AND 2025 CLEAN FUELS NJ PLAN
Consulting * Strategy* Marketing *Staffing *Support
RLR CONSULTING GROUP
RLR’s goal is to assist Clean Fuels New Jersey in your effort to pass bold legislation (NJ Bill S2425, A3645) which will enhance a cleaner, healthier future for all, by driving the adoption of sustainable solutions.
All materials, including but not limited to documents, presentations, designs, and intellectual property, produced and provided by RLR Consulting Group are the exclusive property of RLR Consulting Group. These materials may not be used, reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written approval and consent of RLR Consulting Group.
KEY OBJECTIVE/BENEFITS & STANDARDS
OBJECTIVES OF CLEAN FUEL STANDARDS:
The objective of clean fuel standards is to reduce the amount of carbon in transportation fuels, which improves air quality and climate change mitigation.
1. Education and Awareness: Attending Faith-Based and community events to raise awareness about the benefits of clean fuels and the adverse effects of pollution.
2. Advocacy: Collaborating with policymakers, environmental organizations, and community leaders to advocate for policies that support clean energy and reduce pollution.
3. Implementation: Partnering with local businesses, churches, and community organizations to implement clean fuel projects and initiatives.
BENEFITS OF CLEAN FUEL STANDARDS:
Provide incentives: Provide credits to companies that use low-carbon fuels
Diversify fuel options: Increase the availability of low-carbon and renewable fuels
Improve air quality: Reduce harmful emissions from transportation fuels
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions: Mitigate climate change and its effects like wildfires and floods
Support economic growth: Create jobs and increase revenue from domestic resources
Increase energy independence: Rely less on foreign oil and more on domestic resources
EXAMPLES OF CLEAN FUEL STANDARDS:
California, Oregon, British Columbia, and Washington have implemented clean fuel standards. Minnesota and New Mexico have also considered clean fuel standards. The U.S. Department of Energy has a Clean Fuels & Products Shot to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the fuel and chemical industry.
2024 ACHIEVEMENTS
THE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST
The Church of God in Christ, Inc. (COGIC) is a Christian organization in the Holiness-Pentecostal tradition. It is the largest Pentecostal denomination in the United States. The membership is predominantly African-American. The Church has congregations in 112 countries around the world.
CFNJ had the opportunity to present to the New Jersey COGIC community during their annual Convocation in 2024 as follows:
• July 24 Prior to the presentation RLR was able to Designed a poster, had 1500 CFNJ flyers printed and delivered to Montclair, NJ as we rolled out the following.
• July 28 Attended the COGIC Convocation Service in Elizabeth, NJ to bring remarks.
• Aug 11 Attended the COGIC Convocation Service in Trenton, NJ to bring remarks .
• Aug 18 Attended the COGIC Convocation in Glassboro, NJ .
• Aug 20 Designed an ad for CFNJ to be placed in their Souvenir Program Booklet .
• Aug 25 Attended the COGIC Convocation Service in Jersey City to bring remarks .
RLR met with and struck up a solid relationship with er 500 attendees at each one of these events, with an invite to return to conduct workshops with their congregation on environmental justice.
NJSC OF THE NAACP STATE CONFERENCE
Friday October 11—13, 2024 , Princeton, NJ
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is a civil rights organization that works to ensure racial equality and social justice. The NAACP's mission includes:
• Eliminating discrimination: The NAACP works to remove barriers to racial discrimination through democratic processes.
• Protecting voting rights: The NAACP advocates for safe and accessible elections.
• Improving health and well-being: The NAACP works to ensure equitable health outcomes for all.
• Addressing environmental injustice: The NAACP works to address the environmental, social, and economic impact of climate change.
• Fighting police misconduct: The NAACP works to address unlawful misconduct by public officers, private individuals, and companies.
The NAACP NJ State Conference Convention was truly a celebration of Black Excellence. It is an annual event that brings together members, activist, and community leaders to discuss and address issues affecting African Americans in New Jersey. The 2024 convention was held at the Crown Plaza Princeton from October 11 to October 13, 2024.
