Welcome to Delta Dispatches with hosts, Jacques Hebert and Simone Maloz. On today’s episode, Dr. Kristine Strickland, Chancellor of Fletcher Technical Community College joins the show today to talk about workforce development, coastal literacy, and much more! Dr. Strickland was awarded Educator of the Year by Lafourche Chamber of Commerce at its 2017 Annual Awards Banquet. She’s followed by Martin Mantz, Coastal Restoration Program Manager at Nunez Community College who discusses ongoing and upcoming coastal restoration projects.   Listen Now:

The post Delta Dispatches – Building a Coastal Work Force: Nunez and Fletcher Community Colleges appeared first on Restore the Mississippi River Delta.

Welcome to Delta Dispatches with hosts, Jacques Hebert and Simone Maloz. On today’s episode, Dr. Kristine Strickland, Chancellor of Fletcher Technical Community College joins the show today to talk about workforce development, coastal literacy, and much more! Dr. Strickland was awarded Educator of the Year by Lafourche Chamber of Commerce at its 2017 Annual Awards Banquet. She’s followed by Martin Mantz, Coastal Restoration Program Manager at Nunez Community College who discusses ongoing and upcoming coastal restoration projects.   Listen Now:

The post Delta Dispatches – Building a Coastal Work Force: Nunez and Fletcher Community Colleges appeared first on Restore the Mississippi River Delta.

Oil and gas companies in the United States are the latest to add their voices to the broad set of stakeholders supporting federal regulation of methane emissions from the oil and natural gas sector. These companies have a major responsibility to reduce methane emissions, a key step in the energy transition. This week in Houston, […]

Oil and gas companies in the United States are the latest to add their voices to the broad set of stakeholders supporting federal regulation of methane emissions from the oil and natural gas sector. These companies have a major responsibility to reduce methane emissions, a key step in the energy transition. This week in Houston, […]

Oil and gas companies in the United States are the latest to add their voices to the broad set of stakeholders supporting federal regulation of methane emissions from the oil and natural gas sector. These companies have a major responsibility to reduce methane emissions, a key step in the energy transition. This week in Houston, […]

Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it has finalized a rule that bans methylene chloride in paint strippers for consumer uses but still allows use of the deadly products in workplaces.

Legislation restores critical authority to oil and gas regulator, improves produced water oversight

Written by Katy Farber

Are your kids learning about climate change at school? Are they learning there are “two sides” to the issue? Some states are currently working to create legislation to limit the teaching of climate science in public schools across the country. According to an Associated Press...

You’re not imagining this – politicians in Washington are actually talking climate again

Editor's note: This post was updated on Aug. 6, 2019

I've been working on climate change for a long time, but I've never seen a moment like the one we're in now.

The surge in political energy across the country and on Capitol Hill, coupled with the leaps and bounds made in cleaner technology, gives me hope that, even with the daily reminders of the obstacles we face, we can solve this challenge. Here's why. 

• As the 2020 presidential campaign shifts into high gear, the climate crisis is receiving much more attention than it has in the past.  Nearly every candidate has released their own plan to address this crisis, and climate change has been brought up by moderators at every primary debate. Beginning in September, Democratic candidates will start participating in specific climate change forums — another sign that climate change is a top-tier issues from voters in early primary states and across the country.
• In the House, Rep. Donald McEachin will introduce legislation in September that puts our country on the path to a 100% clean economy by 2050. This bold plan is supported by a large and diverse coalition, and the push for 100% Clean is now a top priority for House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone.
• Climate is also front and center in other forums on Capitol Hill. In the House, Rep. Kathy Castor is chairing the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, bringing together a diverse group of leaders to highlight the growing threat of the climate crisis and identify real climate solutions, even holding hearings outside of Washington, DC.  Across the Capitol, Sen. Brian Schatz is chairing the Senate Democrats' Special Committee on the Climate Crisis.
• In addition to these committees, there have been a series of climate-related hearings since the new Congress took over in early January. There are also signs of a more constructive stance among some House Republicans, who have responded to those committee hearings by engaging on the substance and inviting serious witnesses to testify.
• Florida Republican Francis Rooney is even sponsoring a bipartisan carbon tax bill, one of a series of carbon tax bills that have been introduced over the summer.
• The Republican-controlled Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held its first hearing on climate change since 2012 where its leader, Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, said that global warming is "directly impacting" the lives of her constituents. Other Senate Republicans are joining the debate about solutions to climate change.
• And, of course, the proposed Green New Deal has given climate issues new visibility on the Hill. While we don't agree with everything in the Green New Deal resolution, its backers are bringing new ideas and needed ambition to the conversation.

