7 years ago was the BP spill, in 9 days we’ll see you at the People’s Climate March

by Drewin Action, Homeon Posted on

Donald Trump hates big protests. So we’re gonna give him the biggest one yet to cap the first 100 days of resistance.

I’m sure you’ve already heard about the PCM March for climate, jobs, and justice on April 29. What you might not have heard or remembered is that today is the 7th anniversary of the BP horizon oil spill.1

Seven years ago today, the rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico and started the worst environmental disaster in U.S. history. Almost five million barrels of oil were spilled, and less than 25% have ever been recovered.2 But despite the loss of life, livelihoods, and long-lasting health impacts – no person was ever sent to jail.2

And things are not likely to get better under Trump: The EPA, is facing a budget cut of nearly one-third.3 Scheduled for elimination are programs to clean up the Gulf of Mexico, address environmental justice, and criminal enforcement divisions to punish polluters like BP.4 Last month, the Department of the Interior announced 73 million more acres of the Gulf will be auctioned off this summer.5 This not to mention Trump’s executive orders curtailing climate research, ending pollution-reduction plans, and approving pipelines like DAPL and KXL.6

Why am I telling you all this (really) bad news? Because 7 years after the BP spill and 91 days after Trump’s inauguration it’s clear that the planet isn’t going to protect itself. But we can, with protest and direct action.

Since the inauguration, we’ve seen what people power can achieve: Trump’s Inauguration: a PR disaster. Trumpcare? Withdrawn. Muslim ban? Blocked. In each case because there was a big, public outcry in the streets. We need Trump’s entire fossil fuel agenda to be next.

The Peoples Climate March on April 29th is a full-scale mobilization to defeat Trump’s fossil fueled agenda, push forward our own vision of a clean energy economy, and build real political power. Click here to RSVP and say you’ll march on April 29th.

Every single day since the election has been filled with inspiring acts of resistance — and April 29th will be another peak in that work. 100,000 people have already signed up to march. 250 sister marches are being planned across the country. Students, workers, faith communities, Indigenous nations, and environmental groups are all joining together to make this day historic – there’s even a delegation of fisherman traveling to DC by boat.

At the end of the first 100 days of Trump’s administration, April 29 is our moment to make it resoundingly clear that the people who stand for climate action, justice, and jobs are a force too great to ignore.

Drew and the 198 methods to march for change crew.

PS – there are a TON of great events planned right before and right after PCM as well. If you’re planning to come to DC, your editor recommends the following groups, gatherings and meet-ups to your attention:

  • There are loads of local March for Science events happening this Saturday, April 22. You can find more information here.
  • April 26-28 our old friends at Beyond Extreme Energy are planning actions targeting FERC, fracking and more. They’ve also got housing, food and other logistics covered for front-line activists who want to attending. Learn more here.
  • If you’re a young person, in particular, check out PowerShift Networks’ series of meet-ups, trainings and art builds. Learn more here.
  • If you get to D.C. a day early, meet us at the It Takes Roots Action: Mother Earth’s RED LINE action Friday Afternoon, April 28.

Details will be added here shortly.

  • Lots of busses and communal transport options are available to get to PCM in DC. Find out more and get on a bus here.
  • Last, if you’re considering running for office in the next three years, or know someone who should, join me (online or in person) on April 30th for a training organized by our friends at Climate Hawks Vote & more. Click here for more details.

Photo courtesy of the US Navy.

1 – https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-04-20/bp-gulf-oil-spill-damage-valued-at-17-2-billion-in-new-study
2 – http://www.wtsp.com/news/local/deepwater-horizon-oil-spill-7-years-later/432690451
– http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/6-years-after-gulf-oil-spill-residents-demand-no-more-drilling-20160420
3 – https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/10/climate/trump-epa-budget-cuts.html
4 – https://www.eenews.net/assets/2017/04/04/document_cw_02.pdf
5 – https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/secretary-zinke-announces-proposed-73-million-acre-oil-and-natural-gas-lease-sale-gulf
6 – http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-mckibben-keystone-pipeline-permit-20170330-story.html