2020 Action

100% Renewable Electricity is Available - Often at Cheaper Than Utility Prices

November 2019 - The secret is "municipal aggregation," also called ‘Power Choice,’ in which the municipality bargains for its residents jointly. This aggregated bargaining power lowers the price to the point where, often, 100% renewable energy is cheaper than the original utility price. In Newton, MA, for example, 100% renewable is about 10% cheaper than the regular utility price. To be clear, both the utility and the aggregated prices are subject to change, because both are bargained on the open market. 

If your town already has municipal aggregation, you can "opt up" to choose 100% renewable energy. When you are part of an aggregated plan, your current utility company would continue to handle your account, send you the bill, and handle repairs to the grid. You can sign on or quit anytime, at no charge.

This is HUGE, because current residential electricity emits about 15% of total US CO2 emissions. 

TAKE ACTION:

Call your town or city hall*, ask for the department or person related to your municipality’s electricity source, and then ask If your community is part of a municipal aggregation plan.

If ‘yes’, sign up and specifically ask to get 100% renewable energy for your home and/or business. Note that getting renewable energy produced in your area is better if your community offers this option. Locally produced renewable energy provides regional jobs, keeps the money in your area, and will encourage development of more local renewable energy production.

If your town or city isn’t part of a municipal aggregation plan, urge your local government to become part of this growing movement for locally produced renewable energy that may save you money.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

See:  https://www.sierraclub.org/massachusetts/community-choice-energy  for more information on the advantages of municipal aggregation over other "green" plans.

* Contact info varies from state to state and town to town. Here are a few contact numbers we are aware of re municipal aggregation for cities in Eastern MA:  In Newton, Cambridge, and Watertown, the supplier is Direct Energy at 866-968-8065. In Brookline and Somerville, MA, it's Dynegy at 866-220-5696. In Lexington, it's Constellation New Energy at 844-813-7876.

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An Actual Bipartisan Plan to Stop Greenhouse Gas Emissions!

May 2019 - The Bad News: In 2018, greenhouse gas emissions increased by 2.5% in the US and 2.7% globally. While the politics has been difficult, the technological fix is clear: A complete change-over from fossil fuels and nuclear to electricity from renewables, even for heating and vehicles. Already, in many places, energy from wind and solar, backed up by large-scale battery storage, is cheaper than electricity from fossil fuels and nuclear sources. If we could raise the cost of fossil fuels and provide people with the money to make the change-over, that would do it.

The Good News: There is a simple way of doing that at zero cost to the government. It's called Carbon-Fee-Dividend. It consists of the government collecting a gradually rising carbon fee at all coal mines, oil and gas well-heads and ports, and distributing the collected fees as "dividends" to all residents, equally per person. As the carbon fee rises, it will increase the consumer prices for gasoline, oil, and natural gas. The rich will end up paying dearly to use their yachts and private jets. But the bottom 82% will see a net gain—especially the bottom 50%—who could then use their dividends to pay to switch to clean electric, and pocket the money from then on. The transition to renewable energy will also generate millions of jobs which will narrow the gap between rich and poor.

TAKE ACTION

House bill H.763, introduced by T. Deutch (D-FL) with 26 co-sponsors, incorporates this plan and needs publicity and support. Urge your Representative to co-sponsor and speak out in support of this bill. Many economists, both Democratic and Republican, say that this is the most effective and efficient way to go. We have no time to lose to save ourselves and the Earth from increasingly virulent fires, floods, droughts and rising oceans.

CONTACT: Your Representative in Congress

• Web: Find his or her name and link to their websites at house.gov; send an email or leave a message via ‘Contact’ on his/her website
• Tel: 202 224-3121 (Capitol switchboard-ask for his/her office & leave a message)
• Mail: Representative (first & last name) S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. 20515

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Defend the Clean Water Act

April 2019 - Clean water is vital to our ecology, our health, and our quality of life. Finalized in 2015, a Clean Water Rule within that act restored federal protections to half the nation’s streams, which help provide drinking water to one in every three Americans. The Rule also protects millions of acres of wetlands that provide wildlife habitat and keep pollutants out of America’s great waterways, from the Great Lakes to Chesapeake Bay to Puget Sound. This Rule is now under attack by the Trump administration through court suits and Executive Orders. The latest threat is a proposed narrowing of the definition of 'Waters of the United States' that would reduce by half the waters being regulated by the EPA concerning such matters as point source discharges; dredge and fill permits, and oil spill prevention programs

TAKE ACTION BY APRIL 15:

The EPA's comment period for the proposed changes to the Clean Water Act ends on April 15th. Before that date, tell the EPA you do not approve of the proposed redefinition of "Waters of the United States" because it all significantly reduces the scope of the Clean Water Act to protect wetlands and ensure safe water for all Americans.

