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Rally to Phase Out Natural Gas
in New Construction in NYC
Did you know that emissions from natural gas cause more premature deaths in New York State than emissions from coal? Natural gas is a fossil fuel, and we need to phase it out to reduce harmful indoor air pollution and emissions that contribute to clime change. That's why, in addition to the statewide work we are doing on this front ([link removed]) , we are also part of coalition that is pushing for legislation to phase out the use of natural gas in new construction here in New York City. Join us at 7:00 PM EDT on Tuesday, May 18 for an online rally to show support for this legislation. RSVP ([link removed])
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Uptown Chats:
Candidates Forum for
New York City Comptroller
Our next Uptown Chats will feature our Comptroller Candidates Forum. Join us at 7:00 PM EDT on Thursday, May 20 to meet the candidates running for NYC Comptroller and learn where they stand on environmental issues impacting our community. We've invited all of the candidates and Brian Benjamin, Zach Iscol, Brad Lander, Kevin Parker, Reshma Patel, and David Weprin have agreed to join us. RSVP ([link removed])
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Our First New York City
Mayoral Candidates Forum
Join us for our first Mayoral Candidates Forum on Monday, May 24, at 7:00 PM EDT. We will spend 40 minutes with Shaun Donovan at 7:00 PM and then 40 minutes with Maya Wiley at 7:45 PM. RSVP ([link removed])
REMINDER: There will be NO Candidates Forum tomorrow, May 15.
More Candidate Forums:
Our second Mayoral Candidates Forum will be at 10:00 AM EDT on Saturday, June 5. We will be spending 40 minutes with Dianne Morales and hope to announce other candidates soon. RSVP ([link removed])
And we're having our Manhattan District Attorney Candidates Forum on Saturday, June 12 at 10:00 AM EDT. RSVP ([link removed])
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Learn How to Get a Free AC
Did you know that some New York City households are eligible for a free air conditioner purchase and installation worth up to $800? Come learn about the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) with NYC Emergency Management and special guest speaker Sonal Jessel, who will also be talking about the dangers of extreme heat and how you can reduce the risks it poses. This online informational session will be held on Wednesday, May 19 at 10:00 AM EDT. RSVP ([link removed])
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In YES Magazine, Peggy Shepard explained the disproportionate impacts of plastics production and disposal on our communities as well as offered recommendations on how to address the plastics crisis. Read ([link removed])
In Politico, Peggy Shepard weighed in on the Biden administration’s consideration of pursuing a scaled-down infrastructure bill and the risks this strategy poses. Read ([link removed])
Peggy’s comments on the infrastructure strategy also made headlines in the Washington Post ([link removed]) and conservative outlet Hot Air ([link removed]) .
Looking for something to read? Peggy Shepard was tapped by New York Magazine for a recommendation on good books about environmental justice. Read ([link removed])
Sonal Jessel was featured in CityLand ([link removed]) and Our Time Press ([link removed]) coverage about New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio’s plan to pursue renewable geothermal energy.
And Taylor Morton was part of WMEU Radio’s coverage of the Retailer Report Card ([link removed]) . Listen ([link removed])
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Learn More About Our Fight for Electric School Buses
Dirty diesel school buses poison our children and pollute our communities, especially communities of color where they’re often based. That is why we are part of the NYC Clean School Bus Coalition, which just launched a website where you can learn more about our fight to transition New York City to electric school buses. Visit the Website ([link removed])
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New Public Power Report
As a member of the Public Power NY coalition ([link removed]) , we support the NY Build Public Renewables Act. Read the new Democracy Collaborative and Climate + Community Project report to learn how this bill will create enough renewable energy to power at least 75 percent of New York State - and create up to 51,000 good jobs in the process. Read the Report ([link removed])
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Video Replay:
NYC Council
Districts 8 & 9
Candidates Forum
In case you missed it, you can watch a recording of last Saturday's May Membership Meeting, which featured our Candidates Forum for New York City Council Districts 8 & 9. You can also learn more about the District 8 candidates here ([link removed]) , and more about the District 9 candidates here ([link removed]) . Watch the Video ([link removed])
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Learn About Vaginal Health
Our friends at Women’s Voices for the Earth ([link removed]) are hosting a panel discussion on vaginal health on Thursday, May 20 at 1:00 PM EDT with Dr. Ami Zota, M. Isabelle Chaudry, Dr. Astrid Williams, and Dr. Ebere Azumah. The panel is the inaugural event of Vaginal Health Week, a new annual week (May 16-22) of action hosted by Women’s Voices for the Earth to uplift honest and open conversations about vaginal health. This year’s panel is all about intimate care products, from the history of these products to modern-day marketing and cultural conversations about why we choose to use – or not use – wipes, washes, douches, spray, powders, and more. RSVP ([link removed])
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Free Legal Representation
for Housing Court
New York City Council Member Mark Levine joined our Healthy Homes Working Group meeting to discuss the Right to Counsel Law, landmark legislation he sponsored with Council Member Vanessa Gibson in 2017. The law guarantees legal representation in housing court for tenants, mandating the Office of Civil Justice of New York City to provide legal representation to New Yorkers with incomes below 200-percent of the federal poverty line or $50,000 annually for a family of four.
Given the looming eviction crisis we’re faced with as a result of the pandemic, the two council members have introduced new legislation, Intro 2050, which makes the Right to Counsel Program accessible to every low-income New Yorker, and Intro 1529, which requires the city to work with tenant organizations to assist in educating renters about their legal rights.
Both of these bills were just signed into law by the Mayor. So, if you or anyone you know would like to learn more about this program, visit righttocounselnyc.org/ ([link removed]) .
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Harlem COVID-19 Mental Health Survey
The Harlem Health Initiative ([link removed]) , a program of the City of University of New York Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy, is looking to gain a better understanding of the mental health impacts of COVID-19 on Harlem’s NYCHA residents and Spanish-speaking residents. If you fall into either of those categories, please take a moment to complete this online survey. Take the Survey ([link removed])
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