Waterspirit Celebrates Autumn Equinox

On Tuesday September 22, Waterspirit hosted its annual Autumn Equinox celebration. Waterspirit celebrated the Autumn Equinox with music, poetry, movement, and community. This interfaith event was held at the First Presbyterian Church of Rumson to honor the arrival of the fall season and to affirm the importance of environmental justice and our deep connections to the natural world. New Jersey performing artist Kelli Bruno sang two original songs along with a couple of standards, adding to the joy of the evening. Angel Tener guided guests through a series of yoga poses, allowing participants to explore qualities of balance and flow in their bodies and lives. Through inspirational readings, Waterspirit explored our intimacy with the Earth and our gratitude for the fall harvest. The evening concluded with seasonal refreshments.

To watch the recording of the livestream, please click here.

To learn more about these seasonal celebrations, please click here.

What's Happening with Data Centers in NJ and What Can Be Done?

Given these hyper-scale facilities consume millions of gallons of freshwater daily for cooling and demand unyielding baseline electricity—predominantly supplied by dirty fossil fuel—public urgency for a statewide moratorium is mounting. While several municipalities are attempting to use local home-rule zoning to block developments, loop-holes contnue to leave communities vulnerable.

Join us to share input on priority environmental justice issues for NJ!

Join us to share input on priority environmental justice issues for NJ!

The Environmental Justice Advisory Council (EJAC) is an 18-member advisory board of environmental justice constituents and stakeholders, representing grassroots, community organizing, academic, industry, and local government sectors throughout the state.  Waterspirit’s Public Policy & Justice Organizer has been a member of the EJAC since 2025. The entire council is appreciative of input from the public, especially our young NJ residents.

Register for the Public Meeting October 14th!

Register to comment at the public meeting by October 12. Written comments can be submitted to environmentaljustice@dep.nj.gov until October 31. Please submit with your name and ‘EJAC Public Meeting Comment’ in the subject line.

Waterspirit's Statement on Federal Court Ruling to Halt Unnecessary "NESE"

Yesterday the U.S. 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals ruled to deny water quality permits that are required to construct Williams Transco’s thrice denied Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) dirty gas pipeline — putting a halt to the expensive and unnecessary project.

Waterspirit’s Executive Director, Blair Nelsen, responded:

“This decision is an important step toward protecting New Jersey's waters and communities from toxic pollution. We congratulate the judges on making the morally correct decision, and thank all of the organizations who made this happen for their determination and diligence. Water is sacred, and we need to act like it.”

Waterspirit Wins Environmental Achievement Award

On Saturday, September 5, Waterspirit was presented with the Environmental Achievement Award by the New Jersey Friends of Clearwater (NJFC). This award was given at the 51st Annual NJ Friends of Clearwater Festival in Asbury Park. The beautiful plaque expresses gratitude for Waterspirit’s advocacy and leadership on water and environmental stewardship. Congressman Frank Pallone presented the award to Waterspirit’s Executive Director along with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for outstanding and invaluable service to the community.

This recognition would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of Waterspirit’s community of staff, volunteers, and event participants. For 28 years, Waterspirit has brought together an interfaith community of water stewards to love, understand, and protect sacred water throughout New Jersey. We are very grateful to NJFC for this meaningful award!

Watch the video of the award ceremony here: