Standing Up for a Just, Sustainable Economy on Capitol Hill as the American Sustainable Business Council Conducted Virtual Fly-In Meetings with Congress and the White House June 16-17

Media Release

Washington, D.C. — The American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) and business members from around the country came together virtually last week for a D.C. fly-in with members of Congress and their staff and the White House to advocate for solutions and policies that support a just sustainable, stakeholder economy. As a multi-issue, business organization advocating on behalf of all sectors, sizes, and geographies of business, ASBC and its association members collectively represent over 250,000 businesses across its networks.

“Participation in the fly-in meetings is open to all ASBC members who want to be an advocate for their industry in the nation’s capital,” said Thomas Oppel, executive vice president of ASBC. “Attending the ASBC fly-in gives attendees a unique perspective on how federal policies developed in Washington, D.C. with input from ASBC impact businesses. It also gives ASBC members the chance to help shape that process. ASBC fly-ins are an opportunity to join fellow business leaders in speaking with one voice to lawmakers, administration officials, and regulators.”

Spanning June 15 through 17, the event included 400 ASBC members who joined ASBC staff to visit with 14 members of congress and their staff and the White House to communicate the ASBC’s priorities. “The policies on which our members and we focus ladder up to the shared goal of changing the rules by which business is done so it is better for all people, environment, and the economy,” said David Levine, co-founder and president of ASBC. “There is no better time to join us in our advocacy and we encourage other interested businesses to become leaders in advancing a just and sustainable polices. ”

Policy priorities and topics addressed during the meetings included:

  • Climate and Energy: The climate and energy group focused to advance policies that will help fight against the impacts of climate change. Business leaders met with Congressional leaders to demonstrate their support on Clean Energy Victory Bonds, carbon pricing, and the creation of a Climate Conservation Corps.
  • Regenerative Agriculture: The regenerative agriculture group focused to support more regenerative, just, and resilient agriculture in the ongoing infrastructure package negotiations (American Jobs Plan). They called on members to include various marker bills in the infrastructure package, like the Climate Stewardship Act, the Agriculture Resilience Act, and the Relief for America’s Small Farmers Act. These bills would make much-needed investments to start the United States along the path to a drastically improved food and agriculture system.
  • Race and Equity: The race, equity and democracy group voiced support for legislation protecting the sanctity of democracy and a policing system that works for all Americans. They called on congressmembers to support the For the People Act, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.
  • Circular Economy/Infrastructure Paid Leave: The circular economy/infrastructure group advocated for policies striving to eliminate harmful waste and pollution as well as repair the country’s infrastructure within and in addition to the American Job’s plan. They called on congressmembers to support the Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act, the National Infrastructure Bank, and elements of the Clean Futures Act.