We're on a critical path to pass the Chicago Clean Power Ordinance. Late last week we received word that the hearing we've been working so hard to get set will take place this coming Thursday at 10:00 am. Can you attend?
Thursday, April 21, 2011
10:00 am until 2:00 pm
City Hall Council Chambers, 2nd Floor
121 North LaSalle Street, Chicago
49th Ward Alderman Joe Moore introduced the Chicago Clean Power Ordinance a full year ago. The measure, which in early February was co-sponsored by 16 aldermen, now has 26 aldermen on board - enough support to pass the Ordinance.
We still have time to work together to pass this Ordinance out of committee and move it forward to the full council for a vote on May 4 (this is their last meeting before the new administration takes over). But it won't happen without your support!
Midwest Generation will be testifying at this hearing. They will do whatever they can to protect their profits and delay installing pollution controls. They've been taking ads out in local papers in an attempt to garner support for keeping the plants open and operating without additional pollution controls.
If you believe, as do we, that the Chicago Clean Power Ordinance should be passed before the Daley administration leaves office in mid-May, then:
- Come to this hearing on April 21st.
- Invite friends, family and coworkers to attend.
- Tell us how many people you will bring with you.
- Call your Alderman and tell him or her to vote yes on the Clean Power Ordinance.
Remember - Chicago's Fisk and Crawford coal plants are two of the nation's oldest and dirtiest. Together, they contribute to 42 deaths, 66 heart attacks, 720 asthma attacks and $127 million in associated health costs each year.
Need to know more? Visit the Clean Power Coalition's website for details about the campaign, the ordinance's cosponsors and the coalition. EJC is a founding member of what has grown to be nearly 60 organizations working together to clean up these plants.
Where's MY Walderman?
ATTENTION ALL TWEETERS!
This is Chicago, and unusual things can happen to thwart the passage of good legislation. Aldermen who have cosponsored an ordinance have a way of "disappearing" just before the vote.
What to do? Join Eco-Justice Collaborative and the Chicago Clean Power Coalition on April 21st as we attempt to open the lid on the workings of the Joint Committee hearing and shine a "virtual" light on the operations that seemly work only with the Mayor's permission. With humor and much creativity we'll play "Where's My 'Walderman'"?
With your help, and through the power of a dynamic website and Twitter we will share with the world: - Where the committee aldermen stand on the issue of protecting the health of Chicagoans from harmful air emissions.
- Literally, where the aldermen are on the day of a hearing to consider a critical measure that will protect their constituents?
We invite you to join us to "tweet" about the positions and whereabouts of committee members. We'll make them look good if they show up and cast their vote as promised.
If they don't, we'll embarrass them with tweets as we search for them in the restroom, under the chair, down the drain or wherever. These tweets will be captured on a dynamic website, which will include their photo if present OR a "Waldo" photo with a big MISSING if they are not. Sleeping? Hiding behind Mayor Daley? Playing games on a smart phone? In the restroom...AGAIN?
Remember, you don't have to be at the hearing to participate, and using Twitter is easy and free.
I know we'll be tweeting on Thursday and hope you'll join in on the fun!. Check out the coalition's Facebook event page or click here for more information about how to play along. If you do, remember to add the hashtag "#chicoal" at the end of your message. We'll also post a second hashtag to use for each alderman on the day of the hearing. You then can use TWO hashtags: "#chicoal" to direct all tweets to the website and a second hashtag to comment on specific aldermen.
Visit EJC's "Where's my Walderman" website where we'll monitor the committee proceedings in real time on the day of the hearing (it's just a landing page now .... but already showing live tweets!). Pass this information on to friends and family. We want the world to know.
