Given the wide array of responses the climate advocacy community has had to the introduction of the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, this training will provide volunteers with the supportive mindset and resources to respond to questions earnestly and openly. We'll review an updated resource to help with some general guidance and perspective on how to respectfully engage with others who have critiques regarding one of CCL’s policy agenda areas in permitting reform.

Skip ahead to the following section(s):
(0:00) Intro & Agenda
(2:26) Background & Where To Find
(11:04) Framework In Action
(20:06) Community Engagement Background & Example

Tonight’s slides: https://cclusa.org/challenging-conversations-permitting   
Resource: https://community.citizensclimate.org/resources/item/19/564  
Training: https://community.citizensclimate.org/topics/clean-energy-permitting-reform/intro-to-permitting-reform

Our September guest will be Dr. Dan Ariely, Professor of Psychology and Behavioral Economics at Duke University and a founding member of the Center for Advanced Hindsight. Dan does research in behavioral economics and tries to describe it in plain language. As Dan learned about decision making and behavioral economics, he realized that this knowledge is relevant to many aspects of our lives, from financial decision making, to health, to better habits and even to a better personal life. Dan is a three-time New York Times bestselling author, and his books include Predictably Irrational, The Upside of Irrationality, The Honest Truth About Dishonesty, Irrationally Yours, Payoff, Dollars and Sense and Amazing Decisions. His latest book is Misbelief.

Skip ahead to the following section(s):
(0:00) Intro & Monthly Highlights
(10:55) Conversation with Dan Ariely
(37:12) Q&A Discussion
(41:33) CCL's September's Actions Review
(49:20) Previewing CCL's Inclusion Conference

Join CCL: https://cclusa.org/join 
September Action Sheet: https://cclusa.org/actionsheet 
Pre-Call Video:  https://vimeo.com/1009324406 
More about Dan: https://danariely.com/  
https://advanced-hindsight.com/  

Join CCL's Research Coordinator Dana Nuccitelli for a training that will provide updates to what the emission reductions potential is for the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 based on modeling by Resources For the Future, RMI, Jesse Jenkins, and Third Way. Senators Manchin (I-WV) and Barrasso (R-WY) introduced a bipartisan permitting reform bill called the Energy Permitting Reform Act. This bill is a significant advancement in CCL’s clean energy permitting reform policy agenda, that we have been advocating for over the past two years.

Skip ahead to the following section(s):

(0:00) Intro & Agenda
(1:51) What's In The Bill?
(5:18) Transmission Provisions
(17:06) Fossil Fuel Provisions 
(29:37) The Bill's Climate Pollution Cuts & Other Concerns

Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/energy-permitting-slides 
Research Summary: https://www.thirdway.org/memo/quantifying-the-emissions-impacts-of-the-energy-permitting-reform-act-of-2024 
Training Page: https://community.citizensclimate.org/events/item/24/16643 
Log Your Training: https://community.citizensclimate.org/log_training?sf_id=a5y8X000000lMgFQAU 

In 2024, CCL wants more climate voters to vote, and we want climate to be a key issue for every candidate in every election. We'll discuss options for CCLers to engage during the 2024 elections locally and nationally including the many events and outreach opportunities with CCL's Election Engagement Action Team: https://community.citizensclimate.org/groups/home/2977 
Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/election-engagement-slides 

Skip ahead to the following section(s):
(0:00) Intro & Agenda
(2:42) Why is CCL Engaging? 
(7:15) Public Voter Outreach
(16:55) Climate GOAT Campaign
(27:03) Getting CCLers to Vote
(32:45) Candidate Engagement

Climate change stands as the defining challenge of our era, a topic that can feel overwhelming in its scope and implications. As we grapple with this global crisis, many of us also face mounting anxiety about upcoming elections, whose outcomes could profoundly shape our response to climate change and impact the world we cherish. In this workshop, we'll explore the intersection of climate and election anxiety. We'll begin by defining these phenomena and examining their root causes and common manifestations. Most importantly, we'll introduce a practical five-step framework designed to help you navigate these complex emotions and concerns skillfully. By the end of our session, you'll have a deeper understanding of climate and election anxiety, as well as concrete tools to manage these feelings effectively. Our goal is to empower you to engage with these critical issues while maintaining your well-being and sense of agency.

Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/election-climate-anxiety  
Resilience Hub: https://cclusa.org/resilience 

Skip ahead to the following section(s):
(0:00) Intro & Agenda
(2:51) Exploring Anxiety
(13:10) Five Steps to Resilience
(31:34) Practice Ideas

Join CCL Youth Action Team Coordinator Sharon Bagatell and CCL youth leaders for a training all about the School Electrification Challenge! As student teams, CCL youth are advocating for passage of an “Electrify Everything” Resolution by their school district’s Board of Education and advocating for implementation of a resolution if their district already has one in place. Earn points by taking actions that support school electrification and lead to passage of the Resolution! To learn more and get all the details, including what you can do AFTER a resolution is passed, check out the Great School Electrification Challenge Guide.

Find out more and get involved at: https://youth.citizensclimatelobby.org/school-electrification/ 

Skip ahead to the following section(s):
(0:00) Intro & Agenda
(3:08) Why Electrify Schools?
(5:37) How The Challenge Works
(14:25) Lots of Benefits!
(18:44) Student Experiences
(24:55) Prior Results

Join us for this training designed to introduce participants to a wide array of resources aimed at enhancing existing skills and exploring new opportunities in Energy Efficiency and Electrification. Discover career maps to help you access a variety of helpful and informative resources, including online courses, webinars, and certifications - even plan your future work options!

Skip ahead to the following section(s):
(0:00) Intro & Agenda
(2:13) Part 1: Previewing the San Diego LEARN website
(9:55) Part 2: Previewing Coursework

Webpage: https://www.sandiegolearn.com/ 
https://electrifynow.net/electrify-coalition-webinars 

Angry and Ready: Dana R. Fisher's Climate Call to Action

In this month's Citizens’ Climate Radio, host Peterson Toscano introduces listeners to the fiery and determined voice of Dana R. Fisher, a veteran in the climate change movement with nearly three decades of experience. Fisher, the author of “Saving Ourselves: From Climate Shocks to Climate Action,” delivers a searing critique of the fossil fuel industry and the ineffectiveness of incremental policy changes. This episode challenges listeners to consider the strategies needed to combat climate change and our roles in this fight.

Dana R. Fisher: The Voice of Urgency

Fisher doesn’t hold back as she reads from her latest book, calling out the covert interference of fossil fuel industries in IPCC reports and the lack of robust action from elected officials. Fisher argues that while volunteer advocacy is valuable, it’s not enough. She calls for a shift from incremental change to systemic overhauls, pushing citizens to become "troublemaking rebels" to force the hand of those in power.

"Incremental policymaking is going to be the death of us all," Fisher warns, urging the need for more aggressive and organized activism. She emphasizes that the timeline of the climate crisis is not dictated by political cycles but by the rapidly accumulating greenhouse gases in our atmosphere.

Rebels, Advocates, Helpers, and Organizers: We Need Them All

Drawing from discussions from Episode 93, Peterson revisits the four roles change-makers play: advocates, rebels, helpers, and organizers. While most Citizens’ Climate Lobby volunteers fit the advocate role, Fisher stresses the need for more rebels and organizers to amplify the pressure on decision-makers.

Fisher’s call to action is clear: systemic change requires bold, sometimes uncomfortable actions. Peterson admits to his own discomfort with disruptive demonstrations but acknowledges their necessity in the broader strategy for climate action.

"While I deeply respect the work of groups like Citizens’ Climate Lobby, it's clear that advocacy alone isn't enough. We need more rebels, more organizers, and more systemic change to truly address the climate crisis." –Dana R. Fisher.

About Dana R. Fisher

Dana R. Fisher is the Director of the Center for Environment, Community, & Equity (CECE) and a Professor in the School of International Service at American University.  Her current projects include evaluating how federal service corps programs expand their climate-related work.  Fisher is a nonresident senior fellow in the governance studies program at The Brookings Institution and the chair of the political sociology section of the American Sociological Association.  She was a Contributing Author for Working Group 3 of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's Sixth Assessment Review (IPCC AR6), writing about citizen engagement and civic activism.  Her media appearances include ABC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, PBS Newshour, and various programs on NPR, BBC, and CBC. Her words have appeared in the popular media, including the Washington Post, Slate, TIME Magazine, Politico, the Nation, and the American Prospect.  Dana earned her undergraduate degree from Princeton University and a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She has authored over eighty research papers and book chapters and has written seven books.  For more details, see www.danarfisher.com. 

