Category: News & Opinion

Kick Manchin To The Curb — Elect More And Better Democrats

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ClimateDemocracyNews & Opinion

by Mark Schlosberg

This year’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) marked the nation’s first-ever major piece of climate legislation. The Act, passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden, was a tribute to the growing climate movement. But because of one Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV), the Act was not nearly bold enough. 

Worse, it was larded up with fossil fuel industry giveaways, including billions in subsidies for the climate scam carbon capture and storage. The Act also opens the Gulf of Mexico to more drilling and holds renewable development on public lands hostage to drilling permits. 

Over the last two years, an even Senate split has given coal baron Joe Manchin final say over much of the Democratic agenda, slowing our transition off fossil fuels. But there is no reason Manchin should have so much power. 

This November, we have a chance to make him irrelevant by voting in more Democratic senators and shifting the balance of power. 

Manchin Heaps Gifts on Big Oil, Blocking Bold Climate Action

Over the last two years, Sen. Manchin has blocked Biden’s agenda and meaningful climate action. In doing this, he has consistently carried water for the fossil fuel industry. 

First, Manchin held up Biden’s infrastructure agenda by cutting a deal with Republicans to create the bipartisan infrastructure bill, rather than just passing Biden’s Build Back Better proposal. In doing so, Manchin secured funding for industry pet projects like carbon capture, hydrogen, and fossil fuels, including specific fossil fuel projects. 

Next, Manchin walked back his commitment to advance Biden’s agenda until he could pare down its scope and ambition significantly. The result was the Inflation Reduction Act. Again, Manchin made sure the legislation was filled with gifts to his fossil fuel patrons (the senator receives more donations from the fossil fuel industry than any of his colleagues). 

But even with the IRA and its giveaways in hand, Manchin wasn’t done. He has since pushed a dirty side deal to fast track more fossil fuel projects under the guise of “permitting reform.” Thus far, thanks to organizing and an outcry of opposition, we shut down the deal for now.

Manchin Only Has Power in a 50-50 Senate

How can one Senator force through such a litany of pro-fossil fuel provisions, even as global warming continues to escalate? It has only been possible with an evenly divided senate. 

With this split, a single senator can cast a tie-breaking vote. And by threatening to withhold that vote, that senator can single-handedly set the terms of the party’s agenda. And this is exactly what Manchin has done.

Democrats entered their current tripartite majority (President, Senate, and House) with big plans to fight climate change and help workers and families. But Manchin blocked support for climate measures, healthcare, and more. He nixed some of the most transformational measures in what would have been Build Back Better, and then in what became the Inflation Reduction Act.

If Democrats had a majority with only two more senators, Manchin and his sometime ally, Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), would no longer have such powerful votes. The rest of the party could move forward without them — in essence, making Manchin irrelevant.

With Our Work, Democrats Can Take The Senate And Hold The House

This November, we have a chance to make Sen. Manchin irrelevant and advance a bolder and more progressive climate agenda. That depends, however, on Democrats expanding their majority in the Senate and holding the House. Simply put, we need more and better Democrats. 

Food & Water Action is working to make this happen. In these midterms, we’re campaigning for progressives in tight races that could make or break the next few years of climate action.

For instance, strong progressive Jamie McLeod Skinner could win a swing district in Oregon. Meanwhile, in Pennsylvania, we’re supporting Chris DeLuzio and climate champion Summer Lee. These Pennsylvania districts are especially important, as increasing turnout will improve the odds that Democrat John Fetterman wins the state’s open Senate seat against right-wing, Trump-supported Mehmet Oz. 

This election cycle, turnout is critical. Despite Manchin’s huge drag on the Democratic agenda, Democrats are the party in power and face major headwinds. It’s going to take an all-out effort, but winning is possible.

Together, we can expand Democratic control in the House and Senate and work over the next two years to advance a progressive food, water, and climate agenda. 

Help us get out the vote — commit to asking friends and family to head to the polls!

