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Quality journalism needs your support to thrive. Donate and keep the facts flowing. DECORAH — Two young adults from Decorah are among 12 Iowans traveling to Washington, D.C., this month as part of a national climate advocacy effort organized by Citizens' Climate Lobby (CCL). Natalie Goodner, a 2025 Decorah High School graduate, and Luther College students Emilee Burcham and Kenna McGee will represent Iowa's 1st Congressional District during the advocacy event. The Iowa delegation is participating in CCL's Summer Conference and Lobby Day from July 21–22. The annual gathering brings together nearly 900 citizen volunteers from across the country to engage in respectful, bipartisan conversations with members of Congress about clean energy and climate policy. Participants will begin their trip by attending civic engagement workshops and briefings on climate solutions during the July 21 conference. The next day, the Iowa team will head to Capitol Hill for scheduled meetings with members of Iowa's congressional delegation. Appointments have already been made with five of Iowa's six elected officials, with Senator Joni Ernst's office still pending confirmation. According to organizers, Iowans will be grouped into teams of five to six people for each meeting. Most participants are expected to attend three to four meetings each, which may include both senators and representatives—regardless of district. For example, since no constituents from Rep. Randy Feenstra's district are attending, that meeting will be staffed by Iowans from other parts of the state. While the group will not be advocating for specific legislation, they plan to raise key concerns around the need for a smooth and equitable transition to clean energy. Their primary requests include: Supporting clean energy initiatives for affordable and reliable power in the FY 2026 budget Funding federal clean energy programs and fixing tax credit implementation issues Opposing defunding of two Department of Energy programs critical to climate action Following the in-person meetings, CCL members back in Iowa will reinforce the group's requests by contacting congressional offices on July 22 and 23. In August, a second wave of advocacy will target continued funding for NOAA's climate-related work. Young Iowans from Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Des Moines metro, Grinnell and Luther Colleges, and the Quad Cities will also participate, most traveling to D.C. via low-emission carpooling. To help make this opportunity accessible to all participants regardless of financial status, a GoFundMe campaign is raising funds to cover travel and lodging expenses. For more information or to get involved, email neiaclimate@gmail.com or visit cclusa.org. Feed your curiosity! Subscribe to the free newsletter and indulge in all that's local. Your friends will be impressed.

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Decorah Youth Join Iowa Climate Delegation Heading to Capitol Hill