Tonawanda Summer Canvass!
We’ve got a lot going on this summer at Clean Air!
Join us door knocking to build our base and build power to win environmental justice in Western New York!
No experience canvassing needed, just a love (or like) of talking to new people, and a few hours over the next few weeks.
Our canvass days are…
Thursday, August 22nd 4-6pm USW Local 135, Sheridan Dr. Tonawanda
Thursday, August 26th 4-6pm All Saints Church 127 Chadduck Ave, Buffalo
Saturday, August 31st 9:30-1pm Brighton Place Library, 999 Brighton Rd, Tonawanda
Thursday, September 5th 4-6pm Sheridan Parkside Community Center, 169 Sheridan Parkside Dr. Tonawanda, Community Room 113
Interested? Email Rebecca@cacwny.org for more information and meet up location. Or call 716-852-3813.
Clean Air Finance Training!
Are you a member of Clean Air who wants to learn how your membership dues are spent?
Do you want to know how to read nonprofit financial statements and make assessments about an organization?
When you hear the term “projected cash flow” do you get really energized but not know why?
Are you on a nonprofit board and find that only one person asks all of the finance questions…you have no idea what they are asking, and their term expires in 4 months?
Do you love good snacks and the team at Clean Air and want to play a few games about nonprofit finance?
Then this training is for you!
Join us on Tuesday September 17th from 5:30-7pm at 394 Franklin St. Buffalo, NY 14202.
This training is open to current Clean Air members, donors, board members, organizational partners and staff.
Refreshments will be provided.
Childcare is available if requested by September 1st.
Questions or to RSVP, contact Rebecca@cacwny.org or call 716-852-3813.
The Future of Tonawanda Coke
The Tonawanda Coke Corporation operated a coke manufacturing facility at 3875 River Road Tonawanda, New York since the late 1970’s. For decades, Tonawanda Coke caused tremendous quality of life issues in the community including air and water pollution, workers’ safety and health issues, employee fatalities, and now a legacy of contamination. Tonawanda Coke purchased the site from Honeywell, formally Allied Chemical, in the late 70’s, Honeywell is responsible for a portion of legacy waste on this site.
In New York State, there are two major pathways to remediate contaminated sites, the New York State Brownfields program or the Superfund Program. There are many distinctions between these programs. One major difference is who pays for cleanup.
The NYS Brownfields process allows developers to voluntarily initiate a plan for remediation, and be rewarded with tax credits to lessen the burden of cost.
The Federal Superfund Program; a robust, enforcement program designed to remediate large, extremely toxic sites. Under this designation, the Environmental Protection Agency has the legal authority to begin remediation and pay for the cleanup by recovering costs through the responsibly party.
The conflict over which designation arose when Honeywell hired e3communications earlier this year for $3,750 per month and began reaching out to community members, environmental organizations, and elected officials to push for the Brownfield designation. See the recent article in the Tonawanda Bee.
According to Channel 2 News, Rep. Brian Higgins, D-Buffalo, said his office has had conversations with Honeywell representatives about the future of the property. Over the past two years, Higgins has become one of the top recipients of campaign donations from a political action committee affiliated with Honeywell, which had been loaning Tonawanda Coke money.
In late April, Higgins told News 4 Investigates that he supported a brownfield designation for the Tonawanda Coke property. But a week later, Higgins changed his position. Watch the story here.
“This is not even a close call,” said Judith Enck former Regional Administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency making the case for a Superfund designation, to The Buffalo News on May 31, 2019.
In a May 31st statement to The Buffalo News, John Morris, Honeywell’s Global Remediation Director, went on record to say “The federal Superfund program is a more robust legal program. We don’t take issue with those people who say, ‘Hey, that’s a much stronger program.” Honeywell is responsible for large portion of legacy waste at the Tonawanda Coke site, operating the company until the late 70’s under their predecessor Allied Chemical.
Honeywell has a history of conflict with Tonawanda Coke regarding the company’s responsibility for cleanup. In 2015, Tonawanda Coke sued Honeywell for portion of legacy cleanup costs due to conditions of their purchase agreement. Then, in 2017, Honeywell loaned Tonawanda Coke nearly 8M to go towards criminal fines and remediation costs. Tonawanda Coke offered the mortgage of the property as collateral.
Honeywell’s Track Record and Profitability
Nationally, Honeywell has a long list of environmental, safety and health, and labor violations. Based in New Jersey, Honeywell is multinational conglomerate company that makes a variety products, provides engineering services and aerospace systems for private consumers to major corporations and governments.
Since 2000, at least 67 environmental enforcement actions have been brought against Honeywell, resulting in over $100 Million in fines. Honeywell has a criminal track record of violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), including a felony offense for knowingly storing hazardous waste without a permit, putting employees and the community at risk of exposure to radioactive and hazardous materials in Benton, Illinois.
