Climate groups appear to be shifting their focus away from Congress and to any potential climate executive orders President Biden could put forth. Though the midterms were arguably a success for Democrats, Republicans are the ones who control the House. Sierra Club Legislative Director Melinda Pierce told The Hill that this certainly changes how the organization approaches effective climate action.
“In terms of the main focus of what the Sierra Club is looking to advance the climate agenda, it’s absolutely [Inflation Reduction Act] implementation, which goes hand-in-hand with executive action,” Pierce told the outlet. Pierce remains hopeful that the Biden administration will continue to build on its progress. After all, the White House is already seeing the results of incentives funding the renewables transition.
Campaign Action
The New York Times published a piece Tuesday noting the shift in utility companies from an outright hostility toward renewables to welcoming whatever gets them money for putting up renewable infrastructure. The paper opens with a passage on DTE Energy, the Michigan utility that recently failed miserably to continue lining its pockets through outrageous rate hikes. While there’s certainly an ethical concern about rewarding polluters for the sake of battling climate change, incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act working should be celebrated—and could be similarly implemented on a state level.
A spokesperson for Evergreen Action told The Hill that the group is definitely interested in climate executive actions, but also state policies and initiatives. Even just a few years ago, Green New Deal-style policies in cities and states around the country had seen success. The fight for a just transition will take many tools to accomplish, including electing the right state-level representatives for public utilities commissions or in positions to appoint commissioners.
Climate-focused leadership is what caused the Michigan Public Service Commission to deny approval to 90% of DTE’s outrageous asks. It’s what could very well change the face of my utility in New Orleans if candidates like Davante Lewis, who rejects funding from companies like Entergy and calls for ambitious renewables goals to be met in Louisiana, are elected.
Of course, it wouldn’t hurt to call the climate crisis exactly what it is and push for President Biden to declare a climate emergency; especially as storms threaten parts of the U.S. and the weather turns colder for winter. We cannot wait until Congress is fully Democrat-controlled. Climate change simply won’t allow it.
Daily Kos recruited more than 50,000 volunteers to get out the Democratic vote for the November election. Chip in $5 to help us get out the vote for the Georgia runoff.
However you can help Raphael Warnock to win the Georgia runoff, we need you today. Check out our Daily Kos GOTV Page, and get plugged into a volunteer activity now.