On November 12, upwards of 150 Americans rallied in Pennsylvania for the Clean Power Plan (CPP). Pittsburgh families, union leaders, faith leaders, student activists, and other such prominent community members gathered outside the Moorhead federal building to show their support for a CPP paired with strong federal Implementation.
The Pennsylvanians Rally for Climate Action rally brought together diverse perspectives toward the common goal of fair and just climate action. Opening with performances by local hip hop group 1Hood, the rally achieved an inspiring level of energy to match passions for strong federal implementation of a just CPP in the state.
This musical performance was followed by the proponent speeches of Sam Williamson of SEIU 32BJ; Carmen Alexander of New Voices Pittsburgh (#GoVote); Sister Donna Zwigart of Sisters of St. Francis; Eva Westheimer of Center for Coalfield Justice; Elowyn Corby of PennEnvironment; Alex Stash of Univesity of Pittsburgh's Free the Planet, and Sierra Club activist and Univ. of Pittsburg Alumna Eva Resnick-Day.
As of 4 of the clock on the 12th, those sharing this message in testimony at a hearing convening within the federal building tallied to 52 for a just and enforced CPP with 0 in opposition. Testifiers spoke of personal experiences from climate justice movement frontlines.
This event would not have been possible without all of the Sierra Club volunteers and local partner groups which took part. Sierra Club members who worked over a period of a few weeks to contribute to this climate action rally include Eva Resnick-Day, temporary hearing organizer; senior organizing representative Randy Francisco, co-leader in this hearing response; Seth Long, online organizer; Emily Pomilio, press secretary; Shelly Campbell, central region staff director; and Tom Hoffman, Pennsylvania Chapter organizer.
