News from the Grassroots

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Apr 24, 2017

GoErie.com LTE: PA DEP suing municipalities during its ‘justice’ tour

GoErie.com LTE: PA DEP suing municipalities during its ‘justice’ tour

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection holds “listening hearings” for feedback from communities, while it sues two townships fighting the oil and gas industry.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Apr 23, 2017

The Athens News: Athens County, OH, residents advance community rights charter initiative

The Athens News: Athens County, OH, residents advance community rights charter initiative

Athens County, OH, residents pursue third-year effort to advance community rights and ban fracking activities in the face of continued state efforts to block them.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Apr 21, 2017

Desmog: Oregon County Faces Gas Industry Funding, Lobbyists in Battle to Halt Jordan Cove LNG Project

Desmog: Oregon County Faces Gas Industry Funding, Lobbyists in Battle to Halt Jordan Cove LNG Project

The battle against big money is on in Coos County, OR. With support for industry coming from the White House, Coos residents are up against an all out propaganda war as they fight to protect their community from an LNG export terminal.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Apr 20, 2017

The World: Industry donates enormous funds to defeat community rights measure

The World: Industry donates enormous funds to defeat community rights measure

Oil and gas industry donates more than $300,000 to defeat Coos County, OR, residents’ Right to a Sustainable Energy Future Ordinance.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Apr 19, 2017

Earth Island Journal: When Rivers Hold Legal Rights

Earth Island Journal: When Rivers Hold Legal Rights

The first steps towards recognizing the rights of rivers to exist and flourish are taken in New Zealand and India, advancing the growing movement to recognize the rights of nature.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots, Success Story

Apr 17, 2017

The Huffington Post: They Told A Fracking Company To Go Away. 3 Years Later, They’re Still in Court.

The Huffington Post: They Told A Fracking Company To Go Away. 3 Years Later, They’re Still in Court.

The story of one small community’s fierce fight against the oil and gas industry, using community rights with CELDF and spearheading a movement.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Apr 15, 2017

The Bradford Era: Highland’s water provider seeks to protect community water rights

The Bradford Era: Highland’s water provider seeks to protect community water rights

Highland Township, PA’s, Water Authority files to intervene in a federal lawsuit to protect the community’s right to water. Township Supervisors are attempting to give away that right and allow a frack wastewater injection well.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Apr 10, 2017

Mint Press News: PA Dept. of Environmental Protection Sues Towns Over Fracking Ban

Mint Press News: PA Dept. of Environmental Protection Sues Towns Over Fracking Ban

Residents of Grant and Highland Townships, PA, continue the fight to protect themselves from a frack wastewater injection well. Joining the fight against them: the PA DEP, which has sued the townships for protecting themselves.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Apr 10, 2017

The Indiana Gazette: Grant Twp, PA, residents plan local action to protect their water from injection well

The Indiana Gazette: Grant Twp, PA, residents plan local action to protect their water from injection well

Community rights advocates in Grant Township, PA, continue their stand to protect their water from a frack wastewater injection well.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Apr 8, 2017

The Christian Science Monitor: An Indian court says glaciers and rivers are ‘living entities.’ Could the same approach work in the US?

The Christian Science Monitor: An Indian court says glaciers and rivers are ‘living entities.’ Could the same approach work in the US?

From India, Ecuador, and Bolivia, to communities in the U.S., growing numbers of people are advancing nature’s rights and protecting ecosystems.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots, Success Story

Apr 7, 2017

Pipeline foes talk protest

Pipeline foes talk protest

More than 50 people attend the Communities Rising Tour in Medina County, OH, discussing what needs to happen to protect themselves from the proposed Nexus pipeline.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Apr 7, 2017

Grass-roots groups prepare to dig in deeper against Nexus pipeline

Grass-roots groups prepare to dig in deeper against Nexus pipeline

The OH/PA Communities Rising Tour stops in Medina County, OH, where residents face the Nexus pipeline and are organizing using Community Rights to stop it.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Apr 4, 2017

Communities take action when their government fails them: Community Rights in PA/OH