The event also included variety of workshops, activities, and keynote speakers who share their insights and experiences on topics such as civil rights, social justice, and community empowerment. Sessions on youth and college engagement, providing a platform for young leaders to connect and collaborate on initiatives that promote equality and justice.
Speaking of speakers, the remarks from Clean Fuels NJ (Thank you Lee) were well-received, sparking curiosity among attendees. Many people had more questions about Clean Fuels NJ and what they could do to contribute to the cause.
The enthusiasm and engagement from the audience at the convention reflect a growing awareness and commitment to environmental justice. It’s inspiring to see people eager to learn more and take action to support sustainable and equitable solutions for our community.
TRAIN THE TRAINER EVENTS:
RLR Consulting Group hosted two successful Train the Trainer events in New Jersey for Clean Fuels NJ. Tuesday, November 12, 2024 - First Harvest Credit Union, 1615 Hurffville Road, Deptford Twp, NJ
In Attendance:
• Tiffany Walker, RLR Consulting Group
• Loretta Winters, RLR Consulting Group
• Herman Winters, RLR Consulting Group
• Richard Smith, RLR Consulting Group
• Dr. Melvin Pierson, Dentist (Black Dentist Association)
• Dr. Irene Mintz, Medical Doctor (Virtua Hospital)
• Natalie Pierson, RN, Nurse (Black Nurses Association)
• Danielle Combs, RLR Consulting Group
• Nate Miles, CFNJ
• Liat Carlyle, CFNJ
• Camille Gadsen, First Harvest Credit Union
This meeting focused on the medical community, whose feedback was immensely valuable. The attendees expressed their willingness to testify at a senate hearing on the adverse effects of contaminated air, water, and land. Dr. Mintz also expressed interest in collaborating with Liat on future presentations about clean fuels for the public education.
Wednesday, November 13, 2024 - The Lobby Club, 17 East Front Street, Trenton, NJ
In Attendance:
• Loretta Winters, RLR Consulting Group
• Herman Winter, RLR Consulting Group
• Richard Smith, RLR Consulting Group
• Ronald Glover, RLR Consulting Group
• Danielle Combs, RLR Consulting Group
• Nate Miles, CFNJ
• Liat Carlyle, CFNJ
• Bishop Jethro James, Newark NJ Black Churchman’s Committee
• Pastor Taylor, Chief Chaplain of the NJ State Police
• Serene Quick, Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority
• Eric Orlando, CFNJ
• Conor Fennessy, CFNJ
Bishop James, President of the Newark NJ Black Churchmen’s Association , traveled from Newark, NJ, to learn more about CFNJ. He provided insights on potential pushbacks and challenges within the BIPOC community and emphasized the importance of CFNJ positioning itself as a positive and full partner with them. Pastor Taylor of Trenton, NJ, echoed Bishop James's sentiments.
LEAGUE OF MUNICIPALITIES:
November 18-20, 2024
The New Jersey State League of Municipalities (NJ LOM) is a voluntary association dedicated to enhancing selfgovernance through the pooling of information, resources, and expertise. Established by state statute in 1915, NJ LOM has been serving local officials throughout the Garden State. All 564 municipalities are members, representing over 560 mayors and 13,000 elected and appointed officials.
During the week of November 18th, the NJ LOM held its annual convention in Atlantic City, NJ. Ronald Glover of RLR Consulting Group escorted Liat and associates on their first day of the convention to introduce CFNJ to state officials attending same.
Richard Smith, Loretta Winters, Tiffany Walker, and Angelia Edwards of RLR Consulting Group also attended the NJ LOM and actively promoted CFNJ throughout the event.
Richard Smith and Loretta Winters met with Jonathan Young, Political Director, Eastern Atlantic State Regional Council of Carpenters and Camden County Commissioner. As a result of this conversation RLR was able to facilitate rom this meeting we have set up a ZOOM call for Friday, December 13, 2024, at 12:30 PM to introduce CFNJ to the Carpenter’s Union.
LATINO ACTION NETWORK
November 1, 2024
RLR set up a meeting with the Latino Action Network to get their support for Clean Fuels NJ.
