IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
CCJ Sues Washington County for Disenfranchising Voters — Join Us for a Rally to Protect Voter Rights on August 5th!
CCJ and the NAACP Washington Branch, represented by ACLU of PA and Public Interest Law Center, have filed a lawsuit against the Washington County Board of Elections. The County failed to notify mail-in voters about minor mistakes and the status of their ballots, giving them no chance to correct those errors prior to the election. As a result, hundreds of registered voters did not have their votes counted in April. We are joined in the lawsuit by seven Washington County voters who were disenfranchised due to clerical errors like a missing or incorrect date. You can read more about the case from ACLU PA here.
The first public hearing for this case will be held on August 5th at 11AM at the Washington County Courthouse. Prior to the hearing, CCJ and NAACP are hosting a rally and press conference on the courthouse steps at 10 AM to support impacted voters and call on the county to change the policy. We invite you to join us and support access to mail-in voting for our most vulnerable community members!
Big Update to our New Freeport Water Drive
On July 22nd, we began a rapid response fundraiser to once again provide water to residents in New Freeport. They have been without safe drinking water for over two years since a reported frac-out at a nearby EQT well pad. After months of public pressure, EQT finally gave some residents large temporary ‘water buffalo’ tanks last fall. However, residents have learned that EQT plans to stop refilling those water tanks unless forced to by regulators, leaving residents once again without clean drinking water at the height of one of the hottest summers on record. We acted quickly and with your help raised over $850 for dozens of refillable water jugs and distributed them to New Freeport families last week. Thanks to all who donated to help out this community that has been left behind by both the oil and gas industry and state regulators!
We are now very excited to announce that we have received a grant from the Climate Justice Alliance that will cover costs of water refills for the next several months as we help New Freeport residents continue to pursue a permanent solution! We’ll have more to share about specifics soon, but this grant is a lifeline for folks that have been harmed and inconvenienced by industry for far too long. Our sincerest thanks to CJA, all of our donors, the New Freeport Fire Hall, and everyone else who has helped provide relief during this 2 year ordeal.
Three Big Legislative Updates – The Good, The Bad, and The Not-As-Bad-As-It-Could-Have-Been
The Pennsylvania state budget passed earlier this month, and with it a number of our recent action alerts and campaign asks were addressed. There’s good news, bad news, and something in between, so buckle up.
The good news: thanks in part to over 100 letters sent to lawmakers by CCJ supporters, the Solar for Schools Program passed and will receive $25 million to help public schools across the state build on-site solar arrays! This program will produce clean energy, create jobs, and save our schools and local communities money.
The bad news: despite many sign-ons, a statewide campaign, bipartisan support, and overwhelming public interest and applications, the Whole Home Repairs Program did not receive any funding in the budget. It would have helped homeowners make much-needed repairs, efficiency upgrades, and accessibility improvements, creating thousands of jobs in the process. Unfortunately, it didn’t make the cut, and our work towards safer communities and stronger economies must continue.
Somewhere in between is the result of SB 831, which was signed into law and will regulate carbon capture and storage in our state. Many of you joined us in urging lawmakers to reject this bill because of dangerous provisions that put communities at risk. Before it passed, a number of positive changes were made that will add some more protections. The final bill requires greater consensus for an injection well to be permitted, holds operators liable 5 times longer than originally proposed, and adds environmental justice considerations. These improvements are certainly notable and show that legislators listened to some of the concerns from constituents, but we continue to advocate for caution and scrutiny around the state’s plans to open up the region to costly, unproven carbon capture and storage projects. We’ll continue to educate you about updates as we learn of them.
BLOGS & NEWS THIS MONTH
Brave Station: The Early History of Oil and Gas in Southwestern Pennsylvania
By Sarah Sweeney | July 11, 2024
The history of the natural gas industry in southwestern Pennsylvania runs as deep as the Marcellus Shale layer. When we look at the region, and understand how intimately woven the ties of industry and cultural identity are, and how they have shaped not only the region but the people within it, it is vital we consider this in our work. For just one example, we look at Brave Station, built by Peoples Natural Gas Company in the small town of Brave, Pennsylvania. Read more.
DRYerson 2024 Was a Hot One!
By Alli Greenlief | July 15, 2024
On June 22, CCJ staff, members, supporters, and Ryerson Station State Park visitors gathered at pavilion 2 for the 18th Annual DRYerson Festival and braved the extreme heat wave that occurred throughout the region. We greatly appreciate everyone who contributed, whether with your time, memories, or monetary donations, and can’t wait to see you again next year! Read more.
TAKE ACTION
Limit Corporate Money in our Democracy — End Unlimited Campaign Donations in Pennsylvania!
Do you think corporations should be able to donate unlimited amounts to campaigns, drowning out our voices? Pennsylvania is one of the only states with no limits on political campaign contributions. Corporations in our region use their donations and Political Action Committees to influence who represents us at the state and local level — and ultimately, the agencies that hold them responsible for violations. In fact, since 2018, fossil fuel companies and utilities alone have contributed over $1 million to political candidates in Washington and Greene Counties! Sign our petition calling for a limit on campaign donations to our elected officials. Together, we can build a government where everyone’s voice is heard, not just the wealthy few, and where liberty and justice is for all, no exceptions!
Tell your PA House Rep to VOTE NO on Dangerous Energy Bill SB 832!
