African American Environmentalist Association

Clean Up, Green Up in Los Angeles

2012-05-23T10:08:00.003-04:00

Environmentalists in Los Angeles have a new approach to cleaning up some of the most polluted neighborhoods. The new plan calls for special zoning that would limit pollution and prioritize funding for small industries to purchase cleaner equipment. The pilot project aligns environmental interests with those of local businesses.

Specifically, the proposal is to make three L.A. neighborhoods Clean Up Green Up zones. The communities chosen have high rates of pollution and health effects caused by their location and the number of small and large businesses in the area. Businesses within these zones would need to limit any new noise, pollution or bright lights if they want to expand. But the proposal isn’t only about limits. It also channels money to businesses so they can make improvements.

Researchers at UC Berkeley, the University of Southern California and Occidental College have created first of a kind maps that include all sources of air pollution, plus social information – where people might be more vulnerable, where there’s less access to health care – even where babies are being born early or with low birth weight.The researchers then shared these maps with community members so they could note unmapped facilities they think are contributing to emissions.

Clean Up Green Up is a locally-initiated effort to make LA communities – and the local business climate – healthier through the establishment of Green Zones in Boyle Heights, Pacoima and Wilmington. For the local community and neighborhoods, it will prevent and reduce pollution, helping to protect the health of all residents, especially sensitive populations. For businesses, the program will streamline the permitting process, saving time and hassles, and provide better access to various business support programs. (Living On Earth, 5/18/2012, Clean Up Green Up)

Palm Oil Biofuels Under the Renewable Fuels Standard

2012-05-16T14:47:00.000-04:00

March 29, 2012

The Honorable Lisa Jackson
Administrator

Environmental Protection Agency

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20460

Re: The Treatment of Palm Oil Biofuels under the Renewable Fuels Standard from the African American Environmentalist Association (AAEA); Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2011–0542

Dear Ms. Jackson:

The African American Environmentalist Association (AAEA), a national association dedicated to ensuring the input of African Americans and other minorities into public discussions of energy policy. We focus on regulations, taxes, trade policies, monetary policies, and environmental issues as they relate to energy policy. AAEA is dedicated to protecting the environment, enhancing human, animal and plant ecologies, promoting the efficient use of natural resources and increasing African American participation in the environmental movement..

AAEA is a strong advocate for U.S. energy prosperity and our organization raises awareness of the costs and consequences of policy changes for consumers. We believe it is important to ensure that minority communities are not burdened by artificially high energy costs. We also believe minority communities should be free to exercise a full range of choices in the marketplace, unburdened by short-sighted regulation or market manipulation..

To that end we stand in firm opposition to the EPA’s recent decision to penalize palm oil under the Agency’s management of the Renewable Fuels Standard. Palm oil is by far the lowest-cost biodiesel fuel source on the international market. By not allowing the lowest cost vegetable oil into the U.S. biofuel market, the EPA is ensuring that the RFS2 will lead to significantly higher prices at the pump as blenders rely on more costly vegetable oil feedstocks, like soybean oil and canola.

Blocking its trade in the United States will unduly burden poor and minority communities. Minority communities are among those most sensitive to inflation in energy prices. Energy expenditures account for a far greater proportion of total expenditures in minority households than they do in other households. As such, minority communities are rightly concerned about any policies that threaten to raise energy costs.

We have already seen the baleful effects of higher energy costs in recent months as prices paid at the gas pump have risen steadily. These price increases have meant minority households have had less money at their disposal for food, clothing, shelter, education, health care, savings and investment, and more. The EPA’s decision will make an unfortunate situation worse.

Since minority groups face a relatively disproportionate burden when energy prices rise, minority communities have long been interested in a diversity of energy choices. More choices means more options when prices of one fuel rise. More choices means greater predictability and security when it comes to planning for the future. Restricting choices means minority groups are acutely vulnerable to price shocks in other sectors of the energy market.

In addition to minority households, minority-run and operated businesses and their workers are also keenly interested in policies regarding energy availability and affordability. For example, truckers and independent rail and transportation owner operators are significant consumers of diesel energy, including biodiesel. Many of these workers are minorities, and many of the businesses are minority owned and managed. Indeed, the transportation sector has been important to ensuring upward mobility and economic growth for minority communities.

As such, denying these communities the widest range of options in the energy market reduces their flexibility and their earnings prospects. It makes it more difficult to plan for growth, to hire workers and to expand operations that create opportunities and jobs for others.

The advance of sophisticated biodiesel systems is one of the most promising technological developments in recent memory. It promises to lower costs and generate long-run efficiencies that will benefit all stakeholders. But the full promise of biodiesel will not be realized without ample global competition and diversity of supply. As such, the EPA would be wise to avoid manipulating the market for biodiesel and let competition and consumer choice determine the ultimate shape and contours of market.

While we appreciate the EPA’s interest in ensuring a healthy domestic environment, we believe its rush to penalize foreign biofuel will do little to help America’s ecology and a great deal of harm to America’s minority communities. The EPA should reconsider its decision.

Sincerely yours,

                                                                                                Norris McDonald

                                                                                                Norris McDonald
                                                                                                President

Arnetta McRae - President, American Assoc of Blacks In Energy

2012-05-16T14:12:00.000-04:00

Arnetta McRae

In November 2011, Arnetta McRae assumed the position of President and CEO of the American Association of Blacks in Energy.

