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Local Level Actions
Contact Gov. Inslee and ask for an H2A task force
Source: Community to Community Development
Description: The H2A visa program has been abused by employers who are at a clear power advantage, allowing visas to expire for workers who are already here, moving workers between farms to game the system, avoiding investment in workers’ health and safety. Workers need more control and mechanisms for remedy.
Background: The Stranger article, Yakima Herald article
Contact Information: Governor Inslee (360) 902-4111
Suggested Script: Hi my name is {your name} and I am a constituent from {your town}. I am {calling/writing} to ask the governor to establish a task force to investigate the H2A visa program. Locally, the program has been abused by employers who are at a clear power advantage, allowing visas to expire for workers who are already here, moving workers between farms to game the system, avoiding investment in workers’ health and safety. Workers need more control and mechanisms for remedy.
Join the Movement to Build a Clean Energy Future in Washington!
Source: Alliance for Jobs and Clean Energy
Description: Last week the Riveters Collective Board voted to join the Alliance for Jobs and Clean Energy, a broad-based coalition of Washington labor unions, health professionals, environmental advocates, businesses, faith communities, and communities of color committed to building a clean energy future, improving the health of our communities, and leading the fight against climate change. The Alliance is putting forth a policy that will price the pollution to fund the solutions: investing in clean energy, healthy forests and water infrastructure. Ensuring a just transition is central to the effort, and measures to bolster economic stability and equity include significant investment in communities hardest hit by pollution and climate change, financial assistance to low-income families, support to workers, and flexibility for energy intensive and trade-exposed industries in state. The campaign is ramping up this fall in anticipation of going to the ballot in 2018, and we need your help!!
Take Action:
- First, sign up to join the movement and/or stay updated on progress. If you are passionate about equitable climate action and ready to take on more leadership, be sure to indicate your interest in signing up as a Climate Justice Steward. Climate Justice Stewards recruit volunteers, give presentations, ask community leaders for endorsements, and help organize and lead events. Sign up to volunteer.
- Second, attend the meet-and-greet this Tuesday, 9/19, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Come meet other Bellingham-area folks who are excited to volunteer with the Alliance for Jobs and Clean Energy. We’ll share food and drinks and then get down to business: strategizing for a winning Whatcom-wide campaign! Meet at RE Sources’ Sustainable Living Center (2309 Meridian St., up the stairs behind the ReStore to the second floor).
- Third, save the date for a Climate Justice Steward training on 10/15/17, likely 10am to 4pm. Details and RSVP information to follow.
- Finally, stay tuned to Riveters Collective for additional opportunities to engage and learn more.
Additional Information:
- Alliance for Jobs and Clean Energy Policy Proposal
- Alliance for Jobs and Clean Energy Policy Brief (5-page)
Attend the PSE Regional Day of Action to Oppose Tacoma LNG
Source: 350 Seattle/Red Line Salish Sea
Description: Join people around Washington State engaging in the PSE Regional Day of Action to oppose the expansion of “natural” fracked gas infrastructure. Visit the local Puget Sound Energy office on Thursday, September 21st, 3pm-5pm to ask that they shut down their Tacoma liquefied natural gas (LNG) project.
Background: If constructed, the Tacoma LNG project will hold 8 million gallons of LNG – derived from natural gas extracted through fracking – and stand nearly as tall as the Tacoma Dome. Most permits have been secured and construction is underway and expected to be complete in 2019. The Puyallup Tribe has appealed two of the permits and are actively opposing the project.
Contact Information: Puget Sound Energy office is located at 1329 N. State St. Click here for more information.
Additional Information:
City of Tacoma: PSE Proposed Tideflats LNG Facility
Seattle Weekly: Inspired by Standing Rock, Native Communities Resist Natural Gas Plant
Sign up to Doorbell on 9/30 for Manka Dhingra with Kevin Ranker - Meals Included
Source: RC and 40th District Democrats
Description: The bus Kevin Ranker promised at Hope and Action is here! Free to ride, and meals are included. Spend the day with Senator Ranker and other locals, knocking on doors for Manka Dhingra.
RSVP: Facebook or Sign-up Genius
Background: Do you remember the #1 thing Senator Ranker said we could do to facilitate progressive change in Washington? (If you forgot, see the video @ 30:00 minutes for Manka and 31:00 for THE BUS).