Communities take action when their government fails them: Community Rights in PA/OH

Environmental activists, leaders, and residents are touring Pennsylvania and Ohio, sharing what they are doing in the face of the corporate state attempting to force fossil fuel harms in their communities.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Apr 2, 2017

For economic and environmental sustainability, we need to govern ourselves

For economic and environmental sustainability, we need to govern ourselves

A Coos County, OR, resident calls out local officials supporting the oil and gas industry, rather than supporting residents in building long term economic and environmental sustainability through the people’s May ballot measure.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Apr 2, 2017

Who Needs Sanctuary? We All Do

Who Needs Sanctuary? We All Do

People can’t be illegal, but policies that strip them of fundamental rights can be. What can we do? Govern ourselves in the places we live, establishing human rights to safety, dignity, and sanctuary.

Read More | News from the Grassroots, Press Releases & Blogs

Mar 31, 2017

In These Times: Pennsylvania Dept. of Environmental Protection Sues Towns for Trying to Protect Their Environment

In These Times: Pennsylvania Dept. of Environmental Protection Sues Towns for Trying to Protect Their Environment

It doesn’t get any clearer than this: our own environmental regulatory agencies suing communities who dare to protect the environment by banning fracking activities. Is there any question that we live in a corporate state?

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Mar 30, 2017

KBOO: Rights-based ban on pesticide spraying in Lincoln Co, OR, is on May ballot

KBOO: Rights-based ban on pesticide spraying in Lincoln Co, OR, is on May ballot

Seeking to elevate environmental rights over corporate “rights,” Lincoln Co, OR, residents will vote on a ban on aerial pesticide spraying in May.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Mar 30, 2017

PennLive: Outrage and localism after state sues towns that banned frack water wells

PennLive: Outrage and localism after state sues towns that banned frack water wells

Residents of Grant and Highland Townships, PA, are outraged by the Dept. of Environmental Protection’s lawsuits against them for rights-based laws banning frack waste injections wells.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Mar 28, 2017

PA Dept of Environmental Protection sues its own communities over fracking injection wells

PA Dept of Environmental Protection sues its own communities over fracking injection wells

A state agency charged with protecting the health and safety of communities and the natural environment sues Grant and Highland Townships in Pennsylvania, attempting to force in frack wastewater injection wells against the will of the people.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Mar 10, 2017

Changing the power structures through We the People 2.0 and Community Rights

Changing the power structures through We the People 2.0 and Community Rights

Gig Harbor, WA, residents face over-development and environmental threats – and turn to the documentary We the People 2.0 and Community Rights for solutions.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Mar 9, 2017

CCBOR Media Release: Columbus Water Protectors Deliver Anti-Fracking Petitions to City Hall

CCBOR Media Release: Columbus Water Protectors Deliver Anti-Fracking Petitions to City Hall

Columbus, OH, residents to deliver more than 10,000 signatures to City Hall on Friday. Residents are working to place a Community Bill of Rights banning toxic fracking waste on the November ballot.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots, Success Story

Mar 4, 2017

Voices Network: Occupy Community Rights

Voices Network: Occupy Community Rights

Co-host David Callihan interviews CELDF’s Emelyn Lybarger and OHCRN’s Tish O’Dell, discussing Community Rights to create the change necessary to transform our oppressive structure of law and governance.

Read More | News from the Grassroots

Feb 22, 2017

Indiana Gazette LTE: Learning from Grant Twp, PA, on protecting our communities from fracking

Indiana Gazette LTE: Learning from Grant Twp, PA, on protecting our communities from fracking

When our government fails to protect us from fracking activities, we must do so ourselves.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Feb 20, 2017

The World: Coos County Right to a Sustainable Energy Future Ordinance on May ballot in OR

The World: Coos County Right to a Sustainable Energy Future Ordinance on May ballot in OR

Coos County, OR, residents advance rights to stop Jordan Cove LNG export project.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Feb 16, 2017

Bioneers: Bioneers Partners with CELDF on Rights of Nature in Indigenous Communities

Bioneers: Bioneers Partners with CELDF on Rights of Nature in Indigenous Communities

Where indigenous communities seek a western legal framework to protect Rights of Nature, CELDF and Bioneers are working together to support them.

