#SWEANews | #SWEA | #SouthWardEA | #SouthWardEnvironmentalAlliance | |
Message from
Our Founder & Executive Director
|
Welcome November!
Greetings South Ward Family,
This month's newsletter is filled with a wealth of information so my greeting will be short.
As we celebrate Native American Heritage, Diabetes and National Homeless Youth Awareness, let’s remember to pay it forward this month to assist someone in need.
We all can “share the love” or “Share Kindness”
Peace and Blessings to you and your family. This is your opportunity to join us in our fight for Environmental Justice, your seat is ready!
Peace and Blessings,
Kim Gaddy, Executive Director
| |
The South Ward Environmental Alliance would like to thank everyone who attended our Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center introductory webinar on Oct. 30th. If you missed it, you can watch the video replay here. And you can also download our presentation here (PDF).
This is the first in an ongoing series of emails in which we will be sharing upcoming training and fundraising opportunities, as well as other information you may find useful.
We encourage you to review the opportunities listed below and pursue those which might be of interest. If you have any questions about the TCTAC, you can reach out to us at ejtctac@weact.org. And you can always request technical assistance here.
| |
EPN's SAM.gov Registration Office Hours | |
Dec. 5th – 2:00 - 3:00PM EDT
The Clean Energy Group will be hosting an introduction to community solar on Tuesday, December 5th at 2:00 PM EDT. This webinar will feature speakers from the Clean Energy States Alliance, National Community Solar Partnership, and National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Speakers will cover potential models for community solar, as well as what resources are available to community groups and municipalities through National Community Solar Partnership and National Labs. The webinar will include 30 minutes of presentation followed by 30 minutes of Q&A. A recording and slides from the webinar will be shared following the event.
Sign up here to get the Zoom link.
| |
Institute for Policy Integrity's Introduction to Justice40 & the CEJST Tool | |
SWEA's
Environmental Justice & Community Organizing 101
| |
Feb. 28th – 6:00 - 7:00PM EDT
The South Ward Environmental Alliance (SWEA) will host a virtual training session on Wednesday, February 28th at 6:00 PM EDT for those interested in learning about environmental justice and community organizing.
Sign up here to get the Zoom link.
| |
5-Ward Resident Task Force on Zoning expresses Deep Concerns and Disappointment as Newark Municipal Council Votes to replace zoning ordinance, and potentially the residents and fabric of Newark neighborhoods. | |
The Municipal Council of Newark voted in favor of passing a new zoning ordinance that is not aligned to benefit the residents of Newark. The Municipal Council passed the Ordinance with a 5-3 vote, Councilman Council, Dupree, Crump, Councilwoman McIver and Rountree voted yes, Councilman Gonzalez,Quintana and Ramos voted no and Councilman Silva abstained.
"Thank you to the community members who showed up and urged the Municipal Council to vote no on the Zoning Ordinance. The changes to the Zoning Ordinance are not about
environmentalists versus developers. It's about residents' voices being heard and their ability to be part of the process that will impact their daily quality of life, stated Kim Gaddy, Executive Director, South Ward Environmental Alliance. The passing of this ordinance did not support the constituents who voted for the Council members but favored the developers, where is the democracy! Nothing about us, Without us, Is for Us. Power to the People, this fight will continue, concluded Gaddy.
From the outset of the process in April of this year, the Planning Department has downplayed the extent and nature of the proposed changes. They initially proposed minimal public review of one zoom session and one citywide meeting, claiming that zoning changes were only “technical” in nature to align with residents' requests from the Newark360 Master Plan process, which did not address specifics of zoning law.
South Ward Environmental Alliance conducted a rapid response analysis of the 400-page proposed replacement zoning ordinance and found thousands of unannounced changes to existing environmental justice protections and minimum housing standards. It turns out that the promise of affordable housing was a Trojan Horse for a widespread deregulation of development across Newark, leaving even more of the process to the discretion of private interests, and restricting democratic decision-making for the future of our community.
