Climate Justice

Chispa Nevada Disappointed in PUCN’s Decision to Approve Southwest Gas’ Rate Increase

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 4, 2024   LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Today, Chispa Nevada reacted to the Public Utility Commission of Nevada (PUCN) decision to approve Southwest Gas’ request to increase Southern Nevada customer rates for the fourth time in six years.  At a Consumer Session related to the rate increase request last December, dozens of Chispa Nevada members asked the PUCN to reject the Southwest Gas proposal and keep rates affordable for families, especially low-income and Latine families who already pay a higher share of their income on utility bills. Chispa Nevada turned in a petition with over a thousand signatures requesting the PUCN reject any future rate hikes and offer consumers relief.  “We are deeply disappointed in the PUCN’s decision,” said Audrey Peral, Program Director for Chispa Nevada. “As we shared with the Commission during December’s Consumer Session, our families are struggling to pay for basic needs and cannot afford another rate increase. So long as Nevadans are dependent on imported gas, our bills will continue to be unpredictable. We demand the PUCN reject any more rate increases and seek a transition to local, affordable, clean energy solutions.” Other Chispa Nevada members, all Las Vegas residents, shared how this rate increase will impact their lives: “Disproportionate increases in the cost of gas represent an unsustainable burden for people like me, because my pension does not allow me to cover basic expenses,” said Jorge Fuentes. “It is urgent to implement measures that protect vulnerable people such as retirees from unjustified increases. We need programs that are accessible and sustainable.” “The excessive increase in my gas bill, especially due to my gas heating, is financially affecting families like mine,” said Gloria Guardado. “As a mother, I am deeply concerned about how these increases impact the quality of life of my seven-year-old daughter. I am tired of the PUCN not listening to our demands and forcing Southwest Gas to invest in clean energy.” “I consider an additional increase in gas service to be unjustified since this would cause much more poverty in communities of color throughout the state of Nevada,” said Laura Pulido Acosta. “With these high prices for gas utilities, I have to decide whether to take my grandchildren to the dentist or pay my bills,” said Maria Prentice. “The PUCN should listen to our concerns and create programs that help us stay away from methane gas.” ###

Chispa Nevada Disappointed in PUCN’s Decision to Approve Southwest Gas’ Rate Increase Read More »

LCV, Chispa, and NCLCV Applaud Biden-Harris Announcement of $20B for Clean Energy Projects in Historically Excluded Communities

For Immediate Release April 4, 2024 Washington, D.C. — Today, the Biden-Harris administration announced awards for the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, which will direct $20 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act to community development entities to finance projects that will reduce pollution, tackle the climate crisis, lower energy costs for families, and create good-paying jobs across the country, particularly in communities of low wealth and communities of color. In response to the Biden-Harris administration’s announcement, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV), Chispa, and the North Carolina League of Conservation Voters (NCLCV) released the following statements: “The Biden-Harris administration is continuing to deliver on their promise to accelerate our country’s progress towards a clean energy future and ensure that a healthier, more prosperous future benefits communities previously left out,” said LCV Vice President of Federal Policy, Matthew Davis. “While extremist MAGA Republicans continue to attack the President’s affordable clean energy plan, these investments from the historic Inflation Reduction Act will jumpstart local projects and help cut energy costs for families, create clean energy jobs, and decrease pollution in communities disproportionately impacted by the climate crisis and volatile fossil fuel prices. We look forward to these investments catalyzing building energy efficiency and clean energy projects on the ground and are thrilled that over half of these projects will go to historically excluded communities, including communities of color, communities with low wealth, and rural communities.”  *** “Chispa is excited to welcome the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund investments. These will address critically needed green energy funding for our communities of color that need it most, resulting in cleaner air, lower energy costs for all, and more local jobs,” said Chispa Senior Director Estefany Carrasco González. “With local improvements such as community-owned solar, small business loans for local employers to electrify their vehicles, and home loans for families to improve their home’s comfort and energy efficiency, we’re starting to see an inclusive green energy future for all as a reality.” *** “We thank Vice President Kamala Harris for coming to North Carolina and announcing the launch of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund; and it couldn’t come at a better time,” said NCLCV Executive Director Carrie Clark. “According to the latest US climate assessment, North Carolina is one of the top five states facing the most expensive climate disasters. But North Carolina has also ranked first in the nation for business two years in a row, and first in the nation in rural clean energy jobs. If we want this success to continue, we must address the climate crisis. This announcement addresses the heart of the climate crisis and will help ensure North Carolina continues to be a great place for families and businesses to thrive.” ###

