Environmental groups around New York and elsewhere have a range of reactions to the landmark climate change aspects of the federal Inflation Reduction Act, which passed the U.S. Senate and the House of Representative AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, WAS JUST SIGNED INTO LAW BY PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN. While short of the sweeping policy measures the Biden administration had hoped to make on fighting the climate crisis, the measure includes the largest-ever investments into technologies and programs to address the problem. Some advocacy groups praise the act’s impacts toward reducing emissions, while others believe it does not go far enough to stem the impacts of the looming crisis.
The main components of the bill include:
⦁$10 Billion investment tax credits for building facilities to manufacture electric vehicles, solar panels and wind turbines
⦁Another $40 Billion for existing manufacturers to build solar and wind energy products, advance battery technology and clean hydrogen.
⦁$9 Billion for consumer rebates to assist people shifting to heat pumps, rooftop solar and other energy efficiency upgrades, and fossil fuel use reductions.
⦁Rebates up to $7500 to buy new electric vehicles, and as much as $4000 for people who buy used EVs
⦁$40 Billion to clean up buildings
⦁Up to $1 Billion to help municipalities in New York to buy clean garbage trucks and buses.
The Adirondack Council was among numerous environmental groups that see actual emission reductions as a result of the bill.
“This is a milestone in the protection of the waters, forests and communities of the Adirondack Park,” said Adirondack Council Executive Director William C. Janeway. “The bill isn’t perfect, but it is far better than anything Congress has done to date to combat climate change and build a more sustainable future for our children and grandchildren.”
In addition to specific climate measures, the group in a release also pointed out the investments in this bill toward reducing environmental racism and impacts on low-income communities. The bill includes $60 Billion to help remove negative impacts from power generation, conversion to clean vehicles and technology for disadvantaged communities.
“We commend Senate Majority Leader Schumer for his persistence and grit in getting this deal completed,” Janeway said. “We hope it is approved and implemented quickly. We will continue to urge Congress and the executive to build upon this strong foundation.”
Audubon also supports the resulting measure, reporting that more than 20-thosuand of their members contacted senators to gain the bill’s passage.
“Scientists tell us that we must reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050—meaning that the amount of carbon removed from the atmosphere naturally or through technology equals the amount of pollution emitted. That requires urgent action starting today, and the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 would put us back on track to reach our energy goals,” said Audubon Society Climate Vice President Sarah Rose.
In a release, Environment America, parent organization of Environment New York, sees the act as much more positive than negative.
“The Senate just unlocked a much brighter future for Americans and the planet,” said Legislative Office Director Lisa Frank. “Nature and human ingenuity have made it increasingly possible for us to power our homes, cars and businesses with clean, renewable sources such as the sun and wind. And as the climate warms, making this transition is of the utmost urgency. The renewable energy and electric vehicle tax incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act are a real game-changer that will make it cheaper and easier for individuals, businesses, school districts and more to ‘go solar,’ swap out old, polluting vehicles and save energy.”
But the group points to some measures of the bill that will actually benefit fossil fuel development, including tax benefits for coal and gas-burning power plants and provisions for oil leases for off-shore drilling. To many, those measure blunt some of the gains the overall act could make in reducing emissions that are tied to future and current climate crisis impacts, such as increased storm severity, wildfires, drought, among others.
The group 350.org went further. Their policy analysts believe compromises made to gain the vote of Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, who notably has personal holdings in fossil fuel companies, go so far as to make the bill worthless.
“Enough is enough! The Biden Administration, in a desperate need to capitulate to Manchin, is engaging in a bait and switch tactic on climate legislation,” said Senior Policy Analyst JL Andrepont, PhD. “With these and the many other underhanded gifts to him and the fossil fuel industry, this bill is more of a climate scam bill than a climate change bill. How are we supposed to hit our emission reduction targets, be a beacon to the rest of the world, and show that we are committed to addressing climate change if our best efforts are two steps backward? This bill is a sham, and while we are grateful for the meager crumbs Manchin has allowed us to have to try to save the planet, his pocketbook is the real winner here.”
Some aspects of the measure help New York State reach its climate goals, specifically those that might encourage people to shift to fossil fuel transportation and home energy choices.
The wide-ranging legislation was called the Inflation Reduction Act because it also includes raising certain corporate tax levels and has measures to increase employment that could have a long-term result of reducing inflation. It also includes measures to help people find and pay for health insurance, mainly through the Affordable Care Act. However, the measures to address the climate crisis represent the biggest policy gains in support of the Biden administration’s campaign goals.
