Tonight, from 6:30-8:30pm on Governor's Street at the Virginia Capitol (between East Main and East Broad, Richmond VA), the Chesapeake Climate Action Network is holding a candlelight vigil against two proposed gas pipelines, the Mountain Valley and Atlantic Coast pipelines. Last week, the Department of Environmental Quality rubber-stamped necessary permits for the Mountain View pipeline despite the lack of substantive environmental review. The state Water Control Board is meeting today and tomorrow to decide if it will permit the Atlantic Coast pipeline.
McAuliffe has the power to put a stop to both projects, but he's chosen to heed the big donors in the energy sector. The only way to flip him is to demonstrate such overwhelming and disruptive opposition to the pipelines that he understands that his continuing support will incur serious political consequences.
For more info and to RSVP, see the event page. If you have questions or can't find the vigil, call Jamshid Bakhtiari at 757-386-8107.
Showing posts with label environmentalism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label environmentalism. Show all posts
Monday, December 11, 2017
Sunday, December 10, 2017
Two vital State Water Control Board meetings this week
We've got two important State Water Control Board meetings coming up tomorrow and Tuesday (December 11th and 12th 2017). The Water Control Board will be considering- and attempting to approve- permits for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. Last week, they rubber-stamped approvals for the Mountain Valley Pipeline, which has not yet had a substantive environmental impact review. Go over to No ACP, Free Nelson, and Appalachian Voices for more information. It's very important that the public show up to oppose this pipeline; come for a day, come for an hour, just come for however long you can.
Both the December 11th and 12th meetings will begin at 9:30am, and be held at the Trinity Family Life Center (3601 Dill Road, Richmond VA).
If the meeting regarding the Mountain Valley Pipeline is any indication, there will be a substantial police presence.
Pipelines and other fossil fuel related infrastructure are dangerous. Not just in terms of leaks and explosions, although those things will definitely happen and definitely devastate the communities and ecosystems around the project, but in terms of the existential threat posed by climate change. Every multi-billion-dollar pipeline like this is the energy industry doubling-down on climate-change-accelerating power sources. Do you think Dominion Power will bother investing in renewables if it's got a pipeline to send natural gas to harbors for export? Of course not; renewables just aren't a substantive part of their plans, not because they're untenable, but because they will be somewhat less profitable during the transition. We can't just sit by while the architects of the climate apocalypse speed up the disaster.
Both the December 11th and 12th meetings will begin at 9:30am, and be held at the Trinity Family Life Center (3601 Dill Road, Richmond VA).
If the meeting regarding the Mountain Valley Pipeline is any indication, there will be a substantial police presence.
Pipelines and other fossil fuel related infrastructure are dangerous. Not just in terms of leaks and explosions, although those things will definitely happen and definitely devastate the communities and ecosystems around the project, but in terms of the existential threat posed by climate change. Every multi-billion-dollar pipeline like this is the energy industry doubling-down on climate-change-accelerating power sources. Do you think Dominion Power will bother investing in renewables if it's got a pipeline to send natural gas to harbors for export? Of course not; renewables just aren't a substantive part of their plans, not because they're untenable, but because they will be somewhat less profitable during the transition. We can't just sit by while the architects of the climate apocalypse speed up the disaster.
Thursday, August 24, 2017
Help NO ACP with their Resistance Bus
NO ACP, the pipeline resistance group, has obtained a bus. They’re raising money to help refurbish it so that they can use it in their efforts to preserve the environment and assist other organizations.
Saturday, April 8, 2017
RVA Earth Day 2017
Saturday, April 22nd 2017. from 12-7pm, in Manchester around Plant Zero (7 East 3rd Street, Richmond VA), the RVA Earth Day 2017 festival will take place. The celebration will feature food, music, art, vendors, live music, and more.
Net proceeds from the festival will go to FeedRVA, which administers a funding system which matches the dollars spent through SNAP (food stamps) at area farmer's markets, doubling their spending power.
For more info and to RSVP, see this link.
Net proceeds from the festival will go to FeedRVA, which administers a funding system which matches the dollars spent through SNAP (food stamps) at area farmer's markets, doubling their spending power.
For more info and to RSVP, see this link.
Sunday, April 2, 2017
Save the Date: March for Science in Richmond, Virginia
A local March for Science is being planned for April 22nd, 2017, to coincide with the national event in Washington DC. The event calls for environmentalists, people in scientific fields, educators, students, and activists to protest the anti-science agenda of the climate-denialist, environmentally-destructive Trump administration.