It's clear that politicians are responding to pressure from home.

A spring poll by our partner organization EDF Action and other allies found an astonishing result: Climate change is cited as a top tier issue by more Democratic primary voters than any other issue in three of the five early primary states surveyed — California, New Hampshire and Iowa — and it places second in another, Nevada.

Nationally, a poll by Yale and George Mason universities indicates that the number of Americans who are "alarmed" about climate change is at an all-time high, 29%. This is "double that segment's size in 2013 and an eight-point increase since March 2018," the poll found. Overall, 59% of Americans are either alarmed or "concerned."

What's the cause? The foundation was laid over many years by the tireless work of activists and climate scientists.

But more immediately, I think it's a combination of anger at the backward policies of this White House, of recent reports on climate impacts from the U.S. government and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, of the bold ambition of a new wave of young activists led by groups like the Sunrise Movement, and of vivid images of impacts like the California wildfires and violent East Coast hurricanes.

EDF Action: Tell Congress to do more on climate

To succeed, we must find solutions that address the scale of the challenge, while being politically sustainable over the long term. That is why the push for a 100% clean economy is quickly gaining momentum.

A 100% clean energy economy will inspire development and adoption of the technologies that will get us to net zero, meaning that we are producing no more carbon emissions than we can remove from the atmosphere.

Market forces must move in one direction

As consensus builds for climate action on Capitol Hill, a comprehensive policy package should center on putting enforceable limits on climate pollution and requiring companies to pay when they pollute. When companies must face the true costs of their pollution, and profit more from clean energy than from fossil fuels, we will spur a race to build a prosperous low-carbon economy.

What's more, everything else we need to do to meet the climate challenge, such as increasing energy efficiency in buildings and improving fuel economy in cars, will have even greater impact —because market forces will be pushing in the same direction as climate progress instead of against it.

We also need to invest in new ways to remove climate pollution from the atmosphere, whether through farm and forest practices that absorb more carbon, or stepped-up research and development into direct air capture technologies. It's going to take all the tools we have to meet this challenge.

With President Trump in the White House and signs of climate impacts all around us, we can't afford casual optimism. But the surge in political momentum gives me new hope that we can win this fight.

Tell Congress: It’s time to go 100% clean krives March 14, 2019 - 03:53

See comments

No more drilling in the arctic, no selling off National Parks, no dumping coal ash in water, plant more trees, spray less poison on crops, no more trophy hunting, no importing endangered species alive or dead, better fuel efficiency, more charging stations for electric cars, pave roads wit recycled plastic, build home with hemp bricks, really recycle here in America. There are so many things we can do easily to have an impact. If we just skip the beef two days a week and buy bars of soap wrapped in paper opposed to more single use plastic. Bring your own bag to the store and your cup to Starbucks. Everyone doing a little helps a lot

Holly Dain March 21, 2019 at 2:06 am

There are two aspects of climate change that I never hear EDF or other environmental groups speak about: our consumer driven culture and reverence for the Earth. The more we consume the more carbon in the atmosphere; and the more depletion of natural resources, trash and plastic. And if we don’t feel connected to the Earth on a deep level then all the electric cars and solar panels in the world won’t heal the damage we’ve done. We can’t solve a problem with the same mentality that created it in the first place.

Karen Neary March 21, 2019 at 4:48 pm

In a report such as this, shouldn't you mention the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act that was recently introduced in the House?

This act does literally put a price on carbon. I am quite surprised by your omission.

