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What does Trump’s victory mean for public lands?
Donald Trump’s second term is likely going to be devastating for public lands. The president-elect has already committed to increasing drilling and undoing President Joe Biden’s energy and environmental policies.
Project 2025, the policy handbook written by former Trump officials, clearly lays out a plan to gut the Interior department and remove environmental safeguards that ensure the health of our public lands. In short, it would give extractive industries nearly unfettered access to public lands; severely restrict the power of the Endangered Species Act; open up millions of acres of Alaska wilderness to drilling, mining, and logging; roll back protections for spectacular landscapes like Oregon’s Cascade Siskiyou National Monument; and remove protections for iconic Western species like gray wolves and grizzly bears.
These policies would go against nearly everything voters in the American West care about, which is clean air, clean water, and new protections for public lands. Across the political spectrum, Western voters want oil and gas companies, not taxpayers, to be held accountable for the messes they make on public lands. In general, voters want more emphasis placed on conservation than energy production.
“America’s parks, monuments, forests, and public lands are universally popular, regardless of political party,” said Jennifer Rokala, Executive Director at the Center for Western Priorities, in a statement. “If president-elect Trump and his administration try to sell off public lands, open lands to destruction, or put corporate profits ahead of public access, they will be met with swift resistance across the political spectrum. We held Trump’s corrupt appointees accountable last time, and we are prepared to do it again.”
Quick hits Trump declares ‘mandate’ to drill more, eviscerate environmental protections Opinion: With Trump back in the White House, what will happen with Utah public lands? Opinion: A legacy-making moment to protect the Owyhee Canyonlands Colorado pair charged with stealing artifacts from Utah national park Biden sets the stage for oil and gas lease sale in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Conservation groups sue Interior department over Rhyolite Ridge lithium mineNevada Current | Pahrump Valley Times
Interior expands hunting opportunities in wildlife refuges, limiting the use of lead ammunition In gambit to save Kelly Parcel, Wyoming may OK $162M to buy federal Powder River land Quote of the dayThis country’s bedrock environmental laws stand strong. We’re more prepared than ever to block the disastrous Trump policies we know are coming.”
—Kierán Suckling, executive director of the Center for Biological Diversity, E&E News
Picture This @usinteriorBeauty, stillness, calm.
Grand Teton National Park invites you to experience the seasonal changes, breathe in the new energy and welcome the cooler temperatures.
Photo by C. Adams / @grandtetonnps
Alt Text: Bright fall foliage lights up the landscape with the snowy Tetons in the distance.
(Featured image: Donald Trump speaking at a campaign rally in Prescott Valley, Arizona. Gage Skidmore, Wikimedia Commons)
The post What does Trump’s victory mean for public lands? appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.
Ammon Bundy is avoiding arrest in Utah, threatens to ‘make a stand’
Look West will have full coverage of what Donald Trump’s victory could mean for public lands tomorrow. In the meantime, read our blog post about what Project 2025 proposed.
Ammon Bundy, the notorious ringleader of two armed standoffs against the federal government over his illegal public land use, is a fugitive hiding indiscreetly in Cedar City, Utah.
In 2022, Bundy mobilized his base outside a hospital in Idaho after Child Protective Services took his friend’s 10-month-old grandson who was suffering from severe malnutrition. The group harassed hospital staff over several days, and doctors, nurses, and local police received death threats.
Bundy was sued for defamation by the hospital, and a $53 million judgment was placed against him and others involved. He skipped trial on contempt of court charges and fled to Utah, and he now has a warrant out for his arrest.
Ironically, Bundy claimed he fled his arrest warrant in Idaho because he wants peace, even though he has a long history of unjustified aggression. In 2014, Bundy’s father was accused of grazing cattle illegally on public land for about 20 years, racking up $1 million in unpaid grazing fees. When the federal government came to collect the fees, the family organized hundreds of armed anti-government militants to scare them off. Two years later, Bundy and his heavily-armed supporters occupied Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in southeast Oregon demanding public land be handed over to local ranchers. The demonstration turned violent, causing one death.
In reponse to Bundy’s wish to be left alone, Gary Raney said, “That’s been his line for a long time, and my response to it is: so did that physician, so did that nurse, so did that child protective services worker, so did law enforcement. They just want to be left alone. He’s a hypocrite.” Raney is the former sheriff of Ada County, where Bundy’s arrest warrant was issued. He told The Independent that because of the chaos instigated by the Bundy standoffs, anyone with the power to arrest him might be reluctant to use it.
Despite claiming to seek peace, Bundy closed the interview with a threat. “I hope they don’t continue to pursue and to pursue and to pursue because I really don’t want to leave the United States,” he said. “And I really don’t want to have to stop and make a stand.”
Quick hits Ammon Bundy is a fugitive, hiding in plain sight: ‘I really don’t want to have to make a stand’ Is a Supreme Court fight over 88-mile Uinta Basin Railway really a battle over NEPA? Column: Think like a watershed: Interdisciplinary thinkers look to tackle dust-on-snow Pueblo, BLM, Forest Service agree to co-steward Caja del Rio National Park Service issues landmark order for Tribal consultations Yavapai-Apache Nation reclaims more of its homeland with U.S. Forest Service land swap Montana secures $36 million to conserve public land Your lawn could host an endangered ecosystem Quote of the dayGrasslands are neglected by conservation often. They’re just not seen as sexy as forests and mountains.”
—Bertie Weddell, a retired Washington State University faculty member, High Country News
Picture This @alaskanps“Subsistence defines us. We battle the elements and sometimes risk our life to get the foods we crave. It is not an easy life, but it is ours.” – Arthur Lake, Kwigillingok Tribal Member, Yup’ik
Alaska Native communities have been practicing sustainable hunting, fishing, and gathering for thousands of years, using the land’s resources in ways that honor nature. In Alaska’s national parklands, subsistence is not just a way of life— it’s a vital connection to culture, heritage, and community.
From hunting and fishing to foraging for wild plants, Alaska Native people demonstrate profound knowledge of the ecosystems around them. These time-honored traditions reflect a deep respect for the land and commitment to the continued use of these skills through generations. Learn more about subsistence in Alaska’s national parklands: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/alaskasubsistence/index.htm
NPS Photo / Emily Mesner
Alt text: Two hands cup around 50 blue berries.
#NativeAmericanHeritageMonth
(Featured image: Ammon Bundy speaking at a forum in Mesa, Arizona in 2016. Gage Skidmore, Flickr)
The post Ammon Bundy is avoiding arrest in Utah, threatens to ‘make a stand’ appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.
Hydrogen: Fuel of the future, or another pipe dream?
Hydrogen is an energy source that can be used as fuel for vehicles and airplanes, and to power many of the same things powered by natural gas. Technologies that use hydrogen as a fuel source emit only water, making them seem like appealing potential alternatives to technologies that rely on fossil fuels and emit greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.
Hydrogen is of particular interest as a lower-carbon fuel for so-called “hard to abate” technologies that have so far proven more challenging to power using renewables; examples include fueling heavy vehicles like trains and trucks, and producing materials that require very high heat like cement and steel.
The Biden administration has invested billions of dollars in various hydrogen projects across the country to support an ambitious plan to dramatically decrease the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. Western states have taken notice, and a few have advanced legislative and executive initiatives to lay the groundwork for attracting hydrogen projects and jobs to their states.
Despite the potential benefits of hydrogen in certain applications, it’s not without drawbacks. Hydrogen production requires significant inputs of energy and water and is currently very expensive. The lack of existing infrastructure to safely store and transport hydrogen adds to the expense and makes it impractical in many cases. While a hydrogen leak would not have the same dangers to human health that a carbon dioxide leak would have, a release of hydrogen into the atmosphere would lead to chemical reactions with other gases in the air that would result in an increase in greenhouse gases such as methane. And not all hydrogen is created equal when it comes to carbon emissions and other environmental impacts.
What do all the different colors mean?With a few exceptions, hydrogen generally is not naturally found alone, but rather in combination with other elements such as oxygen (as in water, H2O) or carbon (as in methane, CH4). Separating the hydrogen from these elements requires energy. While all hydrogen is H2, a colorless gas, different “types” of hydrogen are color-labeled according to the source material for the hydrogen and the energy source used to separate the hydrogen from other elements.