DOORBELL FOR MANKA. Doorbell, phone call, donate, and volunteer for Manka Dhingra. It’s our best chance to flip the state senate and see real progress. AND TO DEMOTE DOUG ERICKSEN FROM HIS COMMITTEE CHAIR POSITION!
And we were stoked! We’ll be there! Just tell us the date!
September 30th is the date, and the Riveters Collective is joining Whatcom Democrats in filling the busses to doorbell for Manka. Lunch and dinner are provided! Doorbelling might seem scary; we can all think of 36 things we’d rather do. But research shows that doorbelling works to turn out voters. And this is where the rubber meets the road.
Can you join us? If not, can you donate? Let’s show the 45th district that the 40 and the 42 play to win!
Contact Information: riveterscollective@gmail.com 40thDems@gmail.com or call 360-224-3810.
Additional Information:
Donate to Manka
Hope and Action video (see 30:00 for talk about the bus to doorbell for Manka.
Check out the draft Riveters Collective 2018 Platform
Volunteer with 2017 RC Campaign Series
Source: RC
Description: Only 7 weeks to make a difference in this election! We’re all busy, but we need to make space for this work through election day. Come doorbelling (it’s not that hard!) and phone calling! Bookmark this post and check back for updates!
Attend the Whatcom Democrats Meeting (if you're a member) on 09/21/17
Source: RC Member
Description: Attend the Whatcom Democrats meeting (if you’re a member) and vote to support the campaign against the expensive jail out in Ferndale. The meeting will be held Thursday, September 21, 2017 from 6:00-8:00p.m. at the Bellingham Public Library.
Background: There will be two votes.
- A resolution that asks to abolish money bail and implement diversion from jail.
- A budget amendment supporting an important campaign to urge voters to vote against the jail.
Please attend and cast your votes! By supporting the budget amendment you’re supporting the Whatcom Democrats work to effectively oppose the jail tax ballot measure.
Source: Community to Community Development
Description: The H2A visa program has been abused by employers who are at a clear power advantage, allowing visas to expire for workers who are already here, moving workers between farms to game the system, avoiding investment in workers’ health and safety. Workers need more control and mechanisms for remedy.
Background: The Stranger article, Yakima Herald article
Contact Information: Governor Inslee (360) 902-4111
Suggested Script: Hi my name is {your name} and I am a constituent from {your town}. I am {calling/writing} to ask the governor to establish a task force to investigate the H2A visa program. Locally, the program has been abused by employers who are at a clear power advantage, allowing visas to expire for workers who are already here, moving workers between farms to game the system, avoiding investment in workers’ health and safety. Workers need more control and mechanisms for remedy.
Join the Movement to Build a Clean Energy Future in Washington!
Source: Alliance for Jobs and Clean Energy
Description: Last week the Riveters Collective Board voted to join the Alliance for Jobs and Clean Energy, a broad-based coalition of Washington labor unions, health professionals, environmental advocates, businesses, faith communities, and communities of color committed to building a clean energy future, improving the health of our communities, and leading the fight against climate change. The Alliance is putting forth a policy that will price the pollution to fund the solutions: investing in clean energy, healthy forests and water infrastructure. Ensuring a just transition is central to the effort, and measures to bolster economic stability and equity include significant investment in communities hardest hit by pollution and climate change, financial assistance to low-income families, support to workers, and flexibility for energy intensive and trade-exposed industries in state. The campaign is ramping up this fall in anticipation of going to the ballot in 2018, and we need your help!!
Take Action:
- First, sign up to join the movement and/or stay updated on progress. If you are passionate about equitable climate action and ready to take on more leadership, be sure to indicate your interest in signing up as a Climate Justice Steward. Climate Justice Stewards recruit volunteers, give presentations, ask community leaders for endorsements, and help organize and lead events. Sign up to volunteer.
- Second, attend the meet-and-greet this Tuesday, 9/19, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Come meet other Bellingham-area folks who are excited to volunteer with the Alliance for Jobs and Clean Energy. We’ll share food and drinks and then get down to business: strategizing for a winning Whatcom-wide campaign! Meet at RE Sources’ Sustainable Living Center (2309 Meridian St., up the stairs behind the ReStore to the second floor).
- Third, save the date for a Climate Justice Steward training on 10/15/17, likely 10am to 4pm. Details and RSVP information to follow.
- Finally, stay tuned to Riveters Collective for additional opportunities to engage and learn more.
