Welcome to our June 2023 Newsletter! On behalf of all of us at 350CO – Happy June!

In this issue, read an interesting new report on PERA’s 2022 shareholder votes, continue to explore the intersection of music and activism, and get information on key climate bills passed this legislative session. As the weather warms up, lots of fun and exciting events are underway. Take a look at the list of events, find something that looks exciting to you, and let’s come together and take action on climate!

From all of us on the 350CO Team, we wish you a wonderful start to the month and happy World Environment Day!

Quote of the Month

“The technology we need most badly is the technology of community, the knowledge about how to cooperate to get things done.”

– Bill McKibben

Action of The Month: Join us on June 10th at 10 direct action events all across the state. (Find & RSVP to one near you using this map) At the actions, we’re aiming to gather a total of 5,000 pledges to sign the petition to place a measure on the 2024 statewide ballot to phase out new fracking permits in the state after 2030!

New Report: PERA’s 2022 Shareholder Votes Fail to Address Climate, Discrimination, and Human Rights

Every year during “Proxy Season,” PERA votes on a number of resolutions to guide the business practices of the companies they invest in. In 2022, PERA voted against 61% of resolutions to address the climate crisis, discrimination, and human rights concerns. In light of this report, we call on the PERA board to adopt proxy voting procedures which align their votes with promoting climate action, human rights, and racial justice. While we encourage PERA to use their shareholder power to push the companies in which they invest to behave more ethically, we also acknowledge that shareholder engagement alone falls short as a strategy to tangibly promote these goals.

Art and Activism: Lonnie Holley’s Oh Me Oh My

Holley, 73, is a self-taught visual artist whose sculptures and found-object assemblages are included in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. This article is part two in a series by 350CO volunteer Susan Heske featuring artists who intentionally platform climate issues and social justice activism. Susan says, “These collaborations have also broadened Lonnie Holley’s musical audience, and that’s a good thing because I’d like to believe that this album can open up some pathways to being more curious, empathetic, and compassionate.”

Help Fund a Fossil-Free Future: Support 350 Colorado’s Mid Year Fundraiser

This year’s mid-year fundraiser is coming to a close and we need your help to reach our goal! Now is a critical moment for grassroots organizations like ours to lead a just transition and make sure our communities, those most impacted, and workers aren’t left behind by big polluters. Donate now and your gift is matched to ensure we can secure a fossil-free future. Thank you so much for your support!

2023 Legislative Session Wrap: With Your Help, We Were Able to Pass These Key Climate Bills!

Thank you to everyone who participated by calling and emailing your legislators, giving testimony and public comments, attending events and trainings, and connecting with your senators and representatives. For anyone who would like to participate in legislative advocacy, keep an eye out for upcoming remote and in-person conversations and trainings on how to get plugged in before the next legislative session begins!

A huge thanks to our June Climate Hero of the Month – Barbara Krupnik-Goldman!

Barbara is a retired speech language pathologist from South Bend, Indiana. After living in the midwest she moved to Fort Collins in 1979, to Maumee, Ohio in 2002, and then to Portland, Oregon in 2012 – a well traveled advocate for the Earth! In May 2022, Barbara made the move and joined 350CO. Needless to say she got to work right away! Signing petitions, making donations, coming to trainings like our Climate Leadership Workshop in Denver, Barbara was serious about organizing for a better Colorado and future.

“I have six children and eight grandkids. I have been interested in environmental issues all my life, but during many years of raising kids, going back to school and working, all I did was sign an occasional petition and make a few donations.”

Meet Barbara!

Resources & Links

Here are some links to this month’s helpful climate action resources. Use them, bookmark them, share them, and let us know if you have links that should be included in a future issue.

▶ Phase Out Fracking 2030 June 10th Actions Toolkit. Here in Colorado, our state and local governments continue to approve new oil & gas permits at an alarming rate, continuing to lock in additional emissions for years to come. On June 10th, we’re hosting 10 events around the state and gathering signatures for a 2024 statewide ballot measure for a phase out of new oil and gas permits in the state after 2030. Want to help? This toolkit contains sample posts, emails, graphics, and other ways to spread the word.

