Let’s talk turkey! And stuffing. And mashed potatoes. The Thanksgiving menu is dominating my thoughts. I’m looking forward to digging into all that comfort food with some of my best friends. While I will miss my kids, who will be celebrating in Oregon and watching the Ducks play on Friday, I am grateful I will see them in a few short weeks.
This week’s must read: Climate trade bills may get momentum under Trump (E&E Daily) I swear I didn’t plan it this way, but check out this article written by this week’s podcast guest, Emma Dumain.
She writes:
“George David Banks, a Trump adviser during his first term in office who has since been working with lawmakers and outside groups on developing climate trade policies, predicted the center of activity would in the next Congress will be around legislation from Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), S. 3198, the ‘Foreign Pollution Fee Act.’ Cassidy’s bill would slap a fee on imported goods that are dirtier than their domestic counterparts and is widely seen as a framework designed to specifically confront China, a notorious polluter that isn’t penalized in trade relationships for being so.”
Also on the table, the PROVE IT Act, “as America First as you can possibly get,” Senator Kevin Cramer said last week.
EcoRight Speaks, Season 9, Episode 14: Climate and Congress reporter Emma Dumain
Joining us this week to talk about the year ahead is E&E News reporter and friend of the pod Emma Dumain, bringing us her expertise from the Congress beat. We cover everything from the next Administration’s cabinet to the issues that might gain traction.
Click below to listen.
Coming up next week, THANKSGIVING! We know you’re going to be busy traveling, cooking/baking, catching up with friends and family! But we will be back in your ears in December for the last few episodes of the season!
Quote of the week:
“Nothing’s wrong with fine-tuning, right?” Senator-elect John Curtis said of the Inflation Reduction Act. “We owe it to the American people to fine-tune, to look at the results of what’s happening and for certain areas that could be improved. Let’s have that conversation.”
Another must read: Where climate progress is possible under Trump (The Hill)
Our executive director Bob Inglis is quoted in this article written by Saul Elbein, which much like Emma’s piece above, explores the areas with the strongest potential for climate action, such as PROVE IT Act and the Foreign Pollution Fee Act.
From the article:
Inglis argued that such measures would get the U.S. closer to his group’s preferred climate solution: A carbon border tariff analogous to the one that will take effect in the E.U. in 2026. When it does, Inglis predicted, U.S. companies will have a trade policy-based wakeup call. “You realize that our companies are buying European credits — and that you could have collected that tax here,” he said.
Today’s history lesson:
The Austin American Statesman published my latest op-ed, but it’s behind a paywall—and I can’t even link it. EcoRight Leadership Council member Larry Linenschmidt was kind enough to clip it for me and if you want a pdf of it, hit me up. My basic premise is that once upon a time, Senator John McCain used his position on the Commerce Committee to hear from experts on climate change and get smart on the best policy approaches to solving it. Here’s hoping the incoming chair does the same…
Speaking of history: Upstart Crow podcast
I was honored to be a guest on the newly launched Upstart Crow podcast, where I talk to Jennifer Disano, the executive director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute of George Mason University.
Jennifer asked good questions about the history of climate policy and I hope you’ll listen!
Friends, we won’t publish next week so enjoy your Thanksgiving. I’m grateful for your readership!