By Dr. Michelle “Mickey” Croyl
Things are happening within LWV’s Climate Interest Group (CIG) and now is the time to join and get involved. What started as a few dozen League members from across the country coming together to share resources, is now the first League-recognized interest group and boasts over 1600+ members from forty-eight states. To join, click on this link.
The CIG’s three goals are: (1) provide local and state Leagues with vetted, science-based, and curated information on key climate issues so local Leagues can immediately advocate with informed, consistent voices; (2) provide talking points on currently topical issues that have been prepared by the CIG in collaboration with LWVUS staff; and (3) host webinars and other events on key issues to inform and motivate League action.
To meet these goals the CIG has produced a wide array of educational materials, found on the CIG website here. You can find information on key climate issues in the form of ‘one pagers’; short videos; powerpoint presentations; and links to webinars produced by the CIG including a well-attended conversation with climate investor, Tom Steyer.
Members of the CIG have also written blogs for LWVUS’ website about food waste, climate action plans, oceans, and other climate related topics (see all the blogs here). CIG also has provided input to LWVUS to use in their written responses to proposed legislation.
Recently members of the CIG drafted comments in response to the US Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed rule to rescind its 2009 Endangerment Finding which provides the legal basis to regulate greenhouse gas emissions including carbon dioxide from motorized vehicles. National reviewed the comments and submitted them. The LWVUS submitted comments drafted by the LWVUS Steering Committee to the US EPA opposing rescission of the endangerment finding.
https://www.lwv.org/environment/lwvus-submits-comments-epa-opposing-rescission-endangerment-finding. We gave LWVUS 2 weeks for a response – they got back just in time for us to submit.
The CIG is now taking a close look at its structure and how it operates. It has identified a strong need for more assistance at all levels - from communicating and engaging with local leagues to aiding in developing Google forms and worksheets. There is a lot to be done! Take a moment to join and complete the survey (link here). Find out how you can make a difference on climate change. Help educate members with science-based, League-approved information about climate change and its impacts and inspire action at all levels.
The Final edits and proofing on the comments to be submitted opposing US EPA’s proposal to amend the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (due Nov 1.) is now in progress.
