Inland Flood Protection, Flood Risk Disclosure, and Capturing Rain

New Jersey flooding is ever prevalent and we must react by continuously advocating for preventative measures. In New Jersey, the recent passage of the Inland Flood Protection Rule as well as Flood Risk Disclosure adds layers of protection to a coastal state finding itself increasingly under water.

Utilizing current data and future rainfall projections empowers residents and property owners alike. These two additional protective layers will help to support the transparency of flood risk, with actionable opportunities in the event of a failure to disclose.

“The Inland Flood Protection Rule would ensure that areas at most significant risk are better defined and that new and reconstructed assets in these areas are designed and constructed using the best available climate-informed precipitation data. Using the best available data is critical to protecting New Jersey’s assets, economy and, above all, our people from the catastrophic effects of worsening floods.”(NJDEP)

If historically most areas of New Jersey get 4.5 inches of rain in July, we are fast surpassing what is “normal.” We are heading into the unknown and we have tools and resources at our disposal as we move forward together. Please remember that you are not alone-we encourage you to reach out to Waterspirit should you have any questions about eco-anxiety support or green infrastructure and stormwater management. We appreciate those of you who have reached out already!

In case you missed it, check out our successful 2022 webinar series with NJLCV, funded by Watershed Institute, focusing on Environmental Justice and Stormwater Management.

Mountain Valley Pipeline Prevention Calls To Action

Waterspirit is connected to front and fence line leaders, landowners, residents and moral advocates along the proposed Mountain Valley Pipeline. Rachel Dawn reunited in person with organic farmer Maury Johnson at the Moral Poverty Action Congress. Here is a call to action and some coverage from the Christian Science Monitor “This pipeline was snarled in court. Then Congress stepped in”, for your reference. Why did Christian Science Monitor write about this? They reason: "Congress has fast-tracked energy projects before – but rarely ones helmed by private companies, like the Mountain Valley Pipeline. The debate has pitted concerns about energy independence against the environment and eminent domain.” Water is life. Water and air know no bounds. Spiritual strength is vital for this and all resistance efforts taken thus far to work within governing and financial systems to create changes that inform a livable future, keeping interbeing and biomimicry top of mind. Thank you for taking action.

There must be no more sacrifice zones. Be sure to check Waterspirit’s recorded Meditation for Earth and contemplative programming. As the Poor People’s Campaign slogan goes: “Forward together, not one step back.”

Catch the Rain

CLICK HERE to read this week’s mailer, including:

  • an invitation to make your own rain barrel at our upcoming workshop;

  • opportunities to address the feelings that the climate crisis brings up (eco-anxiety, climate grief, and more);

  • information about Waterspirit’s corporate events, like mindfulness activities and days of service;

  • photos from recent events, and more!

Waterspirit Acted to Save the Atlantic Sturgeon

Last week in Philadelphia, a group of dedicated water and wildlife advocates descended upon Independence Hall for what might be the Delaware Atlantic Sturgeon’s Last Baby Shower. Waterspirit represented and spoke with hundreds of people, engaging them in this civic effort through creative street theater.

Passersby were encouraged by the effort and provided baby shower gifts -hundreds of signed petition “THANK YOU” cards-addressed to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). These messages urge agency leaders to protect the Delaware Atlantic Sturgeon by recognizing them as distinct population on the brink of extinction, promulgating standards requiring 6.5mg/l of dissolved oxygen, providing a sanctuary zone free of vessel strikes, preventing further pollution, stopping habitat destruction and preventing the exacerbation of climate crisis.

Do you want to give a gift to Mama sturgeon and her babies too? Sign the postcard petition HERE and share widely! To learn more about this campaign or to get more involved, please reach out to Rachel Dawn Davis.

D.C. Moral Poverty Action Congress + Next Steps 📜

Last week, Rachel Dawn Davis attended the second in-person Moral Poverty Action Congress, which gathered hundreds of impacted people, faith leaders and moral advocates to plan and strategize focused actions toward eradicating poverty. What does this have to do with water?

Everything. Throughout the conference, people shared personal stories centered on water and Poor People’s Campaign national leadership called out water inequality, flooding, sacrifice zones and sewage filled streets and rivers when making the case, as we do here, for preventative action that is urgent. Rachel Dawn and others in New Jersey’s Poor People’s Campaign Coordinating Committee connected with other state campaigns throughout the land to strategize next steps to build and focus power at each statehouse.

Notably, H. Res 532 a.k.a. the 3rd Reconstruction Resolution, fully addressing poverty and low wages from the bottom up, was introduced on Summer Solstice, highlighting demands, such as:

  • “Whereas an expansion of oil and fossil fuel infrastructure led to over 5,000 significant oil and gas leaks or ruptures on United States pipelines, more than 2,400 oil spills in United States waters, and 1,100 coal ash ponds, all of which are disproportionately proximate to poor communities;

  • Whereas tens of millions of Americans cannot afford access to clean water, 44,000,000 people are living with water systems that violated the Safe Drinking Water Act, and approximately 540,000 households lack access to complete plumbing, with Native American households more likely to face water access issues than other households;”

Be it resolved:

“(i) investing in a green infrastructure package that provides for equitable public transit, fixes roads and bridges, ensures equitable and affordable housing, education, and care work and access to broadband, electricity, water, sanitation, and other public utilities, expands public health infrastructure, sustainable food production and distribution, and community-based institutions like libraries, fire stations, and recreation facilities;
(ii) dramatically curtailing air, water, land, and climate pollution
(vi) guaranteeing the right to water by ending water and utility shut offs and making clean water and sanitation services accessible to all;”

Read/Listen to the full text here HERE.

This 3rd Reconstruction Resolution introduction came one day after the ~1000 member group descended on Congress to demand poverty prevention be made a priority for the people.

New state by state data was released at the conference; explore and share the New Jersey Fact Sheet. Seeds were planted for New Jersey, strategies were created and bonds were deepened. A big upcoming goal for the modern day Poor People’s Campaign is to galvanize thousands of New Jersey’s most affected people to the NJ Statehouse in February. Want to help? We want you!

Want to learn more? The New Jersey Poor People’s Campaign Coordinating Committee attendees were covered in an article via InsiderNewJersey: “2024 Politics as if Our Life Expectency Mattered” by Bob Hennelly; and Rachel Dawn was featured as a co-host on the WBAI Radio show What’s Going On Labor Monday June 26, 2023. Take a listen!

To learn more about NJ Poor People’s Campaign, please email: newjersey@poorpeoplescampaign.org