Update – Link to the recorded forum
People living in Appalachia are visionary, innovative, creative, and passionate about building a future where everyone can survive and thrive. And yet, we’re suffering from the cumulative impacts of poverty, pollution, neglected infrastructure, and dangerous jobs. Fossil fuel extraction practices like mountaintop removal coal mining and hydraulic fracturing of shale gas (aka “fracking”) destroy ecosystems and endanger communities throughout their supply chains.
That’s why we believe in the Environmental Justice For All Act, a landmark piece of comprehensive legislation that’s rooted in the moral principle that all people have the right to pure air, clean water, and an environment that enriches life.
Chair Raul M. Grijalva and Congressman Donald McEachin are inviting frontline community members from across the Appalachian region to speak on the challenges they face and how #EnviroJusticeNow can make their lives healthier and better. The forum will be live at 12:00 p.m. Eastern time as we hear from activists and community members on Wednesday, December 9th.
Speakers Include
Gabby Gillespie, Organizing Representative, Southwest Virginia, Sierra Club, Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards
Alex Cole, Community Organizer, Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition (OVEC)
Julie Bledsoe, Statewide Community Organizing for Community eMpowerment (SOCM) Member
