Regional Climate Advocates Host 11th Annual Climate Conference April 2026

As many as 200 members of Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) and other climate advocates will attend the Northeast Multistate Conference at Union College in Schenectady, NY , on April 10 & 11, 2026. Scarsdale students Aaron Anders and Cameron Hersley plan to attend.

For the 11th year, volunteers with one of the nation’s most effective, nonpartisan climate lobbying organizations will gather to learn from experts and each other how to enact meaningful climate legislation and educate the public on proposed solutions. This year the conference expands its reach beyond New York and New England to include climate advocates from New Jersey and Pennsylvania. All climate advocates are welcome to attend; membership in CCL is not required.

“Because the sources of climate change and air pollution are one and the same, if we reduce our local dependence on fossil fuel burning we can achieve both a healthier Westchester AND a healthier planet,” said Dr. George Thurston, Professor of Medicine and Population Health at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and a member of the Westchester chapter.

One of the chapter co-leaders, Elizabeth Brigham, added, “Events like these help get more people involved in hands-on ways we can work with our community 

The conference begins with a social gathering Friday evening. On Saturday, the opening session “Bridge Building” will set the tone for the conference. Following that will be twelve information- and strategy-packed lectures, panels, and workshops designed to build climate advocacy and collaboration skills. Attendees will  understanding of subjects ranging from carbon pricing to regional energy policy and building political will.

A few topics featured in this year’s conference include:

-Advanced Nuclear: What Does It Actually Mean?
-Building Political Will for a Powerful Carbon Price
-Climate Advocate Training
-Community Engagement for Permitting Renewables
-How to Create a State Policy Working Group
-Organizing for Climate with Higher Education

Legislators on both sides of the aisle appreciate CCL’s non-partisan approach to lobbying—focusing on science and solutions, not blame. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) has said of CCL, “You guys are the best. There is no better environmental group.”

As a keynote speaker at the 2024 CCL National Fall Conference, Senator-elect John Curtis (R-UT) noted, “I can’t think of any group I’d rather speak with today.”

The conference is produced by volunteers of Citizens’ Climate Lobby / Citizens’ Climate Education. Register at https://cclnortheast2026.eventbrite.com. Don’t delay! The early bird rate of $110 ends on March 8. The student rate is $30. A $20 late registration surcharge will begin on April 1. Registration includes light fare both days.

Members of the media are invited to attend. Please contact David Ruekberg at [email protected] to make arrangements.

CONTACT: David Ruekberg, CCL Northeast MultiState Conference Coordinator, [email protected] 585-789-1865.