News Feeds | ecology.iww.org (2024)

Food Tank - Tue, 03/26/2024 - 00:00

New York City Mayor Eric Adams recently announced budget cuts that include the elimination of funding for community composting programs. In response, a coalition of community groups is invigorating its base to keep these initiatives alive.

The New York City Compost Project is a partnership between the City of New York Department of Sanitation (DSNY) and community organizations. The organizations include GrowNYC, Lower East Side (LES) Ecological Center, Big Reuse, and Earth Matter, Brooklyn Botanical Garden, Queens Botanical Garden, Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, and The New York Botanical Garden. Operating 75 compost sites in all five boroughs, the Program provides education and composting opportunities for City residents.

Earth Matter, a New York City-based community and environmental organization, has received funding from the city to facilitate the NYC Compost Project. Earth Matter “makes compost using people’s food scraps to be put back onto the green infrastructure that New York City is so proud to invest in,” Marissa DeDominicis, the organization’s Executive Director, tells Food Tank.

But the ability of organizations like Earth Matter to operate is at risk. The proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025 includes cuts to DSNY that will lead to the defunding of the NYC Compost Project. According to composting advocates, these changes will lead to a loss of jobs and the closing down of drop-off sites.

Since the announcement, community groups released a petition to reinstate community composting programs, which now has more than 50,000 signatures. GrowNYC, an organization that receives city funding to operate 52 compost drop-off sites throughout the city, is the original author behind it. In 2022 alone, the organization diverted almost 2.7 million pounds of food scraps from landfills to compost, according to itswebsite.

Immediately following the Mayor’s announcement, GrowNYC reports that they were preparing to lay off employees within their composting programs. For now, ananonymous donor has enabled their composting work to continue through June 2024, but layoffs may be imminent.

Other organizations are searching for, and in some cases successfully identifying, similar funding streams.Mill Industries Inc. and Friendsand community members recently announced a donation to LES Botanical Garden, Earth Matter, BigReuse, and GrowNYC so that these organizations can also continue their composting work.

DeDominicis tells Food Tank that Earth Matter is also working with city councilors to push for the restoration of funding and is hoping for additional funds by the beginning of the next fiscal year in July.

In response to criticism, DSNY points out that New York City is expanding their citywide curbside compost collection. It is projected to be the “nation’s largest and easiest curbside composting program, picking up compostable material from every resident on their recycling day and putting that material to beneficial use,” a DSNY spokesperson tells Food Tank.

The Department currently collects compost in Brooklyn and Queens andby October 2024, they are planning to serve the remaining boroughs. New Yorkers can also compost food scraps in the Smart Composting bins that are located around the city.

DeDominicis tells Food Tank that these bins don’t turn food scraps into soil. She explains that the city transports the waste to facilities that turn scraps into biogas, creating non-compostable slurry as a byproduct, also according toan investigation byCurbed. Smart Bins are alsopredominantly available in Manhattan and Brooklyn. But community compost drop-off sites, meanwhile, are set up in all corners of the city for greater reach.

DeDominicis also argues that the NYC Compost Project provides an important connection to the community. According to Natural Resources Defense Council research, 40 percent of the American food supply goes to waste. To limit food waste, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommendsthat before throwing food away in a landfill, people should compost it. But, DeDominicis notes that composting is a “lifestyle change.”

Earth Matter sees itself as both a community compost site and a classroom and the organization believes that “as people learn how to compost, they become the advocates, they become the educators, and they go back into their communities,” DeDominicis says.

“People can come to Earth Matter, actually see their food scraps…[and] the transformation into black gold,” DeDominicis tells Food Tank. She believes that the composting site is a place for New Yorkers to learn about where their food waste goes, “making people feel like they belong to a movement, and what they do is a basic act that can make change.”

Articles like the one you just read are made possible through the generosity of Food Tank members. Can we please count on you to be part of our growing movement?Become a member today by clicking here.

Photo by Charles Bayrer, courtesy of Earth Matter

The post Preserving Community Compost in New York City appeared first on Food Tank.

Categories: A3. Agroecology

Break Free From Plastic - Tue, 03/26/2024 - 00:00

This year, Women's Day aligns with the inaugural surge in e-commerce marketing following the New Year. Have you completed your shopping spree yet? According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, China's total online retail sales reached 13.79 trillion yuan in 2022, with an increase of 4% year-on-year. Among these, the online retail sales of physical goods amounted to 11.96 trillion yuan, accounting for 27.2% of the total retail sales of consumer goods.

How can we swiftly address and reduce the ever-growing waste generated by delivery and takeaway services? What steps can society take to make e-commerce packaging more sustainable, specifically by minimizing the reliance on single-use plastics, curbing excessive packaging, and reducing waste overall? As e-commerce entities and packaging vendors, what strategies can we implement to guarantee the safe and convenient delivery of products to consumers, while also offering ample environmentally friendly choices?

To address these questions, on the afternoon of March 4, 2024, a sustainable packaging forum host by the Guangdong Association of Circular Economy and Resource Comprehensive Utilization and the Plastic Free China, supported by Alashan SEE Pearl River Project Center, Huidu Environmental (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., the Guangdong Express Packaging Industry Green Development Alliance, and the Guangdong Packaging Technology Association was held in Guangzhou at the China Import and Export Fair Complex. The forum, conducted both online and on-site, linked pioneers in circular packaging from around the globe with leading Chinese enterprises, facilitating "mythical dialogues" within the industry to promote domestic and international industry exchange and dialogue.

The forum received support and attention from senior management departments and leaders of related units. Attendees included Luan Fang, the Deputy Director of the Guangdong Province Department of Industrial Energy Saving and Comprehensive Utilization; Qian Wang, the Deputy Director of the Department of Energy Conservation and Comprehensive Utilization Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology; Shangde Xian, the Vice President and Secretary-General of the Guangdong Provincial Association for Circular Economy and Resource Comprehensive Utilization, and Min Ren, the General Director of Adsale.

1. Collaboration Across the Board: Packaging Green Governance Enters an Era of Whole-Chain Management

Zhijian Fu, Chief Engineer of the Guangdong Provincial Association for Circular Economy and Resource Comprehensive Utilization, made an exciting call to action in his welcoming speech, "Packaging production enterprises should undertake the design of packaging reduction, product producers should optimize product packaging design, sellers should demand green product packaging and minimal packaging from suppliers, and consumers should adopt environmentally friendly purchasing, reuse, moderate consumption, and reduce the consumption of single-use plastic products."