When confronted with our findings, the Planning Department offered single meetings in each ward, often organized on less than five days notice. These limited public sessions began with a 90-minute presentation full of confusing details and no mention of major changes, with only a few minutes at the end for questions and comments. City staff gave the hard sell, telling residents who know better that the reason Newark has not received investment it deserves is not environmental racism, but our already flexible zoning laws. We were told that if we opposed proposed zoning rollbacks, then we “must love our blight.”
When over 300 residents and groups submitted comments on the ordinance in June, we received no response, and no publication of the public comments. Instead, the Planning Department picked a small set of changes to make without sharing any reasons. To this day, they have not not provided satisfactory responses or reasons for dismissing the majority of public comments, except for vague assurances about creating affordable housing.
In our attempts to put the facts on the table and have more straight talk on what the replacement zoning ordinance means for every Newark neighborhood, SWEA and 5-Ward Resident Task Force distributed explanatory materials to residents, wrote a series of articles, and published an open letter demanding four revisions listed below. While this letter has now been endorsed by over 280 residents and groups and hand-delivered to each Council Member, we have received no follow-up.
Despite our attempts over the last nine months, we have not succeeded in pressuring the Planning Department to have a more open and straight discussion of these changes in detail. This lack of transparency has led to suspicions that the changes may have been influenced by undisclosed entities and private interests, rather than the public welfare. This was not a respectful process to residents or the goal of planning and developing our city for Newarkers.
The 5-Ward Resident Task Force on Zoning, convened by the South Ward Environmental Alliance, continues to urge a second round of revisions to address the following four key areas of concern before further consideration of the ordinance:
1. Restore Housing Standards & Environmental Injustice Protections!
Elimination and reduction of conditions and standards for development have a negative cumulative impact on public health and quality of life. Reductions in minimum design standards for windows, permeable surfaces, and setbacks would reduce open space, add to Urban Heat Island effect, exacerbate flooding, and worsen climate resiliency.
2. No New Liquor Stores, Bars, Vape Shops & Hotels in Neighborhoods! Don’t Surprise Thousands of Newark Residents By Converting Their Residential Blocks to Commercial Zones!
Expanding neighborhood areas that permit businesses like liquor stores that have often caused conflicts with neighbors will increase conflict and reduce community safety. Similarly, removing all required conditions for Bars, Lounges, Boarding Houses, Body Art Studios, Food Pantries, Animal Boarding, and 14 other currently conditional uses threatens quality of life and resident security. Finally, remapping hundreds of blocks from Residential to Commercial without individual notices will disrupt residents and fuel speculation.
3. Stop Overcrowding Our Community, Don’t Redefine Residential Zones!
Although current zoning law is already permissive and has authorized 36,000 homes since it was adopted under Mayor Baraka’s leadership, the replacement zoning multiplies the number of apartments permitted on every lot in the city in the name of increasing housing supply. Extreme increases in permitted density can destabilize housing markets and fuel predatory speculation.
4. Reinstate Public Notices & Hearings For Proposed Developments!
In the name of streamlining the development process, the proposed replacement ordinance goes too far removing resident voices from the process. Moving decisions from the Zoning Board to the Planning Board ties the City’s hands, decreasing leverage of Council members and residents to negotiate positive developments and protect against predatory ones. The proposed ordinance unbalances the system away from community interests by exempting many uses from public notices and hearings.
"Newark residents deserve leaders who support economic, social and environmental justice for the people of Newark, concluded Kim Gaddy"
Additional links:
Open Letter Demanding Newark Zoning Revisions
Overview of New Newark Zoning Law
SWEA's Kim Gaddy Talks Replacement Zoning On All Politics Is Local Show

More explanatory materials: www.linktr.ee/newarkzoning
| |
Staff Highlight: Regina Townes | |
Regina Townes, Ports Organizer. I was raised in the South Ward and enjoyed my early years on Chadwick Avenue. As an adult, I returned to the South Ward and purchased my first home and enjoyed 21 years as a proud South Ward homeowner.
