Senator Manchin's dirty side deal that would have been a gift to fossil fuel interests has been defeated again! The senator tried once again to slip his permitting reform bill into a larger spending package, but, thanks to our Federal Policy Office and the many calls, emails and texts they made to prevent the needed 60 votes to attach Senator Manchin's dangerous permitting legislation to the National Defense Authorization Act, the proposal failed in the Senate - again. No matter how many times Senator Manchin may try to ram this proposal through, we will fight it every time.
How We Helped Get a Major Climate Justice Win at COP27
The most significant achievement from COP27 was the creation of a "Loss and Damage" fund, a way to compensate vulnerable communities throughout the world for climate impacts. This is extremely important because wealthy countries have contributed to most of the world’s emissions while developing countries suffer most of the impacts. This is a huge step for climate justice on a global scale.
But, as reported in Climate Wire, U.S. support for the fund only came after pushing by lawmakers and advocates, including WE ACT, in the weeks leading up to COP and at the Climate Justice Pavilion. This shows the power of having a space for climate justice in the Blue Zone of COP and the strength of our advocacy efforts.
Op-Ed: Climate Justice a Key Outcome of COP27
WE ACT board chair, Jeff Jones, wrote an op-ed in ACE NY about the powerful impact of the Climate Justice Pavilion at COP27 and the creation of the Loss and Damage fund.
WE ACT Among Advocates for Improved Transmission Infrastructure
We joined other environmental organizations in a letter to President Biden outlining a set of recommendations to accelerate the transmission infrastructure we need to meet U.S. climate goals, while preventing harm to impacted communities. These principles provide a forward-looking roadmap for policymakers to ensure our transmission system can meet the growing demand for clean energy.
WE ACT Staff Appointed to Mayor's Sustainability Advisory Board
New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the appointments of 26 board members to the New York City Sustainability Advisory Board to guide the city's long-term resiliency and sustainability goals. One of the appointees is WE ACT's Director of Policy, Sonal Jessel. We are thrilled to have a seat at the table to determine how the city directs its climate plans for the next 4 years.
Roadmap for Green Infrastructure: Peggy Shepard was quoted in this Common Dreams article about the defeat of the Dirty Deal and our recommendations for green transmission infrastructure.
Cosmetics Labeling: Yuwa Vosper called for clearer labeling in the cosmetics industry, particularly concerning products marketed to women of color, in an article in Waste Drive on the Federal Trade Commission effort to update its Green Guides, which provide guidance on how to market environmental claims without being deceptive.
Join a Community Board in Manhattan
2023 Manhattan Community Board applications are now open through 5 pm, March 17. Community Boards provide an opportunity to help shape the future of your community. Current community members who wish to serve another term must also reapply.
Our 2023 Policy Agenda is out! Every year, we release a policy agenda that outlines our focus for the upcoming year including all policy campaigns and initiatives that we are championing or supporting at the city, state, and federal levels.
Start the new year off right by getting more involved in the fight for environmental justice! One of the best ways to be a part of the work at WE ACT is to join a working group. Our working groups meet monthly, are open to all WE ACT members, and are eager to welcome new participants in 2023!
Climate Justice Working Group: Organizes to tackle the dual crises of climate change and racism by building community power to pass legislation that prioritizes the health of our communities through environmental, political, and economic justice. Meets 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6 pm. Join here
Healthy Homes Working Group:Advocates for policies that hold landlords and city officials accountable on issues including mold, pests, toxic chemicals, and other hazards in the home. Share your experience and come together with other members to ensure our homes are healthy homes. Meets 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6 pm.Join Here
NYCHA Working Group: Builds community power and educates members around New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) issues by discussing key topics, having conversations with informed speakers, and advocating for solutions that will better NYCHA communities. Next meeting: Tues, January 24 at 6:30 pm. Join Here
Transportation Working Group: Works for safe, affordable access and equitable transportation options for all New Yorkers and organizes around policies that will improve the efficiency and safety of our transportation system, and make the system more green. Meets 3rd Monday of each month at 6 pm. Join Here
Civic Engagement Working Group:Builds WE ACT’s voter and civic engagement campaigns starting with next year's NYC Council races and helps with voter registration drives, “Get Out the Vote” campaigns, and other activities intended to increase voter turnout. Meets 1st Tuesday of each month. Email Pamela at [email protected] to get involved.
Workforce Development Working Group:Helps inform policies to strengthen an energy transition and green job development that includes communities of color. Email Charles at [email protected] to get involved.
Beauty Inside Out Working Group:Focuses on addressing the toxicity of beauty products that are marketed to people of color and that perpetuate a racially biased standard of beauty. This working group uses the input of our members to develop our campaign strategy and is a forum for our community to learn how to make better choices about their beauty products. Meets 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm. Email Sophia at [email protected] to get involved.
