Happy New Year!
It’s super to have 2020 behind us, but there’s so much more to be done, as what transpired in D.C. yesterday dramatically underscores. Below are some quick and easy actions to help you keep those resolutions to make our corner of the world a better place, but for starters, here’s a petition from the NAACP: Impeach Trump Immediately. 

URGENT ACTION NEEDED

Ohio’s SB33 has passed both the state House and Senate and is sitting on Governor DeWine’s desk right now. This bill, called the Anti-Protest Chill Bill, is an ALEC-sponsored attempt to undermine Constitutional rights to free speech and demonstration specifically aimed at oil and gas protestors and grassroots organizations. Contact Governor DeWine and tell him to veto this bill for the safety of Ohioans and in defense of free speech everywhere.

Remembering the WV Water Crisis

On January 9, 2014 the deadly chemical MCHM leaked into the Elk River, poisoning the water for everyone downstream and uncovering years of neglect and cronyism. On the six-year anniversary OVEC Project Coordinator Dustin White will host a screening of the documentary “What Lies Upstream” followed by a panel discussion. Join us!

Celebrate the Fight Against Climate Change

On Saturday, January 9 at 7 p.m., join Corazón Latino, Moms Clean Air Force and the West Virginia Climate Alliance on Facebook Live to celebrate five years since the negotiation of the Paris Climate Agreement. The event will include OVEC’s own Sarah Carballo as a panelist and performances by West Virginia artists.

Radical Joy and Mourning

The organization Radical Joy will be hosting a Global Day of Mourning on January 10 to acknowledge the more than 1 million people who have lost their lives to the Coronavirus and the incalculable effects of their loss on those who survive them.

Clean Water Now

The WV Department of Environmental Protection’s comment period is almost up on the TMDL development plan, which will enforce the Clean Water Act by identifying pollution sources, developing a strategy for contaminant reduction, and cleaning up streams that don’t meet water quality standards. Submit your comments to Mindy Neil by no later than January 12.

Holding Water in WV

Join us on January 13 for the first session of a five-part discussion series, “Standing Up for Appalachia: Dialogue for a Positive Change,” hosted by West Virginia Interfaith Power and Light. This event will focus on water access, safety, and policy in West Virginia, with a presentation and panel discussion about upcoming legislation.

Chat & Chew with OVEC

Bring your lunch and join us on January 13 at noon for a Lunchtime Chat & Chew, a casual online forum facilitated by organizer Dustin White to connect with OVEC staff and other members of our community.