Peggy Shepard was profiled in the Hill, from her early advocacy days here in West Harlem to her current work advising the Biden administration. Known as an essential, agenda-setting read, the Hill is the largest independent political news site in the nation, reaching 47 million lawmakers, policymakers, business leaders, and influential consumers. It also appeared on Yahoo Finance, which boasts 94 million monthly readers. Read the interview here.
Supreme Court Limits EPA's Ability to Regulate Power Plant Emissions
Yesterday, the Supreme Court of the United States limited the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to regulate power plant emissions. People of color are more likely to live near a power plant, and more likely to be exposed to disproportionate amounts of pollution from nearly every source. As a result, not only does this ruling jeopardize the health and well-being of communities of color, but it will also accelerate climate change, which disproportionately impacts people of color as well. Read our response to the decision here.
Building a Better Electric Grid Come Learn About FERC’s Proposal
Anastasia Gordon will be among the panelists at Generating Change for a Just Grid, which we are hosting with the State Energy & Environmental Impact Center at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, July 13. The discussion will center around the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s proposal for an improved electric transmission grid. RSVP here.
Member BBQ: Mark Your Calendar
Mark your calendar for our "Beat the Heat" Member BBQ. We’ll be gathering at 155 West 142nd Street for our annual barbecue from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM on Saturday, July 16. RSVP here.
Annie Carforo was interviewed by Spectrum News about the benefits of making new buildings in New York State all-electric, as it’s healthier for the environment and occupants, and the importance of ensuring it is done equitably.
Anastasia Gordon talked to El Diario about why Latinx are concerned about addressing the climate crisis, noting that they also recognize the benefits of a clean energy transition.
Free Mammograms Early Breast Cancer Detection Saves Lives
The American-Italian Cancer Foundation’s Mammogram Bus will be providing FREE mammogram screenings at the A. Philip Randolph Senior Center (108 West 146th Street, Near Malcom X Boulevard) from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM on Friday, July 15. If you are 40-79 years old, live in New York City, and have not had a mammogram in the past 12 months, you are eligible to schedule a free mammogram. No co-pays required and deductibles are waived. Uninsured patients also welcomed. Call 212-281-1349 or 877-628-9090 today to schedule your mammogram for next Friday, July 15!
New York Providing Utility Debt Relief for Low-Income Households
As you may recall, we have been advocating for utility debt relief because more than 1 million New Yorkers are struggling to pay their utility bills. This crisis has hit low-income communities and communities of color the hardest, as they must spend a disproportionate amount of their household income on utility bills. And with the COVID-19 pandemic hitting these same communities the hardest, it’s not surprising that many have found themselves behind on their utility bills.
We have some good news to report! Thanks to the New York State Public Service Commission, Governor Kathy Hochul, and the State Legislature, $250 million will be distributed to those in need, helping pay down household utility debt. Current utility customers participating in the Energy Affordability Program (EAP) will receive a one-time bill credit that eliminates arrears accrued through May 1, 2022. But if you are in a low-income household that is not already enrolled in your utility’s EAP program, you can still enroll to receive this credit. If you are a low-income household interested in enrolling, contact our Climate Justice Team at [email protected] and they can help guide you through the process.