Professor Huanzheng Du, one of the earliest scholars focused on the research of the circular economy and resource recycling industry, who also serves as the Dean of the UN Environment Programme-Tongji University College of Environmental and Sustainable Development and President of the China Synthetic Resin Association Plastic Recycling Committee, offered three expert suggestions on the development trend of sustainable packaging:

"First, integrate sustainable packaging with national green production and lifestyle; second, address packaging issues through resource recovery and circularity; third, solve packaging issues across the entire chain. Especially for e-commerce packaging, it involves many links from product producers, merchants, logistic companies to consumers, and recyclers to solve."

In response to the public’s concern about the environmental benefits of sustainable e-commerce packaging, Xue Zheng, the General Secretary of the Plastic Free China, highlighted with relevant data that the reuse model, as a globally recognized environmental solution, can contribute to a 20% reduction in plastic pollution, a benefit that cannot be overlooked.

As an environmental organization deeply involved in the delivery and takeaway sector, Plastic Free China has its observations and development suggestions for the circular delivery and takeaway model. Xue Zheng summarized that the government plays a crucial role in establishing a circular model. Under the current policy framework, the support for these policies at the local level still needs implementation, and it's essential to lower the initial costs for businesses.

Especially in terms of establishing related sharing and recycling systems, the government needs to act as a coordinator. Circular models, including delivery and takeaway, involve communication and collaboration among multiple stakeholders, requiring participation from various parties including consumers, and entities like government departments, associations, and charitable organizations play a significant role in facilitating this communication.

2. Creating a Wider Circular System Worldwide: Sustainable E-Commerce Packaging from Finland is also made in China

In the realm of e-commerce logistics packaging, Procter & Gamble, with its 187-year history, holds a significant voice. Today, over 50% of P&G's business comes from e-commerce. Wanmin Yang, Director of Supply Chain Packaging Innovation at P&G China, introduced the innovative "Air Capsule" circular box to the attendees. P&G has effectively achieved the goal of 80% of its business operations not requiring secondary protection by leveraging its "direct-to-consumer capabilities, actively expanding and creating direct e-commerce packaging, designing products suitable for the Chinese e-commerce environment through research, and developing green integrated packaging materials to reduce the need for secondary protection.

Contrary to a global FMCG giant like P&G, Huidu Environmental Technology is a tech company dedicated to the R&D, production, and operation of green, environmentally friendly circular packaging products. Discussing the challenges faced by circular packaging suppliers, Ruize Wu, Vice President of the South China branch of Huidu Environmental Technology Co., Ltd., stated that understanding and accepting the concept of "circularity" by customers, along with their awareness of the environmental benefits brought by circular systems, pose external challenges for Grayscale. Internally, the continuous development of product R&D capabilities, denser warehouse network layouts, more stable operational plans, and systems are goals that the company aims to achieve through ongoing accumulation.

Challenges similar to those faced by sustainable packaging companies in China are not unique. Jonne Hellgren, CEO and co-founder of Finnish sustainable packaging company RePack, mentioned that in Europe, where RePack's operations are concentrated, although their system is primarily based on the postal system, most circular and reusable systems are often "fragmented". Educating consumers and building a stronger circular system remains a significant challenge for businesses in the related industry.

It's noteworthy that RePack's collapsible packaging, adopted in the Asian market, is manufactured in China. Its superior quality and excellent foldability have made this packaging product very popular.

For companies supplying circular express packaging, advanced design technology and cost issues represent significant challenges faced by the entire industry. Wanmin Yang was candid about not fearing competition in terms of cost, stating, "If there are manufacturers who can produce at a lower cost than us, we can cooperate with them." Procter & Gamble's "Air Capsule" technology has also been made available for industry use. Roundtable participants unanimously agreed that only by expanding the industry, and continuously testing and verifying technology, can costs be reduced and efficiency improved, truly welcoming a "scale effect" and sustainable future for circular packaging.

3. Observing China's Takeaway Food Circular Packaging: A Strong Foundation for Scale, Awaiting Comprehensive Management Policies

Yichao Wang, co-founder and COO of Shuangti, points out that the university setting, with its relatively closed environment, enables schools to directly apply administrative measures. This unique ecosystem, where both the supply and demand are concentrated, paves the way for the efficient implementation of reverse logistics. Additionally, the student population is generally more receptive to new ideas and environmental initiatives. Hence, universities offer an ideal testing ground for advancing the use of circular takeaway food containers.

Shuangti has established an intelligent food container system based on the closed environment of schools, utilizing built-in chips and unique identification codes to smoothly track the entire distribution, sorting, recycling, and inventory of food containers. As of May 2023, in the pilot project at the Southern Medical University Shunde Campus, the average yearly circulation of each food container reached 63 times, helping the school reduce the use of 400,000 disposable plastic food containers.

Muuse is a smart platform for reusable packaging focused on Asia and North America. The company uses QR codes and RFID tags to track reusable containers, allowing users to easily borrow and return items among different participating merchants and return stations, and has established an effective management system to solve the problem of reverse logistics. Jonathan Tostevin, the founder of Muuse, participated in the forum's roundtable session online. He believes that the return rate of reusable takeaway food containers is crucial, and Muuse's reusable container return rate has reached 98%.

The construction of circular food takeaway food container systems, the improvement of policies and regulations, and how to better advocate for consumers and address hygiene issues became frequently mentioned key topics by roundtable guests.

Junmian Li, the founder of Laigewan (Shenzhen), emphasized that in addition to cooperation with takeaway platforms and catering businesses, the perfection of related legislation and policies is especially important for the development of the industry. Yi Ding, the roundtable host and the project manager of the Plastic Free China—Express Plastic Reduction project, added that the industry urgently needs to establish a comprehensive management system, clarify the regulatory departments for takeaway plastic pollution, and create a better support system to provide businesses with policy incentives and support.

