Clean Air

LCV and Chispa Statements on SCOTUS Oral Arguments in Ohio v. EPA

Washington, D.C.— In response to today’s Supreme Court oral arguments in Ohio v. EPA, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) and Chispa released the following statements: “We are alarmed that extremist MAGA justices on the Supreme Court continue to threaten bare-minimum federal protections for clean air, the health of our communities, and the future of our planet,” said Vice President of Federal Policy and former EPA scientist Matthew Davis. “Our communities need the EPA to be able to protect us from pollution and environmental injustice, and we need judges to follow the law instead of twisting it to serve the Big Polluters and other far-right interests. Air pollution doesn’t stop at a neighborhood or a state line. Just in the last two years, the Supreme Court’s far-right majority has rolled back protections for our waterways and limited EPA’s tools to fight climate pollution. Our communities, our planet, and our democracy deserve better. The Supreme Court must get out of the way and allow the EPA’s Good Neighbor Rule to move forward.” *** “We all deserve the right to breathe clean air, and the Clean Air Act has helped protect communities from the worst effects of air pollution. Still, our communities of color are 61% more likely to live in a county with unhealthy air, despite income level or neighborhood,” said Chispa National Senior Director Estefany Carrasco-Gonzalez. “Our comunidades continue to live with the effects of poor air quality, and continue to fight for our right to breathe clean air. What we need is our own government and courts to protect the people, not the profits of the industries that have for decades gotten away with polluting our air for their benefit.” ###

LCV and Chispa Statements on SCOTUS Oral Arguments in Ohio v. EPA Read More »

LCV and Chispa Texas Statements on the House Passage of H.R. 7176, Shameless Giveaway to Polluters

Washington, D.C. – In response to today’s House vote to pass H.R. 7176, the Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) and Chispa TX released the following statements: “MAGA Republicans in the House have once again put the interests of their Big Polluter friends over protecting people and the planet,” said Vice President of Government Affairs Sara Chieffo. “This extreme bill takes away the government’s ability to even study what is in the ‘public’s interest.’ It represents a shameless handout to the fossil fuel industry and would lock frontline communities and communities across the country in for decades of continued extraction, climate disruption, unstable energy prices, and negative impacts on our health and safety.” *** “H.R. 7176 is terrible for many local communities already impacted by out-of-control LNG expansion all along our Texas Gulf coastline. Today’s House vote represents extremist Republicans acting quickly to protect a few big polluting industries while continuing to disregard the health, energy and environment needs of entire families and neighborhoods, often their own constituents” said Chispa Texas Program Director Elida Castillo. “The impact of LNG facilities on local communities should be taken seriously, and our federal government has a responsibility to examine the impacts of LNG expansion on our environment and communities. Instead, this bill makes it irresponsibly easy for LNG exporters to build, extract, pollute, and then export. The Biden Administration’s pause on new LNG facilities should continue.” ###

LCV and Chispa Texas Statements on the House Passage of H.R. 7176, Shameless Giveaway to Polluters Read More »

LCV and Chispa Statements on Finalized EPA Soot Pollution Standard

For Immediate Release February 7th, 2024 Contact: Jessie Cohen, jcohen@lcv.org Washington, D.C. – In response to EPA finalizing a tightened annual standard for the primary National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Particulate Matter (or PM2.5 NAAQS), the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) and Chispa released the following statements: “We applaud the Biden-Harris administration’s new, tougher annual standard to cut deadly soot pollution and build a more clean and equitable energy future,” said LCV Vice President of Federal Policy Matthew Davis. “For the second time in just two weeks, President Biden and his administration is delivering big for environmental justice, public health, climate, and science. Communities of color and low wealth communities too often experience disproportionate health impacts and environmental injustices due to exposure to soot pollution from Big Polluters and heavy traffic. While we still need to strengthen the daily standard for soot, cutting the annual standard by a quarter is a significant step forward. The administration must swiftly work with states and local air districts to implement these much improved standards.” *** “Our communities depend on the strongest federal protections against toxic pollution for the health of our air and our communities,” said Chispa National Senior Director Estefany Carrasco-Gonzalez. “Our children and our families have the right to breathe clean air free from soot pollution and for Big Polluters to be held to higher standards. These finalized standards for soot must be implemented quickly by the Biden-Harris administration, and EPA must continue to strive for the strongest federal standards to address environmental injustice for all communities across the country.”   ###

