Thank You for Joining Us at Our Membership Meeting!
Thank you to everyone who joined us last Saturday at our February membership meeting! We had the pleasure of also being joined by two state lawmakers, State Senator Cordell Cleare and State Senator Jose Serrano, who took open questions from our members. We had a very lively discussion with them about our legislative agenda, the state budget, and ways that we can combat lead poisoning in our community and advance environmental justice. We also celebrated Black History Month where Peggy Shepard was honored for her decades of work in our communities.
Join us for our March Membership Meeting on Saturday, March 11 from 10 am - 12 pm in-person at the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, located at 454 West 155th Street (between St Nicholas & Amsterdam Avenues). We'll be discussing who's on the ballot for the upcoming City Council primaries. We'll also be joined by the Sanitation Department to discuss the exciting new composting program that the city is rolling out.
Testify About Indoor Air Quality in NYCHA!
Give testimony at the City Council Oversight Hearing on Air Quality in NYCHA Apartments on Tuesday, February 28, at 1 pm at New York City Hall. Let the New York City Council know what air quality is really like in NYCHA buildings. Testify about the conditions in your NYCHA apartment, including gas stoves, mold, pests, smoke, or anything else that affects air quality.
Staff and members participated in two virtual advocacy days this week with the offices of dozens of state senators and representatives in Albany. On Tuesday, we joined the Lead Free Kids Coalition NY to advocate for the removal of lead from homes across the state. On Wednesday, we joined the Energy Democracy Alliance to lobby for inclusion of the Energy Efficiency, Equity, & Jobs Act in this year's state budget. Thank you to everyone who joined us in our lobby meetings this week!
Join the JustGreen Partnership Advocacy Day!
If you missed this week's advocacy days, you'll have another opportunity to lobby for environmental justice. Join WE ACT and the JustGreen Partnership on February 28 from 9:30 am - 3:30 pm for a hybrid advocacy day - either virtual or in-person at the New York State Capitol.
We'll be meeting with lawmakers at the New York State Capitol to advocate for the Safe Cosmetics and Personal Care Act, a statewide bill to remove toxic chemicals from some personal care products, and require ingredient disclosures for others. We are up against a powerful chemical and beauty industry that wants to stop the bill. If this is your first advocacy day, don't worry! We'll also be offering on-demand training before and during the event so you feel comfortable and ready to go.
Early Bird Tickets on Sale for WE ACT's Earth Day 5K!
Early bird tickets are now on sale for our annual Earth Day 5K on Randall's Island! You can register today using the promo code "earlybird." Register soon as this offer will only be available for a limited time!
This Earth Day, help raise funds for our work and get to know WE ACT staff by running or walking for environmental justice on April 15 - all proceeds from the event will support WE ACT! And if you can’t join us, please consider making a donation to support our work.
We have issued a number of statements and press releases this week about legislative updates that have happened at the city and federal level:
New York City Council Passes Intro 470-A: We issued a statement on this introduction which will accelerate the timeline for phasing out fuel oil No. 4, thereby helping improve the air quality in our communities, where many buildings use this polluting fuel.
Federal Heating and Cooling Relief Act Re-Introduced: We issued a statement in support of this bill which will invest in and expand the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), so that more families can stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Improving the CEJST: We released a statement calling on the White House Council on Environmental Quality to address the racially disproportionate increase in the number of communities added to Version 1 of the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST), which will help the federal government determine which communities receive Justice40 benefits.
Call for Improved Railroad and Chemical Safety: In the wake of the disastrous Ohio train derailment that leaked chemicals into surrounding communities, we released a statement calling for an investigation and improved regulations to ensure this never happens again.
Racial Disparities with the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool: Our memo urging the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to address the racially disproportionate increase in the number of communities added to Version 1 of the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST), which will help the federal government determine which communities receive Justice40 benefits, made news in Yahoo Life and Environment+Energy Leader.
Out of Gas, In with Justice: The results from our Out of Gas, In with Justice pilot keep making headlines, including a nice article in Inside Climate News as well as mentions in several local papers and AboutLawsuits, an information website providing legal news and warnings about potentially dangerous products.
New Biden Executive Order: In a Bloomberg Law article, Dana Johnson weighed in on President Biden's latest executive order, which builds on the executive order he signed on his first day in office to advance racial equity and support underserved communities.
Heating and Cooling Relief Act The Daily Energy Insider noted our support for the Heating and Cooling Relief Act, federal legislation that will invest in and expand the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), so that more families can stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. You can read our statement here.
East Harlem Waterfront Revamp
The New York City Parks Department and Economic Development Corporation are gathering community input for a project that will revamp sections of the East Harlem Waterfront, including the dilapidated pier at 107th Street. You can learn more about the project and provide input via their survey.
Replay: Beauty Inside Out Meeting
Check out the replay of our February Beauty Inside Out Working Group meeting in case you missed it! Dr. Lariah Edwards gave a great presentation and deep dive on the results of our survey on the use of skin lighteners and chemical straighteners among people of color in Northern Manhattan.
Black History Celebration with Gwen Black and Other Artists
WE ACT member Gwen Black will be among the featured artists at a Black History Month Celebration with the Arts and NYC Jazzfest Band.Gwen will perform poetry and book readings alongside musical performances by Soul Guard Band. The event will be Monday, February 27 at 4 pm at St. Agnes Library at 444 Amsterdam Avenue.
Celebrate Black History Month at City Hall
Join the New York City Council on Wednesday, February 22, at 6 pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall to celebrate Black History Month. There will be live performances, special appearances by guest honorees, and more! The event is free and open to all.