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The Threat of Carbon Pipelines Looms Large Over Iowa Midterms

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ClimateDemocracyNews & Opinion

by Emma Schmit and Mia DiFelice

In a political landscape cleaved more and more by division, one issue in Iowa has united folks from all walks of life: opposition to hazardous carbon pipelines. 

Three corporations have planned to build thousands of miles of pipelines through Iowans’ backyards. And they’re not above doing so without landowners’ consent. If the state grants them eminent domain, Summit, Navigator and ADM/Wolf could build on private land without an easement (the landowner’s express permission). 

These pipelines threaten the lives and livelihoods of Iowans across the state. And so, the movement against eminent domain has grown over the past several months. “No eminent domain for private gain” has become a rallying cry. 

Now, as the midterm elections approach, we know where Iowans stand. And Food & Water Action is doing everything we can to make sure we’re heard at the polls.

Carbon Capture Brings Only Risks, No Rewards

The proposed network of pipelines are part of corporate profiteers’ newest scam, “carbon capture and storage.” The pipelines will transport hazardous carbon dioxide gas from ethanol and fertilizer facilities throughout Iowa and the Midwest to injection wells.

Pipeline companies claim that these sites safely sequester carbon deep underground, but in reality, they often leak. And besides, most captured carbon is injected into oil wells to extract even more fossil fuels.

These companies say carbon capture is crucial climate action. But we know they’re lying through their teeth. Carbon capture projects in the U.S. have actually increased emissions, when accounting for all the dirty energy needed to power them.

Not only does carbon capture threaten the climate — it also poses dire risks to those who live near it. In the case of a leak or rupture, high amounts of CO2 can asphyxiate people. This kind of dangerous infrastructure has no place in backyards. 

In August, Summit began filing for eminent domain for 60% of its route through Iowa. Maps of their route show they may need more than that. They’ve had a year to wine and dine our politicians with unprecedented campaign cash and lobbying money. But they’ve failed to bring Iowans on board with their scam. We know our land isn’t worth what Summit’s offering.

Carbon Capture Companies Aren’t Playing Fair

In a sore loser move, Summit is now suing landowners in South Dakota and Iowa who have refused to grant easements. Texas-based Navigator has sued four other groups of Iowa landowners for refusing to grant the company access to their private properties. 

It’s only a matter of time before these corporations ramp up their efforts. But it will be our elected officials and public institutions that cast the final vote in this debate. Ultimately, state legislators will decide whether carbon pipelines have the right to eminent domain. 

This November, we can cast our vote for the candidates that stand with Iowans in opposing carbon pipelines.

It’s Not Just You — Carbon Pipelines Are Unpopular Among Iowa Voters

This year, Food & Water Action commissioned polling in Iowa by Change Research to see what Iowans really think of carbon pipelines.

We found that:

  • Only 35% of Iowa voters support the three carbon pipelines. 44% oppose them and 21% are unsure. 
  • 8 out of 10 Iowans oppose allowing private corporations to use eminent domain. This opposition crosses party lines. 
  • This is also true amongst voters who are favorable toward current Governor Kim Reynolds. 8 out of 10 of those voters oppose granting eminent domain to pipelines.

Our polling also found that the pipeline fight will affect Iowans’ votes this November. 

  • Nearly 3 out of 4 voters, Democrat and Republican alike, say they would be less likely to vote for a candidate who supported eminent domain for carbon pipelines. 
  • 7 voters out of 10 want their elected officials to prevent carbon pipeline companies from using eminent domain. This holds true across party lines.

So far, our leaders currently in office have ignored the widespread opposition to eminent domain for carbon pipelines. Governor Reynolds, Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver, Senate President Jake Chapman and House Speaker Pat Grassley killed several bills during the 2022 legislative session that would have taken eminent domain for carbon pipelines off the table. 

By the end of the 2022 legislative session, leadership had squashed all attempts at protecting Iowans from corporate abuse of eminent domain. But there is still time to stop these dangerous pipeline schemes. In the upcoming legislative session, we need elected officials who will fight for Iowans, not corporations. 