LCV and Chispa Statements on Finalized EPA Soot Pollution Standard Read More »

LCV and Chispa Applaud Biden-Administration Decision to Delay LNG Expansion

January 26, 2024 Contact: Mika Hyer, mhyer@lcv.org, 940-783-2230   Washington, D.C. – In response to the Biden-Harris administration’s decision to reconsider the public interest determination process for LNG export projects, therefore delaying pending approvals, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) and Chispa released the following statements: “This is huge. The Biden-Harris administration’s decision to take a deeper look at all the impacts of LNG exports is a major step forward towards protecting our families, our communities, and our climate,” said LCV President Gene Karpinski. “This decision sends a clear signal that the administration is taking the global commitment reached in December to transition away from fossil fuels seriously. No president has done more on climate, from day one executive orders to the historic investments in the Inflation Reduction Act to today’s announcement, President Biden is slashing climate pollution, increasing affordable, renewable energy, and transitioning away from fossil fuels. Exporting LNG is harmful to our environment, our economy, and our communities. Continuing to allow the massive expansion of this industry would mean even more toxic pollution and higher energy bills for communities across the country who are already overburdened by pollution and energy costs, and would make it nearly impossible for the world to reach its climate goals. Meanwhile Big Oil is willing to say and spend anything to pad their already record profits. Our future must be powered by clean energy, not the polluting, volatile, and unreliable fossil fuels of the past.” *** “We thank the Biden-Harris administration for listening to our communities experiencing the devastating impacts of massive oil and gas exports firsthand. This is a hopeful and critical step forward to prioritize people over polluters for our future generations and our communities along the Gulf coast,” said Chispa Texas Program Director Elida Castillo. “After record-breaking heat across the country last year, this major action is crucial to combat the climate crisis and environmental injustice, especially for our communities most harmed by toxic pollution from oil and gas extraction. For too long, Big Polluters have been allowed to export more fossil fuels year after year regardless of the cost to communities who are living with even more consequences from toxic pollution, consumers across the country already facing higher costs and unreliable energy sources, and more impacted communities by our reliance on fossil fuels. Despite what Big Oil wants us to believe, renewables are bringing down the energy costs for everyone. This is the path to a more sustainable and equitable clean energy future that stabilizes our economy and supports our domestic energy security.” ###

LCV and Chispa Applaud Biden-Administration Decision to Delay LNG Expansion Read More »

