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Conservative Climate Change Conference

Conservative Climate Leadership Conference & Lobby Day

Not your typical climate meeting

March 19-20, 2024

Washington, DC

four CCL volunteers at a conference

Conference Overview

If you’re ready to protect the people and places you love from extreme weather, there’s no better place to be on March 19th and 20th than at the 2024 Conservative Climate Leadership Conference & Lobby Day. Meet other like-minded people and discuss practical solutions to stop the pollution that’s overheating the planet. Then, spend a day speaking with Republican Senators and Representatives on Capitol Hill about what they can do to help. 

Registration is now closed. Please check out our upcoming Summer Conference & Lobby Day and regional conferences.

 

 

Featured Speakers

Program

Subject to change

Tuesday, March 19, 2024 - Holiday Inn Washington Capitol

This workshop will help newer volunteers (and seasoned volunteers who want a refresher) understand CCL’s method and vision and inspire you to find your role so you can hit the ground running. In this interactive workshop you will:

  • Learn the basics of becoming an effective climate advocate through review of the CCL’s structure, mission, purpose and methodology of creating political will
  • Practice how to appeal to the best in others and build common ground
  • Review CCL’s legislative strategy and an initial overview of the climate solutions we support
  • Learn how to build constructive relationships with elected representatives and practice our lobbying methods
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Brett Cease

VP of Programs, CCL

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Drew Eyerly

Conservative Outreach Director, CCL

Many conservatives support adding more nuclear power to the U.S. energy mix in order to lower greenhouse gas emissions with the speed needed. Join us for an informative session examining how nuclear power can play a pivotal role in our energy future.

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Grace Stanke

Nuclear Fuels Engineer & Clean Energy Advocate

We’ve seen a lot of progress in permitting reform policy and now members of Congress must reach across the aisle to finish what they started. Don’t miss this lively panel, moderated by Heather Reams, President of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES), where we’ll unpack clean energy permitting reform and why Republican offices should embrace a bipartisan pathway to success.

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Grace Bellone

Legislative Assistant, Rep. John R. Curtis (UT)

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Marty Hall

Principle - Sheffield Gate Strategies and CRES Senior Policy Fellow

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Heather Reams

President, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES)

Hit the halls of Congress feeling confident and ready to make the all-important Ask in lobby meetings. Join CCL’s Government Affairs staff as they guide you through this year’s Congressional Asks. You’ll leave the session primed to advance political will in your House and Senate meetings on March 20th.

Ben Pendergrass

VP of Government Affairs, CCL

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Jennifer Tyler

Sr. Director of Government Affairs, CCL

Congress is working on a new version of the Farm Bill but the jury is still deliberating on whether climate solutions will be locked into this multi-year package. Hear from our group of expert panelists as they lay out the challenges and opportunities of this significant legislation.

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Morgan Brummund

Government Affairs Director, American Conservation Coalition Action

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Andrew Mills

VP of Political Affairs, National Audubon Society & Executive Director, Audubon Action Fund

Ben Pendergrass

VP of Government Affairs, CCL

A common concern about climate action is that the U.S. can not solve this crisis without other countries doing their part. A Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) could be used to collect a fee at the border from high-polluting countries that undercut our domestic manufacturers with cheaper, carbon-heavy products. As Republicans turn to trade to solve climate, we take a look at the policies and proposals gaining traction.

Catrina Rorke

Senior Vice President, Policy and Research, Climate Leadership Council

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Neil Chatterjee

Former Commissioner and Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)

You’ve sat through policy and strategy sessions, absorbed your Asks, and now you’re almost ready to launch into lobby day! Join us for a last review of everything you need to know for a successful lobbying experience. We’ll cover lobby day schedules, review meeting plans and roles, and discuss effective note-taking. We’ll also have plenty of time for lingering lobby day questions.

Mindy Ahler

North Wind Regional Coordinator, CCL

Ben Pendergrass

VP of Government Affairs, CCL

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Jennifer Tyler

Sr. Director of Government Affairs, CCL

Please take advantage of this free time to meet up with your lobby teams and finalize plans for an effective lobby day.

For our student attendees, hear how to bring climate action back home and find your role within CCL. Explore the benefits of being part of CCL through opportunities like internships, fellowships, and leading campus chapters.

Drew Eyerly

Drew Eyerly

Conservative Outreach Director, CCL

Michael Jefferies

Regional Conservative Outreach Coordinator

Wednesday, March 20, 2024 - Capitol Hill

The Congressional Ballroom will be open and available for you to meet with your lobby teams for last minute meeting prep. Coffee will be served.

Refer to your personal lobby meeting schedule, emailed to you by March 16th.

Our post-lobby day Conservative Climate Champions Reception, co-hosted with American Conservation Coalition Action, will be held in the Dirksen Senate Building. Join us for hors d’oeuvres and drinks as we celebrate your advocacy and wrap up the conference! CCL will present our 2024 Climate Champions awards to three members of Congress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Registration

Who is invited to attend the Conservative Climate Leadership Conference & Lobby Day?