Honeywell has also been penalized over $55M for over 50 labor safety and health violations. In Honeywell’s Baton Rouge plant, Honeywell was found guilty in criminal court in the death of 32 year old worker Delvin Henry after he opened a mislabeled cylinder and suffered third degree burns. He died the next day.
Despite the millions of dollars in penalties and lawsuits, Honeywell still remains highly profitable. According to the Honeywell 2019 Proxy Statement and Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Darius Adamczyk, Honeywell’s CEO, total compensation was $19,246,604 in 2018. In 2018, Honeywell ranked 77th in the Fortune 500, making it one of the wealthiest corporations in the world.
It would take the average worker in Erie County 8.5 lifetimes to earn what CEO Adamczyk earns in one year.
In addition to executive compensation, Honeywell also spends a tremendous amount of money on lobby firms and political contributions. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, Honeywell spent over $6M through Political Action Committees (PACs) to political candidates in the 2018 election, including at least $159,923 to candidates in New York State. Honeywell International routinely spends close to $7 million each year on federal lobbying efforts.
The Current State of the Tonawanda Coke Site
In the fall of 2018, the Tonawanda Coke found guilty of violating their criminal probation related to a 2014 criminal sentence. Shortly after this verdict, the company’s leadership filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to reorganize their assets. The company ceased operations at the facility on October 14, 2018 and permanently vacated the site.
Currently, the US Environmental Protection Agency is using its short-term authority under the Federal Superfund Program to stabilize the site and conduct initial assessments. A long-term remedial response is needed to ensure our health of residents living in the surrounding neighborhoods.
To learn more or get involved in this campaign, contact Rebecca at 852-3813 or at Rebecca@cacwny.org.
Remediation Begins at East Delavan Properties Site
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has begun remediation on a portion of the former American Axle site in the Delavan Grider community in Buffalo. Watch coverage on Channel 2 News.
The site at 1001 East Delavan Ave. is one of almost 400 contaminated sites in New York State that contain PCBs. PCB’s reference a group of chemicals called polychlorinated biphenyls. PCB’s were used widely in electrical equipment like capacitors and transformers. PCB’s were banned by the Federal Government in 1979 due to the connections to cancer, liver damage and nerve problems. Once in the environment, PCBs can be transported long distances and they bind strongly to soil and sediment.
In 1991, GM reported a spill to the DEC that led to the discovery of PCBs in oil beneath one of its manufacturing buildings. Three years later, GM found PCBs had leaked into a brick sewer line beneath the facility that feeds into Scajaquada Creek when the system is swamped by rain. According to state documents, up to 110,000 gallons of legacy wastes exists beneath the site. GM sold the site to American Axle in 1994, who manufactured automobile parts before declaring bankruptcy in 2009.
Developer Jon Williams, and East Delavan Properties purchased the contaminated property in 2008, beginning a tug of war with state officials on who was responsible for site remediation.
In addition to the legacy waste, 1001 East Delavan is also home to new industrial manufacturers: Galvstar, who makes specialized galvanized steel and Niagara Lubricants, a lubricant manufacturer specializing in industrial and wholesale lubricants. Ontario Specialty Contracting Group (OSC) Manufacturing & Equipment Services, also owned by Williams, is based on this site.
Resident’s joined with Clean Air Coalition in 2015 to escalate pressure to expedite remediation. The American Axle Steering Committee formed, made up of resident’s living closest to the site. Steering Committee members had numerous meetings with the state, property owner, the City of Buffalo, and the Western New York Legislative Delegation over the course of 3 years. By the fall of 2018, their work paid off and the NYDEC announced that remediation on a 5 acre portion of the site will be initiated through a Superfund enforcement action.
A Pump and Treat System was constructed and began to remediate contaminated groundwater in late April. This system focuses on 5 acres of the 40 acre site. Questions and concerns remain regarding remediation plans for the rest of the site.
If you live in the area and want to learn more about the pump and treat system, contact the NYSDEC and at 716-851-7000 and ask for Chad Staniszewski, Project Manager.
If you want to get involved in this campaign, contact Clean Air Organizer, Shontae Cannon-Buckley at 716-852-3813 extension 1.
Advocacy Institute is Back in Town!
The Advocacy Institute, in partnership with the Clean Air Coalition, is returning to Western New York on June 10th!
Join us for a powerful day of training, sharing updates on the political landscape in Albany, and connecting with other groups from the region working on legislative campaigns at the state level.
We’re offering two sessions — one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Find out more about each below and join us for either or both.
