As soon as the 2024 Presidential election (and our Chutzpah 2024 campaign) wrapped in November, we turned our organizing efforts toward the end of the Congressional session – to safeguard what we can while we can.
We mobilized Dayenu activists to join the effort to defeat the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 (aka the “Dirty Deal”). This bill would provide massive giveaways to the fossil fuel industry and impose deep harm on frontline communities.
In recent months, Dayenu has been working in coalition with over 680 organizations to build power to stop this bill now and to prepare for the next administration about to take office.
In December, Dayenu grassroots activists rallied to take action with these partners – many of them environmental justice organizations and leaders from communities adjacent to polluting power plants, pipelines, and heavy industry.
How we mobilized
WE SENT EMAILS TO OUR SENATORS: Nearly 500 constituents from 30 states sent emails to their Senators, urging them to defeat the Dirty Deal. It’s not too late to sign!
WE SHOWED UP AT OUR SENATORS’ OFFICES: Dozens of us joined lobby visits in person and virtually. On Capitol Hill, we delivered packets of soap with the striking numbers: 680 organizations, 81,000 people signed on in opposition to the Dirty Deal. (Impacted communities can’t wash away the harm from the Dirty Deal.)
- 15 New York Dayenu activists attended a virtual meeting with staffers from Senator Chuck Schumer’s office. Staffers reported that in his role as the Majority Leader he is particularly attuned to what he’s hearing from Senators of other states – underscoring how important it is to reach out to ALL Senators.
- Several Dayenu folks traveled from Maryland to Capitol Hill to meet with staff from Senator Chris Van Hollen’s office. Joining us were people from Interfaith Power and Light (DC, MD, North VA), Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life, Sea Change, and several local synagogues.
- Dayenu activists from eastern and western Massachusetts met with staffers from Senator Elizabeth Warren’s office.
- Rhode Island activists met virtually with staffers from Senator Jack Reed’s office.
- More meetings are scheduled with staff from offices of California Senator Carl Padilla, New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, and others.
WE USED SOCIAL MEDIA TO GET THE WORD OUT: Check out our reel explaining why it’s so important to defeat this Dirty Deal (and follow us on TikTok for more!).
The effort to defeat the Dirty Deal is central to who we are, as Jewish climate activists.
Simply, at the end of the day: Confronting the climate crisis requires stopping dirty fossil fuel projects. Our commitment to justice requires us joining our neighbors in frontline communities and protecting rights to clean air and water, and health and safety.