Categories: J2. Fossil Fuel Industry

Ecologist - Tue, 03/26/2024 - 00:00

Categories: H. Green News

Green Energy Times - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 23:16

Headline News:

• “Geothermal Advancements, Incentives Could Help NM Meet Renewable Energy Goals” • About 75 years ago in Animas, drillers going after water for irrigation stumbled upon extremely hot water naturally bubbling up out of the ground. The spot would later become the location of New Mexico’s first utility-scale geothermal power plant. [AOL.com]

Animas, New Mexico (BAlvarius, CC-BY-SA 3.0, cropped)

• “Trader Joe’s Just Increased The Price Of A Banana For The First Time In Over Twenty Years” • Trader Joe’s told CNN that it raised the price of a banana to 23¢, an increase of more than 20%. The grocer has sold bananas for 19¢ each for over two decades. World Banana Forum experts had warned that climate change can drive up banana prices. [CNN]
• “Renewable Power Makes 1-GW Italian Battery Pact” • Altea Green Power is partnering with Renewable Power Capital to develop 1 GW of battery storage in Italy. The partnership is focused on ensuring strong involvement of local municipalities and stakeholders. It aims to achieve ready-to-build status for the pipeline in the next 2 to 4 years. [reNews]
• “Adani Eyes 45 GW Of Renewable Energy Capacity By 2030” • Billionaire Gautam Adani’s group is building the world’s largest renewable energy park in Gujarat, as it eyes a massive 45 GW capacity to generate electricity largely from solar. He said his group’s renewable energy arm, Adani Green Energy, is leading an energy transition. [Press Trust of India]
• “The TELO Electric Pickup Is A Tiny Truck With Big Features” • If you want to buy an electric pickup truck, your options are still fairly limited, but they are available. However, if you want to buy a little truck, not your standard full-size pickup, you are almost out of luck. TELO Trucks, however, might be about to produce a solution for that. [CleanTechnica]

For more news, please visit geoharvey – Daily News about Energy and Climate Change.

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Audubon Society - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 20:03

Categories: G3. Big Green

350 Portland - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 17:56

350PDX Community Engagement ManagerTo apply, please send your resume and a cover letter to jobs@350pdx.org with the subject line “Community Engagement Manager application.” Priority deadline is April 14, 2024.

Organizational Overview:

350PDX’s mission is to build a diverse grassroots movement to address the causes of climate disruption through justice-based solutions by inspiring, training and mobilizing people to act. We are a dynamic, volunteer-driven grassroots organization with thousands of supporters. We regularly engage hundreds of people to volunteer and/or take action. Our work is significant — the nation and world need compelling examples of communities that are addressing climate disruption head-on through bold and creative measures that bring diverse people together at a time of divisiveness and insufficient state and federal action.

Position Summary:

The Community Engagement Manager is responsible for building and maintaining the 350PDX community through relationship building, including volunteer onboarding, leadership development, and mobilization. They are also responsible for relationship building in the 350PDX donor community, getting to know new and existing donors and leading on donor fundraising campaigns.

Oversight:

350PDX is a peer-managed collective. This means we have no executive director or hierarchy within staff, and all staff members contribute to maintaining the ongoing functions of the organization. Each member of the collective manages, and is managed by, one other collective member.

Location:
Living in or relocating to the Portland area is a requirement for this position. 350PDX has an office in N. Portland and staff have the choice whether to work from home or the office, with most staff doing a mix of the two. We are very flexible with work location but expect that staff will attend at least some meetings and events in person.

Compensation:

This is a full-time position (350PDX considers full-time as 30 hours/week) starting on or after June 3, 2024, with an annual salary of $56,887. Benefits include generous PTO (3+ weeks/year) as well as an organization-wide 2-week vacation in the summer, flexible work hours, professional development funds, and $300/month toward company health insurance.

General Responsibilities: (15%)

• Work within peer management accountability structure to cultivate and maintain a culture of feedback, continuous improvement, and performance correction, as needed. Collaborate with peer manager, and managee, to set clear expectations and correct performance issues as needed by providing and receiving timely, clear, candid, actionable feedback in the moment and in regular peer management meetings.
• Support the recruitment and selection of staff and volunteers. Maintain familiarity with equitable hiring practices and targeted recruitment.
• Support the implementation of an organization-wide strategic plan based in justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI). Weave JEDI focus into all aspects of position, including trainings, outreach, event planning, event accessibility, etc.
• Support organization-wide grassroots fundraising efforts including project-specific grants; uphold a culture that celebrates and elevates fundraising.
• Maintain a working knowledge of climate change issues and related social, political, legislative, regulatory and economic frameworks. Stay up to date on recent developments.
• General organizational upkeep, including: respond to organizational opportunities and threats, network with community leaders and organizations, facilitate internal and external communications, have fun with other collective members, etc.

Specific Responsibilities: (85%)

• Volunteer Management (40%)

• • Leads on volunteer onboarding (i.e. the stage after outreach once people have signed up to get involved), focused on building relationships, making folks feel welcome, and plugging them into a useful role. Includes orientations, one-on-ones, connecting people to teams and other volunteer opportunities, ongoing check-ins and leadership development.
  • Co-leads on mobilizing, with the Communications Manager. The Engagement Manager leverages their relationships with volunteer and donors to get those people to show up for our actions, events, volunteer opportunities, and donor drives
  • Co-leads Action Nights with Outreach & Organizing Manager
  • Maintains database of all volunteers and donors (we use Salsa CRM)
  • Co-lead big picture Movement Building planning with Outreach & Organizing Manager
  • Oversees conflict resolution involving volunteers

• Fundraising (40%)

• • Co-create annual / multi-year development plan with Grants and Operations Coordinator
  • Supports budget planning by adding anticipated fundraising goals for the upcoming fiscal years as well as contributing to team budgeting
  • Builds relationships with donors including major donors, and makes fundraising asks
  • Maintains donor database (we use Salsa CRM)
  • Bottom-lines a spring sustainer drive, an end-of-year donor appeal, and other appeals as needed, with support from rest of staff where appropriate (Comms support from Comms Manager, event support from Outreach & Organizing Manager, etc.)
  • Donor cultivation – appreciations, thank you letters, receipts, relationship building, and quarterly donor newsletter
  • Coordinates planned giving, employer matches, merchandise, and other fundraising streams, with support from other staff and volunteers
  • Manages fundraising volunteers/team as needed
  • Supports staff and volunteers to make asks and thrive as fundraisers, creating a culture of FUNdraising at 350PDX

• Professional Development and Accountability (5%, average)