From 1996 to 2011, McRae served on the Delaware Public Service Commission assuming the position of Chair in July 2001. Previously, she was employed for 18 years as counsel with the DuPont Company, where she provided legal services for domestic and international business units. She also has held positions in commercial banking and human services organizations.

Over the course of her career in utilities regulation, McRae has served in a number of capacities at regional and national levels including president of the Mid Atlantic Conference of Regulatory Utilities Commissioner and on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Regulatory Utilities Commissioners (NARUC). She currently is a member of NARUC's Subcommittee on Utility Marketplace Access Partnership, Board of Directors of the National Regulatory Research Institute and the Advisory Council of the New Mexico State Center for Public Utilities.

Arnetta is a member of the Board of Education of New Castle County Vocational Technical School District. She also serves on the Chief Executive Officer's Advisory Council of the Girl Scouts of Chesapeake Bay Council. Previously, she served on the Board of Directors of the Grand Opera House. Arnetta holds a BS in Business Administration from Morgan State University and a JD from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. (AABE)

Third Annual Industry Day - Cardozo Senior High School

2012-05-10T20:14:00.003-04:00

AAEA President Norris McDonald participated as a panelist at the Cardozo Senior High School Third Annual Industry Day. The Industry Day is sponsored by TransTech in collaboration with the Academy of Construction and Design and hosted by the National Association of Black Women in Construction (NABWIC) and Lockheed Martin. Specialists addressed four broad areas: 1) Aviation, 2) Construction, 3) Engineering and 4) Transportation. Cardozo Senior High School students attended the sessions with a general theme: "Preparing Students For College and Workforce-Linking Industry Leaders To The Classroom."

Industry Day presenters included representatives from a broad range of industries, including: aerospace, construction, engineering, environmental, transportation, consultants, government, architecture, and media, among others.

The afternoon Construction Session was facilitated by Sherry Snipes, American Institute of Architects and included panelists: Edward M. Johnson, Edward Johnson & Associates PC, and Jacque Ross, R & D Develpment, Inc.

Sherry Snipes, Edward M. Johnson, Jacque Ross, Norris McDonald

The sessions were held at the Cardozo High School Academy of Construction and Design. The Academy of Construction of Design was created by the District of Columbia Public Schools Office of Career and Technology Education and the District of Columbia Students Construction Trades Foundation to develop student skills in carpentry, electricity and plumbing. The students are equipped with necessary skills to move successfully from high school to an industry seeking competent workers. Students engage in a core academic course that includes: basic safety, construction mathematics, introduction to blueprints, hand and power tools and more. Students also participate in hands-on programs and field experiences. Each student is also received certification in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and OSHA 10 hour safety course.

NRC Approves COLs for SCE&G, Santee Cooper Nuclear Units

2012-05-09T12:40:00.003-04:00

Will Black Contractors Get Some of the Construction Work?

South Carolina Electric & Gas Company SCE&G), principal subsidiary of SCANA Corporation (NYSE:SCG), and Santee Cooper, South Carolina’s state-owned electric and water utility, have received approval for combined construction and operating licenses (COLs) from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for two new nuclear units at V. C. Summer Station in Jenkinsville, S.C.

SCANA received approval for licenses to construct and operate units 2 and 3 at the V.C. Summer nuclear power plant site. About 1,000 workers are currently engaged in early-site preparation work at the V.C. Summer construction site. The project will peak at about 3,000 construction craft workers over the course of three to four years. The two units, each with a capacity of 1,117 megawatts, will then add 600 to 800 permanent jobs when they start generating electricity.

PROFILE

SCE&G is a regulated utility engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity to approximately 664,000 customers in South Carolina. The company also provides natural gas service to approximately 317,000 customers throughout the state. More information about SCE&G is available at www.sceg.com.

SCANA Corporation, a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Cayce, S.C., is an energy-based holding company principally engaged, through subsidiaries, in electric and natural gas utility operations and other energy-related businesses. Information about SCANA is available on the company’s website at www.scana.com.

Santee Cooper is South Carolina’s state-owned electric and water utility and the state’s largest power producer. The ultimate source of electricity for 2 million South Carolinians, Santee Cooper is dedicated to being the state’s leading resource for improving the quality of life for the people of South Carolina. For more information, visit www.santeecooper.com.

(SCANA)

David Hahn-Baker Circa 2012

2012-05-08T17:19:00.002-04:00

PRESIDENT'S CORNER

By Norris McDonald

David Hahn-Baker, Norris McDonald

Hooked up with my old buddy David Hahn-Baker today. He is Inside The Beltway for a board meeting and staying with a friend in Silver Spring. We met out there and Dave updated me on his work. Wow. The man is busy. But David was always ahead of his time. In fact, there was a time when Dave and I were the only blacks working in the DC-based environmental movement. My my how times have changed.

It was good to see Hahn-Baker. He is hobbled by MS and I carry the asthma cross. But we are still kicking. And evidently having the best times of our lives professionally. Dave is operating out of Buffalo now and is involved in a variety of issues, causes and environmental work.