As a longshorewoman, my everyday work environment at the Port of Newark exposed me to cumulative impacts of pollution while working on the ships, rail yards and next to trucks that were idling. In addition, equipment used for hauling containers were all diesel operated. Over the years of working my health was impacted. I would see black particles when cleaning or blowing my nose and I developed a deep harsh cough that brought pain to my chest.
I was forced to move to another area on the pier that had less of an impact on my health.
During my 31 years working at the Newark port, I witnessed several of my co-workers suffer from strokes,asthma & heart attacks, aneurysm and cancer. These life threatening experiences became an awakening that changed my life forever. I felt compelled to share my story and engaged in environmental conferences with Clean Water Action, Coalition for Healthy Ports and the Moving Forward Network. It became important to me to learn about the dangers of diesel emissions in port operations and fight for Zero Emissions at the Port and the surrounding communities like the South Ward.
In conversations with my best friend Kim Gaddy, as she was inviting members to serve on the Board of Directors for the South Ward Environmental Alliance, I knew it was the right time to engage and be a voice for workers at the Newark Port. I was elected as the Chair of the Board and now I have the awesome opportunity to serve as the Ports Organizer.
Her inspiration and dedication for Environmental Justice has become a part of my life, and I'm looking forward to promoting and improving relationships with individuals, existing partners and organizations that represent the South Ward. My goal is to ensure Zero Emissions is prioritized at the Port of New York and New Jersey.
I would like to thank the SWEA team for embracing and welcoming me in the fight for Environmental and Health Justice for all South Ward residents.
| |
On October 14, 2023, SWEA's Youth Organizer had the honor of attending the Three Doctors Foundation's annual mentor day at University High School. The event left everyone involved feeling inspired and empowered. Mentors from various professions shared powerful advice about education and career paths to students from different schools in the city. Attendees also enjoyed a delicious catered lunch, received commemorative shirts, and witnessed a few lucky students receive brand new laptops.
During the event, Fajr Kegler proudly represented the South Ward Environmental Alliance, providing vital information and seeking recruits for the Youth Advisory Council. The interest and enthusiasm displayed by both students and parents was overwhelming. On top of that, the event's organizers even provided an opportunity for youth volunteers to earn community service hours by participating in the event.
Overall, the event had a significant impact, benefiting students from different areas of the city. As a closing gesture of goodwill, backpacks were provided to ensure that all attendees had the necessary supplies to succeed as well as a few treats. It was truly a remarkable experience and a great example of the importance of community and mentorship.
| |
The SWEA Youth Council recently took a break from their environmental justice advocacy work to enjoy a day of fun and bonding at Six Flags Fright Fest. Fajr Kegler, the Youth Organizer for SWEA, planned the event to provide the council members with an opportunity to relax and get to know each other better.
Despite the spooky atmosphere and haunted houses, everyone had a great time riding the attractions and facing their fears together. In fact, the long drive to the location gave the group plenty of time to chat and strengthen their bonds beyond the usual meetings.
Fostering these connections is an important part of the Youth Council's overall mission. While their advocacy work for the environment is paramount, it is equally important to prioritize self-care and relationship-building to prevent burnout. If you join, there’s more than just work!
The Six Flags Fright Fest outing was a success and the Youth Council looks forward to many more opportunities to work together and have fun as a group.
| |
Housing Justice Summit
SWEA was thrilled to have been invited to Seton Hall University's Housing Justice Summit on October 27, 2023, hosted at their Center for Social Justice. Our youth organizer proudly represented SWEA at the event which provided an excellent opportunity to attend informative workshops and panels.