Follow Dana R. Fisher on TikTok, X, Instagram, BlueSky, Threads, and LinkedIn.

Good News: Bipartisan Success on Energy Permitting Reform

"The Energy Permitting Reform Act stands out as a beacon of cooperation in a divided political climate, offering real hope that we can accelerate the transition to a cleaner energy future." –Peterson Toscano

Peterson shares a rare piece of bipartisan good news. The U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources has advanced the Energy Permitting Reform Act with overwhelming support. This bill, which aims to streamline the permitting process for green energy projects, marks a significant step forward in building a sustainable energy infrastructure in the United States. The bipartisan nature of this success serves as a hopeful reminder that cooperation is still possible in the fight against climate change.

Learn more about Permitting Reform.

Why Climate? Featuring Dalton Jackson

In this episode’s Why Climate? segment, Dalton Jackson, a college senior from rural Indiana who is working on conservative outreach with Citizens’ Climate Lobby, shares how growing up on a farm and learning about engines sparked his interest in climate change, particularly the importance of transitioning to sustainable energy sources.

"Just because someone is conservative doesn’t mean they don’t care about climate change. It’s about showing them the benefits—economic and beyond." –Dalton Jackson.

Dalton emphasizes that convincing conservatives to engage in climate action often requires focusing on the economic benefits rather than solely the environmental impacts. He believes that more conservatives can be brought into the climate conversation by highlighting the cost savings and economic opportunities of clean energy. Dalton’s story is a powerful reminder that climate action can resonate across political divides when framed in terms of different values and priorities.

Learn more about CCL Conservative at CCLUSA.org/Conservatives.

Youth Corner: The Climate GOAT Campaign

In this episode’s CCL Youth Corner, Veda Ganesan introduces the Climate GOAT Campaign, a youth-driven initiative to make climate action a voting priority. The campaign focuses on relational organizing and deep canvassing, encouraging young people to engage their communities in meaningful conversations about the climate crisis.

"It's time for the leaders of the next generation to step up. Are you ready to use your voice to get climate action on the ballot?" –Veda Ganesan.

Learn more about CCL Youth and the GOAT Campaign at CCLUSA.org/Youth

Resilience Corner: Self-Care in Climate Work

"I know what I need to do for self-care, but so often, I ignore that inner voice. It’s a constant battle between pushing through and taking the break I desperately need." –Tamara Staton.

Tamara Staton returns with the Resilience Corner, reflecting on the challenges of integrating self-care into climate activism. Staton discusses the internal conflicts many climate activists face when prioritizing personal well-being and offers strategies for maintaining resilience in the face of overwhelming challenges.

Find out more about building resilience in your climate change work by visiting CCLUSA.org/resilience. 

Looking Ahead: Hot Mess - A True Crime Climate Mini-Series

You will hear about Hot Mess: How Climate Consensus Turned into Political Chaos, a new five-part mini-series exploring the rise and fall of bipartisan climate action in the U.S. This series promises to uncover the twists, turns, and missed opportunities in American climate politics, featuring insights from notable figures like former U.S. Representative Bob Inglis and Chelsea Henderson, host of RepubicEn’s EcoRight Speaks podcast. She is also the author of Glacial: The Inside Story of Climate Politics. Plu, Katie Zakrzewski from Green Tea Party Radio, who appeared on Episode 89 of Citizens Climate Radio, will join the conversation. 

Hot Mess: How Climate Consensus Turned into Political Chaos will appear in the same podcast feed as Citizens Climate Radio and premiere in October 2024. 

Take the Next Step: Get Involved

Feeling inspired by what you heard in this episode? The next step is to take action. Whether you're passionate about advocacy and organizing or simply want to learn more about how you can contribute to the climate movement, there's a place for you. Join thousands of others who are making a difference.