The meeting was by ZOOM and we met with two key operatives, Frank Fyre and Christian Estevez
December 2024
NAACP MASTER CLASS SECURING ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
FOR ALL November 26, 2024, via ZOOM
NJ NAACP Master Class is a high-quality and relatively brief learning experience jam-packed with in-depth knowledge in many subject areas. These classes are offered monthly to our community at large. It serves as a lecture on a particular subject given by an expert (s) in their field. Liat Carlyle, Nate Miles, and Tim Zenk were invited to talk about environmental justice to the NAACP community at large. Attendance from this ZOOM meeting included Presidents, Vice Presidents, Committee Chairs, and members at large from the NJ NAACP Community. Representatives from the various branches from the 21 counties of NJ were in attendance
The month of December was filled with ZOOM events. We interacted with many legislatures who were very supportive of the bill.
ASSEMBLY via ZOOM
Assemblyman Lou Greenwald 5th district Majority Leader
Assemblywoman Katz 12/5/2024
EASTERN CONFERENCE OF CARPENTERS
We met via ZOOM on 12/13/2024 Camden County Commissioner Jonathan Young is a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC) since 1996; (over 43K members and 25 locals under this umbrella) he serves as a Council Representative with the director of political affairs for all 6 states and DC, West Va, Va, Pa, NJ, Del, Md and DC. He was very familiar with the bill and supports our mission through his union and his support as an elected official
SNEAK PREVIEW 2025
Create a Community Coalition for Environmental Justice
Amplifying Voices! Advancing Justice! Protecting Our Climate Future!
Who We Are
The Community Coalition for Environmental Justice (CCEJ) is a national movement dedicated to giving an authentic voice to the communities most impacted by environmental toxins, carbon emissions, and long-standing environmental neglect. We represent a powerful alliance of organizations and individuals committed to addressing environmental injustices that disproportionately harm People of Color, low- income communities, and other historically marginalized groups.
Our Mission
We strive to educate, mobilize, and empower communities to take action for an/or against policies and practices that threaten their future health, environment and offspring. Through research, advocacy, and coalition-building, we work to pass critical legislation, defeat harmful policies, and hold industries and governments accountable.
What We Do?
Educate: We provide fact-based resources on the health effects of environmental pollution, linking policy makers and community groups to studies and expert analyses which reveal the deep health disparities, directly tied to environmental causes. Our website serves as a “Knowledge Hub”, featuring research, articles, and expert perspectives, that expose the often-ignored consequences of environmental negligence.
Advocate: CCEJ works at the intersection of policy and community action, equipping individuals and organizations with the tools they need to influence change. We collaborate with social justice groups, labor unions, healthcare organizations, faith-based institutions, and legal experts to name a few (from the impacted communities) to create a united front that has an “Authentic Voice” in the fight for environmental justice.
Mobilize: The coalitions ee build coalitions of grassroots organizations represent tens of thousands of people whare willing to ”amplify” their voices at critical moments to demand justice. Whether it’s participating in organized demonstrations, conducting policy campaigns, or limited direct engagement with lawmakers, we ensure that the concerns of our nontraditional communities are heard and acted upon.
KEY ISSUES WITH WHICH WE ARE CONCERNED:
• Toxic Exposure & Public Health: Raising awareness of the health disparities caused by environmental pollutants.
• Climate Justice: Fighting for sustainable policies that protect vulnerable communities from climate change.
• Environmental Racism: Exposing and challenging policies that disproportionately place environmental hazards in Communities of Color.
• Policy & Legislative Action: Engaging in the policymaking process to advocate for equitable environmental policies.
Resources & Research:
Stay informed with our collection of reports, studies, and expert insights on environmental justice. We feature:
• Scientific studies on air pollution, climate change, and public health.
• Legislative updates on environmental policies and their impact.
• Community stories from those directly affected by environmental injustice.
• Compile Our Resources
Join the Movement:
We need your voice. Whether you are an individual activist, a community leader, or part of an organization, there are many ways to get involved.
Ways to Participate:
• Sign Up for Updates to stay informed about upcoming actions and policy updates.
• Join a Coalition “ Partner” organization with like-minded ideas, ethics and values in order to drive positive change.
• Take Action, like contacting your legislators, attend events, and advocate for policies that protect our communities.
