Waterspirit is glad to share a few good news items regarding water protection and health safety!
Pollution Prevention In the Northeast and Across the Land:
The Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) pipeline has been stopped for now, as was discerned this morning from a correspondence shared via the federal register here. Congratulations to all who have been involved!
There are some regulations the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be adding this year, including but not limited to the deadly chemical seemingly in everything, toxic forever chemicals dubbed “PFAS.” “The chemicals are nearly indestructible and have been used widely for decades in food packaging, firefighting foam, and other nonstick and water-repellent items.” Please check out this USA Today map; as data grows increasingly available, we will learn more about the breadth across major cities. Knowledge is power.
The Biden Administration’s momentous effort is a catalyst forging a path toward environmental justice and it must be met with other investments in tangible renewable, clean energy. Subsidies should no longer be awarded to those set on using deadly false solutions, mixed, blended or otherwise. Check out the announcement here: Biden-Harris Administration Finalizes Stronger Clean Air Standards for Chemical Plants, Lowering Cancer Risk and Advancing Environmental Justice
False Solutions Need No More Investments:
Why not cut contamination at its source? Congratulations to organizers and pension holders in Oregon! The movement to divest state pensions from fossil fuels advanced last week with passage of OR legislation! New Jersey’s similar legislation, S198, is moving through the statehouse here, next through the Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee and we need your help to see it through the finish line. Check our Renewable Energy & Climate Crisis page for more.
When there is extreme weather, dirty gas does not work and FEMA has specifically has urged that gas plants go offline, given they are subject to failure in such a case. Fossil fuels are bad investments that exacerbate extreme weather. Investors and government budget moneys should be partaking in the great energy transition for the health and benefit of future generations. This transition is away from fossil fuel and toward accessible job training and a sustainable, circular economy. Smart shareholder demands are being made to larger institutions, such as the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace (CSJP) nuns advocacy with Citi.
Stormwater Management & Green Infrastructure:
Haddonfield residents, whose homes still smell of flooding and human waste, sued and won $21.8 million. This demonstrates the need for public water systems, stormwater utilities and collective community care for environmental justice focused preventative policy making. Please refer to our page dedicated to stormwater management and green infrastructure which includes a 4 part webinar series available at any time.
It is our responsibility as watershed residents to guard what we hold so dear remaining ever-vigilant in this pursuit, while celebrating wins when they happen!
WHAT CAN YOU DO NOW?
Stay up to date on our Calls to Action page. There you will find out how to support legal grounding toward accountability and lasting preventative policy making concerning water and all life. Join us in our campaign work: sending urgent letters, writing op/eds, passing resolutions, making calls, coordinating and partaking in meetings, and more.
Get in touch with us, visit our calendar, volunteer page and check out our programs. You make a difference when you show up!