UTST is developing and expanding NGO-led state coordinating tables focused on procuring federal funding in UT, MT, and IA. This work is critically important for making IRA a climate success in these states and will have additional political significance in Montana because of its competitive U.S. Senate race in 2024.
Future Now is looking to raise funding to elevate climate action within their seven policy priorities. They leverage their network of legislators in purple states to advance policies. In particular, they will take a c4 approach to advocate directly for additional appropriations for new state-funded staff dedicated to capturing federal funds, creating state matching funds for federal grant proposals, and ensuring the funds are deployed towards projects that achieve positive climate outcomes.
NASEO, at the request of 1.5°CSG, is launching a $100k project to develop a suite of educational materials about the various federal funding opportunities, with a focus on the economic development opportunities and the need for states to allocate funds for new dedicated federal funding-focused state employees and provide matching funds to enhance grant proposals. These materials will be distributed to state energy offices, governor’s offices, and other agencies and related associations across the country.
Louisiana stands at the precipice of a constitutional crisis, raising grave concerns for climate, justice, and democracy. With the upcoming November election likely returning the Governor’s office to the Republicans and them potentially maintaining their supermajorities in both chambers, Republicans could unilaterally convene a constitutional convention, threatening to overhaul the State constitution. Alarming proposals by Republicans include stripping local regulatory and taxing authority over the State’s extensive fossil fuel and petrochemical industries. Hear from two organizations that are being coordinated by the Electoral Collective in Louisiana: Greater Now Orleans Housing Alliance, and Power Coalition for Equity & Justice
Rural Democracy Initiative is launching a new $20-$40m Regional Rural Focused IRA Coordinating Hubs Project over the next four years. It will focus on setting up regional hubs which can offer coordinating, collaboration, and technical assistance to rural communities and small towns particularly in red and purple states. That’s where the difference between the probable and the possible for climate action with IRA funds would be the greatest. 1.5°CSG is kickstarting this project with an aim to get he first $200k in the door.