Holmdel Residents Talk Climate Issues with Federal Legislators

Lobbying isn't just a job for professional suits representing big corporations. Last month, two Holmdel residents were in D.C. lobbying on behalf of an even more important client: Planet Earth.

Dean von Essen and Bill Little are members of the Lincroft chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL). On July 27-28, they joined over 800 other CCL members at the organization’s annual conference and Lobby Day. CCLers, as they call themselves, came from all across the country, paying their own way, to urge members of Congress to adopt policies - and enact legislation - that will improve the availability of clean, affordable, and reliable energy while minimizing the effects of climate change. Their main two lobbying requests for 2026 were changes to streamline the permitting process for clean energy and full funding for the United States Forest Service.

Over the course of the day, CCLers held over 400 meetings with House and Senate members from both sides of the aisle. Members of the Lincroft Chapter met with the staffs of Senators Booker and Kim, and with the staffs of representatives Conaway (NJ-03), Pallone (NJ-06), and Smith (NJ-04). Lincroft CCLers also joined teams meeting with representatives from other states around the country.

Little said, "It was really exciting to walk the halls of power and talk directly to the offices of our legislators. This was a great exercise of the democratic process." von Essen added, "As constituents, it was great to be able to talk with the staff of Representative Conaway's office on the complicated issue of permitting reform. We're very grateful for their time and the productive conversation."

Anyone interested in learning more about Citizens' Climate Lobby can go to www.citizensclimatelobby.org.