MON VALLEY CLEAN AIR COALITION
Articles of Organization
Adopted: January 23, 2006
In consideration of health concerns relating to high levels of air pollutants in the Monongahela River valley and surrounding areas, the Mon Valley Clean Air Coalition, a nonprofit organization whose participants serve on a voluntary basis, has been founded to promote public education and advocacy relating to air quality issues and to enhance capabilities for monitoring air quality in the region.
Activities may include 1) partnering with the local school systems to provide educational materials regarding energy awareness and genesis of air pollutants such as ozone, sulfur dioxide, volatile organic compounds and particulates, 2) financially assisting in the acquisition of air monitoring equipment to be used in conjunction with the school programs, 3) exploring avenues for performing independent air monitoring either through direct equipment acquisition and operation by volunteers or via contractual agreement with a third party, 4) development of presentations and pamphlets to be used in adult public outreach, 5) participation in health fairs and other public opportunities for adult education, 6) the submission of data and other relevant information to local, state, and federal agencies regarding the development of rules for regulatory functions and environmental quality permits, 7) the writing of letters and testifying at public hearings on environmental issues and proposed permits for pollution control, as well as 8) the legal appeal of permits or regulations within the statutory time periods set aside in the permitting process. Each of these activities is intended only to the extent permitted under the Internal Revenue Service 501-c-3 rules.
The Mon Valley Clean Air Coalition functions under the leadership of a Convenor, Secretary, and Treasurer. These officers are chosen by consensus, serving short indefinite terms of less than one year under typical circumstances. A Board of Directors is made up of the current and former Convenors and serves to facilitate decision-making, when necessary, between regular monthly meetings. The Treasurer maintains a bank account for the deposit of receipts and the payment of expenses, consistent with an annual Budget and approval of the officers and/or participants.
A list of participants is to be maintained by the Secretary; and, an email list exists and is used as the primary means of communication among the officers and the participants. There is no membership fee or regular assessment. Voluntary contributions are welcomed from anyone who shares an interest in the objectives and mission of the Coalition, as it is stated above. Current funding categories for expenditures are 1) public education to include newsletters and brochures plus expenses for seminars and other public speaking functions, 2) the air monitoring project for data collection, training, and public awareness, 3) fees for consultants and experts, secretarial fees, and legal expenses (lawyers and court costs), and 4) other miscellaneous organization expenses.
Monthly meetings involve a systematic discussion of all the relevant topics at that time. Decisions are made by consensus of those present, and minutes of each monthly meeting are distributed promptly to the participants. Committee meetings are held on an as-needed basis.
The Mon Valley Clean Air Coalition is incorporated in the State of West Virginia as a not-for-profit Voluntary Association, Control Number 77545, July 11, 2005. The West Virginia Taxpayer Identification Number is WV-041-2704-001. The Employer Identification Number that as been assigned by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service is EIN 75-3199088. In the case of the dissolution of the Coalition, its monetary assets are to be donated to the American Lung Association and any equipment or supplies are to be donated to the Monongalia County Board of Education, Morgantown, WV. The formal address of the Coalition is as follows:
Mon Valley Clean Air Coalition
P. O. Box 4679
Morgantown, WV 26504
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Prepared: January 2,
2007)
1. The MVCAC is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes, including for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (or the corresponding section of any future Federal tax code).