FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 4, 2026
Contact: Chris Dobens, 718-679-8542, chris@weact.org
NEW YORK – WE ACT for Environmental Justice is extremely grateful to New York State Senator Cordell Cleare and Assemblymember Jordan Wright for championing a $4 million capital projects allocation for WE ACT’s Environmental Justice Center, which is currently under construction in West Harlem. The funding, which comes from the State’s 2026-27 Capital Projects Budget, will be used to complete construction and equipping the center for programming.
“We thank Senator Cleare and Assemblymember Wright for championing this investment in environmental justice and the community at large,” said Peggy Shepard, Co-Founder and Executive Director of WE ACT for Environmental Justice. “It will strengthen our ability to serve as an environmental justice movement-builder, sharing our knowledge, experience, and best practices, along with capacity-building resources, with allies across the state.”
The WE ACT Environmental Justice Center will serve the community as a hub for environmental justice education and movement building. Located in a five-story townhouse in the Hamilton Heights Historic District, the center will be equipped with technology and programming for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) community-based education and citizen science. It will also serve as a convening space and technical assistance center for environmental justice organizations and other grassroots advocates. And it will host our workforce development program and civic engagement efforts that directly empower Northern Manhattan residents.
State Senator Cordell Cleare stated: “WE ACT For Environmental Justice has been the leading grassroots organization in Northern Manhattan fighting for environmental equity and justice ever since their inception nearly four decades ago. It is my honor to support their incredibly worthy project, which is designed to practice what they have always preached–bringing education and empowerment to the community. WE ACT continues to stand as a model for what can happen when purpose, action and conscience unite.”
Assemblyman Jordan J.G. Wright stated: “WE ACT for Environmental Justice has been a transformative force in Harlem and communities across New York State, ensuring that every resident—regardless of their ZIP code—has access to clean air, safe water, and a healthy environment. I am proud to champion funding for this critical organization in Albany because their work goes far beyond advocacy; they empower residents, shape public policy, and hold institutions accountable in the fight for environmental equity. For decades, WE ACT has been on the front lines addressing environmental burdens that disproportionately impact communities of color and low-income neighborhoods. Their leadership has improved public health outcomes, elevated community voices, and helped create a more sustainable future for generations to come. I am honored to stand alongside them and support the resources necessary to continue their vital mission.”
The State funding brings WE ACT close to its $7.3 million campaign to completely renovate and equip the building as a state-of-the-art, community-based Environmental Justice Center. The center is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
# # #
WE ACT for Environmental Justice is a Northern Manhattan-based, membership-driven organization whose mission is to build healthy communities by ensuring that people of color and/or low-income residents are meaningfully included in the development of sound and fair environmental health and protection policies and practices. WE ACT has offices in New York and Washington, D.C. Visit us at weact.org and follow us on Facebook, Bluesky, and Instagram.