Key Vote Alert- Protect the EPA's Ability to Regulate Greenhouse Gases

Last year President Barack Obama authorized Lisa Jackson, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to begin the process of regulating greenhouse gas emissions (notably carbon dioxide) in the United States. This move came after several efforts to pass climate change legislation passed the then Democrat controlled House of Representatives but stalled in the Senate. The most promising plan, proposed by Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA), called for the creation of a cap and trade system that would have set a maximum for carbon emissions and allowed firms to buy and sell carbon credits. From an economic perspective this plan would have provided an incentive for firms able to cut emissions least expensively so that they could then sell their allotted carbon credits for a profit. This variety of system has proven successful in Europe, however it has also been credited with increasing energy prices across the continent.

As part of the recent budget deal between Congressional Republicans and President Obama several item previously included in the budget will be brought up for individual votes. One such item is the EPA's ability to regulate carbon emissions under the Clean Air Act. In order to ensure carbon levels are controlled in the United States please contact your legislators (both House and Senate) to urge them to vote in against stripping the EPA's ability to regulate carbon emissions. In order to find your representatives click here.

If your struggling finding correct wording for your correspondence with your Congressman and Senators we have a sample letter below. Feel free to use this template.

Dear [Senator or Congressman X]

My name is [Enter name] and I one of your many constituents concerned about the issue of global climate change. The effects of climate change could be drastic in the United States and I am encouraging you to vote against the current proposal to prevent EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson from regulating greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act. Climate change is a public health risk and therefore fall squarely under the purvey of the EPA's jurisdiction.

I will be following this issue closely and intend to base my decision in future elections on the actions you take on this important issue.

Sincerely,

[Enter Name]

-Ryan

Casey Trees and Students Make Statement on Campus

This past Friday at The Catholic University of America, there was a Cherry Blossom Tree planting. The School of Architecture and FMO hosted and organized the event, which turned out to be a great success. A group called Casey Trees supplied the trees and helped plant them along with 35 or so CUA students. Casey Trees outreach also got Deer Park water, Crumb cupcakes, and The National Cherry Blossom Festival to sponsor the event. Together we planted 10 cherry blossom trees next to the architecture building. When the trees canopy and bloom, it will make a great backdrop to the commencement exercises that take place there.

The event was supposed to run for 4 hours, but the efforts and eagerness of CUA student planters was a little underestimated. Beginning at 9 AM, those trees were all planted and mulched by 10 AM. Most of us stuck around for lunch, which included a program that none of us were prepared for. During lunch, we had some VIPs talk a little about what they do. These VIPs included a retired US Ambassador to Japan, a worker from the Japanese Embassy, and the President of The National Cherry Blossom Festival. That was very impressive to say the least.

All in all it was a great event. I believe Casey Trees returns to CUA every year, so I encourage you to attend next year. We are lucky enough to have a speaker from Casey Trees at our event: Environmental Action: On and Off Campus - Monday, April 11 @ 7 PM in McGivney Auditorium, please feel free to spread the word about this event or visit our Facebook page to learn more.

-Dan

Launch Announcement

Welcome from Ryan and Dan. We are the founders of Environmental Action CUA, a group dedicated to educating college students about the steps they can take on and off campus to stop global climate change. We are currently planning a large panel discussion at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. that will bring together environmental experts to help us achieve this goal. Please stay tuned for future posts and more information regarding our event.

-Ryan