On the Web: To comment on the web go to the following EPA website page:
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EPA-HQ-OW-2018-0149-0003  
Then click on "Comment Now" and add your comment.

By Mail: Reference Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2018-0149. Mail your comments to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Docket Center, Office of Water Docket, Mail Code 28221T, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460

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2018 2020 Action Report & Request

Dear member and friend of 2020 Action,

You and I live in volatile and dangerous times.

Nuclear weapons and climate change remain the biggest threats to our country and the world—
and these fundamental issues will remain the focus of 2020 Action.

I am so grateful that you have been a part of 2020. Your actions, combined with those of other members, have led to 32 years of having a positive influence on hundreds of important policies. Our 2018 Action Report shows some of the many achievements you have helped to bring about.

Together we strengthen each other by amplifying our voices. We are redoubling our efforts, being creative, strategic, and finding the places where we can affect positive change.

Everything we love about life, our country, our democracy, and our environment is in danger right now. And to ‘disengage’ in frustration would be tragic.

I need your help now so that 2020 Action can engage even more people in effective action. More than ever, our democracy depends on well-informed engaged citizens. Donate now at 2020Action.org.

This is the time of year when many people make their most significant donations to organizations they trust, in support of causes they believe in deeply. I hope 2020, with its 32 years of persistence and success, is on your list and that you’ll send a special donation.

We need your help now so that working together we can flex the muscle of citizen participation that is vital to our democracy. With your help we will inform more Americans and engage them in taking effective action on these critical issues. Much is at stake, so I hope you will be generous. Click to here to donate on our website: 2020Action.org, or send a donation to 2020 Action, PO Box 63, Amherst, MA 01004.

With gratitude for your caring and generosity, and best wishes for the New Year,

Lois Barber,

Founder and Executive Director

 

P.S.  Jo Comerford, a long-time 2020 member, was recently elected to the Massachusetts State Senate!  Jo writes, “2020 was a first step for me into my life of social engagement — waking up to the world — and I will be forever grateful.” Read more of Jo’s story below. Your donation today will help us reach out and engage more young people like Jo. Donate now at 2020Action.org

“2020 was a first step for me…”
A Story from Jo Comerford, State Senator Elect, Massachusetts

“My dad was a high school history teacher. He and my mom were very active -- from marches on Washington to participation on school committees, to work in the environmental movement, and as advocates for public education funding. I watched, but wasn’t really involved.

When I graduated from college, dad bought me a membership in 2020 Vision (now 2020 Action). And I remember him saying that it would be the doorway for me to find my own activism, my own purpose, my own sense of agency.

When the first postcard came in the mail, I remember reading the background piece and thinking to myself that I needed to know more. I remember how excited I was when I wrote my first letter based on the action postcard and put it in the mail. Later that week, I picked up and read The New York Times much more in-depth than I had done before. Later that year, I began volunteering at a shelter for women who were without homes. 2020 was a first step for me into my own life of social engagement -- into my own waking up to the world -- and I will be forever grateful.”

In November 2018, Jo was elected to be State Senator in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She will be sworn in in January.

Please make a generous donation to 2020 Action today so that we can reach out and engage more young people and help them take a “First Step in their own life of social engagement and waking up to the world.”

 

And congratulations to EarthAction, 2020’s sister organization, whose Spotlight Project won the “2018 Best Climate Solutions” international award for “Communicating Climate Change Threats and Opportunities.” I'm very proud and very grateful for your help to make this possible. This is one more example of what we're doing together for democracy, peace, and the environment.

 

Please send your donation today to the address below, or click here to donate online.

Call to Action! Dire Predictions on Climate Change!

November 2018 - The extreme hurricanes, fires, flooding, and temperatures this year are hardly surprising because it's all been predicted. The most recent predictions by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change are even more dire, and the report calls on governments, industry, and all the earth's individuals to take immediate and effective action. ALL HANDS ON DECK!!!!!

ACTION: Start Now

1. First, ask your Representatives and your Senators what they are going to do to address the horrific climate changes we face. Second, urge them to speak out loudly against the destructive Trump attempts to roll back the existing measures we have in place to reduce emissions from power plants and vehicles. The U.S. must mobilize to lower our carbon emissions and make our best effort to stabilize our changing climate.
2. a) Call your power company to order 100% renewable electricity. It may cost slightly more, but won't give the earth a fever. Ask if discounts or rebates are available.
3. b) Drastically cut your air travel, a surprisingly large source of global warming.
4. c) Switch from eating beef to poultry, or even vegetarian fare.

