Keeping Stride in the race for clean energy: A message from Jesse Diggins

Photos courtesy of AP

This spring, a group of Olympians, POW and I ran circles around DC. We shared our stories about the changes we are seeing in the mountains and most importantly what we must do right now (if not two decades ago) to protect the places we live and lifestyles we love…and every living thing that depends on a healthy planet.

We let leaders in Congress know that we understand what they are doing is hard. And that we know conditions are tough right now. But, we asked them to show up bravely and cross the finish line knowing that they gave it their all.

Today, the most important clean energy, clean transportation and green technology investments of our lifetimes passed the House and are heading to the President’s desk. If you’ve been in the race with us for the last year, you know how many times it looked like Congress’ major effort to reduce emissions was on its way to a DNF. But we didn’t give up and neither did they!

We (including many of you!) gave it our all: calling, emailing and visiting our representatives, talking to friends and family and of course, voting. With that effort, we are back on track to significantly cut carbon emissions (from 2005 levels) by 40% by 2030. And there’s lots of opportunity on the state, local, and executive levels and in the market to make up that last 10% that will hit or even surpass our 50% goal by 2030.

So as we cross the line with $369 billion in investments into the clean energy transition, we are reminded again of what is possible when we don’t give up, even when conditions are tough. But let’s be clear, this is one stage in the most important race of our lifetimes. So please keep your skis waxed for the miles ahead. And thank you to the members of Congress who voted yes and to all of you who have been in this race with us. Let’s keep showing up, speaking out and voting together.

-Jesse Diggins
Nordic Skier, Olympian, POW Board Member, Human

Author: Jessie Diggins

Jessie Diggins was cross-country skiing before she could walk, hitching a ride in her dad’s backpack, pulling his hair and telling him to ‘Mush!’ The apple didn’t fall far from the tree, and by three years old she was on skis of her own, sharing Dad’s passion for the sport. Little did they know at […]