Climate Justice

Environmental and Community Groups Call for Transparency and Clean Energy in NV Energy’s 2024 Integrated Resource Plan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 10, 2024 Media contact:  Yazmyn Pelaez, yazmyn@nevadaconservationleague.org, (702) 527-9638 LAS VEGAS, NV — Today, the Nevada Conservation League, Chispa Nevada, and CHR, Inc. (Caring, Helping and Restoring Lives) attended NV Energy’s Consumer Session along with other stakeholders and customers to give public input on the NV Energy’s 2024 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). This IRP will be critical for determining the state’s energy future, and customers continue to demand more clean, affordable, reliable electric service. This consumer session is required under Assembly Bill 524, which was passed by the Legislature in 2023 to increase transparency and strengthen this planning process. Unfortunately, NV Energy only provided the community with 6 days’ notice of this meeting, making it harder for meaningful participation. The utility’s presentation was also light on details, only providing a high level overview of the IRP components. Participants in the consumer session overwhelmingly expressed opposition to the construction of new fossil fuel generation, support for robust clean energy, and called for more notice and greater transparency moving forward. Despite NV Energy’s frequent proclamations of a commitment to reach 100 percent clean energy, their actions speak differently. The utility noted in their presentation that no resources are proposed to move the state closer to its 100 percent goal by 2050. NV Energy has also added nearly 800 MW of new and expanded gas power generation since 2018, with more proposed in the pending fifth amendment to their 2021 IRP. With more than half of the state’s energy coming from gas,Nevada is more exposed and dependent on a single, out-of-state fuel source, and vulnerable to wild swings in electric bills. As NV Energy touts cheaper clean energy for its large customers, Nevada families and small businesses are struggling and want to share in the benefits of low-cost, pollution-free electricity. So far, the utility has not demonstrated leadership in advancing transparency, collaboration, or forward-thinking resource planning, and as a result both customers and the climate are paying the price. The utility’s next Integrated Resource Plan is due later this year, and these advocates are emphasizing NV Energy’s responsibility to provide a transparent and comprehensive plan that aligns with state clean energy and climate objectives, promotes environmental justice, and leverages federal clean energy funding to provide the best electric service at the least cost for customers. This has been outlined further in a recent op-ed from NCL Executive Director Kristee Watson. “The next IRP is due this year and we cannot afford to miss this moment for clean energy because of poor planning and self-interest on the part of our electric utility,” said Kristee Watson, Executive Director of the Nevada Conservation League. “Better planning and more transparency will result in better decisions that benefit Nevada’s families, businesses, and environment. That’s why we’re calling on NV Energy to step up and deliver on its promises of stable, affordable, clean power for all Nevadans — our future depends on it.” “Like many NV Energy customers, we were surprised to receive an email last week of a consumer session today on the utility’s Integrated Resource Plan —  the most important utility plan for the future of energy in Nevada,” said Audrey Peral, Program Director for Chispa Nevada. “Not only is NV Energy failing to conduct adequate community engagement, they are also ignoring consumer demands for lower rates and more investments in clean energy. We urge the PUCN to hold NV Energy accountable to a more transparent and community-centered process for utility planning.” “I have borne witness to the hardships and inequity caused by soaring energy bills. Families and small businesses in Nevada are bearing the brunt of NV Energy’s resource planning decisions, and they deserve a voice in the process and a genuine commitment to affordable, clean energy solutions,” said Dr. Mary House, CEO of CHR, Inc. “NV Energy’s actions, including the inadequate notice and lack of information prior to this crucial meeting, starkly contrast with the needs of their customers. We demand that the utility responds to our repeated calls for a resource-planning process that includes the voices of all its customers, especially those most affected by their actions.”  Learn more about AB 524 here. ###

Environmental and Community Groups Call for Transparency and Clean Energy in NV Energy’s 2024 Integrated Resource Plan Read More »

