On September 8th, communities across Illinois and the world came together with the Peoples Climate Movement to “Rise for Climate Jobs and Justice.” Together, we showed our power, and with a collective voice we called on leaders to step up and take bold action on climate. Our work doesn’t stop here; we must turn those moments into a movement that will carry us forward to November and beyond.
So, what’s next? Here are 5 ACTIONS you can take to keep up the momentum in fighting for climate, jobs, and justice.
ACTION #1 – Vote and vote for climate justice! The People’s Climate Movement (PCM) brought us all together on September 8th and they’re asking us to come together for climate again on Election Day, November 6, 2018. Take their “Pledge to VOTE” and learn more from PCM about how you can engage in climate action between now and Election Day.
ACTION #2 – Attend a Clean Energy Community Conversation this fall and help inform future energy policy that will lead Illinois toward 100% renewable energy. The Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition (ICJC) recently launched their “Listen. Lead. Share.” initiative to hold Clean Energy Community Conversations around the state. Prairie Rivers Network and many other environmental groups are ICJC partners and involved in hosting these conversations. The goal of the conversation is to engage with people across the state on the topics of clean energy, carbon-free power and the expansion of electric vehicles, as well as to ensure that the jobs and economic benefits associated with these changes reach every Illinois community. The conversations will inform a policy framework that will lead Illinois to cleaner, more affordable energy, economic benefits, and jobs for communities that need them the most. Find an event near you.
ACTION #3 – Write a Letter to the Editor of the Chicago Tribune about the coal ash pollution on the Middle Fork River. Prairie Rivers Network has been a long-time advocate to protect Illinois’ waters from coal ash pollution, including the pollution to the Middle Fork River, Illinois’ only National Scenic River. We need you to write a letter to the editor of the Chicago Tribune about what the Middle Fork River means to you. The Chicago Tribune wants to know what Illinoisans think the next Governor should prioritize, and we think they should hear about the Middle Fork. Learn more about writing and submitting a letter here.
ACTION #4 – Sign our Middle Fork petition to tell Governor Bruce Rauner and the IEPA they must not only prevent Dynegy from polluting this Wild and Scenic River, but also ensure that Dynegy’s coal ash pits do not pose a perpetual threat to the health of the Middle Fork or create a financial burden on taxpayers.
ACTION #5 – Become a member of Prairie Rivers Network or another local environmental group that is fighting for Climate Justice. Join PRN here.
