Good News
Weekly Serving of Good News July 15, 2023
Good news is a powerful motivator for action, & there‘s lots of good news about climate mitigation, adaptation/resilience, and justice. Here’s a sample…
The Oregon legislature delivered big for the environment in 2023
Oregon State scientists find better way to capture carbon from industrial emissions
A Big Step Forward: New Breakthrough Could Lead to Cleaner Hydrogen Energy
Utah’s FORGE geothermal site proves it’s more than just wishing wells
New Iceland Tech Shakes Up Global Geothermal Energy
France boosts tidal sector with €65m and revenue support for FloWatt
Amazon has 5,000+ Rivian EV delivery vans on the road
‘Revolutionary’ solar power cell innovations break key energy threshold
TURBINES IN SSJID CANALS COULD GENERATE POWER
US approves construction for Orsted offshore wind project off New Jersey coast
This Shell station removed all of its gas pumps
July Climate Solutions Happening
The Oregon Climate Resilience Package! Deborah Clark
The bipartisan Climate Resilience Package, which was recently passed by the 2023 Oregon legislature, is chock-full of climate solutions that will make life better for all Oregonians! Heat pumps powered by renewable energy will be more accessible. Homes and buildings will be safer and more energy efficient. Electric trucks & buses will replace diesel ones on our roads. Solar and storage will be more affordable for homes and businesses. Resilience hubs will be created by and for frontline communities. Farmers, ranchers, and forest owners will be able to adopt more sustainable practices. Our air will be cleaner. Jobs in the clean energy economy will flourish across the state.
The Climate Resilience Package incorporated climate solutions from about 20 climate bills. The package included prioritization of Oregonians most vulnerable to climate change: people of color, low-income families, individuals with disabilities, and residents in rural areas. By investing approximately $100 million, the Climate Resilience Package will enable the state to leverage at least 10 times that amount in federal funding.
This legislative success reflects the hard work of countless advocates such as you, volunteers, and of course, legislative champions. Together we make a difference!
Faith-based Climate Action Opportunities
To help assess the engagement of UUFC members and friends in faith-based climate action and to encourage such action, please anonymously <Share> the number of the actions below you take this week. Optionally, you may anonymously also share other recent climate action.
The organizations whose calls to action we amplify, and the number from each organization, are listed <here>.
Sat 15 Jul
Citizens’ Climate Lobby The PROVE IT Act
The bipartisan PROVE IT Act requires the Department of Energy to study the carbon emissions of certain goods produced in the U.S. compared to other nations. You can think of this bill as step one in getting a carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) in the U.S. We need to show a huge wave of support now to bring CBAMs across the finish line later so they can drive down emissions around the globe. Send a short, customized message to your House Representative and Senators asking them to cosponsor it.
EarthJustice Electric Grid
As we move towards a 100% clean energy future, we need to urgently build more power lines to move clean energy across the country. Thousands of solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal projects in various stages of development are waiting years for approval to connect to the U.S. electric grid. More than 2,000 gigawatts of solar, wind and battery storage projects are languishing in the queue, according to the Department of Energy. That’s more power than the U.S. currently generates. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has a critical role to play in accelerating the transmission infrastructure we need to meet U.S. climate commitments. Call on FERC to act.
Interfaith Power & Light 2023 Farm Bill
Urge Congress to prioritize the needs of communities and the climate, not corporate profit margins. These include:
- Expand access to SNAP and other nutrition assistance programs
- Fund small-scale farmers, regenerative agriculture, and climate-friendly practices, from planting to packaging to delivery;
- Eliminate food waste and invest in urban agricultural projects that allow all people access to locally-grown, sustainable fresh food; and,
- Protect the dignity, health, and safety of those responsible for working the land.
- Fund international programs that train farmers to adapt to climate change and provide emergency and developmental support to more than 4 billion people around the world.
This is our chance to improve this crucial legislation. It’s time for Congress to invest in long-term solutions that address hunger, food access, and climate resilience. Petition Congress
Of Note This Week, Sat 7/15/23
US DOE
Website Investments in American-Made Energy
UUA
Article UUA Board Statement, Post-General Assembly 2023, Regarding Divestment Reparations
Save the Date
Sun 16 Jul, 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Avery Park (exact location TBD)
Whole Food Plant-based Picnic Potluck & Lawn Games: We are vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores attempting to eat and/or learn more about the health benefits of a whole food plant-based diet. First time attendees do not need to bring a dish. Bring your favorite lawn game. RSVP for more details about this monthly potluck; usually the 3rd Sun.
Contact: 541-908-0864 or wfpbcorvallis@gmail.com
Sponsor: Corvallis Whole Food Plant-Based Support
