EESI Impact 31 - September 2026 | Newsletter

EESI Impact

September 2026

When Will the Grass Be Greener for Climate Policy?

From EESI's President, Daniel Bresette

What will the future hold? This question is dominating discussions about climate policy.

Media coverage of Capitol Hill is often hyperfocused on narratives of “who’s winning, who’s losing.” And now, as is the case about every two years, there is a temporal element: “Now or later?”

There are some big decisions coming up that will determine leadership in the next Congress. That is not in our wheelhouse. But we need to be prepared, no matter what.

Thanks for being our partners as we set up for success.

It is so easy to get lost in dreams about the future. It seems like anything can happen. Well, sort of. There are only four scenarios for who controls Congress, and some outcomes are likelier than others.

When EESI undertakes our scenario planning exercise, the goal is not to predict the future. Instead, our analysis is more like a process of elimination to isolate the “likely” from “when pigs fly.” Then, we can start to assemble a plan.

If you watch home improvement shows, you probably know the term “good bones.” That is what we are after: a solid plan that is strong enough to endure the thousands of tweaks based on how events actually play out.

One thing we know for certain: Congressional staff always need more information. If they are unable to get what they need from EESI, then they will look elsewhere—and most special interests are not as interested in nonpartisan, science-based responses as we are.

Your partnership ensures that policymakers continue to receive accurate, actionable information about a wide range of environmental issues and climate change solutions.

Thank you.