• • Participate in study groups, courses, workshops, and/or conferences to continue developing 350PDX’s organizing knowledge and political ideology to be able to adequately inform others.
  • Attend neighborhood meetings, events from frontline organizations, etc. to ensure accountability to the communities we work with.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience with grassroots community organizing in climate justice, social justice, and/or labor movements, preferably in the greater Portland area
• Experience or demonstrated interest in welcoming and maintaining volunteers or donors to an organization
• Experience tracking volunteers or donors using a CRM or other system
• Experience or demonstrated interest in making fundraising asks to prospective donors
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends, as much as 3–5 times per month during busy periods. Schedules can be flexed for an average of 30 hours per week.
• Self-driven, able to work autonomously and move forward projects independently
• Detail-oriented, with strong organization and project management skills. Ability to plan effectively, meet deadlines and coordinate others’ involvement within a dynamic and fast-paced setting.
• Experience with justice and equity planning, policies, and practices. Commitment to dismantling systems of oppression that fuel the climate crisis and to understanding one’s own role as an individual in systems of privilege and power.
• Commitment to self and community care, including practices of stress management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrated capability to exercise sound judgment and conduct one’s self in opposition to white supremacy culture, including when dealing with the public and with difficult situations.
• Experience or interest in collaborative decision-making models and consensus-based decision-making
• Commitment to centering, uplifting, and holding oneself accountable to the leadership of frontline communities, understanding that those most impacted by climate crises and environmental injustice must lead the transition

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with nonprofit management
• Understanding of basic financial management including budgeting, funding sources, expenditures, and practices for maintaining financial solvency
• Experience working in a worker collective or other non-hierarchical structure
• Speaks language(s) other than English

To apply, please send your resume and a cover letter to jobs@350pdx.org with the subject line “Community Engagement Manager application.” Priority deadline is April 14, 2024.

About the Staff Collective

350PDX’s staffing model is a non-hierarchical Staff Collective. Members of the collective are accountable to each other and to the organization’s leadership — there is no boss. Each member of the collective fills specific roles and serves on different management teams that are responsible for different departments within the organization. We chose a collective model because we wanted to staff the organization in a way that models our value of distributing power and having shared accountability for the whole. As a collective, we are all responsible for the health and wellbeing of the organization. We all have some shared responsibilities — to help raise money, to respond to opportunities and threats, and to work on organizational development projects. Because the collective structure is unique, we are building it as we go. We are looking for someone who is not intimidated by an evolving organizational structure and who is excited to help shape it. When issues arise, we all take responsibility for addressing them.

EEO

350PDX is a non-discriminatory organization that seeks to support and empower all those working within a diverse and inclusive climate justice movement. For that reason we adhere to both the letter and the spirit of applicable laws that prohibit discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic prohibited by law. We actively strive to create a space of equity and trust for all who wish to contribute to our goals and welcome those who can teach us how to do this better. Any concerns about misconduct are received and dealt with seriously.

350PDX is committed to being an inclusive and collaborative group that values bringing a diversity of approaches and perspectives to the work we do. We try to build a workplace where everyone is treated fairly, respected, and enjoys working together. Women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+ people, and members of communities on the frontlines of climate change are especially welcome and encouraged to apply.

If you have suggestions for us, we value your input and encourage you to write to us at jobs@350pdx.org.

The post Community Engagement Manager appeared first on 350PDX: Climate Justice.

Categories: G2. Local Greens

Public Advocates - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 17:40

California’s Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) provides basic protections for renters against extreme rent increases and unfair evictions. A new law (SB 567) makes important changes that take effect April 1, 2024.

Read more about renters’ rights in California under this new law.

• En Español

The post Renters’ Rights under the Tenant Protection Act (2024) appeared first on Public Advocates.

Categories: E2. Front Line Community Green

Mining.Com - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 16:38

Central Asia Metals (LON:CAML)announced Monday an equity financing of £3 million ($3.8m) inAberdeen Minerals to acquire a 28.7% shareholding in the company.

Central Asia Metals owns and operates the Kounrad SX-EW copper operation in central Kazakhstan and the Sasa zinc-lead mine in North Macedonia.

Aberdeen Minerals is a privately-owned junior raw battery materials explorer based in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It holds a 7,400-hectare land package, and CAML said it has already demonstrated the presence of a copper-nickel-cobalt deposit at its Arthrath project, originally discovered by Rio Tinto in 1968.

The British Geological Survey (BGS) last year produced areportidentifying areas of the UK prospective for critical raw materials.

The national-scale assessment is one of the first steps in the UK Government’s critical minerals strategy, which aims to make the UK more resilient to disruption in critical mineral supply chains.

The investment will fund further drilling, studies, and test work and CAML said in an emailed statement it believes that the UK in undergoing a mining revival, predominately driven by the green energy transition, making itan “exciting jurisdiction for exploration investment”.

The financing also comprises a conditional cornerstone investment of £3 million ($3.8m) at 8.5 pence per share, warrants to be granted to CAML to invest an additional £2 million ($2.5m) at 11 pence per share, which, if exercised, would take CAML ownership to 37.8%

“We are delighted to have secured a major, cornerstone investment from CAML, a UK company which has a track record in successful mineral production and delivering benefits for its host communities, employees, and shareholders,” Aberdeen Minerals CEO Fraser Gardiner said in a news release.

“Their backing is a solid endorsem*nt of the technical merits of our projects and our team’s exploration proposals. We look forward to working closely with them and sharing in future exploration success.

“The funding announced today provides a strong financial platform to progress our mineral exploration and development work in partnership with Aberdeenshire landowners, and to pursue local economic growth directly linked to the raw material needs of an energy transition,” Gardiner said.

Categories: J2. Fossil Fuel Industry

Solar Industry Magazine - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 14:51

New York has set new records for hourly wind and solar generation, the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) has reported.

NYISO says wind power facilities generated 2,176 MW during the 1p.m. hour on March 9 and served 12% of system load. Behind-the-meter and front-of-the-meter solar resources generated 3,832 MW during the 12 p.m. hour on March 12 and served 21%of system load.

“The contributions from wind and solar resources represent important, beneficial progress toward the state’s clean energy goals,” says Rich Dewey, president and CEO of NYISO. “As load continues to rise across the system, additional generation and transmission will be essential to serve demand and maintain grid reliability.”

The post NYISO Announces New Renewable Energy Generation Records appeared first on Solar Industry.

