Important Announcements

Meetings are currently held on the 4th Tuesday, 6pm, at the South Waco Library, 2737 S. 18th St., Waco, TX 76706. Meetings occur most months, but each should be confirmed by an announcement on this website This website can now be reached entering the following URL: www.friendsoftheclimate.org. Free "climate crisis is here" yard signs may be obtained by emailing anorthc@aol.com. To join our email list and be informed of meetings, events, and campaigns, please email Alan at anorthc@aol.com. Scroll down to "Sixth Annual Climate Crisis Art Show Winners."

URGENT CLIMATE ACTION APRIL 6, 2020

Why Take Climate Action During COVID-19 Pandemic?
Some may argue that we should only be concerned about the pandemic and that climate should be forgotten at this time.  We reject that view for the following reasons:

  • In the ultimate scale of disaster, COVID-19 has been called a fire drill for the climate crisis.
  • COVID-19 truly illustrates the danger of being unprepared.  This lesson tells us we can not wait to prepare for climate breakdown.  
  • The Trump administration is using the pandemic to order non-enforcement of environmental regulations, and slashing of vehicle mileage efficiency requirements.  Keystone XL construction has been enhanced even though it is clearly not "essential."  Further, several states have passed regulations making pipeline protests felonies with severe penalties.
  • We see that the side of climate destruction has NOT stopped their activities.  It is our responsibility, at the city level, to advocate for steps to preserve a livable climate. 
COMMENT ONLINE at the Waco City Council Website by 10am,Tues. April 7

If multiple of our members make comments, the City WILL TAKE NOTICE.  This is an excellent opportunity, and is less stressful that commenting in person. Here is the procedure:

  1. Go to the Waco City Council website:  https://www.waco-texas.com/council.asp
  2. Click on the tab:  "agenda here"
  3. Look for the April 7th City Council meeting.
  4. Find tabs "agenda" and "agenda packet" 
  5. Click on the "agenda" tab.
  6. Scroll down to the item RES-2020-225, which concerns the large development planned, the Brazos Promenade.  This proposed development includes include retail space, restaurants, small office space, hotels, parking courts, parking structure,  covered parking, streetscape, and open spaces.  The point we can make is the in the year 2020, any new development must include structures to combat the climate crisis:  rooftop solar, electricity only construction with no gas, EV charging stations, etc.  Add your own ideas and WHY you believe acting now is vital.    To write your comments click the tab "Public Comment Card" at the end of the agenda item.  I suggest you write your comment in Word, etc, and copy and paste.  (the comment card does not allow you to scroll backward to review your statement).  If you want more detail, go to "agenda packet" and read about the Brazos Promenade or Google this plan.  
  7. Scroll down to the Item "XII. Hearing of Any Visitor Concerning City Business".  Find the "Public Comment Card," click and again fill out the comment page.  Include whatever you wish  concerning  the City and climate, from the urgency of action. to the necessity of City EVs to need for charging stations, to electric buses, etc.   
  8. There are other items on the agenda that may be relevant that I missed.  Please comment if you wish.  
  9. Please take a few minutes and fill out a Public Comment Card on the 2 items above.  Even a short general comment is important.  And remember the deadline:  Tuesday, April 7 at 10am.
  10. Deepest thanks to our members for their dedication to our climate. If any questions on how to do this:  anorthc@aol.com 

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