Think tank @BrownUniversity providing accessible research for just climate policy & climate denial accountability. Led by @TimmonsRoberts, powered by undergrads
Providence, Rhode Island, USA
Based in United States
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In our analysis, we found that state and local business associations most commonly argued that pro-climate policies would increase costs or harm the economy, while ignore the costs of inaction and the economic benefits of climate policies.
ALT Figure 3: Most frequent arguments made by business associations against climate action in state legislatures. Level two claims are shown. Claim 4.1 (Climate policies are harmful) is dominated by arguments about how climate policy would increase costs. Percentages are of coded documents that had at least one claim (64 documents).
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Across the 12 states and 200,000+ lobbying and testimony records we analyzed, business associations were the third most actively opposed to environmental groups on energy and climate legislation.
ALT Figure 2: Industries ranked by how likely it is that members of that industry will oppose environmental policy groups' positions on climate and energy bills (top ten industries shown). Electric utilities, oil & gas interests, and business associations were the most likely to show up to oppose environmental groups across states. Figure reproduced from Hall et al. 2024.
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Using a network analysis of over 6,000 testimony records, we found that coalitions of large business and fossil fuel groups frequently opposed environmental coalitions, while labor testimony varied based on the union.
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Environmental groups testified most often on climate and energy bills, however presence does not equal power. The IL Manufacturers' Association, the IL Chamber of Commerce, and the IL Municipal League were also among the most frequent testifiers on climate and energy bills.
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Dependence on Natural Gas: Natural gas is the leading source of electricity generation in Colorado. Gas expansion bills pit the oil industry and business groups against environmental organizations.
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Xcel’s Sway: Utilities in Colorado lobby in large numbers on climate and clean energy bills. The state’s largest investor-owned utility, Xcel Energy, was the 4th most-active organization in our dataset, lobbying on more than half the bills.
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Want to explore Nebraska’s lobbying landscape for yourself? Check out howdotheylobby.org, our new tool that allows you to search lobbying/testimony records and coalition networks in Nebraska and 16 other states.
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Want to learn more about the dynamics behind Nebraska's climate and clean energy legislation? The full briefing provides a detailed analysis of lobbying efforts, coalition relationships, and the landscape of energy politics in the state.
climatedevlab.brown.edu/post…
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Our research demonstrates the power electric utilities have over energy politics in Nebraska. These are the top ten organizations that most actively lobby on climate and clean energy bills in Nebraska, grouped by coalition. Seven are utilities.
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Who lines up with whom? Using network analysis methods, we visualized the intricate relationships of alliances and conflicts between different coalitions of organizations on climate and clean energy bills. Green bands signal agreement, while red bands showcase opposition.
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Our latest @climatedevlab briefing, "Climate and Clean Energy Lobbying in Nebraska," analyzes 5,000 lobbying positions to reveal the dynamics in the legislature that surround the state’s current transition from coal to wind energy.
climatedevlab.brown.edu/post…
🧵 below:
#NELeg
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Fracturing Fuels: Figure 3 dives deeper into the natural gas debate. Oil and gas companies form strong alliances with business groups but pro-environmental groups have nevertheless won some anti-gas victories.
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So, who lines up with whom? Using network analysis methods, we visualized the intricate relationships of alliances and conflicts between different coalitions of organizations on climate and clean energy bills. Green bands signal agreement, while red bands showcase opposition.
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Who are the frequent flyers? These are the top ten organizations that most actively lobby on climate and clean energy bills in Colorado, grouped by coalition. These players shape the state's energy landscape.
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The CDL is here at #SB60, now focusing on who is obstructing action on climate change. On cue, Russia blocked approval of the agenda until four experts were given visas to Germany.