- June 10, 2019
- Morning refresher: 9:30am – 12:45pm
- Afternoon political landscape deep-dive: 1:30pm – 5:30pm
- Location: 2421 Main St #100, Buffalo, NY, 14214
- RSVP here (deadline May 20)
Morning refresher session. Join us from 9:30am – 12:45pm to learn about state power and authority, why we need to go to Albany as much as we do, how to maximize our impact while in Albany, and legislative and budget timelines. This session is great for folks who are newer to work in Albany and / or newer to the Advocacy Institute.
Afternoon political landscape deep-dive. Join us from 1:30pm – 5:30pm for updates on the key players in Albany, what is the impact of last November’s election, and how the session is progressing thus far. We’ll also hear updates and dig into specific campaign questions.
Please note that these are two separate sessions and are for people working on active legislative campaigns at the state level. We anticipate more demand than we can meet for this training and will be accepting participants by application on a rolling basis.
- Please answer every question on the application by May 20.
- Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Please also make sure to let us know on the application of any dietary restrictions and need for assistance with childcare.
- If accepted, in-person trainings are free for members and cost $25 per person for prospective members.We invite each organization to send 2 participants to attend.
Want more information? Call Clean Air and ask for Linnea or Rebecca at 716-852-3813. Or email info@cacwny.org
SAVE THE DATE! 10TH ANNUAL DINNER MAY 30TH!
NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR THE 2019 ANNUAL AWARDS!
Each year our organization recognizes the work of our members and supporters at our Annual Dinner. Our work is based on the principle that no one can accomplish anything alone. We work with many people in many neighborhoods who deserve recognition. Who should we shine the light on this year? Make your nomination today!
Congratulations Brian!
We would like to announce that Community Organizer, Brian Borncamp will be transferring out of his position at Clean Air to a position in the private sector.Brian has been a member of Clean Air since 2013, actively involved in the advocacy and implementation of participatory budgeting. In 2016 Brian joined the Clean Air staff supporting member campaign teams fighting the Battaglia corporation in Seneca Babcock and working towards the clean up of PCP’s and other chemicals at the former American Axle site in Delavan Grider.
Clean Air Annual Meeting Thursday January 31st!
Join us at our Annual meeting to celebrate and prepare for another year of organizing! Our membership and partners will come together from across the region to learn from each other, share success and challenges, and vision for 2019!
Clean Air Annual Meeting Thursday, January 31st 2019 5-7pm.
Refreshments served at 5pm. Meeting starts at 5:30pm.
United Way of Erie County Conference Room 102
742 Delaware Ave. Buffalo, NY
Our meeting is open to anyone who wishes to attend, however, only Clean Air members are able to vote on this year’s board of directors (See the slate below). If you are a member and have not received your ballot in the mail, please contact Rebecca at Rebecca@cacwny.org. If you wish to become a member today, you can do so online here.
2019 Board Slate
Board members are elected annually. All board members serve 3 year terms. Board members fulfill the following responsibilities:
- To provide guidance and assistance in implementing the strategic goals and objectives of the organization
- To fundraise and build organizational capacity
- To evaluate the Executive Director
- To be active on at least one board and attend organizational events and membership meetings as able
New Board Candidates (the following board candidates are up for their first three year term)
George Boger is the Field Coordinator for the Western New York Area Labor Federation, ALF-CIO. George works to improve the lives of and increase the power for working families, bring fairness and dignity to the workplace and secure social equity. Economic justice and organizing is central to George’s purpose in life. His analysis is that in order to win any real long lasting change, it will take Labor’s commitment to the community, and community’s commitment to Labor.
Returning Board Candidates (the following board candidates are up for a second three year term)
Emily Terrana is a proud Buffalonian, mother of two and longtime community organizer and educator. She currently works as PUSH Buffalo’s Movement Education Specialist and has trained on how to build a movement for a Just Transition around the country and internationally. She has served on the board of Clean Air Coalition of WNY since 2016 and is eager to continue the work with all of you! Emily holds a degree in Women and Gender Studies from Buffalo State College and has had some of her writing published in Selves, Symbols, and Sexualities: An Interactionist Anthology. Emily has a deep rooted passion for gender, climate and economic justice and believes that there cannot be liberation for any of us without liberation for all of us.
Jennifer Yuhnke Carman is a Buffalo native that became a Clean Air Coalition member in 2012 during the West Side Campaign and was actively involved in the Participatory Budgeting Buffalo campaign. She has served on the Board of Directors for the past three years, serving as the Secretary in 2017 and Co-President in 2018. Jennifer has worked at the affordable housing agency Heart of the City Neighborhoods, Inc. for the past eight years. It became apparent that Heart of the City’s mission to create healthy, quality, affordable housing would go to waste if the fight for social justice, equity, and public health was not also given priority in the Buffalo communities she lives and works in. Jennifer is excited for the opportunity to continue working with the members, staff, and Board of Clean Air as we continue to fight and win.