EESI at 40: Claudine Schneider Reflects on the Necessity of Communication in Climate Politics | Article

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EESI is celebrating 40 years of climate action in 2024.</h2> <h4 class="byline hide" id="byline">By <span data-empty="#byline"><a href="/authors/laura-gries">Laura Gries</a> <a href='mailto: lgries@eesi.org'><i class='fa fa-envelope' aria-hidden='true'></i></a> and <a href="/authors/zoe-antonoff">Zoe Antonoff</a> <a href='mailto: eesi@eesi.org'><i class='fa fa-envelope' aria-hidden='true'></i></a> </span></h4> <p class="date">May 2, 2024</p> </header>  <div id="content" class="col-md-8">  <div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_floating_style addthis_32x32_style"> <a class="addthis_button_facebook"></a> <a class="addthis_button_twitter"></a> <a class="addthis_button_linkedin"></a> <a class="addthis_button_email"></a> <a class="addthis_button_compact"></a> </div> <script type="text/javascript">var addthis_config = {"data_track_addressbar":false};</script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//s7.addthis.com/js/300/addthis_widget.js#pubid=ra-5284f66720239dd4"></script>  <div class="content"> <p><strong><big>Claudine Schneider, a former Republican U.S. Representative</big></strong> from Rhode Island and long-time member of EESI’s <a data-mce-href="https://www.eesi.org/about/leadership" href="https://www.eesi.org/about/leadership">board of directors</a> (2009-2017), looks back at climate policy over the 40 years since our founding. Claudine reflected on her time in Congress, the current state of climate policy, the importance of bipartisanship in policy-making, and EESI’s contributions to the field.</p> <p> </p> <h4><strong>How did you get your start in politics and become interested in climate action?</strong></h4> <p>My entry into the political arena was totally unlike the entry of most elected officials. I was 25 years old and had just been diagnosed with cancer of the lymph system with a very real possibility of dying. I started asking myself what my purpose was, because I believe that we are all here to fulfill a particular purpose. The next thing I know, I'm running for Congress, even though I had no name recognition, no financial resources, and no experience. As a woman running for the first time in 1978, it was extremely unusual. Even though I lost the first race, I was elected in 1980. I told my very fabulous staff that we didn't know how long I'd be here, so we put the pedal to the metal to solve some problems.</p> <p>Serving on the Science, Research, and Technology Committee, it became clear to me that climate change could be a problem. As an elected official, I felt I had a responsibility to provide an insurance approach to make sure that we could mitigate the threat—even if the scientists turned out to be wrong. You may be familiar with the ENERGY STAR® program, which labels energy-efficient appliances. That was my key piece of policy that passed.</p> <p>During the 1980s, when I was just beginning my policy work, Carol Werner started working at EESI. As a new member of Congress, I found EESI briefings to be invaluable because the research that EESI did far exceeded what my staff or I might be able to do in order to come up with good solutions for many of the energy and environmental challenges that we were facing. So to me, what continues to blow my mind 40 years later, is the resourcefulness of Carol Werner. I cannot praise her enough for her vision and for her skills in putting together a phenomenal team and setting up an agenda tailored to members of Congress.</p> <p> </p> <h4><strong>What were some of your challenges and successes when advocating for environmental issues and climate action during your time in Congress?</strong></h4> <p>There was resistance within my own Republican party. It was maybe fifty-fifty, because you had environmental champions in the Senate, like Sen. John Chafee from Rhode Island, and a number of other senators and representatives who were environmental champions. However, most members of Congress—even today—do not connect the dots between the environment and human health. So, if you're going to protect the American people, you have to pay attention to impact, and that was one of the good things that EESI did.</p> <p>There was some resistance, but, regarding successes, my omnibus bill on climate change (the <em>Global Warming Prevention Act of 1988, </em><a data-mce-href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/100th-congress/house-bill/5460?s=1&r=40" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/100th-congress/house-bill/5460?s=1&r=40">H.R.5460</a>) had an overwhelming number of bipartisan cosponsors. Now, today, that's unheard of. Communication really is an important skill. If we're talking about learning how to be a leader, you've got to be a good communicator. And you've got to be a good listener to understand what's in it for you.</p> <p> </p> <h4><strong>How has the environmental policy landscape changed from the eighties to the present? How has EESI grown and adapted to the changing policy landscape over the last 40 years?