CONGESTION PRICING: Make Your Voice Heard Wednesday, October 6 at 6:00 PM & Thursday, October 7 at 6:00 PM
There are still many unknowns about the MTA’s Congestion Pricing Plan, but one thing that is certain is that it will impact our community. That’s why it is important for you to get engaged on this issue. Those of us who live north of 61st Street in Manhattan will have our hearing on Wednesday, October 6 at 6:00 PM EDT. This Zoom hearing will be a chance for you to learn more about the plan, ask questions, and express concerns. Learn More About the Plan & Register to Attend This Hearing
Don’t live in Northern Manhattan? You can still weigh-in at the MTA’s Environmental Justice Stakeholder Working Group hearing on Thursday, October 7 at 6:00 PM EDT. The purpose of this Zoom hearing is to provide a forum for people living in and advocating for environmental justice communities – low-income communities and communities of color – to learn more about the plan and to share ideas and concerns. Learn More About the Plan & Register to Attend This Hearing
If you are reading this email, you definitely fall into one of these two categories. So please register to attend one of these hearings. Don’t be “idle” on this issue!
October Membership Meeting: Preventing Lead Poisoning Saturday, October 9 at 10:00 AM
Even though it is completely preventable, lead poisoning remains a massive environmental justice issue. Studies show that Black children living below the poverty line are twice as likely to suffer from lead poisoning as poor white children. And here in New York City, lead poisoning is a major problem in private housing, with 11.2 of every 1,000 children living in those homes having elevated blood lead levels.
That’s why we are dedicating our October Membership Meeting to this issue, and how you can help us address it at the city, state, and federal levels. Join us at 10:00 AM EDT on Saturday, October 9 as we walk you through the challenges as well as the legislation and programs we are working on to reduce the risk of lead poisoning. RSVP Today
Attend Our Annual Gala Thursday, October 21 at 7:00 PM
Our annual Gala is less than three weeks away! Please join us for this virtual event on Thursday, October 21 from 7:00-8:30 PM EDT. There will also be an optional cocktail reception for guests to mingle and network, from 6:30-7:00 PM EDT.
This has been a momentous year for our shared movement, and this year’s Gala will be an important opportunity to celebrate our wins and also look toward the challenging work still ahead. We’ll have important announcements to make about our Justice40 work, the Cecil-Corbin Mark Fellowship for Environmental Justice Leadership, and the WE ACT Environmental Education Center. Tickets are available for $1,000, $500, $250, and $100. Get Your Tickets Today
Let's Chat About Children's
Environmental Health Wednesday, October 13 at 12:00 PM
The Children's Environmental Health Network has invited us to co-host their annual Children's Environmental Health Day Twitter Chat! If you have something to say about the intersection of environmental justice, health equity, and children's environmental health, join us on Wednesday, October 13 at 12:00 PM EDT. Register Today
What's the Dirtiest Block?
The New York City Council Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management is holding an oversight hearing on sidewalk and street cleanliness on Monday, October 4. We want to make sure residents of Northern Manhattan (Harlem, Washington Heights, and Inwood) are not left out of the conversation. If you know of a block that needs attention (due to trash and other related issues), then fill out this form and let us know so we can hold the City – and property owners – accountable! Dirty Block Form
Peggy Shepard was featured in the Business Insider’s coverage of the New York City Mayor’s Climate Week panel on environmental justice in government action and policy. Read the Article
Sonal Jessel raised concerns in S&P Global’s Market Intelligence that funds diverted for developing hydrogen could undermine investments in community solar and building electrification projects. Read the Article
Sonal Jessel was also quoted in an E&E News article raising similar concerns in response to a petition fueled by power generators and trade unions calling for investments in hydrogen and carbon capture technologies in New York State. Read the Article
Our Google.org grant to work with BlueConduit and the Natural Resources Defense Council to identify and advocate for the remediation of lead pipe infrastructure that contaminates the drinking water in environmental justice communities was featured in Harlem World Magazine. Read the Article
Dana Johnson was featured in a Reuters story on how language in the infrastructure bill could undermine the National Environmental Policy Act, stressing the importance of giving communities adequate time to analyze and respond to projects. Read the Article
Sonal Jessel was quoted in a Bronx Times article on the Office of the New York State Attorney General’s continued enforcement of lead laws, fining landlord Chestnut Holdings $300,000 for failure to comply. Read the Article
Bailey and Annie Carforo spoke with the Columbia Spectator about the impact of Tropical Storm Ida and the health inequities our communities face from climate change. Read the Article
Peggy Shepard Receives France's Knight of the National Order of Merit
In case you missed our earlier email, Peggy Shepard was awarded the French Republic’s Knight of the National Order of Merit by Consul General Jérémie Robert (pictured above, on the left, with Peggy) at the Consulate General of France. The honor recognizes her pioneering work in environmental justice. Read About It & Watch the Ceremony
Rory Christian to Chair the New York State Public Service Commission
Congratulations to friend and former board member Rory Christian on being named Chair of the New York State Public Service Commission & CEO of the Department of Public Service by Governor Kathy Hochul! Read the Announcement
Mourning the Loss of Phillip Morrow
In case you missed our earlier email, Phillip Morrow passed away on Saturday, September 25. He had been a board member for more than 20 years and did incredible work as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation. Read the Article in Harlem World Magazine article for details on the services.
Jasmine Graham on Integrative
Environmental Justice
In case you missed it, Jasmine Graham participated in a Building Energy Exchange panel discussion on how environmental justice considerations will impact decision-making and planning in New York City. Watch the Video
Rally for Electric School Buses
Member Stuart Aaronson (left) joined LJ Portis (right) at the rally to pass Intro 455, legislation that will require New York City to transition to an all-electric school bus fleet by no later than 2035.
NYCHA Panel & Film Screening
Thanks to everyone who braved the cool weather to join us in West Harlem Piers Park last night for our New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) panel discussion, which was followed by a presentation on NYCHA 2.0 by Pamela Stewart-Martinez and a screening of A Dream Deferred: The Broken Promise of New York City Public Housing. Charles Callaway led the panel and a one-on-one discussion with the Emmy-nominated filmmaker Akisa Omulepu (pictured above, on the right, with Charles Callaway).
WE ACT Around Town: Pamela Stewart-Martinez (fourth from left) with New York City Democratic Mayoral Nominee Eric Adams (far left), New York City Councilmember Mark Treyger (third from left), Coney Island Beautification Project President Pamela Pettyjohn (far right), and other staffers grabbing an impromptu photo.
WE ACT Around Town: (left to right) Wendy Lorenzetti Olivo, New York State Assemblymember Al Taylor’s Community Liaison Minah Whyte, Peggy Shepard, Assemblymember Taylor’s Chief of Staff Erika Rodríguez, and Assemblymember Taylor’s former Chief of Staff Mariella Rueda gathered for a photo at the 30th Senate Special Election at the Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park.
Help Improve Washington Bridge Sign the Petition & Join the Clean-Up
We’re supporting our friends at Transportation Alternatives to improve the Washington Bridge, which connects Northern Manhattan and the Bronx at 181st Street. And there are two ways you can help. The first is by signing the petition to support safety and transit improvements and the second is to volunteer for their clean-up event from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday, October 9. Of course, that coincides with our October Membership Meeting, but we’re sharing it in case you want to multi-task!
