Tennessee native Erica Davis recognized that rural communities often see little benefit from local oil and gas extraction. Collaborating with grassroots organizers in Campbell County, she

Tennessee native Erica Davis recognized that rural communities often see little benefit from local oil and gas extraction. Collaborating with grassroots organizers in Campbell County, she researched and sponsored a bill to reform oil and natural gas severance taxes.

Davis's bill aims to raise these taxes, which are the sole legislative means to keep extraction wealth in-state. Crucially, it seeks to distribute all revenue directly to the affected communities where extraction occurs, rather than the current one-third. Despite Davis's lobbying efforts and bipartisan support, the bill was dropped from the 2015-2016 docket. Now pursuing an environmental law degree, Davis plans to revive the legislation in the next session.

On March 31, 2014, the Tennessee House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a bill to establish a state licensing program for legal hemp cultivation. Sponsor Rep. Jeremy Faison emphasized

On March 31, 2014, the Tennessee House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a bill to establish a state licensing program for legal hemp cultivation. Sponsor Rep. Jeremy Faison emphasized hemp's historical benefits and cited the recent U.S. Farm Bill, which permits states to regulate production and allows universities to conduct studies.

The legislation passed with an 88-5 vote. Following its approval, Faison distributed various hemp products, such as breakfast cereal, soap, cooking oil, and twine, to legislative leaders, showcasing the plant's diverse applications.

An interview was recently conducted with Rev. Bill Kirlin-Hackett.

Rev. Kirlin-Hackett serves as the Director of the Interfaith Task Force on

An interview was recently conducted with Rev. Bill Kirlin-Hackett.

Rev. Kirlin-Hackett serves as the Director of the Interfaith Task Force on Homelessness.

Fritjof Capra: Patterns of Connection

Join us for a virtual conversation with Fritjof Capra to discuss the evolution of his thought. In the late 1950s Capra read the work of Werner

Fritjof Capra: Patterns of Connection

Join us for a virtual conversation with Fritjof Capra to discuss the evolution of his thought. In the late 1950s Capra read the work of Werner Heisenberg, a founder of quantum mechanics, and quickly intuited connections between the discoveries of quantum physics and the traditions of Eastern philosophy. The result was his bestselling book, The Tao of Physics. His synthesis, which dispensed with the mechanistic worldview of Descartes and Newton in favor of a systemic, ecological one, has provided him with a different perspective on the life sciences, ecology and environmental policy.

Six decades later, Fritjof Capra remains at the crossroads of physics, spirituality, environmentalism and systems theory. Organized thematically and chronologically, the essays in Patterns of Connection document his revolutionary and far-reaching intellectual journey.

Founded in 1903, The Commonwealth Club of California is the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum.

Peter Fish, jury chair, announced the latest winners of the California Book Awards.

The Commonwealth Club of California, founded in San Francisco in 1903, is the nation's oldest and

Peter Fish, jury chair, announced the latest winners of the California Book Awards.

The Commonwealth Club of California, founded in San Francisco in 1903, is the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum. It hosts over 400 annual events for its 20,000 members, covering politics, culture, society, and the economy. Notable speakers have included Teddy Roosevelt, Martin Luther King, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and Hillary Clinton.

Explore upcoming events, membership, or watch/listen to past programs. You can also subscribe, donate, or connect on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

The bipartisan Growing Climate Solutions Act has been introduced in the House and Senate. This bill aims to address climate change by providing farmers and foresters access to carbon sequestration

The bipartisan Growing Climate Solutions Act has been introduced in the House and Senate. This bill aims to address climate change by providing farmers and foresters access to carbon sequestration credits.

House bill H.R. 7393 is sponsored by Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE) and Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), along with eight other Republicans and Democrats. Senate bill S. 3894 is sponsored by Senator Mike Braun (R-IN), Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

Further details about the bill are available. The sponsors are recognized for their bipartisan climate efforts.

Science educator and TV host Bill Nye is the subject of a new documentary, "Bill Nye: Science Guy." Nye and film director Jason Sussberg joined Climate One for a discussion.

Their

Science educator and TV host Bill Nye is the subject of a new documentary, "Bill Nye: Science Guy." Nye and film director Jason Sussberg joined Climate One for a discussion.

Their conversation covered climate denial, generational responsibility, and proper "selfie" procedure. For more details on this event, visit the Climate One event page.

Learn more about Climate One.

Former President Bill Clinton (SFS'68) spoke at Georgetown's Gaston Hall, urging private citizens to contribute to the public good. He asserted that 21st-century citizenship requires "every

Former President Bill Clinton (SFS'68) spoke at Georgetown's Gaston Hall, urging private citizens to contribute to the public good. He asserted that 21st-century citizenship requires "every thoughtful person to try to do some public good."

Clinton warned of an "unsustainable path to the future," citing widespread "inequality and unsustainability." He concluded by advising, "If you want to serve you must begin with the stories." This address was published on May 2, 2013.

Accepting the 2007 TED Prize, Bill Clinton issued a call for global action. He sought assistance to expand healthcare access, particularly in Rwanda and other parts of the world.

For

Accepting the 2007 TED Prize, Bill Clinton issued a call for global action. He sought assistance to expand healthcare access, particularly in Rwanda and other parts of the world.

For further details on these initiatives, please visit the Clinton Foundation website.