This conference is designed for politically right-leaning attendees. If you do not identify right-leaning politically, please refrain from applying and check out our other conferences and events coming up this year

How do I register?

Applications are now closed. Please check out our upcoming Summer Conference & Lobby Day and regional conferences.

Those interested in attending the conference & lobby day must submit an application. Your application will be reviewed by CCL staff and you will receive an email with your acceptance with a registration link. Please register as soon as you receive your registration link. The deadline to submit an application is March 4, 2024

Is there a registration fee?

Yes, regular registration is $90, student registration is $20. We also have a Friend of the Conference ticket for $200 if you’d like to help contribute to conference expenses. 

What should I do if I need to cancel?

If you need to cancel please contact us as soon as possible by email or by phone at (619) 437-7142. The deadline for cancellations and refunds is March 14, 2024.

Are meals included in the registration fee?

We will serve coffee and lunch on March 19th, and have a post lobby day reception the evening of March 20th which includes drinks and hors d’oeuvres. All other meals are on your own. 

Is my registration fee transferable?

Registration fees are not transferable.

May I pay by check?

Yes. When you register and you get to the payment section of the registration process, select “pay by check” and continue with the rest of the registration form. Please mail your check (made payable to Citizens’ Climate Education) to our office at 1330 Orange Ave #309, Coronado, CA 92118. Please put “2024 Conservative Conference” in the memo. Your payment must be received by March 14, 2024. 

Are scholarships available for registration, travel, and hotel expenses?

We strive to keep registration fees low to make it possible for as many people who want to attend to be able to do so. To request a registration discount or fee waiver, please email .

Our available scholarships have all been distributed. When you apply to attend the conference, if you are interested in a scholarship, we can place you on the waitlist if a scholarship becomes available. We’d be happy to provide you a registration fee waiver to help with your conference costs. 

Can minors (those under 18 years old) attend the conference?

Yes! CCL believes in empowering young voices. Please note that conference attendees under the age of 18 require additional steps for registration. Here are the considerations that you should be aware of and steps you should take:

  1. All conference attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian or chaperone. Chaperones must be approved by parents/legal guardians via a permission slip. Permission slips not received by March 7, 2024 may result in canceled registration.
  2. Both the chaperone or parent/legal guardian and the minor must be registered for the conference.
  3. Minors attending with a chaperone must register and have permission slips completed by March 7, 2024.

Permission slips: A personalized permission slip link will be sent to you and your parent/legal guardian after registering. For any questions regarding your permission slip or attending the conference as a minor, please email .

Are walk-in registrations accepted?

Yes, you can walk-in to the conference and register for the conference only, you will not be given a lobby day schedule. We can accept credit/debit cards, and personal checks only.

Program & Agenda

Where can I find the conference schedule?

We’ll be making updates to the program as we get closer to the conference, so be sure to check back for the most up-to-date agenda. You’ll find the conference schedule on this webpage you are currently viewing, scroll up to the “Program” section to find the conference agenda.

What is the CCL Climate Advocate Training Workshop (CATW)?

The Climate Advocate Training Workshop focuses on CCL, our history, and our methods for generating political will, as well as the basics of how to lobby Congress using CCL’s specific approach. The training occurs at our National and Regional Conferences, and when we are initiating a brand new group in a new area. This training is required to lobby with CCL. There will be a shortened version of the workshop taking place at the conference but if you’re new to CCL or you have never attended this training before we strongly encourage you to attend the virtual version of the workshop before arriving in D.C.

Lobbying

How many members of Congress (MOCs) will we meet with?

We are aiming to meet with about 30 Republican Congressional offices for this year’s Conservative Lobby Day.

How many lobby meetings will I have? How many people will be on the lobby teams?

We estimate each citizen lobbyist to have 2-3 meetings. You will be placed on a lobby team of five to six people, with a mix of constituents and non-constituents.

What is the process for creating lobby teams?

At least one constituent is required for each lobby meeting. We will do our best to put constituents in their congressperson’s meeting. We estimate each citizen lobbyist to have 2-3 meetings. Given attendees from around the country, lobby teams will have a mix of constituents and non-constituents.

When will I be notified of the lobby team I am on?

Once you apply to attend the conference and are accepted, you will be given a link to register. Please register as soon as possible. Registration closes March 7, 2024 11:59 p.m. ET sharp, no exceptions. This gives the CCL staff time to assemble the lobby teams from available lobbyists, appoint a team lead, and notify you by March 16, 2024 of your team members and schedule.

Who makes the appointments for this lobby day?

How are lobby schedules created for minors?

To attend the conference and to lobby, attendees under the age of 18 must submit a signed parents’ permission form by March 7, 2024. Send an email to if you need assistance.  The name of the parent or guardian that is accompanying the minor must be provided. Minors will be scheduled to lobby with their parent/guardian/chaperone. There is a limit of one minor per chaperone.

What will my lobby schedule look like?

How do I prepare for Lobby Day? Is there training I should attend before arriving?

