NJ Transit's Dirty Gas Project is Scrapped!

We did it! NorthJersey.Com reports “NJ Transit’s Controversial Transitgrid project is cancelled” and News 12 shares “NJ Transit Pulls the plug on troubled power plant but gets to keep the $503M in Federal money”

Waterspirit’s entire team extends our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible people power that have tirelessly fought over half a decade to prevent the construction of a dirty gas plant by NJ Transit. We knew there were other ways to get energy than by perpetual dirty gas. The unwavering dedication and relentless efforts we have put forth have paid off. Almost a year ago, coverage of our efforts were given the shining light they were due. Waterspirit’s Public Policy & Justice Organizer was present at every board meeting virtually and specifically was recognized for amplifying the fact that the majority of non-English speaking residents were unaware this potential deadly project was on the table. This is a tremendous win for the social justice advocacy extension of Waterspirit’s ongoing presence as a witness bearer and voice of moral reason.

Thanks to consistent determination, residents in Kearny can know for now that we have successfully prevented the harmful effects of a dirty methane gas plant. We must keep going because there are still bad projects with potential to harm communities, such as Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission (PVSC)’s pending out of touch dirty gas plant. As Environmental Justice leader Maria Lopez-Nuñez of the Ironbound Community Corporation, shared today to the Associated Press, “If NJ Transit will acknowledge that their backup power system is no longer necessary, then we call on Governor Murphy to direct PVSC to do the same.”

By rallying together, providing testimony, creatively communicating to decision makers, raising awareness and engaging in meaningful discussions, you have successfully pushed for change. Thank you for speaking up for what you believe in and for helping to make so called New Jersey a better place for generations to come.

Let us celebrate this victory together, knowing that our collective efforts have made a lasting difference! Check Waterspirit’s calendar and Calls to Action page for more opportunities to get involved in protecting sacred water and life.

Remembering Father Ed

Msgr. Edward J. Ciuba, founding member of Waterspirit’s board who served for over 20 years, passed away in Westfield, NJ on January 19, 2024. He inspired and guided many spiritual seekers and environmental protectors during his long career in the church. A longer overview of his life and achievements was recently shared in the Star-Ledger. His funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 24 at 11 a.m. at Notre Dame R.C. Church at 359 Central Avenue, North Caldwell, NJ.

Fr. Ed’s kindness and generosity touched our hearts. We are blessed to have known him. Waterspirit is honored to continue his legacy through our water protecting work. If you would like to make a donation in Fr. Ed’s memory, please visit this page.

Yes, We Hug Trees

CLICK HERE to read this week’s mailer, featuring:

  • Photos from the Alliance for New Jersey Environmental Education conference, where we led a mindfulness in nature workshop;

  • a reminder to lock in your early bird price for our gala before January 31;

  • invitations to upcoming webinars, workshops, support groups, beach cleanups, and more!

Record Flooding: Where are the Storm Water Utilities?

Funding and who gets it matters. For too long, residents living in areas with combined sewer overflow (CSO) systems suffer flooding, sewage contaminated streets and ongoing trauma. Read our Breaking News post prior to last weeks storm HERE. Read this Patch piece about flood defense by Erik Kiefer “This NJ Law Could Battle Flooding. So Why Isn’t Anyone Using it?” New Jersey’s county leaders should be exploring feasibility studies in droves. Effective stormwater management can reduce property damage, decrease the risk of waterborne diseases, and create more sustainable, resilient neighborhoods, promoting a sense of unity and harmony among community members. By establishing stormwater utilities, county leaders can help mitigate some long-term effects of climate crisis and protect what precious resources remain for future generations. This proactive approach demonstrates a commitment to the well-being of all life, including those yet to come.

The most recent storms did not avoid Paterson, a large municipality with whom Waterspirit has been connected with on stormwater management and green infrastructure. Here are recent stormwater stories from Paterson Falls.

PBS reported ongoing water rising in the Passaic River. In Central New Jersey, the shore is experiencing issues, Steven Rodas, Jersey Shore town faces ‘serious flood’ issues as sever erosion eats away beach -beach replenishment will not solve. In South Jersey, water is reportedly flooding basements “for the first time in decades.”

Stories inform policy and preventative measures exist, not yet taken in New Jersey.

What is your stormwater story? We want to know! Opportunities for preventative measures remain on the table for counties and municipalities across the state. Checkout our stormwater management + green infrastructure page and connect with us for FREE resources, such as the Stormwater Utility Resource Center and presentations for your needs. https://www.waterspirit.org/stormwater-green-infrastructure

BREAKING: January 9th State of Emergency in New Jersey

It is important that people realize the severity of this update and heed the warnings to opt for safety. Here is the latest from Governor Murphy regarding the issued State of Emergency starting 5PM Tuesday. NJ Declares state of emergency ahead of dangerous January storm via NJ.com

“The Governor said part of the concern is the ‘hours of intensity’ are expected to be ‘right smack in the middle of the night’-meaning it would be dark, with power outages and possible water rescues. ‘If you don’t have to be out between tomorrow (Tuesday) sort of early evening and Wednesday morning,’ Murphy said, it is safer to remain home. If you are out, please be careful,’ he said.”

May we have no flood victims tomorrow and may we all connect preventable deaths to the potential for stormwater utilities and green infrastructure upgrades throughout the state. Again, our collaborative 2022 stormwater management and environmental justice webinar series covered:

  1. an explanation of environmental injustices,

  2. how storm water utility exploration works

  3. how the funding behind it works,

  4. and examples from out of New Jersey

We encourage you to reach out for resources and expertise support in this area of stormwater management and environmental justice. Book us for a meeting, presentation, project, + more! https://www.waterspirit.org/stormwater-green-infrastructure

Lame Duck Ends, A New Legislative Session Begins: Wealth Inequality Remains for Residents of New Jersey

From December 2023: “In a state where politicians spend several millions of dollars on campaigns to win a state office that pays only $49,000 a year, there’s a real disconnect between the politicians and the people that worry about their bus fare.

These two cohorts are on different planets and there is nowhere in the nation where that is more evident than in the historic city of Trenton where well-heeled legislators can drive into their parking spaces in the bowels of the Capitol Complex avoiding entirely the dire economic circumstance of the people that actually inhabit the state’s capital, most of whom are people of color and often depend on mass transit.”

LISTEN to this full article “A golden dome above, 'street corners for bathrooms' below” by Bob Hennelly Here via Raw Story

This past legislative session, decision making power in Trenton saw significant solar advancement, translation services enhancement for the top 15 most common non-English languages, domestic workers bill of rights come close to reality, affordable housing pushed to the next session, and helped prevent dirty gas masquerading as clean energy. While we are entering into a new legislative session, let us remember the ever pressing need to focus on expanding the voices in the rooms of power in capital cities across the land. Fossil fuel interests and ill spirited efforts to ravage remaining sacred water and Earth are transparent. Education and advocacy work when we make inclusivity a priority and support our most vulnerable residents by reminding them they and their voice matters.

Like water, democracy should be accessible to all. It should not be confined or restricted but rather flow freely, empowering individuals to participate, express their voices and shape our collective destiny. Just as water knows no boundaries, democracy must transcend barriers, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. This year, join Waterspirit for upcoming activities and visit our Calls to Action page for updates.