David walks with a cane and uses a wheelchair for more extensive getting around. But my boy is still sharp of mind, if not fleet of foot.

We drove down to the part of Silver Spring near the Discovery Channel and found an outside place to eat. It was great to catch up and share some time. Baker, to me, is a legend. He cut quite the path in the environmental movement in the early 1980's. And though banged up a bit, he is as active as ever. We picked each others brains for ideas and broke bread together.

What a time. Dave, you still inspire me.

NRDC Profile

Santa Catalina Island

2012-05-08T00:38:00.001-04:00

PRESIDENT'S CORNER

By Norris McDonald

Recently, I had the pleasure of exploring Santa Catalina Island, which is 22 miles off the coast of California (from Long Beach). As a follow-up to our Compton To Catalina Program (CTC Program), I decided to really get to know the island. I took a few days to walk most of Avalon, the only incorporated city on the island. I had previously visited the island two times, once with my son and once with an investor to scope the island for a wood chip to electricity power plant we are promoting. My intent on this extended stay was to not only learn about the many activities that are available on the island, but to gain enough details to significantly enhance our Compton To Catalina Program. I would say goal was completely fulfilled.

I took the tour bus up to the Airport In The Sky. That was one scary ride. It twisted and turned around the mountain road. There were incredible views.

I took the Zip Line Eco Tour. That was fun. I will recommend it to CTC Program participants (but only if parents participate).

I played the 9-hole golf course. I played 18 holes by playing from the white tees first and the blue tees second. I like the course.

Other activities available on the island include para-sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, boat rental, golf cart rental, bike rental (including battery assist), submersible tour, glass bottom boat tour, stand up surf boat rental, Jeep Eco tours, hiking, camping, Segway rental, miniature golf, mini-bowling and arcade, swimming, pedal boats, and a climbing wall, among other activities. I think it was important for me to personally see all of these activities so that I can make appropriate arrangements for CTC Program participants to experience them.

The inner harbor area also has numerous retail shops, restaurants, eateries, hotels, a grocery store, drug store, post office and other facilities.

I stayed at the Zane Grey Pueblo Hotel. I highly recommend it because it has the best view of any reasonably-priced hotel in Avalon.

Will Allen: "The Good Food Revolution"

2012-05-07T18:04:00.001-04:00

Will Allen’s book THE GOOD FOOD REVOLUTION (Gotham Books, May 10) goes on sale this week.

Will’s journey as the son of a sharecropper, a stint as a pro basketball player and years as a successful corporate man for Proctor & Gamble and KFC, before returning to his roots and the earth. He has a MacArthur Grant, has been named a Time 100 Most Influential Person, and is a Forbes.com Most Influential Foodie, just to name a few.

President Bill Clinton said:

“From the plots of his Milwaukee urban farm to low-income communities across America, Will Allen has shown us a new type of heroism. Through The Good Food Revolution, Allen recounts his effort to reclaim his family’s heritage and, in doing so, confront lingering disparities in racial and economic justice. As the champion of a new and promising movement, Allen is skillfully leading Americans to face one of our greatest domestic issues – our health.”

Please do not hesitate to reach out for a copy of THE GOOD FOOD REVOLUTION for review/feature coverage.

Contact:

Beth Parker

Associate Director of Publicity

Gotham Books | Avery

375 Hudson St, 3rd Floor

New York, NY 10014

212-366-2213 | beth.parker@us.penguingroup.com

Compton To Catalina Program - 1st Trip

2012-05-02T07:32:00.003-04:00

1st Trip A Complete Success

The African American Environmentalist Association (AAEA) established a partnership with the Greater Union Baptist Church (GUBC) to operate an environmental tour called the “Compton To Catalina Program,” which takes students and other young people from Compton, California to Catalina Island. AAEA and the California Center for Economic Initiatives (CCFEI) are also partnering under the Compton To Catalina Program to expose Compton youth to boat repair and to provide technical training services.

AAEA initiated its Compton-To-Catalina Program on Saturday, April 21, 2012, which is the day before Earth Day. The program began with a press conference at the Greater Union Baptist Church in Compton, California. Participants then traveled to Long Beach, California to board the Catalina Express to make the one hour trip to the island. Once on Santa Catalina Island, the participants boarded the Emerald submersible to observe underwater life around the island. Finally, participants toured Southern California Edison's electricity generating plant at Pebbly Beach, the island's primary electricity generation source.

The Compton To Catalina Program is being operated thanks to a grant from Southern California Edison.

Long Version

The purpose of the program is to expose young people from Compton to the Pacific Ocean and an incredibly beautiful island. People take it for granted that the vast majority of these kids never get on the water and many people live their entire lives without directly experiencing the Pacific Ocean even though they live within five or ten miles of it. We believe that such early exposure to this environment could lead to a lifelong environmental stewardship ethic.

GUBC recruits people to participate in the Compton To Catalina (CTC) Program. AAEA makes arrangements for the tours and facilitates educational experiences for the students. Each is a daylong affair that includes transportation to Long Beach, where the tours originate. Participants have escorts at all times and activities on the island are arranged to maximize the environmental experience.

