Calling for Federal Action on Voting Rights & Build Back Better
Dana Johnson responded to the status of voting rights legislation and the Build Back Better Act, calling on Congress to take action. “The first step to achieving environmental justice is to ensure that people living in communities of color and areas of low income can participate fully in the decision-making process for leadership at every level of government,” she said. Dana also emphasized the need to “right legacy wrongs and to create a more dynamic future” with “an investment package that centers people, tackles the climate crisis and rights environmental injustices.” Read the full statement here.
Yuwa Vosper Testifies on Toxics in Cosmetics
On January 12, Yuwa Vosper testified before the Washington State Senate’s Environment, Energy, & Technology Committee in favor of legislation that would prohibit the use of toxic chemicals found in cosmetic and personal care products and require manufacturers to disclose information on the ingredients in their products. These products are largely unregulated and many of them contain toxic chemicals. As we have noted in our Beauty Inside Out campaign, everyone is at risk, but women of color face the greatest exposure because of the products that are marketed to them. Watch the video here.
New York State Climate Rally
Join us and representatives of more than 30 other organizations across the state on Tuesday, January 25 for the Climate Can’t Wait 2022 day of action! At the at 3:30 PM EST rally in front of New York State Governor Kathy Hochul’s NYC office at 633 Third Avenue in Manhattan, Sonal Jessel will talk about the Energy Efficiency, Equity, & Jobs Act and the need for environmental impact statements – particularly when it comes to power plants. You can RSVP here for the NYC rally, as well as the 12:00 PM EST Albany Press Conference, 3:30 PM EST Yonkers rally, and the Virtual Phone Call Party on Zoom. And read about all of the bills that we are working to advance here!
Join the Fight for Climate Justice
Are you interested in getting involved with our climate justice work? Then come join our Climate Justice Working Group. Our next monthly meeting is Tuesday, January 25 at 6:00 PM EST. RSVP here.
Learn About Community Solar in NY
At 10:00 AM EST on Thursday, January 27, Jasmine Graham will participate in a panel discussion on community solar in New York, from what's worked to what’s needed to optimize community solar benefits for the future. Learn more and RSVP here.
Help Prepare Our Community for Extreme Weather Events
Four major storms hit our area last year, causing widespread flooding and the loss of life. We are working with East Harlem COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disasters) and the Harlem Emergency Network (HEN) to plan and prepare for a variety of extreme weather disasters that could impact our community. Join us on Thursday, January 27 at 6:00 PM EST. RSVP here.
Peggy Shepard Talks Energy Justice with NREL
Peggy Shepard will be speaking with staff from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory on Friday, January 28. She has been invited by the lab’s Black Employee Resource Group to talk about energy justice.
Understanding the Responsibilities of Our Political Leaders
As part of our 2022 Civic Engagement Political Series, we will conduct a webinar to help you better understand the roles and responsibilities of your political party, from executive board members to elected officials. Join us on Tuesday, February 1 at 7:00 PM EST. RSVP here.
East Harlem Waterfront Update
Join us at 6:30 PM EST on Thursday, February 3 for the New York City Economic Development Corporation’s update on the East Harlem Waterfront revitalization as part of Community Board 11’s Environment, Open Space, & Parks meeting. RSVP here.
February Membership Meeting: Everything But Gas
Mark your calendar for our February Membership Meeting at 10:00 AM EST on Saturday, February 12. We will begin by discussing the upcoming elections for our Membership Planning Committee. This volunteer committee serves a leadership role in our membership and does a lot of the work planning and preparing for our Membership Meetings and other events. We will then discuss all the work we are doing to transition away from natural gas and other fossil fuels – including why this is critical for environmental justice, and how you can get involved! RSVP here.
NYCHA News: Cold Weather Warning
Due to the extremely cold weather in New York City, the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) has activated its virtual Emergency Operations Center to address emergency heating issues and concerns. NYCHA residents experiencing issues should call the Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771 or use the MyNYCHAapp to report a problem. And as you bundle up, we encourage you to visit the city’s cold weather info page for tips and resources: nyc.gov/extreme-cold-weather.
Free COVID Tests & Masks
The Biden administration has launched COVIDtests.gov, a website where you can place an order for four free COVID-19 home test kits per household. If you do not have internet access or have trouble ordering your free tests, you can call 1-800-232-0233 or TTY 1-888-720-7489. And stay tuned for free masks, which should be distributed via outlets like Walgreens early next month!
