Golden Gas Mask Award winners, the Kenmore Teachers Assocation, with Clean Air Executive Director Rebecca Newberry

On Thursday, May 5, over 200 Clean Air members, supporters, and community leaders joined us at the Hotel Lafayette to celebrate another year filled with victories and successes for environmental justice and public health in Western New York. Over 40 local businesses & organizations sponsored, and made the event a huge success. We honored this year’s award winners and were incredibly grateful to have such a large group of dedicated fighters for environmental health and justice in the room.

Babies love Clean Air!

THE UNSUNG HERO AWARD honors a person who has shown a significant commitment to the fight for environmental health and justice in Western New York but whose work might go unnoticed. This individual has demonstrated both humility and an unwavering commitment to the fight for environmental health and justice in the region.

THE GOLDEN GAS MASK AWARD honors a person who has shown dedication and leadership in the fight for environmental health and justice in Western New York. This individual has demonstrated a deep commitment to action on behalf of Western New York residents and has contributed to the development of powerful strategies to improve community health and the environment.

ROSE SICKLER is a retired teacher who became a member of Clean Air in 2011 around the Amigone Crematory campaign. She has dedicated countless hours to the campaign, going to bat for her family and neighbors so that residents can enjoy their backyards without the smell, noise, and soot associated with the running of the crematory. Rose also spends a significant amount of time working on grassroots development projects, split between phone banking, letter writing, hosting events, and representing Clean Air at community events. She is one of the recipients of the 2016 Unsung Hero Award.

The KENMORE TEACHERS ASSOCATION (KTA) is a union of professional educators dedicated to providing high quality public education and a common voice for advancing values for students, members, and community. Democracy, solidarity, and integrity are the hallmarks of the KTA. The KTA’s membership work and live in Kenmore and Tonawanda, and joined with Clean Air and the WNY Area Labor Federation AFL-CIO to plan and organize in case of the anticipated retirement announcement of the Huntley Coal plant in Tonawanda. The Kenmore Teachers Association was a crucial player in securing $30 million in state wide funds to support municipalities and school districts during energy company closures. This means education, jobs of teachers and support staff, roads, garbage pick up and other services will not be impacted by the loss Huntley’s tax revenue after the company retires. The KTA is a recipient of the 2016 Golden Gas Mask Award.

SEAN MULLIGAN is Legislative Aid to Niagara District Councilman and Majority Leader of the Buffalo Common Council, David A. Rivera for the past 5 years. As a member of the Steering Committee he has been instrumental in advocating for Participatory Budgeting (PB) and informing the process on necessary timelines and processes within City Hall that have been pivotal to PB Buffalo’s success. Sean has traveled to Chicago as a member of Clean Air, where certain wards are on their 5th PB cycle, to learn more about their best practices and help shape
Buffalo’s process. He has helped inform strategy, along with Harper Bishop from the office of former Delaware District Councilman Michael LoCurto, which initiated a committee at City Hall that was tasked with researching the feasibility of PB in Buffalo and led to Buffalo’s first ever PB process. If you’re fortunate you can catch Sean wearing Uggs, playing basketball or repeating Drake lyrics to an empty room. Sean is a recipient of the 2016 Golden Gas Mask Award.

BRIAN BORNCAMP came into the Clean Air office after reading an Artvoice article on Participatory Budgeting (PB) in 2013 and uttered words everyone who has ever worked in our organization wants to hear but hardly ever does: “I love what you’re doing and will do anything to make it happen.” Brian is an amazing researcher and has created maps and graphics that have informed our campaigns, such as where the Mayor’s 2014 campaign contributions come from, for example. He understands and advocates for the need to have ordinary individuals running for office and has been active in his work with CPHJ. He has served on the PB Buffalo Steering Committee, a group responsible for writing the “Rules of the Game” used throughout the process during PB Buffalo’s first cycle in addition to advocating that PB be included in the City of Buffalo’s Budget. In addition to fighting for a true democracy that is inclusive and participatory, Brian grows an amazing amount of living things and will swing by the office with honey from his bees and peppers or strawberries from his garden ─ look out for some onions (possibly) this year. Brian is a recipient of the 2016 Unsung Hero Award, and as of this past Monday, has joined the Clean Air staff as a community organizer!

