F&WW Educational Workshop: Fracking & the Jersey Shore

Please join Food & Water Watch for an educational workshop designed for municipal officials, community leaders, and members of the public to learn how fracking, fracking waste, and related natural gas infrastructure pose a threat to the New Jersey coast. The presentation will provide an overview of fracking, discuss how fracking waste and natural gas infrastructure are already impacting communities throughout New Jersey, how fracking waste and fracking-related infrastructure threaten the coast, and how municipalities can take action at the local level.

Throughout the previous year, Food & Water Watch has helped a growing movement of municipalities take local action against fracking, fracking waste, and related natural gas infrastructure in the absence of statewide bans. Find out if your community is at risk, learn what some communities have already done, and learn what you can do to keep this highly controversial method of natural gas drilling and its toxic byproducts out of your community.

All attendees will receive a flashdrive, as well as all the materials and resources needed to pass a local ordinance.

Fracking & the Jersey Shore:

How Fracking Impacts Your Community and What You Can Do About It

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

6:30pm – 8:30pm

Unitarian Universalist Ocean County Congregation

734 Route 37 West, Toms River, NJ 08755

RSVP: http://fwwat.ch/jerseyshoreworkshop
*Refreshments will be provided by Dean’s Natural Food Market*


This event is free and open to the public so feel free to share the invitation with others.

For questions, or to reserve a seat, please contact Lauren Petrie at (732) 993-8966 or lpetrie@fwwatch.org


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Food & Water Watch works to ensure the food, water and fish we consume is safe, accessible and sustainably produced. So we can all enjoy and trust in what we eat and drink, we help people take charge of where their food comes from, keep clean, affordable, public tap water flowing freely to our homes, protect the environmental quality of oceans, force government to do its job protecting citizens, and educate about the importance of keeping the global commons – our shared resources – under public control.

What We Still Don't Know About Fracking

The following is from Congressman Rush Holt's newsletter:

Fracking – short for “hydraulic fracturing” – is a drilling process that involves shattering the ground with a millions of gallons of water, sand, and a mix of poorly understood chemicals. Those chemicals leach into the soil, into the air, and into the water we drink.

Most people take for granted that, given the large-scale expansion of fracking in recent years, the process must have passed some kind of government and scientific muster. But in truth, the headlong rush into fracking has not been matched by improvements in our understanding of the science. In fact, an amendment that I strongly opposed was added to a Bush-era energy law exempting the process of hydraulic fracturing from compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Indeed, we do not even know how much methane (the principle component of natural gas) leaks into the atmosphere through the fracking process. Methane is a greenhouse gas that is 21 times more powerful than carbon dioxide. It is suspected that the leakage may be large enough to make gas-fueled power generation almost as harmful to the climate as coal-fired generation. We know that micro-earthquakes have increased, apparently as a result of hydraulic fracturing. And we know that individual people have found toxic chemicals in their land, their water, their air, and even their blood. Their stories are told in a new report,Shalefield Stories, released by Environment New Jersey earlier this week.

These stories are anecdotal, and further careful research is necessary to understand the full effects of fracking. But these anecdotes are deeply concerning. The amusing old saying says, “The plural of ‘anecdote’ is ‘data,’” and the anecdotes are piling up. I have called for a fracking moratorium in our region until we better understand fracking’s effect on our environment and our health.

Opportunity Closing to Enroll for Affordable Health Care

The new health care reform law created HealthCare.gov, a one-stop portal to compare and purchase quality health insurance policies at competitive rates for those who don’t have insurance through other means. In order to obtain health insurance coverage for the year 2014 through HealthCare.gov, you must enroll by Monday, March 31.

Thousands of New Jerseyans have already successfully applied for and selected coverage through the new website, including me.  HealthCare.gov also will help you learn if you are eligible for Medicaid or cost-sharing assistance to help cover the cost of your health care premiums. Many people have said to me, after using the website, they were surprised to learn that they are eligible for assistance paying their premiums. More information on health care reform is available on my website, or you can call 1-800-318-2596 for help enrolling in a health care plan.