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North American Windpower - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 14:50

New York has set new records for hourly wind and solar generation, the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) has reported.

The not-for-profit corporation says wind power facilities generated 2,176 MW during the 1p.m. hour on March 9 and served 12% of system load. Behind-the-meter and front-of-the-meter solar resources generated 3,832 MW during the 12 p.m. hour on March 12 and served 21% of system load.

“The contributions from wind and solar resources represent important, beneficial progress toward the state’s clean energy goals,” says Rich Dewey, president and CEO of NYISO. “As load continues to rise across the system, additional generation and transmission will be essential to serve demand and maintain grid reliability.”

The post NYISO Announces New Renewable Energy Generation Records appeared first on North American Windpower.

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Solar Industry Magazine - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 14:42

Consumers Energy and the Muskegon County Resource Recovery Center have partnered to develop the company’s first large-scale solar project, the 250 MW Muskegon Solar Energy Center, set to begin construction next month and be fully operational in 2026.

“Consumers Energy has some of the most aggressive clean energy goals in the nation and projects like this are a critical part of achieving those goals,” says David Hicks, Consumers Energy vice president of clean energy development.

“Partnering with an organization like the Muskegon County Resource Recovery Center, with its long history of service to the county, combined with the benefits of solar energy and the revenues this agreement can provide, is truly a win-win for all parties.”

The project will use approximately 1,900 acres of land within the Resource Recovery Center’s footprint, in partnership with Moorland Township. Consumers will own and operate the project while leasing the property beneath it.

The post Consumers Energy, Muskegon County Jointly Launch Muskegon Solar Energy Center appeared first on Solar Industry.

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Utility Dive - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 14:38

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The National Park Service has been sued over Director Chuck Sams’ decision to allow the Jemez Pueblo to kill an eagle in Valles Caldera National Preserve by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, which is asking to see the decision documents Sams relied on to authorize the taking.

PEER filed Freedom of Information Act requests back in November to obtain the documents, and in the lawsuit [attached below] filed Monday in Washington, D.C. the organization said it had yet to receive any documents.

Read the PEER Story…

The post National Park Service Sued Over Eagle Killing At Valles Caldera National Preserve appeared first on PEER.org.

Categories: A2. Green Unionism

Pembina Institute News - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 14:18

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Solar Industry Magazine - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 14:00

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced $22 million set aside to improve the planning, siting and permitting processes for large-scale renewable energy facilities.

Six state-based projects are receiving $10 million through the Renewable Energy Siting through Technical Engagement and Planning (R-STEP) program, aimed at developing and expanding statewide initiatives that provide expertise, trainings and technical resources to local governments and communities as they plan for and evaluate large-scale renewable energy and storage projects.

“Solar and wind energy and battery storage are on the rise throughout America. This year, we expect these to make up a record-breaking 94% of our nation’s new electric-generating capabilities,” says U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm.

“Often, the biggest barrier to deploying that clean generation is siting and permitting. The Biden-Harris Administration is helping provide local leaders with the resources needed to deploy more clean energy to their residents in a way that is tailored to their unique needs.”

The selected collaboratives are: Indiana, led by Purdue University Extension; Iowa, led by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach; Michigan, led by Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; Mississippi, led by Mississippi Development Authority Energy & Natural Resources Division; North Carolina and South Carolina, led by the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center; and Wisconsin, led by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension.

Round One of the R-STEP program is administered by ENERGYWERX. This funding mechanism is made possible through the innovative Partnership Intermediary Agreement set up by the DOE Office of Technology Transitions.

The post DOE Earmarks $22M for Renewable Facility Planning, Siting Improvements appeared first on Solar Industry.

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North American Windpower - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 13:59

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced $22 million set aside to improve the planning, siting and permitting processes for large-scale renewable energy facilities.

Six state-based projects are receiving $10 million through the Renewable Energy Siting through Technical Engagement and Planning (R-STEP) program, aimed at developing and expanding statewide initiatives that provide expertise, trainings and technical resources to local governments and communities as they plan for and evaluate large-scale renewable energy and storage projects.

“Solar and wind energy and battery storage are on the rise throughout America. This year, we expect these to make up a record-breaking 94% of our nation’s new electric-generating capabilities,” says U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm.

“Often, the biggest barrier to deploying that clean generation is siting and permitting. The Biden-Harris Administration is helping provide local leaders with the resources needed to deploy more clean energy to their residents in a way that is tailored to their unique needs.”

The selected collaboratives are: Indiana, led by Purdue University Extension; Iowa, led by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach; Michigan, led by Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; Mississippi, led by Mississippi Development Authority Energy & Natural Resources Division; North Carolina and South Carolina, led by the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center; and Wisconsin, led by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension.

Round One of the R-STEP program is administered by ENERGYWERX. This funding mechanism is made possible through the innovative Partnership Intermediary Agreement set up by the DOE Office of Technology Transitions.

The post DOE Earmarks $22M for Renewable Facility Planning, Siting Improvements appeared first on North American Windpower.

Categories:

FracTracker - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 13:57

Communities in Colorado should be immediately informed of oil and gas spills that increase their health risks. Our analysis shows why public health alerts are particularly important for communities located near extraction operations.

The post Empowering Colorado Communities: The Importance of the Community Right to Know Act appeared first on FracTracker Alliance.

Categories: J2. Fossil Fuel Industry

California Environmental Justice Alliance - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 13:38

For Immediate Release:
March 21, 2023

Contact: Gissela Chavez, 424-488-6477, gissela@cbecal.org

LOS ANGELES, CA – Today, environmental justice and health organizations whose members live within 3,200 feet of oil drilling in their neighborhoods, announced they are escalating their efforts to defeat Big Oil’s relentless efforts to poison communities of color and low-income communities.

For decades these organizations have taken on Big Oil from neighborhood to neighborhood while advocating to legislators to mount a statewide campaign and put into law SB 1137 to protect the health of children and families who live with oil drilling just feet from their homes.

Their new political action committee, Working Families for a Healthy California, (www.endneighborhood?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss drilling.com) is directed by a subset of leaders from and fully coordinated with the Campaign for a Safe and Healthy California (www.CAvsBigOil.com?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss) that is spearheading the statewide effort to “Keep The Law” California passed in 2020 (SB 1137) that requires 3,200 feet health and safety buffer zones between toxic oil drilling and neighborhoods, schools and hospitals and will keep new wells from being built in these areas.

