The Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission (PVSC) remains centered on a significant part of our regional infrastructure and 2 related lawsuits against the decision by PVSC to allow for polluting sources in the name of resiliency. Both cases -one on behalf of the City of Newark and the other on behalf of Ironbound Community Corporation (ICC), a mainstay and long time coalition partner with Waterspirit-have emerged strong. As Pope Francis said in Laudato Si’, “The cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor cannot continue to be ignored.”
Insider NJ reports, “The City has been working with the Ironbound Community Corporation (ICC) to oppose this construction due to the negative impact it will have on the environment and Newark residents’ health.”
Waterspirit has been part of a chorus, including over 70 faith leaders, elected officials and health experts alike, of NJ residents urging alternatives that focus on pollution prevention in the long term, such as solar and battery storage. Commenting at most of the PVSC board meetings monthly for 4 years, the lawsuits highlight questions for us:
Are current operations adequately protecting air from harmful emissions? Are the cumulative impacts on the health of frontline communities being properly addressed and mitigated? Why would it ever be deemed acceptable to add one iota of pollution in this overburdened area of the state? Read Waterspirit’s blog post: “How a NJ Green Amendment Could Have Blocked the PVSC Dirty Methane/Hydrogen Plant.”
This is not just a legal battle; it is a community fight for environmental justice. The time for courageous, moral leadership is now.
Your voice, your presence, and your informed participation in our civic procedures are more vital than ever.
Date: Thursday February 12, 2026
Time: 12:00PM ET
Via Zoom: Register Here
The PVSC board meetings are a key forum where decisions are made and through which the community can directly communicate with the Commission. Join us and participate directly with PVSC, taking up the chance to understand the current status of these issues and make your presence felt. Even if you do not speak, your attendance continues to demonstrate NJ residents’ unwavering commitment and keen interest in oversight and accountability.