Read our monthly e-newsletter, which will update you on our work, current action items, and upcoming events.
News and Announcements
Ramaco Withdraws Appeal, Ram No. 1 Mine will NOT Be Developed in Washington County!
Washington, PA – In November 2023, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) denied the permit for the Ram No. 1 underground mine in Washington County. This was the DEP’s first denial of a mining permit since 1994.
Yesterday, Ramaco Resources withdrew its appeal of this decision before the Environmental Hearing Board (EHB). With no more pending appeals or permits, it’s official: a mine is actually going to stay closed in southwestern Pennsylvania!
Read MoreTake Action
Tell your State Legislators to Support Guaranteed Funding for Whole Home Repairs
Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed $50 million in state funding for the “Whole-Home Repairs” program in his 2024 budget proposal. Last year he did the same, only for funding to be blocked because of partisan politics. The Whole Home Repairs program allows homeowners and small landlords to make necessary home repairs, including weatherization, water or energy efficiency updates, and accommodations for individuals with disabilities.Now, it’s on the legislature to negotiate Governor Shapiro’s proposal and pass an appropriations bill through the General Assembly that includes at least $50 million in Whole Home Repairs Funding.
Public Notices
Read all of the latest relevant public notices from the past month for Washington and Greene Counties as of February 3rd here.
In Case You Missed It
NOW HIRING: Project Coordinator - Global Plastics Treaty U.S. Strategy Collective
CCJ is part of the U.S. Strategy Collective for the Global Plastics Treaty, a collection of more than 30 member organizations dedicated to influencing the U.S. government’s policies and decisions around the United Nations treaty to reduce global plastic pollution. The Project Coordinator will plan and implement campaigns for the collective by engaging with coalition members and key stakeholders. This is a fully remote position housed within the Center for Coalfield Justice on behalf of the collective. It includes a salary of approximately $70,000 (depending on experience), generous paid time off, and full health, dental, and vision coverage. Learn more and apply here!
Upcoming Events
Center for Coalfield Justice Events
Coffee with CCJ - Avella
Join Center for Coalfield Justice staff for an informal discussion over coffee and Marsha’s delicious homemade baked goods on Tuesday, April 16th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at Marsha Cassel’s Kitchen on Main in West Middletown.
Our aim for this evening is to get to know residents of Avella and surrounding communities better and to listen to any concerns or issues they might have with the water, air, and/or land that they own. From the founding of the Highlands as a coal mining town to modern-day frack pads dotting the hills, the extraction industry has a long history in Avella. It’s past time to put power and decision making back into the hands of the people who have lived here for generations, raising their families in this beautiful community.
Interested in attending? Have questions about the event? Contact Allison Evans at allison@centerforcoalfieldjustice.org or call 412-229-7680 for more info.
4th Annual CCJ Seed Swap
The Seed Swap is one of CCJ’s most popular and fastest-growing events; it’s a wonderful way to connect with one another and to share our resources as a community while celebrating the arrival of spring! Bring seeds that you would like to donate to the swap, but don’t worry if you don’t have any to trade; we’ll be giving out lots of extras. Take what you need, leave what you can. Stay as long or as little as you’d like.
This year, the event will take place Saturday, March 23rd at the Washington Citizens Library (55 South College Street, Washington PA) from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Light refreshments will be provided. Please register now so we have enough seeds, kids’ activities, and other resources available for everyone!
If you aren’t able to make it to our Seed Swap but would like to contribute, feel free to mail seeds to us at P.O. BOX 4023, Washington, PA 15301.
Ally and Community Events
3/5 - 7 — Public Hearings for Peoples Gas Customers
- 1:00 & 6:00 PM – 3/5: CCAC Boyce Campus; 3/6: Butler County Community College; 3/7: via telephone
- Peoples Gas has proposed to raise rates for its customers by as much as 21 percent! The Public Utility Commission (PUC) is hosting 6 public input hearings to hear from communities about the impact this rate increase will have on customers. If you will be affected by the rate proposal, we strongly encourage you to participate in the public input hearings.
- To register for the telephonic hearings, contact the Office of Consumer Advocate at 1-800-684-6560 or consumer@paoca.org. You must pre-register by 3/4 if you wish to testify in a telephonic hearing. Pre-registration is not required for attending or testifying at in-person public hearings.
3/7 — Hydrogen: Exploring Pennsylvania’s Energy Future
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6:00 PM on Zoom
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This event aims to discuss the potential benefits and application of hydrogen hubs to tackle environmental challenges and decarbonization of the U.S. economy, while also defining the environmental concerns communities are voicing across the state. Join Climate Action PA, Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania, and the Ohio River Valley Institute to hear more about all things hydrogen, what these hubs could mean for our economy, environmental justice communities, and the role it could play in a decarbonized economy of the future.
3/14 — 2nd Annual Wild Ones Western Pennsylvania Symposium
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5 - 8:30 PM at Frick Environmental Center in Pittsburgh
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This year’s Wild Ones Western PA Symposium will attempt to answer the question: “What Does Ecologically Responsible Land Stewardship Look Like?” Enjoy a captivating evening with expert panelists (including some of CCJ’s close collaborators), interactive Q&A sessions, and networking opportunities with nature-loving folks from around the region.
3/15 — Exploring the Impact of LNG Exports on Pennsylvania Families
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12:00 PM on Zoom
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On January 26, 2024, President Biden announced a temporary pause on the Department of Energy’s review of applications to build new LNG export facilities. Join the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project, Public Citizen, and The National Energy Assistance Directors Association for a free informational webinar, exploring what every Pennsylvanian needs to know about the pause on LNG exports, what it means for Pennsylvania families, and the steps ahead as the federal government reviews this critically important standard.
4/12 - 14 — Climate Reality Leadership Training
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New York, NY
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We’ve just lived through the hottest year on record. We’ve seen climate change touch our lives and transform our future, from the work we do to the air we breathe. But there's hope. This spring, learn what climate change means for you, and how you can help build a better future, powered by clean energy. Join the Climate Reality Project, led by Al Gore and a number of speakers and leaders, for two days of incredible conversations, dynamic skill-building sessions, and networking with other change-makers.
- Apply Here - Be sure to list CCJ as the partner organization you're affiliated with!
Weekly Events
Event Title
Tuesdays & Saturdays — Greene County Flea Market
- 7 AM - 2 PM, Greene County Fairgrounds — Waynesburg, PA
Second Saturday Monthly — Free Food Pantry
- 9 AM - 12 PM at Lemoyne Center — Washington, PA
You can find community events in Washington County here and Greene County here.
Support Our Work
We could not do this work without the continued support of our members and supporters. Please help us to continue our work to fight for environmental justice in Southwestern Pennsylvania by becoming a member of CCJ. Recurring monthly donations help to best support our work. Any gift made to the Center for Coalfield Justice is 100% tax-deductible.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns by responding to this email or reaching me at the email below.
Sincerely,
Alex Downing
he/him
Digital Media Strategist
alex@centerforcoalfieldjustice.org
724-229-3550