Hill Heat

The meeting discussion will focus on the beta version of the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool developed by the Council on Environmental Quality and the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council draft recommendations on the implementation of the Justice40 Initiative. These two charges were established through Executive Order 14008 Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad.

The WHEJAC is interested in receiving public comments relevant to the beta version of the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool and federal government agencies’ implementation of the Justice40 Initiative.

Please be prepared to briefly describe your comments and recommendations on what you want the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council to advise the Council on Environmental Quality and the White House Environmental Justice Interagency Council to do regarding the beta version of the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool and federal government agencies’ implementation of the Justice40 Initiative.

Members of the public who wish to participate during the public comment period must pre-register by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, March 23, 2022.

Register for the WHEJAC public meeting

Read the Draft Agenda for the WHEJAC public meeting

The WHEJAC will hear from as many registered public commenters as possible during the time specified on the agenda. Written comments can be submitted up to two (2) weeks after the meeting date. To participate in the meeting via written comment, the public can submit their written comments in the following ways:

• Entering comments in the Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OA-2021-0683 at http://www.regulations.gov, when the docket opens.
• Using the webform
• Sending comments via email to [email protected], for comments with additional materials.

Join us for our monthly State Climate Policy Network national call! This one-hour, once-a-month call is the perfect opportunity to learn about the different legislation and movements going on in states across the U.S. Legislators, advocates, and experts will join us and inform the network of what is going on in their state, and what you might be able to do to help.

Please register and spread the word to others interested in pushing forward climate policy in their state, and read more about the SCPN here.

Hearing page

Meeting agenda

• S.3677, to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the President to provide professional counseling services to victims of emergencies declared under such Act, Post-Disaster Mental Health Response Act
• S.3875, to require the President to develop and maintain products that show the risk of natural hazards across the United States, Community Disaster Resilience Zones Act of 2022
• S.3868, to correct the inequitable denial of enhanced retirement and annuity benefits to certain U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers, an original bill entitled, “Preventing Organizational Conflicts of Interest in Federal Acquisition Act”
• S.3890, to improve intergovernmental cooperation and reduce duplicative spending
• S.3511, to require a report on Federal support to the cybersecurity of commercial satellite systems
• S.3903, to require the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to establish procedures for conducting maintenance projects at ports of entry at which the Office of Field Operations conducts certain enforcement and facilitation activities
• S.857, to amend title 5, United States Code, to require the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to establish and maintain a public directory of the individuals occupying Government policy and supporting positions
• S.3655, to amend the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Act of 2018 to extend the termination date of the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Review Board
• S.3904, to enhance the cybersecurity of the Healthcare and Public Health Sector
• S.3897, to require the reduction of the reliance and expenditures of the Federal Government on legacy information technology systems
• Various bills to name post offices

Nominations of

• Ernest W. DuBester, of Virginia, to be a Member, and Kurt Thomas Rumsfeld, of Maryland, to be General Counsel, both of the Federal Labor Relations Authority
• Krista Anne Boyd, of Florida, to be Inspector General, Office of Personnel Management
• Dana Katherine Bilyeu, of Nevada, Javier E. Saade, of the District of Columbia, Leona M. Bridges, of California, Michael F. Gerber, of Pennsylvania, and Stacie Olivares, of California, each to be a Member of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board

Hearing page

Witness

• Shalanda D. Young, Director, Office of Management and Budget

The 11th annual American Climate Leadership Summit 2022 (ACLS 2022) brings together world class speakers and diverse national and local leaders for four days of sharing and collaboration. It is the only national convening exclusively dedicated to building broad public support and political resolve for climate action. ACLS 2022 welcomes climate leaders of all levels–particularly those who are new and active at the local level. Join thousands of leaders like you who seek new connections and practical and immediately actionable guidance for engaging everyone, every day for just and equitable climate solutions.