LCV, Chispa, and NCLCV Applaud Biden-Harris Announcement of $20B for Clean Energy Projects in Historically Excluded Communities Read More »

LCV and Chispa Statements on Final Phase 3 Trucks Rule

For Immediate Release March 29, 2024 Contact: Mika Hyer, mhyer@lcv.org, 940-783-2230 En Español: Elena Gaona, egaona@lcv.org, 202-907-9717 Washington, D.C. — In response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s final Phase 3 Heavy-Duty Vehicle Standards, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) and Chispa issued the following statements:  “We appreciate that the Biden-Harris administration and the EPA have taken an important step forward to finalize tailpipe pollution limits that are feasible and will help advance the adoption of electric trucks and buses,” said LCV Government Affairs Advocate on Climate Change & Clean Energy Darien Davis. “We are excited that the EPA is moving to support the modernization of vehicle standards across the transportation sector that will ultimately improve air quality in communities across the country and fight against life-shortening air pollution and the climate crisis. We look forward to continued work with the Biden-Harris administration to best leverage their significant federal investments through the Clean School Bus and Heavy-Duty Vehicles Programs in communities of color and communities with low wealth to deliver cleaner air and environmental justice at an even more rapid pace than the rules alone could deliver.” *** “We thank the EPA and the Biden-Harris Administration for again advancing stronger standards to curb dangerous air and climate emissions emitted from tractors, trash trucks, delivery trucks, school buses, and other heavy-duty vehicles. Today is a good day for our impacted familias and children living, working, or attending school near highways and other toxic transportation hubs every single day,” said Chispa Senior Director Estefany Carrasco-González. “Zero-emissions trucks and buses will lower operating costs, improve air quality, and fight the climate crisis. Today’s rule brings with it cleaner air and the hope that we can soon achieve a zero-emissions transportation sector to protect our public health and climate.” ###  

LCV and Chispa Statements on Final Phase 3 Trucks Rule Read More »

LCV and Chispa Applauds the Biden Administration’s Clean Vehicle Rules

For Immediate Release March 20, 2024 Contact:  Mika Hyer, mhyer@lcv.org, 940-783-2230 Elena Gaona, egaona@lcv.org, 202-907-9717 Washington, D.C. — In response to today’s finalization of EPA’s light-duty vehicle standards, and yesterday’s DOE announcement of the Petroleum Equivalency Factor (PEF), the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) and Chispa issued the following statements: “We applaud the Biden-Harris Administration for finalizing cleaner cars rules that advance climate, jobs, and justice. The final rule will slash billions of tons of climate pollution and protect the health of families across the country — particularly those in communities living near busy roads and highways,” said LCV Government Affairs Advocate for Climate & Clean Energy Darien Davis. “This rule, in combination with the DOE’s Petroleum Equivalency Factor and the hundreds of billions of dollars the Biden-Harris administration has delivered in their affordable clean energy plan, will help to supercharge low and zero-emission vehicle innovation and manufacturing across the country — boosting good family-sustaining jobs and decreasing tailpipe pollution. ” *** “Today’s cleaner cars rule will help us get closer to a healthier environment for our comunidades, because we all deserve a bright and healthy future. We know Latine communities and communities of color we work with suffer from asthma and other respiratory illnesses disproportionately. Regardless of income level or geographic region, people of color have consistently higher exposure to air pollution, diesel, and particulate matter. Tailpipe pollution contains toxic and harmful compounds that contaminate air quality and harm public health,” said Chispa Senior Director Estefany Carrasco-González. “We’re glad EPA has finalized stronger standards for passenger vehicles, and this is one more big step forward in cleaning up the transportation sector to prioritize and protect our health and climate. We look forward to seeing stronger truck and bus standards, too, as we move toward a zero-emission future.” # # #

