Highlights from the GCA 2021 NAL Virtual Conference 2/23-2/25
Diana Stromberg
NAL or National Affairs and Legislation is the advocacy arm of the GCA that has been working with our legislators since the early 1970s to advocate for the environment. The environmental laws (Clean Air, Clean Water, Endangered Species, National Environmental Policy Act, etc.) of this period form the foundation of environmental protection in America. The GCA was there.
Approximately 1,700 GCA members participated in the conference this year to advocate for Climate Change Solutions. The virtual conference featured experts in various fields who understand the potential of oceans, natural climate solutions, transportation, and innovation/energy efficiency to mitigate and abate the impacts of climate change. The GCA website has detailed information on each of the areas listed and recordings of the entire conference. Take time to listen to part or all of the speakers.
An important part of the conference is advocacy work with our Senators in Ohio. Sarah Dimling, Jane Ellison and I met virtually with both Senator Portman and Senator Brown’s aides to give them the necessary talking points for critical environmental areas that were covered in the NAL conference. Ohio is fortunate to have many GCA clubs whose members are dedicated to advocacy to make our country and our state a better place for all humans, animals, and plants. We hope we can meet again in person in 2022 in Washington, DC at the Capitol.