Representing Iowans Means Voting NO Against Carbon Pipelines

For more than a year, the movement opposing Iowa’s carbon pipelines has grown. Iowans from both sides of the aisle and from all walks of life have united to stop this threat. We have shown up to public meetings, called our representatives and even demonstrated at the governor’s mansion to make our opposition clear. 

This November, we will make our voices heard at the polls. It’s time to vote in representatives who will take our demands seriously. To stop these hazardous carbon pipeline scams, we need a legislature ready to fight for us; a legislature that will end the abuse of eminent domain for private gain.

We’re getting out the vote for legislators who will fight for us.

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What’s At Stake In The Midterms: Seven Victories To Build On

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DemocracyNews & Opinion

by Mia DiFelice

Heading into the November midterm elections, we need to go all out to elect more and better Democrats. 

On issues that matter most — the climate crisis, access to clean water and a sustainable, just food system — we need bold action. We need a Congress that will take on the fossil fuel industry and big agribusiness. We need representatives who will use their power to bring about meaningful and lasting solutions. 

The current Congress is divided by the narrowest of margins, allowing a few conservative Democrats to dictate the terms of legislation. We have seen what happens when Senators like Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema can call the shots on our climate agenda. As it stands, Congress won’t pass the ambitious policies we need to keep our planet livable and support working families.

But even with a narrowly divided Congress and a moderate Democratic president, we’ve made important progress in the last two years. This is a testament to our movements’ organizing efforts and a growing progressive contingent in Congress. 

The victories over the past two years are a starting point. Many have gone under the radar, but they were only possible because of the Democrats in national office. With more and better Democrats, we can achieve even more in the two years ahead.

Here are seven wins we can build on after the midterms:

1. Phasing Out Single-Use Plastics On Public Lands

In June, the Department of Interior issued an order to phase out single-use plastics on public lands by 2032. Plastics are almost entirely derived from fossil fuels and only 10% of all plastics ever made have been recycled.

Plastic trash breaks down in our soils and washes into our waterways, where it pollutes our environment, our food and our bodies. This order is an important step in protecting our national parks and wildlife refuges from toxic plastic pollution.

2. An Unprecedented Deployment of Clean Energy Funds

Under the Defense Production Act, Biden authorized the Department of Energy to grow U.S. production of clean energy technologies. This includes both renewable solar power and conservation technology like heat pumps and insulation. 

Biden’s use of the Defense Production Act signals that the executive branch is finally prepared to treat climate change as it is: an existential threat to be met with a whole-of-government approach. It also recognizes that an energy transition is too dire to leave to private corporations and a wily market.

3. The House Holds Big Oil Accountable For Its Lies

For decades, fossil fuel corporations have grown profits by spreading lies about the climate crisis. But in September 2021, the House Oversight Committee began investigating its history of deceit. 

The Committee, led by Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney and Rep. Ro Khanna, will finally hold the industry accountable for profiting billions of dollars off lies that have kept us dependent on their climate-wrecking products. 

4. A Proposed Methane Rule Tightens Emissions Control

In November 2021, EPA proposed a new Clean Air Act rule to tackle climate pollution from the oil and gas industry. The proposal would restrict emissions of not only new oil and gas projects, but — for the first time ever — existing ones as well. 

The rule especially targets methane emissions, which is integral to fighting climate change. As EPA reports, the methane emitted from our oil and gas industry has a greater climate impact than the emissions of all greenhouse gasses from 164 other countries. Additionally, the rule takes aim at toxic air pollution like volatile organic compounds, which disproportionately sicken low-income communities and communities of color.

5. Biden’s EPA Starts Regulating Toxic PFAS

In 2022, the Biden administration set new advisory levels for several PFAS chemicals. These chemicals are toxic and don’t break down in the environment — yet we have used products with PFAS in them for decades. 

The EPA’s long-awaited advisory levels come closer to the research that shows no level of PFAS are safe. While we have a long road ahead of us to tackle our country’s widespread PFAS problem, the EPA has taken vital first steps.

