WEEKLY CLIMATE ACTIONS

FEATURED ITEMS

CALIFORNIA ACTIONS

From Center for Biological Diversity: The Polluters Pay Climate Cost Recovery Act is a new bill that will require the state to study the costs of climate damages and then impose a fee on California's biggest fossil fuel polluters. This legislation will help hold the industry accountable for paying for the climate damage its profiteering has caused. Tell your legislators to protect Californians and the climate by voting "yes" on the Polluters Pay Climate Cost Recovery Act HERE 

From Sierra Club: The Salton Sea has been shrinking for years due to declining water supply. The state is required to build nearly 30,000 acres of habitat and dust suppression projects by 2028. With only four years to go, the State still has significant work ahead. Tell California we need to ramp up progress and increase community engagement to meet their goals HERE 

NATIONAL ACTIONS

From Sierra Club: The Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) project has already destroyed and degraded the habitat of endangered species along its route, in addition to threatening our clean air, water, and communities. Now MVP owners are trying to rush the project forward without meeting required safety and environmental protections. Send a message to FERC today, letting them know you oppose the MVP owners rush for approval to begin operations HERE and read this article on the issue HERE  

From 350.org: Across the country, people are seeing their utility bills skyrocket because of corporate greed. Utility companies are charging us more while they get paid off by the fossil fuel industry to block the transition to renewable energy. Add your name to send a powerful message that our climate movement is ready to take back our power HERE

From Earthjustice: Polluters have gone to court to challenge The Clean Air Act. And they have enlisted allies in Congress to use the Congressional Review Act to go after one of the most sweeping clean air protections we have: the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Particulate Matter (aka PM2.5 or soot). Send a letter to Congress to show strong support for impacted communities to stop attacks on health and climate protections HERE 

From NRDC: Forest biomass is made by cutting down forests, turning the trees into wood pellets, and burning the pellets to produce electricity. Urge Congress to treat forest biomass as it really is: a threat to our climate, wildlife, forests, air quality, and the communities where polluters set up shop HERE 

From U.S. PIRG: The Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act, which would phase out single-use plastics, invest in more robust recycling and composting programs, establish sensible recycling standards, and shift the burden of waste management from taxpayers to plastic producers was reintroduced. Tell your U.S. House representative to support the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act HERE

From Earthjustice: For decades, military bases and private facilities across the country have relied on a practice known as open burn / open detonation (OB/OD) to destroy excess, unserviceable, or obsolete military munitions. Tell EPA it’s time to protect frontline communities from toxic threats posed by OB/OD and demand that the agency finally put an end to this archaic practice HERE 

GLOBAL ACTIONS

From Avaaz: A Canadian oil giant's drilling permit threatens to obliterate the Okavango Delta in Namibia, Africa. It will plunder resources and place the majestic elephants at grave risk. Sign now to tell he Namibian Minister of Environment and Tourism to halt the devastation HERE 

From Rainforest Action Network: Oreo-maker Mondelēz International works with a dirty supplier called Royal Golden Eagle (RGE), which has horrific impacts on Indigenous and traditional communities, tropical rainforests and biodiversity. Send Mondelēz a message to quit RGE HERE

INTERESTING & RELEVANT ARTICLES

Increasingly Frequent Ocean Heat Waves Trigger Mass Die-Offs of Sealife, and Grief in Marine Scientists. Heat waves recently extended across nearly 30 percent of the world’s oceans, an expanse equivalent to the surface area of North America, Asia, Europe and Africa HERE

What Trump promised oil CEOs as he asked them to steer $1 billion to his campaign. Donald Trump has pledged to scrap President Biden’s policies on electric vehicles and wind energy, as well as other initiatives opposed by the fossil fuel industry HERE 

A little bold and gross’: Oil industry writes executive orders for Trump to sign. The effort stems from the industry’s skepticism that the Trump campaign will be able to focus on energy issues as election day draws closer. HERE

Academics and Lawmakers Slam an Industry-Funded Report by a Former Energy Secretary Promoting Natural Gas and LNG. The report, led by former U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz, came as an investigation by Democrats in Congress exposed efforts by the oil and gas industry to downplay the climate impact of natural gas HERE

US’s largest public utility ignores warnings in moving forward with new natural gas plant HERE 

Renewables make up the lion’s share of new electric generation, federal agency finds. But “The U.S. remains far from the pace needed to reach its goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by two-thirds by 2030 — let alone the goal of consistent 5 percent to 10 percent annual cuts the Biden administration wants the nation to hit starting next decade.” HERE 

