BLOG
Working through the floods
-- Drew -- 06/12/2008
I blog to you folks from the Iowa Global Campaign’s downtown Des Moines office, where we over the past few weeks we were almost forced to evacuate due to flooding. Many of you have probably been affected in some way by the flooding or the tornadoes. Although climate change cannot be directly linked to what has happened to our state, the severe weather of the last few weeks is in character with a world changed by global warming. Challenges like the ones before us can be solved if we have responsive and visionary political leadership.
That’s only one reason I am dismayed with the Senate filibuster of the Climate Security Act of 2008 this month. But even though some of our leaders failed to lead in this session of congress, next year a global warming bill will come back stronger, with more support in the senate. There are many ways to contact our leaders and demand climate change solutions.
I gave comment by telephone for the public comment period during the Iowa Climate Change Advisory Council’s June 12 meeting. It is through careful engagement in the government process we are hoping to make the biggest difference on the Advisory Council’s recommendations. Public comment is important because by adding voices to the cause of global warming solutions, we hasten the day when those solutions are reality. I’d encourage you to check out the calendar for our upcoming events, or contact us to find ways to get more involved.
Drew Veysey
dveysey@iowaglobalwarming.org
In one week Global Warming Bill debated in US Senate
-- Drew -- 05/28/2008
Iowa Global Warming is constantly looking for oppurtunities to make decision-makers take positive steps in stopping global warming. Before the US Senate is the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act (http://lieberman.senate.gov/documents/acsabill.pdf). It is exciting we have a bill that will be debated and probably voted on, but the goals just will not provide real climate security. We need a plan that reduces green house gas emissions 80% of 1990 levels by mid-century. We need a system that puts a price on emissions, and does not let corporations pollute for free (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cap_and_trade).
In the next few weeks there will be ample oppurtunities to help stop global warming right here in Iowa. Come help Iowa Global Warming at the Exodus music festival in Iowa City on June 7th (http://www.exodusmusicfestival.com/exodus.htm). Get connected through our facebook group "Keep It Cool Iowa". Ask Iowa Senators Grassley (http://grassley.senate.gov/public/) and Harkin (http://harkin.senate.gov/) to pass a climate change bill that truly tackles the problem. Volunteer to gather petition signatures at your local farmers market or church event. Write a letter to the editor about the Lieberman-Warner bill before the senate, using the link on our webpage makes it easy.
Stay tuned for more updates, we have some exciting things in the works for our youtube channel and we always look for events where we could raise awareness. If you know of an event that needs a snowman speaking truth to power, send me a note at dveysey@iowaglobalwarming.org
Hot day for the IGW Snowman!
-- Andrew Snow -- 05/20/2008
From IGW organizer Drew Veysey:
Wow, something amazing is happening outside. I don’t have much time to blog now, my 4th day working for Iowa Global Warming and I am already putting on a snowman costume for the big Barack Obama rally! After the HUGE rally Obama had in Oregon, we are expecting thousands to line up to see him declare a primary victory. The folks here at Iowa Global Warming are going to be signing people up for action alerts, getting more and more people organized to demand Iowa solutions to global warming. Every elected official needs to make global warming a priority, from the President all the way down to dog-catcher. It’s imperative that Senator Obama remembers his pledges to cut greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050. If you have the time, come on down and see history being made tonight, May 20th, at 7:30 on Grand and Locust in Des Moines.
new solutions for spring
-- Andrew Snow -- 05/12/2008
Well, it’s finally spring. No, really, I’m pretty sure spring is going to stay this time. So, now that you’ve got the option to get outside, what are you going to do? One good place to start is Bike to Work Week (http://www.bikeiowa.com), which is a weeklong series of events highlighting the benefits of riding a bike rather than driving your car. Simple solutions such as bike transportation help put us on a path to reducing global warming pollution - not to mention the path to better health and happier lives. I’ll be biking into work this week, and I hope you’ll join me in taking this small step.
While I’m talking about transportation, it’s worth noting that Congressman Braley recently signed on as a cosponsor of the Amtrak Reauthorization Bill, which will expand passenger rail options around the country. While speaking at a press conference last week, Rep. Braley also endorsed new rail service between Chicago and Davenport to Iowa City. As I’ve mentioned before, the recent Amtrak study demonstated a strong demand for service between Chicago and Iowa - a transportation option that would reduce automotive pollution and congestion, as well as make it easier for people to travel - especially people who have difficulty driving or flying. Braley’s support is encouraging, and adds another strong voice for real, practical global warming solutions. Please take a moment to call or email his office and thank him for his leadership, you can contact him here: http://braley.house.gov/Contact/
Earth Month Revisited
-- Andrew Snow -- 04/30/2008
Today is the last day of ‘Earth Month’ - you know, the month that has Earth Day. It’s nice to see the expansion of the theme from day, to week, to month. Of course, it’s up to each of us to make sure that the values of a sustainable world and brighter future are considered all year - but we’ve certainly got a good start. One thing I found truly encouraging this month: well over 300 Iowa Global Warming Campaign supporters attended at least one event statewide - and we’ve got more coming up, check our calendar to find an event near you.
