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Lobby Day: Advocating for Environmental Justice on Capitol Hill
Last week, WE ACT gathered nearly 40 members of the Environmental Justice Leadership Forum, a national coalition of nearly 50 organizations in 22 states, Washington, DC for a week of networking, advocacy training, and lobbying meetings on key environmental justice issues, including the A. Donald McEachin Environmental Justice For All Act - landmark federal legislation that would codify environmental justice and protect frontline communities from cumulative impacts. We met with 21 congressional representatives and their staff as well as leaders within the Department of Energy. We're encouraged by the power of this group's collective impact, and will continue to provide updates on the momentum behind vital legislation such as EJ4All and more!
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Partial Victory: Community Composting Partly Restored, No Thanks to Mayor Adams
We are happy to report that, thanks to the tireless advocacy of our coalition and the leadership of City Council Member Shaun Abreu, the New York City Council has restored more than $6 million for community composting that Mayor Adams had previously slashed from our city’s budget. This is not all that we have been asking for, but these funds will make this a foundational program that will support the continued rollout of curbside organics collection and help reduce pests that have been plaguing our homes, streets, and greenspaces. It will fundamentally improve waste disposal for all New Yorkers and benefit the environmental justice communities outside of New York City that have historically been burdened with the disposal of our city’s waste.
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The Heat is On: Strategies and Solutions for Helping Achieve Climate Justice
Peggy Shepard will join Solar One's Chief External Affairs Officer Sara Radelet and Career Technical Education Program Manager Michaela Ritz for a discussion of climate justice, the importance of a just transition to solar and other renewable energy sources, and how investors can help advance that. Moderated by Domini's Director of Engagement Mary Beth Gallagher, this will be an in-person event on Thursday, July 11 from 6 - 7:30 pm at 180 Maiden Lane (between Front Street and South Street in the Financial District). It is hosted by Domini Impact Investments, a women-led investment firm that is committed to harnessing the power of finance to help create a better world.
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All in on Climate Resilience: Understanding and Adapting to Extreme Heat
Annie Carforo will join a virtual panel discussion hosted by America Is All In on Thursday, July 11 at 1 pm. They'll be talking about the risks and impacts that communities around the country are facing due to extreme heat and the adaptation strategies that can be used to protect people from the deadliest impact of climate change.
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Mark Your Calendar: Member BBQ on July 20
Mark your calendar for our annual Membership BBQ on Saturday, July 20 from 11 am - 3:30 pm. It will be held at The Sojourner Truth School (PS-MS 149) at 41 West 117th Street (between Lenox & Fifth Avenues). We’ve got some great activities planned for all ages, along with great food and friends.
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Take Action: Don't Let Them Water Down One of NYC's Most Important Climate Laws!
Local Law 97 is the most aggressive and ambitious city climate law in the country that we helped pass in 2019. New York City’s buildings are responsible for 70 percent of climate pollution in the city, and this law is set to begin slashing building emissions drastically starting this year. However, a new bill, Intro 772, which could severely weaken Local Law 97, has been introduced in City Council and is gaining traction. We cannot let this bill pass and weaken our efforts for cleaner and healthier buildings throughout the city. Send an email to New York City Council members and make a phone call to your Council member telling them to defend Local Law 97!
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Climate Justice in the Community
Peggy Shepard discussed climate justice and water quality in Harlem at a Convent Avenue Baptist Church panel last weekend with New York State Senator Cordell Cleare (pictured on the right), New York League of Conservation Voters' Josh Klainberg, and others.
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Listen: US Energy Policy Wrong Direction Mini-Series
Be sure to listen to the latest episode of our Uptown Chat's Wrong Direction mini-series, with WE ACT’s Federal Research Manager Manuel Salgado and Cecil Corbin-Mark Environmental Justice Research Fellow Tali Natter talking about the various forms of hydrogen power and why the U.S. Department of Energy’s approach to this energy source is heading in the Wrong Direction. And tune in on Monday for the next episode, where Ana Baptista, Director of the Tishman Environment & Design Center at the New School, talks about what's wrong with carbon capture.
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Share Your Opinion: Take the New Communities Speak Spring Survey
Click here to complete the Community Speak Spring Survey, which was developed by Columbia University researchers to increase the diversity and influence of community voices in policymaking by developing data-driven dialogue between community leaders, constituents, and governments. All responses will be kept anonymous!
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