We utilize the transport services of Catalina Express. Passengers on board Catalina Express can expect to arrive in Catalina in about an hour from Long Beach. The Catalina Express fleet consists of eight high-speed vessels including four catamarans. The largest vessel in operation, the Catalina Jet has the capacity to carry nearly 500 passengers across the channel. Catalina Express offers up to 30 round trips daily

There are numerous activities available on Catalina Island, including: an Eco Tour Zip Line, hiking, biking, camping, swimming, snorkeling, diving, sightseeing, dining, shopping or relaxing, to name a few. Our main activities include a submersible ride to view submerged vegetation and fish species and an electricity power plant tour.

AAEA, GUBC and CCFEI are providing important environmental and technical services to the youth of Compton, California. This partnership provides a rich environmental experience for participants. AAEA will engage institutions and individuals to support the program.

Short Version

Green DMV, AME Church & Joint Center Partner For Energy

2012-04-12T08:28:00.001-04:00

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies today announced a partnership with AME Church Bishops Vashti Murphy McKenzie and Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr., and GREEN DMV to help local congregations raise their environmental awareness, make their churches more energy efficient and redirect cost savings to carry out the churches’ mission.

GREEN DMV, a non-profit organization that promotes the use of clean energy and the development of green jobs as a way out of poverty, will work with selected churches in the bishops’ districts to assess their energy use and to implement low- and no-cost strategies for reducing energy use. The results will be shared with other AME congregations when thousands convene in Nashville, June 27-July 4, for the 49th Quadrennial Session of the AME Church General Conference.

According to Bishops McKenzie and Richardson, this green initiative is built on the premise that environmental responsibility can be a part of a church’s stewardship, yielding both financial and community-oriented benefits.

The Environmental Protection Agency, which maintains an Energy Star Congregations Network to provide information and technical support for churches that want to go green, will provide guidance during the launch of the project. The EPA estimates that if the nation’s 370,000 congregations reduce energy use by 10 percent, they would save nearly $315 million and provide 1.8 billion kilowatt hours of electricity without additional cost or pollution.

The initiative is supported by a grant from the Walmart Foundation. (Green DMV Press Release)

Compton To Catalina Program

2012-03-29T19:27:00.004-04:00

Background

The African American Environmentalist Association (AAEA) established a partnership with the Greater Union Baptist Church (GUBC) to operate an environmental tour called the “Compton To Catalina Program,” which will take students and other young people from Compton, California to Catalina Island. AAEA and the California Center for Economic Initiatives (CCFEI) are also partnering under the Compton To Catalina Program to expose Compton youth to boat repair and to provide technical training services.

AAEA will be initiating its Compton-To-Catalina Program on Saturday, April 21, 2012, which is the day before Earth Day. The program will begin with a press conference at the Greater Union Baptist Church in Compton, California. Participants will then travel to Long Beach, California to board the Catalina Express to make the one hour trip to the island. Once on Santa Catalina Island, the participants will board the Nautilus to observe underwater life around the island. Finally, participants will tour Southern California Edison's Pebbly Beach Generating Station, the island's primary electricity generation source.

GUBC will recruit people to participate in the Compton To Catalina (CTC) Program. AAEA will make arrangements for the tours and facilitate educational experiences for the students. Each tour will be a daylong affair that will include transportation to Long Beach, where the tours will originate. Participants will have escorts at all times and activities on the island will be arranged to maximize the environmental experience.

We will utilize the services of Catalina Express. Passengers on board Catalina Express can expect to arrive in Catalina in about an hour from Long Beach. There are numerous activities available on Catalina Island, including: hiking, biking, camping, swimming, snorkeling, diving, sightseeing, dining, shopping or relaxing, to name a few. Our main activity will be a Nautilus submarine ride to view submerged vegetation and fish species.

AAEA, GUBC and CCFEI are providing important environmental and technical services to the youth of Compton, California. This partnership will provide a rich environmental experience for participants. We will engage as many churches, schools and other institutions as possible and we will also appeal to the greater Los Angeles community to support the program.

Call us today if you are interested in supporting this program: 443-569-5102 or email us at africanamericanenvironmentalist@msn.com

The Christian Green Movement

2012-03-29T17:56:00.000-04:00

The Christian-green movement has at its core the “Evangelical Climate Initiative,” a 2006 document that has now been signed by more than 200 prominent pastors and other religious leaders. It asserts that “human-induced climate change is real,” and calls on evangelicals to use more renewable energy and buy hybrid vehicles. Over the past several years, the cause has evolved from the objective of starting a conversation to targeting specific industries or practices. Christian environmentalists have also taken aim at proposed oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, among other things.

The movement bases its philosophy on the biblical ideas that Christians should never damage God’s world, and an admonition from Jesus to “protect and care for the least of these,” which the Climate Initiative says is a call to shield the poor, elderly and sick from the dangers of pollution.

The divide among Christians has centered on the creation accounts in Genesis. In the first chapter, God says on the sixth day, depending on the translation, that man will have “dominion” or will “reign over” the natural world. In the second, God creates the world and gives Adam naming power over its creatures.

Some Christian churches are taking a different tack on what “dominion” means. “It’s transitioning from a ‘God gave man dominion over the earth’ translation of the scriptures to a ‘God gave man responsibility over the Earth’ translation.