If you do all three, you'll save money, and get healthier. Most important, you'll make a real, concrete, contribution to your children's and grandchildren's well-being.

WE AND THE EARTH CAN'T WAIT!

CONTACT: Your Representative and Senators (and electric company)

• Web: Find their names and links to their websites at senate.gov, www.house.gov; send an email or leave a message via ‘Contact’ on his/her website
• Tel: 202 224-3121 (Capitol switchboard-ask for his/her office & leave a message)
• Mail: Senator or Representative (first & last name) S. Senate, Washington, D.C. 20510
  or U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. 20515

Multiply this Message: Use this information to write a letter to the editor about this important & timely issue. This is a powerful way to educate and mobilize others—our job now & in the coming years!

How to Elect Peace & Environment Candidates Nov. 6

October 2018 - Nuclear weapons and climate change remain the greatest threats to the well-being and survival of our families, our country and the world. On Tuesday, November 6^th, you can help elect your federal Representative and Senator who will work to increase our security. Here are a few suggestions of what to do:

Be informed. Find out the positions of your Congressional candidates on:

1. Reducing and eliminating nuclear weapons
2. National spending on nuclear weapons
3. Federal policies on greenhouse gas emissions
4. National policies on clean renewable energy

When you have chosen your candidates, SUPPORT THEM! Donate if you can and volunteer to work in their campaigns: door-to-door outreach, phone calling, hold a house-party, reach out to friends and colleagues, put up a sign, wear a button, get-out-the-vote . . .THIS IS IMPORTANT!

ACTION: Work for, build support for, and on Tuesday, November 6^th, vote for candidates running for Congress in your Congressional district and state who support policies that will reduce and eliminate nuclear weapons, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and develop renewable energy. If you have time, you can also volunteer and support candidates in other states.

CONTACT: Research candidate’s positions on climate change and nuclear weapons at these websites:

• League of Conservation Voters:
  http://scorecard.lcv.org/sites/scorecard.lcv.org/files/LCV_Scorecard-2017-Full.pdf
• Council for a Livable World: https://livableworld.org/

You can also visit candidates’ websites and contact their campaign offices to determine their positions on these issues, and/or, to volunteer in their campaigns. Thank you.

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Tell EPA to Block Proposed Trump Regulations That Will Lower MPG & Reverse Clean Air Regulations

September 2018 - The New York Times recently updated its report, 76 Environmental Rules on the Way Out Under Trump. It says that the Trump administration, along with Republicans in Congress, have targeted environmental rules they see as overly burdensome to the fossil fuel industry.

From the Times: “Rules targeted for reversal so far include key Obama-era efforts to curb planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions, as well as broader air and water pollution controls, and protections for threatened animals and habitats. The Trump administration has, in many instances, pared back these regulations in favor of more expansive energy extraction policies — often as a direct response to petitions from oil, gas and coal companies.”

Trump’s current ill-advised proposal is that the EPA lower emission controls and fuel economy standards for cars, SUVs, and light trucks, model years 2022 —through 2025.

ACTION: Submit a comment on this proposal to the EPA by the October 2^nd deadline. Tell them why you oppose lowering MPG regulations, and reversing clean air and emissions controls.

CONTACT: The EPA—submit comments in any of the following ways:

Online: Go to https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=EPA-HQ-OAR-2018-0283   Click on ‘Comment Now!’ and type or paste in your comment. Follow the prompts.

Email: Comments may be sent to a-and-r-Docket@epa.gov   
Include Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2018-0283 in the subject line of the message.

Fax: (202) 566-9744. Heading: Attention Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OAR-2018-0283.

Mail: EPA, EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), Mail Code 28221T, Attention Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OAR-2018-0283, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20460

Multiply this Message: Use this information to write a letter to the editor about this important & timely issue. This is a powerful way to educate and mobilize others—our job now & in the coming years!

Stop the Bailout of Coal and Nuclear

July 2018 - The President has instructed Rick Perry, the Secretary of Energy, to bail out obsolete coal and nuclear power plants by raising electricity rates. A draft Energy Department plan exploits the Cold War-era Defense Production Act and Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act to force grid operators across the country to buy electricity from failing coal and nuclear plants. The Defense Production Act is an obscure wartime law that allows the president to secure scarce resources for national defense. There is, however, no case that failing coal and nuclear plants are essential to military defense. The Federal Power Act, Section 202(c) allows the Energy Secretary to issue an “emergency run order” where potential shortages of energy are imminent. Grid operators, industry experts, and utilities, however, have repeatedly and forcefully stated that there is no energy shortage and no evidence of an emergency.