Another thing I’m excited about is the Amtrak study released this month clearly demonstrating the feasibility and demand for rail service from Chicago to Iowa City through the Quad Cities. Governor Culver added his support for the plan: “Rail service has tremendous advantages in terms of reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and foreign sources of oil; slowing the growth of highway congestion and associated pollution; energy conservation; and lifestyle enhancement through improved mobility for persons who either cannot or simply do not want to drive or fly. That’s why passenger rail service has a bright future in America and why we are going to have to give it a higher priority in moving people to Iowa"
Des Moines Register article here: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080418/NEWS/80418007/1001/
Show your support (very easily!) here: http://actionnetwork.org/campaign/iatrains
There are other signs of change, though some are coming more slowly than we might like (or need!) for them to happen. And even among discouraging news there can be a glimmer of hope. This year’s legislative session was a disappointment to all observers: Culver introduced an energy plan that would have put us much farther down the road to a renewable and energy-efficient future - but didn’t get anywhere near passing the legislature. But we did get some ‘baby steps’ on energy efficiency and ‘green’ building design; as well as a $25 million appropriation for the Power Fund. The IUB just approved another step forward for the Marshalltown coal plant; but included requirements for increased use of renewables and carbon sequestration. Good? No. Better? Somewhat. And the fight’s not over yet.
So, with Earth Month over but a sustainable future still unrealized, we need to do more. Please, take the time to get involved - or be more involved. Write a letter to the editor of your paper, or your representative, come to an event, volunteer. If you aren’t exactly sure how best to get involved, send me an email or give us a call at the office. It’s our mission to help you make a difference.
Andrew
asnow@iowaglobalwarming.org
Every Day is Earth Day
-- Andrew Snow -- 04/15/2008
Earth Day is upon us once again, bringing renewed media focus to the ‘green’ movement and ensuring that the public hears the message of sustainability and eco-friendliness. Here in Iowa, the next week is full of events, giving average Iowans a chance to come out to have a good time, learn something, and go home feeling a little better about themselves and their world. The question, though, is whether or not people will change their habits and expect more from their leaders once the media spotlight dies down. Right now is a good time for environmentalism - public attention is as high as it’s been in years, and many people are changing to live more sustainable lives. I believe we’re seeing the start of true ‘grassroots leadership’, which is to say that the people are starting to lead, and the leaders are starting to follow.
Unfortunately, we don’t seem to have reached the ‘tipping point’ quite yet, where the public is demanding better answers and leaders are providing them. This session of the Iowa Legislature has been a disappointment to many, as we have seen good proposals (including a worthy energy bill from Gov. Culver) killed before reaching the floor or watered down until they no longer matter. In short, we need more than a few days of media attention and public involvement. And that’s where your help can make a difference: take a minute to write a letter to the editor (Earth Week is a great time to get published!), call your representative, share your feelings with friends and co-workers, and of course attend an Earth Day event. I’ll be posting a list of events that the Iowa Global Warming Campaign will be participating in - don’t forget to stop by our booth and say hi, we’d love to talk to you!
Clinton’s Energy Speech in Newton
-- Steve -- 11/08/2007
In an outbuilding at the new biodiesel plant in Newton, Iowa, with a few hundred people in attendance, Hillary Clinton announced her plan to lead the country to a new "green" energy economy.
"This is the biggest challenge we’ve faced in a generation" said Clinton, "a challenge to our economy, our security, our health and our planet. I believe America is ready to take action, ready to break the bonds of the old energy economy and ready to prove that the climate crisis is also one of the greatest economic opportunities in the history of our country. . . . It will be a new beginning for the 21st century."
Clinton first outlined why we need to change and face this challenge as an opportunity. Global climate change and the threat it poses will "unleash a wave of innovation, create millions of new jobs, enhance our security and lead the world to a revolution in how we produce and use energy. It will literally be a new beginning for the 21st Century."