The movement has also led to a rift among Christians, as some high-profile leaders fear that churchgoers are letting themselves be used by secular activists. (Washington Times, 3/28/2012)

Press Release From OccupyEPA Organizers

2012-03-27T13:34:00.001-04:00

RALLY at EPA HEADQUARTERS - FRIDAY, MARCH 30th, 2012

For Immediate Release

OccupyEPA

Washington, DC - The organizers of the OccupyEPA and NOW DC will gather at Franklin Square Park (13th and I Streets NW) at noon on Friday, March 30, 2012 and march down 12th Street NW across Pennsylvania Avenue to rally on the EPA Headquarters front lawn on 12th Street at l:00 pm (outside the Federal Triangle Metro stop).
Four demands of the group are to:

Stop the WAR on Whistleblowers; Stop POLLUTING Low-Income Communities
Protect the CIVIL RIGHTS of Federal Employees
Protect PEOPLE, the PLANET and NOT Corporate Profits, and
Justice for TRAYVON MARTIN

Noam Chomsky, professor MIT, American linguist, philosopher, historian and activitist, has thrown his full support behind the march and rally by endorsing the action with a promotional video asking people to come out and join the group. This is in light of the President's recent decision to go forward with building the southern portion of the Trans-Canadian Pipeline and emphasizes the importance of speaking out now to protect our planet so that our children can have a future. Joining the march is well-known environmental activist Ralph Nader. Dr. Marsha Coleman-Adebayo, President of the "No Fear Institute" and author of "No Fear: A Whistleblowers Triumph Over Corruption at the EPA," and Susan Morris, civil rights activist and EPA Whistleblower, are Co-Chairs of the OccupyEPA march and movement. Speakers also include: Dr. Helen Calidcott, co-founder of "Physicians for Social Responsibility," an organization of 23,000 doctors committed to educating their colleagues about the dangers of nuclear power, weapons and war; Dr. Margaret Flowers, organizer of "OccupyWashingtonDC" and "NOW DC", a Congressional Fellow for Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP), and a Board member of "Healthcare-Now". Kevin Zeese, a co-Director of "Fix Our Economy.US", attorney and long-time advocate on a broad range of social-economic-justice issues and on the steering committee of the "Bradley-Manning Support Network; Joe Carson, a Department of Energy Whistleblower and activist for justice; Alexis Baden-Mayer representing the "Organic Consumers Association"; Lisa Longo an activist against fracking; Lawrence Lucas, "U.S. Department of Agriculture Coalition of Minority Employees" and supporter of Black farmers; King Downing, attorney and representative of the "Human Rights-Racial Justice Center"; Patrick McCann, a representative from "Veteran's for Peace"; and a representative from the "Gray Panthers" and OccupyWashington, OccupyDC and OccupyEPA groups.

The presence of hundreds of people at the EPA on March 30th will send a clear message that the 99% are watching and are demanding that the EPA do it's job to protect people and the planet instead of corporate profits. Participants will carry signs telling the EPA why a sustainable future is important to them - for the lives of their children and future generations, for the beauty and diversity of plant and animal life, for clean air and water. The struggle of the 99% is a struggle for justice and for the very existence of human life on the planet. The EPA represents some of the worst policies put forth by the 1% - those that exploit people and the planet for greed and profit. We will not allow this practice to continue.

The organizers are asking families to join the march that will include live alpaca and "Snowflake the Polar Bear." There will also be music and entertainment.

For more information, visit: www.occupyepa.com and nowdc.org - Media/Volunteers contact Dr. Marsha Coleman-Adebayo (240-731-9577) or Dr. Margaret Flowers (410-591-0892)

AAEA Presents Testimony at DEC EJ Hearing

2012-03-08T18:50:00.000-05:00

AAEA presented a statement on Tuesday before the New York Department of Environmental Conservation at a hearing at the New York Department of Public Service addressing the proposed Article 10 environmental justice regulations.

FULL STATEMENT

Excerpts

Norris McDonald (ALJ Daniel O'Connell)

We commend the New York State Legislature for passing a new Article 10 law. We thank Governor Andrew Cuomo for signing the legislation into law. We commend the New York State Department of Public Service for promulgating Article 10 regulations. We commend the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Office of Environmental Justice (EJ) for promulgating the Article 10 environmental justice regulations.

AAEA recommends that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) should replace the one-half mile radius designated in the proposed regulation as the Impact Study Area to be two (2) miles. Section 487.4: Defining the Impact Study Area, should be modified to state that: (a) At a minimum, the Impact Study Area must be the geographic area that is encompassed within a two mile radius around the proposed location of the facility. We believe the one-half mile area is too small and will limit the effectiveness of the environmental justice analysis. The expanded impact area designation is needed in order to include more facilities in the assessment of whether an area suffers from disproportionate environmental impacts. Although the applicant is given the option of increasing the Impact Study Area based on site-specific factors, we believe the regulation should specifically refer to the two mile radius. We also recommend the two mile designation for the alternate locations.

The Article 10 law allows for, 'A cumulative impact analysis of air quality within a half-mile of the facility, or other radius as determined by standards established by Department of Environmental Conservation regulations..."

