Thank you, NJ Board of Public Utilities President, Joe Flordaliso

A ripple has gone through the community of clean energy advocates given the sudden loss of NJBPU President Joe Flordaliso. Waterspirit’s Public Policy & Justice Organizer, Rachel Dawn Davis, had the pleasure of speaking with the BPU President on a few occasions and just yesterday, submitted comments to him and the BPU regarding the future of gas in the state. She recalls he was experienced, passionate and approachable about deep concerns regarding energy and its effects on public health.

We at Waterspirit will remain steadfast in our quest to support a just and stable clean energy future where everyone has the inalienable right to clean air, clean water, a stable climate and healthy environments for all generations alive today, and those to come. May NJBPU Board President Flordaliso rest in peace, be remembered well, spoken of often, and may his family and friends feel supported during this difficult time. Waterspirit offers Meditation for Earth available on demand on our YouTube channel.

Advocacy Works: Tennessee Gas Pipeline & Ending Fossil Fuels

As we honored and celebrated the 60th anniversary of the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom last week, we remember how dire the USA’s inequality crisis is today versus 60 years ago. The situation is worse today and yet we are seeing a collaborative, fusion coalition making waves in the right directions. We need to invest in credible preventative measures to curb extreme weather and climate chaos; we must prevent funding further fossil fuel induced destruction.

Just last week, a ruling in favor of preventing pollution and water degradation left the Tennessee Gas Pipeline halted. The Highlands Act could not be superseded by NJDEP and thus, focusing on the public interest of all in the state,

The recent PA study linking rare forms of cancer and asthma in residents living in close proximity to fracking operations was a long time coming and is, as the article states, the “tip of the iceberg” of findings. It further debunks claims that the industry is a path forward to any livable future, that investing in related schemes, such as carbon capture and sequestration or storage has anything to do with safeguarding our national security. It demonstrates for us all that the need to enshrine residents rights to clean air, clean water, a stable climate and healthy environments is omnipresent.

If there was ever a time to demonstrate loudly and proudly, it is now. We hope you will join Waterspirit and the many groups coming together to March to End Fossil Fuels & the 10/21 DivestNJ workshop.

To get involved with our advocacy campaigns to divest from fossil fuel and related projects, promote renewable energy projects, and secure a Green Amendment in New Jersey, reach out! water@waterspirit.org

The Promissory Note Speech & Today's Moral Movement

Last week and weekend many gathered to commemorate and celebrate the movement inspired by the March on Washington For Jobs and Freedom. Here is coverage including raw footage from both the current and initial events.

What if the “I have a Dream” speech was called the “Promissory Note” speech?

“In a sense we’ve come to our nation’s capital to cash a check. When the architects of our Republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men—yes, black men as well as white men—would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. . .”(MLK, Jr.)

Demonstrations like this and the forthcoming March to End Fossil Fuels have the power to move and shake society into action.

Though economic inequality, racism and poverty today are worse than 60 years ago, we remain ever connected to the hope fostered by the living Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival. In case you missed the introduction of the 3rd Reconstruction Resolution earlier this summer, check out our previous post here. To get involved with NJ Poor People’s Campaign, reach out to newjersey@poorpeoplescampaign.org

Youth Win Major Victory With Global Implications

Today, young people won their rights to clean air, clean water, a stable climate and healthy environment due to the Green Amendment in Montana. Read this AP article here, Green Amendments for the Generations Press Statement here, Watershed Moment coverage by DemocracyNow! here, and get involved in securing this legal grounding in New Jersey with Waterspirit and friends!

The release of New Jersey’s Environmental Justice screening tool, EJ Screen, is also worth our attention and feedback. Continue to connect with Waterspirit to help advance environmental justice and clean water for all!

We Honor the Life and Leadership of Lt. Gov Sheila Oliver

Last week the unfortunate passing of a social justice leader amongst our top ranks befell our hearts. Waterspirit has had the privilege of helping to Get Out The Vote (GOTV) as all nonpartisan nonprofits do and we were in meetings with Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver a few times over the past few years. She instilled in us pride in our state as “Jersey Girls” raising our families here. May her memory forever be an inspirational blessing. We are sharing the full, beautiful, statement on Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver’s life from the New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance (NJEJA):

“🕊 We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver. Her departure has left a profound void in the hearts of many. As a true trailblazer, she dedicated her life to public service and left behind a legacy that will forever inspire us.

Born and raised in Newark, Lt. Gov. Oliver's journey was marked by resilience and determination. Her historic election as the first Black woman to hold statewide elected office in New Jersey was a testament to her unwavering commitment to breaking barriers and paving the way for others. Throughout her distinguished career, she fearlessly championed social and environmental justice, recognizing that the well-being of our environment is inextricably linked to the well-being of our communities:

"How we treat our environment is a measure of how we treat one another… we cannot stand by as the pollution created by the quality of life so many of us enjoy harms our most vulnerable communities." - Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver.

Her vision of a more equitable future touched the lives of countless individuals and families across the state. As an advocate for the underserved and marginalized, Lt. Gov. Oliver's impact was profound. She worked tirelessly to uplift vulnerable communities, address systemic inequalities, and promote access to quality education and healthcare. Her passion and dedication made her a role model not only for women and People of Color but for all who seek to make a positive difference in the world.

During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. May they find comfort in the knowledge that Lt. Gov. Oliver's contributions will continue to bear fruit for generations to come. As we mourn her loss, let us also honor her memory by continuing her mission to build a more just and compassionate society, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. May her legacy live on, guiding us in our pursuit of a better and brighter future for New Jersey and beyond.

#RestInPower #SheilaOliver #InMemoriam #NJ #Advocate #SocialJustice #Newark #EnvironmentalJustice”