Climate Change Solutions - May 12, 2020

Hello and welcome to another edition of Climate Change Solutions!

Since our last issue, COVID-19 is continuing to change our daily lives but is also giving rise to some promising environmental action: 

• Renewable energy generation has topped coal in the United States for more than 40 straight days.
• The largest solar farm in the U.S. was approved to start construction
• Commercial whaling is on the decline and could end permanently
• And cities across the world are closing their streets to vehicles, giving more room for people to practice safe social distancing.
  • Milan plans to leave 22 miles of its streets car-free, even after social distancing measures are lifted.

In other important environmental and energy news:

• A federal court vacated nearly 300 oil and gas leases on public lands
• Asian giant hornets have arrived in the United States - which could be catastrophic for honeybee populations
• Scientists witnessed the first spawning of ridged cactus coral in human care 
• COVD-19 has plunged airlines into the deepest contraction in history
• New conservative group launched to take on climate issues
• And New Jersey is planning to invest over $100 million into the transition to electric vehicles.

Love our work? Have a climate solution? Reach out to Solutions editor Amber Todoroff with tips, gossip, or just to say hi!

Video Short: 3 Minutes on "A Security Threat Assessment of Global Climate Change" Kate Guy, a Principal Investigator for the Center for Climate and Security, discusses the center's new report, "A Security Threat Assessment of Global Climate Change." The report is a comprehensive look at the wide-ranging security impacts of climate change across all six geographic U.S. Combatant Commands, under two scenarios of future warming (a 1-2°C rise in temperatures, and a 2-4°C rise). Authored by a diverse group of U.S. national security and intelligence experts, the report offers both regional and international threat assessments for climate change, and recommendations for the way forward in addressing the looming global challenge.   Headlines In the Wake of the Coronavirus Outbreak, Innovative Finance Programs Are Ready to Leverage Federal Recovery Funds With the recent success of innovative finance programs as a guide, future COVID-19 stimulus packages could better balance and leverage one-time cash incentives with support for longer-lasting finance programs. This will help provide steadier support during the long road of national recovery. [click for more] The Problem with Packaging Waste: How Zero-Waste Grocers Are Powering Solutions With 26.8 million tons of plastic sent to landfills in 2017, it’s clear that major changes are needed to solve the plastic pollution crisis. Click to see what policymakers, companies, and consumers alike are doing to fight this issue. [click for more]   Innovations in River Renewable Energy Power Remote Alaskan Communities Pioneering innovations in water-based renewables, called marine renewable or hydrokinetic energy, are providing a new spin on traditional hydropower and presenting opportunities for decreasing dependence on fossil fuels and improving environmental health in remote Alaska. [click for more]

On the Hill The Senate came back in session on May 4. The House is yet to return, but members were told they will be given 72 hours to return to vote on the next stimulus package, which could happen this Friday. While there hasn't been major legislation pertaining to environmental issues over the past two weeks as Congress focuses on the coronavirus pandemic, the Congressional Research Service has been hard at work producing over 200 reports related to COVID-19, including analysis on the connections with energy, agriculture, and environmental policy.  EESI is engaging with the Hill as the House and Senate contemplate emergency relief packages and stimulus bills. On May 11, EESI, the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA), the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO), and the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) sent a letter to House and Senate leadership encouraging legislators to see the clean energy sector as a starting point to rebuild the economy. The letter focuses on innovative financing for cost-effective efficiency and renewable energy projects that can deliver immediate and long-term, self-sustaining benefits.   Natural Resources Committee Democrats Explore Intersection of Environmental Justice and the Coronavirus COVID-19 does not affect all demographic groups and communities in the same way. Experts cite environmental hazards as a factor driving the disease’s unequal burden. [click for more]   Wildlife Conservation Sees Bipartisan Support in 116th Congress In response to this and other reports, the 116th Congress has proposed legislation and heard testimony aimed at preserving the nation’s biodiversity.  [click for more]

EESI Briefings, News and Fact Sheets   News: The Coronavirus Impact on Aviation’s Climate Action The COVID-19 crisis is plunging commercial aviation into the deepest contraction of its history setting back years of climate action. EESI Policy Fellow Jeff Overton provides key insight into this issue. [click for more]   Briefing: Coastal Resilience in Alaska Programs and policies helping communities adapt in the nation’s fastest-warming state. [click for more]

EESI Around Town   EESI's aviation factsheet was cited in an article by InHabitat on the COVID-19 and its effect on the environment.   EESI was cited in an electric devices report on U.S. market potential for electric vehicles. EESI's joint letter on innovative financing solutions for COVID-19 recovery was reported in E&E news.   Upcoming Events   ONLINE-ONLY: 2020 Congressional Clean Energy EXPO and Policy Forum July 30 Stay tuned for further logistics! The 23rd Annual Congressional Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency EXPO and Policy Forum will bring together 16-24 businesses, trade associations, and government agencies to showcase renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.  The bipartisan House & Senate Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Caucuses are the EXPO's honorary co-hosts.   Biogas: Driving the U.S. Circular Economy September 10 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm Rayburn HOB Room 2168 (Gold Room) Held in conjunction with the American Biogas Council, experts will discuss the role biogas systems play in industrial models that "repurpose, reuse, and recycle."   Thank You to EESI Team Members for Their Contributions to Climate Change Solutions: Sydney O'Shaughnessy - Layout, Design, and Content Editor Amaury Laporte - Communications Director As well as all EESI Staff, Interns, and Fellows who write and review content!   Environmental and Energy Study Institute  Daniel Bresette, Executive Director   EESI is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 1984 by a bipartisan Congressional caucus to provide timely information and develop innovative policy solutions that set us on a cleaner, more secure and sustainable energy path.   www.eesi.org                 CFC #10627