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Climate, Jobs and Justice Newsletter: June 2023


Edition 10

English | Spanish

SEIU members and worker leaders in the Fight for $15 and a Union are confronted daily by the impacts of climate change and environmental injustice. This newsletter offers a snapshot of how we’re combating climate change and fighting against environmental injustice in our workplaces and communities as well as calling on major industries, corporations, and governments to protect the health, safety and long-term economic well-being of all working people across America.



TAKE ACTION TODAY!!!

We know that to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, stop polluting communities of color, and to transform our economy into one that works for everyone, it's going to take everyone. Over the next year, the Biden Administration will be releasing a dozen new anti-pollution rules. To make sure that the polluters don't water them down, we need to exercise the power of our union and make our voices heard. Here's what we need you to do:

Join our rapid response network, and we'll alert you when it's time to submit comments to the EPA as new rules come out. Use our online tool to submit your comments, then Invite your co-workers, friends, and family to join you. In addition you will be alerted if there are actions in your community to stand up for climate and environmental justice.

Sign up here to get alerts.



SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS NOW on the Clean Up Climate Pollution Plan!

On May 23rd the Environmental Protection Agency announced plans to release a new rule that will slash 617 metric tons of climate and health destroying carbon pollution from coal and gas power plants.


  • Power plants are responsible for about 25% of the climate pollution that harms the health of our families, clogs the air with smog, and results in extreme hot summers and dangerous floods, hurricanes, fires and droughts.

  • The Biden Administration has proposed a new standard for coal and gas plants that will slash carbon pollution by 617 million metric tons from 2028 to 2042 – as much as getting 137 million cars off the roads! The rule will help ensure clean air and a healthy climate for all.

  • This plan faces stiff opposition from corporate polluters and those in congress who don't care that climate change is making us sick and disproportionately harming people in black and brown communities.

  • The Administration must also make sure that communities and workers who have borne the brunt of this pollution are provided support to make the transition to a clean and healthy economy.

We need the EPA to protect us from dirty power plants. They must listen to scientists’ warnings about the urgent need for climate action, public calls for strong climate action, and the voices of those living near power plants. EPA must finalize the strongest possible Cut Climate Pollution Plan by early next year.

Here’s how you can help

SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS TODAY CLICK HERE. You will automatically be entered in a random drawing to receive a special edition SEIU Climate Jobs and Justice T-shirt.



Climate News: Heat- What to expect this summer

Already we are seeing record breaking temperatures as we approach what is projected to be one of the hottest summers on record. In the Pacific Northwest there are heat advisories for much of Western Oregon and Washington with temperatures in the 90’s. The increased heat will only be adding to the dozens of wildfires in Canada that are leading to evacuations and to a declared state of emergency.

Climate change driven increases in globe temperatures coupled with a likely El Niño climate pattern are expected to drive temperatures hotter than 2022 (the 5th hottest year on record).

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has already issued a hotter than average seasonal outlook.

For more information, please
See:
https://www.axios.com/2023/05/...

https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/acce...
https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/..



Local updates

Welcome to the 32 newest graduates of the Green Janitor Education Program!

The graduates are members of SEIU Local 1 and clean the downtown Chicago tower 321 N. Clark for ABM. The Green Janitor program was created by Building Skills Partnership in California and SEIU's training partner, Education & Support Fund, has helped lead the expansion of the program nationwide. The 30 hour course offers a "Green Janitor" certification from the U.S. Green Building Council and covers topics like energy and water use reduction, waste stream management, worker health and safety, and green cleaning practices.

2023 Climate Jobs and Justice Summit

On Apr 15, 2023 We held the 3rd annual climate justice summit. It was a great success with record participation at over 600!  Check out the summary!