ACTION: Contact your Senators and Representative. Urge them to oppose this initiative, which would require American families to bail out obsolete coal and nuclear power plants. Such initiatives would prop up polluting, dangerous, and expensive sources of power while disadvantaging efforts to provide clean, cheap, renewable alternatives.

Contact Your Representative and Senators:

• Web: Find their names and links to their websites at senate.gov, www.house.gov; send an email or leave a message via ‘Contact’ on his/her website
• Tel: 202 224-3121 (Capitol switchboard-ask for his/her office & leave a message)
• Mail: Senator or Representative (first & last name) S. Senate, Washington, D.C. 20510
  or U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. 20515

Multiply this Message: Use this information to write a letter to the editor about this important & timely issue. This is a powerful way to educate and mobilize others—our job now & in the coming years!

The Astonishingly Good News on Renewable Energy

March 2018 - XCel Energy, a Colorado utility, recently explored alternatives to running its dirty coal-fired electricity plants and requested bids, including for wind and solar produced energy with battery storage (for when there's no sun and no wind). They received hundreds of bids at amazingly low prices. For example, wind plus battery storage came in at a median of 2.1 cents per kWh, and solar plus storage at 3.6 cents per kWh. By way of contrast, the current overall residential US average is 12 cents per kWh. 

The price of renewables will vary depending on the local wind and solar energy resource, but overall, renewables look to be cheaper than fossil fuel systems. Lazard Ltd., a global energy financial analyst, recently issued its 2017 report stating that in many regions of North America, the full life-cycle cost of building and operating renewables-plus-battery systems is cheaper than merely continuing to operate the already existing coal and nuclear plants! In developing countries, the advantages of renewables are assessed to be even greater.

ACTION:  Contact the Governor of your State. Urge him or her to look into renewables-plus-storage options because this could well result in lower electricity prices, cleaner air, much lower greenhouse gas emissions, less danger of nuclear disasters, and a huge increase in well-paying local jobs. All this at no cost to the government! Sounds like a winner all around.

CONTACT: The Governor of your state

Web: usa.gov/state-governor and then follow directions for mail, email, or telephone

Mail: Your Governor’s name, Capitol Building, name of your capitol city, State, zip code

Multiply this Message: Use this information to write a letter to the editor about this important & timely issue. This is a powerful way to educate and mobilize others—our job in the coming years!

Save the Clean Power Plan

December 2017 - The Trump administration is now working to end Obama's signature climate change program, the Clean Power Plan. This is in spite of the recent report from 13 federal agencies confirming the seriousness of climate change, the fact that humans are the predominant cause, and that major reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are imperative. The Clean Power Plan would cover, for the first time, emissions from existing power plants which account for 35% of U.S. carbon emissions, the largest single source. It would reduce these emissions by 32% by 2030 relative to 2005. States may use a number of options to meet their established targets including investing in renewable energy, energy efficiency, natural gas, and nuclear power, and shifting away from coal-fired power.

Because power plants also release sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, the plan will also prevent thousands of early deaths, asthma attacks in children, heart attacks, and hospitalizations. 

On October 10, 2017, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt signed a notice of proposed rule-making to repeal the Clean Power Plan. This started the clock on the public comment period, which ends January 16. 

ACTION: Submit your comment to the EPA before the January 16, 2018 deadline

Submit a comment to EPA opposing repeal of the Clean Power Plan. Weather catastrophes including floods, heat waves, hurricanes, and large wildfires have already cost the U.S. $1.1 trillion since 1980 and will continue to increase in frequency and intensity without major reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. The standards in the Plan are what we need to avert catastrophe.

Include ID# EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0355 and submit comments in any of the following ways:

Online: Go to https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0355  Click on ‘Comment Now!’ and type or paste in your comment. Follow the prompts.

Email: Comments may be sent to a-and-r-Docket@epa.gov   
Include Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0355 in the subject line of the message.

Fax: Fax your comments to: (202) 566-9744. Attention Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0355.

Mail: EPA, EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), Mail Code 28221T, Attention Docket ID
No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0355, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20460

Multiply this Message: Use this information to write a letter to the editor about this important & timely issue. This is a powerful way to educate and mobilize others.