‘Everything’s on fire’: Inside the nation’s failure to safeguard toxic pipelines. Biden’s and Trump’s energy plans each depend on building new pipelines, but landowners don’t believe the current inspection system can protect them from spills and deadly emissions. They have a point HERE

10 Big Biden Environmental Rules, and What They Mean. Here’s what 10 new rules cover, and why the administration has been churning them out. HERE

Build Green’ Bill Seeks a Clean Shift in Transportation Spending. Some Democrats seek to revive Biden’s original transformative climate vision with a $500 billion investment favoring public transit and carbon reduction HERE 

How to Make Polluters Pay. A new Vermont bill would create a “climate superfund.” HERE 

CLIMATE VICTORIES

Biden administration gives more than $26 million in clean energy grants HERE

EPA finalizes ban on most uses of methylene chloride. More information HERE

Minnesota’s biggest solar project will help replace a huge coal plant. More information HERE

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THESE DATES

Since the webinars are usually only announced a few days before the scheduled date it is best to check via the Green Change Calendar where we are entering them on a daily basis. 

Tuesday, May 14 at 10:30am: Intersectionality in Climate Storytelling presented by NRDC. The event aims to inspire writers to consider the many angles by which they can authentically approach stories that reflect the impacts of the climate crisis across communities - and help imagine alternative futures. Register HERE 

Thursday, May 14 at 11am: Welcome to the Great Unraveling: An Orientation to the Polycrisis presented by Post Carbon Institute. Have you been feeling a sense of unease about the state of the world? From climate change and biodiversity loss to social inequality and overconsumption, it seems like multiple crises are converging at once. What’s really going on here? Find out some answers at this webinar. Register HERE 

Tuesday, May 14 at noon: Make Polluters Pay: State Climate Superfund Bills hosted by Fossil Free Media. A growing number of states are considering climate superfund bills which would make fossil fuel companies pay into a fund that could be used for climate relief and resiliency — Vermont could pass their version as early as this June! The presenters will discuss the climate superfund push and how you can support the fight. Register HERE 

Tuesday, May 14 at 1pm: Breathe Easy: Efficient Buildings and Healthy Air presented by Breathe Again Collaborative. Featured speakers will teach participants practical strategies for lowering your utility bills, saving money, and reducing pollution. Register HERE 

Tuesday, May 14 from 1 - 2:15pm: Crafting Climate Policy That Sticks: An Arctic Case Study presented by Harvard University. The discussion will draw out lessons from the implementation of the U.S. Arctic Strategy. Learn how the strides made through this strategy are not just responding to current challenges but are setting the groundwork for a resilient future for the Arctic and all communities facing the impacts of climate change. Register HERE 

Tuesday, May 14 from 1 - 3pm: Best Practices for Forest Management presented by Marin Conservation League. This workshop addresses current conditions of Marin Forest lands and will discuss best management practices available to restore health and resilience of our forest systems. On 5/14 at 1pm join HERE 

Tuesday, May 14 at 3pm: UnFrack FERC May planning meeting presented by Beyond Extreme Energy.  They will discuss their events to send a message to FERC to enact a pause on LNG export permits, just like the US Department of Energy. They'll review the actions they took in March and April, what they've learned about FERC, and how you can take action on May 23. Register HERE 

Tuesday, May 14 at 4pm: Utilities Public Education Series: Legislative Campaigning + Ballot Initiatives (9 classes in the series from 5/7 - 7/16) presented by 350.org. They plan to shine a light on utility companies and their complicity in the climate crisis by raising awareness, training local and regional activists, and equipping people with the tools we need to take action everywhere. Each session will feature different guest speakers. Register HERE 

Tuesday, May 14 from 5:30 - 7:30pm: Marin Conservation League at Marin Green Drinks at Lotus Cuisine of India location: 812 4th St in downtown San Rafael. Come find out who defeated six major oil companies. Marin Conservation League, that's who! The speaker is Kate Shilvock, MCL Executive Director. Register HERE 

Tuesday, May 14 at 5:30pm: Climate Vanguard: Youth-Powered Litigation At Our Children's Trust presented by Climate One at Commonwealth Club, 110 The Embarcadero, Toni Rembe Rock Auditorium in San Francisco. You'll hear how Our Children's Trust is changing the conversation around climate by activating the courts in the face of political gridlock. Register HERE 

Tuesday, May 14 at 6pm: Snake River Dinner Hour: Getting grain to ocean ports by rail presented by Sierra Club. Learn the next steps in pivoting away from barging on the river to moving goods by rail. Hear from transportation experts about what that may look like. Join the final installment of the Snake River Dinner Hour webinar series. Register HERE