Additional Information:
- Alliance for Jobs and Clean Energy Policy Proposal
- Alliance for Jobs and Clean Energy Policy Brief (5-page)
Attend the PSE Regional Day of Action to Oppose Tacoma LNG
Source: 350 Seattle/Red Line Salish Sea
Description: Join people around Washington State engaging in the PSE Regional Day of Action to oppose the expansion of “natural” fracked gas infrastructure. Visit the local Puget Sound Energy office on Thursday, September 21st, 3pm-5pm to ask that they shut down their Tacoma liquefied natural gas (LNG) project.
Background: If constructed, the Tacoma LNG project will hold 8 million gallons of LNG – derived from natural gas extracted through fracking – and stand nearly as tall as the Tacoma Dome. Most permits have been secured and construction is underway and expected to be complete in 2019. The Puyallup Tribe has appealed two of the permits and are actively opposing the project.
Contact Information: Puget Sound Energy office is located at 1329 N. State St. Click here for more information.
Additional Information:
City of Tacoma: PSE Proposed Tideflats LNG Facility
Seattle Weekly: Inspired by Standing Rock, Native Communities Resist Natural Gas Plant
Sign up to Doorbell on 9/30 for Manka Dhingra with Kevin Ranker - Meals Included
Source: RC and 40th District Democrats
Description: The bus Kevin Ranker promised at Hope and Action is here! Free to ride, and meals are included. Spend the day with Senator Ranker and other locals, knocking on doors for Manka Dhingra.
RSVP: Facebook or Sign-up Genius
Background: Do you remember the #1 thing Senator Ranker said we could do to facilitate progressive change in Washington? (If you forgot, see the video @ 30:00 minutes for Manka and 31:00 for THE BUS).
DOORBELL FOR MANKA. Doorbell, phone call, donate, and volunteer for Manka Dhingra. It’s our best chance to flip the state senate and see real progress. AND TO DEMOTE DOUG ERICKSEN FROM HIS COMMITTEE CHAIR POSITION!
And we were stoked! We’ll be there! Just tell us the date!
September 30th is the date, and the Riveters Collective is joining Whatcom Democrats in filling the busses to doorbell for Manka. Lunch and dinner are provided! Doorbelling might seem scary; we can all think of 36 things we’d rather do. But research shows that doorbelling works to turn out voters. And this is where the rubber meets the road.
Can you join us? If not, can you donate? Let’s show the 45th district that the 40 and the 42 play to win!
Contact Information: riveterscollective@gmail.com 40thDems@gmail.com or call 360-224-3810.
Additional Information:
Donate to Manka
Hope and Action video (see 30:00 for talk about the bus to doorbell for Manka.
Check out the draft Riveters Collective 2018 Platform
Volunteer with 2017 RC Campaign Series
Source: RC
Description: Only 7 weeks to make a difference in this election! We’re all busy, but we need to make space for this work through election day. Come doorbelling (it’s not that hard!) and phone calling! Bookmark this post and check back for updates!
Attend the Whatcom Democrats Meeting (if you're a member) on 09/21/17
Source: RC Member
Description: Attend the Whatcom Democrats meeting (if you’re a member) and vote to support the campaign against the expensive jail out in Ferndale. The meeting will be held Thursday, September 21, 2017 from 6:00-8:00p.m. at the Bellingham Public Library.
Background: There will be two votes.
- A resolution that asks to abolish money bail and implement diversion from jail.
- A budget amendment supporting an important campaign to urge voters to vote against the jail.
Please attend and cast your votes! By supporting the budget amendment you’re supporting the Whatcom Democrats work to effectively oppose the jail tax ballot measure.
Source: 350 Seattle/Red Line Salish Sea
Description: Join people around Washington State engaging in the PSE Regional Day of Action to oppose the expansion of “natural” fracked gas infrastructure. Visit the local Puget Sound Energy office on Thursday, September 21st, 3pm-5pm to ask that they shut down their Tacoma liquefied natural gas (LNG) project.
Background: If constructed, the Tacoma LNG project will hold 8 million gallons of LNG – derived from natural gas extracted through fracking – and stand nearly as tall as the Tacoma Dome. Most permits have been secured and construction is underway and expected to be complete in 2019. The Puyallup Tribe has appealed two of the permits and are actively opposing the project.
Contact Information: Puget Sound Energy office is located at 1329 N. State St. Click here for more information.