▶ Webinar: Oil and Gas Impacts in Colorado by 350 Colorado. Learn more about how oil and gas operations – drilling, fracking, extracting – impact our state (hint: the costs are far more than the benefits). Is it possible to phase out oil and gas production in a way that protects us from environmental and economic harm? Learn about economic costs and benefits, impacts on people, public health impacts, and legislative paths forward.

▶ Public Hearing on EPA’s Proposed Carbon Pollution Standards for Fossil Fuel-Fired Power Plant. EPA will hold a virtual public hearing on June 13, 14 and 15, 2023, to provide the public the opportunity to present comments and information regarding the Agency’s proposal for carbon pollution standards for fossil fuel-fired power plants. You can register to give a verbal comment during the hearings (Deadline: June 6th) or you can leave a written comment (Deadline: July 24th.) This is a great opportunity to make your voice heard!

Upcoming Events & Actions

Mon. June 5th, 6:30 – 7:30 pm: Volunteer Phone Banking Session for 350CO Mid-Year Fundraiser (Zoom) – Meeting link
Thurs. June 8th, 6 pm – 8 pm: Free Clothing Exchange & Wardrobe Refresh (Colorado Springs) – RSVP
Fri. June 9th, 2 pm – 7 pm: Arts EcoFest with Black Parents United Foundation (Aurora) – Follow BPUF, link to come
Fri. June 9th, 10:15 am – 1:30 pm: Volunteer Event: We Don’t Waste’s Lalo Delgado Mobile Food Market (Denver) – RSVP required
Fri. June 9th, 10:30 am – 1 pm: 350 Youth Action Committee (YAC) – Denver Art Action! (Denver) – RSVP
Fri. June 10th, 10:30 am – 1 pm: 350 Youth Action Committee (YAC) Boulder Art Action! (Boulder) – RSVP
Sat. June 10th, 12 pm – 5 pm: Phase Out Fracking Action Party (Boulder) – RSVP
Sat. June 10th, 11 am – 3 pm: Lowry Cap Frack Action (Aurora) – RSVP
Sat. June 10th, 12 pm – 5 pm: Phase Out Fracking 2030! Pledge Gathering, Improv & Art (Denver) – RSVP
Sat. June 10th, 3 pm – 5 pm: Pledge to Sign Party at East Simpson Coffee Company (Lafayette) – RSVP
Sat. June 10th, 12pm: End the Era COS Downtown Action (Colorado Springs) – RSVP
Sat. June 10th, 11 am: End the Era Chalk and Talk at The Grind (Glenwood Springs) – RSVP
Sat. June 10th, 1 pm: End the Era of Fossil Fuels – Weld County (Greeley) – RSVP
Sat. June 10th, 10 am – 12 pm: End the Era of Fossil Fuels – Larimer County (Colorado Springs) – RSVP
Sun. June 11th, 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm: End the Era Coverage; Colorado and Beyond (Online Stream) – RSVP
Wed. June 14th, 4 pm – 6 pm: Plant Swap Happy Hour & Networking at The Alliance Center (Denver) – Get tickets here
Fri. June 23rd, 4 pm – 6 pm: Body Positive Clothing Swap & Happy Hour with The Clothing Cycle and The Alliance Center (Denver) – Get tickets
Sun. June 25th, 9 am – 11 am: Platte River Cleanup with Patagonia Denver & Women in Sustainability (Denver) – RSVP
Tues. June 27th, 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm: Book Club Q2: Regeneration: “Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generation” by Women in Sustainability (Zoom) – RSVP

Please view our full calendar to join local team meetings, committee conference calls & more!

Did you know? You can support 350CO when buying a home!

If you or someone you know is looking to buy a new home, please support 350CO through Climate Change Realty – a real estate brokerage that donates 50% of its net commissions to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations dedicated to fighting climate change. Contact ethan@ccrboulder.com if you are interested in moving or visit www.ccrboulder.com today and look for 350CO on the list of partnering non-profits!