Here’s an overview of what the colors mean, in rough order from worst to best in terms of carbon emissions and environmental impacts:
- Black and brown hydrogen are extracted from coal (black from bituminous coal, brown from lignite) using a process called gasification which combines coal with air or steam at very high heat to produce a mix of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor, and hydrogen. This process is used in some coal-fired power plants. Black and brown hydrogen are the most heavily polluting and environmentally damaging of all the hydrogen colors.
- Gray (the most common) and blue hydrogen are extracted from methane (also known as natural gas) using a process called steam methane reforming. This process uses natural gas as the source for the hydrogen. Drilling and transportation of natural gas contribute to climate change through venting, flaring, and leaks, and cause other damage and pollution to landscapes and waterways. This process also requires an input of energy — usually burning fossil fuels — to heat water to create the steam needed to separate hydrogen. Carbon is emitted both through burning fossil fuels to create steam and as a byproduct of the reaction that separates hydrogen from methane. The difference between gray and blue hydrogen is that in blue hydrogen, carbon capture technology is used to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide. In some cases, however, the captured carbon is then used to produce more oil and gas in a process similar to fracking, effectively negating the benefits. While blue hydrogen is preferable to gray because of the use of carbon capture, both of these require the production of natural gas and result in carbon emissions.
- Turquoise hydrogen is also extracted from natural gas using heat, but uses a process called methane pyrolysis that results in solid carbon, rather than carbon dioxide gas, as a byproduct. This still requires the production of natural gas as a source for hydrogen, as well as an energy source to create the heat required for methane pyrolysis to separate hydrogen from methane. If carbon capture technology is used, this can reduce carbon emissions even further compared to blue hydrogen, though this method still depends on methane production and its associated emissions.
- Pink, red, and purple hydrogen all use nuclear power to separate hydrogen from water, each using a different separation process. Pink hydrogen uses electrolysis, in which electricity is used to separate water (H2O) into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O). Red hydrogen uses thermolysis, in which hydrogen is separated from water using heat. Purple hydrogen uses both electrolysis and thermolysis. Producing these colors of hydrogen does not emit carbon, but does require input of water. These nuclear-powered methods also depend on uranium, which must be mined, milled, converted, and enriched. Uranium mining and milling in particular can cause significant health impacts to nearby communities and can permanently damage landscapes and contaminate water bodies. Nuclear waste disposal is also a problem that the U.S. has not yet figured out how to solve permanently. Pink, red, and purple hydrogen essentially trade the problems of carbon emissions for the problems of uranium extraction and nuclear waste disposal.
- Green and yellow hydrogen are also extracted from water through electrolysis, but with renewable energy as the energy source for the electricity that separates water into hydrogen and oxygen. Green hydrogen uses any renewable energy source; yellow hydrogen uses specifically solar energy. These types of hydrogen eliminate carbon emissions, though they divert renewable energy from other potential uses and require large amounts of water.
- White and gold hydrogen are naturally-occurring deposits often referred to as geological hydrogen. The difference between them is that white hydrogen is the result of chemical reactions between very hot water and iron-rich rocks (a process called serpentinization), while gold hydrogen is produced by microbes in depleted oil wells. Extraction of geologic hydrogen as an economically viable energy source is mostly hypothetical at this point, with current efforts focused on exploration and testing. In the U.S., some of the most promising deposits are believed to be in the Midwest, but researchers are also exploring for potential hydrogen deposits in Alaska.
While the development of a hydrogen production industry is in its early stages, Western policymakers have been laying the groundwork for attracting the industry to their states and incorporating hydrogen into their energy portfolios. In 2022, the New Mexico state legislature considered four hydrogen-related bills, though none of them passed. But Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham did issue Executive Order 2022–013 Establishing the Clean Hydrogen Development Initiative and Implementing Various Measures to Foster a Hydrogen Economy directing state agencies to take actions to advance the hydrogen industry in New Mexico. This was followed in 2024 by a proposal from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to create a “strategic water supply” which would have invested $500 million from the state’s Severance Tax Permanent Fund to finance acquisitions of treated fracking wastewater that could then be available to businesses and industries that can use brackish water. By creating a reserve of treated wastewater, the proposal aimed to reduce pressure on freshwater sources while attracting water-reliant industries, such as hydrogen production, to the state. The state legislature did not approve the funding for this proposal in the 2024 session but may consider this idea again in a future session.
In 2022, Wyoming created an Energy Matching Funds program for the governor to award matching funds to help attract innovative energy projects, including hydrogen production, to the state. Despite attempts by legislators to sweep this funding in the 2024 session, the 2024 state budget bill restored a $350 million appropriation (down from the original $400 million) to the program. The legislature also considered HB 208 Hydrogen severance tax, which would have imposed a severance tax on hydrogen production and directed revenues into the state’s mineral trust fund, treating hydrogen similarly to natural gas for taxation purposes. This bill failed to clear the budget session’s high bar for introduction but could be considered again in a future session.
Other Western states are also laying the regulatory groundwork for a potential hydrogen industry. For example, in 2023, the Colorado state legislature passed HB23–1281 Advance the Use of Clean Hydrogen, which directed the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to adopt requirements for hydrogen projects and created a state income tax credit for hydrogen used for hard-to-decarbonize end uses. And in its 2024 session, the Utah state legislature passed HB 241 Clean Energy Amendments, which updated the state’s statutory definition of “clean energy” to include hydrogen.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration has made significant investments in hydrogen production using funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed into law in November 2021. In October 2023, the Department of Energy announced an investment of $7 billion to develop seven Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs whose purpose is to develop and support the production, storage, transport, and commercial-scale use of hydrogen. Two of the seven planned hubs are planned for the West: one in California and one in the Pacific Northwest. However, this federal funding is not enough on its own for the projects to move forward; rather, these investments are designed to attract additional private-sector investments.
Fuel of the future, or another pipe dream?Even the cleanest of hydrogens still raise significant questions. Hydrogen that is produced by splitting apart water (green, yellow, pink, red, purple) requires that water be diverted from other uses and the environment in order to turn it into hydrogen and oxygen. In the arid West, where water is already scarce, this may not be the highest and best use of this resource.
Hydrogen production also requires significant energy input. While renewable energy is better than energy sources that rely on the production of uranium or fossil fuels, this renewable energy could be put to uses other than producing hydrogen. Using renewable energy to produce other energy doesn’t feel like a win, especially when considering the water use and the cost of the technology. Proponents will argue that this is a reasonable way to offload excess solar and wind when energy demand is low, but considering the costs involved, society would be better served by investing in improving ways of storing this energy in batteries or passive storage systems. Producing green hydrogen for fuel makes sense only for uses that are extraordinarily difficult to decarbonize using renewables, such as powering trains and trucks or producing cement and steel. In this sense, hydrogen is similar to carbon capture; it has a limited role to play in the energy transition, but it is not the solution to climate change on its own.
Featured image: A liquid hydrogen tank at Cape Canaveral in Florida, Heather Paul via Flickr/CC BY-ND 2.0
The post Hydrogen: Fuel of the future, or another pipe dream? appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.
Biden admin apologizes for Indian boarding schools, but there’s more to do
Last week during a visit to the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona, President Joe Biden offered a formal apology for atrocities committed at Indian boarding schools from the early 1800s to the 1970s. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, who joined President Biden at the event in Arizona, said, “We all carry the trauma that these policies and these places inflicted. This is the first time in history that a United States Cabinet secretary has shared the traumas of our past, and I acknowledge that this trauma was perpetrated by the agency that I now lead.”
Earlier in his term, President Biden designated new national monuments of spiritual and cultural importance to Tribes in the West using his authority under the Antiquities Act. Avi Kwa Ame National Monument and Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni-Ancenstral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument were both designated in 2023. The Bears Ears National Monument draft management plan, released in 2024, is historic in its inclusion of Tribal co-management of the monument.
Indigenous communities across the West have called on President Biden to protect additional areas of spiritual and cultural importance as national monuments. Examples include the proposed Chuckwalla National Monument in California, Sáttítla Medicine Lake Highlands in California, and the proposed Kw’tsán National Monument in California. In the remaining days of his presidency, President Biden has the opportunity to make conservation history while continuing to make progress on addressing historical injustices to Indigenous communities.
