News from the Grassroots

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Aug 30, 2016

The Bradford Era: Highland Township commission OKs putting charter on ballot

The Bradford Era: Highland Township commission OKs putting charter on ballot

The Highland Township, PA, Home Rule Study Commission votes to advance a rights-based charter for the November ballot. The charter includes a frack wastewater injection well ban, similar to a Community Bill of Rights banning injection wells that was rescinded by supervisors.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Aug 27, 2016

The Register-Guard: Lane County process for approving local ballot initiatives draws two threats of lawsuits

The Register-Guard: Lane County process for approving local ballot initiatives draws two threats of lawsuits

Increasingly contentious and obscure means to keep Lane County, OR, Community Bills of Rights ordinances off the ballot are being used by opponents. Lane residents are fighting to protect themselves from aerial pesticide spraying.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Aug 20, 2016

Desmog Blog: Ohio Residents Clash With State and County Government in Fight to Ban Fracking via the Ballot

Desmog Blog: Ohio Residents Clash With State and County Government in Fight to Ban Fracking via the Ballot

The right to local democratic self-governance becomes a political debate as Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted, county boards of elections, and the oil and gas industry block citizen initiatives banning fracking. Ohio residents refuse to surrender their fight for their rights or their communities.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Aug 19, 2016

The Bradford Era: Highland Twp. residents want to recreate controversial ‘bill of rights’

The Bradford Era: Highland Twp. residents want to recreate controversial ‘bill of rights’

Highland Township, PA, residents turn to themselves to protect against unwanted fracking wastewater. Township Supervisors rescinded a Community Bill of Rights banning an injection well. Residents now consider home rule to ban the harmful waste.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Aug 18, 2016

Record Courier: LTE: Husted in conflict on county charter issue

Record Courier: LTE: Husted in conflict on county charter issue

A Portage County resident applauds the advancing a county charter proposal that would ban frack injection wells, and calls out Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted as he tries to quash the right to initiative for a second year. We the People, she promises, are going to continue fighting.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Aug 16, 2016

The Bradford Era: Case closed: Seneca Resources can move forward with Highland Twp. injection well

The Bradford Era: Case closed: Seneca Resources can move forward with Highland Twp. injection well

Highland Township, PA, supervisors folded to Seneca Resources, rescinding the people’s Community Bill of Rights ordinance protecting them from Seneca’s proposed wastewater injection well. Residents have not. They are continuing their legal fight and looking to Home Rule.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Aug 10, 2016

The Gazette: Backers of Medina County charter suing Secretary of State Husted

The Gazette: Backers of Medina County charter suing Secretary of State Husted

Medina County, OH, residents take the Ohio Secretary of State and their Board of Elections to court. Government officials are attempting to block residents from placing their qualified county charter initiative banning fracking on the November ballot.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Aug 8, 2016

Law and Disorder Radio: Civil Disobedience Ordinance and Home Rule In Grant Township, PA

Law and Disorder Radio: Civil Disobedience Ordinance and Home Rule In Grant Township, PA

CELDF’s Chad Nicholson and Grant Township resident Stacy Long are interviewed on Law and Disorder radio. Grant residents adopted an ordinance legalizing civil disobedience to protect themselves from an injection well.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Aug 7, 2016

Cleveland.com: Keeping workers in poverty is neither just nor moral

Cleveland.com: Keeping workers in poverty is neither just nor moral

From the Ohio Community Rights Network, Tish O’Dell takes a stand for increasing minimum wage to lift workers out of poverty, calling for the Cleveland City Council to let the people decide by placing the $15 minimum wage proposal on the ballot.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Aug 7, 2016

The Athens Messenger: Husted opens charter dispute to outside parties

The Athens Messenger: Husted opens charter dispute to outside parties

Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted – an oil and gas industry ally – will decide whether or not to place three rights-based county charter measures on the November ballot. Residents are prepared to appeal to the Ohio Supreme Court

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Aug 2, 2016

Fusion: This environmental nightmare is ‘raping’ towns, and citizens have one last chance to stop it

Fusion: This environmental nightmare is ‘raping’ towns, and citizens have one last chance to stop it

As fracking sweeps the nation, communities are using local initiatives to protect themselves – while industry spews propaganda and spends huge sums to stop them.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Aug 1, 2016

Yes! Magazine: Two Towns Battle Colorado for Freedom to Ban Fracking

Yes! Magazine: Two Towns Battle Colorado for Freedom to Ban Fracking

Growing numbers of communities are joining together to move Community Rights to the state level–not just to protect against fracking, but myriad other harms facing We the People in Colorado, Ohio, Oregon, and beyond.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jul 31, 2016

The Bradford Era: Highland Twp. slates home rule hearing for Sunday

The Bradford Era: Highland Twp. slates home rule hearing for Sunday

The Home Rule Study Commission in Highland Township, PA, is holding a public hearing Sunday. The commissioners may recommend drafting a charter to govern the Township, and would seek input from residents on content. The Charter will likely contain a bill of rights.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jul 31, 2016

The Bradford Era: Highland Township Home Rule group votes to draft charter

The Bradford Era: Highland Township Home Rule group votes to draft charter

The Home Rule Study Commission in Highland Township, PA, held a public meeting Sunday to share information about drafting a Home Rule Charter. The Charter, if adopted in November, would recognize and protect the rights of residents to make governing decisions.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jul 30, 2016

The Bradford Era: Highland Twp. to possibly rescind bill of rights ordinance

The Bradford Era: Highland Twp. to possibly rescind bill of rights ordinance

Highland Township, PA, Supervisors prepare to betray residents and rescind their rights-based ordinance banning frack wastewater injection wells. Residents, meanwhile, are drafting a Home Ruler charter that would ban injection wells. Such a charter would be beyond the reach of the Supervisors.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jul 27, 2016

The Register Guard: County commissioners get an earful on ordinance that could limit ballot initiatives

The Register Guard: County commissioners get an earful on ordinance that could limit ballot initiatives

Lane County, OR, residents turn out in high numbers to their County Commissioners meeting, stating clearly their indignation at the Commissioners’ consideration of a law removing direct democracy from the hands of the people.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jul 27, 2016

The Bradford Era: Highland Township Home Rule group hears from supervisor

The Bradford Era: Highland Township Home Rule group hears from supervisor

Highland Township, PA, residents begin drafting a Home Rule Charter. They consult with Grant Township, where last November residents overwhelmingly adopted a new, rights-based charter that included a ban on frack wastewater injection wells.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jul 27, 2016

The Athens News: Charter petition protest skips local court, will go to Ohio Sec. of State

The Athens News: Charter petition protest skips local court, will go to Ohio Sec. of State

Athens County, OH, residents protest the Board of Elections attempt to keep their rights-based County Charter initiative off the November ballot.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jul 26, 2016

KEZI News: Lane County Residents Outraged by Proposed Change to Initiative System

KEZI News: Lane County Residents Outraged by Proposed Change to Initiative System

Lane County, OR, residents make clear their displeasure with the County Commissioners, who are considering a measure to restrict the people’s access to direct democracy.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jul 26, 2016

WOUB Digital: Athens Charter Group Protests Election Board Decision

WOUB Digital: Athens Charter Group Protests Election Board Decision

Residents of Athens County submit their protest against the County Board of Elections’ refusal to place their duly qualified County Charter on the November ballot.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jul 25, 2016

In These Times: Colorado Community Rights Amendment Builds Largest Campaign to Date, But Falls Short of 2016 Ballot

In These Times: Colorado Community Rights Amendment Builds Largest Campaign to Date, But Falls Short of 2016 Ballot

Coloradans advancing the Colorado Community Rights Amendment set sites on 2018 for the state ballot, and commit to building Community Rights at the local, state, and national levels.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jul 21, 2016

Eugene Weekly: Meddling with the People’s Rights

Eugene Weekly: Meddling with the People’s Rights

Local elected officials in Lane County, OR, attempt to pander to corporate interests and work to block the right to citizen initiative. Lane residents are advancing three rights-based measures to protect their County from GMOs and toxic aerial spraying.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jul 18, 2016

Akron Beacon Journal: Letter to the Editor – Give power to local residents

Akron Beacon Journal: Letter to the Editor – Give power to local residents

Says Portage County, OH, resident: The people who live in a community should make the governing decisions impacting that community. Portage County residents are advancing a County Charter recognizing that right, and protecting against fracking activities.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jul 18, 2016

ThisWeek Community News: Anti-fracking group coming to town

ThisWeek Community News: Anti-fracking group coming to town

The Ohio Community Rights Network comes to Johnstown, OH. Member of the Network will share with residents rights-based strategies to protect communities – including their rights to local self-government, clean air and water, and banning fracking as a violation of rights.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jul 17, 2016

The Athens News: Anti-fracking group leaning toward appeal of local Board of Elections rejection of petitions

The Athens News: Anti-fracking group leaning toward appeal of local Board of Elections rejection of petitions