This new effort will allow nonprofit frontline environmental justice organizations and leaders to lead overall campaign efforts in the same ways they won historic statewide protections for all Californians. They will organize frontline communities, talk neighbor to neighbor and center firsthand accounts of health and community emergencies caused by dangerous oil drilling. They will continue leading the overall campaign effort while also fully engaging their organizations in defending their own communities from the over $53 Million political referendum attack coming from Big Oil and their dark money allies.

“No matter the cost, Big Oil is trying to overturn California law and keep their toxic oil drilling next to California schools, hospitals, and neighborhoods – regardless of the cost of their pollution to public health,” said Martha Dina Argüello, Executive Director of Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR-LA). “We won’t let them continue their deception because we know first-hand the devastating impacts of oil drilling next-door to where people live, particularly for the elderly, people of child bearing age and children. That’s why we’re keeping all options on the table to get the truth out about protecting Californians from Big Oil’s greed and underhanded multi-million dollar campaign of toxic deception.”

Living near an oil well increases the risk of asthma, birth defects, high-risk pregnancies, respiratory illnesses and cancer. In 2015 the California Council on Science and Technology recommended a science-based setback of 3,200 feet to protect public health.

“Youth and working families in Wilmington, and in frontline communities across California, have the right to breathe clean air and live in safe neighborhoods free from the constant health harms caused by oil drilling such as respiratory infections, asthma, reduced lung function, and childhood leukemia,” said Darryl Molina-Sarmiento, Executive Director of Communities for a Better Environment. “In the Legislature, our communities fought for health and safety protective measures and we’ll do it again at the ballot box when Californians vote to KEEP THE LAW to finally put an end to Big Oil’s toxic neighborhood oil drilling.”

Today, 2.7 million Californians are exposed to toxic emissions from oil drilling. Oil companies drill in low-income communities and communities of color, who are forced to bear the disproportionate harm of neighborhood drilling. All Californians deserve to breathe clean air and drink clean water.

“For more than a decade now, frontline communities from across the state, a majority of whom are low-income and non-white, have tirelessly worked to ensure that our communities stop being hostages to the fossil fuel industry,” said Juan Flores, Organizing Director with the Center on Race, Poverty & the Environment. “Our communities deserve a brighter and healthier future. We have waited too long already. Currently, over 100,000 Kern County residents wake up every morning to an oil pump in or near their backyard or their children’s playgrounds at school, and they are ready to hold Big Oil accountable. We can’t continue to allow fossil fuel executives to endanger our communities who live, work, and go to school with the toxic fumes, spills, spews, and leaks from well-sites in our neighborhoods. This commonsense public health measure will help protect those of us who are the most impacted by Big Oil’s pollution daily.”

“We are stepping up to save our community – to protect both our present and our future. Big Oil is the villain in this story, spending money that they have gleaned from us at the expense of our community’s water, air and even the gardens we hope to plant and play in. The health and well-being of Black women and girls has continually been sacrificed to the greed of Big Oil – but no more”, said Janette Robinson Flint, Executive Director, Black Women for Wellness. “At BWW, we fight for the right to thrive in our neighborhoods free from the harmful effects of toxic oil drilling, and through this coalition, we are weaving together a powerful web of community leaders, activists, organizations and friends to create better realities for our future – a future where our community members, who live near the largest urban oil field in the entire country, can breathe clean air and allow their kids to play in safe soil. Together we are winning, and together we will defend our victories and keep moving forward.”

More than half a million Californian children live and learn within 3200 feet of oil and gas operations. Nobody should have to live, work or play steps away from toxic oil and gas drilling.

“In the face of Big Oil’s deceptive tactics and deep pockets, it’s clear that our communities’ health and safety are under threat. Passing the law to require health and safety buffer zones feet between toxic oil drilling and neighborhoods and to keep new wells out of communities was a landmark achievement, a testament to the tireless efforts of environmental justice organizations and community advocates who fought to secure protections for our neighborhoods,” says Mabel Tsang, Political Director of CEJA. “Now, it’s more important than ever to stand together and defend our hard-won victories. We refuse to allow corporate interests to prioritize profits over the well-being of our communities. Our coalition is committed to protecting our families and ensuring a healthier, safer future for all.”

“Big Oil’s relentless campaign to repeal the law that protects our communities from toxic oil drilling threatens the health and safety of our families, friends and neighbors,” says Vivian Huang, Co-Executive Director of APEN Action. “We will not allow corporate interests to undermine the protections we fought so hard for. Every Californian deserves to breathe clean air, so it’s time to stand firm and defend our hard-won victories.”

Fossil fuel billionaires must no longer be able to poison communities for profit. Join Working Families for a Healthy California as they fight to build a safe and healthy future for Californians and vote to keep the law (SB 1137) in November.

For more information about our initiative, please visit our website at: endneighborhooddrilling.com

# # #

The post Working Families for a Healthy California Organizing Neighborhoods To Keep People Safe From Toxic Oil Drilling appeared first on California Environmental Justice Alliance.

Categories: G2. Local Greens

Skeptical Science - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 13:34

This story was originallypublished by Gristand is part ofCovering Climate Now, a global journalism collaboration strengthening coverage of the climate story.This story ispart of a collaborationwith Grist and WABE to demystify the Georgia Public Service Commission, the small but powerful state-elected board that makes critical decisions about everything from raising electricity bills to developing renewable energy.

On a Tuesday morning in January, college student Aurora Gray stepped up to the podium in a windowless room in Atlanta, around the corner from the state capitol building. In front of her sat a five-member panel of elected officials that oversees how and where nearly every Georgia resident gets their power.

“The generation of energy … using fossil fuels has become an existential threat to our safety due to the undisputed impacts of greenhouse gas emissions on our planet,” Gray told the commission. “We must act now, as later is way too late.”

More than a dozen other students sat behind her, awaiting their allotted three minutes in front of the Georgia Public Service Commission, or PSC. One after another, they called on the commission to reject a request from Georgia Power, the state’s largest utility, to add new natural gas capacity to the grid. Instead, they repeated at the podium, the company needs to expand renewable energy and take other steps to combat climate change.

“You can help get Georgia Power to take the right actions in the essential time frame,” said high school senior Evelyn Ford, the last of the students to speak across two days. “Actually, you’re the only five people in Georgia who can.”

