Rev. Keely Lewis, High Priestess of the Temple of Utopian Hospitality, is a member of the Greater New Orleans Interfaith Climate Coalition (GNOICC) who is passionate about collaborative efforts in tackling issues related to climate and environmental justice. She is also active in the state chapter of the non-partisan Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) in which she and Helena Robinson, Xavier University’s Director of Sustainability, serve jointly as state coordinators. Ms. Lewis recently attended CCL’s Summer Conference & Lobby Day in Washington, D.C., which culminated with CCL members meeting with their states’ congressional delegates and/or members of the staffs. She shared information with us regarding her experience.
The Louisiana delegation included nine members who took part in this Lobby Day opportunity. The group had prepared diligently during the previous months to meet the various congressional individuals, inform them of significant things going on around the state, and discuss specific issues. One of this year’s issues was “Advancing Clean Energy for a Safe Climate and Affordable Power”. Our state’s CCL lobbyists were able to meet with Representative Troy Carter, as well as staff members of Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy and Representatives Cleo Fields, Clay Higgins, and Mike Johnson.
Ms. Lewis and others spoke knowledgeably about specific problems in Louisiana, such as the single transformer serving all of southern Louisiana, Entergy’s recent unannounced load-shedding events, and the state’s ongoing wildfires. They shared CCL’s research related to the issue of our state’s workforce, showing the number of companies which have benefited over the past few years from provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) related to jobs in the clean energy sector. Anticipating that the cost of these renewable energy products and components would rise substantially once tariffs on imports from China are implemented, the CCL members inquired about legislative and regulatory moves to encourage energy innovation, build resilient grid infrastructure, and simplify permitting for renewable projects. Ms. Lewis stressed the need for greater access to renewable energy, such as portable power banks and virtual power plants for protecting vulnerable residents throughout Louisiana.
Because CCL’s national structure provides for regular ties between members and the respective congressional offices, with communication going on throughout the year, they cultivate personal relationships backed by climate data. CCL aims to nurture relationships and provide personal accounts of how climate impacts our lives. This makes it easier to continue the conversation about the gaps in renewable energy infrastructure, address the challenges related to permitting reform, and encourage our lawmakers to increase renewable project benefits.
Ms. Lewis loves participating with Citizens’ Climate Lobby as they empower everyday people to advocate for climate solutions by providing these volunteers with comprehensive training, tools, and resources. “When we show up, we make it count… Being surrounded by people who share the same passion for climate advocacy is transformative.” CCL also fosters a supportive community where volunteers can connect, learn from each other, and build relationships with community leaders and elected officials.