Additional Information:
City of Tacoma: PSE Proposed Tideflats LNG Facility
Seattle Weekly: Inspired by Standing Rock, Native Communities Resist Natural Gas Plant
Sign up to Doorbell on 9/30 for Manka Dhingra with Kevin Ranker - Meals Included
Source: RC and 40th District Democrats
Description: The bus Kevin Ranker promised at Hope and Action is here! Free to ride, and meals are included. Spend the day with Senator Ranker and other locals, knocking on doors for Manka Dhingra.
RSVP: Facebook or Sign-up Genius
Background: Do you remember the #1 thing Senator Ranker said we could do to facilitate progressive change in Washington? (If you forgot, see the video @ 30:00 minutes for Manka and 31:00 for THE BUS).
DOORBELL FOR MANKA. Doorbell, phone call, donate, and volunteer for Manka Dhingra. It’s our best chance to flip the state senate and see real progress. AND TO DEMOTE DOUG ERICKSEN FROM HIS COMMITTEE CHAIR POSITION!
And we were stoked! We’ll be there! Just tell us the date!
September 30th is the date, and the Riveters Collective is joining Whatcom Democrats in filling the busses to doorbell for Manka. Lunch and dinner are provided! Doorbelling might seem scary; we can all think of 36 things we’d rather do. But research shows that doorbelling works to turn out voters. And this is where the rubber meets the road.
Can you join us? If not, can you donate? Let’s show the 45th district that the 40 and the 42 play to win!
Contact Information: riveterscollective@gmail.com 40thDems@gmail.com or call 360-224-3810.
Additional Information:
Donate to Manka
Hope and Action video (see 30:00 for talk about the bus to doorbell for Manka.
Check out the draft Riveters Collective 2018 Platform
Volunteer with 2017 RC Campaign Series
Source: RC
Description: Only 7 weeks to make a difference in this election! We’re all busy, but we need to make space for this work through election day. Come doorbelling (it’s not that hard!) and phone calling! Bookmark this post and check back for updates!
Attend the Whatcom Democrats Meeting (if you're a member) on 09/21/17
Source: RC Member
Description: Attend the Whatcom Democrats meeting (if you’re a member) and vote to support the campaign against the expensive jail out in Ferndale. The meeting will be held Thursday, September 21, 2017 from 6:00-8:00p.m. at the Bellingham Public Library.
Background: There will be two votes.
- A resolution that asks to abolish money bail and implement diversion from jail.
- A budget amendment supporting an important campaign to urge voters to vote against the jail.
Please attend and cast your votes! By supporting the budget amendment you’re supporting the Whatcom Democrats work to effectively oppose the jail tax ballot measure.
Volunteer with 2017 RC Campaign Series
Source: RC
Description: Only 7 weeks to make a difference in this election! We’re all busy, but we need to make space for this work through election day. Come doorbelling (it’s not that hard!) and phone calling! Bookmark this post and check back for updates!
Attend the Whatcom Democrats Meeting (if you're a member) on 09/21/17
Source: RC Member
Description: Attend the Whatcom Democrats meeting (if you’re a member) and vote to support the campaign against the expensive jail out in Ferndale. The meeting will be held Thursday, September 21, 2017 from 6:00-8:00p.m. at the Bellingham Public Library.
Background: There will be two votes.
- A resolution that asks to abolish money bail and implement diversion from jail.
- A budget amendment supporting an important campaign to urge voters to vote against the jail.
Please attend and cast your votes! By supporting the budget amendment you’re supporting the Whatcom Democrats work to effectively oppose the jail tax ballot measure.
Source: RC Member
Description: Attend the Whatcom Democrats meeting (if you’re a member) and vote to support the campaign against the expensive jail out in Ferndale. The meeting will be held Thursday, September 21, 2017 from 6:00-8:00p.m. at the Bellingham Public Library.
Background: There will be two votes.
- A resolution that asks to abolish money bail and implement diversion from jail.
- A budget amendment supporting an important campaign to urge voters to vote against the jail.
Please attend and cast your votes! By supporting the budget amendment you’re supporting the Whatcom Democrats work to effectively oppose the jail tax ballot measure.
National Level Actions / Other
Ask Senators to Pass Gillibrand-Collins on Transgender Service Members
Source: National Center for Transgender Equality
Description: Call senators and ask them to pass Gillibrand-Collins
Background:
President Trump’s transgender ban is already causing uncertainty and hardship for service members, and the Senate must act now to prevent any service member from being discharged solely because of who they are.