Please keep in mind that, beginning this year, nearly every American is required to have health care coverage, with a few exceptions. If you do not have health insurance by March 31, you may have to pay a penalty.

We Cannot Stand By

Earlier this week, a CNN camera crew reported evidence that Russian troops are literally digging in on the Crimean peninsula, installing minefields along the new, illegal border they have created with Ukraine. The world community cannot stand by in the face of this unprovoked Russian invasion of another sovereign nation, which clearly violates international law.

I joined the House this week in passing a resolution calling upon the Obama administration to respond by boycotting the upcoming G8 summit and by working with our partners to expel Russia from the G8. The resolution further calls on the new Ukrainian government to implement measures to end political corruption, respect the human rights and civil liberties of ethnic minorities in Ukraine, and more. Although the standing of the U.S. to condemn countries for invading others has weakened in the past decade, much of the world also sees Russia’s action in Ukraine as unacceptable.

Sincerely,

Rush Holt
Member of Congress

Gasland II Director Josh Fox On The Daily Show; Watch Gasland II on HBO July 8th & 9th

"Gasland Part II" director Josh Fox talks fracking, flammable water and the perils of natural gas in this segment of the Daily Show that was broadcasted on June 26th, the day after President Obama gave his Climate Change speech  at Georgetown University.

People need to watch this interview, then see the movie and take action against the unlimited  and haphazard practice of natural gas drilling know as Fracking.

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,Indecision Political Humor,The Daily Show on Facebook

Gasland II premiers on HBO July 8th & 9th

WATERSPIRIT Action Alert - Say No LNG

There is an application before the US Maritime Administration for a Liquid Natural Gas facility, “Port Ambrose”, off of Long Branch, NJ and 17 nautical miles south of Jones Beach, NY. Clean Ocean Action asserts that this is the same proposal that was vetoed by Governor Christie in 2011, but with a different name. This port license can be for both import and export, which can potentially lead the proposed port to being the region’s hub for exports for natural gas, leading to more pipelines throughout NJ, accelerated hydraulic fracturing in the region, even more toxic radioactive waste, and increased energy costs. This is a real threat to the pubic health, ecosystems, and clean safe water.

If you are a concerned citizens, a homeowner, a business owner,a member of a civic or community organization, swimmer, diver, fisherman, boater, beachgoer or anyone who will be adversely affected on the Jersey Shore, please come to the public hearing in Sea Bright on Thursday, July 11th and bring your friends, this effects all of us!

Thursday, July 11
Citizen’s Hearing on the Jersey Shore
Sea Bright Public Beach, Sea Bright, NJ
Open House: 4:30-5:30pm
Public Comments: 6pm-8pm

And be sure to sign the Surfrider’s Online Petition to Governor Christie

Don't Let the Gas Industry Raise the Demand for Fracking in New Jersey - Fracked Gas Threatens Our Coasts!

I write with troubling news. A new, massive natural gas facility could be built off the coast of New Jersey, threatening local communities and increasing the demand for fracking. With only a few weeks for public comment, we need to act right now to tell Governor Christie to reject this reckless proposal.

The corporation pushing this project, called Port Ambrose, is saying that it will be a terminal to import natural gas. But with fracking on the rise in the Marcellus shale region, many are concerned that the project is really designed to help the gas industry export fracked gas to other countries. This means that the project not only threatens residents and visitors from Long Branch to Sandy Hook, but it will result in more pressure to open New Jersey to the ravages of fracking.

Port Ambrose would inevitably discharge wastewater and contaminate air and marine waters. The proposed facility poses an unacceptable risk to the people of New Jersey's health and safety and threatens some of the state's most popular beach areas. With a deadline looming on July 14, we must take action today. Join me in telling Governor Christie to reject this reckless project.