New staff member Brian Borncamp receives Unsung Hero Award from CAC member, James Lopez

Our deepest gratitude to all who attended, sponsored, and supported our Seventh Annual Dinner. If you couldn’t make it but would still like to support the work of Clean Air and our members like Rose, Sean, Brian, and partners like the KTA, just hit the Donate tab up there on the top left – your contribution will go to work right away fighting for a healthier and more just region for all of us.

Seventh Annual Dinner Sponsors

Allen Street Consulting
Austin Air
Buffalo Melting Point
Clean Air Board
Coalition for Economic Justice
Citizen Action
Buffalo Central Labor Council
Comprehensive Rehabilitation Associates
Congressman Brian Higgins
CWA 1117
CWA 1122
CWA 1133
CWA 1168
WNY CWA Council
CWA District 1
Daemen College, Department of Health Care Studies
Foiled Again Salon
Gallagher Printing
Geico
Hip Gypsy
ECDC Chairman Jeremy Zellner
Town of Tonawanda Supervisor Joseph Emminger
Kenmore Teachers Association
Lipsitz & Ponterio
Make Communities
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz
Mid-City Office Furniture
Queen City Renovations
River Road Fire Company
SAGE Law Firm Group
Sweetness_7
Teamsters Local 264
Senator Timothy Kennedy
University at Buffalo, Department of English
Union Square Rehab & Health
Urbanity Salon
USW 6992
WNY Area Labor Federation
WNY Council for Occupational Safety and Health

On Tuesday, May 3rd, Justice E. Jeannette Ogden granted an injunction preventing the Amigone Crematory from reopening, until the state Department of Environmental Conservation finds that the crematory is in compliance with permit requirements. Residents who packed the court room to hear the proceedings, were encouraged and relieved with this decision.

The crematory plagued families with smells and soot for decades in the Sheridan Gardens neighborhood in Tonawanda. In May of 2012, the Department of Environmental Conservation issued a serious notice of violation of environmental laws. Later that year, The Attorney General’s office issued an Assurance of Discontinuance that required the company to suspend operation due to the concerns of the community.

The company notified state authorities earlier this year with their intent to reopen, despite serious concerns over their operations. “Even after seeing the sworn affidavits from 43 residents, Town of Tonawanda Board members, and a notice of violation from the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Amigone’s refuse to admit there is a problem. It’s as if they’re above the law.” said Carol Fritsch, a resident who lives close to the crematory.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman released the following statement shortly after the court’s decision, “For years, my office has stood steadfastly with the Tonawanda community to protect their right to enjoy clean, fresh air. Today, the court agreed with my office, and required Amigone to obtain a state permit and implement effective pollution controls. This ruling will ensure that the Amigone crematory never again fouls air and disrupts lives in this community, and sends the message that companies whose facilities pollute our neighborhoods will be held accountable.”

Read more on this issue in The Buffalo News or on WKBW News

Winning projects for the First Cycle of Participatory Budgeting (PB) in Buffalo have been tallied and announced! Over 300 residents came out to 8 different voting locations over the span of 6 days in various locations throughout the Masten District to decide on how to spend $150,000. The winning projects, in order, are:

• Farmer’s Market on Main St. and Fillmore Avenue
• Community Kitchen Upgrades for the Delevan Grider Community Center (DGCC)
• Healthy Cooking Campaign at the DGCC
• A new smart board and computer classes for seniors at 66 Hedley Place
• Lighting on local streets near MLK Park
• Bus Shelter on Fillmore and E. Ferry
• Dewey Avenue Park Improvements
• 10 Garbage Cages along East Delevan Avenue
• Bush Shelter on E. Delevan and Humboldt
• 2 Garbage Cages along Jefferson Avenue

A PDF of the ballot can be found here: PB Buffalo Ballot

Participatory Budgeting (PB) Buffalo is kicking off its very first vote in the City of Buffalo and we need you to attend!

Participatory Budget (PB) is a different way to manage public money. It is a democratic process in which community members, like you, decide how to spend part of a public budget. PB gives ordinary people real decision-making power over real money.  Residents brainstorm project ideas, volunteers develop ideas into project proposals, residents then vote on proposals, and the projects with the most votes get funded by the city. It’s real decision making power over real money!

