Social Justice - Chispa | League of Conservation Voters

LCV and Chispa Statements On Biden-Harris Action to Keep Families Together

For Immediate Release June 18, 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 today’s announcement from the Biden-Harris administration to help keep hundreds of thousands of families together, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) and Chispa issued the following statements: “We can’t have environmental justice without a healthy democracy and an immigration system that respects the dignity and humanity of the people and communities most impacted by the climate crisis in our country,” said LCV Senior Vice President of Community and Civic Engagement Sandra Pérez González. “The Biden-Harris administration is taking bold action to keep families together and ensure hundreds of thousands of children and spouses of citizens can access their legal pathway to residency. Communities across the country are seeing the severe impacts of the climate crisis and extreme weather firsthand, and as temperatures continue to rise, our immigrant communities are often on the front lines of environmental injustice, are excluded from opportunities like resiliency investments, and are denied security. This is a step towards realizing an immigration system that centers people and their lived experience, and LCV will continue to support more just and equitable immigration policy for future generations.” *** “Chispa welcomes today’s executive actions to keep families together,” said Chispa Senior Director Estefany Carrasco-González. “Through my personal experience and our work on the ground in the communities affected most by environmental injustice, we know that families need stability just as much as they need clean air, clean water and a healthy environment. Immigrant families who pay taxes and contribute to their communities often bear the brunt of climate inequality, and children of color especially need all the strong family support that is possible to thrive. Expanding pathways for immigrants and keeping families together, including mixed-status families, will make our communities’ environmental and local work, and our nation, stronger.” ###

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Community Advocates Oppose NV Energy’s Plan to Triple Northern Nevada Basic Service Charge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, June 13, 2024 Media Contact: Hannah Hertlein, hannah@impactcommunications-publicaffairs.com, 513.262.6597 High Fixed Charges Undermine Energy Conservation, Increase Costs for Nevadans RENO, NV — Today, the Nevada Conservation League, Chispa Nevada, Faith In Action, and For Our Future joined dozens of NV Energy customers in opposing the company’s proposed rate increase in Northern Nevada. The public consumer session held by the Public Utilities Commission (PUCN) in the Washoe County Commission Chambers followed two previous consumer sessions in Carson City. These sessions showed widespread concern about NV Energy’s plan to nearly triple the basic service charge (BSC) for single-family residential customers from $16.50 to $45.30 per month and double the BSC for multi-family households from $8.00 to $18.80. Starting each month with a $45.30 charge before using any electricity reduces the incentive for energy conservation and increases the minimum costs of living. The rate hike would burden the most vulnerable Nevadans, particularly families on fixed or lower incomes who consume less electricity. It also punishes residents who bought rooftop solar systems, throwing the economics of their investments out the window. Many solar customers save hundreds annually, but these savings would be slashed and the payback period extended. This comes after NV Energy recently increased the BSC for Southern Nevada customers from $12.50 to $18.50, a rise of 48 percent. If approved, this rate request threatens to escalate the company’s return on equity from 9.5% to 10.4% and its rate of return from 7.14% to 7.95%, lining investor pockets on the backs of hard-working Nevadans and almost eliminating the relief customers should see from declining methane (natural) gas prices – costs the utility already passes entirely onto ratepayers. “NV Energy’s rate hike proposal undermines Nevada’s clean energy policies and goals,” said Trystin St. Denis, Northern Nevada Community Organizer for the Nevada Conservation League. “When families face higher fixed charges, the financial benefits of reducing energy use or investing in rooftop solar nearly vanish, disincentivizing conservation practices that benefit our environment and economy and hit disadvantaged communities the hardest. As the number one state for solar potential, NV Energy should incentivize solar energy, not penalize it.” “For many in our community, every dollar counts,” said Astrid Martinez, Community Organizer for Chispa Nevada. “NV Energy tripling fixed charges would hit Latine families and other vulnerable groups the hardest, making it difficult for our families to manage our budgets effectively. This would be the highest fixed charge in the country. We cannot allow this to happen without a fight. We call on the PUCN to protect consumers and reject corporate greed.” “NV Energy’s proposed rate hike is not just an economic issue; it is a moral one,” said Chasity Martinez, Community Organizer for Faith In Action. “Our faith teaches us to care for the most vulnerable among us, and this rate increase is unjust. It promotes waste over stewardship and prioritizes corporate greed over human dignity. NV Energy has failed to take responsibility for overburdening customers with increasing bills while their profits remain protected, and now they want even more. Enough is enough! We stand in solidarity with all Nevadans in opposing this harmful proposal, and we call on our elected leaders to protect our community from these unnecessary and excessive charges.” “NV Energy’s proposal is more than just a rate increase; it’s a direct attack on hard-working families,” said Madisen McGrath, Senior Organizer at For Our Future Nevada. “With the highest fixed fee in the country, this move threatens to derail our progress towards a clean and pollution-free energy future and penalizes households that make efforts to reduce their energy usage and save money. For years, NV Energy has collected money from ratepayers to institute energy efficiency programs. Not to mention, President Biden’s Clean Energy Plan is helping people weatherize and upgrade their homes to be more energy efficient. And now, they want to punish us for using these programs. Further adding insult to injury, NV Energy has boasted record profits quarter after quarter. This rate hike is nothing more than a blatant cash grab at the expense of Nevada’s working families.” In case you missed the Carson City consumer session on June 4, 2024, attendee quotes are available here. ### The Nevada Conservation League is the independent voice of Nevada’s conservation community. We work to maintain and enhance the natural character of Nevada and the quality of life for Nevadans through effective advocacy, the election of pro-conservation candidates, and building collaboration. Visit their website