The PA Senate recently passed Senate Bill 832, Senator Yaw’s bill to create an Independent Energy Office that would analyze laws, regulations, and policies and make energy-related recommendations. The IEO is supposed to do so impartially, without preference for certain energy sources over others, though depending on who runs it, the office could perpetuate the fossil fuel industry instead of supporting a just transition to renewable sources. Even worse, new amendments created a Pennsylvania Opportunities with Energy Reliability Authority that could waive certain regulations and permitting requirements for major extraction projects. We can’t let a third-party board overrule our constitutional right to clean water, pure water, and preservation of our environment! Write your House Representative with one click at the link below and tell them to vote NO on SB 832.
Tell the PA Senate to Support Substance Use Disorder Recovery by Voting YES on HB 1783!
House Bill 1783 recently passed by an overwhelming majority: 187-14! It would create a Lifetime Recovery from Substance Use Grant Program aimed at developing, expanding, and improving recovery services in the communities most affected by the opioid crisis. The bill emphasizes engaging with individuals in recovery and directing funds to nonprofits and support providers in areas with high instances of substance use and overdose deaths. This is a popular, common sense, bipartisan bill that will provide real relief to people and communities facing the harshest impacts of the opioid crisis. Help make sure it passes the Senate by sending a letter to your Senator at the link below.
SAVE THE DATE: CCJ Fall Fundraiser & 30th Anniversary Celebration
Come celebrate 30 years of CCJ in style at our fall fundraiser on October 5th at the Washington Park Stone Pavilion! We are so proud of the work we’ve done, the communities we’ve helped, and the many people we have gotten to meet over the past three decades. Save the date to make sure you can come to this very special event and help us kick off the next decade together! And if you’d like to donate an item for our raffle or volunteer at the event, be sure to contact our Events Coordinator Sarah Sweeney at sweeney@centerforcoalfieldjustice.org.
ALLY & COMMUNITY EVENTS
Volunteer Sweepstakes: Sign Up for a Shift by 8/6 for a Chance to Win Pirates Tickets!
Volunteer with CCJ at upcoming fairs and festivals for a chance to win two tickets to a Pirates game! Sign up for one shift talking to attendees about CCJ, handing out brochures, and assisting with setup or tear down to receive one entry in our raffle. You can enter as many times as you like, but must sign up by August 6th! Plus, if you’ve volunteered at any prior CCJ event this year, you have already received 1 free entry to the sweepstakes! Sign up for a shift now at the link below.
Local Fair and Festival Schedule
August 3 – 10: Greene County Fair
August 10 – 17: Washington County Fair
August 24 – 25: California Riverfest
September 2 – 7: West Alexander Fair
Sign up for a shift!
8/14 — Economic Policy IS Environmental Policy – An Intro to Sustainable Economics
- 6 PM on Zoom
- PennFuture is embarking on projects that connect economic development and environmental issues in order to promote a healthy economy, healthy communities, and a healthy environment. This webinar breaks down their recent report outlining the ways that the PA Department of Community and Economic Development can be leveraged to support Pennsylvania’s transition to clean energy and how that transition can improve quality of life for communities and create family-sustaining jobs for workers.
- Register Here
8/15 — No Dirty Deals Webinar Series: Carbon Capture
- 5 PM on Zoom
- Join People’s Justice Council for their webinar series educating about false climate solutions and how to fight them. This session will focus on carbon capture, an unproven technology which has been heavily promoted to continue fossil fuel extraction and delay the transition to renewable energy sources.
- Register Here
8/15 — The Power of One Voice: A 50 Year Perspective on the Life of Rachel Carson
- 7 PM at Gap Trail Campground (241 Collinsburg Rd, West Newton, PA 15089)
- “The Power of One Voice” is a groundbreaking documentary that examines the life of Rachel Carson and the profound implications of her environmental work. Join environmental author and executive producer of the film, Patricia DeMarco, PhD., for a watch party and discussion of the film. Soup and libations will be provided. Park at the Gap Trail Visitor Lot and wear closed toe shoes to make it to the campground for a night of civic and cinematic engagement!
8/16 — #StandWithDimock Day
- 1 – 6 PM at Dimock Environmental Research Center (Montrose, PA)
- The fracking industry was criminally charged and found guilty of “repeated and systematic violation of Pennsylvania environmental law” in Dimock, PA. Residents have been drinking poisoned water since 2009, yet following then-Attorney General Shaprio’s settlement with the town, the fracking moratorium was lifted and drilling restarted. Dimock frontline activists are inviting Pennsylvanians to visit this environmental justice epicenter and to strategize for the future. (CCJ is not formally attending, but if you’re interested in going let us know and we’ll see if we can coordinate transportation with any ally orgs!)
- Learn More and RSVP Here
WEEKLY AND MONTHLY EVENTS
Tuesdays — Canonsburg Farmers Market
3 – 7 PM at St. Patrick Church
Tuesdays & Saturdays — Greene County Flea Market
7 AM – 2 PM at Greene County Fairgrounds
Wednesdays — Waynesburg Farmers Market
10 AM – 2 PM at 145 W High Street, Waynesburg, PA
Thursdays — Main Street Farmers Market (Washington)
3 – 6 PM at Main Street Pavilion, Washington PA
Fridays — Monongahela Farmers Market
3 – 6 PM at Chess Park
Second Saturday Monthly — Free Food Pantry
9 AM – 12 PM at Lemoyne Center
Second Saturday Monthly — Market in the Park (Washington)
9 AM – 1 PM at Washington Park Main Pavilion
You can find more 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.
