A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR ✉️
Washington and Greene Counties are complex places impacted by policies from Presidencies dating back over a century that have ultimately landed us where we are now; where too many people are not getting by, where too many people are unable to feel safe and healthy in their homes, and where it seems like no political party actually wants to show up and advocate for us. It’s much more complicated and nuanced than the national media or political parties would like everyone to believe.
During Trump’s first term, CCJ took our cues from our members and started making increasingly bolder statements driven by our mission and values, like condemning the detention of immigrant children in cages. As we got bolder, some members expressed that we were becoming too political. We took that opportunity to engage in dialogue with them, but did not stop making those statements because there was too much on the line for us to be silent. We never stopped being a resource to these members or advocating for their homes and families to be protected from the fossil fuel operators causing harm in our communities.
Now, less than two weeks into President Trump’s second term, the all-out assault on our institutions has been even more intense than we anticipated. Some of our partners, like the ACLU, have been among the first to push back against the more egregious actions. Others are helping us track changes and anticipate outcomes behind the scenes. When the dust settles and the future becomes clearer, we will start to take action, and you will hear more from us about the way forward.
I’ll be frank: it will be impossible for CCJ to say everything that needs to be said or challenge all that needs to be challenged. That does not mean we’re not concerned. My intention is for CCJ to be true to our values and to our communities, and to be fearless in the way we do our work. No matter who is in the Oval Office, we will not be intimidated into silence or distracted by political theater. I hope you’ll be with us in the work for the next four years: personally, the only thing keeping me going is knowing that the CCJ community is here and fighting alongside me.
– Sarah Martik, CCJ Executive Director
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Range Resources is Challenging Cecil Township’s Oil and Gas Ordinance Aimed at Protecting Residents’ Health
On Monday, January 20th the Cecil Township Zoning Board heard a legal challenge by Range Resources opposing the township’s new Oil and Gas Ordinance passed in November 2024. The ordinance expands the buffer zone for fracking to 2,500 feet from homes and businesses and 5,000 feet from schools and hospitals. The policy was approved thanks to more than six months of hearings, proposal revisions, and hundreds of public comments overwhelmingly favoring setbacks that protect residents’ health and homes.
Range argues that the setbacks are overly restrictive and amount to a ban: this is false. The ordinance does not limit activities at Range’s 34 active wells across the township and operators may obtain a waiver if all property owners within the buffer zone agree to allow drilling at a site. CCJ is joining the case alongside Cecil residents and Clean Air Council as impacted parties in order to defend the township’s decision to protect residents’ lives. The people of Cecil Township have the right to decide what is best for their community and we look forward to a swift resolution that respects the democratic process and protects people over profits.
We invite Cecil Township residents and supporters to attend the next Zoning Hearing Board meeting on Monday, February 17th at 7:00 PM at the Cecil Township Municipal Building to show your support for this bill and hear arguments from both sides.
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT 🔦
Washington County Opioid Overdose Coalition
The Washington County Opioid Overdose Coalition exists “to eliminate opioid overdoses, stigma associated with Opioid Use Disorder, and to ensure every patient with an Opioid Use Disorder has access to and support throughout treatment and recovery.” It is composed of a diverse group of dedicated local advocates including law enforcement, treatment providers, faith-based organizations, researchers, and other non-profits like CCJ. Together, we develop educational materials, promote community awareness, coordinate law enforcement, the legal system, and treatment provider efforts, conduct a yearly “Substance-Abuse Stigma Survey,” and increase access to life-saving naloxone medication. Recently, The Coalition has been diving into the risks of the drug Xylazine, and is planning work that will benefit the community throughout 2025.
BLOGS & NEWS THIS MONTH
What is PJM? UNDERSTANDING THE ELECTRICITY LANDSCAPE IN PENNSYLVANIA
January 28, 2025
There is a lot of media coverage regarding both energy development in Pennsylvania and the amount of money consumers pay for that energy, especially with a spike in electricity rates this year. The discourse is deep and a little political, so we break it down into the essential parts to understand the whole picture. This starts with PJM and the energy grid, of which Pennsylvania is a part. Read More
Executive Order vs. Executive Action: What is the Difference?
January 29, 2025
The terms “executive order” and “executive action” have been getting a lot of play in the last two weeks. But what exactly do these terms mean for us? Each stems from Article II of the Constitution, which states, “The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America.” With few exceptions, every U.S. president has utilized this power in one form or another. 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 to influence who represents us at the state and local level – and ultimately, the agencies that hold them responsible for violations. Since 2018, fossil fuel companies and utilities have contributed over $1 million to political candidates in Washington and Greene Counties! Sign our petition to tell your legislator you have concerns about the influence of corporate money in PA politics. 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!
