Volume 8, Issue 2
 

The shortest month of the year has flown by, and brought Spring time temperatures to New York City. This month, we continued to advocate for and mobilize around a progressive state-level climate change policy, a more equitable waste system, a truly effective Fair Share siting process for NYC, and more. Read on for a few key updates!
NYC-EJA attended the New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators' 46th Annual Conference Weekend
...AND STILL WE RISE!

The New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators, Inc. (ABPRL) recently hosted their 46th Annual Legislative Conference Weekend, centered around the theme "...And Still We Rise!"  NYC-EJA was honored to participate in the "Making New York a Leader on Economic Justice and Green Careers" workshop, which was sponsored by Senator Parker and Assemblymember Latrice Walker. Our Resiliency Planner, Annel Hernandez, discussed our work with the NY Renews Coalition, pushing New York State to lead the nation in the fight against climate change and tackle environmental injustice in  low-income communities of color. The workshop also focused on the Climate and Community Protection Act,  a hallmark bill backed by a coalition of 100+ labor, community and environmental groups statewide.
Community members gathered in response to large number of waste transfers stations in Southeast Queens. Photo via Alex Moore, Teamsters.
TOXIC TOUR IN SOUTHEAST QUEENS  

On Saturday, February 25th, faith leaders from Queens joined environmental justice and labor advocates for a "pray-in" outside a notorious waste transfer station in Jamaica, Queens. The facility, owned by Royal Waste, is near residential homes and the site of truck-damaged streets, open-air waste dumping, and hundreds of garbage truck trips weekly. 

Rev. Andrew Wilkes of Allen Cathedral led the group in prayer outside of Royal Waste. Photo via Transform Don't Trash.
Southeast Queens is one  of three communities in New York, along with the South Bronx and North Brooklyn, that process ¾ of New York City's trash.  New York City leaders are currently considering measures to stem the flow of trash to Jamaica and other low-income communities of color.  Legislation before the City Council, Intro 495A, would cap the amount of trash that can be processed in any one community.  NYC-EJA Executive Director Eddie Bautista remarked that we are "heartened to see members of the Southeast Queens faith community join the broader movement for environmental justice and fight for an equitable waste system."

For coverage of the event, check out the "NYC-EJA in the News" section below. 

Photo via the Indigenous Environmental Network
#STANDWITHSTANDINGROCK

This month, police moved into the Oceti Sakowin camp to arrest and remove any Water Protectors who refuse to leave. This comes as a result of the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) decision to disregard Indigenous sovereignty and rights and grant the easement for the Dakota Access Pipeline to be built. This is in defiance of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process, and in violation of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe whose water and land will be impacted by the pipeline. 

Please continue to #StandwithStandingRock! Support the Native March and activities happening in DC March 7-10.
25th ANNIVERSARY TICKETS ON SALE
LECTURE SERIES AT PRATT

WE'RE HIRING A DEPUTY DIRECTOR
 
Are you an experienced manager with a passion for community planning and organizing? NYC-EJA is seeking candidates to fill the position of  Deputy Director!  For more information, visit the job posting  here . 


PIX 11 Coverage of Toxic Tour in Southeast Queens
NYC-EJA IN THE NEWS
 
Be sure to check for more exciting news from NYC-EJA on our  website and in future newsletters! And if you like what you read, please consider making a tax-exempt donation to support our work. 
 
Sincerely,
 
Eddie Bautista 
Executive Director 
New York City Environmental Justice Alliance

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