Read More | News from the Grassroots

Feb 13, 2017

The Seattle Times LTE: City Council applauded – now it’s time for Community Rights

The Seattle Times LTE: City Council applauded – now it’s time for Community Rights

Seattle’s City Council withdraws financial ties with Wells Fargo over the Dakota Access Pipeline. Now it’s time for them to take the next step.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Feb 12, 2017

Lancaster Online: No remedy to protect themselves, Lancaster Co, PA residents take direct action

Lancaster Online: No remedy to protect themselves, Lancaster Co, PA residents take direct action

Lancaster Co, PA, residents move to non-violent civil disobedience to protect their communities from the Atlantic Sunrise LNG pipeline.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Feb 9, 2017

The Colorado Independent: Lafayette Climate Bill of Rights draws passionate support from mothers, children

The Colorado Independent: Lafayette Climate Bill of Rights draws passionate support from mothers, children

Lafayette, CO, residents show resounding support for a Climate Bill of Rights that would legalize non-violent civil disobedience to enforce their ban on fracking.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Feb 8, 2017

Daily Camera: Lafayette leaders, Standing Rock members voice support for anti-fracking proposal

Daily Camera: Lafayette leaders, Standing Rock members voice support for anti-fracking proposal

Lafayette, CO, residents and Standing Rock members call for local action as Lafayette advances a Climate Bill of Rights and Protections.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Feb 6, 2017

The Oberlin Review: Oberlin Must Stand by Community Bill of Rights

The Oberlin Review: Oberlin Must Stand by Community Bill of Rights

The City of Oberlin, OH, has a Community Bill of Rights protecting them from unsustainable energy projects – and an Oberlin resident calls on the community to enforce it.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Feb 1, 2017

The Spokesman-Review: Oil, coal train protesters in Spokane file federal lawsuit claiming climate change protections

The Spokesman-Review: Oil, coal train protesters in Spokane file federal lawsuit claiming climate change protections

Residents of Spokane, WA, file a federal lawsuit asserting the people’s right to a healthy climate.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Feb 1, 2017

KREM2: ‘Raging Grannies’ and other protesters file federal lawsuit claiming climate change protections

KREM2: ‘Raging Grannies’ and other protesters file federal lawsuit claiming climate change protections

“Raging Granny” residents in Spokane, WA, file federal lawsuit for a right to a livable climate.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jan 28, 2017

Columbus Free Press: Corporate State Attempts to Choke Off Citizens’ Initiatives

Columbus Free Press: Corporate State Attempts to Choke Off Citizens’ Initiatives

As prior people’s movements have taught us, when unjust government promotes unjust laws, we must promote local laws advancing rights.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jan 21, 2017

Counterpunch: Get The Frack Out of Pennsylvania

Counterpunch: Get The Frack Out of Pennsylvania

Fiction mirrors reality, and author Lee Ballinger draws the parallels between a novel set in Pennsylvania describing the ravages of fracking, and the reality in Grant Township, where residents are fighting back to protect themselves and assert their rights.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jan 20, 2017

Mrs. Green’s World: CELDF’s Kai Huschke on Community Rights

Mrs. Green’s World: CELDF’s Kai Huschke on Community Rights

CELDF’s Kai Huschke is featured on Mrs. Green’s World, talking about We, the People, taking control of our own government and our own communities to create what they envision for themselves and future generations.