6. Support For Environmental Justice Communities

The Biden administration has taken several steps to improve funding for environmental justice communities that have been historically excluded from federal assistance. It created the first-ever Environmental Justice Advisory Council and announced the Justice40 initiative, committing 40% of the benefits from federal climate and sustainability programs to EJ communities. 

The administration’s commitments have already led to on-the-ground change. For example, the USDA and EPA are working on new guidance and a pilot for rural wastewater projects. We can push for more and greater programs like these with Democrats in Congress.

7. Executive Action Against Monopolies And Corporate Greed

In 2021, an executive order outlined 70 actions to foster competitive markets. As our sister organization Food & Water Watch reported, the market power held by just a few corporations in our food system enables unjust practices to thrive. But now, the Biden administration is taking aim at this market power with investigations, regulations and legislation.

For example, the USDA recently proposed changes to the Packers and Stockyards Act that would give them more tools to stop abusive practices among meat corporations. These changes would strengthen rural economies, ensure food security and empower family farms.

With Democrats In Office, We Can And Will Win More

Our elected officials have achieved a lot in the past two years, but we have a long road ahead of us. To build on these victories, we need a strong showing in the midterm elections. Across the country, Food & Water Action is mobilizing support for climate champions, building people power behind a livable future for all.

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Corporate Greed: Two Industries That Used Global Crises To Rob Us

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ClimateNews & Opinion

by Angie Aker

It’s not your imagination. If everything seems to cost more lately it’s because it does. Think about the things you usually buy at the grocery store or retail shop. Add up your utilities and gasoline. Since the pandemic started, prices have gotten higher and higher for nearly everything we need to live. Some industries (ahem, oil & gas!) even used the war in Ukraine as a pretense for “scarcity” price gouging. 

Unchecked corporate greed affects every person and every family in the country. And voters are sick of it.

Corporate Greed Showed Itself In The Supposed “Meat Crisis”

In 2020, as coronavirus killed millions and crumpled small businesses across the country, corporate titans saw a chance to profit. Smithfield and Tyson are prime examples. Then-President Trump hyped their PR about a “meat shortage.” Meat-packing plants pressured staff to work regardless of illness, in conditions that were even more unsafe than usual. Vice President Pence appealed to meatpacking workers, telling them how vital they are — because lobbyists told him to. Even with that stunning, unethical pressure, production fell — but from already unsustainably high levels.

Because overproduction was the status quo, and demand fell when consumers curtailed dining out, there was plenty of meat in cold storage. In fact, the U.S. was so flush with meat supply that exports carried on as usual. All while giant food corporations issued fake warnings about food shortages so they could jack up prices. We actually filed suit against Smithfield for lying about the situation. 

The corporate motto? Never let the truth get in the way of a good story, especially if that story multiplies your profits. That mindset has spread from the food sector to touch every consumer. 

But blatant price gouging is now facing a backlash. 

Oil & Gas Industry Uses An Old Tactic To Gouge Consumers During Ukraine War

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine became another convenient pretense for profit, this time for a prolonged spike in gasoline prices. Despite adequate supplies, desperate politicians wanted corporations to increase supplies with more drilling, but shareholders were making billions in profit. CEOs, who personally profited, were in no hurry to do anything that even looked helpful since their Wall Street investors were benefiting from a fake ‘shortage.’

“The evidence could not be any clearer: The fossil fuel giants are cashing in on the global energy crunch, pinching American families and sending excess profits back to shareholders and Wall Street speculators. This demands a policy response – namely, a windfall profits tax like the one introduced by Rep. Ro Khanna and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, that would recover much of these ill-gotten gains and return them to struggling households. Lawmakers who complain about corporate concentration and inflation should do something about it – like tackling the damage being caused by polluting profiteers. Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Schumer should bring this legislation forward for a vote.”

— Mitch Jones, Food & Water Watch Managing Director of Advocacy Programs and Policy

Gasoline prices nearly doubled during since the start of 2022. Even though they’re leveling off, they’re still significantly higher per gallon than before the spike. It’s doubtful prices will return to pre-Ukraine-invasion levels since consumers seem grateful to be gouged even a little less. Big Oil & Gas is still getting away with stealing from us, just a little less obviously.