For more info and to RSVP, see this link.
For more info and to RSVP, see this link.
Friday, March 17, 2017
Environmental Defense Fund Benefit Show at Strange Matter
Friday, March 31st 2017, from 8pm-2am, at Strange Matter (929 West Grace Street, Richmond VA), there will be a benefit show for the Environmental Defense Fund. The evening will feature the following acts: Prisoner, Anti-Christ Siege Machine, Coteries, With Sympathy, and R-Complex.
$5 or more at the door. Doors open at 8pm, music starts at 9. The venue is wheelchair accessible with accessible, multi-stall, non-sex-segregated bathrooms.
For more info and to RSVP, see this link. To add this event to your Google Calendar, click here.
$5 or more at the door. Doors open at 8pm, music starts at 9. The venue is wheelchair accessible with accessible, multi-stall, non-sex-segregated bathrooms.
For more info and to RSVP, see this link. To add this event to your Google Calendar, click here.
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
All-Day Strange Matter Benefit for the Standing Rock Protesters
Saturday, March 25th 2017, from 2pm-2am, Strange Matter (929 West Grace Street, Richmond VA) is hosting an all-day event to benefit the legal defense fund for the Standing Rock pipeline protesters. The day will begin with a market (2-6pm), followed by an all-ages-welcome benefit show (6-11pm), and concluding with a 18+-only dance party (11pm-2am).
The market is free to the public, with all vendor fees going to Standing Rock. The benefit show has a $5-20 suggested donation at the door, and the dance party suggests a $5+ donation.
For a full list of acts, vendors, and other participants, see the link. The venue is wheelchair accessible with accessible, multi-stall, unisex bathrooms. Street parking only. For more info and to RSVP, see this link.
The market is free to the public, with all vendor fees going to Standing Rock. The benefit show has a $5-20 suggested donation at the door, and the dance party suggests a $5+ donation.
For a full list of acts, vendors, and other participants, see the link. The venue is wheelchair accessible with accessible, multi-stall, unisex bathrooms. Street parking only. For more info and to RSVP, see this link.
Sunday, February 26, 2017
Seas Are Rising, So Are We— Press Conference at the Virginia Capitol
Tuesday, February 28th 2017, from 12-1pm, at the Bell Tower on Capitol Square (101 North 9th Street, Richmond VA), the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter is joining with communities impacted by sea level rise to give a press conference outside of the governor's climate work group meeting. Join them to demand that our elected officials listen to the people who will be most harmed by sea level rise, not just the big polluters with big money. From the event description:
"Together we will ask that the governor urgently cuts carbon pollution in Virginia as sea level rise endangers Virginians’ public safety, financial security and well-being. We will call for carbon pollution from power plants to be reduced at least 30% by the year 2030."
For more info and to RSVP, see this link.
"Together we will ask that the governor urgently cuts carbon pollution in Virginia as sea level rise endangers Virginians’ public safety, financial security and well-being. We will call for carbon pollution from power plants to be reduced at least 30% by the year 2030."
For more info and to RSVP, see this link.
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
RVA Solidarity Rally Against the KXL and DAPL Pipeline Executive Orders
Today, January 24th 2017, from 6-7pm, at VCU's Compass Plaza (900 Park Avenue, Richmond VA), there will be a rally against the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines. Trump announced today that both embattled projects, which threaten the land and water of the areas they traverse and the global climate, will be moving forward.
For more info and to RSVP, see the link.
For more info and to RSVP, see the link.
Monday, January 23, 2017
2017 General Assembly Legislative Updates 1/23: Bathroom Bill's down, Day of Tears passed, and we have some environmental work to do
A brief update on the 2017 Virginia General Assembly:
HB 1612, the Anti-Trans Bathroom Bill, is Dead
Del. Bob Marshall's anti-transgender bathroom bill, HB 1612, was killed in the House general laws subcommittee (composed of 2 Democrats and 5 Republicans). This bill would require that public institutions ensure that transgender people only used sex-segregated facilities (bathrooms, locker rooms, etc) which corresponded to the sex on their birth certificate, rather than their gender identity and presentation. It would also require schools to out transgender or possibly-transgender children to their parents within 24 hours.
