By Danielle Wilkerson, Action and Equity Coordinator
On Saturday, July 2nd, SanDiego350 volunteers and community members rallied outside the Hall of Justice in response to the Supreme Court verdict in West Virginia v EPA. This decision ultimately limits the EPA’s ability to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, and sets a very worrying precedent for what the fossil fuel industry is allowed to do moving forward. SCOTUS unapologetically ruled against the best interest of the people and public health, and in favor of a multi-billion dollar industry responsible for wrecking our planet. Over 60 San Diegans turned out in direct backlash to this ruling.
This ruling is especially devastating, because leading scientists have made it abundantly clear that we need to switch to renewable energy sources and reduce emissions drastically to avoid the worst effects of climate change. Rather than listen to those who study the issue, the highest court in the country went the opposite direction and signed off on unregulated carbon emissions from power plants. This is especially worrisome, because according to the EPA, “Minority, low-income, and indigenous populations frequently bear a disproportionate burden of environmental harms and adverse health outcomes, including the development of heart or lung diseases, such as asthma and bronchitis”. For decades, these communities have been sacrificed by the fossil fuel industry. Rather than protect our most vulnerable communities, SCOTUS risks exposing them to even more pollution from nearby power plants.
At the rally, we heard from Councilmember Joe Lacava, who spoke on what San Diego will be doing to advance climate action despite this egregious decision. He offered a hopeful message during a very distressing time, and called on residents to continue to hold elected officials accountable. The rally was an overwhelming success, because so many folks came out on such short notice and learned about ways we can fight back moving forward!
Demonstrations are an essential part of our democracy because they are an avenue to express our freedom of speech and right to assemble during times of political turmoil. Protests are also a time to meet people with common goals and views, which is a great way to organize a movement. It is so important that we use this time to rally folks, but also to give people a sense of direction in what can otherwise feel like a pretty draining battle. We cannot lose hope and must continue to fight for our planet, and this requires a mass mobilization of people power!
If you are interested in joining the People vs Fossil Fuels coalition please reach out to our Action and Equity Coordinator, Danielle Wilkerson at <danielle@sandiego350.org>. This campaign targets President Biden because of his executive authority and potential to change the course of climate action in this country. The coalition demands that Biden declare a climate emergency and put an end to all new fossil fuel projects—join us!