Submit a public comment today

Thanks for taking action,

Jim Walsh
Mid-Atlantic Region Director
Food & Water Watch
jwalsh@fwwatch.org

GasLand II Premires On HBO July 8th & 9th

In 2010, Gasland gave our country a wake-up call. For the first time, our fracked neighbors had a national audience. But three years later, our communities are still fighting for their health in the face of tremendous oil and gas industry influence over our elected officials. So what now?

After the overwhelming response to the release of Gasland, Josh Fox, writer and director of the film, wasted no time getting started on documenting the next chapter of the story. In Gasland Part II, Josh digs deeper into the impacts of fracking, not just on our air, water, climate and health, but on our democracy itself. In advance of the release, Josh has been touring the country, holding grassroots screenings in key areas affected by fracking. The response has been incredibly powerful.

HBO is premiering Gasland Part II on July 8 at 9 p.m. local time. This is the first chance to share this important film with everyone you know, so we can continue fighting back.

Thanks for taking action,

Katy Kiefer
Activist Network Coordinator
Food & Water Watch

“Ollie the Oily Ostrich” to Deliver Hundreds of Fracking Waste Ban Petitions to Assemblymembers O’Scanlon and Casagrande

Delivery Comes Amid Statewide Campaign to Overturn Governor’s Veto of Bill Protecting State from Toxic Fracking Waste This Legislative Session 

Red Bank and Freehold, NJ – Local residents and community groups will join with “Ollie the Oily Ostrich” on tomorrow June 12th, to deliver thousands of constituent petitions supporting an override of Governor Christie’s veto of the Fracking Waste Ban Bill. The legislation would protect residents by banning the disposal, treatment and discharge of toxic waste created through the process of fracking, a highly controversial natural gas drilling method. The legislation was passed with overwhelming bipartisan support last year but was vetoed by the governor.

Activists will dress up in an ostrich costume to deliver thousands of petitions, urging Assemblymembers O’Scanlon and Casagrande not to “bury their heads in the sand” to the dangers of fracking waste dumping and the impacts it can have on New Jersey.

Both legislators have yet to take a stance on critical legislation, the Fracking Waste Ban (A575/S253) despite the fact that they voted in favor of the ban a year ago, when it originally passed the NJ legislature with overwhelming support.

Republican legislators who voted to ban fracking waste dumping are continuing to avoid taking a stance on this issue due to fear of retribution from Governor Christie and powerful lobbyists from the gas and oil industry.

11:30am District Office Assemblyman O’Scanlon 32 Monmouth St., Red Bank 07701

2pm District Office Assemblywoman Casagrande 35 West Main St., Freehold 07728

May 29 – Call-in Day to Support a Ban on Fracking Waste in NJ

posted on behalf of Food & Water Watch

This is a call-in day to demonstrate widespread support for passing a ban on fracking waste in New Jersey. The legislation would protect residents by banning the disposal, treatment and discharge of toxic waste created through the process of fracking, a highly controversial natural gas drilling method. The legislation was passed with overwhelming bipartisan support last year but NJ Governor Christie vetoed the legislation in September, caving to pressure from the oil and gas industry.  There may be a vote in the NJ legislature this June to override the Governor's veto.  We need to urge our legislators to pass this important legislation to protect NJ waterways.  

Below are the Monmouth County legislators who need to get on board!  Call today if you can, or call tomorrow or the next day, but make your voice heard!  Thank you for your activism.

Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande            732-866-1695

Assemblywoman Amy Handlin                        732-787-1170

Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon                        732-933-1591

Talking Points:

-       Fracking waste treatment is a threat to our drinking water and should be banned.

-       Radioactive fracking waste has been discharged into PA waterways.

-       Help protect New Jersey from the dangers of fracking waste by overriding Governor Christie’s veto of A575/S253.

Fracking Forum in Rumson

Fracking video and Q&A -- May 16, 7 pm, First Presbyterian Church of Rumson

Here's another local opportunity to learn and ask questions about fracking.