Ford is substantially correct. Though Georgia’s state legislature can pass laws on clean energy and the governor can issue executive orders on climate action, the Public Service Commission is the only government body with direct authority to regulate whatever Georgia Power does. The panel sets the rates people pay for electricity and approves the utility’s plans to make or buy that power and deliver it to customers. According to the commission’s own website, “Very few governmental agencies have as much impact on people’s lives as the PSC.”

There is a small panel of regulators in every state that holds a similar power over electricity generation and, by extension, an enormous segment of the United States’ greenhouse gas emissions that are warming the planet. By setting electricity prices, they also have a substantial impact on most people’s lives and pocketbooks. Yet, in Georgia and elsewhere, these groups — known as public service or public utility commissions — get little attention or scrutiny outside of energy wonk circles. Their hearings and documents tend to be long and jargon-heavy, covered in the media by a small group of specialized reporters, making it hard to engage with the process.

This year, Grist and WABE will try to demystify energy regulation in Georgia and beyond. We’ll bring you stories on not only how your power gets made, but how those decisions happen — and how residents who vote and pay electricity bills can get involved.

How the Georgia PSC makes decisions

The Georgia Public Service Commission was established in 1879, first as a government body to regulate railroads and later expanded to address the services popping up in an increasingly electrified and connected state. Today, the PSC oversees investor-owned utilities, as well as natural gas pipelines and telecommunications.

Georgia has 42 member-owned cooperatives and 52 municipalities that provide electric service to residents. But Georgia Power is by far the state’s largest electricity provider, serving2.7 million customers, from the Tennessee border to the coastal islands. It is also Georgia’s only investor-owned electric utility — meaning it is the only power company whose rates and operations the PSC directly oversees. For most Georgia Power power customers, it’s their only option to buy electricity.

At the core of the commission’s oversight of Georgia Power are two main decision-making processes: the integrated resource plan and the rate case.

Every three years, the utility updates its 20-year plan for making and delivering electricity, the IRP. This involves forecasting how much power Georgians will need and laying out what combination of resources — coal and gas plants, nuclear energy, solar fields, hydroelectric dams, and purchase agreements with other utilities — Georgia Power will use to meet that demand. It also evaluates anticipated updates and maintenance to the company’s system of transmission lines, transformers, and other infrastructure that delivers power.

Read:Checklist: How to take advantage of brand-new clean energy tax credits

As of 2022, the last time the PSC approved an IRP, Georgia Power still got its energy mostly from fossil fuels: 48 percent natural gas and oil, 15 percent coal. Nuclear energy accounted for another 23 percent, with 7 percent coming from renewables — mostly solar — and 2 percent from hydropower.

The rate case determines how much Georgia Power’s customers pay for this electricity. In addition to the base cost of power, the company is allowed to pass on to customers the cost of building and maintaining the infrastructure approved in the IRP, as long as the PSC signs off on it. Throughout the construction of new nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle, for example, customers have paid an added fee of up to 10 percent,$3.88 to $7.97 for the typical customer, every month to cover the costs of financing the project.

As an investor-owned company, Georgia Power also aims to make a profit; the commission decides how much it can make by setting a figure in the rate case called “return on equity.”

That last point is often a particularly contentious one. The commission, by its own description, “must balance Georgia citizens’ need for reliable services and reasonable rates with the need for utilities to earn a reasonable return on investment.”

But the company’s profits rankle many Georgians who face a high energy burden, meaning they spend a high proportion of their income on energy. Atlanta ranksfourth in the countryfor its median energy burden, and third for energy burden among low-income households.

“Tell them they make enough profit,” former Democratic state Senator Vincent Forturged the commissionduring Georgia Power’s last rate case. “Tell them that you are standing up for regular folk.”

There are a lot of opportunities for input before the Public Service Commission decides on IRPs and rate cases. Along with public commenters like Fort and the group of students last month, a subset of PSC employees, known as the public interest advocacy staff, advocate for ratepayers’ interests in the hearings. Other organizations, including environmental and consumer advocacy groups, major electricity buyers, and cities, can engage in the hearings as well. These stakeholders and the public interest advocacy staff present expert testimony and cross-examine each other’s witnesses as well as Georgia Power’s representatives.

Often, the commission’s public interest advocacy staff strikes a deal with Georgia Power that resolves most of the issues in an IRP proceeding or rate case. But the final decision ultimately rests with the five commissioners, who can approve or deny an agreement and can amend it before voting.

How the Georgia PSC’s decisions relate to climate change

The PSC has the authority to alter Georgia Power’s business proposals and dictate its energy mix — thereby significantly controlling the state’s greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, they already have. In 2011, commissioner Bubba McDonald added 50 megawatts of solar power to Georgia Power’s generation mix. When the utility updated its long-range plan for power generation, known as an integrated resource plan, or IRP, in 2013, the commission more than doubled the solar capacity that Georgia Power asked for. In subsequent IRPs, which happen every three years, the commission continued to order more solar than the utility proposed. By 2023, the stateranked seventh in the countryfor solar power. Georgia’semissions dropped by 5 percentfrom 2017 to 2021, and power generation dropped below transportation as the leading emissions source. Researchers credit the change largely to the solar growth that the commission mandated.

But the PSC has also upheld and prolonged fossil fuel energy generation in Georgia. In the utility’s most recent IRP, in 2022, the commission approved six agreements to purchase natural gas power for more than a decade into the future over the objections of consumer and clean energy advocates. The utility also sought to shutter several coal plants in its latest long-term plan, the 2022 IRP, saying they would soon no longer be economical to run — but the PSC put off a decision on one of them, meaning the facility will keep burning coal for the foreseeable future.

How the PSC is elected

Five elected members sit on Georgia’s Public Service Commission. Each member represents a district, where they’re required to live, but elections for the positions are statewide.

While some city offices have similar arrangements, this is an unusual system at the state level. Georgia lawmakers devised it in the late 1990s, with the idea, according to its architects, that it would reflect the commission’s unique job regulating a statewide industry that has local impacts. Former Georgia House Speaker Terry Colemantold WABEthat lawmakers wanted to figure out “how we could make sure that places outside of the metro areas had representation.”