We are concerned that ozone is not included as part of the cumulative air impact analysis. Although the other five criteria pollutants are included, ozone is probably the most important pollutant in terms of health impacts as related to environmental justice. The proposed regulation states that, "The procedures identified in 6 NYCRR Part 231 for assessing ozone precursor emissions will satisfy the requirement of this section for the cumulative impact analysis." We disagree. We understand that the procedure is fine within the context of evaluation under the federal New Source Review Program, but it does not include a framework for considering environmental justice. Thus, by separating out this important pollutant, it could undermine the effectiveness of the cumulative impact analysis. Because ozone is excluded in the Article 10 law, we would suggest that the applicant utilize the ozone precursors of volatile organic compounds and oxides of nitrogen to assess equivalent effects.

Steven Chu To Help Kill Grassroots EJ Conference?

2012-03-08T08:52:00.000-05:00

The Department of Energy Is Using Its Power To Replace Original Conference

It appears that Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Steven Chu is going to lend his office, money and authority to replace an environmental justice conference that has been successfully implemented for the past five years. Incredibly, Secretary Chu never participated in the grassroots-organized conference, but now that a DOE employee has decided to replace the original grassroots conference with a federal government sponsored conference, the secretary is advertised as speaking at the department conference. Does Secretary Chu really believe this is the best use of government money? Does he think this is the best way to create jobs in the private sector?

It is unconscionable that a multibillion-dollar federal agency would use its power to crush a multi-thousand dollar, grassroots-organized conference. Click here for specifics on the situation. This federal government coup d'etat includes everything from cooping sponsors to even tapping into the speakers list from the original conference. The DOE-sponsored conference initially tried to advertise itself as the 6th Annual Conference until there were complaints. Frankly, we have never seen a more blatant abuse of power in the history of the environmental justice movement. It is this sort of activity that has led Occupy Wall Street to challenge abuse of power.

The federal conference is scheduled a week after the original grassroots conference. This is not an effort at a legitimate supplement to the environmental justice dialogue, it is a blatant effort to destroy the grassroots conference. If Secretary Chu has no more sensitivity than to be a party to this injustice, he should consider resigning. The grassroots conference might survive this year in the face of this significant and unfair competitor, but it surely cannot last going forward if the U.S. DOE is intent upon replacing it.

Again, it is a sad day for the Obama administration when one of its cabinet members supports the replacement of a very successful grassroots conference just because one department employee chose to part ways with the original grassroots conference coordinator. It is enough to make one cynical.

African American Woman-Owned Solar Company

2012-03-01T21:52:00.000-05:00

Unlimited Energy Solar Solutions (UESS) is a 27 year old full-service installation and consulting firm specializing in solar integration systems for commercial, residential, municipal and agricultural customers. UESS serves the western US energy markets from Texas to Hawaii. Currently, about 35% of their business services the residential market, with 15 % representing agricultural, 20% municipal and 30% representing commercial class plant construction.

Unlimited Energy Solar Solutions, Inc is owned & operated by Ms. Vernice Creese, right, who is the President & CEO. UESS has installed over 20 million watts, with over 5000 projects completed from the time of our inception. All key personnel are factory certified by every major equipment manufacturer we represent. We specialize in the design, sales and installation of solar equipment and systems for residential, commercial, municipal customers. UESS, Inc. operates under California State License #957378 with multiple certifications; C-46 Solar and B-General Contractor.

Certifications: Women Minority Business Enterprise (WMBE), Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and Section 3 Certification.

The White House Recognizes: Dru Ealons

2012-02-29T17:11:00.001-05:00

Each year America recognizes the month of February as National African American History Month. America reflects and celebrates the heritage and legacy of African Americans and many of their achievements. The theme for this year’s African American History Month is focusing on, “Black Women in American Culture and History.” In his 2012 proclamation, President Obama says, “During National African American History Month, we pay tribute to the contributions of past generations and reaffirm our commitment to keeping the American dream alive for the next generation.”

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Dru Ealons

Dru Ealons is a Presidential appointee in the Obama Administration. She serves at the Environmental Protection Agency as the Director for the Office of Public Engagement. Dru is responsible for the strategic development and implementation of EPA’s public engagement efforts on behalf of Administrator Lisa P. Jackson.

Prior to joining EPA, in 2010, Dru worked as the director of development for Pathways, a homeless shelter for women and children in Birmingham, Alabama. In this role, she served as the chief fundraising officer, managed Pathway’s board of directors and served as the official spokesperson for the Agency. Dru has also worked as the diversity and community relations executive for Southern Progress Corporation, a magazine and book publishing corporation.

Dru received her undergraduate degree in Marketing and Human Resource Management from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama and currently resides in Silver Spring, MD with her husband Corey and her young son, Maxwell.

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What achievements are you most proud of being a successful black woman?

I’ve received several awards, from being honored by a service organization in Birmingham as Woman of the Year to Ebony magazine’s 30 under 30. Now that I’m well past 30 and I look back over my life, I’m most proud of the woman that I’ve become. My spiritual life throughout my journey, the trials and the triumphs, have shaped me into the woman I am today. So, make no mistake about it, my greatest achievement is from allowing God to be the pilot of my life. To that end, my success comes from above and I’m very proud of that.

There are countless distinguished and notable black women of the past such as, Rosa Parks, Sojourner Truth, and pioneer Harriet Tubman, which historical figure would you say inspired you the most as a black woman?