Join Food & Water Watch for a panel discussion featuring experts on energy policy and our food system to understand how the rush for natural gas development and our food system are intricately linked together.

Thursday, April 4th @ 6 PM

Two River Theater Company

21 Bridge Ave, Red Bank NJ

PANELISTS
Wenonah Hauter • Executive Director, Food & Water Watch and Foodopoly author
Dean Nelson • Dean’s Natural Food Market
J. Stephen Cleghorn, PhD • Paradise Gardens and Farm, LLC
Cindy Zipf • Executive Director of Clean Ocean Action

~Reception with light hors d’oeuvres begins at 6 PM~
~Panel Discussion begins at 7 PM~

Free and open to the public! Thanks to our Host Committee: Rosemary Parish, Robert Scardapane, WATERSPIRIT, and Tina Weishaus.

For more information, contact Emily Reuman at 978.844.2164 ereuman@fwwatch.org.

To purchase your copy of Foodopoly in advance through River Road Books and pick it up at the Theater, visit www.riverroadbooks.net/special_order.html. You’ll also have a chance to buy a signed copy of Foodopoly at the event (while supplies last).

Limited Seating: Register here to reserve your seat: http://bit.ly/FrackingFoodopolyFuture

Fracking, the Foodopoly and Our Future in Red Bank, NJ Two River Theater

Please join us for

FRACKING, THE FOODOPOLY AND OUR FUTURE

Thursday, April 4 at 7 PM

Reception with light hors d’oeuvres begins at 6 PM

Two River Theater • 21 Bridge Avenue • Red Bank, NJ 07701

Join Food & Water Watch for a panel discussion featuring experts on energy policy and our food system to understand how the rush for natural gas development and the deterioration of our food system are intricately linked together.

PANELISTS

Wenonah Hauter • Executive Director, Food & Water Watch and Foodopoly author 

Dean Nelson • Dean’s Natural Food Market 

J. Stephen Cleghorn, PhD • Paradise Gardens and Farm, LLC

 Cindy Zipf • Executive Director of Clean Ocean Action

Free and open to the public!

 Register at http://bit.ly/foodopolyredbank. For more information, 

contact Emily Reuman at 978.844.2164 or e-mail ereuman@fwwatch.org.

_____________________________________________________________

Thanks to our Host Committee:

Rosemary Parish, Robert Scardapane, WATERSPIRIT, and Tina Weishaus.

______________________________________________________________

To purchase your copy of Foodopoly in advance through River Road Books and pick it up at the Theater, visit www.riverroadbooks.net/special_order.html. You’ll also have a chance to buy a signed copy of Foodopoly at the event (while supplies last).

Expose Fracking on Thursday. Ride the Bus to Philly!

From the Bus for Progress-

The Philadelphia Convention Center will be hosting a huge conference on Thursday September 20th, 2012, for the Fracking industry. Representatives from all over the country will be there to tout how safe, clean and wonderful fracking is. Luckily, we won't let them get away with it. Members of the Bus for Progress, Food & Water Watch, Protecting Our Waters, and other groups will also be there to tell the truth about the dangers of Fracking! Join us for the 2012 Shale Gas Outrage.

Several thousand people rallied outside the Convention Center in 2011. We hope to increase that number in 2012!

The rally begins at noon. Speakers include Sandra Steingraber, Josh Fox, Stephen Cleghorn and more. The rally will be followed by a march through the streets of Philly. The Bus will be driving in the march. We hope to allow people to ride on the roof like we did in Washington back in July.

The bus is making stops in Red Bank, Wall, Jackson and Hamilton beginning at 9:30 AM. We should return to Red Bank before 6 PM.

Click here for more info. To reserve your seat on the bus, click here .

Thanks to the generosity of Kathy Horgan, Linda Baum and Bobbie Schneider, there is financial assistance available to those who need it. We are also providing a 1/2 price bus seat to a volunteer willing to help people up and down the ladder during the march. If interested, you must contact info@BusForProgress.org in advance.