Major pieces of her proposal include:
- Putting in place a cap and trade system, with a goal of reducing emissions of greenhouse gases by 80 percent. Under that system, greenhouse gases are capped and businesses that produce less than allowed can sell their credits to companies that produce more than allowed.
- Set a vehicle fuel efficiency standard of 55 miles per gallon by 2030, partially financed by the $20 billion in new bonds. Clinton estimated that by 2030, her plan would cut foreign oil imports by two-thirds compared with current projections.
- Pay for the retrofitting and modernizing of 20 million homes for low-income residents to cut electrical use. Overall electrical use would be reduced by 20 percent by 2020, and one-fourth of electricity would be produced by renewable sources by 2030. Those sources include, wind, solar, biomass and geothermal.
- Setting a goal of producing 60 billion gallons of renewable fuel such as ethanol and soy diesel, immensely popular programs in farm states like Iowa that produce corn and soybeans.
- Double federal spending on basic energy research, set new efficiency standards for appliances and phase out the use of incandescent light bulbs.
- Begin a new program to make it easier for low- and middle-income families to buy energy efficient homes.
- Create a National Energy Council in the White House to coordinate federal efforts.
- Fund 10 "smart grid cities" to deploy plug-in hybrid vehicles on a large scale.
"It’s the biggest challenge we’ve faced in a generation, a challenge to our economy, our health and our planet,’’ said Clinton. "It’s time for America to meet it. It is time to get back into the solutions business."
At the end of her address, Clinton took questions from the audience and one of the questions was by a Grinnell College student who was concerned about the long-term effects of green house gases. Clinton made note that most of the questions she gets around the country about global warming come from college, high school, and middle school students that express concern about their future and the future of the planet.
I hope the young people of our country continue to ask all the presidential candidates about this threat that hangs over our future.
Colbert Visits South Carolina
-- Emma -- 11/01/2007
Hillary Clinton Brings Climate Change Home to South Carolina
-- Emma -- 10/16/2007
This weekend in Florence, SC, Hillary Clinton talked about global warming in a town hall meeting at Wilson High School. She started off by praising Al Gore for his longstanding dedication to raising awareness about global warming and for his Nobel Peace Prize, saying, "I think every American should be proud. Because what he won the Nobel Prize for is part of what we have to do here at home to begin to get prepared for the future. We’ve got to tackle the challenges we confront, we can’t act like they’re not important or don’t exist."
She went on to link developing renewable sources of fuel to job creation and energy independence. "Germany is ahead of us, because they made a decision that they were going to have 25 percent of their electricity produced from solar power by 2030. So they’ve already created 285,000 new jobs," she said. "I want to have a strategic energy fund. And here’s how I would pay for it: take the tax subsidies away from the oil companies and put them to work for us."
Senator Clinton went on to explain why climate change is important to people everywhere, including South Carolina: "You see these poor polar bears that have nowhere to go, that’s heartbreaking. We’ve got to act because of that. But if you live along the coast, as a lot of people in South Carolina do, a lot of people in New York do, your home owner’s insurance policies are going up right now. In New York, I have people losing their insurance because the insurance companies have done long-term weather projections. And they’ve concluded we’re going to have a lot more intense and frequent storms, so they’re raising the costs or they’re pulling out of the market. So this is a real world challenge that we’re confronting, right here in America, and we’ve got to get serious about addressing it. So I think we could have a triple win: enhance our security, deal with global warming, and put millions of Americans to work. And that’s what I would do."
Obama Meets with S.C. Conservationists
-- Emma -- 10/01/2007
Presidential candidate Barack Obama took about forty-five minutes on Sunday to meet with leaders of South Carolina’s most prominent conservation groups. Senator Obama outlined his environmental positions and solicited feedback on how to bring the issues home to primary voters in South Carolina.
Obama said that his concern for the environment dates from his childhood in Hawaii-a beautiful place with a fragile ecosystem-and has been reinforced by his oldest daughter’s problems with asthma. As president, he said he plans to reverse much of the damage done by the Bush Administration by reviewing and reversing problematic executive orders, ensuring that the Environmental Protection Agency is fully funded and staffed to carry out its intended work, and strengthening and enforcing the Clean Air and Water Acts.
However, Obama’s top environmental priority is fighting climate change. His plans in this area include raising automobile fuel efficiency, instituting a national renewable electricity standard, and using a primarily auction-based cap-and-trade system to cut carbon emissions 80 percent by 2050. His energy plan, which he expects to release shortly, will also include concrete interim goals. Obama does not categorically oppose nuclear power or liquid coal as sources of energy, but believes that dealing with the environmental impacts of these fuels is essential before moving forward.
