Learn more about environmental current events and policies, and discover how you can make a positive impact at home.
What Is Happening in East Palestine, Ohio?
Since the Norfolk Southern train car derailment and fire on February 3, 2023, life in the town of East Palestine, Ohio and the surrounding area in Ohio and Pennsylvania has not been the same. Clean-up of the hazardous chemicals continues, but the long-term effectiveness of the remediation efforts and long term health effects are unknown.
Local property values have been negatively impacted by the hazardous chemicals, making it more difficult for people in the area that would like to sell their properties and relocate, to avoid any potential long term health impacts. No state or federal government bodies, or Norfolk Southern railroad have offered to buy their homes, businesses, and farms. The people in and around East Palestine, Ohio have assumed hazardous chemical railroad transportation risks they likely didn’t know was theirs to bear.
- https://www.wndu.com/2023/03/29/east-palestine-ohio-town-transformed/
- https://www.presbyterianmission.org/story/presbyterians-among-those-rattled-by-fiery-train-derailment-in-east-palestine-ohio/
- https://apnews.com/article/derailment-ohio-safety-senate-legislation-brown-vance-82c55dc95aca9524d6ae8e6d01336dbe
- https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/east-palestine-train-derailment/erin-brockovich-visits-east-palestine-tells-residents-to-prepare-for-the-long-game
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2023/03/22/senators-hear-from-norfolk-southern-ntsb-derailment-ohio/11492652002/
- https://theclevelandmoms.com/ways-to-help-east-palestine-oh-residents/
Inflation Reduction Act Green initiatives for Members
American homeowners are encouraged to make use of new federal government funds to make their homes more energy efficient, and to reduce their carbon footprints.
Shopping for Electricity via Energy Choice Ohio and NOPED
First Energy has stated that their default generated electricity offer price will nearly double in June from 5.3 cents to 10.2 cents/Kwh. All using First Energy and their local distribution company the Illuminating Company are encouraged to shop with third party sources Nopec and on the Energy Choice Ohio website for better prices, and to also consider switching to a 50, 75 or 100% renewable electricity source to help reduce our carbon footprints.
- https://www.cleveland19.com/2023/03/24/firstenergy-customers-are-about-see-their-bills-nearly-double/
- https://energychoice.ohio.gov/ApplesToApplesCategory.aspx?Category=Electric#
- https://www.cleveland.com/news/2023/03/nopec-gives-many-ohioans-an-option-to-avoid-this-summers-big-electric-bill-hikes.html
Shopping for Electricity via Energy Choice Ohio and NOPED
First Energy has stated that their default generated electricity offer price will nearly double in June from 5.3 cents to 10.2 cents/Kwh. All using First Energy and their local distribution company the Illuminating Company are encouraged to shop with third party sources Nopec and on the Energy Choice Ohio website for better prices, and to also consider switching to a 50, 75 or 100% renewable electricity source to help reduce our carbon footprints.
- https://www.cleveland19.com/2023/03/24/firstenergy-customers-are-about-see-their-bills-nearly-double/
- https://energychoice.ohio.gov/ApplesToApplesCategory.aspx?Category=Electric#
- https://www.cleveland.com/news/2023/03/nopec-gives-many-ohioans-an-option-to-avoid-this-summers-big-electric-bill-hikes.html
Cleveland Metroparks Cheers project:
“We have created a community-focused resiliency plan for the eastern Cleveland lakeshore that will Embrace the Lake as an asset for future generations.”
Currently, over 90% of the Lake Erie shoreline within Cuyahoga County is not publicly accessible. This plan will detail a multi-modal network of connected paths, all-purpose trails, boardwalks, roads, bridges, and public access points across the Lake Erie shoreline. This will positively impact the lives of Cuyahoga County residents by increasing public accessibility and lakefront resiliency.
Urban Gardening in Cleveland
Gardening, easy access to green areas such as parks, and neighborhoods full of trees are known to positively impact human health.
- https://www.cleveland.com/metro/2023/03/how-could-trees-decrease-gun-violence-in-cleveland-the-wake-up-for-wednesday-march-29-2023.html
- https://clevelandmagazine.com/in-the-cle/the-read/articles/the-rid-all-green-partnership-is-changing-urban-farming-in-cleveland
Climate Change and the PCUSA
Everyone is encouraged to review these PCUSA resources, including the Climate Care Challenge, to see what changes all can make in their lives to lower their carbon footprints.
- https://www.presbyterianmission.org/eco-journey/climate-change-resources/
- https://www.presbyterianmission.org/eco-journey/2019/06/20/climate-care-challenge/
Learn about FPC Earth Stewards