Nevada to Receive $7.7MM Federal Grant for Electric School Buses

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced this week that Nevada will receive $7.7 million from EPA’s 2023 Clean School Bus Grant Program to deploy 25 electric school buses across Nevada. The Clean School Bus Program is a competitive funding opportunity that is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This effort is a result of a partnership between the Nevada Clean Energy Fund (NCEF), NV Energy, the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP), and the World Resources Institute (WRI)’s Electric School Bus Initiative. NCEF, who led the application and will be responsible for administering the funds, is a nonprofit organization that provides financial and technical resources to accelerate clean energy growth in Nevada. The award will replace 25 diesel buses with zero-emission electric school buses across Nevada over the next three years. The effort is expected to significantly lower fuel and maintenance costs while reducing harmful air pollution in the communities where the electric school buses are deployed. By stacking this award with other funds, such as NV Energy’s Electric School Bus Vehicle-to-Grid Trial Program, the Volkswagen Settlement Funds administered by NDEP, and federal tax credits, schools can get electric school buses at no upfront cost. NCEF, NV Energy, and WRI will also provide technical assistance to school districts on the procurement and installation of the buses and bus chargers. Lander County, Elko County, Lyon County, Douglas County, and Carson City School Districts are slated to receive funding for electric school buses from NCEF’s award. Other interested school districts should contact NCEF at info@nevadacef.org. “The Nevada Clean Energy Fund is proud to bring these federal funds into Nevada to provide tangible health and economic benefits to our schools, students, and communities,” said Kirsten Stasio, CEO of NCEF. “This collaborative, statewide effort, enables us to make the electric school bus opportunity accessible to every Nevada school district, whether rural or urban, big or small.” “We are excited about this opportunity to further reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and harmful air pollutants in Nevada’s communities,” said Jennifer Carr, Administrator at NDEP. “The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection is looking forward to collaborating with NCEF, NV Energy, and all the other partners, as well as continuing to invest VW Settlement Funds to benefit more schools. “NV Energy’s electric school bus vehicle-to-grid trial gives school districts a realistic pathway to deploy electric school buses while supporting local grid resilience,” said Marie Steele, Vice President of Electrification & Energy Services for NV Energy. “This award from the EPA, and the Statewide collaboration, is critical for the ability to continue NV Energy’s longstanding effort to work with and support Nevada’s school districts.” “As a small, rural school district, getting an electric school bus would not be possible without the partnership and support of the Nevada Clean Energy Fund and NV Energy,” said Russell Klein, Superintendent of Lander County School District. “Thanks to this award, our school district has the opportunity to achieve fuel cost savings and test out electric buses at zero out-of-pocket cost to the school district,” said Seth Canning, Director of Transportation at Elko County School District. “These learnings are essential for electric school buses to become a larger part of our future school bus fleet. “We are looking forward to integrating six electric school buses into our fleet using these funds,” said Harman Bains, Executive Director of Operations at the Lyon County School District. “Although the transition won’t be without its challenges, we firmly believe that the benefits will make the effort worthwhile.” “We’re thrilled to partner with school bus electrification champions Nevada Clean Energy Fund and NV Energy to help bring clean-running electric school buses to school districts and communities across Nevada,” said Sue Gander, Director of the WRI Electric School Bus Initiative. “When green banks, state governments, utilities, school districts, advocates and other stakeholders across the school transportation ecosystem work together, we can accelerate the equitable transition to electric school buses and deliver important health, environmental and economic benefits to those who need them the most.” “As the mother of an asthmatic child, I know how the black smoke of diesel pollution contaminates the air our children breathe and worsens conditions like asthma,” said Areli Sanchez, promotora with Chispa Nevada. “Our children deserve to breathe clean air, and I’m one of many parents who want to see electric school buses at every school in Nevada to reduce hospitalizations due to asthma. We congratulate the Nevada Clean Energy Fund on winning this grant award, and thank the EPA Clean School Bus Program for bringing additional funding to our state. Chispa Nevada will continue to work with school districts to ensure we provide a clean ride for kids and we look forward to seeing these buses circulating in our communities.” The grant proposal was supported by Nevada’s U.S. Senators, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and Senator Jacky Rosen, who worked to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. “I’m thrilled to see these federal dollars I secured for clean buses coming to Nevada to help our schools lower their energy costs and keep kids safe and healthy,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Nevada’s clean energy boom is creating jobs and helping students and families across the state, and I’ll always fight to provide Nevadans with the resources they need to succeed.” About the Nevada Clean Energy Fund (NCEF): NCEF is a nonprofit organization that supports a thriving, affordable, and accessible clean energy economy by providing financial and technical resources to Nevadans. NCEF was established by state legislation in 2017 as the state’s green bank. About the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP): NDEP’s mission is to preserve and enhance the environment of the State in order to protect public health, sustain healthy ecosystems, and contribute to a vibrant economy. NDEP is a division of the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. About NV Energy: NV Energy, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy, is an energy holding company headquartered in Nevada whose principal subsidiaries are Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific. Today, its service area covers nearly 46,000 square miles, including the communities of Las Vegas, Reno-Sparks, Henderson, and Elko. NV Energy provides a wide range of energy services to

