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Roots Run Deep

Richmond Activism Newsletter by Just Transition at Urban Tilth

New Podcast Episode!

In this episode, we reflect on our favorite conversations we have had in the year 2024 and why It's important to uplift the conversations. We revisited the episodes about Food Justice, Wildfires and Greenwashing. While reflecting on these conversations we also talk about the exciting goals of 2025 with new episodes with more guests.

Thank you for listening and happy holidays! 

2024 Just Transition Accomplishments

Expanding Community Engagement

We took significant steps to engage with North Richmond residents, discussing local development challenges and conducting research on the Envirostor and DTSC databases. We also worked on initiatives like Beyond Chevron APEN (Polluters Pay) and participated in meetings with ROPC and CBE to advocate for community-driven environmental justice.

Fire Season Preparedness and Health Support

We produced and distributed 500 fire kits, enhancing community preparedness with better equipment. These kits, which were assembled entirely by Urban Tilth, played a key role in our efforts to ensure residents have the resources needed for safety during fire season. In addition, we organized the Respiratory Health Festival, showcasing community art and raising awareness about air quality and respiratory health.

Environmental Justice Leadership Development

We connected with organizations committed to justice and sustainability, attending webinars, trainings, and important meetings, including those hosted by NRMAC, CJA virtual sessions, and City Council. These experiences helped the team strengthen its advocacy skills and broaden its knowledge on environmental and social justice topics.

Amplifying Local Advocacy Efforts

The Just Transition team shared insights on environmental and justice issues in Richmond through interviews, such as with Richmond Confidential. The interview covered a new law that will triple fines for Chevron and other large polluters, amplifying local advocacy efforts and centering on Richmond's community impact. This law will significantly increase penalties for major polluters, reflecting the community's demand for environmental accountability.

Tell the EPA to Release Climate Funds NOW

The EPA has funds that are meant to invest in environmental justice communities that it hasn’t released yet. Now that the Dec. 6th deadline has passed and we’ve met all requirements on time,

we need your help to release the funds BEFORE inauguration on January 20th.

Help us ensure that the EPA acts with resolve for democracy and delivers on its mandate.

Why is this important?

Non-profit organizations and environmental justice are under attack. We already see the chilling effects of political intimidation from lawmakers and the broader public, but we can’t let that deter us. Our communities depend on our collective action.

What can I do?

Take 1 minute to send a quick email, helping ensure the community climate funds already designated through the Inflation Reduction Act are released in time for them to actually be viable for their intended purpose!

Stop the Dirty Deal!

TELL CONGRESS TO PROTECT OUR COMMUNITIES

This dirty deal, which has been pushed by Sen. Manchin multiple times and defeated through the organizing efforts of communities, directly benefits fossil fuel companies at the expense of communities, taking away our right to protect our communities from development that we don’t want. 

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