How Your Voting Can Affect Climate Policies
By Yvonne Chu, CCAA President
Image provided by Yvonne Chu
As the 2022 Primary (August 23, 2022) and General Election (November 3, 2022) days arrive, it is important that voters understand their influence on how the government addresses climate change on different levels. Candidates that emphasize how climate and environment affect major aspects of people’s lives will be the ones to put forth solutions to the climate crisis. But how does that translate to the ballot? Below is a short breakdown of some positions that will be on the ballot between both the Primary and General Election, and examples of how the people you vote for can incorporate climate change into their leadership.
Who’s on my ballot? Know before you vote: Find out who by going to www.vote411.org OR www.ballotpedia.org and entering your residence.
Share Your Climate Concerns – Vote Your Climate Concerns
By Jan Kublick
My wife and I returned in late June from a 10,000-mile trip around the West, which included attending our son’s wedding in the Sierras and visiting six National Parks. Along the way, we saw the effects of climate change, including floods in the northern plains, fire scars in the west, unbelievable drought and heat in the southwest and the floods in Yellowstone.
We saw a lack of climate messaging in the Parks and National Forests. While there were roadside signs with descriptions of wildfires, none mentioned climate change as an accelerator of the winds, storms, insect decimation of forests, droughts, lighter snowpacks and earlier springs. Many of the signs admitted to a flawed policy of fire suppression which give rise to more fuel to ignite. This fails to explain climate’s role in the size, frequency, and wind driven development and spread of the fires themselves. The federal government is missing a ‘teachable moment’ with every visitor who stops to read the sign. Nor are the Parks’ Visitors Centers places where climate change is mentioned or explained. It is a tragic waste of an opportunity to explain climate disruption to millions of visitors, and to illustrate it in the very park those millions are visiting.
As I am writing this the Inflation Reduction Act is being considered by the House. The Senate Bill passed with support from only one party. Will local House Members support it? Perhaps not. If so, how is that possible? Is the existence and cause of increasingly severe weather here in central New York a mystery to them? Are its national and global implications unknown to them?
Hopefully the Act will be a game changer for climate as it will jump start the country’s necessary move away from fossil fuels to renewable sources of power.
What’s next? We need to build on the success of the Act, and to use every opportunity to convey to others the importance of climate. We need to recognize that, compromise that it is, the legislation is a very good step, and that much more is being done on climate worldwide by scientists, politicians and activists. However, in this country climate has been made a political issue by one party. Therefore in this country we have to work for a political solution as well. The midterms are fast approaching. Every election day presents a choice between candidates willing to acknowledge and work on the climate problem and those who do not and will not. If one cares deeply about climate and believes it is an existential issue for our children and grandchildren, it is simply not a choice to support a candidate who does not.
While this issue is most important at the federal level, it is present in state and local elections as well. Does a candidate support prompt and thorough implementation of the New York’s Climate Protection Act? Does the candidate support green energy locally? What about a review of local comprehensive plans, zoning, and building codes to address climate sustainability and resilience? Climate change impacts are local and local adaptation steps are needed as are measures to lessen greenhouse gas emissions and to support green energy. These are issues that should deeply concern voters going to the polls in November. With scientific consensus, and evidence all around, no climate denier or skeptic should succeed. Only when this happens will climate change become a bipartisan issue. Only then can truly effective climate policy be implemented.
Every single election, whether school, village, town, county, state or federal offers choices between candidates on these issues. You can share your climate concerns by learning the candidates’ positions, then voting those concerns. If you believe that climate is among the worst threats to the world your children and grandchildren will have to live in, it should be reflected in your voting choices. I urge you to vote as if the futures of your grandchildren and the very planet depend on it, because they do.
Long-Term Consequences of Unmitigated Climate Change Across NYS
By James Doherty
Image provided by ny.gov
In 2014, NYSERDA published an official report called ClimAid. It had investigated comprehensively and in depth both the emerging and long-term consequences of unmitigated climate change across NYS. The following is a synopsis:
Rising sea level, coastal storms and storm surges erode beaches and harm shoreline properties, especially along the southern NYS coast and Long Island [and the tidal Hudson River]. Already, there is increasing saltwater intrusion, and in the future, there will be the submergence of flood – absorbing tidal wetlands and drylands. Storms, flooding, and ice storms across rural [and urban] areas increasingly cause blackouts and brownouts and damage transportation, telecommunications, electrical power grid and wastewater treatment systems.
Agriculturally, unseasonal weather events disrupt food production and farmers have to deal with greater heat stress and its adverse impact on milk production and crops, and more insect pests, disease and weed pressure. While there will be new crop opportunities, other costs and some job losses could ripple through some rural communities, [especially impacting small enterprises and low wage, seasonal, and migratory workers]. To the grape vineyards and the wine industry, climate change will present one of their most daunting challenges in centuries.