Quick hits Biden offers ‘long-overdue’ apology for Indian boarding school atrocitiesCBS News | Associated Press | NBC News | The Hill
Handful of states join Utah’s fringe lawsuit to take over national public landsWyoFile | Utah News Dispatch | Cowboy State Daily
Opinion: The White Mesa Mill is a dumping ground on my ancestral lands. I’m asking the people of Utah for help A rural Arizona community may soon have a state government fix for its drying wells On Navajo Nation, a push to electrify more homes Forest Service halts prescribed burns in California. Is it worth the risk? Lahontan cutthroat trout were once wiped from Lake Tahoe. Scientists have them spawning again National park’s 25th anniversary is a milestone for Colorado conservation, compromise Quote of the dayThe transfer of public lands from federal to state governments is the pathway to streamlined privatization.”
—Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Cowboy State Daily
Picture This @usinteriorThe rippled dunes at @whitesandsnps constantly shift and change, creating a unique and mesmerizing environment. The brilliant white gypsum sands make a surreal and breathtaking setting, especially at sunrise and sunset, when the light reflects off the dunes, painting the landscape in warm hues.
Photo by Raghuveer Makala
Featured image: Interior Secretary Deb Haaland speaking at the Gila River Indian Community, @SecDebHaaland via X
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2024 Mayoral Candidate Forum
It’s not every day that a city gets a mayoral candidate forum that focuses on the climate! But this is no ordinary election year. This is a crucial moment for our city’s future, and we want to ensure that climate justice is at the forefront of the conversation. Here’s a video of the forum, and your chance to get to know the individuals who could lead our city’s response to the climate crisis.
Candidates are: Mingus Mapps, Liv Osthus, Carmen Rubio, and Keith Wilson
Emcee: Katya @bluehorsegrandmother
Event brought to the public by 350PDX, The Melody Center, Sunrise Movement PDX, and Making Earth Cool
The post 2024 Mayoral Candidate Forum appeared first on 350PDX: Climate Justice.
OCTOBER 2024 UPDATES & EVENTS
Hi Everyone,
Welcome to our now-monthly 350PDX newsletter, featuring team updates, action opportunities, upcoming events, and more!
As election season heats up, 350PDX is working hard to connect you with city council and mayoral candidates, as well as with critical climate issues in our region. Recent events have included city council candidate forums, a teach-in on false climate solutions, and a unique kayak tour of the Portland Harbor.
This month’s newsletter is bursting with more exciting events, and we look forward to seeing you at one—or all! Join us in making a difference!
Team Updates and Upcoming EventsFOREST DEFENSE TEAM Forests over Profits mobilization
The Forest Defense team helped organize a great False Climate Solutions teach-in on Tuesday, September 24 at the Climate Justice workshop. In collaboration with the Pacific NW Forest Climate Alliance, we hosted Thomas Joseph, Carbon Pricing Educator from the Indigenous Environmental Network, Julia Bernal, Director of the Pueblo Alliance and New Mexico No False Solutions Coalition, and Brenna Bell, 350PDX Forest Climate Manager. Each speaker highlighted a different false climate solution – carbon offsets, “renewable” hydrogen, and industrial biomass energy – and came back to the same theme: capitalism and colonialism are at the root of the climate crisis and the only real climate solutions are ones that move away from these systems. We look forward to more collaboration with Thomas and Julia.
On Wednesday, September 25th about 60 people braved the rain and protested the timberland investment conference, Canopy (formerly “Who Will Own the Forest”), at the World Forestry Center. With songs, chants and speeches, we let them know that just greenwashing the name and rhetoric of the conference does not mask its true intent to transform more land and natural processes into money. A wet and lively time was had by all!
Shade Equity SocialIt’s time for our quarterly Shade Equity Social and you’re invited! On Tuesday, October 15th we’ll be hosting an Election Edition of the Social in which we’ll discuss the Shade Equity Platform (and which candidates have signed on), how to talk about this issue – and ranked choice voting – with our friends and neighbors, and plans for continuing to make shade equity an important issue after the election.
The social is from 6:00-8:00pm pm at the Climate Justice Workshop (3639 N. Mississippi); food & drink and childcare will be provided. Please register here!
International Day of Action to Break Big BiomassJoin folks from around the country on October 21 for the Break Big Biomass: National Call to Action from 5:00-6:30pm. 350PDX has joined organizations from around the country to envision and plan this exciting online event that will feature elected officials, community leaders from the Gulf South to the West Coast, and issue experts who will detail industry impacts and raise the alarm about the biomass industries’ current US expansion plans.
We will also be calling people to action! Each participant will receive an “action packet” designed to get folks involved in the work to fight the expansion of industrial biomass energy facilities, like the Drax export facility proposed for Longview. Register for the day of action webinar today!
Get Connected
The Forest Defense team meets on the first Monday of the month in person and the third Monday online, from 6:00-7:30pm. If you want to get connected with the team, please contact team co-leads Felice Kelly (felice.kelly@gmail.com) or Tyler Gilmore (tyler@350pdx.org), or Forest Climate Manager Brenna Bell (brenna@350pdx.org).
Climate Policy Climate Justice Voter & Candidate UpdateWith changes to Portland’s government structure and voting system, 350PDX has been hosting events to educate city council and mayoral candidates on climate issues, organize climate justice voters, and create spaces for voters and candidates to discuss these topics. Recent highlights include:
Climate and Environmental Justice Tours and Info Sessions for Candidates, most recently: a September 21 Portland Harbor Kayak Tour & Info Session. Thanks to Mosquito Fleet, Portland Harbor Community Coalition, Willamette Riverkeeper, and Braided River for joining us on stage and sharing their work!
Climate-focused City Council Candidate Forums with candidates who have met the small donor match threshold:- District 4: September 26. Candidates: Sarah Silkie, Eric Zimmerman, Mitch Green, Lisa Freeman, Ben Hufford, Moses Ross, Chris Henry
- District 2: October 1. Candidates: Marnie Glickman, Sameer Kanal, Debbie Kitchin, Mike Marshall, Chris Olson, Jennifer Park, Tiffani Penson, Laura Streib, Jonathan Tasini, Nat West
- District 3: October 2. Candidates: Rex Burkholder, Daniel DeMelo, Chris Flanary, Tiffany Koyama Lane, Angelita Morillo, Ahlam Osman
To see video of your district’s forum, check out our blog. To see a comprehensive list of recent and upcoming events, our Climate Justice Platform, and soon-to-released Voter Guide, check out our 2024 climate justice voter page. We will be unveiling our Climate Justice Voter Guide on October 15, right before ballots are mailed out!
Great Support for CPP!It was inspiring to witness everyone who spoke up and wrote in about restoring the Climate Protection Program! Members of our Climate Justice Policy Team showed up for the virtual hearing on August 21 and the virtual and in-person hearing at the Department of Environmental Quality on September 26. Our team members attended Electrify Portland to help generate written comments. Together with other organizations that make up the Coalition for Climate and Economic Justice, we generated hundreds of written comments to show that Oregonians care about doing our part to protect our region and our planet, reducing emissions from major polluters, and centering environmental justice through the Community Climate Investment portion of the policy. Major polluters—oil and gas companies—put up strong opposition, so every voice speaking up for a healthy and equitable community is crucially important.
I-5 Bridge Replacement public comment periodThe long and winding saga of the I-5 Bridge Replacement project continues: a public comment period is open from now until November 18, 2024, with the opportunity to comment on the new Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement. This bridge needs upgrades to make it earthquake safe, but we also want to make sure it minimizes greenhouse gas emissions, does minimal damage to river ecosystems, and does not harm the health and homes of people living near the bridge. Mark your calendar to attend our testimony training with the Just Crossing Alliance on November 11. Click here to learn more, including how to submit your comments!
Save the dates!Mark your calendars for a mayoral forum on October 20, 6:30-8:30pm featuring several candidates who have met the small donor match threshold. We’ll send out more information soon with a location and other details.
Our October Action Night will be on the 23rd at our 350PDX workshop, 3639 N Mississippi Ave. We’ll have printed copies of our Climate Justice Voter Guide for you to peruse and to take some home to share. We’ll offer training on ranked choice voting, so bring your ballot if you’d like, and we’ll help demystify the new format! Engage with your community to discuss district candidates, environmental justice, and how we can transition our city towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all. RSVP so we know how many people to expect, and sign up if you’d like to help!
Introducing Our New Student TeamWe have an excellent group of students joining our staff this school year to help us track bills, coordinate campaigns, and assist with communications! Please join us in welcoming the following students: Sima Fasihi, Max Hanley, Andy Laurila, Emma Niemela, Santiago Nolasco Galicia, Alex Silva, Liz Zlobinsky.
