WE ACT's Justice40rward Campaign Helping Communities Access Inflation Reduction Act Funding

As the anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act was celebrated in Washington this week, our DC team was out in Alaska working to ensure that environmental justice communities can access these funds to address local issues. Part of our ongoing Justice40rward campaign to raise awareness and understanding of President Biden's Justice40 initiative, a 2021 executive order that directs “at least 40 percent of the overall benefits from federal investments in climate and clean energy” to disadvantaged communities, our Alaska tour was co-hosted by Environmental Justice Leadership Forum member Alaska Community Action on Toxics and Native Movement. We were joined by representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Association, Department of Transportation, Department of Defense, Indian Health Services, and Fish and Wildlife Services as well as the Environmental Protection Agency's Region 10 Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center. KTVF TV and Alaska Native News have been reporting on our efforts. Click here to see the other communities our campaign has visited.

Caleb Smith to Discuss Extreme Heat

Caleb will be on a Natural Areas Conservancy panel discussing extreme heat in New York City and the findings of the organization's recently released Cooling Cities report. The event will be held on August 24 from 6:30 - 8 pm at The Arsenal in Central Park, located at 830 5th Avenue. 

WE ACT Attended NYC Council Member Carmen De La Rosa's Community Picnic

Our staff joined New York City Council Member Carmen De La Rosa for her community picnic in Washington Heights last Saturday, getting a chance to connect with and listen to the concerns of community members.

• Extreme Heat: The Chronicle of Philanthropy showcased work being done to address extreme heat, noting that our efforts have been generously funded by the Kresge Foundation. The article talked about our Extreme Heat Policy Agenda, call for additional LIHEAP funding, participation in the Smart Surfaces Coalition, and a quote from Sonal Jessel.
• Inflation Reduction Act Anniversary: Peggy Shepard spoke to the Washington Post in commemoration of the first anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act, noting that the language of the Justice40 initiative makes it harder to determine if this federal funding is actually making it to environmental justice communities.
• EPA's Carbon Rule Proposal: Harlem World featured our recent press conference on opposition to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's carbon rule proposal for existing and future power plants that run on coal and natural gas. 

Upcoming Green Institute Courses

WE ACT's Green Institute is offering a free course to become trained in Building Electrification Electrical Systems: Lighting, HVAC & Refrigeration as well as training for career advancement and job placement. Becoming trained in building electrification gives you the necessary safety and skills training to land new jobs in the construction industry and become a part of the growing green revolution.

The course will be held September 18 - 29. There will be one more upcoming information session on August 23 to learn more about the course and answer any questions you may have! If you are interested, fill out an application and you will be contacted about next steps for attending an information session and the training.

New Episode of Uptown Chats About Transportation

This month Lonnie and Jaron sat down with Louis Bailey, WE ACT's Manager of Membership and Organizing, and WE ACT member Flora Huang to talk about transportation justice. Check out all the episodes, including the newest one!