Toward a Better Future: Legislation And Public Policy Strategies

Rothko Chapel

3/2/19 1-2:30pm Legislation and Public Policy Strategies Positive climate change outcomes depend on sound legislative decisions at the local, state, and national levels. Attendees learned about current policy initiatives and how we can be more effective advocates. Lara Cottingham, Chief of Staff of the Administration and Regulatory Affairs Department and the Chief Sustainability Officer for the City of Houston Jay Blazek Crossley, Executive Director of Farm&City Luke Metzger, Executive Director of Environment Texas Bakeyah Nelson, Executive Director of Air Alliance Houston Moderator: Elizabeth Love, Senior Program Officer for the Houston Endowment, Inc. The Rothko Chapel and University of St. Thomas hosted a three day symposium exploring the current climate crisis, its impact on vulnerable communities, and mitigation efforts being implemented locally and nationally. Given the global interconnectedness of the climate crisis, the symposium explored how best to move to a zero emission, low carbon economy through the engagement of presenters from religious, Indigenous, public health, energy, government, philanthropic, academic and arts sectors and communities. A central focus was on individual and institutional actions, practices and policies that must be taken to create a more livable and equitable future.