Day One | Day Two | Day Three | Day Four

11:00 AM-11:20 AM

National Health + Climate Forum Welcome + Opening Keynote

• Robbianne Mackin, Chief Development Officer, ecoAmerica
• Leyla McCurdy, MPhil, Chair, Climate for Health Leadership Circle Executive Committee
• Arthur C. Evans, Jr., PhD, CEO, American Psychological Association

11:20 AM-11:45 AM

US Leadership on Climate + Health: The Office of Climate Change & Health Equity at HHS

The Department of Health and Human Services announced the formation of the Office of Climate Change & Health Equity in summer 2021. Hear more about the goals and agenda for this office and some early accomplishments.

• John Balbus, MD, MPH, Interim Director, Office of Climate Change + Health Equity, Office Asst. Secretary for Health, HHS
• J Nadine Gracia, MD, MSCE, President + CEO, Trust for America’s Health

11:50 AM-12:20 PM

Where we are on Climate, Health + Equity: Tools from The Lancet Countdown

It has been 5 months since the 2021 Lancet Countdown U.S. Brief was released. How are we operationalizing the findings to build health equity through climate solutions? What indicators should be considered for the 2022 brief?

• Natasha DeJarnett, PhD, MPH, Assistant Professor, Division of Environmental Medicine, University of Louisville
• Renee Salas, MD, MPH, MS, Lead Author; 2021 Lancet Countdown U.S. Brief, Lancet Countdown; Harvard Global Health Institute

12:20 PM-12:50 PM

From Federal Framing to Local Action

Community leadership, citizen-science, and grassroots advocacy to address the health impacts of climate change. Hear directly from Houston residents collaborating for action.

• Grace Tee Lewis, PhD, Senior Health Scientist, Environmental Defense Fund
• Denae King, PhD, Associate Director, Bullard Center for Environmental + Climate Justice at Texas Southern University
• Joetta Stevenson, President, Greater Fifth Ward Super Neighborhood #55

12:55 PM-01:10 PM

Natural Connections: Collaboration with the Environment

Restoring relationships with the natural world benefits both people and the planet. An example of the intersection of Anishinaabe teachings and Western ways of knowing in the healing process.

• Leah Prussia, Associate Professor, College of St. Scholastica

01:10 PM-02:00 PM

Mental Health + Our Changing Climate: Impacts, Inequities, Responses

In this session, hear from the authors of this report and the latest tools and resources for practitioners, communities, and policymakers to address mental health impacts of climate change.

• Susan Clayton, PhD, Professor of Psychology, The College of Wooster
• Christie Manning, PhD, Director of Sustainability; Assistant Professor, Macalester College
• Gavin Rienne, MPH, Epidemiology + Biostatistics PhD Candidate, University of Kentucky
• Derrick Sebree, PsyD, Clinical Psychologist, Michigan School of Psychology

02:00 PM-02:10 PM

Networking Session

02:10 PM-02:35 PM

Climate Action: Local Health Leadership

Think globally, act locally is advice we hear often, but what does that look like for climate action that improves health and health equity?

• Madelyn Gustafson, Project Coordinator, National Environmental Health Association
• Armen Henderson, MD, MBA, Co-Founder, Dade County Street Response, Disaster Relief Team
• Nichole Lemin, MS, REHS, MEP, Assistant Health Commissioner/Director of Environmental Health, Franklin County Public Health

02:35 PM-02:50 PM

Climate Change + Disabilities: Collaboration with the Association of University Centers on Disabilities

Over 61 million Americans have a disability and more than 1 billion do world-wide. People with disabilities need to be engaged at every level of climate justice.

• Meighen Speiser, Executive Director, ecoAmerica
• Liz Weintraub, Senior Advocacy Specialist + Host of Tuesdays W/ Liz: Disability Policy for ALL, AUCD

02:50 PM-03:25 PM

Reports from the Field: Direct from Climate for Health Ambassadors

Get to know your host, Climate for Health, through this session that will outline the opportunities for you to act and advocate with tools and resources provided through our program. Hear directly from Climate for Health Ambassadors about their actions to engage communities, peers, and policymakers on equitable climate solutions.

