Environmental Justice
We're Hiring!
Click here for Job Description
As we continue our advancing efforts for the Climate & Equity Jobs Act, we are looking for a full-time Environmental Justice Community Organizer (EJCO) to come alongside our Lead EJCO to maintain relationships with statewide and national environmental justice coalition partners.
This position provides the opportunity to engage with faith-based organizations, policy makers, advocacy organizations and constituents to bring about real systemic change.
Applicants should live within the St. Louis Metro East area, but is not required. Click the PDF to download the Job description or contact us for more information.
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Three Lessons from Organizers Who Fought for Illinois' Climate Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA)
1. It is not enough to be right
2. You can only win what you have enough power to compel, and you always need more power
3. The bill you write will never be implemented stronger than you write it
Read the full article here
Huge WIN for Illinois!
VEOLIA
The UCM Environmental Task Force is addressing issues with the condition of the air in St. Clair and Madison Counties. UCM has confronted the Environmental Protections Agency (EPA) about lowering their testing standards for the Veolia Incinerator.
Veolia Environment S.A., branded as Veolia, is a French transitional company with activities in three main service and utility areas traditionally managed by public authorities – water management, waste management, and energy services. They are active in 48 countries.
The Metro East has been a dumping ground for hazardous waste. United Congregations of Metro East is taking action to end corrupt and unjust practices of foreign and domestic companies polluting the environment. We rely on the Bible verse Titus 1:7 which states that “an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach.” In the UCM press release dated August 21, 2018, we stated that "we call upon the Veolia and the EPA to examine their stewardship of the public trust and strengthen, not weaken, environmental permits for the Metro East. Veolia and the EPA are in collusion to water down regulations that attempt to control the amount of toxins and poisons in our air, soil and water. The results are irreparable damage to the environment, health and lives of the residents of the Metro East."
UCM held an hearing and action/protest regarding this issue on August 21, 2018 at East St. Louis Higher Education Campus in Illinois. This issue was also presented at UCM's Membership meeting on November 15, 2018 in O'Fallon, Illinois. UCM has been monitoring the actions of the EPA and Veolia regarding this issue and continues to do so.
CLEAN JOBS
Legislators in Illinois have passed a sweeping clean energy bill that was three years in the making. The bill seeks to make Illinois the leading state when it comes to clean energy. It aims to eliminate coal-fired power generation and improve accountability. Highlights include:
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100% clean energy by 2050
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Nearly $700 million to keep nuclear plants online
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$4,000 electric vehicle rebates
www.engieresources.com/illinois-passes-clean-energy-bill
Ameren Action in Collinsville, IL
HOLDING AMEREN ACCOUNTABLE!
Clean Air Saves Lives
Justice Knows No Borders
United Congregations of Metro East (UCM) joined Metropolitan Congregations United (MCU), Sierra Club, Community First Plus, Metro East Green Alliance (MEGA), and Mississippi River Network in a rally on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at the McKinley Bridge Roadside Park in Venice, IL.
The purpose was to bring organizations from both sides of the Mississippi River together to address an issue that effects all of us.
Read the article: