Air Alliance Houston Seeks Texas Coal Organizer
Salary: $25,000-$30,000. One year appointment with extension possible, dependent on
performance and continued grant support. Insurance benefits.
Location: Near downtown Houston, with travel throughout Houston, the Gulf Coast, and Texas.
Sector: Nonprofit environmental.
Type: Campaign Organizer.
Language(s): English, Spanish desirable.
Area of Focus: Environment, Environmental Justice, Public Health.
Reports to:
Adrian Shelley at Air Alliance Houston
DESCRIPTION
Air Alliance Houston (AAH) and Public Citizen are members of the Clean Gulf Commerce
Coalition (CGCC), which works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and impacts to local
communities and environments through a reduction of coal exports in multiple U.S. Gulf Coast
states. The CGCC also advocates for public health and safety, government accountability, and
clean, safe energy.
Air Alliance Houston is the Houston region’s air quality and public health nonprofit. Our mission
is to reduce air pollution in the Houston region and protect public health and environmental
integrity through research, education, and advocacy.
Public Citizen is a national consumer organization that champions citizen interests on a variety of
issues. The Texas office which is contributing to this effort researches issues, educates the public
and recommends policy that reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, responsible for
global climate change.
The Gulf of Mexico is the new hot spot in the battle against coal exports. With successes in the
Pacific Northwest and the brewing battles on the East Coast, Industry sees the Gulf ports as a
weak link in the chain. Gulf states are known for lax regulation of ports that are ideally located to
take advantage of the proposed expansion of the Panama Canal. As a result, there have been more
than twelve proposals for expansions or new export facilities planned in the five states that ring
the US Gulf Coast. If all the facilities were expanded or constructed, the coal shipped through the
ports could add 245-347 million tons per year of CO2 into the atmosphere (as well as many tons
of toxic mercury). These emissions would exacerbate global warming and sea level rise, which
will have a massive impact to low-lying Gulf communities. The Gulf has long been the Nation’s
Energy Sacrifice Zone, and increased coal exports threaten coastal communities through
increased pollution and damage to the wetlands that provide natural protection from increasingly
powerful tropical storms.
If coal exports were to proceed at the levels proposed, gains made by the shutdown of existing
and proposed coal plants over the last several years would be completely wiped out. The goal of
the Clean Gulf Commerce Coalition is to stop the additional export of coal from new or
potentially expanded export terminals in on the Gulf of Mexico and ultimately discontinue
exports from existing facilities.
The organizer will be based in Houston and will be an employee of Air Alliance Houston. They
will help build the grassroots movement within Texas, and coordinated with the overall efforts of
the Clean Gulf Commerce Coalition.
RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Build grassroots support against coal terminal expansions and against coal exports.
Engage supporters in visible and effective activities to prevent the expansion of coal
exports along the Gulf of Mexico, and ultimately achieve the discontinuation of coal
exports from existing facilities. Educate communities along coal transport routes about
health and environmental impacts of moving coal through the state. Lead and/or organize
demonstrations, tabling in public spaces, public forums, environmental impact education
campaigns, and more. Advocate for clean and beneficial alternatives to coal exports for
the local economies.
2. Work with activists and elected officials to win state and local support calling for a stop
to coal terminal expansions, transportation restrictions, and closure of existing facilities.
3. Maintain regular contact with local activists, through conference calls, online channels,
and local meetings; respond to their needs and support their efforts; inspire them to
expanded activity.
4. Organize trainings and convene stakeholders to present the case to stop to coal terminal
expansion and limit the transportation of coal in the state.
5. Strategize with the CGCC team to develop plans for coordinated action in support of
reducing and stopping coal exports.
6. Coordinate with the CGCC media coordinator to develop ongoing stories and media
events.
7. Other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS
8. Outstanding communications skills and a keen strategic sense.
9. Spanish language fluency preferred.
10. Able to work in a fast-paced environment, build coalitions, operate collaboratively, and
develop and carry out work plans. Should be energetic, resilient and flexible.
11. College education required and ainimum of 2 years prior organizing experience strongly
preferred.
12. Experience in environmental justice and environmental issues in Texas is a plus.
13. Availability for travel and work evening and weekends is required.
14. Ability to perform assigned duties in a timely manner.
15. Reliable transportation and valid driver’s license.
APPLICATION
Applications will be considered until the position is filled. Interested applicants should send
resume and cover letter to hiring@airalliancehouston.org.