July 2022 Sierran Newsletter THB Group Highlights (Extended)

Thomas Hart Benton Group

July 2022 Sierran News Update

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It’s been a busy quarter for the Thomas Hart Benton Group as we continue to support our grassroots leaders advocating for sustainability and climate action, particularly in the Kansas City metropolitan area where we hope to have some big wins for people and the planet in July. 

  • On April 4, THBG leaders Hilary Noonan and Jim Turner participated in a panel presentation, “Getting the Dirt on Soil”, to the Sustainable Sanctuaries Coalition of Kansas City, highlighting how easy it can be for residents to participate in climate action in their own backyard while contributing to healthier urban ecosystems in their community.

  • THBG and allies, led by our Legislative Committee member and former Chair Don Wallace, and Chapter staff member Billy Davies, have helped bring Kansas City close to adopting one of the strongest building energy codes in the country by adopting the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code with strengthening amendments. Energy codes are essential for ensuring cities and counties reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions, prevent worsening indoor air quality, and drive down utility bills.

  • A proposal that would have led to worsening air quality and higher electric bills in Independence, Missouri by forcing residents to pay for a new gas power plant is all but done for after tremendous advocacy by Sierra Club members and supporters and led by our good friends at Indy Energy. Roger, Lee, Jason, and Brent, we are so grateful for all you do for Independence and Missouri. Congratulations, and we look forward to keeping up the good fight with you!

  • Biological scientist and former Executive Committee Chair DeAnn Gregory led an effort to ensure Kansas City mitigates light pollution, harmful to human health and wildlife, in developing plans for its streetlights. This effort was key to “shedding some light” on how decisions are made and how the city can improve public outreach and engagement on critical infrastructure decisions.

  • This summer, THBG–for the third time–led the effort to defeat a harmful fracked natural gas greenwashing resolution in the Kansas City, MO City Council that would have encouraged the city to lock another generation of residents into dependence on fracked-gas at a time when cities need to be making it easier for communities to transition away from fossil fuels. 

  • In late June, the Kansas City Climate Protection Steering Committee recommended a final draft of a Climate Protection & Resiliency Plan for approval by the City Council. THBG leaders have been involved in advocating for this plan since its inception, providing critical input on the draft resolution initiating the plan’s development, vetting and advocating for new steering committee members to ensure the city can carry out its work, and driving turnout and comments throughout the plan’s development since early 2020. Now we are working with Chapter staff to support turnout in the public hearings before city council in July to ensure this plan is adopted without any amendments. 

  • Eileen McManus, THBG Executive Committee member and Outings Chair, continues to lead incredible programs, both in person and virtual, to inspire connections between residents and the outdoors and each other. From hikes, to cleanups, to book clubs, there is something for everyone. Please check it out!

We look forward to more victories and opportunities for us all to connect in the next quarter. In addition to the adoption of the KC Climate Plan and stronger building codes across the region, look out for more programming, including in person, as we find ways to safely connect and build community. Also, we are excited to announce we are beginning a search for community leaders interested in joining our Executive Committee. If you or someone you know is interested in applying and enhancing leadership skills as part of one of the oldest and most influential grassroots organizations in the country, please reach out. Either way, we are excited to work with you and continue advocating for people and the planet.