Summertime summertime sum-sum-summertime… this song has been stuck in my head all week and while you all know very well of my disdain for the heat and humidity of summer, I’m starting to feel nostalgic that we are inching toward its sweaty end. I haven’t gone out to smash Maryland Blue Crabs yet. (Talk about earning your supper… this is why I prefer lobster.) I haven’t had nearly enough ice cream. I haven’t been to my local pool (except to swim laps). I haven’t been to the beach.
I better get to it! Soon it will be September, which means fall weather, back to school, National Clean Energy Week, and my favorite, apple season!
This week’s must read: Without a Carbon Price, the United States Is an Island Alone (Resources)
I’m always happy to see a fellow carbon pricer in print. Congrats to our friend Danny Richter on his latest blog publication.
“The evolving face of global trade and shifting winds in US politics offer an opportunity to focus on an oft-overlooked fact—the United States is the only developed economy without a national carbon price,” Danny writes “This point cuts across two common misconceptions: carbon pricing is not widespread, and carbon pricing is politically toxic.”
Seeing the list of countries with a carbon pricing mechanism really hits home that we are, as Danny put it, an island. Check it out.
The EcoRight Speaks talks the future of farming
This week on the EcoRight Speaks… Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), congressional lead for the Thriving Economy Project’s work on 21st century agricultural policy, speaks to us about cooperatively building a robust agricultural sector.
The Thriving Economy Project, a coalition of members of Congress, former senior congressional aides, officials from multiple presidential administrations, and leading energy and environmental policy experts are collaborating on a new policy blueprint aimed at strengthening economic competitiveness, creating jobs, and delivering affordable and reliable energy for American families and businesses. A September 2026 report will outline a blueprint to build a thriving economy for all Americans.
Rep. Budizinski is leading the recommendations that will help farmers have stable, diversified income streams; drive innovation and adaptation; and make farming more sustainable, more lucrative, and healthier for all. She brings a wealth of experiences both in her district, which features a strong agricultural constituency, and her work protecting workers and strengthening the middle class.
That conversation is below!
Coming up next week… if you’re worried about AI’s impacts on energy demand and climate change, you will want to tune in to hear the Climate Leadership Council’s Greg Bertelsen share why he’s optimistic that the Age of AI can help usher in a new energy era, one that is cleaner and more resilient.
Dispatches from the Mountain West
Writing solo this time is our super volunteer Alex Amonette from Montana, who was published recently in the Independent Press with her op-ed, County Commissioners know Montana’s energy needs, Congress should listen.
“Although County commissioners don’t write federal permitting laws, few people understand Montana’s (MT) energy needs and infrastructure realities better than them,” she writes. “Whether they’re from energy-producing, agricultural, urban, or rural communities, commissioners are independently arriving at the same conclusion: it’s time for Congress to strike a deal on permitting reform to help us build faster, lower costs, and strengthen reliability.”
National Clean Energy Week, Policymaker Lineup
Next month marks the 10th annual National Clean Energy Week and we are pleased to share the bipartisan lineup of confirmed speakers. You can check out the agenda here, and catch my highlights below, as well as a few panels I’m looking forward to seeing:
- On opening day (September 15) Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks will get the festivities underway with early remarks.
- Also on the 15th, an afternoon discussion: How AI is reshaping American Energy.
- On September 16th, Congressional remarks from Rep. Buddy Carter and this week’s podcast guest, Rep. Nikki Budzinski.
- Also on the 16th, another past podcast guest, Bob Keefe of E2, discusses how infrastruture investments drive workforce development and enhance America’s competitiveness.
Register to attend either in person or virtually!
And now I’m off to play with my new (growing) kittens! Have a great weekend!