That’s why Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Susan Collins (R-ME) have teamed up to produce a bipartisan defense amendment that would stop the trans military ban. And that’s why we need you to tell your Senators to vote YES on the Gillibrand-Collins Amendment!
President Trump’s false claims about “disruption” and “tremendous medical costs” have been thoroughly debunked and are a subterfuge for discrimination. The Defense Department has already concluded that transgender military service is good for military readiness and doesn’t hurt unit cohesion or military budgets.
Contact Information:
Senator Patty Murray, WA (206) 553-5545, DC (202) 224-2621
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contactme
Senator Maria Cantwell, WA (206) 220-6400, DC (202) 224-3441
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/contact/email/form
Suggested Script: Hi my name is {your name} and I am a constituent from {your town}. I am {calling/writing} to ask the senator to pass the Gillibrand-Collins amendment to protect transgender service members from arbitrary discharge.
Ask Senators to Withhold Consent on TrumpCare (Graham-Cassidy)
Source: Indivisible Guide
Background: Lots of information from Indivisible Guide.
Contact Information:
Senator Patty Murray, WA (206) 553-5545, DC (202) 224-2621
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contactme
Senator Maria Cantwell, WA (206) 220-6400, DC (202) 224-3441
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/contact/email/form
Suggested Script:
Hi my name is {your name} and I am a constituent from {your town}. I am {calling/writing} to ask the senator to withhold consent on TrumpCare, now known as Graham-Cassidy. I’m afraid it’s going to take more than talk and tweet storms to stop this terrible bill. We have to slow this process way down and call attention to the terrible bill Republicans are trying to jam through in total darkness. We have to use every tool available. Does [Senator] intend to withhold her consent on all Senate business until this bill dead?
I’m not just talking about refusing to agree on shortening debate time on TrumpCare or other bills. I’m talking about withholding consent on amendments, placing holds on nominations, and objecting to all unanimous consent requests until the reconciliation instructions expire?. Will the [Senator] do that?
In Case You Missed It: Comment by 9/25 on Rollback of Fracking Protections on Federal and Indian Lands
Note: Action was also featured on 9/4 Action List.
Source: Save EPA
Description:
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has proposed to rescind a 2015 rule that would have imposed federal requirements to protect our water supplies from fracking on federal and Indian lands. This rule would also provide information to the public on what harmful chemicals are being used in these operations. The rule is currently the subject of litigation and has not yet gone into effect. The 2015 rule was issued in response to growing public concerns about the impacts of fracking on groundwater drinking water supplies. The Trump Administration now argues that the rule would be too costly, and that the rule is unnecessary because states are already regulating the oil and gas industry, and that many companies are disclosing the chemicals used voluntarily or under state law. BLM will accept public comments on the rule through September 25, 2017.
Background: Hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” is used by the oil and gas industry to stimulate production from oil and gas wells. As this practice has become more widespread, there have been growing concerns about its impact on groundwater contamination, what chemicals are being used, and how the fluids that come back to the surface are managed. In March 2015, the Department of Interior’s (DOI) Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued the first major rule to regulate these operations on federal and Indian lands. As part of the Trump Administration’s rollback on federal environmental regulations, the BLM is proposing to repeal these fracking regulations for the oil and gas industry on federal and Indian lands.
Contact Information: Click here to submit comment online. Comment deadline is September 25, 2017, 8:59 PM PST.
Talking Points:
- [Explain why this issue matters to you; describe relevant expertise; cite scientific, media, or anecdotal sources where possible]
- The Trump Administration’s proposed repeal of this fracking rule, coupled with dramatic cuts to other environmental programs, represent a continued assault on public health and our environment.
- Rescinding the 2015 rule would take away federal requirements to protect our water supplies from fracking on federal and Indian lands and to provide information to the public on what harmful chemicals are being used in these operations.
- While there is some state regulation of fracking, it is important to ensure consistent, strong regulations to protect human health and the environment. And the 2015 rule allows states and tribes to request variances from provisions for which they have an equal or more protective regulation in place.
- While the Trump Administration states that the fracking rule would be too costly for industry, its own analysis estimates that the compliance costs would only be 0.1 to 0.2 percent of the cost of drilling a well. This would be a small price to pay to protect the public and the environment.