In fact, Big Oil has used the Ukraine crisis to rally for a host of items on their wishlist:

The International Energy Agency warned in 2021 that fossil fuel production must stop growing immediately to avoid the worst effects of climate chaos. We all know we have to move to renewable energy right away, and that we can do it now. We also know now that fossil fuel executives will use every new crisis as a tool to prevent it. 

Corporate Greed Has Gone Unchecked For Too Long

So many corporations are guilty of the tactics the factory farm and fossil industries have perfected. These are just two examples in industries that our work centers on. We can’t let corporations keep robbing people, and it starts by rallying everyone we know to get mad as hell! This is how we build the power to fight back.

We the people are not corporations’ piggy bank!

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In His Words: Representative Jamaal Bowman

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DemocracyNews & Opinion

Interview by Miho Suzuki-Robinson

Since his election in 2020, Rep. Jamaal Bowman of New York’s 16th district has been a vibrant voice for progressives. As his August 23rd primary date approaches, we asked for his thoughts on crucial issues. First we learned about his new bill designed to ease the pain of inflation. We also discussed fighting climate change while people are consumed with so many other worries. 

This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

The Cost Of Living Is Too High: Rep. Bowman’s Emergency Price Stabilization Act

You recently introduced the Emergency Price Stabilization Act of 2022. What led you to decide that this bill is necessary? What do you hope to achieve with this bill?

For lots of families in New York’s 16th congressional district, the cost of living is just far too high. While the prices of rent, utility bills, food, and other everyday necessities are rising, wages aren’t keeping up. 

The U.S Federal Reserve is attempting to tackle inflation by raising interest rates, but this is an inequitable, insufficient approach as higher interest rates will force businesses to cut jobs, increasing the risk of recession. Inflation will always disproportionately impact low-income households and we need an evidence-based, community-focused approach to economic stabilization. 

Through [the Emergency Price Stabilization Act], I hope to make vital resources more available to American families, ensure that our financial policies align with our sustainable development goals, and better engage constituents on economic policy. 

Read more about this bill.

As you’ve been speaking with people in your community, what are the issues they are most concerned about?

From close conversations with constituents, it feels [like] the most important issues are educational equity, community violence protection, and flooding prevention. 

Along with community-level issues, voters also want to feel heard and respected by representatives. To this end, I do my best to have meaningful conversations with as many people as possible to better advocate for the distinct needs of my district.

How To Balance Climate Action With Other Pressing Concerns

In a recent New York Times/Siena College poll, only 1% of voters named climate change as the most important issue facing the country. How do you feel about the fact that climate change is not a top issue for them?

The unfortunate reality is that we are facing so many critical and pressing issues at this moment. Families are struggling to put food on the table, people are struggling to afford health care, abortion rights are under attack, and the GOP is trying to undermine our democracy. 

It is understandable that so many voters rank another issue at the top of their list, but it doesn’t mean elected officials should not focus on it. We have a moral obligation to do more. 

We can—and must—walk and chew gum at the same time. We need to bring down costs for families and stand up to GOP attacks on abortion rights and on our democracy, while also taking bold action to combat climate change. 

How has climate change affected your community?

Extreme weather events are occurring more and more frequently in our district, and the associated flooding presents an ongoing threat to the people of NY-16. 

After Hurricane Ida in September 2021, severe flooding led to massive housing damage, temporary closures of schools and local businesses, and disruptions in traffic patterns. In response, I brought the US Army Corps of Engineers to tour our district so we can work together to figure out how to best protect our district from flooding. 

For years, we also saw polluted water threaten the health and safety of residents, particularly in communities with underdeveloped sewage systems. In partnership with Senator Chuck Schumer, I helped secure $3 million to hire engineers to evaluate the current system and create a thorough plan for sewage replacement in Mount Vernon, Westchester. 

But still, unless we take bold, comprehensive, and necessary action against climate change and water contamination, our infrastructure will continue to fall short, particularly in under-resourced areas.