• Milagros Elia, MA, APRN, ANP-BC, Nurse Founder/CEO, M. Elia Nature-Based Healthcare Solutions
• Kasondra McCracken, MCHES, Senior Lecturer, Arizona State University
• Sydney Otis, Network Engagement Manager, ecoAmerica
• April Taylor, Tribal Liaison, Chickasaw Nation
• Gregory White, Director, Decatur Active Living, City of Decatur

03:25 PM-03:35 PM

Caring for Yourself to Care for the Planet

Engaging with our climate emergency can feel overwhelming at times. To do our best work, we all need to prioritize self-care every day.

• Bruce Bekkar, MD, Chair, Public Health Advisory Council of the Climate Action Campaign

03:35 PM-03:55 PM

Looking Forward: Onwards for Climate and Health

Looking forward on climate and health, Natasha Sood, Executive Chair of Medical Students for a Sustainable Future, will provide remarks followed by a dialogue and live audience Q&A with Katherine Catalano, Deputy Director of the American Public Health Association’s Center for Climate, Health and Equity.

• Katherine Catalano, MS, Deputy Director, Center for Climate, Health + Equity, American Public Health Association
• Natasha Sood, MPH, Co-Founder, Medical Students for a Sustainable Future

04:00 PM-05:00 PM

How to Build Programs + Policies that Equitably Address Climate’s Health Effects

Connect with experts to dive into step-by-step playbooks detailing city strategies that address “the trifecta” of climate, health, and equity. Strategies highlighted were designed to give all children a healthy, fair start to life — no matter their socioeconomic status or their zip code — and to be easily replicated for maximum impact. To celebrate the end of a long Zoom day, we will be bringing our coffee and our creativity. Join us! Organized by Healthy Babies Bright Futures and the National League of Cities.

• Robert Blaine, DMA, Senior Executive + Director, Institute for Youth, Education, and Families, National League of Cities
• Emily Koo, Director of Sustainability, City of Providence, Rhode Island
• Emily Larson, Mayor, City of Duluth, Minnesota
• Linda Rudolph, MD, MPH, Sr Advisor Climate, Health + Equity, Public Health Institute; MSCCH

Meeting has been postponed. Meeting will be rescheduled for a later date.

Hearing page

Hearing page

Witnesses

Panel I

• Denis McDonough, Secretary of Veterans Affairs

Panel II

• Kristina Keenan, Associate Director, National Legislative Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars
• Shane Liermann, Deputy National Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans
• Christopher Slawinski, National Executive Director, Fleet Reserve Association

On Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. ET, in room 1324 Longworth House Office Building and Cisco WebEx, the Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife will hold a legislative hearing on the following bills:

• H.R. 6427 (Rep. Mike Johnson, R-LA) To amend the Red River National Wildlife Refuge Act to modify the boundary of the Red River National Wildlife Refuge, and for other purposes. Red River National Wildlife Refuge Boundary Modification Act.
• H.R. 6734 (Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-NY) A bill to amend the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 to reauthorize the volunteer services, community partnership, and refuge education programs of the National Wildlife Refuge System, and for other purposes. Keep America’s Refuges Operational Act of 2022.
• H.R. 7025 (Rep. Raúl Grijalva, D-AZ) To prohibit the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service from funding entities that commit, fund, or support gross violations of internationally recognized human rights, and for other purposes. Advancing Human Rights-Centered International Conservation Act of 2022.

Climate change, rapid advances in technology and the drive for innovation are leading to a big shift in the world of automobiles.

The Biden Administration has set a target that by 2030, half of new passenger vehicle sales will be zero-emissions, making electric vehicles a norm rather than an exception. And smart, autonomous vehicles powered by AI could further transform driving culture.

As batteries, chips and electric charging stations become more vital, how can we design an infrastructure framework with sustainability in mind? What new skills will the workforce need to develop? How do we make electric vehicles affordable and accessible to all drivers? And can autonomous vehicles pave the way to safer roads?