Sign to End Unlimited Donations
Governor Shapiro and the Department of Health Must Act on the PA Health and Environment Studies that Link Fracking with Childhood Cancers
Over a year ago, the University of Pittsburgh, in support of the PA Department of Health, released long-awaited results of the PA Health and Environment Studies. Those results showed an alarming correlation between health problems in kids living in Southwestern PA and fracking infrastructure. While presenting this data to impacted community members — including parents and children impacted by rare cancers — state officials made several promises to communities affected by the pollution from fracking infrastructure. Yet the Pennsylvania Department of Health has failed to take substantial measures to properly execute crucial action items. We’re demanding answers as to why Governor Shapiro’s Department of Health has failed to fulfill the essential promises made to residents who fear that living near fracking may be harming their children’s health. Sign the letter at the link below to ask Governor Shapiro and PA DOH secretary Dr. Debra Bogen to take action to protect our communities and kids!
Tell Gov. Shapiro and Sec. Bogen to Protect Our Health!
PUBLIC NOTICES
Read all of the latest relevant public notices from the past month for Washington and Greene Counties as of January 27th here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
CCJ Events
New Freeport Valentine’s Dance 💖💃
February 7 | 6 – 8:00 PM | New Freeport Fire Hall
Join us at the New Freeport Fire Hall for an evening of music, food, and fun on Friday, February 7th from 6-8:00 PM. We’ll have pizza, refreshments, desserts, a fun photo backdrop, and more along with a great playlist of songs to get you on the dance floor! This event is open to attendees of all ages. Tickets will be on sale at the doors (cash only!) for $5 each or $2 for kids age 12 and under. All proceeds will benefit the New Freeport VFD Ladies Auxiliary! Mark yourself as ‘Going’ on our Facebook event or email tonya@centerforcoalfieldjustice.org to help us plan to bring enough goodies for everyone.
SAVE THE DATE: 5th Annual CCJ Seed Swap 🌱🥕
March 22 | 1-4:00 PM | Washington Citizens Library
Mark your calendars and join us on Saturday, March 22nd from 1-4:00 PM for CCJ’s 5th Annual Seed Swap at the Washington Citizens Library! Our annual Seed Swap has grown each and every year, with a record of nearly 200 community members attending last year. This year, we are so excited to continue this growth and share even more seeds with our community! We’ll have much more information about our partners and activities ahead of the event, so be sure to RSVP below for updates. If you are unable to attend but would like to contribute, feel free to mail seeds for the event to P.O. BOX 4023, Washington, PA 15301.
Ally & Community Events
2/8 — Climate Can’t Wait: Rally for Climate, Justice, Health & Good Union Jobs
11 AM at Flagstaff Hill (Pittsburgh)
Join several of our Pittsburgh-area allies for a rally supporting health, justice, jobs and climate action as part of a nationwide day of action to show the Trump administration that climate and environmental justice is non-negotiable.
Learn More!
2/11 — WEBINAR: A Just Transition: Environmental Justice Perspectives from Three Former Oil and Gas Workers
6-7:00 PM on Zoom
Join Physicians for Social Responsibility PA for a conversation with 3 former industry workers whose experiences with health impacts led them to become advocates for environmental justice in their communities.
Register Here
2/22 — Arcs of Freedom Grand Opening Symposium
9 AM – 2:30 PM at Washington County Historical Society Research & Education Center
The Washington County Historical Society is hosting a symposium for the opening of Arcs of Freedom, its new exhibit on the Abolitionist Movement and the Underground Railroad. The event will feature presentations from several leading scholars, historians, and storytellers to discuss and explore the content of the exhibit. Registration is free and lunch will be provided.
Register Here
2/27 — Shale Gas and Public Health Conference
9 AM – 4:30 PM at Duquesne University or Online
This annual conference brings together frontline leaders, health professionals, industry experts, journalists and more for panels on the health and community impacts of fracking and related topics and issues. Hosted by Physicians for Social Responsibility PA, League of Women Voters PA, and the Duquesne University Department of Environmental and Energy Engineering. Admission is free, registration is required.
Register Now
3/4 — Beyond Plastics Annual Virtual Gala
7 PM on Zoom
Support the work of our allies at Beyond Plastics and enjoy a discussion with singer-songwriter and environmental advocate Natalie Merchant.
Buy your tickets starting at $25 here
3/27 — Friends of Ryerson Meeting
6 PM at Ryerson Station State Park Visitor Center
Get involved with efforts to support Greene County’s only state park! Friends of Ryerson is a community group dedicated to promoting the park and supporting improvement efforts through events and volunteering. Local residents are encouraged to join and make their voices heard when it comes to the future of the park.
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.