Download a PDF of ECA National Priorities 2024 Update

Policies and Actions We Support

Elders Climate Action champions policies and actions that will bring the climate crisis to an end. 

Our Objectives 

In collaboration with our climate allies, we advocate for federal, state, and local governments, private institutions and businesses to take the actions needed to:

• • Limit harm to our grandchildren, future generations and all life from the consequences of climate change 
  • Enact and implement just, equitable, and effective policies at scale to stop greenhouse gas emissions and build a sustainable future 
  • End carbon extraction and emissions and build a green economy while overcoming the systemic injustices wrought by the fossil fuel economy 
  • Address and reduce the negative health effects of fossil fuels and climate change, which are most damaging to environmental justice communities

Our 2024 Priorities Include 

• • Immediate phase out of fossil fuels
  • Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions 
  • Protection and implementation of the IRA (which includes the Farm Bill)
  • Mobilization of voters for this and every election
  • Influencing Public Utility Commissions (PUCs)

We Are Committed to 

Supporting all just efforts to accelerate the achievement of official U.S. climate goals, including reducing CO2 emissions to 50–52% below 2005 levels by 2030 and to zero emissions by 2050

Grounding all efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and all climate policy in principles of equity and racial, environmental and climate justice supported by:

• • The development and refinement of intersectional climate solutions such as those passed in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), and additional legislative action proposed in the Green New Deal, Vision for Equitable Climate Action (VECA) and the THRIVE Agendas.
  • Efforts to ensure environmental/climate justice for low-income, indigenous, minority, immigrant, and frontline communities. They are least responsible for and most vulnerable to the impacts of air, ground and water pollution caused by extracting and burning fossil fuels and to environmental and severe weather events caused by climate change
  • Efforts to ensure a just transition to an economy free of greenhouse gasses by supporting solutions that protect all those most affected, including displaced fossil fuel industry workers and their communities

Identifying and collaborating with allies in the global effort to end the Climate Crisis 

• • With special attention to groups that serve elders, youth, and justice communities; and elevating and amplifying their messages and actions 
  • Developing intergenerational efforts by taking every opportunity to support and collaborate with youth

We Advocate for

(See examples in the ECA National Priorities 2024 Update)

• • The development and implementation of fossil-free energy, transportation, and building solutions
  • The swift reduction of emissions of methane and other short-lived climate pollutants
  • An end to the extraction of fossil fuels
  • The implementation of climate-friendly land-use policies that reduce emissions and increase carbon sequestration through natural processes
  • The protection and restoration of biodiversity
  • The promotion of lifestyle changes that reduce carbon emissions