But civil rights and environmental activists contend that because the commissioners are chosen in a statewide vote, they don’t really represent the people in their districts. The commissioner for District 3, covering Metro Atlanta, for instance, is elected not just by Atlanta residents but by voters in rural South Georgia and the mountains of North Georgia — areas with starkly different demographics, politics, and needs. A recent lawsuit by a group of Black voters in Atlanta found that this system violates the Voting Rights Act by diluting their votes, preventing them from seating the candidate of their choice on the commission.

“Representation matters,” plaintiff Brionté McCorkle, executive director of the group Georgia Conservation Voters, told WABE. “It’s the most important thing to have at least one person on the commission that represents the unique and particularized needs of your district.”

The Georgia Secretary of State’s office argued during the lawsuit that the advantage the PSC voting system creates is political, not racial. This is a key distinction, because while the Voting Rights Act bans racial gerrymandering, the Supreme Court has held that election systems that favor a political party are allowed.

All of the current commissioners are Republicans. Most remain supportive of natural gas — serving on gas industry boards or promoting it in the press. In a state where a third of residents are Black, only two Black commissioners have ever served on the commission during its 145-year history, both of them appointed to fill vacancies. Four of the 5 the current commissioners were initially appointed to fill vacancies before running for reelection as incumbents.

Siding with the plaintiffs in 2022, a federal judge blocked that year’s elections for two seats on the commission and ordered that the system be redesigned. But the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed that decision last year. A further appeal hasn’t been filed yet, but the plaintiffs have said they’re exploring options.

In the meantime, the commissioners who were up for reelection in 2022, Tim Echols and Fitz Johnson, continue to sit and vote on the commission. Another commissioner, Tricia Pridemore, is due to face reelection this year. But none of those races are scheduled for 2024 as the election case hangs in limbo.

How other state energy regulators work

While these policies and procedures are specific to Georgia, some version of them plays out all over the country.

Every state has a public service or public utility commission that controls electricity. In 10 states,utility regulators are elected directlyby ballot. In the remaining 40, they’re appointed by other elected officials, like the governor or state legislature. Many, though not all, states require their utilities to file IRPs that predict future demand for power and map out how the utility will meet that need.

What’s common nationwide is that the future of clean energy hinges on the decisions of these public utility commissions. Cities, states, and companies can resolve to cut emissions, but if they buy power from a regulated utility they don’t ultimately control how their power is made; the regulators do. Even the Department of Defense, with its $800 billion budget, is subject to the decisions of these commissions.

Utilities’ own climate change goals, too, depend on these commissions. Southern Company, Georgia Power’s parent company, has announced plans to shutter most of its coal plants, but that plan can only move forward if approved by utility commissioners. Similarly, regulators approve or deny plans to build solar and wind farms, nuclear plants, and battery storage facilities. Elect or appoint commissioners who don’t prioritize clean energy and climate goals set by companies or governments have little chance of succeeding.

As Americans concerned about climate change, environmental justice, and energy affordability look for ways to make an impact, public utility regulators often go unnoticed as powerful decision makers who could change the course of U.S. emissions — if they choose to act.

Grist and WABE’s reporting over the next year aims to examine these commissions and their outsize role in American households and climate policy. To ensure our stories reach and involve residents who face the biggest barriers to accessing accurate, consistent information, we are hosting workshops with community partners, creating printable resources, and launching a paid journalism training program.

Categories: I. Climate Science

Green Action Centre - Mon, 03/25/2024 - 13:33

GREEN ACTION CENTRE SEEKS NEW BOARD MEMBERS

The Organization

Green Action Centre (GAC) is a non-profit organization based in Winnipeg that has been serving Manitobans since 1985. GAC is dedicated to achieving our vision of all Manitobans living green and living well. We support families, schools, businesses, and communities by providing practical green solutions. Our primary areas of focus include green commuting, composting, waste reduction, sustainable living, and resource conservation.

GAC is also responsible for the management and oversight of Compost Winnipeg, a social enterprise that provides the city of Winnipeg opportunities to divert its organic waste. Since its inception in 2014, Compost Winnipeg has grown to a fleet of 6 trucks that helps divert over 70,000 kgs of organic waste from the landfill every month.

Visit our websites at www.greenactioncentre.ca and www.compostwinnipeg.ca to learn more about our Mission, Principles and Programs.

The Opportunity

Our Board is seeking new, collaborative, and enthusiastic Board members based in Manitoba to strengthen our capacity. The Board is looking to prioritize strengthening expertise in the areas of executive level human resources, entrepreneurship, public health, and green infrastructure / environmental management. Further skillsets that would support the Board also include, but are not limited to, property development / management, fundraising and membership development, recruitment, investment, information technology, and accounting. The Board works closely with our dedicated staff to ensure we have effective programs and activities that enhance individual and workplace sustainability while addressing climate impacts. The monthly time commitment is approximately 4-6 hours, including monthly Board meetings from September-June and committee work. Directors serve for a two-year renewable term, for up to 3 consecutive terms, beginning in June each year at the Annual General Meeting.

As a member of Green Action Centre’s Board, you will help steer the organization to meet the critical challenges and opportunities of developing a more sustainable province and addressing climate change. You will bring your unique voice, professional and lived experience to help guide and drive the long-term organizational strategic plan, business plan, and annual budgeting process. You will help monitor financial performance, progress against goals/objectives, ensure policy compliance, and provide oversight of the Executive Director.

At GAC, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce and governing board that reflects the populations we serve. We encourage applications from all interested individuals over 18, including applicants from all cultures, abilities and backgrounds, Indigenous and other racialized communities, and diverse sexual and gender identities. We are committed to building an inclusive and equitable workplace and encourage applicants to self-identify if they wish to do so.

Director Roles and Responsibilities

• Become a member of Green Action Centre
• Support the mission and guiding principles;
• Act in the best interests of the membership;
• Attend Board meetings and participate in Board activities;
• Be an active member on at least one subcommittee of the Board;
• Invest sufficient time and interest to prepare for and actively participate in each Board meeting and Committee meeting as required;
• Contribute to the Board in a courteous, collaborative, constructive and articulate manner while listening to and respecting the views of others; and
• Declare any possible conflicts of interest should they arise.

Application Process and Timeline

Interested applicants who share a passion for our vision and can fulfill all responsibilities of the position should forward their CV with a short introduction by email to: Grant Calder (grant.calder87@gmail.com), Green Action Centre’s Vice-President no later than April 26, 2024.