RSVP

Speakers:

• Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI), Commerce, Science & Transportation Subcmte. on Surface Transportation, Maritime, Freight, and Ports
• Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH), Republican Leader, Energy & Commerce Subcmte. on Communications & Technology
• Everette Bacon, Member, Board of Directors, National Federation of the Blind
• Marc Bedard, CEO, Lion Electric
• Cathy Chase, President, Advocates for Highway & Auto Safety
• Eric Danko, Director, Federal Affairs, Cruise
• Toks Omishakin, Director, California Department of Transportation
• Trevor Pawl, Chief Mobility Officer, State of Michigan
• Jessika Trancik, Professor, Institute for Data, Systems, and Society, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Cathy Zoi, CEO, EVgo

The 11th annual American Climate Leadership Summit 2022 (ACLS 2022) brings together world class speakers and diverse national and local leaders for four days of sharing and collaboration. It is the only national convening exclusively dedicated to building broad public support and political resolve for climate action. ACLS 2022 welcomes climate leaders of all levels–particularly those who are new and active at the local level. Join thousands of leaders like you who seek new connections and practical and immediately actionable guidance for engaging everyone, every day for just and equitable climate solutions.

Day One | Day Two | Day Three | Day Four

11:00 AM-11:10 AM

Summit Welcome + Opening Keynote

• Meighen Speiser, Executive Director, ecoAmerica
• Vanessa Hauc, News Anchor; Director, Telemundo Network News; Telemundo News Planeta Tierra
• Sheldon Whitehouse, U.S. Senator (D-RI)

11:10 AM-11:25 AM

Futures Not Freeways: Portland Youth Fighting for Transportation + Climate Justice

• Adah Crandall, Organizer, Sunrise PDX

11:25 AM-12:00 PM

Be a Climate Superhero

Margaret Mead’s famous quote “never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has” rings exponentially true for climate action. Each of us has the power to influence others in our lives. America needs all of us, including you, to help bring others around us toward solutions. You can be a climate superhero! Hear from leaders who prove that one person can be the change we want to see in the world (and for our climate).

• Benjamin Franta, JD, PhD, PhD Candidate, History of Science, Stanford University
• LaTisha Harris, Community Organizer, Mothers Out Front
• Kat Lockwood, Associate Organizing Director, NARAL Pro-Choice America

12:05 PM-12:15 PM

Local Action, National Purpose Spotlight; Personal: Family + Friends

There is so much we can do to be part of the solution on climate change, in our daily lives and with friends and family. In this session, hear about how you can make climate solutions a kitchen table issue, featuring Georges C. Benjamin, MD, Executive Director, American Public Health Association, interviewed by Leyla McCurdy, MPhil, Chair, Climate for Health Leadership Circle Executive Committee.

• Georges C. Benjamin, MD, Executive Director, American Public Health Association
• Leyla McCurdy, MPhil, Chair, Climate for Health Leadership Circle Executive Committee

12:17 PM-12:29 PM

Local Action, National Purpose Spotlight; Organization: Workplace + Beyond

There is so much we can do to be part of the solution on climate change, including in our daily lives. In this session, hear about what you can do to lead on climate in your place of worship, featuring Rev. Dr. Jim Antal, Special Advisor on Climate Justice to UCC Minister + President, United Church of Christ, interviewed by Carol Devine, Director, Blessed Tomorrow.

• Rev. Dr. Jim Antal, Special Advisor on Climate Justice to UCC Minister and President, United Church of Christ
• Rev. Carol Devine, Director, Blessed Tomorrow, ecoAmerica

12:30 PM-12:40 PM

Local Action, National Purpose Spotlight; Community

There is so much we can do to be part of the solution on climate change, including in our daily lives and right in our own communities. In this session, hear about what you can do to lead on climate in your city or town, featuring Ana Puszkin-Chevlin, PhD of the Growing Climate Solutions: Path to Positive SWFL, interviewed by Deneine Powell, Director of Path to Positive Communities.

• Deneine Powell, Director, Path to Positive Communities, ecoAmerica
• Ana Puszkin-Chevlin, PhD, Regional Director, Growing Climate Solutions: Path to Positive SWFL

12:45 PM-12:55 PM

Conservation Ranching: Grazing Our Way to a Better Climate

Grasslands are important carbon sinks but are threatened by development and a changing climate. There is a natural solution here, however, one that keeps them working as part of America’s breadbasket, but also brings out their best in response to the biodiversity and climate crises. Through its Conservation Ranching Initiative, the National Audubon Society supports ranchers to protect and improve habitat, while also connecting consumers to this important conservation work through the marketplace. These diverse grasslands become more resilient, better equipped to withstand extreme weather events. Join and learn how Audubon and America’s ranchers are working hand-in-glove across millions of acres.