It looks like there are two factors which played a role in the bill's defeat: the certainty that Governor Terry McAuliffe would veto the bill, and the example of North Carolina's strong opposition to HB 2, their own Bathroom Bill passed last year. Let's give a hand to our comrades and allies down in NC, who showed the subcommittee the kind of storm they'd be in for if they voted the bill on. Here's the Richmond Times-Dispatch's story on the bill's death.
HR 268, Resolution Declaring Roe v. Wade Day the "Day of Tears," Passes the House
Del. Benjamin Cline's bill declaring January 22nd the "Day of Tears," during which the legislature encourages private flags to be flown at half-mast to "mourn the lives lost to abortion," passed the House in a vote of 57-36. This won't make any practical difference in the availability of abortion to Virginians, but is an attempt to shame and vilify people who have made a medical decision about their own body.
You can see how your representative voted here. Because this item is a resolution, not a bill, the governor doesn't get a veto, and it seems likely that it will pass the Senate.
Set of Bills Submitted to Hide the Chemicals Used in Fracking
This one involves two sets of bills. The first set, HB 1678 and SB 1292, would exempt information deemed trade secrets from Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The next set, HB 1679 and SB 1291, would define the chemicals used to stimulate wells in hydraulic gas fracturing (fracking) as trade secrets, and exempt them from disclosure under FOIA.
These bills, introduced by Del. Roxanne Robinson and Sen. Ben Chafin, would shield gas companies from public scrutiny; scrutiny which is sorely needed. Fracking works like this: a well is drilled in a shale formation which is interspersed with natural gas. A high-pressure mix of water and chemicals are injected into the well, to stimulate the gas extraction. This process forces the fracking mix into the aquifer (where drinking water comes from if you have a well).
Essentially: gas companies can do what they want, and if you're poisoned because they do it near your well, good luck proving it. You can write a letter to your reps using this form the Sierra Club has set up.
HB 1612, the Anti-Trans Bathroom Bill, is Dead
Del. Bob Marshall's anti-transgender bathroom bill, HB 1612, was killed in the House general laws subcommittee (composed of 2 Democrats and 5 Republicans). This bill would require that public institutions ensure that transgender people only used sex-segregated facilities (bathrooms, locker rooms, etc) which corresponded to the sex on their birth certificate, rather than their gender identity and presentation. It would also require schools to out transgender or possibly-transgender children to their parents within 24 hours.
It looks like there are two factors which played a role in the bill's defeat: the certainty that Governor Terry McAuliffe would veto the bill, and the example of North Carolina's strong opposition to HB 2, their own Bathroom Bill passed last year. Let's give a hand to our comrades and allies down in NC, who showed the subcommittee the kind of storm they'd be in for if they voted the bill on. Here's the Richmond Times-Dispatch's story on the bill's death.
HR 268, Resolution Declaring Roe v. Wade Day the "Day of Tears," Passes the House
Del. Benjamin Cline's bill declaring January 22nd the "Day of Tears," during which the legislature encourages private flags to be flown at half-mast to "mourn the lives lost to abortion," passed the House in a vote of 57-36. This won't make any practical difference in the availability of abortion to Virginians, but is an attempt to shame and vilify people who have made a medical decision about their own body.
You can see how your representative voted here. Because this item is a resolution, not a bill, the governor doesn't get a veto, and it seems likely that it will pass the Senate.
Set of Bills Submitted to Hide the Chemicals Used in Fracking
This one involves two sets of bills. The first set, HB 1678 and SB 1292, would exempt information deemed trade secrets from Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The next set, HB 1679 and SB 1291, would define the chemicals used to stimulate wells in hydraulic gas fracturing (fracking) as trade secrets, and exempt them from disclosure under FOIA.
These bills, introduced by Del. Roxanne Robinson and Sen. Ben Chafin, would shield gas companies from public scrutiny; scrutiny which is sorely needed. Fracking works like this: a well is drilled in a shale formation which is interspersed with natural gas. A high-pressure mix of water and chemicals are injected into the well, to stimulate the gas extraction. This process forces the fracking mix into the aquifer (where drinking water comes from if you have a well).
Essentially: gas companies can do what they want, and if you're poisoned because they do it near your well, good luck proving it. You can write a letter to your reps using this form the Sierra Club has set up.
Sunday, November 27, 2016
Gathering in Support of Standing Rock
This Saturday, December 3rd 2016, from 10am-5pm, in Byrd Park (600 Swan Lake Drive, Richmond VA), there will be a gathering in support of the Standing Rock Sioux in their resistance against the Dakota Access Pipeline. Free, open to the public.