Negotiations are kicking off at #SB60 & we are back with the much anticipated 1st ECO edition of 2024🎉
👀Read today's edition to find out why finance is on EVERYONE'S mind, what's the deal with civil space, & our stance on solidarity with Gaza🇵🇸
climatenetwork.org/resource/…
#PayUP
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Want to explore Wisconsin’s lobbying landscape for yourself? Check out howdotheylobby.org, our new tool that allows you to search lobbying records and coalition networks in Wisconsin and 16 other states.
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When the WI legislature changed from a Democratic to Republican trifecta in 2011, many coalitions changed how they lobbied.
Realtors + “wise use” groups and unions increased their support for energy bills, while many environmental and renewable groups increased their opposition.
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Using network analysis and other research methods on over 2,000 lobbying positions, we show how electric utilities worked to block bills which had widespread support, like net metering policies.
This figure shows how coalitions lobbied on net metering and community power bills.
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Our latest report - the first systematic study of clean energy lobbying in Wisconsin - shows how electric utilities dominate clean energy politics in the state.
Check it out here: climatedevlab.brown.edu/post…
ALT Cover page of 2024 Wisconsin report, titled, "Climate and Clean Energy Lobbying in Wisconsin"
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HowDoTheyLobby.org also shows coalitions of organizations, calculated using a network analysis algorithm, to visualize which groups align or conflict on different issues.
You can explore the networks by state and issue, and quickly dig into the top bills and organizations.
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How do different organizations lobby in state legislatures? What bills are they supporting and opposing, and who are their proponents and opponents? HowDoTheyLobby.org offers easy access to answering these questions across 17 states.
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Today, we're launching How Do They Lobby, a website tracking millions lobbying and testimony positions on bills in state legislatures across the US.
Check it out here: howdotheylobby.org
ALT Screenshot of How Do They Lobby site, showing two of the main features of the site: "Search over 14 million policy positions, interest groups, and state bills" and "Explore coalitions of interest groups," showing a data table and network analysis figure.
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Tension over Biofuels: Biofuels are a particularly relevant issue in Iowa due to the state’s high ethanol production. Our data reveal that agricultural and fuel groups who lobby similarly on other issues show considerable division on biofuel bills.
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Check out the key findings from our new report, “Climate and Clean Energy Lobbying in Iowa”! #IAPolitics 🧵
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Iowa is the largest producer of ethanol and the second largest generator of wind electricity - who drives energy politics in the state? Check out our latest briefing paper, “Climate and Clean Energy Lobbying in Iowa” climatedevlab.brown.edu/stat… #IAPolitics
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Fracturing Fuels: Figure 3 delves deeper into the biofuel debate. Despite often lobbying together, gas stations, fuel marketers, and biofuel producers clash over biofuel bills.
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Who are the frequent flyers: Figure 2 shows the top ten organizations that most actively lobbied for or against climate and clean energy bills in Iowa, grouped by coalition. These players shape the state's energy landscape.
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So, who lines up with whom? Figure 1 visualizes the intricate relationships of alliances and conflicts between different coalitions of organizations on climate and clean energy bills. Green bands signal agreement, while red bands showcase opposition.
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.@BrownUniversity 's Climate and Development Lab is heading to Washington for the week! Watch this space for more on our rockin' research projects and meetings.
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OK all, that's it for our mega-thread on the reports about #PUCs and climate action in the six #NewEngland.
Great ideas were heard and recorded.
There is much to be done.
Stay in touch, we're happy to speak to your org about the project...please USE IT!
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FINAL EXAMPLE!
MA used legal means to prevent spreading & minimize impact of climate disinformation. In 2019, MA sued ExxonMobil for their history of climate disinformation & continued greenwashing. #ExxonKnew & failed to act & produced false research.
See Fight Fake News 👆
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AN EXAMPLE FROM VERMONT:
VT stakeholders suggested using community forums such as @frontporchforum or @Nextdoor as ways to convey info between community members.
Get involved or join a chapter of @citizensclimate to facilitate community-specific communication. (2/3)
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OK LAST ONE! ACTION 3 FOR ALL OF US:
Activate the stakeholder network.