If you would like information about opportunities for students such as internships, practicum, field experience, or work study, please contact Cherice Bock (cherice@350pdx.org).
Arts TeamWe have company coming! The Arts Team has an Artbuild coming up, October 13, 1:00-4:00pm, at the 350PDX Workshop (3639 N. Mississippi Ave). That Sunday we’ll be cleaning up the place, pushing our mural along, and preparing materials for our visit from Donovan Zimmerman and Paperhand Puppet Intervention in November! Come to talk, snack, and help us! Please let Donna know if you’ll be there: murph1949@aol.com
Save the date! 350PDX is hosting an evening with Paperhand Puppet Intervention with Donovan Zimmerman, and will include an Artbuild afterwards. November 15th, 7:00pm. Sliding scale admission, $10-15, all proceeds go to 350PDX. Thank you, Donna, Lauren, Dannika, Allison.
Fossil fuel Resistance TeamOur team’s main focus right now is gearing up for the upcoming DEQ Comment Period on Zenith Energy’s Air Quality permit. Soon there will be an info session we can attend to ask questions ahead of the comment period, and in November there will be 2 in-person public hearings where we will be calling on you to join us in submitting testimony and showing up to the rallies right before the hearings. Stay tuned for comment and testimony writing workshops, and more!
Last Friday, we co-hosted an amazing event featuring TN Rep. Justin Pearson. Thank you to all who attended this hopeful and inspiring evening. You can watch the recording of this here.
Get connected:
The Fossil Fuel Resistance Team’s next meeting is on Tuesday, October 8 at 5:30 pm on ZOOM. Please email dineen@350pdx.org for the link. Our next in-person meeting is on Tuesday, October 29 at the 350PDX office and there will be Halloween treats! New to the team and want to have a new member orientation? Reach out to Dineen at dineen@350pdx.org.
SW Neighborhood TeamThe 350PDX Southwest Team includes neighborhoods on the south and west sides of Portland, from PSU to Hillsdale, Multnomah Village, Bethany, Beaverton and Lake Oswego. We meet monthly on Zoom to plan for in-person actions, presentations, and discussions in our communities. Sign up on the 350PDX Volunteer Interest Form and indicate that you are interested in joining the group, or reach out to Pat at patk5@msn.com to learn more.
Here are some ways to get involved:
1. Participate in our monthly online planning meetings. Next meeting is Monday, October 14th at 6:30pm. 2. Sign up to distribute yard signs promoting Climate Action Now! at community events. 3. Join our weekly street corner demonstrations.
Team members will be tabling at the Hillsdale Farmers Market on Sunday, October 13th to distribute signs to residents who support Climate Action Now! Do you have a highly visible location for a yard sign? Interested in scheduling a “How to Save Our Planet” presentation which is available to groups and community organizations? Please contact Pat (see email above).
Washington County TeamThe Washington County Team gathered on Saturday, September 7 for our summer community potluck. While enjoying camaraderie, we decided that our primary goal would be to get out the vote for progressive candidates at every level. Our next monthly zoom online meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 8. We’ll share about the recent Legislative Days sessions and efforts on the CPP rulemaking. Our next sign-wave will take place on Saturday, October 19 from 11am-12:00pm. Check our Facebook page for details.
Our general activities include: connecting with the Beaverton Climate Action and the Tigard Climate Action teams; getting out the vote in this very important election year; stewarding our Pollinator Garden at Bagley Park in Hillsboro, and more! We always welcome newcomers to our regular monthly 6:30pm second Tuesday (online) meetings and at all our events. If you are in Washington County and would like to receive updates from us, please sign up HERE. You can also “like” our Facebook page for updates.
In love and gratitude,
The 350PDX staff –
Anissa, Brenna, Cherice, Denise, Dineen, Irene, Katie
The post OCTOBER 2024 UPDATES & EVENTS appeared first on 350PDX: Climate Justice.
Photos: District 3 City Council Candidate Climate Justice Forum
The post Photos: District 3 City Council Candidate Climate Justice Forum appeared first on 350PDX: Climate Justice.
Video: 2024 Portland City Council Candidate Climate Justice Forums
Candidates present (left to right): Marnie Glickman, Sameer Kanal, Debbie Kitchin, Mike Marshall, Chris Olson, Jennifer Park, Tiffani Penson, Laura Streib, Jonathan Tasini, Nat West
Moderator: Jacob Apenes
District 3, October 2, 2024
Candidates present (left to right): Tiffany Koyama Lane, Angelita Morillo, Chris Flanary, Ahlam Osman, Rex Burkholder, Daniel DeMelo
Moderator: Denise López
District 4, September 26, 2024
For the District 4 forum, the Internet unfortunately went down, so the beginning of the forum was not able to be recorded. We apologize for the inconvenience! We are compiling a document with summaries of candidates’ answers to the first couple questions. Please reach out to Cherice Bock (cherice at 350pdx dot org) if you would like to receive a summary.
Candidates present (left to right): Sarah Silkie, Eric Zimmerman, Mitch Green, Lisa Freeman, Ben Hufford, Moses Ross, Chris Henry
Moderator: Brenna Bell
The post Video: 2024 Portland City Council Candidate Climate Justice Forums appeared first on 350PDX: Climate Justice.
Photos: Portland Harbor Tour & Info Session, September 21, 2024
On September 21, 2024 several candidates for Portland City Council toured the Portland Harbor by kayak. Kelsey Baker, of Mosquito Fleet, led two tours. Candidates viewed parts of the Critical Energy Infrastructure Hub and Willamette Cove. In between tours, speakers talked with candidates and community about the Portland Harbor. Green Anchors provided the beautiful space for the info session.
Speakers: Kelsey Baker (Mosquito Fleet), Jacob Bureros (Portland Harbor Community Coalition), Dineen O’Rourke, Campaign Manager 350PDX, Bob Sallinger (Willamette Riverkeeper), and Sarah Taylor (Braided River).
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I-5 Bridge Replacement: public comment period through Nov 18
Comment before November 18, 2024
Attempts to upgrade the I-5 bridge over the Columbia River have been in progress for over a decade. Everyone agrees we need a bridge that will be as safe as possible during an earthquake. The other details are more challenging: How many lanes? Should it have transit? How high should it be? What about pedestrian or bike lanes? How do we make sure it does the least damage to river ecosystems? How will it impact the economy and health of people living near the bridge? And, of course, how will we pay for it?
The Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement (IBR) program released its Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) on Friday, September 20, initiating a 60-day public comment period. While the IBR program proposes this project as a solution to regional transportation challenges, we still hold concerns about the long-term impacts of this project on climate, equity, and the environment.
This is an important moment for the community to comment and advocate for alternatives that truly prioritize sustainable transportation solutions that minimize harm to vulnerable communities. Your voice is critical as it can shape the path forward for the project.
What You Can Do:
- Review the Draft SEIS and submit your comments.
- Attend a virtual briefing October 9, 5:30–7pm, about the project, led by the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program.
- Attend a testimony training hosted by 350PDX and the Just Crossing Alliance on November 11, 6:30–8pm; register here for the Zoom link.
- Write a public comment highlighting concerns related to greenhouse gas emissions, the environment, air quality, and the potential effects on nearby communities, and turn it in on or before November 18.
- Use the program’s online form
- Email your comments to: draftseis@interstatebridge.org, with “Draft SEIS public comment” in the subject line
- Mail a letter to: Interstate Bridge Replacement Program, Attn: Draft SEIS Public Comment, 500 Broadway, Suite 200, Vancouver WA 98660
- Leave a voicemail on the program’s toll-free hotline: 866-IBR-SEIS (427-7347)
- Attend an in-person or virtual public comment event.
- In person: Vancouver — 5:30–8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 15 at Clark Community College Gaiser Hall
- In person: Portland — 5:30–8:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 17 at Portland Expo Center
- Virtual: Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, 12:00–2:30 PM
- Virtual: Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, 6:00–8:30 PM
A calendar of events can be found here with more to be added.
Take Action! This is an opportunity to ensure that community priorities like climate justice, equity, and sustainable transit are at the forefront of decision-making for this significant project.
The post I-5 Bridge Replacement: public comment period through Nov 18 appeared first on 350PDX: Climate Justice.
Last Chance: Support the CPP by 9/27 @ 4pm!
If you’ve been thinking about sending a comment in support of the Climate Protection Program, today is your last chance! Written comments are due by September 27, 2024 at 4pm.