There are still  many empty seats on the bus! The weatherman is calling for a beautiful day on Thursday. Join us for an important day in Philadelphia! Spread the word to friends and family - we need more people!

Fracking Waste Ban Awaits Christie’s Signature; Call The Governor’s Office September 4-7 To Ask Him To Sign The Bill!

by guest blogger Linda Baum

This June, bill A575 / S253 was passed by the State legislature with overwhelming support.  The bill, which bans the treatment, storage, disposal and discharge of fracking waste in New Jersey, is still awaiting action by the Governor.

Food and Water Watch, a consumer advocacy non-profit, has designated this week as a call-in week to the Governor’s office and is asking everyone to take a moment to ask the Governor to sign the bill.  

Please call:

1-866-846-4075

The phone number is a special line set up by FWW that has a short greeting before you are connected to the Governor’s office.

Even though the bill has already passed the Legislature, we should continue to urge our state legislators to support the fracking waste ban and to insist that they tell the Governor to support it.  There are two reasons for this. One is that the steadfast support of the Legislature could positively influence Christie’s decision.  The other reason to stay on top of our legislators is so that they will be less inclined to flip flop when it’s time for an override.

You can find names and phone numbers of senators and assemblypersons by town here:  http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/districts/municipalities.asp.

Thanks to all of you who already contacted your legislators and the Governor this year to ask for their support.  Your help is needed once again to keep the pressure on.

As always, thank you for your activism.

Bill Banning Fracking Waste Passes State Senate, Headed To Governor

by guest blogger Linda Baum


I received the following communication from Jim Walsh of Food and Water Watch and just wanted to let you know: “The Senate passed the [fracking waste] ban 30-5 with 5 abstentions. This is huge moment that is a testament to everyone's hard work on this effort.”

Many thanks to all of you who contacted your legislators to support A575/S253. This victory in the legislature is an important step in keeping our water sources clean, protecting our health, and ensuring a vibrant marine economy. We must now turn our attention to the Governor to make sure he signs on. New Jersey must not become the nation’s dumping ground.
Please send an email to Governor Christie asking him not to veto the fracking waste ban and share this link with your friends: http://bit.ly/NoFrackingVetoGovChrisite

I will keep you posted on future developments, and thank you all once again.

FRACKING WASTE BAN PASSES THE STATE ASSEMBLY, SENATE VOTES ON MONDAY

by guest blogger Linda Baum

If you’ve been following the progress of bills A575/S253, which ban the treatment, storage, disposal and discharge of fracking waste in New Jersey, you may have heard that just last week the State Assembly passed the fracking waste ban by a huge margin – the vote was 56 yes and 19 no, with 4 not voting. 

Thanks to all of you who called or emailed your legislators to ask them to support the bill.  I’m told that the number of calls and emails from residents in legislative district 13 – Middletown and surrounding parts of Monmouth County – outnumbered those from other districts by 2 to 1.  So kudos to you all.

Supporters of the bill are hoping for a strong showing in the State Senate as well.  The Senate vote is scheduled for this Monday, 6/25.  

So if you haven’t already, please call or send an email to your State Senator asking him or her to pass the fracking waste ban.  You can find senators' names and phone numbers by town here:  http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/districts/municipalities.asp.  The following link can be used to generate an email:    http://bit.ly/PassNJFrackWasteBan

Thank you for your activism.