All citizen lobbyists: Lobby day training will take place during the conference itself on March 19th. We’d also suggest attending live or watching the recordings of certain online training to familiarize yourself with clean energy permitting reform and the Farm Bill ahead of arriving in D.C. You can visit the Prepare for Lobby Day page on CCL Community for the list of recommended training and resources.

New to CCL: CCL’s Climate Advocate Training is required to lobby with CCL. If you haven’t taken it already, you should attend the Online Climate Advocate Training Workshop ahead of the conference. A shortened version will be held at the conference, but the full version is highly recommended.

Will lobby teams have time to prepare for their lobby meeting during the conference?

Yes, during the conference on March 19th  there will be time dedicated to lobby day training and meeting planning. Depending on the time of your meeting(s) on March 20th, you may also have time in the morning and during breaks to meet with your teams and plan. There is no expectation that you need to meet with your lobby teams before arriving at the conference.

May I change the lobby schedule I receive?

We kindly ask that you love the schedule you get. The process of coordinating the schedule is complex and changes have domino effects. Often there are more lobbyists than space available in Capitol Hill offices. Sometimes Congressional staffers have requested a limit on the number of people attending the meeting. If for any reason you cannot attend a meeting, we ask that you notify both and the meeting leader, which can be found on your lobby schedule.

Can I drop in to a Lobby Meeting?

No, please do not just drop in to a lobby meeting or join a team you aren’t assigned to. Consult for advice if you think it is imperative that you be in a certain meeting. We put a lot of effort and advance planning into creating lobby teams, including making sure they aren’t too large and making sure everyone who is registered to lobby is part of a lobby team. Lobby day is not a drop-in event. Advance registration and attending the training during the conference are expected of everyone who wishes to participate in the lobby day.

What should a citizen lobbyist wear?

We suggest business attire for those participating in Lobby Day on Capitol Hill. That might mean, a suit and tie, dress pants or skirt with a professional top, or sweater, and jacket, or a dress. You can check out this folder of photos from past lobby days for some outfit inspiration. Everyone should wear comfortable shoes (or bring a bag big enough to hide comfy shoes to change into between meetings). There will be a lot of walking in D.C., and many seasoned CCL lobbyists can tell you about their sore feet! Casual or business casual attire is just fine for the conference itself on March 19, 2024. 

What should I do with my luggage/bags while I am lobbying on Capitol Hill on Wednesday?

We recommend checking your bags at the front desk of your hotel if you plan to leave D.C. on Wednesday. Make sure you leave plenty of time for your last lobbying appointment (it could start as late as 5:30 p.m.) to get back to the hotel, pick up your bags, and then get to the airport or train station.

Another option is to consider luggage storage services such as Vertoe or Bounce.

We strongly recommend you NOT to take your luggage with you to Capitol Hill. You may experience problems with security at the federal buildings, you will be doing a lot of walking throughout the day, and the House and Senate offices are all very small and cannot accommodate luggage.

Lodging & Travel

What are the details on the host hotel?

The host hotel is the Holiday Inn – Washington Capitol, 550 C Street, SW Washington DC, 20024. For conference attendees, the rate starts at $319 plus tax. You must book by February 23, 2024 to receive the CCL rate. Call the hotel to book 1-877-834-3613 and use Group Code: CC5 or visit our booking link: Citizens’ Climate Lobby to make your reservation online. Once you are on the booking site, be sure to enter the dates of your stay. The group rate is available from Sunday, March 17, 2024 to Thursday, March 21, 2024.

Reservations are made on a first come, first served basis and fill up quickly, we suggest you make your reservation early. Holiday Inn cancellation policy: individuals are able to cancel their reservations up to 72 hours prior to arrival to avoid being charged one night room and tax.

What are the other nearby hotels?

We only have a group rate/block established at the the Holiday Inn – Washington Capitol, but if you prefer to stay off site, these hotels are in close proximity:

Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall

Citizen M

Marriott Residence Inn Washington DC Capitol

You also might consider booking through Airbnb or Vrbo.

Is there parking at the Hotel?

There is a parking garage on site. Parking is available for $53.10/night (tax included).

What is the dress code for the conference?

Casual or business casual attire is just fine for the conference on March 19th. If participating in lobby day on March 20th, we suggest business attire. That might mean, a suit and tie, dress pants or skirt with a professional top, or sweater, and jacket, or a dress. You can check out this folder of photos from past lobby days for some outfit inspiration. Everyone should wear comfortable shoes (or bring a bag big enough to hide comfy shoes to change into between meetings). There will be a lot of walking in D.C., and many seasoned CCL lobbyists can tell you about their sore feet! 

How can I find a roommate?

In order to facilitate the coordination of searching for roommates you will need to sign CCL’s  Liability Waiver for the Room Share Forum. Read the terms on that page and express your consent to the terms.  After you click submit you’ll be redirected to the room share forum.  To find the forum later, on Community go to Connect With Others -> Sitewide Forums -> General -> Room Share.

Is there a subway/rail system in Washington, D.C.?

Yes, D.C.’s rail service is called Metro. Check out this DC Metro Trip Planner for additional information on how to commute from your arrival airport or train station.