The Coalition will meet twice a year to share information, collaborate on policy advocacy, access a wider network of stakeholders, leverage combined resources, and collectively work towards promoting the adoption of cleaner fuels and technologies within the industry and at the policy level; essentially gaining strength and influence through united action. The meetings with the coalition will be held at a Retreat in June and the NAACP NJSC convention in October
Below are some of the invitees to join this environmental coalition;
• ALL UNIONS
• AME CHURCH
• BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH
• BISHOP CAHOON, COGIC
• BISHOP JETHRO
• BISHOP JOHNATHAN HICKS
• BISHOP KEVIN BISHOP
• CARPENTER’S UNION
• CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST COGIC
• DIVINE NINE
• EJ COMPANIES WILL BE INVITED TO OUR TABLE
• FILIPINO NURSES ASSOCIATION
• JURISDICTION 3 COGIC
• JURISDICTION 4 COGIC BISHOP
2025
On 1/15 we met with Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumpter
• LATINO ACTION NETWORK
• NATIONAL ACTION NETWORK
NJ NAACP STATE CONFERENCE
• NJ BLACK ISSUES CONVENTION
• NJ BLACK LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS
NJ BLACK DOCTORS ASSOCIATION
• • NJ BLACK NURSES ASSOCIATION NJ
• NJ URBAN LEAGUE
• ORDER OF EASTER STAR
• ORDER OF THE EASTERN STARS
• PRINCE HALL & SCOTTISH RITES MASONS
• REV. TOMMY HILLMAN
• UNITED BLACK AGENDA •
On 1/17 we met with Bill sponsor Assemblyman Calabrese of this bill as it pertains to black and brown people statewide. So they realize it is our community that is most adversely affected by poor quality.
FUTURE MEETINGS/DATES:
• RLR was able to facilitate a meeting with the United Black Agenda which is an organization of organizations who Monarch Housing; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity INC; League of Black Women Lawyers; Salvation and Social Justice; NJ Institute of Social Justice, NAACP NJSC; and the African American Chamber of Commerce. (TBD)
• Secured a meeting with Assemblyman Cody Miller 4th Leg District (TBD)
• Paulsboro Refining to discuss possible collaboration and any obstacle they may encounter for their support for renewable energy in NJ (TBD)
There is a old saying,
Ifitain’tbroke,don’tfixit,domoreofit.”
Meaning if something is working properly, there’s no need to try and change it or “fix it” However, we also recognize the importance of innovation and adaptability to stay competitive in a constantly evolving market
Our business philosophy is simple: identify what works, and consistently execute those strategies. By focusing on proven methods and repeating successful actions, we aim to maintain and amplify our achievements…. .
WHAT WE WILL CONTINUE TO DO IN 2025
We will meet with the COGIC, AME and Baptist community to garner their continued support.
We will have train the trainer classes quarterly or as needed.
We will garner op-eds and prepared statements as needed for our coalition.
We will meet with the 4 Jurisdictional District of the COGIC Community to build on our relationships.
We will Regularly assess the effectiveness of current strategies.
We will maintain practices that yield positive results.
We will explore new channels and markets to reach a broader audience.
-We will adapt strategies to align with emerging trends and customer preferences.
We will encourage creative thinking and experimentation within the team. (Retreat)
We will continue to bring stakeholders together via ZOOM to hear our platform
We will continue to maintain a running list of all Senate and Assembly men and women showing who supports CFNJ ….and
WE WILL CREATE A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER KEEPING ALL STAKEHOLDERS INFORMED
By adhering to these principles, we will ensure sustained success while staying agile and open to new opportunities for growth.
POLICY ADVOCACY
• Working with local and state officials to advocate for NJ Bill S2425, A3645 empathizing its benefit to underserved communities.
• RLR will continue to prepared to provide testimony, if necessary, on the effects of polluted air in Black and Brown communities, reminding all that clean air is a human right.
• RLR will plan a reception at the League of Municipalities held in Atlantic City, NJ, during the month of November, with personal invitations to New Jersey legislators and stakeholders. This is the largest municipal gathering in the nation. It provides learning opportunities and meaningful face-to-face networking.*
• Attend banquets, conferences, and conventions throughout NJ to promote and partner with other organizations.*
*RLR will develop a budget for any activity outside the normal retainer IN 2025 and put the request in writing to the project manager.
