Understanding the Implications of Eliminating the Endangerment Finding

Webinar
October 23rd | 1PM - 2PM EST | Register Here

On August 1st, EPA announced it was proposing to rescind the Endangerment Finding, which is the scientific determination that greenhouse gases endanger human health and welfare. This finding has been in place since 2009 and is the legal foundation for federal climate regulation.

Join us for a conversation on what the rollback will mean, what organizing is taking place, and the legal/policy implications.

Speakers:

• Sonum Nerurkar, Senior Federal Strategist, The Climate & Clean Energy Equity Fund

• Sylvia Chi, Legal & Advocacy Director, Just Solutions

  
  

SECURING HISTORIC WATER PROTECTIONS AT CONOWINGO DAM

Webinar
November 5th | 11AM - 12PM EST | Register Here

For over a decade, Waterkeepers Chesapeake, Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, and other stakeholders have worked to secure a new water quality certification that meets enforceable water quality standards in the new 50-year federal license for the operation of Conowingo Dam. On October 2nd, Governor Moore announced a historic agreement with Constellation Energy (the owner of Conowingo Dam) that shares commitments valued at over $340 million for cleaner water and continued progress in the restoration of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay.

Join us for a funder briefing on the historic settlement, celebrate this important win, and learn what comes next.

Speakers:

• Jason Halbert, Executive Director, The Oak Hill Fund – Moderator

• Robin Broder, Acting Executive Director, Waterkeepers Chesapeake

• Ted Evgeniadis, Executive Director & Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper, Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association

• Evan Isaacson, Senior Attorney, Director, Environmental Action Center, Chesapeake Legal Alliance

Federal Headwinds, Frontline Resilience
Understanding the Impacts and Opportunities for Action 

a three-part funder learning series

Nov. 3, Nov. 17, Dec. 1 | 2 - 3:30 p.m. ET
 
Register Here

In just a few months, the current administration has dealt a series of significant setbacks to climate and communities: Billions of dollars, including $2.6 billion for climate and environmental justice programs, have been slashed from the federal budget. Agencies meant to protect our water and air have been gutted. And the promise of historic investments in climate-resilient infrastructure has been largely stripped away.

But despite these fierce federal headwinds, there are opportunities for action — and models of collaboration, partnership and frontline resilience.

Join us for a three-part learning series for funders Federal Headwinds, Frontline Resilience: Understanding the Impacts & Opportunities for Action.

These webinars will bring together funders, nonprofit and community leaders to share analysis of recent actions under the current administration, including impacts on frontline communities and leaders. They’ll also create space for funders to look past silos and consider best ways to leverage their resources, networks and expertise to meet this moment with urgency and flexibility.
 
The series is designed as a three-part learning arc but funders are welcome to attend individual sessions as their schedules allow. Attendees will automatically be confirmed for all three sessions when registering.

This funder series is organized by The Funders Network, Health and Environmental Funders Network, Neighborhood Funders Group, Chesapeake Bay Funders Network and Climate and Energy Funders Group in partnership with ClimateMAX, a new national collaborative and intersectional table of NGOs advancing and defending climate and environmental justice policy solutions.

If you have any questions about this event, please reach out to Ashley Quintana at ashley@fundersnetwork.org.

Session 1: Dumpster Fire in D.C.
November 3rd | 2 - 3:30 p.m. ET

We’ll look at the impacts of federal budget cuts and policy reversals on frontline communities, and pathways for state and local solutions. Join this session to deepen your understanding of recent actions, including a detailed analysis of the federal budget cuts, impacts, and what more could come. We’ll also lift up pathways for state and local solutions along with the latest research, analysis and observations from a national perspective. 

SPEAKERS

• Sylvia Chi, Legal & Advocacy Director, Just Solutions Collective

• Jillian Blanchard, Vice President of Climate Change and Environmental Justice, Lawyers for Good Government

• Aiko Schaefer, Executive Director, Just Solutions Collective

• Laura Wisland, Senior Program Officer, Heising-Simons Foundation

Session 2: Communities Leading & Protecting to Overcome Headwinds
November 17th | 2 - 3:30 p.m. ET

This session will provide a deeper understanding of how communities are overcoming these rollbacks, including impacts to programs intended to develop clean energy and economic opportunities for limited wealth and historically underinvested communities.

We’ll look at how communities are currently adapting and adjusting and create space for small-group breakouts, so funders can hear directly from groups on the ground about their ongoing work.
 
SPEAKERS

• Logan Burke, Executive Director, Alliance for Affordable Energy

• Paul Getsos, Special Project Director, United Today, Stronger Tomorrow

• Rahwa Ghirmatzion, Senior Policy Fellow, Just Solutions Collective

• Jennifer Somers, Executive Director, Collectrify: A Frontline-Led Energy Fund

Stay tuned for additional speaker updates!

 
Session 3: Rising from the Ashes - Collaboration & Innovation Advance Strategies that Work 
December 1st | 2 - 3:30 p.m. ET 

We will end the series with a discussion of the work and key strategies moving forward to build collaborative efforts that will drive solutions that advance energy affordability, resilience in the face of growing climate disasters, and health and safety. We will acknowledge the issues at stake in the context of mid-term elections and upcoming state legislative sessions. The final session also will spotlight ways that philanthropy is mobilizing to support work in communities. And it will highlight funder initiatives that model collaboration and partnership, urging funders to lean in and get involved.

SPEAKERS

• Byron Gudiel, Executive Director, Center for Earth, Energy and Democracy

• Jacqueline Patterson, Founder and Executive Director, Chisholm Legacy Project

• Aiko Schaefer, Executive Director, Just Solutions Collective

• Jennifer Somers, Executive Director, Collectrify: A Frontline-Led Energy Fund

Stay tuned for additional speaker updates!

Chesapeake Bay Work Group

Work Group Meeting
November 10th | 1PM - 2PM | RSVP Here

Save the date! The next meeting of the Chesapeake Bay Work Group will take place on November 10th at 1PM. Formal agenda to follow. 

Virginia climate & clean energy work group

Work Group Meeting
November 21st | 10 AM - 2 PM | RSVP Here

Save the date! The next meeting of the Virginia Climate & Clean Energy Work Group will take place on Friday, November 21st at 10AM in Richmond, VA. This will be an opportunity for work group members to come together in-person to hear from advocates and plan for the year ahead. Formal agenda to follow.