Wednesday, May 15 at 9am: The Race to Decarbonize: Cities and Transportation presented by Washington Post Live. Ford’s chief sustainability officer Bob Holycross and Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego will discuss efforts to decarbonize transportation, build out electric vehicle infrastructure and design smarter cities. Register HERE 

Wednesday, May 15 at 9am: From Local to Global: The Climate Solutions We Need Now presented by RMI. From your neighborhood to your home, the transition to clean energy starts locally. Join to hear the presenters discuss innovative solutions underway around the world — and what each of us can do *now* to make the clean energy future a reality sooner than later. Register HERE

Wednesday, May 15 from 10 - noon: MCL Climate Action Working Group: Can MarinCAN and Climate Commissions Spur More Climate Action? Presented by Marin Conservation League online & at the offices of Marin Conservation League. The County has convened MarinCAN to help leverage fundraising and other support for the key climate solutions needed to zero out emissions by 2045 and ramp up disaster preparedness. Five towns and cities have convened climate commissions or climate committees to help guide their efforts. Are these groups bearing fruit? What are their prospects and challenges? Hear from some of those who are most involved. Register HERE 

Wednesday, May 15 at 11am: The True Cost of Fossil Fuels in Tech 401(k)s Webinar presented by As You Sow. A new report analyzes the historical investment performance and carbon footprint of retirement plans for 12 major U.S. tech companies. There is evidence that employees missed out on billions of dollars by investing in fossil fuels. After the findings are presented, panelists will identify sustainable investing solutions. Register HERE 

Wednesday, May 15 at noon: Make your Go Electric! Plan - Tools and resources to get you started presented by Electrify Now. Learn how to create an electrification plan to upgrade your home for greater energy efficiency, reduced costs, increased comfort and safety. They will also review the Rewiring America Personal Home Electrification Planner - an online tool that walks you through the details of an electrification plan with estimated costs, energy savings and incentives personalized to your home. Register HERE 

Wednesday, May 15 at 4pm: Responsible Home and Auto Insurance presented by Green America. Discover how insurance companies contribute to the climate crisis, identify those insuring major fossil fuel projects, track policy changes and rate increases, determine fossil fuel investments, and locate responsible insurers. Register HERE 

Wednesday, May 15 at 5pm: Save on EVs with Incentives presented by Ride and Drive Clean. Join EV experts to learn how you can save money with incentives on a new or pre-owned EV. Register HERE 

Thursday, May 16: Bike to Wherever Day 2024 presented by MCBC. May is Bike Month! Celebrate Bike Month by leaving the car at home and discovering the joys of biking to work, school, and for everyday errands. Find out more about Bike Month HERE   

Thursday, May 16 at 6am: Launch of Landscape Restoration Guidebook for Planners and Practitioners presented by World Resources Institute (WRI). This webinar will present a step-by-step process for planning and implementing a landscape approach to restoration projects. Register HERE

Thursday, May 16 at 7am: Beyond Inclusive Conservation: Recognizing and Bolstering Indigenous Peoples and Local Community Leadership in Conservation presented by World Wildlife Fund. Inclusive conservation - conservation that acknowledges and supports the rights, needs, visions, voices, and leadership of local populations and communities in the protection and management of nature - is key to achieving positive outcomes for both biodiversity and people. In this 7 part series topics will include human rights, gender, human well-being, governance, Indigenous-led conservation, culture, and inclusive conservation science. Register for Seminar Six: HERE 

Thursday, May 16 at 4pm: Climate Action Party: Sustainable Fashion presented by Climate Action Now. Fashion is set to account for over a quarter of the world’s carbon budget. This needs to stop. The Fashion Act S.4746 (Hoylman-Sigal) / A.4333 (Kelles) will require mandatory social and environmental due diligence. This includes requiring companies to operate in line with the Paris Agreement. Further state legislation includes Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in some states. We need to encourage the application of these two policies and write the leaders of corporations to thank them for engaging in a sustainable fashion transition. Register HERE 

Thursday, May 16 · 4 - 6pm: Sizzling Summer Flavors: Master the Potential of Induction Cooking presented by Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, 530 Francisco Boulevard West San Rafael. Join for an induction cooking experience and see the magnetic magic of induction cooking (and other electric appliances) in action! Register HERE 

Thursday, May 16 at 6pm: Utility Tax Update presented by Solar Tax Alliance. State lawmakers have revived the bill to rein in the Big Utility Tax (AB 1999). As amended, the bill caps the Utility Tax at the level set by the CPUC ($24/month) but limits any future increases to the rate of inflation, and then sunsets the tax in 2028. This takes the threat of huge increases off the table. When faced with the choice between a high and uncapped Utility Tax, and a Utility Tax that's in a cage—they think we should choose to support AB 1999. The presenters will go over all the details of the AB 1999 amendments and how you can help get the bill passed. Register HERE and read this article on the issue and read an article on this issue HERE