For more info and to RSVP, see this link. To add this to your Google Calendar, click here.
For more info and to RSVP, see this link. To add this to your Google Calendar, click here.
"Troubled Water: Voices from Bath" Anti-Atlantic Coast Pipeline Premiere in Richmond, VA
Wednesday, November 30th 2016, from 6:30-10:30pm, at the Hofheimer Building (2818 West Broad Street, Richmond VA), the multi-media anti-Atlantic Coast Pipeline project, "Troubled Water: Voices from Bath," will have its Richmond debut. From the event description:
"Troubled Water: Voices from Bath is a multi-media, multi-perspective experience, addressing issues of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP) and the potential impacts in Bath County, VA. Through exquisite photos and a moving documentary-style film, this project shares stories of Bath residents, their history, relationship with the land and dreams for it. It gives voice to those with deep understanding of the unique environment of the Bath County area and, above all, illustrates and magnifies the highly personal ways the ACP is affecting the vibrant community and magnificent environment of Bath County and the heartlands of Virginia."
Free, open to the public. For more info and to RSVP, see this link. To add this event to your Google calendar, see this link.
"Troubled Water: Voices from Bath is a multi-media, multi-perspective experience, addressing issues of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP) and the potential impacts in Bath County, VA. Through exquisite photos and a moving documentary-style film, this project shares stories of Bath residents, their history, relationship with the land and dreams for it. It gives voice to those with deep understanding of the unique environment of the Bath County area and, above all, illustrates and magnifies the highly personal ways the ACP is affecting the vibrant community and magnificent environment of Bath County and the heartlands of Virginia."
Free, open to the public. For more info and to RSVP, see this link. To add this event to your Google calendar, see this link.
Friday, November 25, 2016
No DAPL! Black Friday Campaign for Standing Rock
Today, Friday November 25th 2016, from 12-5pm, at Gallery 5 (200 West Marshall Street, Richmond VA), the Richmond Independent Zine Library is holding a letter writing/call in event to pressure public officials to support the Standing Rock water protectors in their fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline. These brave protesters, lead by the Sioux Nation whose land has been stolen to undertake this environmentally disastrous project, have been out in the field for months, and are facing intense violence from local law enforcement and private security. From the event description:
"Join us in the Richmond Independent Zine Library at Gallery 5 for a letter writing campaign to our representatives and a phone bank to jam the lines and ask that the various agencies who've sent people to attack the Water Protectors bring their people home. This thanksgiving the only thanks should be given to the Water Protectors who are putting their lives and health on the line to stand for what is right. While we may not be able to put our bodies at the Standing Rock Camp or even our money, we can still take action!
We will have supplies and snacks, but if you have some to share, do contribute! If you're planning to make calls, you will need your own cell phone. Laptops are not required, but if you prefer typing, please feel free to bring your laptop."
For more info and to RSVP, see this link.
"Join us in the Richmond Independent Zine Library at Gallery 5 for a letter writing campaign to our representatives and a phone bank to jam the lines and ask that the various agencies who've sent people to attack the Water Protectors bring their people home. This thanksgiving the only thanks should be given to the Water Protectors who are putting their lives and health on the line to stand for what is right. While we may not be able to put our bodies at the Standing Rock Camp or even our money, we can still take action!
We will have supplies and snacks, but if you have some to share, do contribute! If you're planning to make calls, you will need your own cell phone. Laptops are not required, but if you prefer typing, please feel free to bring your laptop."
For more info and to RSVP, see this link.
Monday, November 14, 2016
Richmond, VA Stands with the Standing Rock Sioux– #NoDAPL
Tomorrow, November 15th, is a National Day of Solidarity with the Standing Rock water protectors. From 12-1pm, at the Richmond office of the Army Corps of Engineers (9100 Arboretum Parkway #235, North Chesterfield VA), there will be a rally to call on the Corps to revoke the permits necessary for the Dakota Access Pipeline.
Routed through an American Indian nation to avoid endangering North Dakota's white communities, the pipeline threatens the reservation's only water source. The resistance has been met with repeated, continuing brutality, but has persevered and is now the largest gathering of American Native tribes in 100 years. Let's show our support. #NoDAPL!
For more info and to RSVP, see this link. Direct questions to Glen Besa at glenbesasierraclub@gmail.com.
