DEALing in: The NewDEAL, a National Network of Progressive State and Local Elected Officials, Unveiled Its Own Climate Policy Agenda

by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) DEALing in: The NewDEAL, a national network of progressive state and local elected officials, unveiled its own climate policy agenda this morning. The report focuses on how state and local officials can reduce emissions and build resiliency while fostering widespread support. It was developed by the NewDEAL Forum Climate Policy Group, which is co-chaired by Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes and Norfolk, Va., Councilwoman Andria McClellan, with input from the Natural Resources Defense Council, Center for Climate and Energy Solutions and Third Way.

The report highlights key strategies like moving to 100 percent clean energy sources on "ambitious timeframes;" ending fossil fuel subsidies; requiring the natural gas industry to capture methane leaks; supporting stronger fuel efficiency standards in line with Obama-era rules that aimed for about 54 miles per gallon by 2025; and scheduling an emissions cap or fee trajectory to help reach climate goals.

The group will also hold a roundtable this afternoon on the report with Inslee, Microsoft President Brad Smith and former EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, now the president of the NRDC Action Fund. READ MORE0

Excerpts from The NewDEAL Forum Working Group: Models for Progress Exploring divestment and clean investing. Oil and coal aren’t just hard on the planet; they’re an increasingly shaky financial commitment, too.

One study’s low-end estimate put direct state-level annual incentives at $5.8 billion. A New York state bill would require an annual analysis of fossil fuel tax incentives, paired with a sunset provision for the expenditures.

Over 30 U.S. cities have moved investments away from fossil fuel holdings. Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs spearheaded a new law to encourage local and state governments to integrate sustainability into policies
and decision-making when managing public funds.

The 2009 Recovery Act was the largest single investment in renewables and serves as an example for how stimulus during recessions can spur green investments. Leaders should prioritize advocating similar federal funding, and be prepared with shovel-ready projects for any stimulus funds.

Supporting stronger fuel efficiency standards in line with Obama-era rules that aimed for about 54 miles/gallon by 2025.

Over a dozen states follow California’s fuel guidelines and attorneys general from 23 states, D.C., and four cities have joined a lawsuit to defend national clean car rules, opposing a new EPA rule that dramatically reduces fuel efficiency goals. A CA deal with four automakers would require cars to reach 50 miles/gallon by 2026.

The new California Clean Trucks Rule will mean more than half of the trucks sold in the state are zero-emission by 2035, with all trucks zeroemission by 2045, recognizing 2 million diesel trucks result in 70 percent of state’s smog-causing pollution. Nonprofit CALSTART predicts that medium and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicle
models will grow 78 percent in 2020.

Establishing state-level clean truck rules that gradually ramp-up fuel standards and eventually require all new trucks sold in the state to be zeroemission.

Researching, testing, and procuring advanced technologies, including providing support for research into next-generation nuclear, captured and stored carbon, and hydrogen.

The federal USE IT Act would boost research, provide funding, and improve the permitting process for captured and stored carbon. Advanced nuclear designs that are safer than conventional nuclear or burn radioactive waste are popping up around the U.S. The passage of the Nuclear Energy Leadership Act by Congress would help bring
these designs to market.

California’s low carbon fuel standard market allows direct air capture technology to participate.

Hawaii is testing CO2-injected concrete for paving infrastructure. The passage of the federal Clean Industrial Technology Act would incentivize innovation in this sector, including through carbon capture, innovative building materials, and alternative fuels like hydrogen.

North Dakota has received this “primacy” authority and at least two other states have applied.

These states will be able to advance carbon storage projects much faster than other states which have to wait for EPA to act directly.

Creating low carbon fuel standards markets in large states or regional coalitions, which provide financial incentives for captured and stored carbon.

Engaging industry to adopt energy- and emissions-saving technology. A full 10% of global emissions come from energy-heavy industries including fertilizer, steel, and concrete.

Applying for authority to enforce EPA regulations for safe underground carbon storage.

California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard also operates as a cap-and-invest system. The program cleans up the transportation sector by incentivizing the use and production of cleaner, low-carbon fuels. Distributors of high-carbon fuels can bank and trade credits, but the LCFS encourages energy innovation and cutting emissions while boosting electric vehicles.

As the U.S. transitions away from a fossil fuel economy -- and the instabilities and injustices caused by using dirty fuels -- opportunities emerge to create a cleaner, more resilient, and economically just system. Congressional conservation efforts could create up to 717,000 jobs. On the state and local level, leaders have been implementing positive change without having to wait for national action. READ MORE