Schumer and Gillibrand Support $1 Million Earmark for ‘Environmental Justice’ Center in NYC

Democratic Senators Schumer and Gillibrand propose a $1 million earmark to assist WE ACT in building an environmental justice center in New York City.

By yourNEWS Media Staff

Democratic Senators from New York, Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, have proposed a $1 million earmark to the fiscal year 2024 Transportation-Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill. This earmark is intended to support WE ACT, a Harlem-based environmentalist and advocacy group, in constructing an “environmental justice” center in New York City. WE ACT’s co-founder, Peggy Shepard, was appointed by President Joe Biden to the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council. According to the organization’s tax filings from 2021, WE ACT reported $16.2 million in revenue against $3.8 million in expenses.

The proposed center aims to be a hub for environmental justice organizations and grassroots advocates, equipped with technology for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) education. WE ACT’s website outlines plans to expand community-based education, workforce development, and civic engagement efforts, particularly empowering residents of Northern Manhattan.

WE ACT has been active in leading protest marches, launching policy advocacy campaigns, and participating in political activities, including a letter to President Biden opposing House Republicans’ proposed work permitting reforms. The organization also focuses on voter mobilization, offering resources on voter registration and election participation.

The group emphasizes that climate change disproportionately impacts communities of color, amplifying existing public health, economic, and racial injustices. Two members of WE ACT’s board of directors, Eric Goldstein and Margot Brown, are affiliated with other environmental organizations, the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Environmental Defense Fund, respectively.

As of now, the offices of Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, as well as WE ACT, have not responded to requests for comment on the earmark proposal.

This earmark reflects a growing focus on environmental justice and grassroots advocacy, underscoring the intersection of environmental policy and community empowerment. The potential funding for the environmental justice center in New York City signifies a step towards addressing climate-related challenges and inequalities at the local level.