February 2018 Policy Update: States Act Boldly to Protect the Climate

Jay OwenSustainability News

 

American Sustainable Business Council

ASBC Supports Carbon Costs Coalition

On January 31, ASBC joined the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL) and lawmakers from nine states (CT, MD, MA, NH, NY, OR, RI, VT, and WA) to announce the Carbon Costs Coalition. The lawmakers joined forces to push for market-based reduction of carbon emissions by advancing legislation that will put a price on carbon. Added support came from ASBC partners Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility, Connecticut Sustainable Business Council, and Climate Action Business Association, which participated in state-based events to highlight the coalition. Read the release.

Pricing carbon will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, encourage a shift to cleaner energy, and spur innovation and job growth. Says Senator Mike Barrett (MA), “This isn’t just a one-state movement: Carbon pricing has regional support.” And this leadership at the regional level is critically important considering the lack of climate action at the federal level.

Join the ASBC business coalition speaking out in support of state-based carbon pricing.

Click to Tweet: .@ASBCouncil applauds the #CarbonCostsCoalition, a group of lawmakers from 9 states pushing for state-based #carbonpricing that will build more sustainable and resilient economies. It’s a sound decision for business and the right thing to do for our planet.

What’s New

Nation’s Leave Program Turns 25; Better Benefits Still Needed

February marks the 25th anniversary of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the only federal law to help Americans balance work and family commitments. It provides unpaid, job-protected leave to qualified employees but 40% of Americans are currently ineligible for these protections, and almost half of the eligible workforce cannot afford to take unpaid leave. The solution is the proposed Family and Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act that will provide more comprehensive paid leave. Join ASBC and support the FAMILY Act today.
Click to Tweet: Join @ASBCouncil to call for comprehensive #paidleave by endorsing the #FAMILYAct today!

Support the Fracking Ban for Delaware River Basin

The Delaware River Basin Commission has proposed a ban on fracking in the watershed that supplies drinking water to residents and businesses from New York to Maryland. But loopholes in the rule permit wastewater contamination and freshwater extraction. To protect public health and businesses that rely on clean water, ASBC is submitting public comments to demand fixes to these loopholes. Email Julia Watts if you would like to join us.

Trump Administration Delays WOTUS

On January 31, the Trump Administration delayed the implementation of the 2015 Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule for another two years. This action—which has already resulted in several lawsuits—is a blow to the people and businesses of the U.S., including the hundreds of ASBC businesses that supported the rule through letters, public comments, and the ASBC amicus brief. We will continue to fight for the implementation of this rule and against efforts to repeal it.