</strong></h4> <table align="left" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="5" style="width: 270px;"> <tbody> <tr> <td><a href="/images/content/Claudine_and_Dick.jpeg"><img alt="" src="/images/content/Claudine_and_Dick.jpeg" style="width: 270px; height: 405px;" /></a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>EESI is exceedingly skilled in anticipating the environmental issues that policymakers need to pay attention to. As a result, those members who take the time and energy to attend the briefings and read the materials are well-equipped to solve environmental problems. EESI, I believe, has done an excellent job keeping many of these issues front and center.</p> <p> </p> <h4><strong>What do you think are some of the biggest challenges we face relating to the climate crisis today?</strong></h4> <p>I think the biggest challenge is that many people, even those in the environmental community, are doing business as usual. But we're in crisis mode right now. I just don't feel that we're moving quickly enough. This issue also goes to the grassroots. If you don't have local governments setting policies, to mandate solar energy and other such policies, we're just asleep at the wheel. So, I feel that the urgency is not occurring at every level of our society, but I particularly hold environmental organizations responsible because they are the advocates needed to move the masses, and I just feel that they're just doing business as usual.</p> <p> </p> <h4><strong>You touched on the partisan challenges of the climate crisis. Why do you think it is important to have nonpartisan organizations like EESI working with Congress on environmental policy?</strong></h4> <p>Too often, those in office have a tendency to say, “Oh, well, that's Republican,” or “That's Democratic.” To them, at this moment in time, it's all about winning. That's not acceptable when the American people are losing and when the planet is losing. So, it is very important for nonprofits to be nonpartisan in their approach.</p> <p> </p> <h4><strong>While you served in the U.S. House, Congress passed some very impactful energy and environmental laws. What were your proudest legislative accomplishments while you were in Congress?</strong></h4> <p>I think that one of the most important things to convey to policymakers and to your average citizen is that money talks. Doing the cost analysis, I think, is critically important. So that would be one of the other principles that I think are critical to inform policy-making. For example, I voted against Ronald Reagan's budget, which I didn't realize is a <em>pro forma</em> vote. You just support your president. But I actually read the budget and concluded that there was too much money being taken out of the environment and education and being put in the defense budget. We need to protect and create a healthy environment.</p> <p>So, then I thought, I've got a responsibility here. And so I started looking for waste, fraud, and abuse in the budget. And one of the things that I found in my committee, the Science, Research and Technology Committee, was that we were spending $8 billion of taxpayers’ money on the Clinch River breeder reactor, which was supposedly going to take nuclear waste and recycle it and make it usable again. Well, I worked very hard to kill the Clinch River breeder reactor. I was unsuccessful the first time, but came back two years later and tried again. Even though I had pressure from the White House and from major donors to stop pushing to kill the Clinch River breeder reactor, I just gave them the facts that this is costing us money. The good news is, in the end, we killed it. And we killed it on the economics and the facts of the matter—that we can't allow government projects that are detrimental to the environment and to the American people to go on, and to continue to waste money in the process.</p> <p> </p> <h4><strong>What advice do you have for young people who want to make a difference when it comes to climate and clean energy?</strong></h4> <p>My best advice is to be a good communicator—to know the facts and get all the data that EESI has put together on climate. People often say, “Oh, I can't talk to my uncle. He's a big, you know, Republican.” No, you must talk to him and let him know that his decision today will impact your future tomorrow. And figure out what works because it's a trial-and-error effort. So, work on your communication skills. Know the facts, speak the truth, and find every opportunity you can to help.</p> <p> </p> <h4><strong>I read that you briefed Margaret Thatcher on climate change when she was the British prime minister. Tell us about that experience and more generally how you approach briefing government officials on climate change?