Athens County, OH, residents face oil and gas industry allies blocking their rights-based County Charter measure from the November ballot, despite meeting initiative requirements. Supporters will challenge the decision, asserting their right to citizen initiative.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jul 17, 2016

The Athens Messenger: Charter group claims election board member has conflict of interests

The Athens Messenger: Charter group claims election board member has conflict of interests

Ohio Gas Association President JImmy Stewart sees no conflict of interest in his appointment to the Meigs County Board of Elections, as he leads the charge to block a rights-based County Charter measure banning fracking. Residents disagree; consider next steps.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jul 15, 2016

Ecowatch: Fracking Fight Continues in Colorado

Ecowatch: Fracking Fight Continues in Colorado

Coloradans advance a rights-based state constitutional amendment, empowering communities to strengthen protections set at the state and federal level for fracking – including banning it. In response, the oil and gas industry funnels over $6 million to defeat it.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jul 14, 2016

LDF makes historic grant announcement and welcomes Terry Tamminen as global CEO

LDF makes historic grant announcement and welcomes Terry Tamminen as global CEO

Thank you Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation for your support of CELDF’s work! LDF is helping us empower communities and build Rights of Nature legal frameworks.

Read More | News from the Grassroots

Jul 14, 2016

The Athens Messenger: Charter committee weighs options for challenging election board decision

The Athens Messenger: Charter committee weighs options for challenging election board decision

Athens County, OH, residents intend to challenge the Board of Elections vote to keep their County Charter initiative off the November ballot. Residents are advancing the right to local self-government, including banning fracking activities, to protect themselves from harm.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jul 13, 2016

The New York Times: In New Zealand, Lands and Rivers Can Be People (Legally Speaking)

The New York Times: In New Zealand, Lands and Rivers Can Be People (Legally Speaking)

What once was a national park in New Zealand is now recognized as having personhood. A river is expected to receive the same status. Both are part of an agreement with Maori groups, and reflect the growing recognition of the rights of nature.

Read More | News from the Grassroots

Jul 10, 2016

The Athens Messenger: The only ‘fringe’ elements are those advocating fracking

The Athens Messenger: The only ‘fringe’ elements are those advocating fracking

An Athens County, OH, resident calls out an oil & gas industry representative who attempted to belittle Community Rights supporters as they spoke out against fracking harms.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jul 10, 2016

The Register-Guard: Initiative review: Con — Ballot initiative process protected by constitutions

The Register-Guard: Initiative review: Con — Ballot initiative process protected by constitutions

Lane County Commissioners jump to do bidding of corporate forestry and attempt to strip Lane residents of their right to initiative. Residents are advancing Community Rights to protect themselves from toxic aerial spraying.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jul 10, 2016

The Athens Messenger: Election board says proposed Athens County charter not valid

The Athens Messenger: Election board says proposed Athens County charter not valid

The Athens County, OH, Board of Elections exerts power of residents, refusing to certify their Community Rights Charter initiative banning fracking – despite having the required number of signatures.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jul 10, 2016

The Record Courier: Charter forces push ballot bid

The Record Courier: Charter forces push ballot bid

Portage County, OH, residents have found no remedy in their local or state government as they are inundated with frack wastewater injection wells. They are advancing a Community Rights Charter initiative for the November ballot to ban the wells.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jul 9, 2016

The Post: Government should protect rights, safety and happiness

The Post: Government should protect rights, safety and happiness

In Medina County, OH, residents insist on their right to alter their government when their representatives refuse to protect them from harm. Medina County residents are advancing a rights-based County Charter initiative banning fracking activities as a violation of rights.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jul 9, 2016

The Bradford Era: Highland Township to draft Home Rule Charter

The Bradford Era: Highland Township to draft Home Rule Charter

Highland Township, PA’s, government study commission issues its report: their existing governing structure allows a few people to make decisions that belong to the many. It’s time for a Home Rule form of government, allowing the community to make the governing decisions.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jul 7, 2016

The Record-Courier: KEC board backs county charter bid

The Record-Courier: KEC board backs county charter bid

The Kent Environmental Council endorses the Portage Community Rights Group’s rights-based county charter initiative. The county charter would ban frack wastewater injection wells as a violation of the right to clean water.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jul 7, 2016

Tacoma Weekly: ‘Water warriors’ plan to continue fight after initiatives blocked

Tacoma Weekly: ‘Water warriors’ plan to continue fight after initiatives blocked

Tacoma local government allies with big business interests, using the courts to block Tacomans from voting to protect their water. Undaunted, Tacomans prepare for a statewide initiative, and plan to run Community Rights candidates for local office.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jul 4, 2016