💡Communicate directly w/ local residents about transformative technologies;
💡advance zoning & permitting regs + bldg codes/performance standards;
💡& address #NIMBY concerns.
#PowerPlayNE 🧵
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ANOTHER EXAMPLE:
A recent Boston-area stakeholder mapping effort from @SSL_UMB of @UMassBoston: tinyurl.com/svkeb5kx (4/4)
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ACTION 2 FOR ALL OF US:
Expand the stakeholder network.
Community networks play a critical role in local climate action & should expand to engage more supporters. #PowerPlayNE 🧵
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ACTION 1 FOR ALL OF US: Organize around strategic appointments. Stakeholders noted vacancies aren’t filled quickly; these should be filled w/ experts in climate & equity. #PowerPlayNE 🧵
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So there's a bunch for PUCs to work on, with the support of legislatures, state agencies, the public, etc.
For details, here's the full report, the plain language version, and all the docs from our twelve workshops around these six states.
climable.org/brown
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ONE MORE PUC ACTION FOR TODAY: Align utility goals w/ state goals, as they are not currently well-aligned w/ state climate, resilience & equity goals. #PowerPlayNE 🧵
This is a big one!
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ACTION 2 FOR PUCs: Phase out gas & add adequate energy planning.
Stakeholders expressed disappointment at lack of gas phase out as tool to mitigate climate change. PUCs should open gas phase out planning dockets w/ goal to provide roadmap for dramatic reduction. #PowerPlayNE 🧵
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TODAY: ACTIONS FOR PUCs!
ACTION 1- Revamp stakeholder communication and participation.
PUC processes, policies, & practices should be completely overhauled to improve equitable communication & participation. We heard a lot about accessibility for stakeholders. #PowerPlayNE 🧵
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ACTION 2 FOR GOVERNORS: Promote regional coordination. States share many challenges. Regional co-ord encourages participation in regional convos, ie: @isonewengland, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) & the Transportation Climate Initiative (TCI). #PowerPlayNE 🧵
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TODAY: ACTIONS FOR GOVERNORS AND STATE AGENCIES: 1. Centralize & simplify channels for outreach. Govs can centralize communications on state climate action. Current communications are scattered and no one is officially in charge of comm on state climate action. #PowerPlayNE🧵
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ACTION FOR LEGISLATORS:
Fight Fake News.
Pass anti-misinformation legislation to hold actors accountable and prevent incidents like #ExxonKnew.
No anti-misinformation policy exists in the U.S., but examples can be found in the EU’s Digital Services Act. #PowerPlayNE 🧵
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AN EXAMPLE:
Brookline, MA was the 1st local gov’t to adopt a fossil fuel ban for all new bldgs in 2019. As a result of a 2022 climate law, more than 20 cities & towns in MA have restricted new fossil fuel-dependent buildings. @TommyVitolo (9/13)
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ANOTHER KEY AREA FOR LEGISLATORS:
Create Community Agency.
Ensure consistent opportunities for community involvement throughout PUC processes. Advertise opportunities in community centers & other accessible areas. Prioritize ratepayers in all decisions. #PowerPlayNE 🧵
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MORE FOR LEGISLATORS:
Amp Up Equity!
Pass a legal definition of environmental justice & include equity in all legislation. Ensure equity is written into climate council mandates. Ramp up accessible workforce development & fossil fuel career buyouts. #PowerPlayNE 🧵
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TODAY: ACTION FOR LEGISLATORS:
Create authority & accountability. Create & fund Climate Councils with legitimate authority, pass regulatory standards for heating & transportation sectors, & enforce penalties for infractions.
#PowerPlayNE 🧵
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We are excited to launch!
Check out the new @climatedevlab @Synapseenergy @Climable collab report on the climate goals of NE States & the roles of legislators, governors, Public Utility Commissions (PUCs) & others in achieving those goals. climable.org/brown 🧵 #PowerPlayNE
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