We need your help to ensure the restoration of the Climate Protection Program (CPP)! This program is critical for safeguarding Oregon’s climate and ensuring a just and sustainable future.
A public comment does not have to be long—it can be a few sentences about why you care about protecting the climate, why you are excited about this program’s reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by big polluters by 90%, and why you want a strong Community Climate Investment remaining in the CPP rules. See samples at the link below, or use this testimony guide to learn more.
Every voice counts! The oil and gas companies are generating many oppositional comments, so we need everyone to submit a comment in support of Oregon’s clean air and support for frontline communities in the Climate Protection Program.
Submit Your Public Comment:The public comment period was extended to September 27, 2024. Don’t miss this opportunity to share your thoughts on how the CPP can best serve our communities and protect our environment. Your input is critical in shaping the future of Oregon’s climate policy.
- Submit Your Comment: Click here to submit your comment. Write your own using this toolkit.
Oregon’s future depends on us all. By signing the Coalition for Climate and Economic Justice’s petition, you’re adding your voice to the growing movement calling for strong climate action through the CPP.
- Sign the Petition: Click Here to sign our petition
The post Last Chance: Support the CPP by 9/27 @ 4pm! appeared first on 350PDX: Climate Justice.
Join TONIGHT! District 4 Candidate Forum
With Portland City Council elections fast approaching, it’s time to learn which candidates hold climate justice as a top priority. Join us for the District 4 Candidate Forum TONIGHT, 9/26, to hear directly from candidates and learn about their plans for addressing the climate crisis.
This forum will center around key climate justice issues, giving the community an opportunity to ask candidates how they will prioritize climate action, equity, and sustainability in their policies.
Event Details:- When: September 26, 6:30 – 8:30 PM (doors open at 6:00 PM)
- Where: First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1126 SW Park Ave, Portland
- Hybrid Option Available: Can’t attend in person? A virtual option will be available so everyone can participate.
- Who: 2024 Portland City Council candidates: Lisa Freeman, Mitch Green, Chris Henry, Ben Hufford, Moses Ross, Sarah Silkie, and Eric Zimmerman; campaign surrogates from some other campaigns
Please share this invitation with anyone passionate about climate action and equity in Portland!
This is a crucial opportunity to hold candidates accountable to the climate goals that will shape the future of our city. Be part of the conversation and make your voice heard!
Upcoming Candidate Forums:- District 2: October 1, 2024 @ 6:30 – 8:00 PM, RSVP (helpful but not required, necessary to get the Zoom link)
- 350PDX Climate Justice Workshop, 3639 N Mississippi Ave
- District 3: October 2, 2024 @ 6:30 – 8:00 PM, RSVP (helpful but not required, necessary to get the Zoom link)
- The Porch Coffee (in the auditorium), 6725 SE Kelly St
Together, we can advocate for leaders who will take bold steps toward a more sustainable and just future for Portland.
The post Join TONIGHT! District 4 Candidate Forum appeared first on 350PDX: Climate Justice.
Groundwater is on the Rise: A Case Study in East Palo Alto
A new report from SPUR and Nuestra proposes ways in which rising groundwater can be addressed through a comprehensive solution designed for structural, health, and equity concerns.
In May 2024, SPUR partnered with the community based organization Nuestra Casa to publish the case study “Look out Below,” which focuses on rising groundwater levels and mitigation strategies in East Palo Alto and San Mateo. High water tables are caused by rising sea levels that push groundwater up through the soil, and exacerbate the risks that make East Palo Alto particularly vulnerable to flooding, soil liquefaction, and toxin exposure.
What Problems Are Caused by Groundwater Rise? How groundwater impacts flooding:When groundwater is closer to the surface, it becomes saturated with water, which reduces its ability to absorb excess precipitation and protect against flooding. Nested between the San Francisco Bay and San Francisquito Creek, East Palo Alto’s low-lying position makes the region susceptible to flooding from both sides. This issue will only grow as water levels continue to rise—the County of San Mateo Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment predicts that up to 45% of the total population and 61% of the total land area will be at risk for flooding in the high-end scenario if no solutions are implemented. Flooding may damage homes and businesses, in addition to impeding the movement of residents.
How groundwater impacts earthquakes:The threat of earthquakes is heightened by water-saturated soil. East Palo Alto is built on marshes and fill, an amalgamation of sand and debris used to create artificial land. The occurrence of earthquakes in such areas can prompt a phenomenon known as liquefaction, where intense shaking causes the ground to sink and shift in a liquid manner. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, groundwater and sea level rise could increase liquefaction risk in low-lying areas, including East Palo Alto.
How groundwater impacts underground infrastructure:The ability of water to destroy infrastructure that communities rely on isn’t limited to aboveground structures. Rising groundwater can break down stormwater pumping systems, drinking water systems, and flood sanitary sewers, which then overflow into the bay. The increasing salinity of groundwater due to rising sea levels works in tandem with the seasonal rise and fall of groundwater levels to degrade pipes and destabilize soil. These phenomena will increase as water levels continue to stray further from the historical levels that underground infrastructure was built to withstand.
Health Risks FloodingFlooding may damage infrastructure and cause mold growth, but it can also expose residents to waterborne illnesses such as E. coli, shigella, giardia, and viral infections. In addition, shallow groundwater located close to the surface carries high levels of pollutants from fertilizers, roadway runoff, and industrial land. This can be pushed through the surface as sea levels continue to raise water tables, which increases flooding and spreads soil contaminants.
ContaminantsContaminants from industrial sites can become unearthed and travel with the help of rising groundwater. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a variety of chemicals commonly found in auto body shops that can surface due to rising groundwater and travel as a vapor into businesses and homes through plumbing systems.The contaminants cause a variety of medical symptoms including headaches, fatigue, liver damage, kidney damage, and increased risk of some cancers.
InequityEast Palo Alto has a history of discriminatory practices such as redlining and restrictive covenants. These are land use policies that limit access to resources such as loans, mortgages, and insurance on a racial basis, and they often result in East Palo Alto’s frontline communities being disproportionately exposed to environmental hazards. In addition, many in East Palo Alto experience low homeownership and low education rates, as well as higher poverty rates compared to the rest of San Mateo County, which limits residents’ ability to respond to disasters. Due to its history of discriminatory land use practices, more Black and Latinx communities today live near hazardous industrial sites including waste recycling, auto maintenance, and steel production. There are 50 industrial sites in East Palo Alto that are vulnerable to groundwater rise and the detrimental health impacts may be exacerbated in coming years.
What Can Be Done?Groundwater rise must be researched and addressed as a holistic issue and serious concern by local municipalities, state, and regional governments working in collaboration. SPUR and Nuestra Casa published a set of recommendations for governments to follow to address groundwater and sea level rise:
Recommendations:- “Require all city plans and infrastructure projects to assess the risks of groundwater rise and compound flooding.”
- “Consider adopting Shallow Groundwater Rise Overlay Districts, which specify design and retrofit requirements for underground infrastructure, roadways, and new shoreline development in high-hazard areas.”
- “In partnership with impacted communities, update guidance for remediation requirements of shoreline sites to incorporate risks of contaminant mobilization from groundwater and sea level rise.”
- “Update sea level rise and flood maps to reflect shallow groundwater rise so that relevant agencies can begin planning processes to address it.”
“Pursue a variety of innovative funding mechanisms to support groundwater rise research, adaptation planning, and implementation projects.”
Although groundwater is rising, adaptation and education efforts are too. In the wake of new research on rising water, building a climate resilient future through collaboration is more important than ever.
Zoe Ivatt is Greenbelt Alliance’s Summer Resilience Intern through Enterprise for Youth’s Climate Career Corps Individual Placements program.
Photo of the Palo Alto Baylands.
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How to Build Extreme Heat Resilience in Oakland
As climate change accelerates, Oakland is experiencing an increasing number of extreme heat events. These intense heat events are not only uncomfortable but they pose serious health risks, such as heat stroke and aggravation of pre-existing conditions. Often overlooked, the built environment — aspects of our urban surroundings that are constructed by people — exacerbates extreme heat impacts. Understanding how the design, infrastructure, and construction of our cities impact extreme heat and heat-related illness is crucial for developing effective climate mitigation strategies.
In recent years, Oakland has faced more frequent and intense heat waves. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average number of heat waves has increased from two per year in the 1960s to six per year in the 2010s and 2020s. Oakland is expected to have seven “hot days” this year, meaning days with temperatures 84℉ or above, and the number of hot days in Oakland is projected to increase to 15 a year in 30 years. This increase in the frequency of heat puts additional stress on residents and infrastructure.