Steven Marantz March 24, 2019 at 11:51 am

These people obviously do not watch the current weather conditions in America. First, it is May and snow in the mountains in San Diego, CA. and else where in California, Colorado, and other States. If you're in snow, then where's the climate heat changing in America? Get your facts right about climate heat changing in America. Forest fires are caused by bad electric poles breaking down and not from climate chaining.

CHARLES MOST May 28, 2019 at 12:26 pm

Charles, scientists who study this continue to tell us that a regional cold spell doesn’t negate the overwhelming evidence showing that climate change is happening. We need to look to science for facts — and science must guide how we tackle this mounting crisis.This article sheds more light on the connection between cold weather and climate change:

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2019/01/climate-change-colder-winters-global-warming-polar-vortex/

 

Karin Rives May 30, 2019 at 10:18 am

You’re not imagining this – politicians in Washington are actually talking climate again

Editor's note: This post was updated on Aug. 6, 2019

I've been working on climate change for a long time, but I've never seen a moment like the one we're in now.

The surge in political energy across the country and on Capitol Hill, coupled with the leaps and bounds made in cleaner technology, gives me hope that, even with the daily reminders of the obstacles we face, we can solve this challenge. Here's why. 

• As the 2020 presidential campaign shifts into high gear, the climate crisis is receiving much more attention than it has in the past.  Nearly every candidate has released their own plan to address this crisis, and climate change has been brought up by moderators at every primary debate. Beginning in September, Democratic candidates will start participating in specific climate change forums — another sign that climate change is a top-tier issues from voters in early primary states and across the country.
• In the House, Rep. Donald McEachin will introduce legislation in September that puts our country on the path to a 100% clean economy by 2050. This bold plan is supported by a large and diverse coalition, and the push for 100% Clean is now a top priority for House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone.
• Climate is also front and center in other forums on Capitol Hill. In the House, Rep. Kathy Castor is chairing the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, bringing together a diverse group of leaders to highlight the growing threat of the climate crisis and identify real climate solutions, even holding hearings outside of Washington, DC.  Across the Capitol, Sen. Brian Schatz is chairing the Senate Democrats' Special Committee on the Climate Crisis.
• In addition to these committees, there have been a series of climate-related hearings since the new Congress took over in early January. There are also signs of a more constructive stance among some House Republicans, who have responded to those committee hearings by engaging on the substance and inviting serious witnesses to testify.
• Florida Republican Francis Rooney is even sponsoring a bipartisan carbon tax bill, one of a series of carbon tax bills that have been introduced over the summer.
• The Republican-controlled Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held its first hearing on climate change since 2012 where its leader, Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, said that global warming is "directly impacting" the lives of her constituents. Other Senate Republicans are joining the debate about solutions to climate change.
• And, of course, the proposed Green New Deal has given climate issues new visibility on the Hill. While we don't agree with everything in the Green New Deal resolution, its backers are bringing new ideas and needed ambition to the conversation.

It's clear that politicians are responding to pressure from home.

A spring poll by our partner organization EDF Action and other allies found an astonishing result: Climate change is cited as a top tier issue by more Democratic primary voters than any other issue in three of the five early primary states surveyed — California, New Hampshire and Iowa — and it places second in another, Nevada.

Nationally, a poll by Yale and George Mason universities indicates that the number of Americans who are "alarmed" about climate change is at an all-time high, 29%. This is "double that segment's size in 2013 and an eight-point increase since March 2018," the poll found. Overall, 59% of Americans are either alarmed or "concerned."

What's the cause? The foundation was laid over many years by the tireless work of activists and climate scientists.

But more immediately, I think it's a combination of anger at the backward policies of this White House, of recent reports on climate impacts from the U.S. government and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, of the bold ambition of a new wave of young activists led by groups like the Sunrise Movement, and of vivid images of impacts like the California wildfires and violent East Coast hurricanes.

EDF Action: Tell Congress to do more on climate

To succeed, we must find solutions that address the scale of the challenge, while being politically sustainable over the long term. That is why the push for a 100% clean economy is quickly gaining momentum.

A 100% clean energy economy will inspire development and adoption of the technologies that will get us to net zero, meaning that we are producing no more carbon emissions than we can remove from the atmosphere.

