Rory Christian Named to the Public Service Commission

Congratulations to WE ACT Board Chair Rory Christian, who has been appointed to the New York State Public Service Commission by Governor Andrew Cuomo. In this new position, Rory will be part of the team responsible for regulating and oversight of the state's electric, gas, steam, telecommunications, and water utilities. He brings strong expertise in both energy and environmental justice to the position, ensuring that the utilities will serve all New Yorkers. Read the Announcement

Representative Espaillat Introduces The Cecil Corbin-Mark Global Environmental Justice Resolution

In case you missed our email earlier this week, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued The Cecil Corbin-Mark Global Environmental Justice Resolution – named in honor of the late Cecil Corbin-Mark, our former Deputy Director – to recognize that climate change most severely impacts vulnerable and disadvantaged communities around the world. It’s a fitting tribute to Cecil’s life and legacy, and we are deeply grateful to Representative Espaillat for introducing it. You can read the full text of the resolution here (PDF), and Representative Espaillat’s announcement here.

Peggy Shepard was interviewed as part of a June 6 profile on Cecilia Martinez, Senior Director for Environmental Justice at the Council on Environmental Quality, in Chemical & Engineering News. Read

WE ACT's New York State legislative wins - the Family & Fire Fighter Protection Act and Lead in School Drinking Water - were featured in Harlem World on June 11. Read

And WE ACT was mentioned in a June 11 Manhattan Times article about the WHEELS Environmental Justice Mini-Doc Film Expo that was held last night. Read

Pride Month
UPTOWN CHATS: Toxics are a Drag
A Panel Discussion on Toxic Beauty Products in the Queer Community

Hair straighteners, skin lighteners, and makeup products can be packed with harmful chemicals that can leave negative impacts on the body. Many of these toxic products are disproportionately aimed at women and femme identified people of color. And through our Beauty Inside Out campaign, we have been working to address this.
 
In celebration of Pride month, we will host a panel of researchers, advocates, and queer drag performers to discuss the toxic chemicals found in beauty and other personal care products and their impact on the queer community. Join us for this special Uptown Chats, Toxics are a Drag, at 6:00 PM EDT on Tuesday, June 29. Attendees will be able to submit a question for the panelists upon registration or ask it during the event. RSVP