</strong></h4> <p>That was a mind-blowing experience, to say the least, because I had no experience with her. The British Embassy called and said, “Margaret Thatcher would like to speak with you about climate change.” So, I was more nervous about meeting with her than with Ronald Reagan—for good reason, because the woman was brilliant. And she asked me some of the best questions. She said, “How do you know what the scientists are telling you is true? Do you think we can solve this? What are the greatest causes?” I said coal burning, and I pointed out that I grew up outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. We only saw black skies and my chore was to dust the house every day. Of course, I got cancer, and she was quite stunned. It was just the two of us in a room. There was a little pot of tea, but neither of us drank much. We were just engaged and I was so impressed at how brilliant she was, how soft she was for somebody who was being called “The Iron Lady.” But she was tough in knowing what needed to be done and she did it. Of course, the coal miners then later revolted against her because she started shutting down coal mines in the United Kingdom.</p> <p> </p> <h4><strong>Looking back at when you started working on climate change compared to where the issue stands today, what’s one thing about the environmental field that would surprise your past self?</strong></h4> <p>I think the most surprising thing is how slowly we have moved, given the data that is out there. Public health means the public. It means everybody. And so I think what would surprise me, looking back, is how long it has taken everyone—the government, the media, and the average citizen—to understand that climate change is a crisis that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. I mean, if we were invaded by a foreign nation, I think everyone would jump to the forefront to defend this country. We're currently being “invaded” by climate change, and not everybody is on board, so my question is, why are we not locking arms to solve this problem? Looking back, that is something that would surprise me. I would think that the American people are smarter than that. They have more of a collective sense than just personal self-interest. I would have thought there would be more coming together to act for the benefit of all.</p> <p> </p> <h4><strong>What would you like EESI’s impact to be in the next 40 years?</strong></h4> <p>I would like EESI to be the go-to entity for both Democrats and Republicans to come together. I know that you do work in a nonpartisan way. And you're passionate about solving energy and environmental problems. I think that you have the leadership, staff, content, and mission to succeed. So now, figuring out various mechanisms to reach the people in Congress is really key. Outreach is, I think, issue number one.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <h4><strong>Lastly, can you tell us three words that you think describe EESI or your time at EESI? And feel free to elaborate on your answers.</strong></h4> <p>Irreplaceable. EESI is key to providing the facts and the information needed to develop decent policy on energy and environmental issues.</p> <p>Another key word that comes to mind is forward-thinking. All too often, too many nonprofits hang in a particular space and become stale just doing business as usual. But I think that EESI has taken its work to a new level each year. And you need to continue to do that because the situation is a crisis. We don't have any time to waste.</p> <p>The third word that comes to mind... I just keep thinking about Carol Werner, and what a force of nature she was to bring together the best people to create the focus and then provide the materials to members of Congress. So even though it's not a word, I'll give you just her name. She's an incredible talent and an incredible networker. If I need to find anybody who is an expert in this or that, I can pick up the phone and call her and she'll know someone.</p> <p> </p> <h4><strong>Anything else you’d like to share with our audience at EESI?</strong></h4> <p>I think that anybody who is paying attention to EESI knows the challenges that we face, but what I would like to tell them is that it is time to accelerate whatever you're doing in whatever domain you're in, and to be part of the solution. Because there is no sitting on the fence at this moment in time. Whether we're talking about democracy or energy policy or environmental policy. This is pedal to the metal, all hands on deck. Oh, those clichés… But it’s true, we all need to act fast. And if you don't know what to do, call me. I'll think of something for you to do.</p> <p><strong>Authors: Laura Gries and Zoe Antonoff</strong></p> <hr /> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;"> <tbody> <tr> <td colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="background-color: rgb(204, 255, 255);"> <h4 style="text-align: center;">Want more climate solutions?<br /> Sign up for our newsletter!</h4> <p>We'll deliver a dose of the latest in environmental policy and climate change solutions straight to your inbox every 2 weeks!</p> <p>Sign up for our newsletter, <em>Climate Change Solutions</em>, <a href="https://www.eesi.org/salesforce">here</a>.</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: rgb(204, 255, 255); width: 25%; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/eesionline/"><img alt="" src="/images/content/fb_36.png" style="width: 36px; height: 39px;" /></a></td> <td style="background-color: rgb(204, 255, 255); width: 25%; text-align: center;"><a 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EESI at 40: Claudine Schneider Reflects on the Necessity of Communication in Climate Politics | Article | EESI