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Dear John,

The good news is: 2020 is over! Woooooooo! And breath everyone.

The bad news is: We aren't out of the woods just yet *womp womp*.

Yes, we can say goodbye to "I hope this email finds you well", "in a year
like no other", "in these challenging times", and all the other lines that
made us roll our eyes. There is a glimmer of hope on the horizon given all
we've endured and what has happened since November, but there is still a
great amount of work to be done. The damage done to us and our communities
will take years to undo, all the while we mourn for those no longer with
us, and those who had their lives needlessly ruined due to the
actions/inactions of government. We also need to be realistic and recognize
that the new administration is going to be pushing neoliberal, market-based
schemes to “solve” the climate crisis, which will really just make
things worse for frontline communities. The CJA family vows to continue our
fight for a truly Just Transition, and remains committed to supporting our
communities through whatever catastrophe comes our way next. As we all get
set for 2021 we wish you and yours a very happy new year and hope you find
time to rest and rejuvenate.

FIGHT THE BAD: CJA MEMBERS SUCCESSFULLY THWART TCI IN CRITICAL NORTHEAST
STATES 

Congratulations to CJA members building power in the northeast region:
Alternatives for Community and Environment, Connecticut Coalition for
Economic and Environmental Justice, Institute for Policy Studies, NAACP
Environmental & Climate Justice Program (and their Maryland chapter),
Ironbound Community Corporation, NY Environmental Justice Alliance and
UPROSE, along with their state partners, who have successfully blocked the
incorporation of the majority of northeast states from joining the
Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI). After more than ten years in
the making and with the expectation of finally securing 12 states to
participate, TCI launched in the northeast yesterday with little fanfare
and only 3 states plus the District of Columbia (Massachusetts, Rhode
Island, Connecticut) on board. While New York and New Jersey are still a
part of the TCI informational table, they - as the largest states in the
northeast - are now questioning the purpose, equity process, and revenue
that TCI could bring. (Does Brexit ring a bell?)

Essentially, TCI is a cap and trade scheme that purports to reduce car
pollution through expanding electric vehicles. However, the reality is not
as rosy. The real life cost for those electric vehicles will again be at
the expense of frontline communities in the form of pollution from existing
power plants in their neighborhoods, resulting in a deepening of
environmental racism and sacrifice zones. Hear from CJA's steering
committee member in this recent New York Times article, A Plan by Eastern
States to Cap Tailpipe Emissions Gets Off to a Slow Start [4] to learn
more. Read our most recent positions on TCI here. [5]

THIS MONTH, CJA MEMBERS WORKED TIRELESSLY TO...

BEZOS, BIG GREENS & ALLIED FUNDERS CALLED ON TO SUPPORT THE FRONTLINES

Bezos' Earth Fund is an Unnatural Disaster-An Avalanche of Inequity and
Injustice to the Frontlines Does Nothing to Curb Climate Change, while Real
Solutions Remain Unfunded. [6] That's our take on the billions of dollars
that Amazon CEO, Jeff Bezos, is recklessly throwing around and which will
have dire consequences for decades to come. We're calling on Bezos, big
greens and allied funders to act. In particular, those who have accepted
funding (much of which will bolster dangerous false solutions that don't
actually curb climate change and will only serve to further harm frontline
communities) including the World Wildlife Fund, Natural Resources Defense
Council, World Resources Institute, Environmental Defense Fund, and the
Nature Conservancy to support the frontlines & BIPOC leadership by
redirecting 25% of Bezos' Earth Fund grants to the communities most
impacted. Check out the full statement for our full analysis above.

SUPPORT CJA MEMBERS IN YOUR AREA

As we wrap up a long year and are (hopefully) getting in some relaxation
before what's bound to be more climate catastrophes and an emboldened
neoliberal approach to the climate crisis, we have something to ask of you.


First, ask yourself, HOW MUCH MONEY ARE YOU COMFORTABLE GIVING TO THE
MOVEMENT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON? Then round that number up until it makes you
a little uncomfortable, depending on your income and situation, maybe
that's an extra $1? $100? $10,000? Now, follow this link [7] and find one
of our members near you. We know we don't have members in every
neighborhood, so if you can't find one physically nearby, take some time
and find a group that's close to your heart for another reason. Click on
the donate button under their logo, and do it. DONATE THAT MUCH TO A CJA
MEMBER. _RIGHT NOW._

That is how we Move the Money to the frontlines boldly, collectively, and
with purpose. That is how, today, we can Fight the Bad, Build the New, and
all the other important things happening that can't be summed up in a few
sentences. That is how we are going to win.

BUILD THE NEW: CREATING COMMUNITY WEALTH IN INDIANAPOLIS 

[8]

[7] [9] [7] If you’re in need of some inspiration and joy this holiday
season check out our newest story snapshot from the Kheprw Institute [10],
where a young artist with roots in this local Indianapolis Black community
flips the notion of wealth on its head. Through a podcast and artful film,
full of stunning imagery, spoken word and music, you’ll get a taste of
how justice, self-mastery and community power build community wealth in
Indianapolis. By expanding the understanding of “wealth,” viewers feel
the interconnectivity between empowerment, economy, education and
environment: four pillars of a Just Transition. The meaning behind
Kheprw’s cryptic logo, the scarab beetle, is also revealed, as
relationships run deep and transcend generations. Find that and more by
VIEWING THE FULL VIDEO SNAPSHOT AND PODCAST HERE [8].

Support CJA

Climate Justice Alliance

Checks payable to Movement Strategy Center (CJA in memo)
PO BOX 10202
Berkeley, CA 94709
United States


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