Saturday, May 18 from 10am-4pm: 2024 Eco-Friendly Garden Tour presented by Sonoma Marin Saving Water Partnership. The tour is at various locations in Marin, is self-guided and free to attend. Register HERE 

Saturday, May 18 from 1- 4pm: Repair Fair with Reuse Alliance at Fairfax Library, 2097 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Do you have a lamp, small appliance, textile, or bike in need of repair? Bring it to the Repair Fair! Register HERE 

Sunday, May 19 from 10am - 1pm: Electrify Your Ride EV & Ebike Show in Fairfax presented by Ride and Drive Clean. See a variety of EVs and Ebikes all in one place! Register HERE 

Sunday, May 19, 11am - 5pm: Take Climate Action with Green Change part of Eco Evolution: Empower for Change at the Sausalito Center For The Arts, 750 Bridgeway, Sausalito. Come learn about sustainable living and play environmental games at the Climate Action Center hosted by Green Change in front of the Sausalito Center of the Arts. You will learn about living sustainably, using clean energy and transportation, greening up your home and garden, eating healthy food, protecting nature, and building resilient communities. More information HERE 

Sunday, May 19, 4pm to 5:30pm: "An Infectious Spirit of Care..." - Lecture by Isabella Kirkland part of Eco Evolution: Empower for Change at the Sausalito Center For The Arts, 750 Bridgeway, Sausalito. Isabella Kirkland is a nationally notable artist who continues to document in her rich and diverse oil paintings some of Earth’s rare flora and fauna and engages in activism on behalf of species that cannot advocate for themselves.  Many of her works depict a range of species now extinct and remind us how fragile this earth really is and the need for us all to become caretakers and stewards of all forms of life on this planet. Free event, no ticket needed. More information HERE 

Sunday, May 19 from 5:30 - 7pm: Artist Reception part of Eco Evolution: Empower for Change at the Sausalito Center For The Arts, 750 Bridgeway, Sausalito. Meet the talented artists behind Eco Evolution, who will present an array of environmental artworks. These artists are deeply concerned about both local and global environmental issues. No host bar. Free event, no ticket needed. More information HERE 

Monday, May 20 at 10am: Clean Energy Advocates React to FERC's Transmission Rulemaking presented by American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE). The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is expected to announce its final regional transmission planning and cost allocation rule on April 25. Leaders from the U.S. clean energy sector and transmission advocates will react to the final rulemaking and discuss next steps FERC can take to further enable the transmission capacity expansion necessary to meet current and future electricity demand. Register HERE

Tuesday, May 21 at 9am: Empowering Tomorrow: Activating Youth for Climate Action presented by Yale Center for Environmental Communication. Join for a webinar on how young people are grappling with climate change and efforts to engage them on the topic. Register HERE

Tuesday, May 21 from 11:30am – 1:00pm: Backyard Composting presented by Marin Master Gardeners at Belvedere Tiburon Library, 1501 Tiburon Blvd. Learn how to compost. More information HERE 

 Tuesday, May 21 at 4pm: Utilities Public Education Series: Corporate Accountability / Finance Campaigns (9 classes in the series from 5/7 - 7/16) presented by 350.org. They plan to shine a light on utility companies and their complicity in the climate crisis by raising awareness, training local and regional activists, and equipping people with the tools we need to take action everywhere. Each session will feature different guest speakers. Register HERE

Wednesday, May 22 at 6am: Unlocking Finance for Climate-Vulnerable Nations at COP29 and Beyond presented by World Resources Institute. Climate-vulnerable developing countries have long called for meaningful climate finance to allow them to carry out emissions reduction plans and build resilience against the accelerating impacts of climate change. Yet previous pledges of finance and support from developed nations have been largely insufficient, delayed or are yet to be delivered. A distinguished panel will offer solutions to reach an outcome at COP29 that meets the needs of climate-vulnerable countries. Register HERE 

Wednesday, May 22 at noon: 2024 ParkScore® Index Release: How Parks Are Vital to Strengthening Community presented by Trust for Public Land (TPL). The presenters will take an in-depth look at why cities with better parks systems are stronger, more connected places to live. They will also share practical ways you can improve social connections and parks in your own community. Register HERE 

Did we miss something? Broken links? Contact Marilyn here

Sustainable Mill Valley