John,

2023 has been a hectic year, but your care and generosity for sustainable food, clean and affordable water, and a livable climate have led to several milestones. I want to take a moment to reflect on all we’ve accomplished so far this year!

Defeated North Carolina’s “ag-gag” law. These laws are designed to silence journalists, activists, and impacted community members who dare to expose food safety violations, animal abuse, and environmental degradation at factory farms.

Forced the Easterday family to abandon its attempt to re-open a mega-dairy in Boardman, Oregon. This is a major win for Oregon’s communities, water, and climate.

Won the passage of a factory farm regulation bill in Oregon. We are proud members of the Stand Up to Factory Farms coalition and have worked for years to gain this step forward in addressing the harms of factory farms in Oregon.

Worked with community groups to pressure the EPA to propose the first federal, enforceable limits on six types of PFAS. PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment, are everywhere. These PFAS limits are a welcome first step to banning PFAS altogether.

Blocked the corporate takeover of Newberry Township, Pennsylvania’s publicly-owned sewer system. This victory protects residents from a privatization deal that would have caused massive spikes in residential sewer rates.

Stopped Holtec International from polluting the Hudson River with radioactive waste. By tabling, petitioning, phone banking, and rallying nonstop, together we gathered resounding support and successfully fought for the Save the Hudson bill to be drafted, passed, and signed.

Celebrated the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement that they will begin an in-depth study of factory farm water pollution — a first in 15 years! The EPA’s decision came in response to a lawsuit that Food & Water Watch filed in 2022.

Successfully urged the Borough of Woodlynne, New Jersey, to reject a liquified natural gas (LNG) export terminal in Gibbstown. Woodlynne is the eighteenth New Jersey municipality to oppose the project and joins the growing effort throughout the state to stop this project in its tracks.

Defeated plans for a blue hydrogen power plant in West Whiteland, Pennsylvania. Stopping this project is an important step toward powering the state with renewable energy like wind and solar.

Successfully pressed the Department of Transportation to deny a permit to New Fortress Energy for plans to transport liquefied methane by rail. This decision will prevent bomb trains from endangering towns and cities across South Jersey and parts of Pennsylvania.

Passed the All-Electric Building Act in New York, which bans gas hookups in new buildings statewide. The Act makes New York the first state in the country to ban gas in new construction by law.

Celebrated the release of Tampa, Florida’s Climate Action & Equity Plan. The plan includes steps to phase out fossil fuels and transition the city to 100% clean and renewable energy.

Defeated plans to build a liquid natural gas (LNG) plant in Port St. Joe, Florida. We helped community activists develop the strategy to build a coalition, grow public opposition, and shut the project down.

Your investment in Food & Water Watch drives all the campaigns that have led to these incredible achievements, and we can continue to build on these incredible victories with your support and partnership, John.

Your gift to Food & Water Watch strengthens our movement of passionate and committed people – like you! – who are willing to fight for what’s right and ensure a bright, bold future.

I’m so proud of all we’ve done so far, but our work doesn’t stop; we have much more to accomplish. With the effects of climate change growing more severe by the day, there’s never been more at stake.

Thank you for fighting like you live here!

Onward together,

Wenonah Hauter
Founder and Executive Director
Food & Water Watch