Category Archives: Fracking

Climate activism is yielding results, but there’s more to do. 

Back in February, we brought together activists, politicians, and business interests to discuss local climate action in the age of big fossil. Much of the forum focused on the New York City Employee Retirement System (NYCERS), the city’s $160 billion pension system, and the potential impact of its divestment from targeted fossil fuel companies and investment in renewable energy.

On October 27th, New York City announced that the Trustees of NYCERS passed a resolution calling on the board “to begin the process of developing a long-term investment strategy that takes into account the realities and risks of climate change.” While this falls short of the goals of 350NYC and other organizations that call for full divestment from fossil fuel companies, it’s a vital first step.

More recently on the national front, TransCanada withdrew its permit application for the Keystone XL Pipeline, leaving them the option to re-apply in future.  In short order, instead of giving TransCanada that option, President Obama denied the permit! This is a victory for progressive activists and climate economists who have long opposed the pipeline.

Props to our partners at 350NYC, United for Action and other groups for these positive results. We’ll stay vigilant as the NYCERS Board develops its strategy, and we continue to support the call to prevent the development of the Port Ambrose Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) facility. State Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal and State Senator Brad Hoylman are spearheading the effort to bring their fellow legislators on board to demand that Governor Cuomo veto Port Ambrose.

You can help today: Call your NYS Senator and Assembly Member to tell them you oppose Port Ambrose LNG and ask them to sign on to the Rosenthal/Hoylman 2015 Port Ambrose Opposition Letter. Then call Governor Cuomo at 518-474-8390 and ask him to veto the project.

And don’t forget to ask that all public officials help make New York a renewable, fossil-free state.

350NYC's Divestment Rally. February 2015.

350NYC’s Divestment Rally. February 2015.

Resources, Events, & Activities

This summer has been a busy season of activism for New York.   Join our email list for the most recent updates on progressive issues and events taking place across the City and check out our calendar of events.  In the meantime, here are several additional resources of interest:

Debt Ceiling Resources

The current discussion on the debt ceiling and potential cuts to vital programs has raised many questions.  Our recent blog post “What’s up with Obama’s Debt Ceiling Offer” provides some insight into this issue.  The following information may also be helpful:

  • What is the federal debt ceiling?  Learn more from NPR.

Debt Ceiling Events

  • July 20 Debt Ceiling Rally and Press Conference Event in lower Manhattan-Staten Island

3:45pm: Join our fun “Boat Brigade”!

Gather at the South Ferry Terminal in Lower Manhattan. Together we’ll take the 4 p.m. ferry over to Staten Island. Bring group banners and homemade signs!

5:00pm: Press Conference and Rally
Take the Staten Island ferry to Borough Hall – 10 Richmond Terrace (Across the street from the St. George Ferry Terminal – enter on Stuyvesant Place).

  • July 20 and July 21 statewide coordinated campaign to prevent cuts to critical social service programs

Email Hilary Papineau to RSVP or for additional information: hilarina@gmail.com

Events are sponsored by the new “Restore the American Promise” campaign. Partners include 1199 SEIU, Fight for a Fair Economy • Citizen Action of New York • New York State Alliance
for Retired Americans • New York State AFL-CIO • New York Statewide Senior Action Council • New York Association on Independent Living.

OTHER INFORMATION OF INTEREST

Fracking Updates

While New York awaits updates regarding Governor Cuomo’s final stance on fracking, read about the successful lobby visit that took place in Albany last week; this interesting blog depicts the camaraderie and collaboration that took place as over 200 activists

Clean Elections Campaign Initiative

Grassroots NYC is an organization working to reform campaign financing in New York City.  The organization has put forth a “Clean Elections” bill at the City Council level and also monitors the impact of federal campaign financing actions on local fundraising.   A recent Supreme Court decision ruled against public funds for campaigns, a decision which will negatively impact the NYC matching funds system.  This presents an opportunity for GrassrootsNYC’s to pursue its clean elections system initiative.

July 16th and 17th: MoveOn.org American Dream House Meetings

MoveOn.org has organized a series of [American Dream House Meetings to discuss how to attain a more desirable American Dream is in the making, one that is green, sustainable, and equitable based on creativity and cooperation.  On July 16, New Yorkers will gather to discuss the possibilities & what this could practically look like and how to make this better world a reality.  Join or host one today!

Voter Registration Drives on July 16

Join fellow democrats throughout the City register new voters.  Voter registration drives will be taking place at fun and busy locations across the City and beyond, including:

Union Square:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpkfwj

Harlem:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/voterregistrationdrive/gpk3tc

Atlantic terminal:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/voterregistrationdrive/gpkfbd

Fulton Street, Brooklyn:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/voterregistrationdrive/gpk3kv

Staten Island:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/voterregistrationdrive/gpkfvv

Astoria, Queens:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/voterregistrationdrive/gpkfvy

Philly:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/voterregistrationdrive/gpkmbp

Bethlehem, PA:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/voterregistrationdrive/gpkfgy)

Thank you!

– Hilary Papineau

 

Summer Activism: Having a Drink, Saving Our Water

Summer Social

Thursday, July 14 • 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Bar 13 at 35 East 13th Street & University

Join Greater NYC for Change and ACT NOW for our summer mixer celebrating marriage equality, warm weather, and our amazing activist community! There will be two-for-one drinks until 9pm. RSVP on Facebook or here. (Click here to volunteer!)

Save Our Water

This week, we’re focusing our energy on keeping New York’s drinking water pristine (and our bagels delicious)! As you might know, Governor Cuomo is considering permitting fracking in New York, a dangerous way of drilling for gas by pumping toxic chemicals through our drinking water. Here’s two actions you can take to stop fracking:

1) Join our friends at United for Action as they travel to Albany this Thursday, July 7th to attend an emergency press conference/rally and let the Governor know in no uncertain terms that the water and the health of New Yorkers is not up for sale. The bus leaves at 7:30 am and costs $35 round trip. For more information sign up here.

2) Call Governor Cuomo and tell him you want to ban fracking in New York State! Tell him you have serious concerns that fracking cannot be done safely. Governor Cuomo’s at (518) 474-8390 or (212) 681-4580; you can also send him an email here.

Thanks for all that you do!

Naomi & the Greater NYC for Change team