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Years ago I volunteered on election day outside a suburban Detroit polling station at a majority Black precinct, speaking to voters about an renewable energy ballot proposal.

I spoke to one man trying to vote before work. He arrived an hour before his shift, but the wait was already too long. Returned on his lunch break only to turn around after seeing the still long line. He got back in line after 5 PM. When I saw him checking the time an hour later and quietly heading to his car, I asked him why he had to leave again without casting his vote - it was obviously important to him. His child’s

Writing in the Boston Globe just a few days ago, Karenna Gore - Director of the Center for Earth Ethics and daughter of former Vice President Al Gore - stated that "[T]he oil and gas industry is now an empire that makes its own rules." I couldn't agree more. But the tough questions that are being asked not only in print, but in public protest and in the halls of power are exposing the incredible reach of the fossil fuel lobby and fueling the popular movement fighting to shut down polluters' lock on our society.

Yesterday, Clean Water Action joined the Ironbound Community Corporation (ICC) and City of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka to lead a motorcade rally through the port followed by a rally on the steps of City Hall to demand the Port Authority of NY/NJ ensure clean air and good jobs now. Clean Water Action and ICC are part of the Coalition for Healthy Ports NY NJ, a broad coalition of environmental, labor, faith, community, environmental justice and business organizations that seek to create sustainable ports in New York and New Jersey.

Together with Union leaders, Clergy, environmentalists and