The attacks we are facing from the Trump Administration on our environment, our immigrant communities, and our very democracy are chilling. 

 

But, I am heartened in knowing that we have our own power to push back. Action is our power. Uniting together is our power. When we show up and put pressure on decision makers, we can win. 

 

There have been a number of recent wins on environmental issues that show the importance of standing strong together. I hope these wins bring some light and encouragement at this moment. 

 

First, two recent court rulings have overturned Trump Administration actions against clean energy:

 

• Offshore wind - On January 12 the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled for Attorney General William Tong and others by granting a preliminary injunction to block the Trump Administration’s second effort to suspend work on the Revolution Wind offshore wind project. This marks an important victory for offshore wind and clean energy in our state.

 

• Electric vehicle charging - On January 23 there was a complete victory on a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s freeze of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program—a $5 billion federal initiative to build reliable, high-speed electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The court order permanently bars the U.S. Department of Transportation from withdrawing States’ funds, canceling implementation plans, or otherwise interfering with the program.

 

Here in Connecticut, we had positive outcomes in our climate and clean energy work: 

 

• Capitol Area System - On January 12, we learned our efforts have resulted in a pause by the State of Connecticut in its plans to install fossil fuel boilers at the Capitol Area System in Hartford. This is an exciting and meaningful win and a powerful opportunity for the state to lead by example by choosing a clean, renewable energy solution. You can read more about it in this month’s newsletter article, "New Development on the Capitol Area System Campaign.”

 

• Energy efficiency - Sierra Club led efforts to secure bond funding for the Home Environmental Improvement Revolving Loan and Grant program. On December 18 Governor Lamont announced an allocation of $18 million in bond funding to be used for the program, which will assist in making energy efficiency upgrades at existing single-family and multi-family homes and helping residents generate savings on energy bills.

 

As the saying goes: “Don’t despair, organize!” Together our organizing is making a difference. Onward!

 

Samantha Dynowski is State Director of Sierra Club Connecticut.