False Solutions Like RNG and CCS Should Not Be Funded

We make a difference when we show up. For instance, a potentially weak bill in New Jersey establishing a “clean energy standard” will be stronger as a result of voiced oppositions and amendments, back in action 18th December.

Tomorrow the New Jersey Assembly Environment Committee will meet in Trenton to vote on a disastrous bill, a blow to environmental justice in the state with first related landmark legislation. This bill, A577, is masquerading as an alternative that is natural or renewable when, in fact, it would largely increase costs to consumers heating and electric bills ahead of a projected snow filled winter. It would increase pollution regardless of the intent not to do so. The bill’s proponents must be hoping this will fool the public from the destruction oil and gas continue to perpetuate upon the most vulnerable humans across the globe. No matter what gains these technologies may purport, there has been no evidence that these outweigh the disastrous costs, including exacerbating climate emergency.

Waterspirit and coalition partners have been advocating against so-called Carbon Capture and Sequestration, due to its failure to present as a viable solution. It is deeply disheartening that such a bill would be considered given the moral imperative to reduce and strive to eliminate emissions thrust upon overburdened residents.

New Jersey leadership can do better; we hope that they will hear from many and act accordingly.

Amplifying this list from our friends at NJSierra Club, Flood the phonelines of the bill’s sponsors, Karabinchak and Scutari, urging them to oppose it! See below a sample script and contact information.

How to Contact Bill Sponsors: Call via the below numbers. 

*Assemblyman Robert J. Karabinchak (D) - District 18 - (732) 548-1406

*Assemblyman Louis D. Greenwald (D) - District 6 - (856) 435-1247

*Assemblywoman Nancy F. Munoz (R) - District 21 - (908) 918-0414

*Senator Nicholas P. Scutari (D), Senate President - District 22 - (732) 827-7480

*Senator Steven V. Oroho (R) - District 24 - (973) 300-0200

Senator Vin Gopal (D) - District 11 - (732) 695-3371

Assemblyman James Kennedy (D) - District 22 - (732) 943-2660

Assemblyman Sterly S. Stanley (D) - District 18 - (732) 875-3833

Assemblyman Donald A. Guardian (R) - District 2 - (609) 677-8266

Assemblywoman Shama A. Haider (D) - District 37- (201) 308-7061

Assemblywoman Bethanne McCarthy Patrick (R) - District 3 - (856) 823-5516

Assemblyman John F. McKeon (D) - District 27 - (973) 377-1606

Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger (R) - District 13 - (732) 856-9294

*Primary bill sponsors.

Sample Script for Phone Banking: 

"Hello, I am calling to urge you to oppose A577 (Karabinchak)/S1366 (Scutari). 

This bill would encourage New Jersey to invest in perpetual gas, which is not natural or clean or renewable. If passed, utility costs will rise, greenhouse gases and co-pollutants will increase and there will be great detriment to already poor health and related air quality. The cost of these technologies are higher than actual renewable energy solutions, such as solar siting throughout the state. There is no monetary value worth the poor health and shortsighted consequences of investments in dirty energy. As a representative of New Jersey, I, again, urge you to demonstrate leadership for all and oppose A5777. “

Thank you for taking action; thank you for all you are and all you do to support sacred water!

An Attitude of Gratitude

Last week, on the day after Thanksgiving, Waterspirit hosted a Gratitude Walk at Sandy Hook. We began by walking through the historic maritime forest and practicing a few grounding exercises. After our walk complete with a little naturalizing and tree hugging, we emerged onto the beach. It was then that these beautiful people gave our gratitude and blessings to the sea. We then showed Earth how much we care by picking up 5 bags of trash as we walked along the shore on our journey back to the cars. Thank you friends for spending your day with us.

Did you know both expressing gratitude and receiving gratitude is good for your health. Expressing gratitude, or receiving gratitude can lower your hemoglobin A1C and reduce your risk for diabetes. Gratitude can reduce your cortisol levels and reduce stress. Gratitude can even lower your blood pressure. Practice gratitude daily. For what are you most grateful? Show it. For whom are you most grateful? Tell them. We are grateful for you.

100% Clean Energy? Dirty, Deadly Deal? Rally 11/20!

It is more important than ever that people-everywhere and of all ages- demonstrate and provide collective insight into a hope filled future-one not motivated by greed and individualism. We see this continues to work in the struggles toward peace and worker justice.

The New Jersey Statehouse will be open on Monday for a legislative session and New Jerseyans will bear witness to yet another purported 100% Clean Energy bill as well as a second proposed bill that would fast track toxic, expensive “Renewable Natural Gas.”

Register HERE to learn more about Monday’s rally and advocacy activities.

Perhaps not surprising to those working toward environmental justice, the bill provides a lackluster definition of what constitutes “Clean Energy” and ensures more opportunities to the fossil fuel polluting industry, which is currently being sued by NJ Government agencies for knowingly causing harm and avoiding accountability. Dubbed “RNG”, the idea is both detrimental to the health of our air and watersheds and, the practice is more financially expensive for consumers, not less. Here are reactions and talking points put together by leaders of environmental justice in the state.

What is most clear is the need for moral advocates to show up to make clear demands known; there is always an opportunity to move legislators’ hearts and minds. If you plan to come to Trenton, make sure to register for key updates! If you cannot make it this time, there will be other opportunities in the future. Email us if you want to stay apprised.

11/8 Lead Free New Jersey & Important Alert

Waterspirit has grown increasingly involved with Lead Free New Jersey a valiant effort to educate and ensure New Jersey is 100% lead free. ALERT: Please read and share this important FDA alert of elevated lead levels in apple cinnamon fruit pouches.

Lead-Free NJ “seeks to eliminate racial and economic inequities by focusing on legacy lead hazards in low-income communities and/or communities of color, while also creating the conditions for children to be free from lead poisoning statewide.”

We are glad to invite you to the 11/8 Lead Free New Jersey Water Advocacy Committee Meeting at 4PM ET. Here is the agenda.

This meeting is open to the public and will feature a special guest from Plastic Pollution Coalition of which Waterspirit is a member.

Please email water@waterspirit.org to request the zoom coordinates.