Author: William Ktsanes

The following resolution was approved by ECDC membership as per voting noted above in the Recap of the August 28 Meeting.

Resolution on DNC Not Accepting Fossil Fuel Money

WHEREAS, Solutions to Climate Change require a phasing out of fossil fuels and to start drastically reducing carbon emissions from burning of fossil fuels, as the results of Climate Change are already being seen in catastrophic wildfires, and worsening hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding and coastal storms.

WHEREAS, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) had passed a resolution in June 2018 that they would not be accepting fossil fuel industry money. As Labor had objected, they should be convinced by supporting their transition from fossil fuels to clean energy.

WHEREAS, the DNC executive committee reversed its stand recently by issuing a resolution welcoming contributions from the fossil fuel industry workers, whether individual or union PACs, or through “employer PACs”, invoking an “all-of-the-above” language in its energy strategy.

BE IT RESOLVED, that we recommend that the Democratic National Committee (DNC) again act as the party that is fighting for solutions for Climate Change and that it fully reject accepting any money from the fossil fuel industry. Individual workers should be encouraged to donate to the Democratic Party in every way, but as individuals.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we, the El Cerrito Democratic Club, forward this resolution directly to the DNC Executive Committee and request a response on what they plan to do in this regard.

Contact Information: Hari Lamba, member El Cerrito Democratic Club, hlamba101@gmail.com

Proposing Writing a Resolution for DNC not to Accept Money from Fossil Fuel Workers or Companies

Two months ago, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) announced a ban on receiving donations from the fossil fuel money PACs (Political Action Committees). Then recently, the DNC executive committee voted 30-2 to accept money from fossil industry workers, union PACs and employer PACs, and voted for language to support an “all of the above”  energy policy.

While workers should be encouraged to donate as individuals, this decision by the DNC is in direct conflict with all of our strategies for solutions to Climate Change. Neither the Democratic Party, nor any Democratic candidate, nor any elected official should accept any money from the fossil fuel industry. During the 8/28/18 meeting announcement period, we will briefly discuss this issue, and if there is support, we will draft a resolution expressing this viewpoint, for direct transmittal to the DNC.

GLOBAL PROBLEMS

• Carbon Dioxide in Atmosphere has increased from 280 ppm before the industrial revolution to about 400 ppm today (350.org goal to bring it down to 350 ppm)
• Temperature rise is about 1.8F (or 1C) today. Even with Paris agreement, temperature rise estimated to be 3.5 C. With US reversal, temp rise may be higher.
• Antarctic/arctic/glaciers melting, sea level rise, worsening wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, coastal storms, catastrophic rains and floods, mudslides, heat waves, and bleaching of coral reefs

GLOBAL SOLUTIONS

• We need to get back to strengthened Paris Agreement. We need ALL of the about 195 nations to cooperate to make it happen. US must again show its leadership, as well as help the poorer nations. Need large Green-House Gas (GHG) reductions!
• We need a new Global Climate Change Organization (GCCO) with the power and resources to help the world solve global warming. For the ecological crisis we need a Global Environmental Restoration Organization (GERO) – My suggestions (HSL)

NATIONAL PROBLEMS

• Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement is Trump’s “Great Leap Backwards”. He is increasing fossil fuel production, building pipelines, increasing coal production, and has totally gutted the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• We have worsening wildfires, mudslides, massive flooding (east coast and Texas), heat waves, hurricanes, tornadoes (number of tornadoes per cell have increased), and coastal storms – among others

NATIONAL SOLUTIONS

• In the face of the Federal Reversal, states, cities and people have been trying to pick up the slack. Companies have become more sensitive and have internal sustainability and clean energy plans
• The solution we need the most a MASSIVE DEFEAT of the Republicans in elections

CALIFORNIA SITUATION & PROBLEMS

• Massive wildfires – 2017 was the worst, and 2018 may equal that. These are usually followed by massive flooding, and mudslides when the rains come

CALIFORNIA SOLUTIONS

• California recently reached its 2020 goal ( to get down to 1990 level) for Green House Gas Reductions ahead of schedule. 1990 emissions 431 Million Metric Tons. (MMT) After reaching peak of 534 MMT in 2004, we now are down to 429 MMT!
• California has made big progress in renewable energy production (solar and wind). CCA – Community Choice Aggregation, that empowers communities to get all of their energy from renewable sources has made some progress.
• California has become the first state to require that new homes be built with solar panels. The rules go into place in 2020 and are part of the state’s ambitious efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions. But these requirements also make it more expensive to build in a state where housing is already extremely expensive.
• Future looks tougher in terms of added reductions as emissions from cars and trucks is continuing to increase. The Federal removal of the power of California to regulate its car and truck emissions will make it much worse. Electrification needs to be more massive, and transition to a low carbon transportation system is desperately needed (not just here, but globally).
• The Sierra Club has made significant progress in its push to have favorable legislations passed. SB 100 has passed assembly and now goes to the Senate. AB 813 (regionalization) may be a big step backwards and the Sierra Club is opposing it. Will update the membership at the next meeting.
• California needs to mandate higher energy efficiency standards for all building construction (residential, business and industrial) – these structure will be there for 30-100 years – My suggestion (HSL)
• California needs massive programs that help to mitigate the problems of Wildfires, flooding and mudslides, BEFORE they occur. Recommending a WPA and CCC (depression era type programs), so that for example all the forest areas are prepared for wildfires (building barrier zones, etc0, making it much easier for firefighters to fight and contain wildfires. After wildfires, efforts needed on the denuded hillsides to reforest them, and prepare them to mitigate the effects of mudslides – My suggestion (HSL)
• Distributed by Hari Lamba