The summit hosted guest speakers from esteemed organizations all across the country. The discussions included a list of housing legislation for the 2022-2023 term, the history of Ethel Laurel and the case of Mount Laurel, and numerous talks about fair and equitable housing in low-income communities. The summit also included a powerful panel discussion with officials regarding tenant rights and housing justice organizing practices. Attendees were able to hear firsthand experiences from renters in the community who have suffered from unethical landlord tactics.
The workshops of the summit were highly informative and engaging for all attendees. Guest speakers shared their expertise, experiences, and resources for people in need of support with housing-related problems. Moreover, the summit provided a unique opportunity for SWEA staff to expand their knowledge by hearing from staff of the Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California, along with many other representatives from organizations that prioritize creating equitable housing for New Jersey residents.
Overall, the Housing Justice Summit was an incredible experience, and SWEA is proud to have participated. The broad range of topics covered during the summit offered invaluable insight into housing issues and solutions. The opportunity to attend such informative sessions was a privilege and an excellent resource for the staff and youth organizers of SWEA.
| | |
CHCA Pumpkin Harvest & Farmer’s Market
On Saturday of October 28, the South Ward Environmental Alliance's Youth Organizer, Fajr Kegler, represented SWEA at a community gathering hosted by the Clinton Hill Community Action (CHCA). This special occasion marked the much-anticipated annual pumpkin harvest and farmers market at the Hawthorne Avenue Farm.
The event was a celebration of community, offering local residents an opportunity to connect, take advantage of locally grown produce, and enjoy an array of seasonal activities, with pumpkin picking taking center stage. CHCA even held a costume contest for the children.
A hayride transported both children and parents to a nearby pumpkin patch on Bergen Street, allowing them to handpick the perfect pumpkin for their seasonal decorations and jack-o'-lanterns. Surrounding the farm was a number of vendors from local small businesses as well as community organizations eager to share valuable information about their resources. It was an ideal platform for these vendors to engage with the local community, promote their offerings, and foster meaningful connections. For the children, there were multiple engaging activities to help get them in the holiday spirit like pumpkin painting.
As the event came to an end, it was clear that the community members had truly appreciated all of the festivities. SWEA, in particular, achieved its goal of reaching out to the South Ward residents, sharing information, and building valuable connections.
| | |
CHCA Pumpkin Harvest & Farmer's Market | |
On Saturday of October 28, the South Ward Environmental Alliance's Youth Organizer, Fajr Kegler, represented SWEA at a community gathering hosted by the Clinton Hill Community Action (CHCA). This special occasion marked the much-anticipated annual pumpkin harvest and farmers market at the Hawthorne Avenue Farm.

The event was a celebration of community, offering local residents an opportunity to connect, take advantage of locally grown produce, and enjoy an array of seasonal activities, with pumpkin picking taking center stage. CHCA even held a costume contest for the children.
A hayride transported both children and parents to a nearby pumpkin patch on Bergen Street, allowing them to handpick the perfect pumpkin for their seasonal decorations and jack-o'-lanterns. Surrounding the farm was a number of vendors from local small businesses as well as community organizations eager to share valuable information about their resources. It was an ideal platform for these vendors to engage with the local community, promote their offerings, and foster meaningful connections. For the children, there were multiple engaging activities to help get them in the holiday spirit like pumpkin painting.
As the event came to an end, it was clear that the community members had truly appreciated all of the festivities. SWEA, in particular, achieved its goal of reaching out to the South Ward residents, sharing information, and building valuable connections.
| |
On Friday, October 13, 2023 the SWEA’s Youth Advisory Council held their first monthly meeting to discuss the mission and vision of the Youth and Junior Youth Councils of the organization. Hosted by Youth Organizer, Fajr Kegler, the group discussed a number of upcoming events and plans to recruit new members. First, they mentioned the plans for the bonding trip to Six Flags Great Adventure for Fright Fest. All members were ecstatic to finally get to go on an adventure just for fun! Next, they talked about the addition of the Junior Youth Advisory Council. This council will consist of members between the ages of 10 and 14 and seek to educate students about environmental justice, expose them to civic engagement opportunities, and provide them with leadership training.