LCV and Chispa Applauds the Biden Administration’s Clean Vehicle Rules Read More »

LCV and Chispa Applaud the Biden Administration’s Charging Action Plan

For Immediate Release March 13, 2024 Contact: Mika Hyer, mhyer@lcv.org, 940-783-2230 Washington, D.C. — In response to yesterday’s announcement of the National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy released by the Biden-Harris administration, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) and Chispa issued the following statements:  “We applaud the Biden-Harris administration’s launch of the National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy to advance the adoption of electric trucks and buses,” said LCV Government Affairs Advocate for Climate & Clean Energy Darien Davis. “This whole-of-government approach will ensure that busy freight corridors across the country have the infrastructure needed to support zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. Today’s announcement is a major step forward in the movement to tackle climate change and pollution from the transportation sector in every community. We look forward to further actions from the Biden administration that will help to accelerate the manufacture and adoption of zero-emission trucks and buses.” *** “We welcome the National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy as a next step in moving our transportation system closer to zero-emission trucks and buses,” said Estefany Carrasco-González, Chispa National Senior Director. “As improved sustainable solutions for clean air for all are implemented, especially in Black, Latinx, and Indigenous communities dealing with heavy contamination from dirty diesel in their neighborhoods, our frontline communities that deal with the worst air pollution must be engaged at every step of the process to ensure this corridor truly delivers.” ###

LCV and Chispa Applaud the Biden Administration’s Charging Action Plan Read More »

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 Texas Statement on Introduction of the Connect the Grid Act

Washington, D.C. — In response to today’s House introduction of the Connect the Grid Act, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) and Chispa Texas released the following statements:  “We applaud the members of Congress who are leading the charge to help all communities have access to more reliable, clean affordable power, especially in historically excluded communities of color and communities with low wealth,” said LCV Vice President of Federal Policy Matthew Davis.  “Extreme heat and winters have wreaked havoc on Texas’ isolated electric grid, and after last year’s deadly hottest year on record, it’s more important than ever to have reliable, clean energy sources in every community. We urge Congress to pass the Connect the Grid Act, and will work to ensure that people in the most impacted communities are prioritized over polluters in its implementation and the implementation of any other transmission and reliability improvements.” *** “Chispa Texas welcomes the Connect the Grid Act. For too long our state’s electric grid reliability has not been taken seriously, and the communities left without power due to extreme weather, or even regular weather, are the same communities already dealing with disproportionate environmental impacts due to the fossil fuel industry,” said Chispa Texas Director Elida Castillo. “We are particularly encouraged by the Act’s inclusion of ‘meaningful community involvement,’ which will allow Latino and Black neighborhoods to help shape their energy needs, including putting our comunidades first over large industry consumers and Big Polluters. Congress must quickly and equitably pass the Connect the Grid Act.” ###

LCV and Chispa Texas Statement on Introduction of the Connect the Grid Act 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 »

Find Us In Your State Newsletter Sign up

Become a Volunteer !
Sign Up for Chispa Volunteer
By donating or taking this action, you are affirming your membership in Chispa/League of Conservation Voters and your desire to receive regular Chispa/LCV communications and are entitled to vote for a member of the LCV Board of Directors. By giving your mobile phone number, you agree that Chispa/LCV may call or text you occasionally with important action alerts.
Find Your State
National
Nevada
Texas
States
Arizona
Colorado
Florida
Maryland
Take Action

Volunteer

Petitions

Donate

Join the Movement!
Sign Up for Chispa News and Updates