Interconnectedness is the way of water. It flows knowing no bounds, both powerfully creating and destroying life in its path. We know the limited water supply is being affected dangerously by climate crisis. All decisions now must be informed by reducing precious, sacred fresh water consumption; the waters are running dry. Colorado, Lake Mead, Medina River, Amazon River, Catalonia, River Derwent, and so on.
Waterspirit has been working on prevention and accountability with respect to water rights, water contamination, and false energy solutions. Democracy, like water, is fluid. We prove time and again through people powered action, we make a difference when we show up. Thank you all for showing up for the NJ Green Amendment, the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act, the Clean Energy Standard and the Open Public Records Act in a myriad of ways. When we coalesce, we direct energy with a greater goal in mind, one that is interconnected, filled with unity and hope.
The New Jersey Green Amendment (SCR43), a critical legislative initiative aimed at safeguarding environmental rights and promoting sustainability, has gained momentum in the state. This week, it was voted upon, favorably, after being heard by NJ’s Senate Environment and Energy committee last week. The bill was almost heard alongside the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act (S198) but was pushed ahead a week, after (S198) also saw advancement. This amendment seeks to enshrine the protection of natural resources and ecological balance in the state constitution, reflecting a commitment to honoring the interconnectedness of all life forms and the sacredness of the environment. In parallel, the movement towards fossil fuel divestment has gained traction, signaling a shift towards cleaner and more sustainable and equitable energy practices.
By divesting from fossil fuels and investing in renewable energy sources, New Jersey is taking a proactive stance in mitigating climate change, protecting the planet, and aligning with eco-spiritual principles that emphasize stewardship of the Earth and respect for all living beings. The Clean Energy Standard was also up for a vote this week and ultimately including proposed amendments by the most affected residents. That said, as per usual, there is a need for assurance that violations to these laws will hold concurrent consequences. Those overburdened already must be given utmost communication as these laws move through the legislature. Did you know in New Jersey, the percentage of poor and low-income households that goes towards energy costs is 5 times greater than what is spent by an average household income, and the cost of water is 3 times as greater than what an average household spends? (NJPPC Fact Sheet)
In the middle of these movements throughout the legislature for bills Waterspirit has been educating and organizing people around, a major threat befell Trenton and the entire state; a potential gutting of the Open Public Records Act. Ultimately the bill was pulled but from the Assembly Appropriations committee this week but only after a widespread opposition kept the Budget committee hearing testimony from 10AM through 6:30PM. Efforts to prevent the gutting of the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) in New Jersey have boldly underscored the importance of transparency, accountability, and public participation in environmental decision-making processes. Upholding the principles of open governance and access to information is essential for ensuring environmental justice, empowering communities to advocate for their rights, and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship rooted in eco-spiritual values of interconnectedness and respect for the natural world. You and your voice matter.
Without the Open Public Records Act, how else might we obtain records to understand and rectify environmental injustice in the state? The process to obtain records would benefit from relevant updates but the reasoning was flawed and transparently a power grab away from people. One has to wonder; why would such a bill be proposed in the first place?
Waterspirit has long advocated for sound energy consumption considering those most overburdened by decisions that have resulted-for so long- in pollution and contamination of water, air and life. We are educating and advocating for sound energy consumption investments, processes and procedures. Through support of proactive legal grounding, accountability and preservations of transparent civic engagement, we are advancing a holistic vision of sustainability, justice and harmony with the natural world.
Thank you for being connected with Waterspirit and consider volunteering with us on these campaigns and/or our program offerings! Check out our calendar here.