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Getting Rid of Gas Stoves: Our Pilot Program Featured in The City

In case you missed our February Membership Meeting (watch the video replay here ([link removed]) ), we are working on an Out of Gas, In with Justice pilot program, replacing gas stoves with electric induction stoves in NYCHA homes to study the changes in indoor air quality. Gas stoves are a significant source of indoor air pollution that puts you and your family’s health at risk. Learn more about the program here ([link removed]) . And we recently held an induction stove cooking demonstration for some of the participants, which resulted in an in-depth article in The City. Read it here ([link removed]) .

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WE ACT Supports the Environmental Justice for All Act

Numerous studies show that communities of color bear an unequal burden of pollution and the impacts of climate change. That is why we, as part of the Equitable and Just National Climate Platform, support House Natural Resources Committee Chair Representative Raúl M. Grijalva and Representative A. Donald McEachin’s Environmental Justice for All Act. Learn more here ([link removed]) .

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Peggy Shepard Responds to Carbon Capture & Storage Guidance

Peggy Shepard raised concerns in E&E News about the Biden administration’s guidance for carbon capture & storage, a false solution that detracts from and delays the essential transition away from fossil fuels while perpetuating the existing environmental burdens on our communities. Read the article here ([link removed]) .

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As Utility Rates Rise, Jasmine Graham Raises Concern About the Inequitable Impact

As utility prices climb, Jasmine Graham once again called attention to the disproportionate impact this is having on low-income communities and communities of color, who already spend a higher percentage of their household income on utility costs. Read The City article here ([link removed]) .

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WE ACT Stands with State Legislators to Curtail Toxics
The New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, & Asian Legislative Caucus Announces Budget & Legislative Priorities Targeting Toxics

As a prelude to our Environmental Health Advocacy Day, we held a press conference with the New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus at the State Capitol in Albany to announce their support for legislation and the necessary budget to curtail exposure to toxics. This includes a $1 billion legislative package to prevent lead poisoning as well as legislation to reduce the cumulative impacts from multiple sources of pollution in our communities, both of which are part of the caucus’ “People’s Agenda ([link removed]) ,” which we support. Learn more here ([link removed]) .

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GM Accelerates Its Support for Equitable Climate Solutions
WE ACT Among Recipients

In case you missed the Super Bowl ad ([link removed]) (pictured above), General Motors has increased its philanthropic support for equitable climate action to $50 million. And we’re proud to report that WE ACT is one of the organizations they are supporting, including our work to address the health impacts of extreme heat as well as our Environmental Health & Justice Leadership Training program. You can read about GM’s Climate Equity Fund in this DBusiness Magazine article ([link removed]) .

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Rallying for a Gas Free NY

Thanks to everyone who turned out for our Gas Free NY rally in Times Square yesterday. We made enough noise that New York State Governor Kathy Hochul and the rest of the state’s democrats could hear our support for the All-Electric Building Act ([link removed]) , which – like the Gas Free NYC law ([link removed]) we helped pass here in the city – will ensure that new buildings throughout the state will be built without fossil fuels beginning in 2024. Learn more here ([link removed]) .

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Black Beauty & Mental Health Panel Tomorrow

Sophia Huda will participate in a Metropolitan College of New York Student Life panel discussion of Black beauty and mental health at 11:00 AM tomorrow, Saturday, February 19, as part of their Love, Health, & Community series celebrating Black History Month. RSVP here ([link removed]) .

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How Do We Drive Down Pollution from the Transportation Sector?

Transportation produces the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. The medium- and heavy-duty sector, in particular, is a significant source of criteria air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and fine particulates, which disproportionately and adversely impact the health of people living in communities of color across the country. You can learn more about the issue here ([link removed]) , but we encourage you to join us at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, February 22 for a panel discussion on how to address racial inequities and achieve emission reductions in environmental justice communities while ensuring community members meaningfully participate in and benefit from the medium- and heavy-duty transportation sector’s transition to zero-emission technologies. RSVP here ([link removed]) .

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Energy Justice: Learn About Our State Bill to Reduce Energy Use, Save Money, & Create Jobs

Our communities deserve equitable funding for energy efficiency upgrades – including the removal of mold, lead, and asbestos – along with the jobs this will create. In preparation for our March 2 Advocacy Day ([link removed]) , come learn how you can help us pass our New York State Energy Efficiency, Equity, & Jobs Act ([link removed]) at our online Teach-In at 6:00 PM on Thursday, February 24. RSVP here ([link removed]) .

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Learn How We Are Improving Climate Education in New York State

We need to ensure that future generations understand the causes and impacts of climate change, including the disproportionate impacts it has on people of color. That is why we are part of the Climate and Resilience Education Task Force advocating for climate education here in New York State. We invite you to join us for the youth-facilitated Climate Education Listening Session with New York State legislators at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, March 2 to learn about the pending climate education bills here in New York State. RSVP here ([link removed]) .

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WE ACT's Membership Planning Committee: Take a Leadership Role

Our Membership Planning Committee serves a leadership role in our membership ([link removed]) and does a lot of the work planning and preparing for our Membership Meetings and other events. The committee also works toward more effective communication between the membership body and staff and helps set goals for membership participation. We are holding elections for this volunteer committee and encourage any member interested in becoming a candidate to please complete this form ([link removed]) by May 6. Questions? Reach out to Bailey at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

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