The Built Environment’s Role in Extreme Heat
The built environment encompasses all human-made structure and spaces, including buildings, roads, and public areas. Several key aspects of the built environment contribute to the intensity of how people experience heat waves and the health risks associated with them:
- Urban Heat Island Effect: Urban areas, including Oakland, often experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas. This phenomenon, known as the Urban Heat Island Effect (UHI), occurs due to the abundance of heat-absorbing materials like asphalt and concrete, along with the lack of vegetation. These materials absorb and retain heat, creating a localized “heat island” that heightens the impact of heat waves.
- Lack of Tree Coverage: Trees provide a crucial role in the cooling of urban areas. They provide shade, release moisture through transpiration, and reflect sunlight. In Oakland, there is an uneven distribution of trees. There is only 9% tree coverage in the flatlands while there is 43% tree coverage in the Oakland hills where more affluent communities live. The lack of trees in the flatlands results in higher surface and air temperatures for Oakland’s frontline communities.
- Building and Design Insulation: The design and materials used in building construction significantly impact indoor temperatures. Poorly insulated buildings can trap heat, making them unbearably hot during heat waves. High energy consumption for air conditioning can also lead to power outages and increased greenhouse gas emissions.
- Infrastructure and Heat Absorption: Road and pavement, particularly those made of dark-colored materials, absorb and retain heat. This “thermal mass” effect contributes to higher ambient temperatures and intensifies overall heat load in urban areas.
Extreme heat can have dire consequences on public health. Some health impacts of extreme heat include:
- Heat-Related Illness: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration. Vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and those with chronic health conditions are at greater risk.
- Respiratory Illness: High temperatures can exacerbate respiratory conditions like asthma, as heat can increase the concentration of ground-level ozone and other pollutants.
Cardiovascular Strain: Extreme heat places additional strain on the cardiovascular system, potentially leaving heart attacks or complications in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions. - Economic and Social Strain: Heat waves often disrupt daily life, leading to economic losses due to reduced productivity and increased healthcare costs. Vulnerable communities may face greater challenges due to limited access to cooling resources and healthcare.
Addressing the impact of the built environment on extreme heat requires a multi-faceted approach.
- Increasing Green Spaces: Expanding and enhancing urban green spaces, such as parks, community gardens, and green roofs, can help reduce the UHI effect and provide critical cooling relief.
- Implementing Cool Roofs and Pavements: Utilizing reflective or “cool” materials for roofs and pavements can decrease the amount of heat absorbed and help lower surface temperatures.
- Improved Building Design: Investing in better insulation, energy-efficient cooling systems, and passive cooling designs can reduce indoor temperatures and improve comfort during heat waves.
- Community Planning and Education: Urban planners and policymakers need to prioritize heat mitigation strategies in new development and renovations. Additionally, educating residents about the risks of extreme heat and providing resources such as cooling centers can help protect public health.
As Oakland continues to experience the effects of climate change, understanding the role of the built environment in amplifying extreme heat is crucial. By addressing factors such as urban heat islands, green space distribution, and building design, the city can better mitigate the health impacts of heat waves. Collaborative efforts among residents, policymakers, and urban planners are essential in creating a more resilient and livable city.
As we adapt to these new climate realities, focusing on sustainable and collaborative urban development will be key to safeguarding public health and enhancing our quality of life in the face of extreme heat.
AJ Olsen is Greenbelt Alliance’s Summer Resilience Intern through Enterprise for Youth’s Climate Career Corps Individual Placements program.
The post How to Build Extreme Heat Resilience in Oakland appeared first on Greenbelt Alliance.
Our Six Favorite Bay Area Summer Hikes
It’s summertime and the living is easy! Whether you are venturing outside on a hot summer day (heatwaves are more frequent these days), or enjoying a cool, foggy adventure, there are plenty of Bay Area hikes to explore.
We asked some of our outing leaders—volunteers who lead hikes throughout the Bay Area—about our favorite trails around the Bay for this time of year. Bring your friends, family, and maybe even your pets to explore with you! Don’t forget to stay hydrated.
Lagoon Trail in Marin, by Ken LavinFor a delightful, dog-friendly summer hike, one of my favorites destinations is the Lagoon Trail in the Marin Headlands. The path begins at the west end of the old visitor center parking lot. Head straight at the trail junction and follow the gentle, one-mile footpath through a cornucopia of coastal plants to Rodeo Beach, renowned for its beautiful gravel and sand. Rodeo Beach is a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch and let your canine companion romp.
Address: 948 Fort Barry, Sausalito
What to bring: Dress in layers, bring lunch and water.
Website: Rodeo Beach and Lagoon
On the hottest days of the year, the coolest place to go is Limantour Beach. From Olema, take Bear Valley Road about 1.5 miles to Limantour Road, turn left onto it, and take Limantour Road about 10 miles to the two parking areas near the beach on Drakes Bay. Take the short trail through the wetland to the beach, watching for birds in the wetland, then turn right onto the beach and walk a mile or two, which puts you on Limantour Spit, with the Estero de Limantour on one side and Drakes Bay on the other.
Bring binoculars to see the seals on the opposite shore of the Estero and watch for unusual sea creatures that may wash up on the Drakes Bay shore. The beach is long, uncrowded, and guaranteed to cool you off—but bring a windbreaker and warm clothes, because sometimes it’s windy and foggy in summer.
Photo credit: Sodai Gomi via Flickr
Address: Limantour Beach Trailhead
What to Bring: Lunch, Water, Dress in Layers
Website: Limantour
My favorite “anytime” hike is on Mt. Tam in Marin County. Start at the Rock Springs parking area off Pantoll Rd and the Panoramic Hwy. Access the cataract trail behind the parking area and hike parallel to the creek. Just when you think the cascading water views have peaked, it keeps getting better. It’s about 7 miles round trip if you reach Alpine Lake but, in case you get tired, enjoy your picnic and return the same way you came. Be aware that there’s more elevation coming back up so plan accordingly. The water flows down the mountain all year round but the falls are especially breathtaking after a storm. Enjoy!
Photo credit: Fabrice Florin via Flickr
Address: Rock Springs Trailhead, W Ridgecrest Blvd, Stinson Beach
What to Bring: Lunch, water, dress in layers
Website: Mount Tamalpais State Park
The Sea View Trail in Tilden Park is a part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail and offers gorgeous 360-degree views that stretch from the Farallon’s Islands to Mt Diablo and even to the Sierra snowcaps on clear days. Departing on a wide path from the upper Tilden Steam Train parking lot, our destination is a funky hilltop labyrinth set inside a former Nike launch pad. Along the way, you will see a century-old stone wall, diverse wildflowers, soaring red-tail hawks, and many medicinal edible and useful plants used for centuries by indigenous people.
Bring a windbreaker on windy or foggy days, lunch, water, and poles if you use them. The trail is wide but rocky in some places. Hiking shoes are recommended.
Address: Tilden Steam Train Parking, Orinda
What to bring: dress in layers, poles if you use them, hiking shoes, lunch, water
Website: Tilden Park
As a city-dweller, I don’t have to travel far for my beloved summer hike. San Francisco’s Lands End is easily accessible by the SF Municipal Transit #38 bus line to 48th Avenue and also offers free parking options.
Before heading out on the Coastal Trail, take a few minutes to explore Sutro Heights, whose entrance is marked by two large lion sculptures. Here, overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean, in the late 1800s Adolph Sutro transformed the sand-covered outcropping into lush gardens and opened them free to the public.
Crossing Point Lobos Boulevard, you encounter the venerable Cliff House restaurant (set to reopen in the future), the ruins of Sutro Baths, and the Lands End Visitor Center. Heading north on the Coastal Trail, you round a curve to encounter a magical view of the Golden Gate Bridge—unless it’s totally enveloped in fog. The trail, roughly following an old steam train road, offers gorgeous views of the vast Pacific Ocean. You’ll encounter lots of timber and dirt stairs as you wind your way up the coast to Eagles Point. There you can double back past the Palace of the Legion of Honor and catch the Camino del Mar Trail to loop back to your starting point.
