CLIMATE, JOBS, JUSTICE
Edition 7
SEIU members and worker leaders in the Fight for $15 and a Union are confronted daily by the impacts of climate change and environmental injustice. This newsletter offers a snapshot of how we’re combating climate change and fighting against environmental injustice in our workplaces and communities as well as calling on major industries, corporations, and governments to protect the health, safety and long-term economic well-being of all working people across America.
Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
Last week, President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 which makes major investments in addressing climate change and environmental justice over the next decade by:
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Creating more than 9 million good union jobs (approx. 1 million per year)
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Allocating nearly $369 billion in Clean Energy and Climate Change programs. These provisions include expanding tax credits for clean energy, electric vehicles, supporting climate-smart agriculture and other programs.
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Investing $60 billion dollars into programs for low income and communities of color including consumer home energy rebates, air quality improvements for schools
In addition to putting our nation on track to reduce greenhouse carbon emissions by 40 percent by 2030, the Inflation Reduction Act also reduces healthcare premiums for millions of Americans. The investments included in this landmark legislation will be paid for by raising taxes on giant corporations that have made record profits by increasing prices and holding down our wages.
Member Spotlight: SEIU 1021 member Chris Naso supports historic climate justice legislation
Youth Climate Strike, September 2019
SEIU 1021 member and legislative assistant Chris Naso supported Berkeley Vice Mayor Kate Harrison last month in drafting and passing historic climate justice legislation, funding unionized contractors to replace gas home appliances with clean and efficient all-electric versions. The $1.5 million program, which aims to leverage additional regional, state, and federal funding, represents a key partnership between the Bay Area unions and the broader environmental movement. Read more here.
Did You Know: Health and Extreme Heat
This summer's record breaking heat waves are stretching across the globe. Here in the US, over 100 million people are under an extreme heat advisory. The heat has also contributed to raging wildfires in Texas. We’ve experienced a global temperature increase of 2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 degrees Celsius) since the start of the 1850’s industrial revolution because of human-caused increases in greenhouse gas emissions. With summer heat waves expected to continue in the coming years, it’s important for both indoor and outdoor workers to know the signs of heat stress which kills more than 1000 people annually. Headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, thirst, heavy sweating, and elevated body temperature are all signs of heat stress and heat-related illnesses. Learn more here. To learn more about staying safe during wildfires visit The American Red Cross.
News from the States
Florida:
Local 1991 members learned more about the impact of climate change on health and how they can fight back during a July 20th event at Jackson Memorial Hospital. The staff event was part of the ongoing campaign by Local 1991 members to advance sustainability and climate change resilience at their workplace.
Local 1991 member Caitlin MacLaren responded to the SCOTUS decision on WV. v. EPA in a powerful Op-ed.
Maine:
MSEA staff have played a key role this summer in advancing the on-going focus on carbon-free schools at the newly formed Maine Labor Climate Council.
California:
SEIU Local 2015 members were recently featured in Inside Climate News for their great work of 2015’s Caregiver Resilience Training Program.
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