Nevada to Receive $7.7MM Federal Grant for Electric School Buses Read More »

LCV and Chispa Statements on EPA’s Clean School Bus Grant Program Announcement

For Immediate Release January 8, 2024 Contact: Mika Hyer, mhyer@lcv.org, 940-783-2230 Washington, D.C.— In response to today’s EPA announcement awarding $965 million to school districts from the Clean School Bus Grants program, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) and Chispa released the following statements: “The Biden-Harris administration is continuing to deliver on historic investments towards a clean energy future with more clean buses that will help address environmental injustice in the communities of color and communities with low wealth, and increase good paying union jobs in our country,” said LCV Government Affairs Advocate for Climate & Clean Energy Darien Davis. “These investments will ensure that 7.5 million students across the country will have a clean ride to school. As the EPA continues to fund electric buses for our youth and communities to breathe cleaner air, we must ensure these benefits are prioritized to reach the communities of color and communities with low wealth that are most impacted by toxic air pollution.” *** “Communities of color and low-income communities across the country experience higher rates of respiratory and other illness due to exposure to dirty air,” said Chispa National Director Estefany Carrasco-Gonzalez. “This latest announcement from EPA is a great step toward ensuring cleaner, safer, healthier air for all communities, particularly for our children in historically excluded communities who are more than twice as likely to have respiratory diseases like asthma than children living in higher income areas, by helping these communities to replace toxic, diesel school buses with cleaner, electric models. Already, the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program has doubled the number of electric school buses in the country, and we are excited to continue to work with EPA to further an equitable and just transition to electric school buses.” ###

LCV and Chispa Statements on EPA’s Clean School Bus Grant Program Announcement Read More »

