Beyond Extreme Energy Week Of Action In DC

Photo by Jonathan H. Lee

Starting November 1st, hundreds of people are planning to take part in a very full week of climate action in Washington, D.C., focused on FERC, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The week will also draw connections to other very problematic institutions as far as the global warming crisis.

Over 50 organizations have endorsed this week of action, many of them local groups fighting fracking, fracking infrastructure and proposed fracked-gas export terminals. On Friday, November 7th, the last day of the week, dozens of fracktivists from the fracking-ravaged state of Pennsylvania are traveling to DC to anchor that morning’s action at FERC.

The continuing fight against the Cove Point export terminal is a central reason for this week and a major focus of the Beyond Extreme Energy (BXE) demands, which can be found at http://bit.ly/BeyondExtremeEnergy; and in summary demand:

• A withdrawal of permits already granted by FERC at Cove Point, as well as at Myersville, Md., Minisink, NY and Seneca Lake, NY, as well as a stop to the permitting of any more fracked-gas infrastructure;
• That FERC prioritize the rights and health of human beings and all life on Earth over private profit, address climate chaos and adhere to the precautionary principle;
• That FERC commissioners meet with communities affected by already-approved or proposed fossil fuel infrastructure; and,
• That Congress convene an investigation into FERC’s rubber-stamping ways.

The heart of the BXE actions is five days of nonviolent sit-ins at the entrances to FERC every morning of the November 3-7 workweek. Over 100 people have signed up and indicated their willingness to risk arrest, with many others signed up to participate in other ways.

Saturday, November 1st: BXE participants join with the Great March for Climate Action as they walk the final leg of an eight month journey across the country which began in Los Angeles in March. Hundreds of us will walk from Elm Street Park just a few blocks from the Bethesda Metro stop, gathering at 9 and beginning at 9:30 am. The 7 mile walk will end at the White House where there will be a rally. Then that evening, at 7:00 pm at St. Stephens Church, there will be a longer program where marchers reflect upon their heroic experience.

Sunday, November 2nd: Full day of training, discussion and preparation for the week of action, at Impact Hub DC at 419 7th St. NW. from 10AM-8PM

In addition to the early morning actions at FERC, there will also be actions each afternoon at other locations.

Monday, November 3rd: Afternoon demonstration outside the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee calling upon them to get real about the seriousness of the climate crisis. This will be followed by a “flash mob” action at FERC and at Union Station spearheaded by fracktivists coming down from New York City. For the DNC action gather at the Columbus Statue outside of Union Station at 1:30/1:45 for a march to DNC. Look for the “flash mob” group around 4:15 at the same location.

Tuesday, November 4th: A bus has been reserved to take people to Cove Point for a demonstration in support of local people who continue to fight the plans by Dominion to build a dangerous export terminal. We plan to be in Solomon’s Island on Solomon’s Island Rd. near the long bridge by 2 pm.

Wednesday, November 5th: There will be an action at the Justice Department calling for them to intervene to see that justice is done in Ferguson, Mo. and that the national scourge of police brutality, especially against black and brown youth, is seriously addressed. We say: stop disrespecting and abusing the earth and its climate, stop disrespecting and abusing the people. We plan to be at the Justice Department, 950 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, between 9th and 10th Sts., by 2 PM.

Thursday, November 6th: We will demonstrate outside the headquarters of National Public Radio, which keeps running pro-fracking ads of the oil and gas industry and just cut back its team of environmental reporters to one! NPR is at 1111 N. Capitol St. NW, near L St.

Friday, November 7th: Led by fracktivists from Pennsylvania, we will go the Dept. of Transportation to demonstrate against its policies and practices that are allowing a dramatic expansion of coal, oil and gas shipments, including exports. We should be there around 1:30 pm, and DOT is at 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, at M St.

Click here for full schedule.

There is still time to make plans to participate in this important seven days of climate action. You can find out more and sign up at http://bit.ly/BeyondExtremeEnergy. Let’s build upon the power and spirit of the People’s Climate March and say loudly and clearly that NOW IS THE TIME TO STEP IT UP ON CLIMATE!