Climate Conversation with Cooper

It does happen, America! There is an agreement in Washington over some things. This time it was for Agriculture, which is and always has been the backbone of our country. While many of us are heralding the ground temperature rising enough to plant those tomato and pepper starts, the seedlings of bipartisanship emerged in our Nation’s Capital. On April 20th, the Growing Climate Solutions Act (S.1251) was reintroduced. S.1251 is a bipartisan bill that will break down barriers for farmers and foresters interested in participating in carbon markets and reward them for climate-smart practices. Among the four introducing Senators and thirty-one cosponsors of both parties (including 1 Independent) is Arkansas Republican Senator John Boozman. I applaud his willingness to work in a bipartisan manner on climate solutions. I now urge Sen. Tom Cotton to support this vital bill.   Since its reintroduction, S.1251 has gone to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, in which Sen. B...

The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act was re-introduced into the 117 th  Congress on April 1, 2021, as H.R. 2307 by Rep. Ted Deutch (FL-22). Along with him, there were 28 other original cosponsors. Since then and as of 4/19/21, an additional 12 representatives have signed on. Wow, 41 cosponsors of 1 bill in less than a month. Unfortunately, there are no Republicans on the bill yet, but we can hope.   The bill is similar to H.R.763 in the 116 th  Congress but slimmed down. Gone is the fee put on F-gasses, as that’s taken care of in separate action in part of the last COVID-19 relief bill. I think they made the necessary correction to the earlier legislation on F-gasses that goes back to when freon was regulated and eventually replaced. That previous bill was left open-ended to correct for problems down the road. Also gone for some reason is the pause on EPA regulations. I’ve heard a couple of possible reasons for this, but I won’t continue the speculation here. ...

Wild & Scenic Film Festival also hosted by Citizens Climate Lobby;  Here is the link for tickets:   Wild & Scenic Film Festival   Using the discount code not only saves you $5, but allows part of the proceeds go to Arkansas Citizens' Climate League, a very worthy organization that focuses on climate change solutions that include social justice. BTW, the 7PM ("doors open" at 6:30) start time is Pacific Time; so adjust it to your local time accordingly.  Also, a little earlier in the evening is this free event.  From a March Citizens Climate Lobby newsletter:   "“I Am Greta” screening:  Celebrate youth voices in the climate movement by watching a documentary about young climate activist Greta Thunberg. Hosted by CCL’s Higher Education team, the event on April 22 includes a short introduction to CCL — Invite your friends! — and the Energy Innovation Act. A discussion will follow the screening.  Register here ."