Gregory, TX Residents Lobby to Save Their Town From LNG

In the heart of South Texas, a group of resilient community members came together with a common goal: to protect their homes, their families, and their environment from the adverse effects of Methane Gas (LNG) exports. Their stories are a testament to the power of grassroots organizing, advocacy, and the determination of individuals to bring about change. Join us as we delve into the dangers of methane gas exports and the inspiring journey of five Chispa Texas community members who lobbied their members of Congress to end LNG exports. What’s Happening in Texas  LNG stands for Liquefied Natural Gas, but there’s nothing natural about it. It’s gas primarily made up of methane, one of the more potent greenhouse gasses. As methane gas (LNG) exports expand, low-income communities of color are disproportionately affected, their environmental concerns and impacts continue to grow. Methane Gas (LNG) facilities release emissions and pollutants, affecting air quality in surrounding neighborhoods and posing health risks to communities across Texas and the Coastal Bend. The LNG facilities also require large amounts of water for cooling and safety measures, affecting local water sources and ecosystems. Furthermore, the construction and operation of LNG facilities produce noise and light pollution, disrupting nearby residents’ quality of life and mental health. And, while communities in Texas are paying a steep price — their health and wellbeing — corporate polluters, like Cheniere in Gregory, are extracting massive profits. The LNG Industry’s Impact on the People and Planet LNG exports have surged in recent years, driven by the promise of economic growth and energy independence. However, the harsh reality is that this industry has brought many problems to South Texans, particularly low-income communities and communities of color. Air Pollution: LNG facilities emit significant pollutants into the air, including volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides, which contribute to poor air quality and can exacerbate respiratory problems. For communities already burdened by pollution, this is a grave concern. Extreme Heat: The LNG industry’s infrastructure, including massive storage tanks and pipelines, absorbs and radiates heat, creating localized “heat islands.” These extreme heat pockets disproportionately affect low-income communities and communities of color, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses and discomfort during scorching Texas summers. Disproportionate Impact on low-income communities and communities of color: Low-income communities and communities of color often bear the brunt of industrial development. The expansion of LNG facilities has further deepened these disparities, as they tend to be located near these communities, exacerbating existing environmental and health inequalities. The Voices of Change Community members from Chispa, Texas, refused to remain silent despite these injustices. They recognized the urgency of their situation and decided to take matters into their own hands. Below, Chispa Texas community leaders share their experiences and why they are lobbying. Carmen Hernandez: “Towns are dying around us, and it needs to stop. We are here to make that statement so the continuance of expansion stops. The American people, us citizens in these small towns, want to keep on living for as long as we can. The future of our children is at stake” (Carmen Hernandez) Angelica Cuevas from Gregory, Texas: “I’m interested in taking care of my town, the atmosphere, the knowledge of what it takes to better our lives in such a short time because there is so much to do and so much to say, but we don’t know how to.” Gwendolyn Jones from Freeport, Texas: “I want people to understand, when we have information, we have to share it with everyone because that is where the power is at. And that’s going to make the biggest difference in changing the nightmare of fossil fuels and climate change” (Gwendolyn Jones ) Their Journey to Congress For many community members, this was their first time on a plane. It was a whole new experience from the travel to the destination; it was all new, different, and slightly overwhelming. These determined community members recognized that for change to reflect their community’s needs, they needed to travel all the way to Washington, D.C., to raise the concerns they’ve experienced in South Texas. They lobbied their congressional representatives, sharing their stories and demanding action. They engaged in open dialogues with their elected officials to ensure they shed light on these stories in the rooms of Capitol Hill. (Chispa Texas members lobbying Rep. Crockett) This is only the beginning  The Gregory community’s efforts should be noticed. Together with allies and concerned citizens, they urged their congressional representatives to take action. We need stricter regulations on LNG exports and to prioritize environmental justice in decision-making processes. The story of these five community members from Chispa, Texas, serves as a powerful reminder that individuals can make a difference when they come together for a common cause. Their resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to protecting their communities from the harmful effects of LNG exports are a testament to the power of grassroots activism. As we look to the future, we must continue supporting and amplifying the voices of those most affected by environmental injustices. Together, we can work towards a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

Gregory, TX Residents Lobby to Save Their Town From LNG Read More »

LCV and Chispa Statements on House Vote to Undo Strong Car Standards

  For Immediate Release SEP 14th, 2023 Contact: Mika Hyer, mhyer@lcv.org, 940-783-2230 Washington D.C. — In response to today’s House floor vote on H.R. 1435, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) and Chispa released the following statements: “Republicans are determined to roll back electric vehicle benefits for families, harm our global competitiveness, and weaken car standards that keep our communities safe in favor of polluters and special interests,” said LCV Climate & Clean Energy Government Affairs Advocate Darien Davis. “Today’s vote forced by extremist House Republicans is disappointing but not unexpected as they continue to do everything in their power to stall progress towards a clean energy future and block states’ rights to deliver cleaner air to their residents in favor of their fossil fuel cronies. Transitioning to zero-emission vehicles will mean cleaner air for our communities and our children in historically excluded communities who suffer the most from toxic air pollution. “In addition, we stand in solidarity with UAW and underscore their demands of the Big Three to ensure the future of electric vehicles guarantees good jobs for families across the country. Stronger clean vehicles standards help boost innovation, good jobs, and local investments to keep our manufacturing at the cutting edge of transportation.” *** “With today’s vote, House Republicans have once again shown that they value the interests of Big Polluters over the health and safety of our communities,” said Chispa National Director Estefany Carrasco-Gonzalez. “The science is clear: we must transition away from traditional combustion engines to secure a safe future for the planet and breathable air for our children and comunidades, yet extreme House Republicans continue to ignore the impacts of air pollution and put our communities, especially those who have been historically excluded, at risk. Congress must take immediate action to place the needs of people over polluter interests by strengthening clean transportation policies instead of weakening them. “While it is important to embrace cleaner transportation, we cannot do so without ensuring good jobs for the workers critical to facilitating this transition. Chispa supports the UAW in their demands and stands in solidarity with autoworkers.” ###

