EOPA’s commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion—our JEDI principles—wins ACL award out of 100s of applicants Christian Brock, CEO of Elected Officials to Protect America, accepts the ACL award at a ceremony in DC. EOPA came in second out of 100s of applicants for the climate crisis work in Justice40 communities with the IRA. 

April 4, 2024

By Ramona Cornell du Houx

All across the country there are organizations large and small who work to help counter the climate crisis with programs, awareness and dedication. Launched in 2019, ecoAmerica’s American Climate Leadership Awards recognizes, rewards, and shares best practices on climate change advocacy and action nationwide. The Awards provide money, support, and recognition for real climate leadership.

“They are compelled to make a difference on the issue, every day. We can learn from their inspiring examples of successful climate action,” writes ecoAmerica on their website, “Individuals and organizations selected as finalists have demonstrated success in engaging a broader diversity of people nationwide for climate preparedness, resilience, action, and advocacy at local, regional, and national levels, in ways that are replicable. This year’s group includes advocates, faith leaders, organizers, moms, youth, healthcare professionals, elders, educators, frontline community leaders, and journalists of color who have all been effective in broadening participation in climate action locally, in their states, or nationally.”

Out of ten finalists recognized at the American Climate Leadership Awards Ceremony on April 3, 2024, during a live broadcast, Elected Officials to Protect America, a Maine non-profit 501(c)3, came in second place, and was awarded $25,000. EOPA empowers elected official leadership for our environment, public health, and to fight climate change.

“Elected Officials to Protect America or EOPA, has set forth ambitious goals that resonate deeply with ecoAmerica’s commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion—our JEDI principles. Our collective aim is not only to address the climate crisis but to do so in a manner that uplifts and empowers the most vulnerable among us, our Justice40 communities. EOPA’s first goal is to mobilize lawmakers, tribal leaders, and stakeholders to ensure that the transformative potential of the Inflation Reduction Act reaches those who need it most. This aligns seamlessly with ecoAmerica’s belief that everyone has the right to live in a world secure from the threats of the climate crisis and injustice,” said Christian Brock, CEO of Elected Officials to Protect America in his acceptance speech. “In facilitating connections between lawmakers and various partners, we are embodying ecoAmerica’s principle of rejecting oppression-blindness. We acknowledge past complicity and recognize privilege, striving to dismantle systems of racism and oppression that manifest in environmental policy.”

The ACLA broadcasted the featured winner, runner-up, climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe, and other VIPs.  Please view the awards ceremony above.

Climate Resolve, a Los Angeles, CA non-profit since 2010 builds collaborations to champion equitable climate solutions won first prize and was awarded $50,000. They connect communities, organizations, and policymakers to address a global problem with local action. They won for their Ready for Tomorrow Program, which helps write grants for communities.

ecoAmerica said individuals and organizations selected as semifinalists have achieved success in building meaningful public engagement and political resolve for climate action at local, regional, and national levels, in ways that are replicable and broaden participation and inclusion.

The twenty-seven 2024 Semifinalists for ecoAmerica’s 2024 American Climate Leadership Awards (ACLA) were selected from more than 100 applications, and represent all five regions in the United States.

Here is Christian Brock’s full acceptance speech:

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, and honored guests,

My name is Christian Brock, CEO of Elected Officials to Protect America

I stand before you today with a heart full of gratitude, and a spirit ignited by the shared vision that has brought us together. As we accept this incredible opportunity to align with ecoAmerica’s mission, I am reminded of the profound responsibility we carry as stewards of our planet and advocates for justice.

Elected Officials to Protect America or EOPA, has set forth ambitious goals that resonate deeply with ecoAmerica’s commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion—our JEDI principles. Our collective aim is not only to address the climate crisis but to do so in a manner that uplifts and empowers the most vulnerable among us, our Justice40 communities.

EOPA’s first goal is to mobilize lawmakers, tribal leaders, and stakeholders to ensure that the transformative potential of the Inflation Reduction Act reaches those who need it most. This aligns seamlessly with ecoAmerica’s belief that everyone has the right to live in a world secure from the threats of the climate crisis and injustice.

In facilitating connections between lawmakers and various partners, we are embodying ecoAmerica’s principle of rejecting oppression-blindness. We acknowledge past complicity and recognize privilege, striving to dismantle systems of racism and oppression that manifest in environmental policy.

Our goal, to achieve a significant reduction in greenhouse gasses through equitable means, speaks directly to the vision of a clean energy economy that supports education, health, justice, jobs, and prosperity for all.

The impact and outcomes of our National Summit are testaments to the power of collaboration and the urgency of our cause. We have made strides in bringing awareness and resources to tribal nations, connecting innovative projects with financing, and setting the stage for models of sustainable development that can and will inspire the nation.

As we move forward, let us pledge to act in solidarity as allies, to listen actively, educate ourselves, and renew our commitments to anti-racism and anti-bigotry. Let us ensure that our discussions, plans, and actions include and equitably serve all communities, particularly those who have faced systemic exclusion.

We are stronger together. We know our work will be more impactful when we embrace the diversity of voices and abilities that guide our strategy and inform our actions. This journey is a work in progress. We pledge to be faithful to the cause, defending, and advancing this long overdue work.

In unity with ecoAmerica’s mission and principles, we at EOPA are ready to rise to the challenge. Together, we will build public support and political resolve for climate solutions that honor our planet and all its inhabitants.

Thank you for entrusting us with this mission. Let us proceed with courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Thank you.

Elected Officials to Protect America a Maine non-profit 501(c)3 , is a network of current and former elected officials who care deeply about protecting the planet and people. EOPA is committed to solving the climate crisis, ensuring environmental justice, and protecting our lands, waters, and democracy. EOPA educates through value-based storytelling, training lawmakers, and connecting elected officials to inspire strong environmental leadership. 

More about ecoAmerica: a nonprofit moving society toward climate solutions by inspiring and empowering trusted national health, faith, and civic institutions and their millions of stakeholders across America visibly act and advocate. ecoAmerica programs include Climate for Health, Blessed Tomorrow, and Path to Positive, and the One Home One Future and Climate Rx campaigns. ecoAmerica.org