Trenton Rally this Thursday, June 14th to keep fracking waste out of NJ

by Linda Baum & Food and Water Watch

The state legislature introduced a bill (A575/S253) to ban fracking waste in New Jersey and we need the Senate & Assembly Environment Committees to pass it.  Environmental advocacy group Food and Water Watch is asking everyone to attend a Day of Action for A Clean Energy Future this Thursday, June 14^th in Trenton from 9AM-3PM.  Learn more and register at:  http://bit.ly/JvIgaE

A number of transportation options are available to help folks get there and back safely.  If you would like to carpool from a nearby location, you can do a zip code search for carpool options at http://bit.ly/June14TrentonCarPools.  Another option is to ride the Bus for Progress, which is picking up passengers in South Amboy, Red Bank, Wall, and Jackson.  Reserve your seat here:  http://action.foodandwaterwatch.org/p/salsa/event/common/public/?event_KEY=74395

The meet-up point in Trenton is at the Old Barracks, and registration there is from 8:30-9:00 AM.  Click here for directions, a schedule for the day, parking info, and a rough floor plan of the State House Annex that shows where the Assembly Environment Committee is meeting.

If you can’t make it on Thursday, Food and Water Watch asks that you make a quick phone call to Assembly Speaker Oliver, asking her to make sure this legislation passes.  Individual calls make a big difference in the push to get this legislation passed, so please call even if you’ve already contacted legislators on this issue.

Call Assembly Speaker Oliver at (866) 582-4813.  Tell her: 

• I support a ban on fracking waste in NJ;
• This type of drilling is putting drinking water at risk of serious contamination;
• Please cosponsor A575, the bill to ban fracking waste in New Jersey.

Thank you for your activism.

June 14th Fracking Lobby Day in Trenton

Please see below about an important event taking place this coming Thursday in Trenton and please help spread the word. The Bus for Progress is one way to get to Trenton for those who would rather leave their cars home, and seats are currently available. The Bus will be making stops in South Amboy, Red Bank, Wall, and Jackson. Click here for more information: http://www.busforprogress.org/events/june-14-lobby-day-details. Click here to reserve your seat: http://www.busforprogress.org/events

*****

Dear Supporter,

Fracking waste is coming to New Jersey, threatening our drinking water, environment and public health. In January of 2013, NJ's fracking ban will expire. As if this is not enough, the industry is pushing risky gas pipelines, gas-fired power plants and billions in taxpayer dollars for subsidies for gas transportation projects. These subsidies are coming at a time when Governor Christie is pushing for millions in cuts to clean energy and conservation programs. Can you join us in Trenton on June 14 to stand against the fracking industry's assault on our state?

In the morning, we will be creating a presence in the NJ State House, educating legislators about how they can help stop the fracking industry from turning NJ into a fracking wasteland. At noon, leaders from across NJ will be speaking out at a rally against the dangers of fracking and the direct impact these risky and unnecessary gas infrastructure projects are having on our state. We need your help to pull off a massive show of support against fracking and for clean energy.

Let's plan to take over the capital on June 14 and demonstrate that New Jersey is ready for clean energy solutions and a fossil fuel-free future. Will you join us in Trenton on June 14th?

To register and invite others, visit this link:

http://action.foodandwaterwatch.org/p/salsa/event/common/public/?key=74212

We look forward to seeing you in Trenton!



Jim Walsh

New Jersey Director

Food & Water Watch

jwalsh@fwwatch.org

Get Your Frack On; Free Seminar at Middletown Library

Fracking extracts natural gas by injecting a high-­pressure mix of water, sand, and toxic chemicals into the ground. Fracking poses significant risks to water, air quality, and health. Hear a panel of experts discuss the issues.

 Thursday, June 7, 2012, 7:00 – 8:45 p.m.

 Middletown Public Library

 55 New Monmouth Road, Middletown, NJ

PANELISTS:

Larysa Dyrszka, M.D., Physicians, Scientists & Engineers for Healthy Energy Susan Kraham, Senior Staff Attorney, Environmental Law Clinic, Columbia U. Jim Walsh, Eastern Region Director, Food & Water Watch

Moderator: Jan Dash PhD, former member Middletown Green team.