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
We will continue to provide strategy and direction to the leadership team through weekly meetings, or as necessary on how RLR will implement the strategy and how the collective can support.
We will assist in team-building by making sure that all team members are notified immediately after we have been made aware of any current issues effecting the passage of the legislation.
As you know, calendars are always fluid. The next page is a link to a website calendar that will be updated as events and opportunities arise. The calendar is how we will organize our events, our weekly meetings, and any other meetings, to keep everyone informed of each events protocol ( Time, Place, Message, Dress code, Attendees, Budget, etc) .
We will provide regular written updates within 7 days after the conclusion of the event. We will participate with your team during your advocacy days in New Jersey. We will also provide leadership, strategy, and direction, to the national environmental justice advisor.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
We have started the process of creating a shared calendar of events VIA OUR WEBSITE. As we indicated, calendars are fluid and will be updated accordingly.
This section of our website is under construction
APPENDICES
Several studies have highlighted the disproportionate impact of environmental issues, particularly carbon emissions, on Communities of Color:
Air Pollution Exposure Disparities: Research from the American Lung Association indicates that racial and ethnic minority groups, as well as low-income populations, often face higher exposure to air pollution. This increased exposure contributes to health disparities, including higher rates of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Disparities in the Impact of Air Pollution | American Lung Association
Environmental Injustice in Freight Trucking:
A 2022 study titled Environmental Injustice in America: Racial Disparities in Exposure to Air Pollution Health Damages from Freight Trucking, found that Black and Hispanic populations are more likely to be exposed to elevated emissions from freight trucks. The study estimated significant health and environmental costs associated with these emissions, AS THEY disproportionately affect Communities of Color.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2204.06588
Historical Redlining and Present-Day Pollution: Research has shown that historically redlined communities, which were predominantly non-white and low-income, continue to experience higher levels of air pollution. These areas have greater exposure to pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter, leading to adverse health outcomes.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redlining
The EPA Report on Climate Change Impacts: A 2021 analysis by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed that underserved communities, especially racial and ethnic minorities, are more vulnerable to severe climate change effects. These include heatwaves, poor air quality, and flooding, which exacerbate existing health disparities. https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-report-shows-disproportionate-impacts-climatechange-socially-vulnerable
Racial Disparities in Climate-Related Health Effects: A scoping review published in 2022 examined recent evidence indicating that climatic changes linked to global warming disproportionately impact the health of people of color, including children. The study synthesized data from 2017 to 2022, highlighting the disparate health effects experienced by these communities due to climate change.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9363288/These studies underscore the pressing need for targeted policies and interventions to address environmental injustices affecting minority communities. These sources provide strong evidence of the disproportionate environmental impact on minority communities, particularly related to air pollution and climate change. Let me know if you need more!
VOTER REGISTRATION/EDUCATION
Establishing a voter registration and education arm within our Clean Fuel NJ initiative can significantly enhance our impact. Here are some key reasons: ere are some key reasons:
Policy Influence: By registering and educating voters, you can help ensure that elected officials who support clean fuel policies are elected. This can lead to the implementation of more environmentally friendly legislation.
Community Empowerment: Educating the community about the importance of voting and how it directly affects environmental policies can empower individuals to take action. This can lead to a more engaged and informed electorate.
Sustainable Change: Voter education can help create a long-term commitment to clean energy policies. When voters understand the benefits of clean fuels and the importance of supporting related policies, they are more likely to advocate for and support these initiatives consistently.
Broader Reach: By integrating voter registration and education into our initiative, we can reach a wider audience. This can help build a larger coalition of supporters who are committed to the cause of clean energy and environmental justice.
Increased Advocacy: Educated voters are more likely to participate in advocacy efforts, such as contacting their representatives, attending town hall meetings, and participating in community events. This can amplify your message and increase the pressure on policymakers to act.
By incorporating voter registration and education into our Clean Fuel NJ initiative, we can strengthen our advocacy efforts and drive meaningful change in environmental policies.
We will have a table or QR code for voter registration at all events
