Protesters Walk Red Carpet in Trenton for "Fracky Awards"
As Legislature Ponders Ban Bill, Activists Protest Oil and Gas Industry Pow Wow Across from Statehouse
Trenton, NJ--Today activists protested one of several planned regional workshops by the American Petroleum Institute in Trenton, NJ, countering the oil and gas industry association's event discussing the development of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) with a recommendation of their own: ban fracking entirely. Protestors handed media and passersby "swag bags" filled with information on the risks associated with fracking and staged an award ceremony for the Frackies.
Playing in Safe Fields
fields free of toxic chemicals
Despite thousands of letters of support, 19 senate co-sponsors and 27 assembly co-sponsors, the NJ Legislature failed to pass a bill to protect kids from toxic chemicals where they play.
We made great progress on the Safe Playing Fields Act (S2610/A3782), yet NJ legislative leaders failed to pass the bill before the end of the legislative session on January 9th.
S2610/A3782 is historic legislation that will restrict the use of these harmful chemicals where our kids play - daycares, playgrounds, and K-8 school grounds - while providing reasonable exemptions. Chemicals in lawn pesticides have been linked in scientific studies to an increased risk of cancer, learning disabilities, asthma, birth defects, and reproductive problems, and children are more vulnerable and exposed than adults.
The Governor and S2576
fracking
in new jerseyHydraulic fracturing—a.k.a. fracking—involves blasting water, chemicals and sand deep into underground rock formations to unlock the natural gas they contain. The risks to our water and our health are greater than industry admits.
Recently, 91 NJ legislators voted yes on a bill (S2576) to ban the practice in New Jersey. However, Governor Christie vetoed the bill despite the fact that it has considerable support within his own party. Take Action! Urge your legislator to protect our drinking water by voting YES to override Christie's veto of S2576.
Protecting New Jersey's Waters
Promoting clean, safe water from watershed to water tap. Campaigns for safe, affordable drinking water support integrated and innovative water policies to conserve, protect and restore water systems for our communities and environment.
Global Warming and a New Energy Economy
Supporting energy policies and global warming solutions that create jobs and protect our water. Action to promote energy efficiency and clean energy reduces pollution, saves on energy bills, grows our economy and reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
Making Democracy Work
- Educating and empowering people to make a difference in public debates and policy decisions affecting their lives. Environmental justice requires decisionmaking that respects the rights of all to live in healthy communities. NJ Environmental Federation and Clean Water Action members get involved by calling and writing their public officials, urging support for enviromental and health protection policies.
Healthy, Safer Families and Communities
Advancing "upstream" solutions that protect peopole from toxic harm by reducing and preventing pollution at its source. Replacing consumer, cleaning, and pest control products with safer alternatives.
EJ VOICE
- The goal of EJ VOICE is to build economic, social and environmental justice (EJ) in New Jersey's urban communities facing the disproportionate impacts of pollution. This is an initiative of Clean Water Fund, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization working with diverse constituencies for sustainable solutions that result in clean, thriving, healthy communities. The strength of EJ Voice lies in our ability to not only enact stronger local, state, and federal policies, but to work on a grassroots level, engaging and empowering people to make a difference.