I think I’m most inspired by Shirley Chisholm. What reigns as a theme of my life’s work stems from her quote “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” This has been a guiding principle of my life and I hope my “dash” represents the sentiment of this quote.

What service do you feel you have to represent the historically prominent black women that have come before you?

Throughout my career, I’ve always chosen opportunities that provided service to the greater good, rather than an opportunity that would serve me best (financial gain, fame, etc.). I believe powerful prominent women that came before me, always sought opportunities that will benefit the well-being of others. They were selfless servant leaders that improved the lives around them. I only hope that my life reflects the same commitment of service to all mankind.

Many black women were pioneers of their time and serve as role models today. Reflecting on your personal journey through life, what advice would you impart on the next generation of black girls for them to be successful and be the next generation of leaders?

I would tell them, you are more than a conqueror. Recognize you are standing on the shoulders of others and they’ve already paved the way. Discover the strength you have within and know that you have the power to be victorious to achieve your goals. And always ask yourself “Is there anything too hard for God?”

During the State of the Union Address, President Obama laid out his blueprint for an America built to last. Explain what you believe is the most important aspect of the President’s address?

The substance of the blueprint is extraordinary. Our President was clear and concise about the direction and vision he has for our great country. But beyond the substance, which is very important, for me it was the tone in which our President delivered the blueprint for an America Built to Last. It was his fight, his determination, his strength and confidence that he cares for us all. It reminded me of the sentiment of his 2004 speech when he said “I believe we have the righteous wind at our backs and that as we stand on the crossroads of history, we can make the right choices, and meet the challenges that face us”. He reminded all of us, that by putting our differences aside, together we have the blueprint for an America Built to Last. Together we will meet the challenges that face us.

Black History Month

2012-02-27T19:16:00.000-05:00

By Administrator Lisa P. Jackson

Black Women in History and Culture

Excerpts

As an African American woman, this has been a time for me to reflect on the women who ensured that my generation would have every possible opportunity.

Without the work of African American women through the years, my life and the lives of millions of Americans would not be what they are today.

During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s, the Montgomery Bus Boycotts started with the actions of an African American woman: Rosa Parks, refusing to move to the back of the bus. Throughout the movement, women like Septima Clark, Coretta Scott King, Ella Baker, Myrlie Evers, Fannie Lou Hamer and others marched and spoke and worked to make our nation a more equal place, where men and women of every race had the same fair shot.

The work of African American women through the years shows us how to fulfill the promise of this great nation, and move us all toward a more perfect union. Now it is our turn.

FULL STATEMENT

AAEA Supports Obama's "All Of The Above" Energy Strategy

2012-02-24T08:23:00.001-05:00

Excerpts

We’re taking every possible action to develop, safely, a near hundred-year supply of natural gas in this country -- something that experts believe will support more than 600,000 jobs by the end of the decade. We supported the first new nuclear power plant in three decades. Our cooperation with the private sector has positioned this country to be the world’s leading manufacturer of high-tech batteries that will power the next generation of American cars -- that use less oil; maybe don't use any oil at all.

And after three decades of inaction, we put in place the toughest fuel economy standards in history for our cars and pickup trucks -– and the first standards ever for heavy-duty trucks. And because we did this, our cars will average nearly 55 miles per gallon by the middle of the next decade. That's nearly double what they get today.

I said this at the State of the Union -- a century of subsidies to the oil companies is long enough. (Applause.) It’s time to end taxpayer giveaways to an industry that has never been more profitable; double down on clean energy industries that have never been more promising -- that's what we need to do. (Applause.) This Congress needs to renew the clean energy tax credits that will lead to more jobs and less dependence on foreign oil. The potential of a sustained, all-of-the-above energy strategy is all around us.

FULL SPEECH

2012 Changing of the Chairs

2012-02-17T18:05:00.002-05:00

AAEA Supports Environmental Evangelical Network on Mercury

2012-02-10T08:34:00.001-05:00

The Environmental Evangelical Network (EEN) supports the new EPA mercury pollution rules as a “pro-life” position. EEN is under attack from the religious right over its campaign in favor of EPA’s new restrictions on mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants – rules that EEN calls vital to protecting the health of the unborn. EEN states:

“We believe protecting the unborn from mercury poisoning is a consistent pro-life position. An issue that impacts the unborn – that’s where we resonate as a pro-life organization.”

EEN works with the National Association of Evangelicals and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in support of cutting mercury emissions. EEN position is to protect the unborn from both abortion and “pollution that will harm their quality of life.”

The group, whose president testified in favor of EPA’s rules on Capitol Hill Wednesday, is under attack from Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser and a suite of other prominent religious conservatives. Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), a persistent critic of EPA regulations, also joined the religious right leaders in bashing EEN's campaign.

Republicans and some business groups call the rule burdensome. Republicans are continuing to attack the regulation after the House voted last year to scuttle it (the Senate didn’t follow suit).

EEN’s campaign in favor of the regulations has included TV ads, radio spots and billboards that urge lawmakers – including several pro-life senators – to defend the rule because it protects the unborn.

Mercury harms the nervous systems of children exposed in the womb and can impair learning and early development, among other harms associated with emissions of the toxic substance, according to EPA. (The Hill, 2/10/2012)

DOE EJ Conference: Is It Needed?