PB is already working in over 1,500 municipalities around the world. It includes everyone in the community – especially those who are often excluded from the political process or feel disillusioned with current political structures and institutions. Community organizations and residents of the city of Buffalo want more transparency and decision making power in how money is spent in our city. On May 19th, 2015, the Buffalo Common Council announced that PB will officially be coming to Buffalo through a pilot program with $150,000 in the City’s 2015-2016 Budget! Because the funding was not large enough to be used City –wide, the PB Buffalo Steering Committee voted to pilot PB in one Council District; the Masten District.

In November 2015, the PB Buffalo Steering Committee held 6 General Assemblies where over 100 attendees generated ideas for how this funding could be spent. Budget Delegates, volunteers who are responsible for turning ideas from General Assemblies into concrete detailed projects that can be placed on a ballot for the people to vote on, have been working hard vetting over 600 ideas.

Now the vote is in the hands of Masten District residents.

Join PB Buffalo Steering Committee members, Budget Delegates, Councilmember Wingo, Council President Pridgen, Councilmember Rivera as we kickoff voting at the Delavan Grider Community Center on Monday, March 21^st from 5:00-8:00pm! Budget Delegates will share information on the projects up for election on the PB Buffalo Ballot, as well as share more information about what PB is.

If you’re a resident of the Masten District or a student enrolled in the Masten District age 14+, bring proof of residency (examples include a utility bill, photo ID with your address, or a student ID) and get ready to vote! If you’re a resident of the City of Buffalo, join us to learn more about how you can advocate for PB in your Council District next year.

Additional voting sites will be available at various locations throughout the Masten District the week of March 22^nd– 26^th. For an updated list of voting locations and more information about PB Buffalo, visit this link:Expo Voting Sites Flier , visit www.pbbuffalo.org, tweet at @PB_Buffalo, and/ or call Natasha at (716) 852-3813.

The United States Court of Appeals has upheld both the March 2014 guilty jury verdict on Tonawanda Coke and the millions of dollars in fines imposed on the corporation for its violations of the Clean Air Act.

Tonawanda Coke and its attorneys argued that TCC did not cause harm members of the public’s property or health, but the Court of Appeals disagreed and upheld the fines issued by the Judge in Buffalo in March of 2014. The full decision can be read here: 14-1091_so (1):

It’s been a banner year for Clean Air – all because of you! Because of your commitment to public health and environmental justice in our community, we’ve made so much possible, together.

We held 20 phone banks, multiple Common Council hearings, and countless team meetings, and then won $150,000 in the City’s budget for Participatory Budgeting (PB)!

We prepared for when NRG Huntley announced its closure in September 2015 and we now have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to come together to build a new, stronger economy in Tonawanda and make sure no one is left behind (not to mention $19 million from the NYS legislature for communities facing coal plant closures)!

We joined with residents who live near the old American Axle site on East Delavan, who are facing pollution from PCBs and other toxic contaminants

We’re recognized as movement leaders on the national level: our work was featured on Al Jazeera’s award-winning news program, The Stream, and our organizer, Natasha Soto, was invited to the White House to help guide the expansion of PB in the United States

We need your continued support for this essential work!

Our work doesn’t just look good on paper – it’s creating meaningful and long-lasting change. We couldn’t have made any of this happen without you!

With your gift today, we can envision a bright future for the Huntley Coal site; expand Participatory Budgeting city wide; and keep up our fight for environmental justice in neighborhoods across Western New York.

Your generous support today ensures our continued success as we work for a healthier and more just future for all of us!

There is some confusion regarding the old GM Saginaw/ American Axle Complex at 1001 East Delavan Avenue; confusion as to whether residents living near the facility should be concerned about their health and/ or safety. For about a year now Clean Air has been advocating with residents who want to have some clarity on the legacy waste of the site and whether or not cleanup has been done or is being planned for the Superfund Site.

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act — otherwise known as CERCLA or Superfund – passed in 1980 provides a Federal “Superfund” to clean up uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous-waste sites as well as accidents, spills, and other emergency releases of pollutants and contaminants into the environment. 1001 East Delevan Avenue was where rear axles, steering linkages forgings, drive shafts, steering systems and related components were assembled for automobile manufacturing. The facility also housed 6 oil fired burners, machining equipment, painting equipment and a waste water treatment plant.