• For general actions and campaigns, Visit www.cclusa.org/action to explore current campaigns, find practical steps you can take today, and become part of a growing community committed to creating a sustainable future.
• For college students: Check out cclusa.org/highered to discover opportunities for engagement and leadership in climate action on your campus.
• For middle and high school students: Visit cclusa.org/youth to get involved in youth-led initiatives and make your voice heard on climate issues.

Listener Survey

We want to hear your feedback about this episode. Please fill out our short survey. 

Join the Conversation

Engage with other listeners and share your thoughts on our social media channels. Follow and connect with us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and TikTok.

We Want to Hear from You

• Email: radio @ citizensclimate.org
• Text/Voicemail: 619-512-9646 (+1 if calling from outside the USA.)

Production Team:

• Written and produced by Peterson Toscano, Veda Genesan, and Tamara Staton.
• Technical Support: Ricky Bradley and Brett Cease
• Social Media Assistance: Flannery Winchester

Music is provided by epidemicsound.com

Read the Transcript and full show notes at CCLUSA.org/radio

 

Have you wanted to install a heat pump or other clean energy appliances utilizing the Inflation Reduction Act and just didn't know where to get started? Join this Electrifying Your Home - Ask Me Anything to find out from homeowners from throughout the United States in a variety of climate zones and variety of backgrounds that have already done the work and want to answer your questions! CCL's Sr. Director of Communications Flannery Winchester will moderate a panel of CCL electrified homeowners who start by sharing their own experiences with each project they've installed and then open it up to the audience for a great discussion.

CCL’s Electrification Campaign: https://cclusa.org/its-electric  
Electrification Action Team: https://community.citizensclimate.org/groups/home/974  
Home Electrification and Efficiency Opportunities from the Inflation Reduction Act: https://community.citizensclimate.org/resources/item/19/528  
Rewiring America Calculator: https://cclusa.org/ira-calc  
Log Your Training: https://community.citizensclimate.org/log_training?sf_id=a5yUP00000034K1YAI 

August's Speaker was Aimee Witteman, Rewiring America VP of Investment. Witteman is the former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs at the U.S. Department of Energy, former Energy Foundation Vice President for States & Regions, former Director of U.S. States Policy at the Climate Imperative Foundation, and spent a decade at the McKnight Foundation designing and leading their climate grantmaking program aimed at decarbonizing the Midwest economy and embedding democratic participation and racial equity into the Foundation’s climate portfolio. Earlier this year, Witteman led the launch of Invest in Our Future, with $180 million in philanthropic pledges over three years, to leverage the more than $1 trillion in recently-enacted federal funds to tackle the climate crisis and make the American economy stronger, cleaner, and more equitable.

Skip ahead to the following section(s):
(0:00) Intro & Recent Highlights
(17:08) Aimee Witteman w/ Rewiring America
(38:30) Q&A Discussion
(42:30) CCL's August Actions Review

August Action Sheet: https://cclusa.org/actionsheet 
Pre-Call Video:   https://vimeo.com/996798212 
Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/august-monthly-call-slides 
Electrification Campaign: https://cclusa.org/its-electric 
Rewiring America Calculator https://cclusa.org/ira-calc 
Log Your Attendance:  https://cclusa.org/log-meeting 

In and around the second anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) this month of August, Rewiring America and Citizens’ Climate Lobby are teaming up to organize Front Porch Ribbon Cuttings! What’s a Front Porch Ribbon Cutting? It's a fun event designed to showcase the impact of the IRA by treating homeowners who've installed clean electric machines with the same pomp and circumstance as a big, new manufacturing facility might get upon opening. We want to cut a ribbon in front of heat pumps, EVs, induction stoves, and heat pump water heaters that have been installed across the country thanks to the IRA.

Skip ahead to the following section(s):
(0:00) Intro & Agenda
(3:35) Welcome & Background
(4:56) Sample Toolkit
(16:48) Press Release Walkthrough
(22:28) Summary

Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/front-porch-ribbon-cutting   
Press Release Template: https://community.citizensclimate.org/resources/item/19/359 
Front Porch Ribbon Cutting Planning Toolkit (copy): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bqBY74_gZAXr3YHcsruD7IdZ6pdBJ4FcTgoWBJAG1l0/copy  

Click to log your training: https://community.citizensclimate.org/log_training?sf_id=a5yUP00000030I1YAI