In regard to public health, more heatwaves result in more heat stroke fatalities and higher health risks for the elderly, children, health-compromised, and those rural and urban dwellers, especially low income who experience the “urban heat island” effect because they have less access to air conditioning and heat-reducing infrastructure like trees and parks. Additionally, GHG emissions and higher temperatures correlate with smog, pollen and ground level ozone formation which aggravate respiratory conditions, especially those with asthma, and generally, adversely affect people who work, play, and exercise outdoors.
Although NYS has an abundance of water resources, climate change will alter and possibly disrupt the amount, distribution, timing, and quality of available water resources. Ecologically, warming brings on an earlier Spring and will generally shift breeding bird and oceanic fish and shellfish species northward hurting the commercial and recreational fishing industry. In the Adirondacks and Catskills, changes with the tree species and other natural landscapes are likely in the next few decades along with, in the long term, reduced snowfall and snowpack affecting winter tourism and recreation, such as skiing. For lakes and other bodies of water, warming is a factor in harmful algal blooms. Warming will likely reduce the habitat for endangered species and expand the ranges for insects carrying infectious-diseases, such as Lyme and West Nile, and favor the expansion of invasive species into NY.
On the hopeful side,
In terms of funding, this past year the Governor and the Legislature passed the Environmental Bond Act which authorized up to 4.2 billion to “restore mother nature” by focusing on renewable energy, preserving natural resources and reducing the impacts of climate change. Of special importance, there would be $200 million included for dealing with pollution in disadvantaged communities and no less than 35% of the jobs created by the funding going to those communities.
On Nov. 8, 2022, The NY Environment and Climate Change Projects Bond Measure (2022) will be on the ballot for us the voters to decide yes or no to the state funding. For a healthier natural environment and greener economy, better individual and public health, a more resilient and cost-saving infrastructure, good jobs and revitalized communities, and for the sake of our children and grandchildren, vote Yes!
A Message from our Vice President
By Peter Wirth
My name is Peter Wirth. I’m Vice President of CCAA and one of its co-founders. I’d like to share some thoughts with you, our members and newsletter subscribers.
Working on the issue of climate change can be discouraging if you follow it on a daily basis as I do. For example, enclosed is a recent excerpt from a list serve, Climate Nexus that I subscribe to.
“New Normal” Drought Grips Europe: More than 100 French municipalities have no running drinking water as the country enters its fourth heatwave this summer while drought tightens its grip on Europe. Sixty percent of land in the EU and UK was under a drought warning or alert in mid-July, the European Drought Observatory said Monday. “No similar data in the last 230 years compares with the drought and heat we are experiencing this year. …”
Image provided by Peter Wirth
So what can you do to keep going in the face of daunting reports such as the one above. Acknowledge that “Climate Change” is a long-term issue. There is no quick, easy solution. It involves many changes – some small and others large to transition away from a fossil fuel economy. For me something small but helpful is the use of a drying rack pictured here. We bought ours at the Farmer’s Market. In the winter time we move the drying rack into our laundry room. I have no illusions that using our drying rack instead of our electric dryer will solve the problem of climate change. The problem is much larger than individual, life style changes. However, it can seem so large we get overwhelmed and do nothing. The drying rack helps remind me that climate change can be dealt with if we are willing to make changes. It is something we all can do. It becomes a weekly reminder that we have so much to do.
Additionally, I had solar panels installed on our roof 10 years ago and recently had an electric heat pump added to our gas furnace. I have a Level Two charger sitting in my laundry room waiting to be installed in my garage for my first ever, brand new car which will be all electric. Years ago I learned I could buy a 10-year-old Honda with 100,000 miles and easily run it for another 100,000 miles. Yes, I’ve had my current 92 Honda for 20 years. It is time now to spend real money and help the transition to all electric.
And finally, I am working on a long-term goal of reaching “net zero” which means we produce (fossil free) the energy we use. I am slowly getting closer to this goal
If you want to learn more on what you can do, feel free to contact me at pwirth2@verizon.net
I hope you found this helpful.
Book Review: Climate Restoration: The Only Future That Will Sustain the Human Race.
Author: Peter Fiekowsky
Submitted by Peter Michel
“We can and will reduce greenhouse gases to historic levels (under 300 ppm) by 2050!”
Listening to an interview of author Peter Fiekowsky by Bill Twist of Pachamama Alliance, I was excited to hear about this prospect as proposed by the author.
