce methane emissions from the state's massive dairy industry. However, these digesters oftentimes lead to increased ammonia emissions, which have negative public health and environmental consequences. 

MASSACHUSETTS
Mass. enacts sweeping climate and energy law
Publication Date: August 12, 2022 | Source: E&E News 

• Why This Matters: Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker signed some of the nation's most aggressive restrictions on fossil fuels into law. The law includes new incentives for offshore wind and solar, rebates for electric cars and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, and a requirement that all new public transit vehicles be zero-emissions by 2030. 

MISSISSIPPI
The Jackson Water Crisis & the Urgency of Climate Adaptation 
Publication Date: September 16, 2022 | Source: Real Clear Policy 

• Why This Matters: Residents of Jackson, Mississippi have been plagued with a water crisis spurred by extreme rains and neglected water infrastructure. The saga serves as a critical reminder should keep practical climate adaptation plans front and center during conversations around climate policymaking. 

Opportunities to Participate 

FEDERAL 
Implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act
Ceres, a Second Nature partner organization, is continuing several active listening sessions from various stakeholders and developing a strategy on IRA implementation. If you or your institution is interested in learning more about how to be involved in the shaping of the IRA implementation strategy, please reach out to to Zach Friedman at zfriedman@ceres.org. Additionally, a recording of Ceres's first webinar on the IRA focused on “Power, Oil & Gas, and Corporate Climate Goals,” can be found here.

NOTE: The following opportunities are for colleges and universities for sign-on; not opportunities for individuals at colleges and universities.  Are you an individual at a higher education institution who believes your college/university may be interested in signing onto the below opportunities?  We encourage you to reach-out to the leadership at your institution and let them know. 

STATE
CALIFORNIA
Colleges and universities have the opportunity to influence California’s 2022 climate plan update, which will inform the state’s climate strategy for decades to come. California has set some of the most ambitious climate goals in the county, yet it is at risk of missing its target to reduce emissions 40% by 2030, and disadvantaged communities are still experiencing high levels of air pollution. To create a roadmap for achieving the state’s climate mandates, California is currently conducting the 2022 Climate Change Scoping Plan Update, evaluating solutions to reduce emissions across all major sectors. This is a critical opportunity for schools to ensure that California prioritizes equitable and ambitious emissions reduction pathways to achieve its goals and maximize health benefits for all communities. 

How to support this effort: Ceres, a Second Nature partner, is coordinating sign-on letter to support an ambitious final Scoping Plan. If your institution is interested in signing on in support, you can sign-on via this form by October 24th at 12pm PT. Please contact Ceres's Sarah Sachs (ssachs@ceres.org) for more information. 

The states and updates included in each Monthly Policy Update are based on what we are recommending for reading for that month, due to what we view as being directly relevant to higher education.  From month to month, the states focused on are due to change.  

Do you have feedback on our Monthly Policy Updates (what you like, what you would like to see improved, etc)?  Please email us: policyteam@secondnature.org.  

Note: 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 the following states plus Washington, D.C. for primary focus - Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, 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.  Our Policy Updates may, or may not, include these states (and Washington, D.C.).