2012-02-04T14:01:00.001-05:00

PRESIDENT'S CORNER

By Norris McDonald

John Rosenthall and Melinda Downing are the principals behind the two environmental justice conferences scheduled for April. Rosenthall originated and coordinated The Environmental Justice in America conferences for the past five years. Downing is the U.S. Department of Energy's Environmental Justice Program Manager. DOE also contributed to the Rosenthall coordinated EJ conference. The two evidently 'parted ways' sometime last year and Downing apparently decided to organize a separate EJ conference the week after the original conference in April.

I have some questions and concerns about this situation. Full disclosure: Rosenthall is an old friend and Downing is a professional acquaintance. How and why did DOE decide to hold a competing conference? Is the DOE conference an attempt to eliminate the original conference? Although we cannot have enough EJ conferences, will it be a good thing if the DOE EJ conference ends up replacing the original EJ conference? Is the DOE EJ conference the decision of one individual? Should DOE funding be used to eliminate a grassroots EJ conference?

The National Environmental Justice Advisory Committee (NEJAC) that was established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency more or less replaced the grassroots organized environemental justice conferences (1992 and 2002). It was not until Rosenthall organized The State of Environmental Justice In America Conference 2007 that the grassroots produced an annual conference. The U.S. Department of Energy was one of other federal agencies to cosponsor and provide financial support for the grassroots EJ conference. Now, evidently because she no longer chooses to work with Mr. Rosenthall, Downing commissioned a separate EJ conference.

Is this efficient? Will this be effective? Is this the best use of government funds. Will this give the DOE a bad image in the EJ community? Is this the way to demonstrate private sector job creation? Two competing environmental justice conferences? Can Rosenthall compete with a multibillion dollar federal agency? Will other federal agencies support both conferences or eventually decide to just support the DOE EJ conference?

I simply think it is the height of folly if a government employee's whim could lead to the demise of what has been a very successful environmental justice conference.

Conservative Black Forum

2012-02-03T20:31:00.001-05:00

Monday morning, Florida Republican Allen West brought black officials and community leaders from around the country to Capitol Hill for discussions on issues regarding unemployment in the black community, conservative values, and social disparity in urban communities.

During the event, panel members also tackled the issue of the overall negative perception of black conservatives in the black community. Rep. West urged his African-American Republican brethren to be more vocal.

Following the discussion, panelists fielded questions from audience members. Panel participants included:

• Rep. Tim Scott (R-SC)
• Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH)
• Former Rep. J.C. Watts (R-OK)
• Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO)

The Lancet Report Measures Global Malaria Rates

2012-02-03T08:31:00.001-05:00

Malaria Mortality Burden Larger Than Previously Estimated

Malaria Map

Methods: Researchers systematically collected all available data for malaria mortality for the period 1980—2010, correcting for misclassification bias. Researchers developed a range of predictive models, including ensemble models, to estimate malaria mortality with uncertainty by age, sex, country, and year. Researchers used key predictors of malaria mortality such as Plasmodium falciparum parasite prevalence, first-line antimalarial drug resistance, and vector control.

Findings: Global malaria deaths increased from 995,000 in 1980 to a peak of 1,817,000 in 2004, decreasing to 1,238 000 in 2010. In Africa, malaria deaths increased from 493,000 in 1980 to 1,613 000 in 2004, decreasing by about 30% to 1,133,000 in 2010. Outside of Africa, malaria deaths have steadily decreased from 502,000 in 1980 to 104,000 in 2010. The report estimated more deaths in individuals aged 5 years or older than has been estimated in previous studies: 435,000 deaths in Africa and 89 000 deaths outside of Africa in 2010.

Interpretation: The findings show that the malaria mortality burden is larger than previously estimated, especially in adults. There has been a rapid decrease in malaria mortality in Africa because of the scaling up of control activities supported by international donors. Donor support, however, needs to be increased if malaria elimination and eradication and broader health and development goals are to be met.

Funding: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

AAEA supports the use of DDT and other pesticides to help in eliminating malaria, particularly in Africa.

(The Lancet, See also Wash Post, 2/3/2012)

Juan Williams Gets Racial Political Climate Right

2012-01-30T09:04:00.001-05:00

'12 Racial Code Words Obscure Real Issues'

By Juan Williams

Excerpts:

The language of GOP racial politics is heavy on euphemisms that allow the speaker to deny any responsibility for the racial content of his message. The code words in this game are “entitlement society” — as used by Mitt Romney — and “poor work ethic” and “food stamp president” — as used by Newt Gingrich. References to a lack of respect for the “Founding Fathers” and the “Constitution” also make certain ears perk up by demonizing anyone supposedly threatening core “old-fashioned American values.”

Just last week, the Labor Department reported that while the national unemployment rate fell slightly, black unemployment rose again from 15.5 percent to 15.8 percent and from 39.6 percent to 42.1 percent among young black people. The same report showed 11 percent of Hispanics are unemployed.

The problem is not a lack of work ethic on the part of the poor, who are disproportionately minorities. The problem is there are few good jobs for blue-collar people with the best work ethic.

Poverty, unemployment and the hopelessness that pervade minority communities are real issues that the GOP nominee, and President Obama for that matter, should address in this campaign.

(The Hill, 1/30/2012)