This week in Iowa organizing…
Did you hear the news on Friday? Navigator completely dropped their plans to build a CO2 pipeline across Iowa and the Midwest! This is a hard-fought and well-earned victory for our people and planet.
So let's be clear - despite what Navigator says otherwise, it was people-power that secured this win. It wasn't an 'uncertain regulatory environment', or them doing it out of the goodness of their hearts. This was a result of everyday people speaking truth to power, organizing, and not backing down despite the odds. So again, thank you for speaking up and speaking out.
We've said it before and we'll say it again - the only way to beat organized money is with organized people. Up next? Bruce Rastetter and Summit's greenwashing schemes. Read on for that and other ways to take action this week. Onward,
Matthew Covington (he/him)
Strategic Operations Director
Take action
Tomorrow: October 24 - our water is not for sale to line Rastetter's pockets!
Have you heard? Summit Carbon Solutions wants our water now too. Their CEO Jimmy Powell, said himself they could use up to 120 gallons per minute at 13 different sites. Twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year that has the potential to add up to billions of gallons of water each year.
That ain't right! That's why we've sent over 200 comments to the DNR opposing the water permits - thank you!
The DNR is having a public hearing on these water permits tomorrow, Oct 24, at 7 PM on zoom. To RSVP for the virtual public hearing email Kelli Book at the DNR with your name, email, and that you’d like to make a comment opposing Summit’s water permit. You can send that email or submit your comment to Kelli here.
We oppose water permits for Summit Carbon Solutions because it would:
Use massive amounts of water for a greenwashing scheme that doesn't protect our environment or tackle the climate crisis
Create a strain on nearby rural Iowans who depend on well water for daily use
Prop up unproven "technology" that over promises and under delivers
Extract up to 120 gallons of water per minute so the pipeline profiteers can line their pockets
This Thursday: October 26 - Clean Water Book Club - don't miss the author call!
To wrap up the first edition of the Iowa CCI Clean Water book club, we're hosting a Zoom call with the author of The Swine Republic. We will hear directly from Chris Jones about his research work, his experiences with water quality & monitoring, and why his writing causes such a stir with prominent stakeholders. Whether you've finished the book, or are just starting, we hope to see you there.
Watch this video message from Chris Jones from one of his favorite spots to enjoy nature.
Then click here to register for the Zoom call with Chris Jones on Thurs October 26!
This week and next - hit the doors or phones for a people's champion!
At CCI Action we believe in doing politics differently. That means using elections to advance our key issue campaigns and supporting candidates who believe, like we do, that we need to put people and the planet first, and supporting candidates who understand that change comes from the bottom up.
That’s why we’re excited to announce our endorsement of Chelsea Lepley for Des Moines City Council Ward 2!
Lepley (they/she) has been organizing with her neighbors and with CCI Action for many years to uplift the voices and the stories in her community, and we know she’ll take that energy into office with her.
Early voting began last week on October 18. If you want to elect a people's champion, help us get out the vote by making calls or knocking doors:
Wednesday, Oct. 25 in-person phone bank, 5-8pm
Wednesday, Nov. 1 in-person phone bank, 5-8pm
Saturday, Nov. 4 door knocking, 1-4pm
January 23, 2024 - The People's Lobby Day!
The 2023 state legislative session was a whirlwind of activity and, let's be honest, not that great for our people and planet. It seems Gov. Reynolds is dead set on furthering the agenda of her corporate donors and out-of-state special interests at the expense of our neighbors, communities, and places we love.
But we're not ones to back down or throw in the towel. That's why we're going back en masse to 'the People's House' on Tuesday, January 23 next year!
Join CCI members and other Iowans from across the state for a day of citizen lobbying, taking action, and reminding our elected officials they work for us, we the people.
Stay tuned for more details on what to expect, but in the meantime let us know if you're interested in joining by registering here.