• Melinda Cep, Vice President, Natural Solutions + Working Lands, National Audubon Society
• Doniga Markegard, Regenerative Rancher + Author, Markegard Family Grass-Fed

12:55 PM-01:05 PM

Farming in Emerging Economies: Ag-Weather Intelligence for a Changing Climate Adapting to the impacts of the changing weather starts with information. Digital Climate Advisor Services (DCAS) are scalable, location and crop specific advisories provided in-time to help small-scale producers adapt to the changing climate. Hear from an agricultural climatologist on how this technology is providing improved food security and nutrition.

• John Corbett, PhD, Sr. Advisor Agricultural Climatology, TomorrowNow.org

01:05 PM-01:15 PM

Conservatives, Conservation, Climate

• Erin Heskett, Vice President of Conservation Initiatives, Land Trust Alliance

01:20 PM-01:40 PM

Overcoming Climate Disasters

​​Climate change is increasing the severity and likelihood of major storms. From raging wildfires in the Western United States to stronger hurricanes hitting the coasts, Americans are feeling and seeing the impacts of a warmer world. Samantha Montano, PhD discusses the ways in which we can better prepare for climate disasters and support those impacted.

• Lisa Renstrom, President, Threshold Foundation
• Samantha Montano, PhD, Assistant Professor, Massachusetts Maritime Academy

01:45 PM-02:15 PM

Local News, National News, or Is it News? Covering climate in the media. Discussion on how climate change is being covered in the media, and the prospects for more productive coverage in 2022.

• Louis Aguirre, News Anchor/Environmental Advocate, WPLG TV 10/Berkshire Hathaway
• Mark Hertsgaard, Executive Director, Covering Climate Now
• Vanessa Hauc, News Anchor; Director, Telemundo Network News; Telemundo News Planeta Tierra
• Bonnie Schneider, Meteorologist/Author, “TAKING THE HEAT”

02:15 PM-02:35 PM

Plastic-Free Futures: Education as the Path to Climate Justice

Plastic pollution is a planetary crisis, intersecting with climate and justice. Educating a wide audience about the connections between climate, environmental justice, and plastic pollution is key to creating the plastic free, healthy, just, equitable, and regenerative future we need for humanity to survive. In this panel discussion, hear from three leaders who are working at the frontlines to inspire action.

• Yvette Arellano, Founder, Fenceline Watch
• Sharon Lavigne, Founder, Rise St. James
• Lauren Ritchie, Founder, The EcoJustice Project

02:35 PM-03:15 PM

Youth and Truth to Power

Youth continue to be forces to reckon with for climate justice and action. Youth leaders will be speaking about the prospects for climate action in 2022, and how we all can be allies for the youth climate movement.

• Aniya Butler, Hip Hop + Climate Justice Coordinator, Youth Vs Apocalypse
• Hannah Estrada, Education + Organizing Coordinator, Youth Vs Apocalypse
• Jerome Foster II, Executive Director + Founder, OneMillionOfUs
• Alexandria Villaseñor, Climate Activist + Executive Director, Earth Uprising

03:15 PM-03:45 PM

Target 2022: Policy, Politics, Prospects + Priorities

We can solve climate change, but we need to act now. Governments, policymakers, and advocates have made amazing progress over the past decade on the science, technologies, and policies we need. In fact, we’re in a better position now to solve climate change than ever before. Hear from leaders working to move ambitious and just climate action forward in 2022, and what we can all do to help build the public support and political will needed for a healthy, safer, and prosperous future.

• Mandela Barnes, Lieutenant Governor, State of Wisconsin
• Sean Casten, Congressman (IL-06), US House of Representatives
• Phil Sharp, Board Chair, ecoAmerica
• Paul Tonko, Congressman (NY-20), US House of Representatives

03:45 PM-04:00 PM

Committing to Climate Action + Closing

• Bob Perkowitz, Founder + President, ecoAmerica
• Meighen Speiser, Executive Director, ecoAmerica