Read More | News from the Grassroots

Jan 19, 2017

The Athens Messenger: HB 463 will not stand

The Athens Messenger: HB 463 will not stand

Ohioans recognize the state legislature’s assault on democracy through the adoption of HB 463. Presented as a foreclosure bill, legislators encroached on citizens’ right to initiative, blocking the right to local self-government.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jan 19, 2017

Boulder Weekly: Lafayette Council considers legalizing direct action to protect environment

Boulder Weekly: Lafayette Council considers legalizing direct action to protect environment

The state of Colorado refuses to recognize residents’ right to protect themselves from fracking. But Lafayette City Council considers a Right to Climate ordinance legalizing nonviolent direct action to protect residents – and residents came out in droves to support the local law.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jan 18, 2017

The Colorado Independent: Lafayette’s Climate Change Bill of Rights: A small town grapples with a big idea

The Colorado Independent: Lafayette’s Climate Change Bill of Rights: A small town grapples with a big idea

An overwhelming number of Lafayette, CO, residents attend a City Council meeting to urge support for a Climate Bill of Rights and Protections that legalizes non-violent civil disobedience.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jan 17, 2017

KDV1 Fox 31 Denver: Proposed ordinance sparks fracking debate in Lafayette

KDV1 Fox 31 Denver: Proposed ordinance sparks fracking debate in Lafayette

Lafayette and other Colorado residents come out in force to support a Climate Bill of Rights ordinance that bans fracking.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jan 16, 2017

Daily Camera: Merrily Mazza: Why we need a Lafayette Climate Bill of Rights

Daily Camera: Merrily Mazza: Why we need a Lafayette Climate Bill of Rights

Lafaytte, CO, City Councilwoman Merrily Mazza co-sponsors the Lafayette Climate Bill of Rights and Protections, calling for nonviolent civil disobedience to end unjust laws under the corporate state.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jan 14, 2017

Kane Republican: Motion to intervene filed in Highland Twp. case

Kane Republican: Motion to intervene filed in Highland Twp. case

While Seneca Resources tries to force a frack wastewater injection well into Highland Twp, PA, a second time, residents and the Crystal Spring Ecosystem fight back, filing for intervenor status in a federal lawsuit.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jan 14, 2017

Akron Beacon Journal: LTE – Right to Local Control

Akron Beacon Journal: LTE – Right to Local Control

The Ohio legislature adopted HB 463, further stripping communities of local control. Portage County residents speak out, vowing they will press forward with a county-wide rights-based charter.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jan 8, 2017

Akron Beacon Journal: How lame ducks narrowed the right of Ohioans to take issues to the ballot

Akron Beacon Journal: How lame ducks narrowed the right of Ohioans to take issues to the ballot

The editorial board speaks out against the Ohio legislature’s stripping residents of their right to initiative.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jan 6, 2017

Kane Republican: Former water/sewer board is back in Highland

Kane Republican: Former water/sewer board is back in Highland

Highland Township Supervisors in Highland, PA, abandon their efforts to illegitimately remove the Water Authority board. Highland residents are fighting to protect themselves from an injection well, while their Supervisors ally with the fracking industry.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jan 5, 2017

Daily Camera: Lafayette considers legalizing civil disobedience against fracking operations

Daily Camera: Lafayette considers legalizing civil disobedience against fracking operations

City Council in Lafayette, CO, advances a Climate Bill of Rights and Protections ordinance that legalizes nonviolent direct action to protect against oil and gas drilling.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Jan 3, 2017

94.1 KPFA: Community and Ecosystem Rights

94.1 KPFA: Community and Ecosystem Rights

CELDF’s Thomas Linzey discusses how people are able to protect and preserve the places they call home – especially when governments fail to do so.

Read More | News from the Grassroots

Dec 29, 2016

Yes! Magazine: As a Trump Administration Fast Approaches, Cities and Towns Gear Up for Political Resistance

Yes! Magazine: As a Trump Administration Fast Approaches, Cities and Towns Gear Up for Political Resistance

Community Bills of Rights are a tool to protect rights at the local level, such as Barnstead, NH’s prohibition on religious identification requirements, and Grant Township, PA’s, ban fracking activities to protect clean air and water.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots

Dec 26, 2016

The World: Local control can replace 19th-century energy thinking

The World: Local control can replace 19th-century energy thinking

Coos County, OR, residents aim to transform their community through Community Rights, democratizing energy development and creating sustainability. They’re willing to challenge unjust laws to do so.

Read More | Community Wires, News from the Grassroots