National Analysis

VTDIGGER 10/29/18 By Michael Shank and US Congressman Lloyd Doggett Editor’s note: This commentary is by Michael Shank and U.S. Rep Lloyd Doggett. Shank, of Brandon, is the communications director for the Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance and the Urban Sustainability Directors Network. Doggett, a Democrat, represents Texas communities from San […]

FAST COMPANY 10/11/18 By Michael Shank and US Congressman Lloyd Doggett When it comes to choosing the right energy to power America’s communities and economies, it’s safe to say that most Americans, if given the option, would choose an energy source much like they might choose a neighborhood in which […]

THE HILL 10/07/18 By Michael Shank and US Congressman Hank Johnson As President Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency drops “climate change”, and its impact on children, from its latest rule on hydrofluorocarbons, it is time to talk honestly about science. Americans are busy working, taking care of their kids and loved […]

VTDIGGER 09/20/18 By Michael Shank and Former US Congressman Michael Honda The latest frightening climate study, predicting a devastating rise in sea levels in the lifetimes of babies born today, isn’t generating the sense of urgency that it should. Many more people need to be alarmed and engaged and there […]

VTDIGGER 08/15/18 By Michael Shank and US Congressman Raul Grijalva When it comes to tackling climate change, one of the greatest challenges we face is understanding the myriad factors that influence our warming planet. Addressing some while ignoring others will only allow the mercury to continue to rise. And while […]

VTDIGGER 07/14/18 By Michael Shank and US Congressman Matt Cartwright Editor’s note: This commentary is by Michael Shank and U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright. Shank, of Brandon, is the communications director for the Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance and the Urban Sustainability Directors Network. Cartwright represents Pennsylvania’s 17th congressional district and serves […]

THE HILL 07/17/18 By Michael Shank and US Congressman Matt Cartwright Most Americans take water for granted. It’s a resource that people assume will always be accessible, available, and consumable. For most people in this country, whether they’re at a public drinking fountain, a restaurant or at home, water is […]

VTDIGGER 06/25/18 By Michael Shank and US Congresswoman Yvette Clarke This country desperately needs a positive vision, some goals for where we’re going. Instead, it’s all negative all the time, a daily slashing-and-burning of hard-fought protections. Take the environment, for example. The offensive has been non-stop. Thanks to months of […]

VTDIGGER 05/08/18 By Michael Shank and US Congressman Matt Cartwright Editor’s note: This commentary is by Michael Shank and Matt Cartwright. Shank, of Brandon, teaches at NYU’s Center for Global Affairs and is the communications director for the Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance and the Urban Sustainability Directors Network. Cartwright represents […]

FAST COMPANY 03/23/18 By Michael Shank and US Congressman Matt Cartwright The USDA is formulating its next set of dietary guidelines. An advisory panel has already recommended an increase in plant-based diets, and the USDA should listen to them. The latest developments in the food industry show how fast the […]