Linda Sward - Jan. 19, 2025 - Climate Action is Possible

 Fresno Bee. January 19, 2025

Climate action is possible 

It’s impossible to avoid news of devastation from the wildfires in Southern California. The stories feel personal, even though I no longer live in the Southland. 

I’ve lived in Kingsburg since 1981. But the past decade has been striking for frequency and severity of fire. It’s shocking that I know so many people who have fled fire and even lost homes in Santa Rosa, Paradise, Lake County and Auberry. 

The warming climate makes these fires more frequent and severe. Hotter temperatures dry out vegetation, worsening a drought and extending “fire season.” Tinder-dry plant fuels, low humidity, and strong winds combine with terrible effect. 

Climate change is happening worldwide. Whether hurricanes, floods, fires, summer heat, sea level rise, these events affect us all: It’s not if, it is when we will be affected. 

What to do: Get prepared. Check out the Red Cross or FEMA for information. Help out if you are able. There are many trustworthy groups providing support both here and abroad. 

Join a climate advocacy group. I’ve recently joined Citizens’ Climate Lobby: (citizensclimatelobby.org). CCL is a nonpartisan group dedicated to finding common ground on climate solutions. 

So, despite all, our actions can make a difference. 

Linda Sward, Fresno

https://www.fresnobee.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article298528453.html#storylink=cpy

Devin Carroll - Support Energy Permitting Reform Act - December 15, 2024

 

Support Energy Permitting Reform Act

Congress might pass important bipartisan legislation before adjourning. The Energy Permitting Reform Act (S4753) streamlines review of projects such as power lines and LNG terminals.

Many Republicans like the “all of the above” approach. EPRA covers both fossil fuel infrastructure and renewable energy. It makes America more energy independent and builds our economy.

Many Democrats see permitting reform as critical in speeding up renewable energy. What good are wind or solar power plants, if power lines take a decade for permit approval?

Some respected environmental groups oppose EPRA because it streamlines review of certain oil and gas drilling leases and LNG terminals.

But Citizen’s Climate Lobby found that on balance EPRA would reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, so America can meet our net zero goal by 2050. It also encourages other countries to follow our lead.

The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources is amending the bill, with a majority in favor. 

The bill awaits introduction in the House. Rep. Jim Costa signed an endorsement from the Blue Dog Coalition of moderate Democrats. The Climate Solutions Caucus, with 30 Democrats and 30 Republicans, including Rep. David Valadao, also supports the bill.

Ask your Members of Congress to vote yes. 

Devin Carroll

Fresno

Fresno Bee https://www.fresnobee.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article296937174.html

Scott Lecrone - Aug 25, 2024 - Valadao works across aisle on soil, water and more

 Letter to the editor: Valadao works across aisle on soil, water and more 

By SCOTT LECRONE

Aug 25, 2024

Bakersfield Californian

The upcoming election in November offers us the opportunity to vote for candidates who demonstrate that they will work across the aisle to protect our soil, water, air and atmosphere.

Rep. David Valadao, R-Hanford, is to be commended for showing recent leadership in this regard. He and Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, have co-sponsored the Providing Reliable, Objective, Verifiable, Emissions Intensity and Transparency (PROVE IT) Act (H.R. 8957); the quality data gleaned from this act will boost American business by bolstering arguments for domestic manufacturing and energy production and encourage every nation to reduce their climate-changing emissions.

In addition, this month Valadao joined 17 other house Republicans in signing a letter which urged Speaker of the House Rep. Mike Johnson to protect the clean energy tax credits from potential future repeal attempts. The legislation which may be threatened, the Inflation Reduction Act (passed along partisan lines), has made energy more affordable and accessible for American households and encouraged many U.S. companies to make major investments in new U.S. energy infrastructure.

— Scott Lecrone, Bakersfield