After everyone expressed their excitement about opening their doors to younger members, the topic of recruitment came up. Fajr provided updates on what the recruitment process has been like so far and opened the floor for new suggestions on how that process could be improved.
Finally, the meeting ended on the topic of events for the community hosted by the Youth Council, and what the next event will look like. Overall it was a very productive meeting and next month’s meeting is expected to have even more exciting new updates for the council.
| |
SWEA Air Quality Monitoring (AQM) Advisory Board Member Highlight:
Betty Crockett
| |
2023 Clean Air Northeast Partners Meeting
The 2023 Clean Air Northeast Partners meeting was a dynamic two-day event on October 17th and 18th. SWEA staff member Asada Rashidi attended the first day of the meeting along with Dyna Anderson from New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance and Tolani Taylor from Clean Water Action. The conference featured a diverse array of panels, ranging from discussions on Micromobility to Sustainable Futures for Ports, and The Electrification of Transportation. The overarching goal of this gathering was to address pressing environmental issues that are central to the Northeast region. Topics like alternate fuels, climate change, electrification, environmental justice, funding, policy, and the impact of transportation were at the forefront of these vital conversations. The meeting offered an invaluable platform for stakeholders to unite in their commitment to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for the Northeast Region.
| | |
Newark Green Fest
The Newark GreenFest, which unfolded on October 14th, proved that not even Mother Nature could dampen the spirits of the eco-conscious community. Originally slated for the great outdoors but gracefully shifted indoors due to adverse weather, the event retained its essence as a powerful celebration of sustainability. A kaleidoscope of offerings awaited attendees, from delectable organic cuisine to bouncy houses for the little ones, inspiring eco-friendly products, interactive exhibits and workshops that ignited a passion for environmental stewardship. The festival resonated with the melodies of music, the tranquility of yoga, and a bustling marketplace of sustainable vendors. The South Ward Environmental Alliance had the privilege of being part of this vibrant gathering. We are eagerly looking forward to next year's Newark GreenFest, where we can once again champion environmental stewardship and community engagement.
| | |
Greater Life Teen Resource Fair | |
The Greater Life Teen Resource Fair on October 26th was an inspiring event, where community organizations like the South Ward Environmental Alliance came together to empower and engage with our future leaders. Asada Rashidi, SWEA staff member, played a pivotal role in connecting with the attending teens. She passionately shared insights into SWEA's impactful initiatives and projects, inspiring the youth to become active participants in creating positive change. Asada also highlighted the exciting opportunity to join SWEA's youth council, a platform where these young individuals can immerse themselves in civic engagement, champion environmental justice, partake in community service, and receive invaluable leadership training. | |
SWEA Advisory Board Environmental Tour and Meeting | |
On Friday, October 6, 2023, the members of the SWEA Senior Advisory Board participated in an environmental justice tour visiting different sites and locations of Port Newark where shipping and warehouses are located. Many of these sites are emitting hazardous pollutants that are affecting and impacting the health of our community in the South Ward. Kim Gaddy, Executive Director and Founder of SWEA, was the tour guide that sponsored this event and highlighted that our port is the second largest port in the United States. The members of this board had the upfront opportunity to witness the tremendous diesel truck traffic that exist on a daily basis and storage sites that house materials that are threatening the health of our resident population.
