Plus Upcoming Events, a New Podcast Episode, & More!

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Join Us for a Discussion about Housing Justice at Our Next Membership Meeting!

We will be discussing the Our Homes Under Our Control ([link removed]) campaign at our March Membership Meeting at 10 am on Saturday, March 9 at the New Heights Academy Charter School, located at 1818 Amsterdam Avenue (look for the signs between 150th and 151st Streets). We will be joined by the New York City Department of City Planning who will make a presentation on the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity ([link removed]) . Finally, we will be celebrating Women’s History Month with Zenaida Mendez (above, left), Director of the Manhattan Neighborhood Network’s El Barrio Firehouse Community Media Center – among the many hats she wears, including that of a former WE ACT Board Member.

RSVP ([link removed])

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EPA Pauses Emissions Rule for Existing Gas Plants to Better Review Environmental Justice Implications

Our response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to delay its emissions rules for existing fossil fuel plants was featured in coverage by the Associated Press ([link removed]) as well as Politico’s E&E News ([link removed]) and the UAE Business Journal ([link removed]) . Peggy Shepard was quoted in the AP story (see below), which has also appeared in the Washington Post ([link removed]) , US News & World Report ([link removed]) , Newsday
([link removed]) , SFGATE ([link removed]) , CT Post ([link removed]) , Seattle Times ([link removed]) , SeattlePI ([link removed]) , Quartz ([link removed]) , MSN ([link removed]) , Canada’s National Post ([link removed]) , and numerous other media – including local broadcast outlets. Stay
tuned for more information on why this is an important win for environmental justice!

“Peggy Shepard, co-founder and executive director of WE ACT for Environmental Justice, a New York-based group, said she was pleased that the concerns of environmental justice communities will be factored into EPA’s rulemaking.

“’The power sector is one of the top sources of carbon emissions and pollution,’' she said. “With this pause to take a deeper dive into developing the most comprehensive and thoughtful rulemaking for existing gas plants, we have an opportunity to do this work correctly and effectively to protect the human and environmental health of the most overburdened, neglected and vulnerable people across the country.’’'

Beauty Justice Fairs

Thank you to our members for joining us in Albany this week (pictured above) to advocate for the Beauty Justice Act (S.4265 ([link removed]) /A.6969 ([link removed]) )! We are working hard to pass this bill which will ban the most dangerous toxic chemicals from cosmetics and other personal care products.

We are excited to announce that we will be hosting a series of Beauty Justice Fairs throughout the state in March! At these festive fairs, you'll learn about the toxic chemicals found in everyday products that you likely use and how you can take direct action to get these harmful toxic chemicals out of our stuff. You'll also have a chance to win clean beauty products and free clean-beauty makeovers! In addition to great food and drinks, you can peruse the nontoxic products of local small businesses, and you will get a chance to meet and speak with your New York State representatives fighting for this bill.
* Binghamton Beauty Justice Fair
Monday, March 18, 1 - 4 pm
Binghamton University: 4400 Vestal Pkwy East, Binghamton
RSVP ([link removed]) & download the flyer ([link removed]) to share with friends!
* New York City Beauty Justice Fair
Tuesday, March 19, 5 - 8 pm
NAC Ballroom, North Academic Center ([link removed]) building on the City College of New York’s Harlem campus: 160 Convent Avenue
RSVP ([link removed]) & download the flyer ([link removed]) to share with friends!
* Buffalo Beauty Justice Fair
Thursday, March 21, 12 - 3 pm
Buffalo History Museum: 1 Museum Court, Buffalo
RSVP ([link removed]) & download the flyer ([link removed]) to share with friends!

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Beauty Justice Panel: Dr. Micaela Martinez Discusses the Impact of Endocrine Disruptors on Women's Health

Endocrine disruptors have become a major health concern for women's hormonal health with the rise of their prevalence in many personal care products that we use every day. Dr Micaela Martinez will join New York Times best-selling author Dr. Aviva Romm and award-winning journalist Alden Wicker to discuss the impact of these endocrine disruptors on women's health. This ticketed event, hosted by Divines NYC ([link removed]) , takes place on Wednesday, March 6, from 7 - 9 pm at 149 Fifth Avenue (between 21st & 22nd Streets) on the 6th Floor. Tickets are $20.50.

Get Your Tickets ([link removed])
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Fight For Housing and Climate Justice

The Our Homes Under Our Control ([link removed]) campaign is urging New York State legislators and the Governor to pass legislation that will lower rent and utility bills for everyday New Yorkers, stop subsidizing the expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure, and give renters more tenant protections and democratic control over their homes and communities.

Join us at our next teach-in on Thursday, March 7 from 6 - 7:30 pm at Buunni Coffee at 4961 Broadway in Inwood where we'll be discussing the campaign, the legislation, and how you can get involved.
RSVP ([link removed])

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Eric Walker Talks Thermal Energy at Albany Summit

Eric Walker will discuss utility thermal energy networks on a panel at the New York Thermal Energy Networks Summit: Scale up! Decarbonizing NY’s Neighborhoods. Presented by the Building Decarbonization Coalition, New York State Pipe Trades Association, and City & State New York, the summit will be held on Wednesday, March 6 from 8:30 am - 12 pm at the Albany Capital Center, located at 55 Eagle Street in Albany, NY.