There have been many plans to clean up the site of hazardous Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and n-Hexane Extractable Materials (Oil & Grease) present on the site, but ultimately the site has not been cleaned up and the hazardous waste removed because of expenses- both companies claimed bankruptcy.

In addition to the legacy waste, since 2013, 1001 East Delavan is also home to new industrial manufacturers: Galvstar, who makes specialized galvanized steel; Niagara Lubricants, a lubricant manufacturer specializing in industrial and wholesale lubricants; and Ontario Specialty Contracting Group (OSC) Manufacturing & Equipment Services.

The group of residents that Clean Air has been working with is concerned about the contaminants the new industrial plants are adding to the site and the environment in addition to what additional risks these new contaminates add when combined to the legacy waste. Not to mention the risk of emergencies or industrial fires when one considers Niagara Lubricant’s history in other residential neighborhoods.

Residents want to have a better idea of what they are living next to and are hosting a panel discussion featuring:

Virginia Golden, Resident

Lynda Schneekloth, Professor Emeritus, University at Buffalo School of Architecture

Tammy Milillo, Research Assistant, University at Buffalo Dept. of Chemistry

Natasha D. Soto, Community Organizer, Clean Air: Organizing for Health and Justice

Participants can hope to leave the panel with a better idea of the risks still present at the site, which agencies have been and are still involved with monitoring the site and if there is anything that can be done to ensure the safety of the neighborhood. The panel discussion is open to the public.

When: Thursday October 22nd 5:30 PM

Where: Delavan Grider Community Center– 877 E. Delavan Ave

Please call Natasha at 852.3813 if you need a ride or have any questions.

For more information on 1001 East Delavan- take a look at the Buffalo News article:

http://www.buffalonews.com/business/manufacturing-a-turnaround-former-american-axle-plant-on-east-side-finds-a-new-direction-20150621

PB Buffalo Pilot Year is Announced for the Masten District

Last May, the City of Buffalo allocated $150,000 from the City Budget to be decided on by residents in the City’s first ever Participatory Budgeting Process. For months the Steering Committee, chaired by Clean Air and composed of Clean Air members, residents, members of organizations, block clubs and business associations have been meeting to write the rules of PB Buffalo.

The Committee has decided that the Masten District is the perfect district for the pilot PB Process!

Members of the committee voted on the Masten District based on factors like geographic area, age of residents, median household income and demographic of the district.

We invite Masten District residents as well as residents of the City of Buffalo to come out to the General Assemblies to brainstorm ideas for $150,000 worth of projects for the Masten District!

Participatory Budget (PB) is a different way to manage public money. It is a democratic process in which community members, like you, decide how to spend part of our public budget. PB gives ordinary people real decision-making power over real money.

How Does PB Work?

Residents brainstorm project ideas, volunteers develop proposals based on these ideas, residents then vote on proposals, and the government funds the top projects. It’s real decision making power over real money.

Where Did This Idea Come From?

Community organizations and residents of the City of Buffalo have been pushing for more transparency and decision making power in how our money is spent and worked to get Buffalo’s Administration to allocate $150,000 for a PB process this year.

This is a huge win for the residents of Buffalo! Now we need YOU to make your voice heard!

Propose ideas, volunteer, and vote to make change in our community!

On August 28^th NRG announced the Huntley coal plant will retire. Huntley currently pays a total of $6 million in revenue our local municipalities. 75 workers work at the facility, which operates on the Niagara River.

NRG’s facility can’t make a profit on burning coal. Low natural gas prices have made it nearly impossible for coal to compete. NRG stated in its letter to the Public Service Commission, “… because the facility is not currently economic and is not expected to be economic, NRG intends to retire the units. “

This echoes trends across the country, coal fired plants are closing due to lack of growth in electricity demand and uncompetitive coal prices.

The retirement of Huntley is a familiar story for us in Western New York. For the last 40 years our region has experienced plant closures. Jobs have been lost, young people have left for work elsewhere, and our tax base has shrunk. Anyone familiar with this story knows how Huntley’s story could end –with more loss and an abandoned plant sitting on one third of Tonawanda’s waterfront.

