Northeast Metro Climate Action affirms that racial justice is central to climate justice. The systems that led us to the climate crisis are the same racist systems that protect the lives and wealth of privileged white people at the expense of BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color). Waste and pollution, pipeline construction, mining practices, and overconsumption by the world’s affluent are the result of systemic oppression and are inflicting harsh and often irreversible damage on all communities, but especially in communities where BIPOC live. BIPOC carry the major burdens of environmental change and must be involved in the planning and decision-making processes. Environmental justice will only be reached when all people are afforded the same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards, have equal access to decision-making processes, and have a healthy environment in which to live, learn, and work. We at Northeast Metro Climate Action pledge to partner with black, indigenous, and people of color. We will educate ourselves and others about their concerns, as we seek to broaden awareness of the reality and implications of the changing climate to our neighbors, community, and elected officials. We strive to preserve a livable Earth for all people.

Northeast Metro Climate Action is pleased to endorse Bobby Goldman for Arden Hills City Council. As a lifelong resident of Arden Hills, Bobby values all that the community has to offer. He has background and experience in state and local government, as well a desire for the City of Arden Hills to take a much more aggressive approach on climate change and the environment. Some of the climate-related actions and policies he would focus on include:

• The creation of a city climate action plan.

• Working with the Met Council towards providing an extension of the A-Line BRT into Arden Hills and Shoreview

• Making the city more walkable and bikeable and less car dependent through extended trails and bike lanes.

• Providing residents more resources on home solar and energy efficiency programs while also clearing city regulatory barriers that make installing solar difficult.

• Protecting the community’s strong network of parks, trails, and green spaces

• Protecting lake and water quality through reduced runoff, and by encouraging sustainable practices such as rain gardens and buffer strips.

Bobby believes that if Arden Hills is to be a true leader on sustainability and the environment, it’s apparent that a new voice is needed. He hopes to bring that voice once elected. If you would like to donate, volunteer, or just learn more about Bobby Goldman’s campaign, go to www.goldmanforardenhills.com

NEMCA Endorses Justin Stofferahn for State Senate, District 38. Northeast Metro Climate Action is pleased to endorse Justin Stofferahn for State Senate, District 38. Justin is committed to taking action on climate change. As a Research Analyst for the BlueGreen Alliance, Justin works to develop federal procurement policies that prioritize decarbonization of buildings and infrastructure while creating good jobs in the U.S. He serves on the board of Giving Gardens, which is a local nonprofit that seeks to reduce food insecurity in our community, while also providing an outlet for individuals to help create a more sustainable food system.

In the state Senate, Justin looks forward to joining Governor Walz and the House in pushing for Clean Energy First and raising our Renewable Energy Standard. He is also committed to making sure our economic development programs prioritize investments in innovation that will allow us to harness the potential of the green economy to combat climate change and create jobs and new businesses.

If you would like to donate, volunteer, or just learn more about Justin Stofferahn’s campaign, go to justinstofferahn.com

Northeast Metro Climate Action is pleased to endorse Ami Wazlawik for reelection to State Representative, District 38B. Ami knows that Minnesotans enjoy our state’s many lakes, state parks, and other natural resources. She believes that we must do all that we can to ensure that current and future generations of Minnesotans enjoy healthy lives and get to experience the beauty that is the North Star State.

During the 2019 and 2020 legislative sessions, Ami introduced legislation to ban TCE after a company (Water Gremlin) in her district was found to be emitting excessive amounts of the carcinogenic chemical. This bill was signed into law by Governor Tim Walz in March 2020, making Minnesota the first state in the nation to ban this toxic chemical.

Ami also authored or co-authored other energy and environment-related legislation, including legislation that would:

• Require physical measurements of air emissions

• Provide increased funding for the Forever Green initiative

• Prohibit the use of certain flame-retardant chemicals

• Provide a temporary credit for the purchase and installation of solar energy systems

• Prohibit labeling pesticide-treated plants as pollinator friendly

• Establish a residential energy conservation grant program

• Require public meetings every five years for non-expiring air emissions permits

• Provide funding for the state to assess the impacts of climate change on state-owned assets

If you would like to donate, volunteer, or just learn more about Ami Wazlawik’s campaign, go to amiwazlawik.com

Northeast Metro Climate Action is pleased to endorse Nicole Joy Frethem for Ramsey County Commissioner, District 1. During her first term as Commissioner, Nicole worked to address environmental concerns and to include sustainability review in new county policies. She supports taking a holistic look at water management to plan for what could be a new normal, and to protect the lakes that brought so many of us to this beautiful part of Ramsey County. In addition, she supports expanding public transportation into District 1 and creating pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, offering carbon-conscious transportation options.

If you would like to donate, volunteer, or just learn more about Nicole Joy Frethem’s campaign, go to nicolefrethem.com

Northeast Metro Climate Action is very excited to endorse an active and motivated climate advocate for state office. Kris has taken personal actions such as installing solar panels on his home in Lino Lakes and committing to bicycle commute to Highview Middle School where he is a Technology Specialist. Kris’s campaign platform includes raising renewable energy standards in MN and fighting for environmental justice.

If you would like to donate, volunteer or just learn more about Kris Fredrick’s campaign, go to voteforkris.com

Read the article here: https://whitebearlakemag.com/its-easy-being-green-how-combat-climate-change-your-community