TODAY Latine Families Will Testify Against Yet Another Southwest Gas Increase

December 12, 2023 TODAY Latine Families Will Testify Against Yet Another Southwest Gas Increase Public Utilities Commission of Nevada will host Consumer Sessions on Southwest Gas rate application, which would increase the utility’s revenue by $70 million next year LAS VEGAS, Nev — As Southwest Gas proposes yet another rate hike, today utility customers and members of Chispa Nevada already struggling to pay their bills will ask the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) to protect Nevada consumers and reject any more rate increases.Southwest Gas has submitted a proposal to the PUCN that would raise rates by nearly $70 million next year, hiking utility bills by $55 to $100 per home per year. Southwest Gas says raising gas prices on Nevada customers — after at least four other such increases in the last year alone — is necessary to increase its revenue. The utility is already guaranteed profits of 7.27% for any expenses related to the infrastructure needed to provide service.The PUCN will host two Consumer Sessions today to hear public comments regarding this proposal, designated as Docket No. 23-09012. Nevada consumers will testify that they can’t keep up with the high costs of gas, which is not only bad for family budgets but also for public health and the environment, and deliver a petition signed by over 500 Nevadans calling for a halt to gas rate increases. WHO: Utility customers and members of Chispa Nevada WHEN: Today, December 14, 2023 at 1pm and 6pm WHAT: Public comment at PUCN Consumer Sessions over Southwest Gas proposed annual revenue increase WHERE: Public Utilities Commission of Nevada 9075 West Diablo Drive, Suite 250 Las Vegas, NV 89148 ###   About Chispa Nevada: 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.

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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 Texas Statement on Final 2024-2029 5-Year Offshore Drilling Program

For Immediate Release SEP 29, 2023 Contact: Mika Hyer, mhyer@lcv.org, 940-783-2230 Washington, D.C. — In response to the Department of Interior’s announcement of the Program for the 2024-2029 National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program, the League of Conservation Voters and Chispa Texas released the following statements: “It’s disappointing that the Biden-Harris administration issued a final five-year plan that includes new leasing that could lead to decades more fossil fuel dependency and climate pollution,” said America Fitzpatrick, LCV Conservation Program Director. “While three lease sales is fewer than what was initially proposed and fewer than previous five-year plans, LCV remains firmly opposed to Congress tying the expansion of offshore wind development to more oil and gas leasing off our coasts. We stand with frontline and coastal communities in calling on the Biden-Harris administration to do everything they possibly can to protect our coasts, our health, and our climate” *** “Our country is feeling the impacts of increased costs as we continue the practice of exporting our natural resources, while placing our coastal communities in harm’s way through more offshore drilling,” said Elida Castillo, Chispa Texas Program Director. “We bear the brunt of the impacts to our health and environment. We need more protections that will mitigate the warming of our oceans, rising sea levels, stronger hurricanes, and the decimation of our aquatic ecosystems, which sustain our fishing and tourism economies. Public waters belong to the public, and we should do more to protect our oceans and communities and prioritize investments in proven renewable energies and conservation.” ###

LCV and Chispa Texas Statement on Final 2024-2029 5-Year Offshore Drilling Program 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.” ###

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

LCV and Chispa Applaud Redesignation of Temporary Protected Status for Venezuela

For Immediate Release SEP 21, 2023 Contact: Mika Hyer, mhyer@lcv.org, 940-783-2230 Washington, DC — In response to today’s announcement by the Biden-Harris administration to redesignate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuela, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) and Chispa released the following statements: “We applaud the Biden-Harris administration on their decision to protect more communities facing devastating impacts of an authoritarian government and the climate crisis by redesignating Temporary Protected Status for Venezuela,” said LCV Senior Civic Engagement Director Hilda Nucete. “This decision based on ‘humanitarian, security, political, and environmental conditions’ is a much needed response to the interconnected challenges of the climate crisis and threats to democracy. In the wake of the hottest summer on record and the continued impacts of extreme weather for migrants who have walked for months seeking asylum and pollution on communities carrying the greatest burdens from the climate crisis, we need these protections for families who cannot safely return home.” *** “Communities in Venezuela are facing disastrous circumstances as a direct result of the fossil fuel industry, the climate crisis, and authoritarian government,” said Chispa National Director Estefany Carrasco-Gonzalez. “For too long, our comunidades from Venezuela who have had to flee their homes have not been granted the protections they need and deserve. We greatly appreciate the Biden-Harris administration for their decision to protect more communities through the redesignation of Temporary Protected Status.” ###

