Washington, D.C. — As the Trump administration continues to push U.S. federal climate policy in precisely the wrong direction, America’s state and local governments have been rising to the challenge and taking meaningful action to address climate change and build a just and equitable clean energy economy.
States continue to use their authorities and investments to enact significant policies aimed at reducing carbon pollution from electricity, transportation, buildings and other key economic sectors. Many states are also designing policies that include the voices of low-income communities, workers, and communities of color—and many states are supporting those communities most affected by climate change. This state leadership is laying a roadmap for federal lawmakers to use in achieving nationwide climate action.
Earlier this month, Virginia became the latest state to enact 100 percent clean energy legislation, joining the 14 other leading states and territories committed to 100 percent clean energy by midcentury. This growing wave of state climate leadership is critical for reducing the carbon pollution that is fueling the climate crisis and ensuring that the communities most affected by climate change benefit in the transition to clean energy. It also demonstrates that bold climate action is possible and popular and shows the rest of the world that most Americans remain committed to climate solutions.
Please join the Center for American Progress, the League of Conservation Voters, and state leaders for an online event on Thursday, April 30, highlighting successful state leadership against the climate crisis and what it means for future federal climate action.
Panelists will discuss the clean energy solutions and coalitions advancing progress in Virginia, Colorado, and Illinois, as well as the important lessons that both state and federal lawmakers can derive from this progress.
Opening remarks:
Neera Tanden, President and CEO, Center for American Progress
Distinguished panelists:
Sen. Jennifer McClellan (D-VA)
Jen Walling, Executive Director, Illinois Environmental Council
Sen. Faith Winter (D-CO)
Moderator:
Sam Ricketts, Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress
WHEN
Thursday, April 30, 2020
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET
WHERE
You must RSVP to watch the livestream event by clicking this link. An email will then be sent with instructions on how to watch.
If you have questions for our panel, please submit them on Twitter using the hashtag #StatesLeadOnClimate or via email to [email protected].
For more information, please contact Sam Hananel at [email protected].