Address: 680 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco
What to bring: Water, snacks, dress in layers
Website: Land’s End
For a completely shady hike on a hot summer day, I recommend the Piedmont Trail that follows Larkspur Creek under towering redwoods, crossing several wooden footbridges, and offering opportunities for kids and dogs to play in shallow sections of the creek along the way. The Piedmont Trail ends at the canyon’s terminus, at the base of Dawn Falls. The falls will be dry in summer, so don’t bother climbing up the steep Dawn Falls Trail unless you intend to hike a longer loop connecting to trails above the canyon. I usually turn around at the giant boulder that marks the end of the Piedmont Trail, and I retrace my steps, which makes a pleasant 3.75-mile round trip.
Address: Piedmont Road/Coleman Avenue junction, Larkspur
Where to park: Park along Piedmont Road, in the 3–30 block between Magnolia Avenue and the outlet of Coleman Avenue (which is one-way).
What to bring: Water, a leash (dogs must be leashed on this trail)
Website: Baltimore Canyon, Marin County Parks, map
Are you interested in leading an outing to your favorite place? Reach out to me to learn more about how to become an Outings Leader. Email klavin@greenbelt.org
The post Our Six Favorite Bay Area Summer Hikes appeared first on Greenbelt Alliance.
Meet Greenbelt Alliance’s New Staff Members
Our steadfast organization is growing! As Greenbelt Alliance’s work expands across the Bay Area, we have welcomed multiple new staff members who are passionate about building a more equitable and resilient region.
Keep reading to get to know our new hires and learn about their unique backgrounds and skills.
South Bay Resilience Manager
I was always committed to conservation, but overtime I realized climate change problems could never be fully addressed unless we were also incorporating equity and justice. Greenbelt has a unique multidisciplinary approach that incorporates nature-based solutions and balances community needs with conservation goals. I am proud to be part of a team that takes the time to paint the full picture, explore all the nuances, and then develop holistic solutions that will make a difference.
Ann HamiltonNorth Bay Resilience Manager
I worked for UC Berkeley’s outdoor program Cal Adventures as a river rafting and sea kayaking guide. Though I grew up in Oakland, I had never experienced the Bay Area from a water systems perspective. I first experienced our region’s watersheds by guiding trips in places like Drakes Estero, Bolinas Lagoon, Pt Reyes, Mendocino’s Big River, which gave me an appreciation for the marine and river ecosystems, and an awareness of the vulnerability of our coastlines from climate and human-made impacts.
My experience of exposing people to nature on rafting trips was inspiring. Doing trips on rivers like the Klammath, South Fork of America, Wild & Scenic Rogue river, Yuba, Eel made me an activist to protect our river systems and watersheds through climate and outdoor education, that helps people create a profound bond with the natural world.
Princess WashingtonPeople & Culture Manager
I grew up in Suisun City, which is adjacent to the largest brackish marsh on the West coast. I would frequent there as a child, so it is engraved in me to protect and advocate for the environment. I fell in love with the fact that Greenbelt Alliance does this for the entire region in a tangible way!
Devin MurphyLeadership Development Coordinator
I have a diverse background and work portfolio in community organizing, democratic governance, and legislative advocacy, with a strong focus on sustainable development and racial equity. My passion for environmental justice and sustainable urban planning led me to join the Greenbelt Alliance team. I am driven by the belief that everyone deserves access to green spaces and a healthy environment, and Greenbelt Alliance’s mission aligns perfectly with my values and professional goals.
Alexandra SingerFundraising & Events Summer Fellow
I am from San Francisco and passionate about social and environmental justice. My mother’s work in the nonprofit field has partly inspired my previous roles as a grassroots fundraiser for a nonprofit and a planner for social justice-oriented events at my alma mater. What drew me to join the Greenbelt team was its emphasis on climate resiliency in my home region, as well as its work to address environmental challenges in diverse communities.
I’ve been exposed to the nonprofits field for many years. My mom would often volunteer me to work events at her organization. Though I sometimes grumbled about having to work auctions and serve guests when I was younger, this gave me valuable fundraising experience which I now appreciate, have refined, and am excited to bring to Greenbelt!
Nikila WalkerSolano Communications Fellow
I’m an activist and advocate for equity in economic development and environmental justice. I advocate for equitable access to green spaces and healthy foods, while expanding the idea of what is considered healthy foods to include cultural foods. As a business owner, I adopt sustainable practices and encourage other businesses to do the same. I’m excited to apply my advocacy to my work at Greenbelt Alliance.
What’s an exciting project you’ll be working on? Devin MurphyLeadership Development Coordinator
One exciting project I’ll be working on at Greenbelt Alliance is the Resilient Roots fellowship and Climate Leaders Network. This initiative aims to enhance the resilience of local communities to climate change by promoting sustainable land use and advocating for policies that protect our natural landscapes.
South Bay Resilience Manager
I am delighted to be working on the Resilience Hotspots in Gilroy and East San José. We are partnering with some amazing social justice organizations (like Community Agency for Resources, Advocacy and Services) that are engaging in climate action to help their communities persevere. Our South Bay partners understand first-hand the biggest issue in climate work: that those who contribute the least to climate change, and are the least equipped to deal with its consequences, are the ones who suffer the most from it.
Ann HamiltonNorth Bay Resilience Manager
Our Sonoma County Wildfire Buffer Pilot project is super exciting. We are collaborating with wonderful partners: Sonoma Ag + Open Space, Sonoma Ecology Center, Pepperwood Preserve and a couple Fire Safe Councils. We’ll be identifying key natural greenbelts near frontline populations, educating land-owners on stewardship options, and finding funding to sustain our wildfire resilience work in Sonoma County in the long term.
People & Culture Manager
As People and Culture Manager, I look forward to working behind-the-scenes with Greenbelt’s Board and staff to ensure that we are internally operating as smoothly as possible.
Alexandra Singer
Fundraising & Events Summer Fellow
I’m really looking forward to supporting Hidden Heroes this August and Blueprint for the Future Gala in September. I really enjoy connecting with patrons over important causes and assisting events, which is why I’m excited for these two Greenbelt events!
What’s something unique that you bring to Greenbelt Alliance? Victorina ArveloSouth Bay Resilience Manager
I moved to the U.S from Venezuela in 2014 to attend college, and Spanish is my native language. I think the lived experience of assimilating to a new culture, and being able to interact with community members in Spanish will be incredibly helpful in some of our work. Additionally, I have always felt there is a disconnect between science and policy—scientists have the knowledge but are perhaps not always communicating it efficiently or leveraging science as essential to decision-makers.
I have a strong academic background in science, specifically climate change adaptation and conservation, and experience in community outreach and stakeholder engagement, so I am excited to work towards filling that gap.
Ann HamiltonNorth Bay Resilience Manager
I worked for County of Sonoma Public Health and was an Emergency Response worker through recent wildfires, which allowed me to experience first-hand how crucial it is to mobilize government services in crisis response. Those experiences helped me decide to shift my efforts to proactive support efforts to preserve our natural resources, communities, and infrastructure.
Fundraising & Events Summer Fellow
I’ve been exposed to the nonprofits field for many years. My mom would often volunteer me to work events at her organization. Though I sometimes grumbled about having to work auctions and serve guests when I was younger, this gave me valuable fundraising experience which I now appreciate, have refined, and am excited to bring to Greenbelt!
Leadership Development Coordinator
I bring a unique blend of experience in both government and community organizing. As Mayor Emeritus and City Councilmember of Pinole, California, I understand the intricacies of policy-making and leadership development, and have a strong network within local government. This, combined with my hands-on experience in grassroots advocacy, allows me to bridge the gap between community needs and policy implementation effectively.
Is there a climate change or socioeconomic issue that means a lot to you? Victorina ArveloSouth Bay Resilience Manager
Equity and accessibility for immigrant communities. The United States’ outdoor culture is largely dominated by white folks, as people of color historically have not engaged with outdoor recreation in the same ways. Language is one of the many barriers preventing immigrants from engaging in science or outdoor recreation so I am passionate about culturally competent translations of educational materials and essential information (think about all the warning signs, educational signs, resources, information).
Greenbelt Alliance has a strong focus on community outreach with a social-equity lens, so I am eager to be an advocate for equity and accessibility for People of Color in general, and specifically for Spanish-speaking communities.
Devin MurphyLeadership Development Coordinator
Affordable housing in the face of climate change is a critical issue for me. Many communities are vulnerable to climate impacts, and it’s essential that we create affordable, resilient housing solutions. At Greenbelt Alliance, I will advocate for policies that integrate affordable housing with climate resilience measures, ensuring that our most vulnerable populations are protected and have access to safe, sustainable living conditions. Additionally, I will promote the establishment of green zones—designated areas that combine green spaces with affordable housing to improve air quality, reduce urban heat, and enhance overall community well-being.