Expert Biographies:

Dr Larysa Dyrszka is a graduate of Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis. Following residency and board certification in pediatrics, she practiced general pediatrics for over twenty years and held the position of Director of Pediatrics at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, NJ for six years. Her recent work has been focused on children’s rights with the Conference of NGOs at the United Nations Committee on Children’s Rights, particularly human trafficking. She has been a SUNY Sullivan Board of Trustees member since 2009. Most recently she has become an advocate for public health on the issue of gas drilling. She is a founding member of Sullivan Area Citizens for Responsible Energy Development, an affiliate member of Physicians, Scientists and Engineers for Healthy Energy and on the steering committee of Damascus Citizens for Sustainability.

Susan J. Kraham is a Senior Staff Attorney and Lecturer-in-Law at Columbia Law School's Environmental Law Clinic. Susan has spent her legal career representing public interest clients with a particular focus on environmental and land use law. Prior to joining the Environmental Law Clinic, Susan served as Counsel to the New Jersey Audubon Society. From 1998 until 2005 she was an Associate Clinical Professor in the Environmental Law Clinic at Rutgers Law School, Newark. Susan was a 1992 graduate of Columbia Law School. She also has a Masters in Urban Planning from New York University’s Wagner School. After graduation from Law School, Susan clerked for the Honorable Justice Gary Stein of the New Jersey Supreme Court. She was a Skadden fellow. Susan was also an echoing green fellow where she partnered on a community based environmental justice project.

Jim Walsh is a dedicated political organizer with over ten years experience working in local and national movements to empower communities to work for social, racial and economic justice. Jim currently serves as the Eastern Region Director for Food & Water Watch. In this capacity, Jim is overseeing and implementing a regional strategy to ensure the wellbeing of the public triumphs over private interests who profit from the exploitation of the essential resources of food and water.

Jim first found his passion for social justice when he started volunteering for the Milwaukee Catholic Workers while earning a degree in Economics from Marquette University. After graduating from Marquette, he participated in an organizing fellowship with the New Jersey Public Interest Research Group at Rutgers University, where he worked to organize communities to improve the quality of waterways in the Garden State and stop oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. After completing the fellowship, Jim went on to work for the Progressive Action Network, where he organized grassroots campaigns in six states for more affordable medications, preservation of farmland and stopping the privatization of Social Security.

In 2006 Jim worked with Family Promise, a national network of 4,500 congregations, to develop a public policy program focused on preventing and ending homelessness in America. This program is currently engaging thousands of volunteers in congregation based letter-writing campaigns. Prior to working for Food and Water Watch, Jim worked as the Program Director for New Jersey Citizen Action, the state’s largest citizen watchdog coalition. In this capacity, he would oversee education and public policy campaigns focused on a variety of social justice issues ranging from health care for all to ending the war in Iraq and ensuring our state and federal governments pass moral budgets that address the needs of people rather than those with money and power. During his free time, Jim spends time with his wife Marisa who is a high school science teacher. He also enjoys gardening, is active in a local movement to increase participation and representation of local communities, and sits on the board of the George St. Co-op, a cooperatively owned health food store in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Jim can be reached at jwalsh@fwwatch.org.

Free GASLAND Screening in Rumson on Thursday, May 31st

by guest blogger Linda Baum

Have you still not seen the documentary GASLAND?  Do you want to see it again?  Join Food and Water Watch this Thursday evening, May 31st, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Rumson Presbyterian, 4 East River Road, Rumson, NJ 07760 for a FREE community screening of the film.  To register, please visit:  http://bit.ly/GaslandAtRumsonPresbyterian

GASLAND exposes the highly pollutive process known as fracking, short for hydraulic fracturing, whereby natural gas is extracted from shale rock by pumping a large volume of water, sand, and toxic chemicals into the ground.  See the movie trailer here:  http://www.gaslandthemovie.com/trailer.

PBS did an illuminating interview with the film’s creator, Josh Fox.  Here’s the link:   http://video.pbs.org/video/1452296560/. 

Stick around after the movie for a discussion on how you can be involved in the local campaign to ban fracking and fracking waste in New Jersey.  Also, there is a FREE seminar on fracking at the Middletown Library main branch on June 7^th at 7 p.m.