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ICYMI: Chispa, Chispa AZ, Chispa NV, and Chispa TX meet with Members of Congress in D.C. to discuss Clean Energy Benefits under IRA and IIJA in Latine Communities Extreme Heat, Clean Air, Electric School Buses, LNG Pause also Discussed

For Immediate Release June 14, 2024 Contact: Elena Gaona, egaona@lcv.org, 202-907-9717 Washington D.C. – Members and community organizers with Chispa National, Chispa Arizona, Chispa Nevada, and Chispa Texas visited Washington, D.C. this week (June 11-14) to meet with their Members of Congress and key Biden-Harris Administration officials to discuss environmental concerns and clean energy investments in Latine communities across the nation. The discussions took place as a total of 80 advocates from 29 League of Conservation Voters state partners from around the country convened in D.C. for an advocacy week to highlight Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) investments transforming communities. Chispa members focused on continued investments and solutions for clean air, clean water, clean land, and extreme heat, such as electric school buses and a continued pause on new LNG facilities in places like the Texas Gulf Coast. They highlighted how investments from the Biden-Harris administration’s affordable clean energy plan are making clean energy and cleaner air a reality by helping fund home energy and vehicle upgrades, and creating good-paying clean energy jobs across the country. The clean energy plan is also saving consumers money as temperatures continue to rise, while combating the climate crisis and environmental injustice. “In my community it can reach 120 degrees. Having this funding and communicating about the opportunities is a matter of life and death,” said Vania Guevara, Advocacy and Political Director, Chispa Arizona, who participated in meetings and also attended a roundtable that included Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Chair Debbie Stabenow. “No matter where you live, no matter how much money you make, everyone should have access to clean air, clean water, and public lands. We want a clean energy transition but that cannot come at the expense of our indigenous communities, our working class, or our environment.” WATCH: Roundtable on Inflation Reduction Act Benefits in Local Communities “Our Chispa Texas members had an important opportunity to speak directly to their Members of Congress and administration officials about the issues affecting their daily lives, like stopping out-of-control LNG and hydrogen facilities expansion in their backyards, and access to clean water and clean air,” said Chispa TX Director Elida Castillo. “We were glad to meet with the Department of Energy, EPA and Environmental Justice champions from Texas. Our elected officials got to hear directly from the people, and we hope to continue the conversations for more impactful change brought about by the people, that benefits all our communities immediately and into the future.” View Chispa TX Instagram post. “It was important for my whole family to travel to our nation’s capital because our communities are impacted by poor air quality and heat in Nevada, and we want to raise our voice on behalf of our neighbors and families,” said Guadalupe Lyn, a Chispa Nevada member who traveled to DC with her spouse Rojan Lyn, and teenage son, Nathaniel Lyn. “We met with our representatives and they listened. We discussed electric school buses, charging infrastructure, clean air, clean water, and climate investments that can lower our energy bills and bring good jobs to Nevada. We requested that our federal delegation create a big climate coalition, including Tribes, to learn more about survivorship under this extreme heat and climate change. And we also discussed justice for our community because we want to make sure all these programs are accessible to everyone.” View Chispa NV Instagram post. # # #

