Dear friends,
At Lexington Climate Action Network (LexCAN), we are deeply concerned by the actions of our current national administration, which is actively undermining progress toward a clean energy future. Rather than leading with science and foresight, they are reintroducing polluting energy sources and ignoring the mounting evidence of climate change—evidence supported by scientists, firsthand experiences and the accelerating frequency of natural disasters.
It can feel disheartening—even overwhelming—to watch national policies move backward. But we are not powerless.
Each of us still holds the ability to act, to push forward and to protect our shared future. We can champion clean air, clean water, renewable energy and a healthy planet for our children and generations to come. In our homes, our neighborhoods and across Massachusetts, we can continue building the future we believe in.
Every heat pump installed, every solar panel activated, every compost pile nurtured, every EV purchased, every step we take to eat lower on the food chain—these are all real, tangible actions that add up. And when we do these things together, they become even more powerful. Find steps to take individual action here.
We invite you to work with us to make this vision a reality. LexCAN’s Board and volunteers are all in, but we need more hands and more resources to take on this challenge.
Please consider:
· Volunteering in an area that inspires you—just email us at info@lexcan.org
· Donating to support this critical work: https://lexcan.org/donate/
LexCAN is leading on multiple fronts to help Lexington meet our climate goals. Over the coming months and years, we are working to launch or expand programs focused on:
· Weatherization for all Lexington homes
· Heat pump installations for efficient heating and cooling
· Transitioning to electric hot water heaters
· Expanding residential solar adoption
· Supporting EV purchases and access
· Promoting biking, walking and public transportation
· Reducing the installation of new gas infrastructure
· Exploring neighborhood-scale ground-source heat pump systems
· Protecting and expanding Lexington’s green spaces, forests and pollinator meadows
· Advocating for climate-friendly state bills and local bylaws
· Preserving and expanding our tree canopy to capture carbon
· Reducing plastic use by refusing, reusing and repurposing
It’s an ambitious list—and yes, it’s a big lift. But it’s also achievable, especially when we do it together.
Even as the federal government retreats from its climate commitments, we in Lexington—and in Massachusetts—will not stand down. We will continue to push forward, and we know that you are with us. Lexington has shown again and again that we are an informed, engaged and motivated community. Let’s continue to lead by example.
LexCAN began in 2005 (then known as the Lexington Global Warming Action Coalition), when many of us were striving to keep global CO₂ levels below 350 parts per million (ppm). Today, that number has risen to over 420ppm. We no longer have the luxury of waiting.
Let’s help Lexington reach its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 and make sure our voices are heard—even when national leadership turns a blind eye.
Thank you for being part of this work.
With determination and hope,
The LexCAN Board of Directors
info@lexcan.org | https://lexcan.org
As a member of LexCAN’s Advocacy Committee, I believe the most impactful action you can take at this moment is to raise your voice AGAINST the government’s plan to eliminate regulation of planet warming gases from cars and power plants. The so-called “EPA” has enlisted 5 climate deniers to put together a report saying that climate change isn’t as bad as we thought. The proposal to allow polluters free rein with no regulation is based on this report. You can help by making a public comment on the proposal by Sept. 22. For background on the plan and directions for making a public comment visit: https://tinyurl.com/EPA-ENDANGER
The report Ms. Ludwig mentions was produced by the Dept. of Energy (DOE) for EPA. In response, a group of more than 85 scientists have issued a joint rebuttal, finding the DOE report full of errors and misrepresenting climate science. The group has filed its rebuttal with DOE and it is available at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PwAR8I9YYmPhbQ6CRekHkroJGMbjbX7l/view?pli=1. If you comment on the EPA proposal you can cite the rebuttal in opposition to EPA’s use of the DOE report to support revoking the Endangerment Finding.
Be aware that though public comments help build a strong record of opposition, EPA won’t consider them seriously as its decision will be based on politics not science. At this point only the courts can stop EPA from revoking the Endangerment Finding, and lawsuits are already being filed. To prevail in court, the opposition will have to show not only that EPA’s proposal will have harmful effects but that EPA’s decision is contrary to the evidence and is not grounded in logic or reason. We must hope the courts make such a ruling.
Disclosure: I work on air quality and climate issues for a consulting firm that holds contracts with DOE and EPA. The views expressed above are my own and not necessarily those of my employer.