Market forces must move in one direction

As consensus builds for climate action on Capitol Hill, a comprehensive policy package should center on putting enforceable limits on climate pollution and requiring companies to pay when they pollute. When companies must face the true costs of their pollution, and profit more from clean energy than from fossil fuels, we will spur a race to build a prosperous low-carbon economy.

What's more, everything else we need to do to meet the climate challenge, such as increasing energy efficiency in buildings and improving fuel economy in cars, will have even greater impact —because market forces will be pushing in the same direction as climate progress instead of against it.

We also need to invest in new ways to remove climate pollution from the atmosphere, whether through farm and forest practices that absorb more carbon, or stepped-up research and development into direct air capture technologies. It's going to take all the tools we have to meet this challenge.

With President Trump in the White House and signs of climate impacts all around us, we can't afford casual optimism. But the surge in political momentum gives me new hope that we can win this fight.

Tell Congress: It’s time to go 100% clean krives March 14, 2019 - 03:53

See comments

No more drilling in the arctic, no selling off National Parks, no dumping coal ash in water, plant more trees, spray less poison on crops, no more trophy hunting, no importing endangered species alive or dead, better fuel efficiency, more charging stations for electric cars, pave roads wit recycled plastic, build home with hemp bricks, really recycle here in America. There are so many things we can do easily to have an impact. If we just skip the beef two days a week and buy bars of soap wrapped in paper opposed to more single use plastic. Bring your own bag to the store and your cup to Starbucks. Everyone doing a little helps a lot

Holly Dain March 21, 2019 at 2:06 am

There are two aspects of climate change that I never hear EDF or other environmental groups speak about: our consumer driven culture and reverence for the Earth. The more we consume the more carbon in the atmosphere; and the more depletion of natural resources, trash and plastic. And if we don’t feel connected to the Earth on a deep level then all the electric cars and solar panels in the world won’t heal the damage we’ve done. We can’t solve a problem with the same mentality that created it in the first place.

Karen Neary March 21, 2019 at 4:48 pm

In a report such as this, shouldn't you mention the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act that was recently introduced in the House?

This act does literally put a price on carbon. I am quite surprised by your omission.

Steven Marantz March 24, 2019 at 11:51 am

These people obviously do not watch the current weather conditions in America. First, it is May and snow in the mountains in San Diego, CA. and else where in California, Colorado, and other States. If you're in snow, then where's the climate heat changing in America? Get your facts right about climate heat changing in America. Forest fires are caused by bad electric poles breaking down and not from climate chaining.

CHARLES MOST May 28, 2019 at 12:26 pm

Charles, scientists who study this continue to tell us that a regional cold spell doesn’t negate the overwhelming evidence showing that climate change is happening. We need to look to science for facts — and science must guide how we tackle this mounting crisis.This article sheds more light on the connection between cold weather and climate change:

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2019/01/climate-change-colder-winters-global-warming-polar-vortex/

 

Karin Rives May 30, 2019 at 10:18 am

Written by Moms Clean Air Force

This was written by Moms Clean Air Force’s National Field Manager, Trisha Sheehan: This weekend, my sons and I are headed to Washington, DC, once again. On Monday, we’re joining moms and kids from across the country to testify at the Environmental Protection Agency’s public...

We need your help to get this legislation across the finish line by Saturday. Regional. C4.

We need your help to get this legislation across the finish line by Saturday. Regional. C4.

Co-authored by Elgie Holstein Our nation has a history of tackling big challenges and leveraging the ingenuity of American entrepreneurs to develop solutions that have changed the world – from curing diseases to exploring space to launching the internet. Today, climate change is one of our most urgent global challenges, for which there is little […]

The transition to zero-carbon homes and buildings is a critical step in California’s efforts to fight climate change, but the state must urgently develop a coordinated, equitable and cost-effective plan to proactively manage the decommissioning of the legacy gas system. That is the conclusion of a new report from Environmental Defense Fund, which lays out strategies to guide decision-makers as they grapple with the question of who will pay for the existing fossil fuel infrastructure when California homes and buildings no longer use gas.