The Radioactive Gas That's Fueling NYC
"Petroleum-238" release party, XR's panel with Steven Donziger and Stop Cop City, MTA's new climate plan, and how to "adopt" (and clean) a NYC street.
In what was easily the best book promo event I’ve ever seen (sorry Luddites), Sane Energy Project hosted investigate journalist Justin Nobel at Jalopy Theatre last Wednesday for his release of Petroleum-238: Big Oil’s Dangerous Secret and the Grassroots Fight to Stop It.
Based on Nobel’s investigate work for Rolling Stone, the book is a deep exploration (pun intended) of how radioactive waste is created through everyday fossil fuel production.
Yes, you read that right.
By combining decades-old news articles and scientific papers with first-hand reports, cross-country dispatches, and interviews, Petroleum-238 shows how this dirty secret has been known for over a century…while the industry tasked with “disposing” this waste wreaks havoc on its own workers, the environment, and communities all across America (and the world).
(Chapter 2 alone is about the radon lingering in natural gas sent into NYC from the Spectra Energy pipeline with the help of ConEdison and former Mayor Michael Bloomberg).
Nobel even brought multiple book interviewees onstage to talk about their experiences — a rural Ohio activist and her daughters, a former Department of Energy scientist who brought his Geiger counter, and even a former bank robber turned oilfield waste whistleblower getting frank about how to fool the EPA while illegally dumping — and burying — toxic slurries.
Between the sobering subject mater, live interviews, and a dash of zany theatrical humor to take the edge off (thanks to “Dr. Frackenstein” and the rest of the black-and-tin-foil-clad Boxcutter Collective), Sane Energy Project did a wonderful job of showcasing Nobel’s vital investigative work into our poisoned communities.
Since Petroleum-238 is independently published, you could order it online…or just ask your favorite book store to order copies (so they’ll stock it on their shelves, too).
NEWS/ARTICLES
🌦️Weather
Maps show N.Y. in the target zone for a sweaty summer 2024
Climate Change: The New Neighborhood Bully
🗽City Politics
NYC environment commish delivers sobering message to City Council on flooding
⚖️State Politics
Some Gains, Many Losses: What Went Wrong for Climate in This Year’s State Budget
2024 Power Players in Climate, Energy & Sustainability
🏛️Legislation
Assembly speaker does not rule out passing NY HEAT Act this year
⚡Energy
Closure of nuclear plant sparks debate as new problem arises
New York receives $250M in solar energy funding for low-income residents
NYS solar work: Good for climate, but are they good jobs?
✊Protest
BK Climate activist who defaced Edgar Degas sculpture (case) sentenced
Over 30 arrested in climate protest outside Citigroup NYC headquarters
Young People Rise Up for the Climate in NYC
🚗Congestion Pricing
Congestion Pricing Will Start on June 30 in New York City
🥬 Food / Agriculture
New stove emissions rules could impact NYC pizzerias
State grants aim to help N.Y. farmers combat climate change
Interview: Kwesi Joseph, Urban Gardens Specialist with Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Harvest New York
🌳Environment
Poisonous vapors may be affecting over 1K buildings in Greenpoint and East Williamsburg
NYC gardeners push 'year of the milkweed' to save monarch butterflies from extinction
♻️ Waste
Debate heats up over how to dispose of Indian Point radioactive water
Voodoo doll, whoopie cushion, denture powder among bizarre trash plucked from New Jersey beaches
🏢 Infrastructure / Architecture
Environmental cleanup halts at Gowanus Green, threatens to delay 950 units of affordable housing
America’s First Passive House-Certified Hotel Is A Smart Weekend Getaway From New York City
💲Economics
French oil giant TotalEnergies looking at primary listing in New York, says CEO
🚇 Transit
New York City Needs $6 Billion to Protect Subway System in Harsh Weather
Op-ed | MTA maps out the road ahead through climate change
MTA Plan to Run Brooklyn-Queens Train on City Streets a ‘Grave’ Mistake: Advocates
EVENTS
On Tuesday, shop for pre-loved outdoor gear to fund BIPOC trips to the great outdoors at Deals That Drive Change at Movement LIC.
On Wednesday, come for the free plant seedling/garden swap, stay for the Climate Cafe at Penington Friends House.
On Thursday, check out dance performances and short films at Every Day is Earth Day at BAAD! Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance.
Or catch a panel discussion on ESG at Swiss American Chamber of Commerce.
Or learn about Centering Community in a Circular Economy at Our House.
Or play a collaborative game Climate Fresk at Chelsea Market.
On Saturday, learn how to Be Ready When Disaster Strikes in the face of climate change at Coney Island.
Or collaborate in an outdoor Climate Hackathon in Central Park.
On Monday, play a collaborative game Climate Fresk, this time at Impact Hub.
🍻Happy Hours 🍻
Tuesday — POP Happy Hour Social at Eastpoint
Tuesday — Newlab Clean Mobility 2024 at NewLab
Friday — NY Climate Tech First Friday Meetup at Belvedere Lounge NYC
As always, check out Climate Cafe, NY Climate Tech and Green Events Hub for everything else going on this week.
WATCH
If you missed Extinction Rebellion NYC’s panel with Steven Donziger and Kamau Franklin on Saturday (like I did), you can watch it here.
DEEP DIVE
The MTA released its 130-page Climate Resilience Roadmap detailing goals and steps to address the impact of climate disasters on its rail lines, buses, and other infrastructure.
If anything, you should skim the report to see the flood maps they’re looking at.
CHECK IT OUT
Are you already cleaning up your neighborhood? Want some “official” recognition?
Sign up for the Sanitation Department’s Adopt A Spot — and get free cleaning supplies!
Or just check out the multiple volunteer opportunities part of NYC Big Spring Clean on their online Volunteer Hub.
Got any tips? Contact newyorkonearth@proton.me.
You can also follow NYOE on Instagram for all the latest updates (but you might as well subscribe here, too)