Following the tour, the members returned to a luncheon meeting to discuss the EJ tour, its impacts and how advocating for healthy communities are so important. The advisory board also discussed and planned for future events to educate and inform other senior residents about the health disparities impacting the South Ward residents in Dayton Street, Weequahic and Clinton Hill neighborhood.
| |
Environmental Justice Community Forum Series NJ | |
The Environmental Justice Community Forum Series in New Jersey, hosted by the New Jersey Clean Cities Coalition in collaboration with the Weequahic Park Association, was held on October 23rd. This forum brought together community members, leaders, and experts to address pressing environmental issues. With a focus on clean transportation, air quality, alternative fuels, and equity in communities, the discussions highlighted the pivotal role that clean transportation plays in creating a more sustainable future. The event served as a platform to raise awareness about cleaner fuels and transportation options that can make a difference in underserved communities. The participation of esteemed figures like Mayor Ras Baraka and Councilwoman Reverend Louise Scott-Roundtree underscored the significance of diverse solutions and collaboration in making immediate, positive impacts in our communities. This forum series exemplified the power of community engagement and shared knowledge in the pursuit of environmental justice. | |
CHCA South Ward Arts
Xchange Fashion Upcycling Workshop
| |
The South Ward community had the opportunity to learn about sustainable fashion through reinventing, remixing and upcycling garments from their closets. Discarding old clothing is a thing of the past and we no longer send our discarded items to landfills any longer. Clinton Hill Community Action in partnership with New Jersey Performing Arts Center through their community engagement program hosted an amazing workshop on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at the Clinton Hill Early Learning Center. Residents were treated to a breakfast and sewing essentials to create their creative fashion pieces.
The workshop was conducted by Aziz Little an artist also known as Bump Pro, a self-taught creative fashion designer who developed his fashion skills during the pandemic. Aziz stated that he owes his fashion inspiration to his mother, and in fact, it was his girlfriend who saw his creative talent and brought him his sewing machine to begin his fashion journey. He quotes, “Don’t be afraid to start over and fear is overrated“.
Several residents who participated in this event were selected to be featured during Newark Fashion Week in the spring of 2024 to showcase their fashion collection of sustainable wear. Congratulations to James Young, SWEA staff member who was also selected to participate in this fashion event.
| |
SWEA Senior Advisory Board Highlight: Evelyn Williams | |
This month SWEA is proud to highlight another dedicated Newarker on our Senior Advisory Board. We are so proud to have Ms. Evelyn Williams, a proud resident of Clinton Hill, who stepped up to the plate to represent the residents of her community. Being an involved community and political leader, she felt that environmental issues and environmental racism greatly impacted her community and there was a sense of urgency to combat this problem.
Ms Williams, a third generation Newarker, and mother served for many years on the Newark Board of Education and had served as the Board President. She was a State Assemblywoman, served as Deputy Mayor in the City of Newark and an active Committee Member of the Essex Democratic Party. She served a long career as a Corrections Officer and was elected to serve as the first Black female President of the PBA.
Ms. Williams, a fashionista in her own right, has a strong presence in any room she is in and is never afraid to speak to the issues. Her candor is always respected regardless of her position on the issue. Her main concern environmentally is dedicated to the replacement of trees and the unnecessary idling of vehicles in our neighborhoods. We welcome her dedication and commitment to our SWEA family.
| |
Green Infrastructure in Newark, NJ | |
There was a symposium held on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at NJIT Main campus that presented the latest updates and efforts taking place in Newark and its vicinity addressing the current environmental and climate change issues in our cities. This was a collaboration of the academic, governmental and environmental communities that are working together to bring the changes needed through research and development.
The focused area of concentration of climate change impacts in our cities are: extreme heat; flooding; rising sea levels; more frequent and intense storms; combined sewer overflows; drought; and poor air quality. Each of the symposium presenters shared their participation and data in the area of research they were concentrated in and allowed time for question and answers from the audience. This event also highlighted who were the Green Infrastructure Champions in the Newark Community implementing green infrastructure as a stormwater management approach in our community and they were:Kim Gaddy, National EJ Director for Clean Water Action and Executive Director of SWEA; Jonathan Gordon, Chief Sustainability Officer, Newark, NJ and Nicole Miller, Principal of MnM Consulting, Co-Chair of Newark DIG, and Co-Chair of Jersey Water Works and Dr. Chris Obropta,Extension Specialist in Water Resources, Rutgers University.
| |
New Jersey Organizations and Agencies Slated to Get Over $4.8 Million in EPA Funding to Support Environmental Justice Work | |
Employment and career opportunities remain to be an issue in historically disadvantaged communities. Unemployment and underemployment rates continue to soar, leaving many job seekers frustrated in their job search. As the job market continues to shift, requiring technical employment, we have to prepare the community for being equipped to meet the labor demands.
