WASHINGTON, April 6, 2026 — I spend a lot of time talking and writing about how President Trump’s actions are not just bad policy — they’re bad politics. Over the past few days, I’ve brought that message to a group of senior staff for governors from across the country. It seems to be resonating with them.
Since I last wrote, we’ve seen a particularly egregious new example. The Trump Administration recently paid a French company $1 billion to walk away from its offshore wind leases in the Atlantic. This move is a stunning misuse of taxpayer dollars to block clean, affordable energy development. My colleague, Ted Kelly, nailed it, calling the move: “an outrageous misuse of taxpayer dollars to prevent Americans from having clean, affordable power exactly when they need it most.”
While this action came too late to be reflected in EDF Action’s recent extensive polling on the subject, I think it’s a safe bet that it would be deeply unpopular. It would likely perform even worse than the administration’s other actions to constrain clean energy development and prop up dirty, expensive, and inefficient sources like coal. It would also likely perform worse than efforts to allow methane to leak into the atmosphere instead of harnessing it to power our homes, schools, and businesses.
At a time when people are hungry for good news, I’d like to pass along an update that landed in my inbox. Yesterday, my colleague Jeremy Pittman sent his report out from our recent state awards reception in Nevada. It lifted my spirits to read, and my hope is that it does the same for each of you.
Hi David,
I’m excited to share a quick update from our recent EDF Action Nevada Awards Reception in Las Vegas.
It was a great night under the stars as we brought together policymakers, partners, and advocates to celebrate leaders advancing climate action, clean energy, and a more sustainable future for Nevadans.
Building on the success of our 2025 events in Michigan and Arizona, EDF Action Nevada organizer Mark Peckham and our Southwest team welcomed nearly 100 guests to the iconic Neon Museum to honor Congresswoman Susie Lee, Assemblywoman Elaine Marzola, and longtime volunteer Linda Stout.
We kicked off the evening by recognizing Linda Stout as our Nevada Volunteer of the Year. A retired public school teacher, Linda has become a cornerstone of grassroots environmental advocacy in the state—showing up, organizing, and inspiring others to take action. As she put it, “I stayed scared in the background for the longest time, but I’m here now to show people how it’s done.”
We then honored Assemblywoman Elaine Marzola with the Emerging Leadership for a Changing Climate Award, recognizing her strong environmental record and leadership in the state legislature.
I had the privilege of presenting our final award to Congresswoman Susie Lee as an Affordable and Clean Energy Champion. Rep. Lee has been a tireless advocate for lowering energy costs and expanding clean energy opportunities in Nevada, including securing funding for projects that are creating good-paying jobs and supporting critical infrastructure like Hoover Dam.
The response from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with guests praising the energy, conversations, and sense of community.
I’ve truly appreciated the opportunity to join these events over the past few months—connecting with our teams and honoring leaders who are driving real progress. Thank you for making this work possible. I’m excited for what’s ahead.
Best,
Jeremy