Routed through an American Indian nation to avoid endangering North Dakota's white communities, the pipeline threatens the reservation's only water source. The resistance has been met with repeated, continuing brutality, but has persevered and is now the largest gathering of American Native tribes in 100 years. Let's show our support. #NoDAPL!
For more info and to RSVP, see this link. Direct questions to Glen Besa at glenbesasierraclub@gmail.com.
Monday, October 24, 2016
"Money, Cash, VCU: Wealth Hoarding and the Corporate University" with Divest VCU for Climate Justice
This Thursday, October 27th 2016, from 8-9:30pm, in VCU's Founder's Hall (827 West Franklin Street, Richmond VA), Divest VCU for Climate Justice is holding an informative presentation on neoliberalism, the capitalist freedom-means-liberty-to-pursue-profit ideology of modern America, and how it influences universities. DivestVCU will propose means for students to get involved in fighting the deleterious influences of the corporate university.
Free. Though this event is of specific interest to students, it is open to the general public. The venue is accessible from the Shafer Court entrance.
"Some New Thoughts About Climate Change" with William Nelson of the Citizens' Climate Lobby
Today, October 24th 2016, at 12:30pm, at St. Luke Lutheran Church (7757 Chippenham Parkway, Richmond VA), William Nelson of the Richmond chapter of the Citizens' Climate Lobby, a grassroots organization which advocates for fighting climate change through reducing fossil fuel use by imposing a carbon fee, will give a presentation titled "Some New Thoughts About Climate Change."
There are active chapters of CCL in Alexandria, Fairfax, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Lynchburg, McLean, Heathsville, and Richmond. To learn more about the Richmond chapter, see the link.
Free, open to the public.
Thursday, October 20, 2016
"Landscapes of Renewal: Cherokee Adaptation and Environmental Governance" with Dr. Clint Carroll
Thursday, November 3rd 2016, at 5pm, in room 1030J at the West Grace Street Student Housing (830 West Grace Street, Richmond VA), Dr. Clint Carroll, Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies at the University of Colorado at Boulder, will give a presentation titled "Landscapes of Renewal: Cherokee Adaptation and Environmental Governance."
Free, open to the public. For the original posting, see this link.
Sunday, October 16, 2016
Book talk, "God of Earth: Discovering a Radically Ecological Christianity" with Kristin Swenson: Chop Suey Books
Tuesday, October 25th 2016, from 6-7pm, at Chop Suey Books (2913 West Cary Street, Richmond VA), there will be a book talk featuring Kristin Swenson on her book "God of Earth: Discovering a Radically Ecological Christianity." From the event description:
"What happens if we imagine the Jesus of Christian theology to be realized in the nonhuman natural world around us? Basic to Christian belief is the notion that God, the creator of all, inhabited the earth in order to call to us. God of Earth embraces this central premise of Christianity - Jesus as both fully divine and fully carnate - and then allows for the possibility that such a Jesus need not be limited to a human man. What if Jesus were "God of earth" - not only over earth but also in and through it? As Swenson tracks that question through the cycle of a church year, she invites readers to reconsider our relationship to the nonhuman natural world and so experience new dimensions of the sacred and new possibilities for hope and healing."
Free, open to the public. For more information and to RSVP, see the link.
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
“Applying Indigenous Legal Traditions to Conceptualizing Water Justice" with Dr. Deborah McGregor
Thursday, October 6th 2016, at 5pm, in room 1030J of the West Grace Street Student Housing (830 West Grace Street, Richmond VA), Dr. Deborah McGregor, Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Environmental Justice at the Osgoode Hall Law School of York University, will give a presentation titled “Applying Indigenous Legal Traditions to Conceptualizing Water Justice."
Free, open to the public.
Saturday, October 1, 2016
Indigenous People's Day showing of "Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance": Rag & Bones Bicycle Co-op
Monday, October 10th 2016, from 7:30-10pm, at the Rag & Bones Bicycle Co-op, there will be a free screening of “Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance,” which portrays the 1990 Oka Rebellion. The organizers will also be accepting donations to send to the resistors of the Dakota Access Pipeline, and taking a group photo to send with a solidarity message. From the event description:
“This space will be provided as a counter to the continued celebration of "Columbus Day” as a national holiday, which continues to erase the history, humanity, and significance of First Nations people."
Popcorn, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.
Free, open to the public. For more information and to RSVP, see the link.
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