By Yuki Nakayama, Ecology Center Environmental Storyteller Rackham Fellow
Earth Day, which takes place annually on April 22nd, was established 55 years ago in 1970 after American rose up to fight against the destruction of our beautiful planet. The same protests led to the founding of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the adoption of the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and most of the country’s other major environmental laws. The April 22, 1970 protests were the biggest social uprising in human history.
Over the years, though, what was originally a day of protests and teach-ins has largely become an excuse for polluters to “greenwash” their products and operations. But not this year. Given the Trump Administration’s assault on federal environmental protections, Earth Day took back some of its original character.
This year there was a rally organized by the AFGE Union Local 3907 members from the EPA and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to celebrate Earth Day and to fight against the attacks on these federal agencies and workers. The rally took place just outside EPA’s National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory (NVFEL) and NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) offices here in Ann Arbor.
At the event, there were impassioned speeches by representatives from AFGE union members representing, EPA, NOAA, and USGS; Huron River Watershed Council; A2Zero: Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations; Thurston Nature Center, and the Ecology Center with special appearances from Representatives Rashida Talib and Debbie Dingell. All speakers talked about the big role the federal agencies and workers play to make sure our planet is healthy and the negative impact the current attacks would have.
“We only won our rights by fighting for our rights.” — Mike Garfield, Director of Ecology Center
Ecology Center director, Mike Garfield, spoke about how the EC was conceived during the first Earth Day event to keep the energy of the uprising alive. He asserted that “we only won our rights by fighting for our rights,” and it is on us to continue that fight, especially now that EPA workers in the environmental justice department were recently told that they will all be fired by July. He urged everyone to continue to take a stand and raise our voices.
“We shouldn’t have to fight for clean water or air in the richest nation in the world.” - Rashida Tlaib
Rep. Rashida Tlaib stated that “we shouldn’t have to fight for clean water or air in the richest nation in the world.” While we face serious and urgent issues, she said that it gives her hope to see more and more Americans rising up. In her speech, she also gave recognition to those who may not be able to attend such events in person for various reasons, but taking action in ways they can to remind us that the collective efforts expand beyond those we saw at the rally.
There were many local residents and community groups in attendance at the event including Ann Arbor Indivisible, a non-partisan grassroots movement to protect democracy. Gus Teschke, one of the organizers of the group, stated that though they do not work specifically on environmental issues, their work understands the importance of protecting regulatory agencies like the EPA and NOAA.
“Taking care of the environment is taking care of people” — David, former EPA worker.
David was one of many retired EPA workers and former AFGE Union members that came out to the rally. He stated that while we cannot prevent the administration from making legal changes, he is concerned about the illegal and reckless actions. He also commented that we need the EPA because “taking care of the environment is taking care of people.”
What can we do?
- Go to the Regulations.gov to leave public comments about the actions taken by the federal government and various agencies. This is one way that our voices can directly impact the course of action.
- Write to your representatives to tell them why these regulatory agencies are important to your safety and health. The ACLU website has tips on writing to your elected officials. Find your elected representatives here.
- The EPA has a helpful “How You Can Help” webpage on the various things we can all do in our households and communities to keep our environment clean.
- Donate to organizations like the Ecology Center.
Attend our next EcoLive on May 20th on zoom: A in-depth discussion on Trump’s attacks on environment
Join us virtually on Tuesday, May 20th at 5:30pm for an in-depth look at the Trump administration’s moves, the impacts they've had so far, and how we can fight back. CLICK HERE to sign up.
The Administration’s attacks on environmental agencies and organizations and environmental regulations undermine the country’s environmental and public health protections. They also hurt major labs and institutes that conduct research and develop programs to protect our environment.
Speakers for this virtual event include:Jeff Alson, Retired Senior Engineer and Policy Advisor for EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Ken Clark, President of AFGE Local 3907, representing federal employees, and Michelle Deatrick, Chair of Washtenaw County’s Environmental Council, Co-founder and National Chair of the DNC’s Environment and Climate Crisis Council