LCV and Chispa Applaud Redesignation of Temporary Protected Status for Venezuela Read More »

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. * * *

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

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. ###

CHISPA MARYLAND RALLIES ADVOCATES IN BALTIMORE COUNTY AND BALTIMORE CITY Read More »

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

Contact: Kyra Madunich-Arevalo, kmadunich@lcv.org, 909-767-9743 Washington D.C. – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a $400 million grant competition to help school districts buy electric school buses. This work builds on the longtime clean school bus advocacy of Vice President Harris, Senators Cortez Masto and Padilla, Representatives Cardenas and Hayes, and so many others. In response to today’s announcement the League of Conservation Voters (LCV), Chispa LCV, and Chispa Arizona issued the following statements: “LCV is excited to see the Biden-Harris Administration launch greater investments to bring electric school buses to thousands more school districts across the country,” said Matthew Davis, Vice President of Federal Policy. “This historic program has already doubled the number of electric school buses hitting the road, reducing dangerous pollution in the air we breathe and making our communities healthier and cleaner for everyone, especially our kids. As we move towards the cleaner, healthier future that programs like the Clean School Bus Program make possible, we will continue to work with EPA to ensure their benefits reach the people that need them most, including low-income students, students of color, and school transportation workers that continue to breathe the dirtiest air.” “This latest funding opportunity from the EPA to deploy thousands of more electric school buses will help bring our communities healthier, cleaner air, reduce climate-changing pollution, and  save school districts money in fuel and operating costs,” said Senior Vice President of Community and Civic Engagement Sandra Pérez González: “Thousands of  electric school buses have already been deployed thanks to this historic program, which is the result of years of advocacy by parents, students, community members, elected leaders, and advocates. These added grant opportunities are crucial to ensuring that the communities that most suffer from health and climate-harming pollution, many of which are in school districts that were waitlisted in the inaugural 2022 Clean School Bus Program, are prioritized to receive the resources they need to stop preventable respiratory illnesses and other harms to public health as well as students’ academic performance and school attendance.” “Especially for our low-income, communities of color in Arizona who disproportionately suffer from preventable respiratory illnesses caused by dirty air,  these latest investments from the EPA are crucial to a cleaner, healthier future for all,” said Chispa Arizona Executive Director Vianey Olivarria. “We are excited that this historic program is expanding to deploy more electric school buses and we look forward to working with the EPA to ensure that our country’s transition to electric school buses is equitable and just.”   ###

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

LCV and Chispa TX Statement on FERC approval of LNG projects

Contact: Kyra Madunich-Arevalo, kmadunich@lcv.org In response to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) 3-1 vote to approve the permits for the Rio Grande LNG and Texas LNG projects in Brownsville, Chispa Texas and the League of Conservation Voters issued the following statements: “Despite numerous visits, calls, petitions, and online campaigns spearheaded by residents of the Rio Grande Valley and members of the Carrizo Comecrudo Tribe of Texas demanding that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission deny these LNG facilities, we learned that these actions once again fell on deaf ears. The Biden administration made a commitment to environmental justice, and these approvals of fracked gas export facilities are directly counter to those commitments. We are suffering a climate crisis that is being accelerated by methane emissions. LNG is not the answer and neither are the greenwashed “solutions” that are being funded by our tax dollars. Our communities and planet deserve better,” said Elida Castillo, Chispa Texas Program Director. “We are incredibly disappointed that FERC continues to approve fossil fuel projects that are counter to the Biden Administration’s climate and environmental justice commitments. The approvals of these LNG projects in the Gulf will not only impact our ability to tackle climate change, but they will have devastating impact on frontline communities that continue to shoulder the burden of fossil fuel development,” said Leah Donahey, Senior Federal Advocacy Campaigns Director at the League of Conservation Voters.  ###

LCV and Chispa TX Statement on FERC approval of LNG projects Read More »

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