People & Culture Manager
I love the diversity of climate within our region and the rising temperatures around the Bay Area is a huge concern.
Fundraising & Events Summer Fellow
A topic that means a lot to me is intersectional environmentalism. Many societal problems are often intertwined, yet sometimes treated as isolated phenomena. I hope to fight narrow environmental solutions by supporting Greenbelt’s work to bring attention to multifaceted perspectives, actors and solutions that comprise the dynamic nature of climate resiliency.
Solano Communications Fellow
Equal access to green space and healthy food is critical to a healthy community. Systemic oppression can be linked to the environment that people live in and the food they have access to. My goal is to help protect environmental spaces through my work helping protect Solano County lands from harmful development.
How do you like to spend your time outside of work? Devin MurphyLeadership Development Coordinator
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time in nature, whether it’s hiking, biking, or simply exploring local parks. I am also passionate about oceanography and love capturing the beauty of natural landscapes. Additionally, I enjoy R&B music, I’m an avid reader, and I enjoy staying informed about the latest developments in clean technology.
South Bay Resilience Manager
I love to read, hike and go camping, especially at National Parks. I also recently started aquascaping (creating amazing underwater habitats inspired by nature). One could argue that given my rigorous academic background I should be good at this particular hobby. I am not. I am still struggling to set up the tank properly and balance all the parts of a working ecosystem. But I’m still hoping it’ll grow into a beautiful, relaxing, instagram-worthy aquascape one day.
Ann HamiltonNorth Bay Resilience Manager
I’m in a band called Stakes Are Low (and yes you can hire us) with my husband and friends. I love to harass people through ping-ping, pickleball, and volleyball. I’m a 20-year burner (Burning Man attendee), and I love playing Settlers of Catain.
Fundraising & Events Summer Fellow
I enjoy exercising, trying food places, and traveling. For example, I recently visited my birth city of Da Nang, Vietnam for the first time since I was a baby. I highly recommend it as a rich place for culture, food, landscapes, and vacationing.
Solano Communications Fellow
Outside of work I love to hike and spend time in nature, read, and play video games.
The post Meet Greenbelt Alliance’s New Staff Members appeared first on Greenbelt Alliance.
More Washington students will soon get clean rides to school
Sen. Tim Kaine Criticizes Failing MVP, Following Sustained Community Pressure to Speak Out
Washington, D.C. — Virginia Senator Tim Kaine criticized the Mountain Valley Pipeline’s pipe failures and environmental violations after sustained pressure from his constituents to speak out. “The testing has shown all kinds of problems. There continue to be the kind of environmental violations that slowed them down before. It’s not like Congress waving a magic wand saying, ‘Do this project,’ made it a project being done well. So I’m not happy with that,” he said on Capitol Hill. Kaine said the recent pipe rupture during hydrostatic testing revealed “some serious challenges” that need to be fixed.
Senator Kaine joins his colleague Representative Morgan Griffith in calling for pipeline safety to be further scrutinized. In early May, Delegate Sam Rasoul and twenty-three Virginia lawmakers wrote to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) demanding they deny MVP’s request to go into service. Several days ago, MVP admitted to another construction delay and pleaded with the FERC to allow it to go into service immediately. Despite similar constituent pressure, Senator Mark Warner has remained silent on this issue.
Russell Chisholm, co-director of the Protect Our Water, Heritage, Rights Coalition (POWHR) responded:
“Thanks to sustained pressure from his constituents, Senator Tim Kaine has spoken out about MVP’s pipe failures. Now Senators Kaine and Warner must call for immediate investigation and enforcement of pipeline safety across the MVP route. Their constituents’ lives are on the line because Congress greenlit this beleaguered project; their job is to meaningfully take action to protect us from a deadly explosion.”
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Another Delay, Another Tantrum for the Explosive MVP
Washington, D.C. — The Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) wrote to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) today, admitting another delay in construction and pleading with the agency to allow it to go in-service. The beleaguered pipeline project is nearly six years delayed and has more than doubled in budget. The pipeline claims its opponents are “mischaracterizing” their request to go in-service as “premature”, weeks after it exploded one of its failing pipes during hydrostatic testing.
Russell Chisholm, co-director of the Protect Our Water, Heritage, Rights Coalition (POWHR) responded:
“Over the past decade, we have watched this reckless fossil fuel company botch the process to build a pipeline, and throw tantrums every time something doesn’t go their way. MVP shamelessly accuses those of us in harm’s way of ‘mischaracterizing’ their intent to blast methane through our communities as ‘premature’ when they just blew a pipe up during testing and obscured the facts surrounding the incident. This company’s conduct is revolting and all financiers and government officials who backed this project should be mortified. Let this disgraceful methane gas pipeline saga be a lasting lesson to MVP’s enablers to stop backing dangerous, climate-wrecking fossil fuel projects and start listening to fenceline communities.”
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Activists Demand Accountability from Financiers for Dangerous MVP Pipe Test Failures
Charlotte, NC — On Wednesday, May 8, 2024, a crowd of 100 frontline community members impacted by the Mountain Valley Pipeline and allies gathered in Charlotte to hold the financiers behind MVP accountable for the destruction the pipeline has wrought across Appalachia. This action took place a week after MVP experienced serious pipe failures during hydrostatic testing as it tries to go into service at the end of May.
PHOTOS & VIDEOS CAN BE ACCESSED HERE
WATCH LIVESTREAM FROM VANGUARD
WATCH LIVESTREAM FROM BANK OF AMERICA
“We face life-threatening conditions on this methane gas pipeline route due to MVP’s recklessness and it’s all made possible by these banks and asset managers. We are in the midst of a climate crisis; these financiers must stop locking their investors into bad deals by backing companies like MVP,” said directly harmed community member and co-director of POWHR Russell Chisholm.
Activists, carrying signs that said “Defund MVP”, met in the morning at Vanguard’s offices to call out their continued reckless and immoral financing of methane gas pipelines like MVP which contribute to climate chaos and destruction. Vanguard is the single largest investor of fossil fuels in the world.
“Vanguard is often insulated from the ugly impacts of its massive investments in expanding fossil fuel development, but we know that the Mountain Valley Pipeline is a danger to everyday people living nearby, and ultimately, a bad investment for Vanguard. We came all the way from Pennsylvania to act in solidarity with those on the frontlines of this pipeline, and we will be sharing their stories with the growing number of Vanguard customers who are ready to move their money out if Vanguard continues on this dangerous path,” said Lina Blount, Director of Strategy and Partnerships at the Earth Quaker Action Team.
The actions continued in uptown Charlotte where 100 Indigenous water protectors, frontline leaders, and allies carrying puppets and signs, and singing songs and chants, delivered letters on the financial risk of MVP to Wells Fargo, Chase, and Bank of America. They conducted a mock-trial in front of the Bank of America headquarters called “The People vs. Bank of America”, to expose the crimes against humanity and the planet.
“No human being can survive without clean water, yet Bank of America continues to fund projects like MVP that destroy precious drinking water sources without a second thought. These banks and asset managers must know that MVP continues to wrack up unprecedented violations, including violations of the rights of tribal nations to informed consultation. So long as they choose to keep funding these harms, our multiracial, multifaith grassroots movement will only keep getting louder,” said Dr. Crystal Cavalier-Keck, co-founder of 7 Directions of Service, Citizen of the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, and impacted community member on the Southgate route.
This action continues the work that local faith leaders and activists with GreenFaith have been leading against Bank of America including monthly Earth Witness Wednesday events and the most recent protest on April 23 the day before the bank’s annual general meeting.
“Our many faiths teach us that we are to care for people and protect the planet. The financial decisions of big banks are destroying the planet and causing untold human suffering. As people of faith and conscience we know this is wrong, inhumane and also deeply unjust since so many of these projects disproportionately exploit Indigenous lands and peoples as well as many black and brown communities in the US and the Global South,” said Rev. Amy Brooks Paradise, US Organizer with GreenFaith.
Further interviews are available with frontline leaders, including: Dr. Crystal Cavalier Keck (co-founder of 7 Directions of Service and impacted community member on the Southgate route), Russell Chisholm (co-director of the POWHR Coalition and directly harmed community member on the MVP mainline route), and Mariah Clay (MVP organizer with West Virginia Rivers Coalition).
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