- Regulation of the oil and gas industry and fracking should be based on sound science and public input. More than a million comments were submitted for the 2015 rule, and this Administration should not dismiss the rule without full consideration of the concerns for public health and safety.
Additional Information:
Regulations.gov: Oil and Gas; Hydraulic Fracturing on Federal and Indian Lands; Rescission of a 2015 Rule (Docket ID BLM-2017-0001
Save EPA: Oil and Gas: Rollback of Control on Hydraulic Fracturing on Federal and In
Source: National Center for Transgender Equality
Description: Call senators and ask them to pass Gillibrand-Collins
Background:
President Trump’s transgender ban is already causing uncertainty and hardship for service members, and the Senate must act now to prevent any service member from being discharged solely because of who they are.
That’s why Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Susan Collins (R-ME) have teamed up to produce a bipartisan defense amendment that would stop the trans military ban. And that’s why we need you to tell your Senators to vote YES on the Gillibrand-Collins Amendment!
President Trump’s false claims about “disruption” and “tremendous medical costs” have been thoroughly debunked and are a subterfuge for discrimination. The Defense Department has already concluded that transgender military service is good for military readiness and doesn’t hurt unit cohesion or military budgets.
Contact Information:
Senator Patty Murray, WA (206) 553-5545, DC (202) 224-2621
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contactme
Senator Maria Cantwell, WA (206) 220-6400, DC (202) 224-3441
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/contact/email/form
Suggested Script: Hi my name is {your name} and I am a constituent from {your town}. I am {calling/writing} to ask the senator to pass the Gillibrand-Collins amendment to protect transgender service members from arbitrary discharge.
Ask Senators to Withhold Consent on TrumpCare (Graham-Cassidy)
Source: Indivisible Guide
Background: Lots of information from Indivisible Guide.
Contact Information:
Senator Patty Murray, WA (206) 553-5545, DC (202) 224-2621
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contactme
Senator Maria Cantwell, WA (206) 220-6400, DC (202) 224-3441
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/contact/email/form
Suggested Script:
Hi my name is {your name} and I am a constituent from {your town}. I am {calling/writing} to ask the senator to withhold consent on TrumpCare, now known as Graham-Cassidy. I’m afraid it’s going to take more than talk and tweet storms to stop this terrible bill. We have to slow this process way down and call attention to the terrible bill Republicans are trying to jam through in total darkness. We have to use every tool available. Does [Senator] intend to withhold her consent on all Senate business until this bill dead?
I’m not just talking about refusing to agree on shortening debate time on TrumpCare or other bills. I’m talking about withholding consent on amendments, placing holds on nominations, and objecting to all unanimous consent requests until the reconciliation instructions expire?. Will the [Senator] do that?
In Case You Missed It: Comment by 9/25 on Rollback of Fracking Protections on Federal and Indian Lands
Note: Action was also featured on 9/4 Action List.
Source: Save EPA
Description:
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has proposed to rescind a 2015 rule that would have imposed federal requirements to protect our water supplies from fracking on federal and Indian lands. This rule would also provide information to the public on what harmful chemicals are being used in these operations. The rule is currently the subject of litigation and has not yet gone into effect. The 2015 rule was issued in response to growing public concerns about the impacts of fracking on groundwater drinking water supplies. The Trump Administration now argues that the rule would be too costly, and that the rule is unnecessary because states are already regulating the oil and gas industry, and that many companies are disclosing the chemicals used voluntarily or under state law. BLM will accept public comments on the rule through September 25, 2017.
Background: Hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” is used by the oil and gas industry to stimulate production from oil and gas wells. As this practice has become more widespread, there have been growing concerns about its impact on groundwater contamination, what chemicals are being used, and how the fluids that come back to the surface are managed. In March 2015, the Department of Interior’s (DOI) Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued the first major rule to regulate these operations on federal and Indian lands. As part of the Trump Administration’s rollback on federal environmental regulations, the BLM is proposing to repeal these fracking regulations for the oil and gas industry on federal and Indian lands.
Contact Information: Click here to submit comment online. Comment deadline is September 25, 2017, 8:59 PM PST.
Talking Points:
- [Explain why this issue matters to you; describe relevant expertise; cite scientific, media, or anecdotal sources where possible]
- The Trump Administration’s proposed repeal of this fracking rule, coupled with dramatic cuts to other environmental programs, represent a continued assault on public health and our environment.
