Clean Water Action

The Heat is On!

You are invited to NJ Environmental Federation's 22nd Annual Conference, The Heat is On, on Saturday, April 5, 2008 from 8 am - 5 pm at Rutgers University School of Law, 123 Washington Street, Newark, NJ! Learn new skills and facts, sharpen those you already possess. Together, we can protect drinking water, natural resources, communities, and our health from environmental injustices, pollution and sprawl. Register Today!

Speakers include:

• NJ Governor Jon Corzine (invited)
• NJ Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Lisa Jackson (confirmed)
• NJ Board of Public Utilities President Jeanne Fox (confirmed)
• Newark Mayor Cory Booker (invited)
• East Orange Mayor Robert Bowser (invited)
• Trenton Mayor Douglas Palmer (confirmed)
• Irvington Mayor Wayne Smith (invited)

Program

Grassroots Leadership Awards

• Art Pierfy, Association of Designated Persons
Promoted School IPM trainings for 2000 school principals and facility managers.
• Laura Bagwell, Red Bank Environmental Commission
Turned Red Bank "green" both in cleaning and going pesticide free.
• Jennifer Duckworth, Millburn Environmental Commission
Successfully educated and promoted "Idle Free New Jersey" campaign in Millburn schools and beyond.
• Olga Pomar, South Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance
Stopped eminent domain abuse in Camden, which threatened thousands of families & their homes.
• Quest Ink! Inc.
For 25 years of serving & engaging Newark youth, as well as their work with the Urban Environmental Institute.

Workshops Session I: 9:30-11:00 am

Sustainable Cities Part I: EJ, Eminent Domain, & Brownfields

Learn how citizens, rather than developers and polluters, can take over the driver’s seat to insure toxic sites get cleaned up, not covered up, and prevent neighborhoods from getting destroyed by eminent domain abuse.
Moderator: David Pringle, Campaign Director, NJEF
Presenters: Olga Pomar, Attorney, S. Jersey Legal Services
Roy Jones, Coordinator, S. Jersey EJ Alliance

Growing the Green Generation

In this era of shifting political and environmental climates, one of the most difficult challenges is changing human behavior. Engaging young people at an early age will set the next generation on a responsible path towards stewardship of the earth.
Moderator: Peggi Sturmfels, Program Organizer, NJEF
Speakers: Principal Richard Gibbons, South Orange/Maplewood Elementary School
Rene Leviton, South Orange Brownie Troop

Climate Change and Children’s Health

Will climate changes raise the already alarming asthma and autism rates and impact other health problems that our children face? A pediatrician and expert on autism will discuss the potential health impacts of global warming on our kids.
Moderator: Sharon Finlayson, Board Chair, NJEF
Presenters: George Lambert, M.D., Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Director, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Division of Pediatric Pharmacology & Toxicology

Drugs Down the Drain

Unwanted medicines are increasingly being flushed down toilets and drains or put out with the trash. All of which can seriously harm waterways, ecological balance, and ironically, our health. Discuss strategies to eliminate the harmful effects of these practices.
Moderator: Tom Fote, Legislative Chair, Jersey Coast Anglers Association
Speakers: To Be Announced

Workshops Session II: 2:00 - 3:20 pm

Sustainable Cities Part II: Healthy Towns & Schools

Find out how to successfully eliminate toxic pesticides, implement green cleaning, and pass no-idling resolutions in towns and schools! Learn from those who have been successful!
Moderator: Jane Nogaki, Pesticides Coordinator, NJEF
Presenters: Laura Bagwell, Red Bank Env. Commission
Jennifer Duckworth, Millburn Env. Commission
Kerry Doyle, Field Canvass Manager, NJEF

What’s on Tap for Global Warming?

The science is clear: we must come up with energy solutions that address climate change. Learn about the solutions that take water quality and quantity into consideration, as well as the effects on the urban environment and vulnerable communities.
Moderator: David Pringle, Campaign Director, NJEF
Speakers: Nicky Sheats, Director, Center for the Urban Environment
Jeanne Fox, President, NJ Board of Public Utilities

This Time We Mean It: Critical Water and Land Use Decisions Imminent

Decisions on the NJ Highlands Regional Master Plan, new sewer rules, category 1 waterway upgrades, and critical habitat rules to protect threatened and endangered species are due this Spring. Find out the latest and what you can do about it.
Moderator:  Jeff Tittel, Director, Sierra Club, NJ Chapter
Speakers:  Lisa Jackson, Commissioner, NJDEP     
Susan Kraham, Policy Director and President’s Council, NJ Audubon (invited)         
Ross Kusher, Executive Director, Pequannock River Coalition

Green Jobs / Green Economy

This workshop will discuss green jobs and the future of the green economy.  Learn how to prepare your community and take advantage of this Green movement. 
Moderator: Kim Gaddy, Environmental Justice Organizer, NJEF
Speakers: Nia Robinson, Redefining Progress     
Valorie Caffee, NJ Work Environment Council         
Phil Thompson, Associate Professor, MIT

Registration

Registration is $30 per person, $25 (per person) for groups of 5 or more, $25 per person for registering before March 15, and $15 for students.

• By Phone: Call Jenny Vickers at 732-280-8988
• By Mail: Print out our Registration Form (pdf) and mail in to address listed on form.
• Online: Pay securely by credit card.

Directions

Rutgers University School of Law in the Center for Law and Justice
123 Washington Street, Newark, NJ.

From New Jersey Turnpike or Route 95 (N/S) or Route 280 Westbound:

1. Take exit 15W to Route 280W. After drawbridge, take Exit 14B (ML King Blvd.). At bottom of the exit ramp, turn left and continue to stop sign.
2. At stop sign turn left onto King Blvd (Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd.).
3. Proceed straight on King Blvd. to Warren Street (5 blocks) and make a left. Proceed on Warren Street to Washington Street (second left).
4. Turn left onto Washington Street. The Center for Law and Justice is immediately on the left.
   

From GSP (N/S) or RT 280 (Eastbound)

1. Take exit 145 to Route 280 East, Newark-Harrison.
2. Once on Route 280, stay in the right lane, following signs for Harrison.
3. Continue to Exit 14, King Blvd.
4. Take this exit and make a right at the 1st light onto King Blvd (ML King Jr. Blvd.).
5. Follow step 3 above.

To Parking Deck I:

1. Proceed straight on Martin Luther King Blvd. to Central Avenue and make a left. Proceed to the 1st traffic light and turn right onto University Avenue.
2. You will see the Parking Deck on your left. Park fee charged. Meters enforced. Parking Deck Closes at 7 pm.
3. Limited parking available on street.

Public Transportation:

1. Rail to Penn Station Newark.
2. Take the City Subway, NOT the “light rail’ (entrance is by McDonald's) to Washington Street (2nd stop).

Online Directions and Maps