Creating The Political Will For Renewable Energy By Movement-Building

You have called for a rapid transition to 100% renewable energy by 2030. Given the lack of will and the presence of elected climate change deniers in Washington, this sounds idealistic. What makes you hopeful that this is an attainable goal? 

While a rapid, safe transition to 100% renewable energy by 2030 may feel ambitious, we can make it a reality by increasing the number of climate advocates in office and making sustainability a personal priority for all community members. 

It is paramount that we maximize the presence of climate-focused representatives. We can do this by organizing and mobilizing voters from historically underrepresented communities, who tend to be impacted most intimately by climate change. 

The movement for climate justice is already strong, we just need to keep building it. And when I’m out in my district, talking to voters, it is clear that people care deeply about our climate and working together to find solutions. 

We Need Supporters Like You To Make Winning On Climate Possible

Electing champions like Congressman Bowman will protect the progress we’ve made for a livable climate for us and future generations. We have many ways you can join us in supporting him and other allies running in the midterm elections. You can RSVP for events in your area, volunteer for our letter-writing team, texting team, or donate. Or we’d love to have you host a Get Out The Vote letter-writing party!

You can hear more from Rep. Bowman at Against All Odds, our annual benefit to protect our planet.

Fight for food we can trust, water we can drink, and air we can breathe. Not to mention, a democracy we can believe in!

Every dollar donated helps to preserve our future.

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In Her Words: Summer Lee, Climate Champion For U.S. Congress

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DemocracyNews & Opinion

by Miho Suzuki-Robinson

Food & Water Action is proud to stand with Pennsylvania State Rep. Summer Lee heading into the November midterm election. She’s an anti-fracking activist and climate champion who will fight for real climate solutions. Pennsylvania, among other states, is central to the fossil fuel industry’s plans to deepen its hold on America’s energy production. That’s why electing climate superstars like Summer is critical to safeguard our future. 

We recently asked Summer to share her thoughts on our work together and her journey toward the U.S. Congress. 

Summer Lee: ‘Food & Water Action Shares My Vision’

“I have worked with Food & Water Action ever since 2018, when I was running for State Representative and helping my community stop a fracking well proposed in a densely-populated neighborhood.

Food & Water Action helped me win that election, and kept fighting for the community to eventually stop that fracking well. We won because we continued organizing during election time and year-round. In partnership with Food & Water Action, we worked together to elect climate champions to county and municipal government, and they helped me get reelected in 2020 despite aggressive industry spending.

Photo credit: CC-BY-2.0 / Mark Dixon, Flickr.com

My successful run for Congress in 2022 was a whole new challenge, with millions of dollars of corporate cash being spent to knock our movement down. Food & Water Action was there fighting alongside us for working people and a livable climate, and we won our biggest victory yet. Their volunteers sent thousands of handwritten letters in a narrow election that required every part of our movement pushing as hard as we could. I look forward to working with them as a member of Congress to push for real climate solutions that create millions of green jobs, and to continue to clean up the air and water here in southwest Pennsylvania where there is so much work left to be done.

They fight for what is right, what is just, which is why I am proud and grateful for their endorsement. Food & Water Action shares my vision for a climate-stable future for all of us, where people determine how we govern the care of our planet – not CEOs who get wealthy, at the expense of our health.”

We Need Supporters Like You To Help Make Winning On Climate Possible

Summer Lee has proven to be a captivating and inspirational candidate. Her candidacy increased voter turnout in her district’s primary by an impressive margin. We expect her presence on the ballot to boost turnout again, benefiting the Democratic candidates for governor and U.S. Senate. 

Electing more champions like Lee will protect the progress we’ve made for a livable climate for us and future generations. We have many ways you can join us in supporting Summer and other allies running in the midterm elections. You can RSVP for events in your area, volunteer to be a part of our texting team, or donate. Or we’d love to have you host a Get Out The Vote letter-writing party!

Fight for food we can trust, water we can drink, and air we can breathe. Not to mention, a democracy we can believe in!

Every dollar donated helps to preserve our future.

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