PTS periodically encourages the community to take action on issues that impact the quality of life in the US and Israel, using our social justice and synagogue values as a guide. Below are current calls to action.
Take Action to Fight Residential Oil & Gas Drilling in California
PTS, along with the California Religious Action Center (RAC-CA) and Dayenu: A Jewish Call to Climate Action, is fighting to prevent the fossil fuel industry from overturning important legislation that protects Californians from the health impacts of drilling.
To learn more about this campaign that has implications for greenhouse gas reduction, public health, economic justice, racial justice, and democracy, come to the
Northern California Jewish Climate Gathering
Sunday, May 19
1:00 - 4:00 PM
Urban Adamah in Berkeley
Background
California is one of the last major oil-producing states in our country without a statewide public health setback requirement for oil and gas drilling.
In 2022, in an attempt to rectify that failing, the California legislature passed SB1137, which prohibits new oil wells and imposes additional monitoring and clean-up requirements on existing wells within 3200 feet of homes, schools, and other sensitive locations.
In response, the oil and gas industry, with a war chest of over $20 million, hired an army of paid signature collectors who lied to the public to put the law on hold pending the
outcome of a ballot referendum. This November, California voters will be asked to either KEEP or overturn SB1137.
Why do we need to KEEP this law?
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Protect Public Health – Research shows that living or working near oil and gas operations increases the risk of asthma, other respiratory illnesses, poor birth outcomes, and cancer. And, because drilling is most often located near low income communities of Color, these health impacts are disproportionately suffered by the most vulnerable populations.
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Protect the Environment – Keeping the law will slow the development of new drilling operations in our state and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.
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Protect Democracy – California’s referendum process is intended to empower California voters. It is not meant to be exploited by deep-pocketed industry groups that spend millions of dollars to overturn the will of the people expressed through their elected representatives.
How can you help?
Become a Climate Advocate!
Join us once a month (or as often as you can) in actions that will allow you to:
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Learn the truth so you won’t be fooled by industry misinformation
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Help educate others in our congregation and our community
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Vote and encourage others to vote
Questions about the campaign? Contact Arlene Rosenberg at abrosenberg@comcast.net.
