RARE GOOD NEWS FOR JUSTICE

Minutes of October Meeting

Social Justice Seekers North and St. Paul UMC's Working for Justice Ministry invite you to meet with our newest State Senator, Lindsey Williams, at 6:30 pm, Wednesday, July 10, in the New Horizons Room at St. Paul's, 1965 Allison Park. The State faces a variety of tough environmental and social justice issues this year. Come and hear how Lindsey expects to tackle them but don't fail to bring your own social justice concerns as well. We live in a crucial time. Lindsey's triangular district covers much of the North Hills from Marshall Twp. to Millvale to almost the edge of Freeport. She serves on the Senate Education, Labor & Industry, State Government, and Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committees. She is interested in supporting local organizations and projects and, as Minority Chair of the Community Economic & Recreational Committee, is in a good position to do so. For more information on Senator Williams, see: https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/member_information/Senate_bio.cfm?id=1803    Sincerely, Vince Amatangelo, SJSN Michael DiMonte, WFJ PS: Courtesy RSVP requested by July 2, but not required - jmac002000@gmail.com.

Houthi rebels claim to begin withdrawal from key Yemen ports.

By Ahmed Al-Haj and Samy Magdy | APMay 11

SANAA, Yemen — Yemen’s Houthi rebels on Saturday began a long-delayed withdrawal of forces from the port facility in the key city of Hodeida, the group said, following the terms of a December cease-fire aimed at alleviating the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. The government described the Houthi claim as a “farce.”



Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, the head of the rebels’ Supreme Revolutionary Committee, said the pullout from Hodeida, as well as the two smaller ports of Salif and Ras Issa, began in the morning...

From the Washington Post.

Trump Helps Rich and Hurt Poor

The graph below shows the combined effects of Trump tax cuts and tariffs. Bars above the 0 line help, below hurt.  The net effects are shown a small blue and brown squares.  Low income takes the big hit.  Doesn't seem "just" to me.

How is Shell's Ethane Cracker impacting your quality of life?

What can you do about it? Pollution may come in the form of noise, light, odor, dust or otherwise.

Please come to an important community meeting January 30th, 7-8PM:

First Presbyterian Church

Commons Room

252 College Ave., Beaver, PA 15009

FROM THE TRIBUNE-REVIEW

Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg stood atop the West End Overlook on Sunday afternoon and recalled a visit to Pittsburgh several years ago when he could not see across the streets through the smog.

“What a change,” said Bloomberg, who serves as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Climate Action.

“It’s quite amazing and so much better for the people.”

He joined Mayor Bill Peduto to announce Pittsburgh as a winner in the Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge, a $70 million initiative expected to accelerate the city’s efforts to tackle climate change and promote a sustainable future for residents.

Three other winners announced today include Philadelphia, Boston and Washington, D.C. They join six cities named as winners in the first round.

Winners will receive technical assistance and a support package valued at up to $2.5 million per city.

Peduto said Pittsburgh will use the money to create and implement a benchmarking policy for buildings, develop a statewide clean energy financing program, scale renewable power through community solar programs and expand bike and pedestrian infrastructure.

The goal is to see 100 percent renewable energy in city operations, a 50 percent reduction in energy consumption and a shift in transportation energy use.

“We have traveled further than any other city from the environmental degradation that was part of this city’s fabric,” Peduto said. “It’s only because of partnerships that addressed issues of air and water quality.

“We have a long way to go, but that we’ve shown them how a city that had basically destroyed its environment can come back and succeed economically.”

Peduto credited teamwork among Pittsburgh City Council for promoting a green-first agenda, and also partnerships between government and higher education, like the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon, that strengthen 21 st Century cities.

Bloomberg told the gathering of about 15 people that energy efficiency saves taxpayers’ money. Mass transit and bike lanes help people get around, parks make cities more attractive places to live and reducing traffic improves economic productivity.

“All these steps help clean the air, which helps people live longer lives and helps businesses create more jobs,” Bloomberg said. “What’s not to like about that?”

He called Pittsburgh a global leader in the renewable energy industry, with 13,000 city residents working in that field.

“Pittsburgh is a great example of a city that is benefiting from smart climate policies,” Bloomberg said. “The economy is growing, and the environment is greener than it has been in decades.”

About 100 of the country’s largest cities applied to the challenge, submitting bold plans to cut carbon emissions, Bloomberg said. All aimed to reduce air pollution and citywide emissions with specific projects to reform transit and buildings sectors — two areas traditionally responsible for 80 percent of all citywide emissions.

Other cities already announced as winners include Atlanta, Los Angeles, Portland, San Diego, San Jose and Seattle.

Tawnya Panizzi is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tawnya at 412-782-2121, ext. 2, tpanizzi@tribweb.com or via Twitter @tawnyatrib.