In his book, MIT-educated Fiekowky outlines how this can happen and focuses on four major technologies for greenhouse gas removal and storage: ocean iron fertilization; synthetic limestone manufacture; seaweed permaculture; and methane oxidation. While not all that familiar, the implementation of these four technologies can largely solve the problem. However, Fiekowsky adds that the 80 solutions outlined in Paul Hawken’s Drawdown and expanded on in his Project Regeneration need to be acted on as well as part of our concerted effort to resolve the climate crisis.
Lynne Twist, author of The Soul of Money and co-founder of the Pachamama Alliance opined that “Fiekowsky has written the consummate book for our time. It is a must read for anyone who cares about life, the Earth and future generations. His science is impeccable and his capacity to see what’s missing and provide it is sheer brilliance. This book lays out the path forward with clarity, honesty and integrity – the tide-turning, revelatory message we have been waiting for.”
You can download a copy of Fiekowsky’s white paper, which is a short version of his book on his website https://www.peterfiekowsky.com. On page 33 there is a brief explanation of the “Big Four Climate Restoration Methods.”
September 1 and September 2, 350.org is kicking off the Global Week of Training for the Climate Justice Conversations, a series of online sessions to listen, share and connect with leaders from the movement. There will be three sessions in different time zones that cover the state of our climate movement, how we sustain our activism in the long run and stay resilient and organizing after climate impacts..
CCAA in the community: CCAA will be present on September 17 at the Annual Fayetteville Festival from 12 – 5 and at the Tully Community Days from 9 – 3. If you can volunteer to help out in providing information to the public at these events, please contact Sonia Kragh at sykragh@yahoo.com
SOCIAL MEDIA UPDATE: We have recently updated and reinvigorated our Facebook and Instagram pages and we need your help! Please “like” and “comment” on our posts as often as possible. And please share our posts with your friends and neighbors. This will make our work more impactful and reach a wider range of people. Thanks very much….Kim Cameron, Social Media Chairperson.
POSITIVE CLIMATE ACTION: PLANTS & SHRUBS TO SHARE As a gardener I have no illusions that planting flowers or shrubs will make a dent in climate change. However, as a gardener I realize I am more attuned to the weather and natural world For this reason CCAA is offering an opportunity for individuals who have plants they want to share. If you have something you want to share send a description and contact info to pwirth2@verizon.net
Upcoming Election Dates Your vote counts! Help elect officials who support our environmental efforts! Congressional/State Senate Primary Election: Tuesday, August 23, 2022; 6:00am-9:00pm General Election: Tuesday, November 8, 2022; 6:00am- 9:00pm
http://ongov.net/elections/
https://ballotpedia.org/Sample_Ballot_Lookup Absentee Voting | New York State Board of Elections
New Public Registries Showcase Countries’ Climate Plans
Source: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC)
According to several independent analysts, the Inflation Reduction Act gives the US a pathway to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by about 40% below 2005 levels by 2030, which is most of the way to our Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). Want to know what the US and other countries’ NDC commitments are? You’re in luck. The UNFCC just published a full registry of all countries’ climate plans here: Public Registry for NDCs. What is the US’s NDC goal? A reduction of 50-52% by 2030.
Attend the next Monthly CCAA Meeting When: Tuesday, September 13, 6:00 p.m. Each month, CCAA invites you to join us, in-person or over Zoom. Come meet people who are committed to working towards fossil-free communities. The meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The room opens at 5:30 p.m. for socializing. Register here.
GreeningUSA Newsletter To subscribe to a comprehensive list of climate change and sustainability events, and to publicize an event you are organizing, email GreeningUSA: info@GreeningUSA.org.
Annual Fayetteville Festival
When: September 17, 1 p.m. – dusk
Location: 505 Lincoln Ave, Fayetteville, NY 13066 Food, Live Music, Family Fun, and Fireworks
Tully Community Day When: September 17, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Location TBD
Feel like saving the world? Why not donate a few dollars to CCAA? Maybe it won’t be quite enough to save the whole planet, but it will help keep us going, and that’s the next best thing! We appreciate your support.
CCAA Internships and Other Volunteering Opportunities If you are interested in volunteering with CCAA in any capacity, please contact us at newsletter@climatechange-action.com or call 315-308-0846. Don’t worry about your skill level. We are all learning. We need people who can:
Within NY Renews, the Youth Committee is a space mostly for high school and college age individuals. We’re moving towards bi-weekly trainings followed by community organizing to support our campaigns. Joining the youth committee is a great opportunity to level up your organizing, learn about campaigning, and get involved in the climate justice movement.
We meet every other week with additional time on projects for those interested. If you are interested, please fill out the sign-up form so we can get more info about your interests and experiences (it’s not competitive). We would love to hear from you!
We encourage you to follow our social media accounts to support CCAA and stay up to date on other environmental news.