RSVP ([link removed])
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Welcome to WE ACT Webinar

We have enjoyed an outpouring of support over the past few months, so we’re hosting a webinar to welcome new donors – along with anyone else interested in learning more about WE ACT! We’ll be providing an overview of our organization, the impacts we have had, and some of the major initiatives we’re currently undertaking. Our speakers will include Co-Founder & Executive Director Peggy Shepard ([link removed]) , Director of Civic Engagement & Organizing Pamela Stewart-Martinez ([link removed]) , and Director of Environmental Health Dr. Micaela Martinez ([link removed]) . Join us via Zoom on Wednesday, March 13 at 6 pm to learn more about WE ACT and the work we do.
RSVP ([link removed])
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Join Us for Our Advocacy Days in Albany!

The testimony of average New Yorkers is crucial for gaining support for environmental justice bills from lawmakers. You can help us advocate to pass laws and change lives by joining us for one (or all!) of the following days. Never gone on an advocacy day with us before? Check out this video ([link removed]) to see what to expect!
* March 13 - NY HEAT Act: ([link removed]) Help us advocate for the New York Home Energy Affordable Transition (NY HEAT) Act to lower utility bills and reduce the power of the fossil fuel industry.
* March 19 - Housing Justice for All: ([link removed]) Help us advocate for the Housing Justice for All platform which includes several bills to increase tenant rights and stop rent increases and evictions.
* March 27 - Climate Justice Education ([link removed]) : Join the Climate Resilience Education Task Force ([link removed]) to advocate for climate justice education ([link removed]) legislation to establish a course of instruction and learning expectations on climate education in all of the New York State’s public elementary and secondary schools.
* April 16 - Earth Day: ([link removed]) Celebrate Earth Day by advocating for a variety of environmental justice legislation including the Enhanced Public Participation Plan, the Beauty Justice Bill, and the Lead Paint Right to Know Act.
* May 21 - Childhood Lead Poisoning: ([link removed]) Help us advocate for the prevention of childhood lead poisoning.

Food and transportation between New York City and Albany are always provided along with quick training to help you prepare to advocate!
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Earth Day 5K Fun Run

Come celebrate Earth Day, help raise funds for WE ACT, and run or walk for a healthier, greener community at our annual Earth Day 5K fundraiser. We will be holding the fun run at Randall’s Island on Sunday, April 28. Early bird tickets are now on sale for $25! To take advantage of this special offer, register today using the promo code “earlybird” when prompted. You can run or walk, and enter as an individual or as a team. Sign up today ([link removed]) and get a free WE ACT membership! And If you can’t join us, please consider making a donation ([link removed]) to support our work.
Register Here ([link removed])

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Join Us at the CB9 Public Health Forum

WE ACT will be on-hand at Community Board 9 ([link removed]) ’s Public Health Forum on Saturday, March 16 from 11 am - 3 pm at the Forum at Columbia University, which is located at 601 West 125th Street (at the corner of 125th & Broadway). Come by and learn how to improve the environmental health of our community!

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* Diesel School Buses: Lonnie Portis was quoted in an Associated Press story ([link removed]) about the adverse health impacts of diesel school buses. The story has been picked up by a number of other news outlets, include ABC News ([link removed]) , Washington Post ([link removed]) , US News & World Report ([link removed]) , the San Francisco Chronicle ([link removed]) , the Houston Chronicle
([link removed]) , MSN ([link removed]) , the Omaha World-Herald ([link removed]) , SFGATE ([link removed]) , Raleigh News & Observer ([link removed]) , EnergyMix ([link removed]) , and several other outlets.
* Local Law 97: Eliza Klein was quoted in a City Limits story ([link removed]) on Local Law 97 implementation, criticizing the City’s plans for monitoring compliance.

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Peggy Shepard on Uptown Chats

Our latest episode of Uptown Chats features an interview with Peggy Shepard, discussing New York City's new and unprecedented report on environmental justice throughout the five boroughs. The report will be released any day now, so be sure to tune in to get the scoop!

Listen Here ([link removed])
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The People's Budget 2024 is Launching to Demand a Better Budget from the Mayor

Join the People’s Budget Campaign Launch on Wednesday, March 6 at 11 am at the Tweed Courthouse at 52 Chambers Street in Downtown. The People's Budget Launch will highlight some of the core demands for a people’s budget that offers care, dignity, and justice for all New Yorkers (not cuts or criminalization) and mark the beginning of a four-month public campaign to push the Mayor and the City Council to deliver a better budget for all, including funding for public schools and universities, libraries, essential and social services, and housing.
RSVP ([link removed])
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Participate in Columbia’s Indoor Air Temperature Study

Extreme heat is the deadliest impact of climate change, and it disproportionately harms people of color. To better understand how extreme heat – and extreme cold – are impacting our indoor environments, researchers at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health have launched the HEATE (Heat Exposure And Temperature Equity) Project, and are currently looking for residents of apartment buildings to participate in this important study. Participants will have two small temperature sensors installed in their home to record indoor air temperatures from this winter season until the end of summer 2024. Each household will be compensated $50 for their participation, and you must be 18 or older to take part. Follow this link ([link removed]) to participate, or reach out to Columbia’s Robbie M. Parks at [email protected] with questions.
I Want to Participate! ([link removed])
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