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Chispa Nevada Condemns Gov. Lombardo’s Decision to Leave U.S. Climate Alliance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 13, 2023 LAS VEGAS — On the news that Governor Lombardo has decided to withdraw Nevada from the U.S. Climate Alliance, Chispa National Director Estefany Carrasco-Gonzalez released the following statement: “Governor Lombardo’s decision to withdraw Nevada from the U.S. Climate Alliance is putting the health of Latine families at risk. We are already experiencing the worst impacts of climate change, including the heat wave right now that’s making it unbearable to work or spend time outdoors. Climate change is worsening air and water pollution, increasing lung and heart diseases, and raising the costs of basic necessities. Our community needs a governor who will prioritize the well-being of our environment and the futures of our children and our children’s children. We have been let down by Governor Lombardo’s lack of leadership.” ### Chispa Nevada is a program of the League of Conservation Voters that builds the power of Latine communities to fight for climate justice and our democracy. Visit us at https://chispalcv.org for more information. * * *

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CHISPA MARYLAND RALLIES ADVOCATES IN BALTIMORE COUNTY AND BALTIMORE CITY

Every day, more than 650,000 children in Maryland ride to school on a school bus powered by diesel fuel, which exposes children to toxic exhaust that increases their lifetime risk of respiratory illnesses and even cancer. Approximately one in 10 of these young bus riders suffer from asthma — a leading cause of school absenteeism — and this asthma rate is higher among minority groups. In Baltimore City and Baltimore County, parents are increasingly rallying in support of both their children and cleaner air, thanks to Chispa Maryland. Chispa, which means “spark” in Spanish, is a program launched in 2014 by Maryland League of Conservation Voters Education Fund. Chispa Maryland ensures that Maryland Latino families and community leaders are a powerful voice for protecting our air, land, water, public health, and future. The Chispa Maryland team has been engaging and connecting with concerned mothers through canvassing, community house meetings, tabling at events, and PTA meetings. The immediate goal, says Morena Zelaya, the organizing manager for Chispa Maryland, is to encourage these new advocates to push their school boards to commit to transitioning their school bus fleets to zero-emission electric school buses that will protect the health of children and their communities. The response has been extremely encouraging, says Morena. She and her partner, Chispa Maryland Community Organizer Elíseo Magos González, are now training a new group of 20 Baltimore County volunteer promoters – or “promotores” – to be leaders on environmental issues that are important to the community, and several of these promotores have already reached out to their school boards about the advantages of electric school buses. Through their work in the Baltimore region, Morena and Eliseo have also established a strong partnership with another Latino-outreach group, Comité Latino de Baltimore. Health concerns are a driving theme for much of their Latino audience, says Morena. “Several of our new promotores are mothers whose children have asthma. They care about the electric school bus issue and about climate justice because they want better health outcomes for their children, and a better future.” “Many of the community members we support haven’t had the same education or opportunities that Morena and I have,” says Eliseo. “But they are eager to learn and advocate. I’m confident they will continue to pass the information along and soon we will have a better environment.” Although the bulk of Chispa Maryland’s work is with Maryland’s Latino communities, the group welcomes support from anyone in Maryland who is interested in advocating for environmental justice locally and statewide. In fact, says Morena, Chispa’s efforts just received a significant boost from a non-Latino PTA president, Rachel Lemus, who offered to advocate for electric school buses at an upcoming Board of Education meeting, and another community leader who is using her Facebook page to promote Chispa and electric school buses. “We plan to continue to expand the program to communities throughout Maryland, and everyone is welcome,” says Morena. “We need all the help we can get!” To learn more or to get involved with Chispa Maryland, please contact Eliseo via email at emagos@mdlcv.org or via phone at 240-705-6865. ###

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