Contra Costa County’s Climate Protests

Contra Costans turned out in force on Saturday, April 12 for the “Hands Off” protests, and the mood was joyous, determined, and hopeful. Whether they joined several thousands of others, like in Walnut Creek, or one of the many smaller but no less mighty protests all over the county (1000+ in Richmond! 400+ in Orinda!), the people of Contra Costa County showed up to speak out! Many of us came away from the protest with a needed sense that we are not alone in our distress and outrage over the Trump administration’s gutting of our democracy and destruction of the social supports that have been put in place over the years to improve our quality of life. 

How Trump’s Environmental Rollbacks Threaten Climate Action and Clean Energy

Here at 350 Contra Costa Action, we are especially concerned about the climate and other environmental policies being espoused by this administration, which include:  

• United States withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement: As the second largest greenhouse gas emitting country in the world, the US’s withdrawal will be a significant setback to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gases.
• Illegally freezing funds appropriated by Congress to fund clean energy projects 
• Stopping approvals for wind farms on both private lands and federal lands and waters, and ordering a review of previously issued permits  
• Reopening Alaska for oil and gas drilling 
• Slowing the EPA’s ability to respond to climate change and other environmental problems through massive deregulation, delay of litigation, removal of references to “climate change” from federal websites, and threats of staff cuts: The EPA under the Trump Administration has become a bound and gagged version of its former self.
• Pushing Congress to overturn California’s ban on the sale of all new gas-powered cars by 2035, a move that is likely illegal. 

Taking Action Beyond the March: How You Can Keep the Climate Movement Alive

The “Hands Off” marches were an important start in challenging the administration’s plans to take us backward in the fight against climate change, but we need to keep the pressure on. And we need your help!

Keep marching and bring your friends. Tesla Takedown protests happen every Saturday from 12-1 in Walnut Creek (as well as Berkeley, San Francisco, and Corte Madera). Another Hands Off protest happened at Concord BART on April 19 from 1-3 pm and more are in the works here and around the Bay.

Post your protest signs in your front yard or window between marches.

Tell your elected officials about your experience at the march and encourage them to keep up the pressure too.