We could wait and watch the same story play out, or we can work for something different. For over 18 months our coalition has worked to prepare for this announcement:

• In January 2014 a report on the plant’s finances was commissioned, and found the facility was losing money. We held community assemblies, shared the report and generated ideas on how to take care of people in case of retirement.
• In June 2014 we held a Just Transition Conference where experts shared ideas on how other communities have dealt with similar challenges.
• A stakeholder group was established, and has met for over a year to create a proactive Just Transition plan. This plan includes resources for revenue, resources for workers, and begins the process for future economic development.
• Our work began to pay off; in June $19 million was allocated for municipalities facing coal plant closures.

This is just the beginning. Workers and residents of Tonawanda should not be made to pay for Huntley’s retirement. Temporary funding needs to be provided to the community so that vital services aren’t cut.

As the bleak economic situation for coal continues, we need to honor the commitment that energy sector workers have made to this region. Resources should be provided to Huntley workers in order to make successful transition to other employment.

We ask that NRG communicate their intentions for the site, so that appropriate planning can take place to remediate and attract other business.

Another company in Western New York is closing, and we have a choice. We can sit back and let the same story happen again, or together, actively work for something better.

Rebecca Newberry     Director, Clean Air Coalition

Richard Lipsitz  President     WNY Area Labor Federation

Peter Stuhlmiller     President Kenmore Teachers Association

This editorial ran in the September 20, 2015 issue of The Buffalo News 

On August 25th 2015 NRG announced the retirement of the Huntley Coal plant in the Town of Tonawanda. The facility employees 79 workers and contributes significant revenue to our local municipalities including the Town of Tonawanda, Erie County and millions to the Kenmore Tonawanda School District.

The company cited economic reasons for the retirement. “We don’t foresee any scenario where the plant would be economically viable,” said David Gaier, NRG’s spokesman to The Buffalo News, “This is a reflection of the economics of power generation.”

For the last year and a half Clean Air has been working with hundreds of local residents and allies including the WNY Labor Federation and the Kenmore Teachers Association, to generate a plan in case of this announcement. In January 2014 we shared the results of the prophetic report that showed Huntley was struggling financially and was likely to close.

• In the spring of 2014 we held 4 community assemblies that shared the details of the report, and where residents and workers generated ideas on who would need to be taken care of in case of the closure, and how we could take care of them.
• After the assemblies a group of stakeholders was established, to flush out these ideas, and create a proactive Just Transition plan. This plan includes how to make up revenue lost by the retirement, potential pots of money to provide for workers, and a pathway forward to begin long term economic development planning for the Town.
• In June of 2014 we held a Just Transition Conference at New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) – where experts on economic development and coal transitions came to share ideas of how communities across the country have dealt with similar challenges.
• In October 2014 The Buffalo News editorial board cited our work and stated “The plant’s days appear to be numbered, at least as it exists today… Because of that, local entities that have become dependent upon the plant might want to start planning ahead.”
• In May of 2015 we partnered with the UB School of Architecture and Planning – and  students took up the challenge of imagining what the Huntley site could look like if the plant retires. These ideas where shared publicly with residents who live closest to the plant
• In June of this year – our work began to pay off – and the NYS Legislature allocated $19 million for municipalities and districts facing coal plant closures.

Yesterday, when NRG made their announcement, we were ready. Together, with Richard Lipsitz, President of the WNY Labor Federation and Peter Stuhlmiller, President of the Kenmore Teachers Association, we released the following statement:

“Our community and partners in the labor movement have been preparing for this announcement. We call on the New York State Government to support our communities through this transition by funding our plan for a Just Transition. Our plan will make our communities whole by securing funding for our schools, compensating and caring for coal plant workers and families, and begin the process of cleaning up the site and reconnecting us to our waterfront.

The Tonawanda community has been working to develop a transition plan for over a year with input from residents who live by the plant, the Western New York Area Labor Federation, IBEW Local 97, the Kenmore Teachers Association, and many others. Because we began early, Tonawanda is well situated to handle the transition. We remain committed to an inclusive planning process.”

Join us at our community meeting September 10th. More details to come.