Missouri Coalition for the Environment

What role can art play in the fight against the climate crisis? ???? We're proud to collaborate with Joan Lipkin, That Uppity Theatre Company, and the Arts and Climate Initiative to present two FREE one-hour programs of staged readings that tackle the urgent environmental challenges we face today. Plays for the Planet features local directors, a talented cast of St. Louis actors, and will dive into critical topics such as the ethics of having children in today's world, fossil fuel impact on global communities, climate reparations, animal rights, habitat loss, and more. SAVE THE DATE: April 17 at High Low from noon-1pm and Metro Theatre from 7:30-8:30pm For more details and to reserve your seat, visit: https://lnkd.in/gM6Ct6QX #moenvironment #stl #stlouis

?? Stay informed. Take action. Make a difference! ?? Get the latest updates on Missouri’s environmental issues, advocacy efforts, and ways you can help protect our air, water, and land. Sign up for our newsletter and e-alerts and be part of the movement for a healthier, more sustainable future. ?? Subscribe now at https://lnkd.in/gHyjvujh

"I'm really disappointed. This is a critical time to put in a protective framework, given that the battery recycling plant is not operating." - Our Policy Director, Melissa Vatterott, recently spoke to KSDK - 5 On Your Side's Paula Vasan about the importance of passing HB 704. This follows the tragic explosion in Madison County and highlights the urgent need for effective and safe mining practices. On October 30, 2024, the Fredericktown fire exposed the dangerous realities of the Critical Mineral Recovery plant, leaving nearby residents facing alarming health risks, including dead fish in local creeks and fears of environmental contamination. Despite overwhelming concern from residents and local leaders, bipartisan support for House Bill 704, which aims to impose stricter regulations, has stalled. Rep. Eric Wood’s bill seeks to improve mining practices and protect communities like those in Fredericktown, but it needs the support it deserves to pass. We must urge Madison and St. Francis County legislators to ACT NOW and protect the people of the Lead Belt. Read more about HB 704 and how you can help drive change: https://lnkd.in/gjedcHVq Watch the full KSDK story here: https://lnkd.in/gizqE3q8 #moleg #MoEnvironment #madisoncounty #contamination

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: We are looking for passionate individuals to help make the Wild & Scenic Film Festival in Columbia, MO a success. Whether you’re assisting with event setup, guest check-in, or promoting sustainability initiatives, your contribution will make a difference. As a volunteer, you will enjoy free festival access, exclusive perks, and the chance to connect with a community dedicated to environmental advocacy and storytelling. No experience is necessary—just bring your enthusiasm and love for the planet! For more information, contact Carmen Harris ([email protected]) or visit our website to sign up: https://lnkd.in/gpR29hks

MCE is excited to welcome Maxine Gill as our new Policy Coordinator! ????? Maxine holds a BA in Environmental Policy from Washington University in St. Louis, and is a recent graduate of the Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs. She has a variety of experience across multiple sectors within the environmental field, including policy advocacy, green business consulting, and clean energy research. She brings a passion for evidence-based, community-centered and justice-focused environmental policy. She is a happy Midwest transplant originally from the Bay Area, California. In her spare time she enjoys spending time outdoors camping and hiking, playing guitar, reading, making art, teaching kids, and hanging out with her cat, Bucket. We’re looking forward to the great work she’ll do with our team!

Join MCE and STL Toxic Waste Alliance for a crucial Community Meeting on Radioactive Contamination in St. Louis. Date: March 27 Location: Trinity Church of the Nazarene Time: 6:30pm -8:30pm Hear from Just Moms STL, Dr. Chantelle Jones, Councilwoman Rita Days, & Councilwoman Shalonda Webb as we discuss the history and impact of toxic waste in our city, provide legislative updates, and engage in a Q&A discussion. Join us for this critical discussion about the health and safety of St. Louis.

Policy Specialist Christen Commuso was recently featured in PBS NewsHour coverage on the National effort to revive the Radiation Exposure and Compensation Act (RECA) within U.S. Congress. Special thanks to Gabrielle Hays for continuing to cover and raise awareness around this important issue! People sickened by radiation exposure have been vocal about the ways that multiple generations of their family have been impacted over time, including families in Missouri, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah People sickened by radiation exposure have been vocal about the ways that multiple generations of their family have been impacted over time, including families in Missouri, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Nevada. There are bills in both the U.S. Senate and the House to reintroduce RECA and to continue providing families with compensation for decades of radiation exposure. Funding may have stopped, but the realities of the people who grew up or live near a radioactive site continue and they deserve support. Watch the full clip to learn more: https://lnkd.in/d4JFP6Hx #reca #Missouri #stlouis #contamination

With the new federal administration taking shape, it’s critical we stay vigilant in protecting our environment. Now, more than ever, your Membership is vital in continuing the fight for Missouri’s air, water, and land. ???? Our work at MCE is focused on understanding how people's lives are shaped by their environment. We connect with communities across the state to raise awareness, support our neighbors, and advocate for impactful change that improves the health and well-being of all Missourians. Your Membership plays a key role in advancing this mission, ensuring every voice is heard and every community has the opportunity to thrive. Visit our website and join our Coalition today: https://lnkd.in/gY8RKzmJ

Missouri Coalition for the Environment (MCE) will present the 22nd annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival on Sunday, March 30, from 1-4:30 p.m. at the Blue Note in Columbia, MO. This year's festival spotlights local filmmaker and MCE Community Outreach Specialist Jim Karpowicz's work, “Greenwood Preservation.” Karpowicz has over thirty years of experience combining his passion for wildlife, wild places, and environmental issues with high-quality video production. Jim's ability to transform complex scientific concepts into compelling stories has resulted in dozens of award-winning documentary films on natural history and environmental issues, and we can't wait to see his latest creation in just a few short weeks. Get your tickets on our website at:?https://lnkd.in/gzThR_Fy

Join us on March 19 for our first Kansas City Eco-Org event of the year! If you're in an organization that works to improve our environment, this one is for you. Meet other like-minded individuals working towards the same goals and hear from our guest speakers, Katy White from the Climate Council General Knowledge Center and Dr. Hyunjin Seo from the KU Center for Digital Inclusion. Our Eco-Org Networking events are a great opportunity to talk to other members of our coalition and learn how we can collectively make an impact. Let us know you're coming by RSVP'ing at?https://lnkd.in/gy-5BfCD