Erie Rising specializes in empowering moms with information to make effective change regarding concerns over NGD in their community. Founded by accomplished women, mothers and business owners, Erie Rising is positioned to become an exceptionally effective national grassroots mom-powered organization bringing awareness to the issues at hand.
Established in 2011, Erie Rising found solid-footing as awareness heightened over eight new natural gas wells planned for hydraulic fracturing adjacent to the two of the community’s elementary schools, the middle school and two preschools. In a few short months, Erie Rising has been credited for bringing brush-fire awareness to natural gas dangers in their community, to local government, and to unaware moms and dads. Erie Rising’s reach has now focusing beyond their local community and is quickly gaining attention across the country.
With the newly released report “Study shows air emissions near fracking sites may have serious health impacts” Lisa McKenzie, Ph.D., MPH with University of Colorado Denver; 6 Erie Rising moms are struggling with mixed emotions. “For so long we have been concerned with children’s health, while gas companies wrote these off as anecdotal. Dr. McKenzie’s study is both heartbreaking and vindicating. The health of our communities are compromised and we must be protected”, stated Wendy Leonard, Erie Rising Co-Founder.
Erie Rising has been remarkably effective on many fronts. From a powerful beginning with an overnight the call-to-action for the largest community gathering, to remarkably discovering an unknown NOAA study revealing the air in Erie, CO had 10x the amount of Propane and Butane and elevated Benzene; Erie Rising has been acknowledged with gratitude from parents and elected officials alike. “Tonight has without a doubt been the most enlightening experience on this issue… thanks to residents [Erie Rising] who has brought this to the forefront” stated Trustee Joe Carnival in appreciation for Erie Rising, Jan. 2012.
The Mom-Team of Erie Rising has remained persistent and continued to bring significant awareness and necessary change in regards to NGD; from speaking at the capitol, to collaborating with experts and organizations, Erie Rising continues to grow in numbers as more parents become informed.
o Erie Rising Mom testified at EPA hearings regarding health issues related to air quality and NGD (9/2011)
o Erie Rising Mom uncovered 2011 NOAA air study (1/2012)
o Erie Rising received national attention and has been featured by the Environmental Working Group and Healthy Child Healthy World (1/2012)
o Erie Rising spotlighted by the Boulder International Film Festival as a group to join for effective change (2/2012)
o Erie Rising launched the first full-scale event series in Colorado to bring awareness to natural gas concerns. Sponsored by the Sierra Club, Whole Foods Market, Environmental Working Group and others (2/2012)
o Erie Rising is credited for overturning a majority veto to a complete unanimous vote for a 180 day moratorium only six weeks later, despite Oil and Gas strongholds in the community (3/2012)
o Erie Rising Mom awarded as “Mom on a Mission” (3/2012)
o Erie Rising Mom Co-Founded the first state-wide coalition to unite grassroots groups across Colorado; “C3” (3/2012)
“As mothers, we are extremely concerned about our children. As we learn, we are driven to share information with other moms. Mothers will not rest; we will not waiver and we will not be intimidated. Mining using hydraulic fracturing should not be allowed in school yards and back yards. Our children are not to be gambled with”. April Beach, Erie Rising Founding Mom.
Erie Rising strives to ignite passion for truthful information sharing. Erie Rising believes that information is power and should not be withheld, despite regulation which may protect truth revelation. Erie Rising acts as a catalyst for unbiased information and education to be communicated to those who need it most, families in the path of natural gas development.
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