KOMO News: Group fighting for a say in the future of Tacoma’s water

KOMO News: Group fighting for a say in the future of Tacoma’s water

Tacoma, WA, residents determine next move as a county judge denies their right to protect their local water through initiative.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jul 1, 2016

The Athens Messenger: Petitions submitted for second attempt to place anti-fracking law on county ballot

The Athens Messenger: Petitions submitted for second attempt to place anti-fracking law on county ballot

Athens County, OH, residents submit signatures to place a Community Rights county charter on the November ballot that would maintain the current governing structure while banning fracking as a violation of rights.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jun 30, 2016

Akron Beacon Journal: Medina County group files 6,578 signatures seeking November vote on community bill of rights

Akron Beacon Journal: Medina County group files 6,578 signatures seeking November vote on community bill of rights

In Medina County, OH, residents gather over 6,500 signatures, qualifying for the November ballot a Community Rights County Charter banning fracking activities. They join six other Ohio cities and counties advancing similar measures.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jun 28, 2016

The Vindicator: An anti-fracking charter-amendment proposal could be in front of Youngstown voters for a sixth time

The Vindicator: An anti-fracking charter-amendment proposal could be in front of Youngstown voters for a sixth time

Youngstown, OH, residents show their grit and commitment as they advance their Community Bill of Rights banning fracking to the ballot for a vote by the people.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jun 27, 2016

WKBN 27: Frackfree group to put fracking ban on Youngstown ballot again

WKBN 27: Frackfree group to put fracking ban on Youngstown ballot again

Youngstown, OH, residents assert their right to initiative as they advance a rights-based initiative to ban fracking as a violation of their right to clean water and a healthy environment. Residents gathered double the required number of signatures.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jun 27, 2016

Akron Beacon Journal: Youngstown group to submit community bill of rights petitions

Akron Beacon Journal: Youngstown group to submit community bill of rights petitions

Determined to protect their community and safeguard their water from fracking, Youngstown, OH, residents submit well-over the required number of signatures for a Community Bill of Rights fracking ban initiative. Voters will cast their ballots in November.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jun 24, 2016

Gotham Gazette: Required in Some Cases, Home Rule Sheds Light on City-State Power Dynamic

Gotham Gazette: Required in Some Cases, Home Rule Sheds Light on City-State Power Dynamic

When municipal interests and Home Rule powers come into conflict with state preemption, communities are losing. It will take community rights and a people’s movement to change it.

Read More | News from the Grassroots

Jun 24, 2016

The Business Journal: Group to Place Anti-Fracking Amendment on Ballot

The Business Journal: Group to Place Anti-Fracking Amendment on Ballot

Youngstown, OH, residents turn in signatures to place their charter amendment on the ballot in November. The measure establishes the rights of residents to clean air and water, the right to local community self-government, and bans fracking as a violation of those rights.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jun 24, 2016

The Bradford Era: Highland Township Home Rule group discusses progress made

The Bradford Era: Highland Township Home Rule group discusses progress made

Highland Township, PA, residents review their governing code, finding it insufficient to meet the needs of the community because it places corporate “rights” over community rights. They are drafting a Home Rule charter that elevates communities over corporations.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jun 23, 2016

The Crescent-News: OEPA hosts meeting on proposed Defiance compressor station

The Crescent-News: OEPA hosts meeting on proposed Defiance compressor station

Several communities in three counties face Rover pipelines and a compressor station north of Defiance, OH. Residents gathered at a OEPA hearing to make clear they are unwilling to accept harm, and urged their communities to assert their rights to protect themselves.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jun 21, 2016

Agua Para Tod@s: Cientos de comunidades en EEUU están construyendo escudos legales frente a las empresas de energéticos

Agua Para Tod@s: Cientos de comunidades en EEUU están construyendo escudos legales frente a las empresas de energéticos

Simon Davis-Cohen’s article on communities in the U.S. learning from indigenous peoples and leveraging community rights to overcome unjust western legal doctrines, is reprinted here in Agua Para Tod@s.

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Jun 9, 2016

KPLU 88.5: Grassroots Group Decries Port Of Tacoma’s Move To Block Ballot Measures Over Industrial Water Use

KPLU 88.5: Grassroots Group Decries Port Of Tacoma’s Move To Block Ballot Measures Over Industrial Water Use

The corporate state in Tacoma, WA, attempts “…to use the court as a weapon to strangle democracy in Tacoma.” Residents are advancing their right to initiative as they fight to protect their water from large commercial uses.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots