City of Tonawanda resident Diane Eshelman was lying awake in bed, trying to figure out how she could make the world a more healthy place.
Her answer will take a step into reality at noon on April 14, at Niawanda Park in the City of Tonawanda.
Eshelman is spearheading the local version of a national rally, “Step It Up Congress,” which aims to pressure federal lawmakers to cut carbon emissions 80 percent nationwide by 2050.
“If we cut them two percent a year, hopefully it’ll help,” Eshelman said. “I’m becoming a grandmother next month for the very first time. This is something that our kids might live through, but our grandkids might not.”
Eshelman doesn’t have an estimate on the number of people attending the rally, which will likely last about 20 minutes. The purpose will be to take pictures to send to federal lawmakers to showcase concern, she said. Her tentative goal is 100 people.
“I talked to one man who had a truck, and he puts $60 worth of gas in that truck every week,” Eshelman said. “He doesn’t use it for hauling, he uses it because he likes to have a big truck.”
Other rallies in Niagara Falls and Buffalo will last longer and involve speeches.
April 14 has been dubbed National Day of Action by Vermont-based organization Step It Up 2007, which is billing it as a chance for hundreds of rallies across the country to increase awareness about climate issues. The group’s Web site, stepitup2007.org, offers information about themselves as well as material for people who want to take action.
Gladys Gifford, who’s organizing a rally on the same day at 11 a.m. at the Church Street Metro Rail station in Buffalo, said the first step on a national level is to get Congress to enact legislation which recognizes the United States’ role in global warming.
Gifford directed Eshelman toward Step It Up. Eshelman found her through the church to which Eshelman belongs, First Presbyterian Church on Broad Street.
Cutting emissions could come in a number of forms, including car and smokestack emissions, gasoline efficiency standards and alternative energy sources, said Gifford, who’s also president of Citizens Regional Transit Corporation, a nonprofit organization.
“The people of Tonawanda can come together along that wonderful river and the Riverwalk itself to simply say this is a wonderful natural feature we enjoy every day,” she said. “And we want to make sure that Congress understands the threat of global warming has on impact on this Niagara River, as well as every other part of the natural world.”
Contact reporter Dan Minerat 693-1000, Ext. 115.
Local News
CITY OF TONAWANDA: Global warming rally set for Niawanda
- Local News
-
-
Town cop faces disciplinary action
Assessor chosen; meeting scheduled over Amigone crematory.
-
New York ties safety record
Four fatalities, 26 injured.
-
Senate passes bus legislation
Bills intended to make riding bus safer for students, enhance communication.
-
Lasting legacy
Parks and Recreation chief Foels, longest-tenured city employee, even busier in retirement.
-
NT coach fired for relationship
Superintendent says criminal charges will not be filed.
-
No new vet for Niagara SPCA
Lawyers and board members will meet with state attorney general’s representative later today.
-
A red carpet affair
On Feb. 12, the red carpet will be rolled out, the champagne will flow, the flashbulbs will be popping and, yes, the paparazzi will be swarming.
-
Two arrested after traffic stop
Two women were arrested following a traffic stop and subsequent dispute with City of Tonawanda police early Saturday.
-
DWI suspect hit signs on way to KFC
A Niagara Falls man was arrested for DWI and other traffic charges Friday night after striking two traffic signs on the Twin Cities Memorial Highway on his way to pick up some fried chicken.
-
School Wide Web
Starpoint eighth graders lead Friday special event.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Town cop faces disciplinary action
Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay
Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria
Murder Trial for Ex-U.Va. Lacrosse Player Begins
NY Giants Touch Down Victorious
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Few Answers in Death of Sons of Missing Utah Mom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
Raw Video: Deadly Helicopter Crash in Australia
Raw Video: Smoke, Purported Gunfire in Syria
Romney Latest Poll to Join Let-me-explain Club
Blast Kills Husband of Missing Utah Mom, 2 Boys
Obama: US, Israel Will Work Against Iran Nukes
NJ Museum Finds 19th Century Recording
Snow Causes Disruptions in Much of Europe
Clinton: Vetoed U.N. Syria Resolution 'travesty'
Romney Picks Up Decisive Win in Nevada Caucuses