- Rescinding the 2015 rule would take away federal requirements to protect our water supplies from fracking on federal and Indian lands and to provide information to the public on what harmful chemicals are being used in these operations.
- While there is some state regulation of fracking, it is important to ensure consistent, strong regulations to protect human health and the environment. And the 2015 rule allows states and tribes to request variances from provisions for which they have an equal or more protective regulation in place.
- While the Trump Administration states that the fracking rule would be too costly for industry, its own analysis estimates that the compliance costs would only be 0.1 to 0.2 percent of the cost of drilling a well. This would be a small price to pay to protect the public and the environment.
- Regulation of the oil and gas industry and fracking should be based on sound science and public input. More than a million comments were submitted for the 2015 rule, and this Administration should not dismiss the rule without full consideration of the concerns for public health and safety.
Additional Information:
Regulations.gov: Oil and Gas; Hydraulic Fracturing on Federal and Indian Lands; Rescission of a 2015 Rule (Docket ID BLM-2017-0001
Save EPA: Oil and Gas: Rollback of Control on Hydraulic Fracturing on Federal and In
Note: Action was also featured on 9/4 Action List.
Source: Save EPA
Description:
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has proposed to rescind a 2015 rule that would have imposed federal requirements to protect our water supplies from fracking on federal and Indian lands. This rule would also provide information to the public on what harmful chemicals are being used in these operations. The rule is currently the subject of litigation and has not yet gone into effect. The 2015 rule was issued in response to growing public concerns about the impacts of fracking on groundwater drinking water supplies. The Trump Administration now argues that the rule would be too costly, and that the rule is unnecessary because states are already regulating the oil and gas industry, and that many companies are disclosing the chemicals used voluntarily or under state law. BLM will accept public comments on the rule through September 25, 2017.
Background: Hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” is used by the oil and gas industry to stimulate production from oil and gas wells. As this practice has become more widespread, there have been growing concerns about its impact on groundwater contamination, what chemicals are being used, and how the fluids that come back to the surface are managed. In March 2015, the Department of Interior’s (DOI) Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued the first major rule to regulate these operations on federal and Indian lands. As part of the Trump Administration’s rollback on federal environmental regulations, the BLM is proposing to repeal these fracking regulations for the oil and gas industry on federal and Indian lands.
Contact Information: Click here to submit comment online. Comment deadline is September 25, 2017, 8:59 PM PST.
Talking Points:
- [Explain why this issue matters to you; describe relevant expertise; cite scientific, media, or anecdotal sources where possible]
- The Trump Administration’s proposed repeal of this fracking rule, coupled with dramatic cuts to other environmental programs, represent a continued assault on public health and our environment.
- Rescinding the 2015 rule would take away federal requirements to protect our water supplies from fracking on federal and Indian lands and to provide information to the public on what harmful chemicals are being used in these operations.
- While there is some state regulation of fracking, it is important to ensure consistent, strong regulations to protect human health and the environment. And the 2015 rule allows states and tribes to request variances from provisions for which they have an equal or more protective regulation in place.
- While the Trump Administration states that the fracking rule would be too costly for industry, its own analysis estimates that the compliance costs would only be 0.1 to 0.2 percent of the cost of drilling a well. This would be a small price to pay to protect the public and the environment.
- Regulation of the oil and gas industry and fracking should be based on sound science and public input. More than a million comments were submitted for the 2015 rule, and this Administration should not dismiss the rule without full consideration of the concerns for public health and safety.
Additional Information:
Regulations.gov: Oil and Gas; Hydraulic Fracturing on Federal and Indian Lands; Rescission of a 2015 Rule (Docket ID BLM-2017-0001
Save EPA: Oil and Gas: Rollback of Control on Hydraulic Fracturing on Federal and In
From the Calendar
Link to the Riveters Collective Calendar
Every Monday: Attend a vigil hosted by C2C and Keep Bellingham Families Working. A vigil will be held from 11:30a.m.-12:30p.m. in front of City Hall or from 5:00-6:00p.m. at the WTA downtown bus station. Support undocumented and immigrant families to live in safety and dignity in our community. Come together and join in building power in people!
Wednesday, Sept. 20 & 21, 2017 from 8:30a.m.-8:00p.m.: The Whatcom Watersheds Information Network in association with multiple sponsors is hosting the 2017 Baker to Bay Symposium at the Ferndale Event Center. Please visit the RC calendar page or WSU Whatcom County Extension to learn more.