Y'all have been invaluable in supporting the Indigenous Peoples' Power Project (IP3), so we can't wait to share with you some wonderful news from our folks throughout the IP3 network, as well as an update on the IP3 Tactics Summit.
9th Circuit Court Rules to Protect Sacred Peaks Landmark Ruling Celebrated as a Victory for Religious Freedom, Environmental Justice & Cultural Survival
First of all, on Monday, March 12th, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals issued its ruling to protect the San Francisco Peaks, located in Northern Arizona. These slopes, held holy by more than 13 Native American Nations, have been at the center of a historical and lengthy battle that has pitted economic interests on public lands against environmental integrity, public health, and cultural survival. The adversary in this case was a local ski resort, Snowbowl, which wanted to expand and use treated sewage to make snow.
"We hold that the Forest Service's approval of the proposed expansion of the Snowbowl, including the use of treated sewage effluent to make artificial snow, violates (The Religious Freedom Restoration Act)," wrote a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
This is a great victory for our friends at the Save the Peaks Coalition (Flagstaff, AZ) and a testament to the power of communities fighting for environmental justice and defending their culture. We'll keep you posted as the fight to SAVE THE PEAKS continues!
Desert Rock Victory:
Citizen Efforts and the New Mexico Legislature Foil Sithe Global's Proposed Dirty Coal Plant Plans
Congratulations and thanks to the many, many dedicated people and groups who made all of these things happen,
including:
All of you who contacted New Mexico representatives!
All of our allies, Dooda Desert Rock, Dine Care, Sage Council, The Indigenous Environmental Network, Black Mesa Water Coalition, and all of the individuals who dedicated their time and efforts to holding down and supporting the frontlines throughout the blockade and legal process.
All of you who donated!
From the Desert Rock Blog: "Not only did the bills die, but deep criticism of the proposed project has now emerged as a result of resistance to the bills, including criticism by Representative Ray Begaye of the environmental and economic aspects of the project. He states that Sithe's "participation in the legislative process has included threats, intimidation and
misinformation." This will be very important in ongoing efforts to block this unacceptable project. Awareness in the Navajo Nation and Farmington area has greatly increased, due to the ardent efforts of Dooda Desert Rock, Dine Cares, and the San Juan Citizens Alliance. Signature drives in Navajo suggest there is truly very strong public opposition to the Desert Rock Power Plant.
"And it's not just a short term victory - because of community organizing and action, New Mexico Legislature took a positive long-term step in this struggle by saying
yes to SB 994, a bill which effectively outlaws any state incentives for coal-fired power plants that don't meet extremely stringent greenhouse gas and other pollution criteria."
What do you get when you bring 10 years of Ruckus brand nonviolent direct action experience together with the frontlines of environmental
justice to bond and put their heads together around hardcore, strategic action and tactics? One answer is the Indigenous Peoples' Power
Project (IP3) Tactics Summit!... the other will manifest in the coming season. Climate criminals, enviro-desecrationists, and human rights
violators beware!
Know someone that will want to get involved? Pass along this message.
Support Ruckus, and add your voice to this campaign.