ICYMI: Chispa, Chispa AZ, Chispa NV, and Chispa TX meet with Members of Congress in D.C. to discuss Clean Energy Benefits under IRA and IIJA in Latine Communities Extreme Heat, Clean Air, Electric School Buses, LNG Pause also Discussed Read More »

LCV and Chispa Statements on Biden-Harris Administration Transportation Announcements

Washington, D.C.— Today, the Biden-Harris administration announced new clean vehicle initiatives, including the first-ever goal to transition to a zero emission freight sector and Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement of a $1 billion grant competition to help replace dirty diesel trucks and buses with clean, zero-emission ones. In response to today’s announcements, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) and Chispa released the following statements: “The Biden-Harris administration is, once again, delivering on their clean energy plan by swiftly implementing the clean energy investments for cleaner trucks and buses in the Inflation Reduction Act,” said LCV’s Government Affairs Advocate for Climate & Clean Energy Darien Davis. “These announcements are a huge step toward electrifying trucks and buses across the country, especially in communities disproportionately impacted by toxic tailpipe pollution. The Clean Heavy Duty Vehicle program will not only help replace old heavy-duty vehicles – it will fund workforce development, critical charging infrastructure, and additional project implementation for zero-emission trucks and buses. We congratulate the Biden-Harris administration for their continued leadership and urge the EPA to continue the momentum by granting California’s Advanced Clean Trucks waiver to further advance the adoption of electric heavy-duty vehicles.” *** “We are excited to welcome this new Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle Program funding that can be used for electric school buses for our children to have healthier commutes and cleaner air. Our Chispa communities, parents, and students have organized for years to ensure a transition away from dirty diesel buses to protect the health of children suffering from asthma and those overexposed to polluted transportation corridors,” said Chispa Senior Director Estefany Carrasco-González. “We know electric school buses produce zero tailpipe pollution, perform well and have a lower total cost of ownership. With this new funding and IRA tax credits for clean vehicles, there’s never been a better time to replace aging diesel buses with a clean ride for kids, and we look forward to working with our communities and school districts to access this money.” ###

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LCV and Chispa Celebrate Biden-Harris Administration Earth Day Announcements

Washington, D.C. — In response today’s speech from President Biden in Virginia to announce the $7 billion in funding for Solar for All grant recipients and new announcements expanding the American Climate Corps, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV), Chispa, and Chispa Nevada released the following statements: “President Biden has done more than any president in history to deliver on tackling the climate crisis and pollution, and we’re excited for the Biden-Harris administration’s continued commitment on clean energy and environmental justice the President announced for this year’s Earth Day,” said Vice President of Government Affairs Sara Chieffo. “The historic Solar For All investments are a major step towards lowering energy costs for families across the country, helping combat the climate crisis at the scale and rate science requires, and putting us on the path for a clean energy future for all of our communities, especially in communities of color and those with low wealth. The Biden-Harris administration is continuing to invest in our youth and future generations with high-quality jobs to tackle the climate crisis through the American Climate Corps. We’re all in with the Biden-Harris administration to ensure we are doing everything we can to protect our communities, our climate, and our future.” *** “Today’s Solar for All announcement is a welcome relief for our communities disproportionately impacted by climate change and rising energy costs for far too long,” said Chispa Senior Director Estefany Carrasco-González. “Chispa congratulates all the community-led winners who will soon be in a stronger position to lead us into a healthier and better energy future by expanding access to clean, local, affordable and reliable energy for all.” *** “Chispa Nevada is proud to congratulate the Nevada Clean Energy Fund on winning Solar For All funding for low-income and multi-family housing,” said Audrey Peral, Program Director for Chispa Nevada. “As we approach the Nevada summer, with electricity rates at an all-time high and our families living in neighborhoods with the hottest temperatures, our community needs urgent access to programs that will lower our utility bills and reduce climate pollution. We look forward to working with NCEF to develop solar projects that will transition Latine families, including renters and low-income households, to clean and local solar energy.” ### These announcements build on major progress announced by the Biden-Harris administration in advance of Earth Day to protect clean air and water, advance clean energy and clean energy jobs, hold Big Polluters accountable, protect public lands, ensure historic protections for the Arctic, and more.

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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.” ###

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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 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.” # # #

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