On Tuesday, October 24, 2023, Brick hosted a webinar on: Empowering Communities Through Workforce Development to address the importance of better preparing our workforce to not only obtain employment but developing career paths to meaningful and financially secured employment opportunities. Employment training and development is key in this new employment market. The focus should not be on finding just a job but planning a career path to secure financial stability.
| |
New Jersey Organizations and Agencies Slated to Get Over $4.8 Million in EPA Funding to Support Environmental Justice Work | |
NEW YORK (October 24, 2023) - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced over $4.8 million to fund six projects across New Jersey that advance environmental justice as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The EPA has selected two community organizations, the state, and three city agencies to receive funding through the Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem Solving Cooperative Agreement and the Environmental Justice Government-to-Government programs. These projects will support disadvantaged communities that have historically suffered from underinvestment to achieve cleaner air and water and implement climate resilience solutions. The selected projects will focus on community outreach, climate resilience and nature-based programming among other focuses and goals.
“It is really exciting to see community organizations and state and local governments in New Jersey design creative projects to advance environmental justice,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “These grant programs will give communities and local governments a new way to approach climate resilience and to develop solutions that can be replicated in other places. EPA continues to engage with and support communities that have traditionally been overburdened by environmental pollution.”
"I'm proud that nearly $5 million will be directed to six worthy projects in New Jersey to promote environmental justice,” said Senator Cory Booker. “This crucial federal investment—part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda and made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, which I was proud to vote for—will support organizations dedicated to addressing local environmental and public health concerns, ensuring that federal resources reach grassroots environmental justice organizations that often struggle to secure such funding. This investment underscores our commitment to creating a more equitable and healthier future for all our communities.”
“I am proud that the EPA will be awarding $5 million for six environmental justice projects in New Jersey, including projects in Hudson County, Jersey City, and Newark,” said U.S. Representative. Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10). “This funding will help clean the environment and improve public health for Americans in underserved communities throughout my district. These Americans have suffered from the effects of air and water pollution for too long. I applaud the Biden Administration for taking action to address this problem and support projects that better our country for all Americans.”
Congratulations to EPA EJCPS selections in New Jersey:
Ironbound Community Corporation in Newark, New Jersey has been selected to receive $327,900 for its project, Advancing Environmental Justice and Climate Resiliency through Increasing Tree Canopy in the Ironbound section of Newark.
New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance in Newark, New Jersey has been selected to receive $500,000 for its project, New Jersey EJ Education Collaborative.
EPA EJG2G selections in New Jersey:
City of Newark has been selected to receive $1,000,000 for its project, Workforce Development for mitigating air quality, urban heat island, and stormwater issues in Newark.
| |
SWPN Community Thanksgiving Luncheon - November 18th, 2023
NJEJA Waste Justice Assembly - November 30th, 2023Climate
Pollution Reduction Grant Program Kickoff Workshop
-
The CPRG program is a nationwide, two-phase grant funded through the Inflation Reduction Act. In phase one New Jersey received $3 million from the USEPA to update and enhance the state’s existing climate action plans. This is an opportunity for overburdened communities to provide valuable feedback on the state’s greenhouse gas reduction priorities and learn what can be expected throughout the CPRG planning and implementation process.
SWEA Summit Save the Date - April 27th 2024
| |
Congratulations to Our Partners! | |
Nicole Miller of NewarkDIG receives the Cary Edwards Leadership Award. | |
Pictures from the CWA Autumn Toast | | | | |