Clean Water Action is an organization of over 100,000 Minnesotans working to empower people to take action to protect America's waters, build healthy communities and to make democracy work for all of us. For 36 years Clean Water Action has succeeded in winning some of the nation's most important environmental protections through grassroots organizing, expert policy research and political advocacy focused on holding elected officials accountable to the public.

Clean Water Action is looking for enthusiastic students or recent graduates who are willing to work hard advancing the goals of Clean Water Action. You will assist with policy research and survey support and analysis on a new campaign focusing on agricultural water pollution.

Clean Water Action is an organization of 100,000 Minnesotans working to empower people to take action to protect America's waters, build healthy communities and to make democracy work for all of us. For 36 years Clean Water Action has succeeded in winning some of the nation's most important environmental protections through grassroots organizing, expert policy research and political advocacy focused on holding elected officials accountable to the public.

Clean Water Action is looking for enthusiastic students or recent graduates who are willing to work hard advancing the goals of Clean Water Action in holding elected officials accountable and encouraging civic engagement in the 2010 election.

Today’s guest blogger is Emma Shlaes, Clean Water Action National Campaigns Associate.

Summer is winding down. When you put your child on the bus for school, or take that one last road trip of the season, you expect that everyone will stay safe and healthy, as long as there are no accidents. But there is a hidden danger lurking around most school buses, highways and too many residential neighborhoods and schools. Dangerous and preventable diesel pollution from buses, trucks and construction vehicles is placing families in harm's way.

Dirty diesel engines emit a mixture of particles, metals and gases called "particulate matter" which include over 40 "hazardous air pollutants" as classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Clean Air Act. This mixture can cause a range of health problems. From increased rates of asthma, to lung cancer, stroke and heart attack, diesel pollution contributes to countless illnesses and 21,000 early deaths a year.

In addition to being a serious public health problem, diesel pollution contributes to climate change by emitting a pollutant that’s aptly named “black carbon”. Black carbon soot is approximately 2,000 times more potent as a global warming agent than an equal amount of carbon dioxide (CO2). Over half the black carbon emissions in the U.S. come from diesel engines. Fortunately, black carbon is a short-lived pollutant and does not remain in the atmosphere, so this is one aspect of climate change we can do something about right now.

How do you ask? Available retrofits can reduce diesel particulate matter and black carbon emissions by at least 90% from the 11 million old, dirty diesel engines that are currently used in the U.S. This means an instant reduction of black soot in our atmosphere. Additionally, studies indicate that for every dollar spent on reducing particulate matter pollution from diesel engines, $12 would be avoided in monetized health damages. That translates to improved health for you and your family.

Since 2005, the federal Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) has been funding retrofits for existing heavy-duty diesel vehicles and engines in every state in the U.S. DERA has enjoyed support by: members of both parties in Congress, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and industry, labor, environmental and health groups. This important act is set to expire in 2011 and Congress must reauthorize it at the same level of funding if we are to see continued reduction in diesel pollution and the health effects it causes.

Clean Water Action works nationally and in the states to pass policies that will clean up diesel pollution and protect communities. Some states haven’t waited for government protections and funding to take action. For example, Clean Water Action recently helped Rhode Island pass the Clean Construction Law, which requires diesel-burning construction equipment on federally funded projects to be retrofitted to reduce emissions by 2013. Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan and New Jersey have also taken action at the state and local level. Find out more.

Clean Water Action works as part of the Diesel Clean-Up Campaign, a nationwide collaboration of organizations committed to reducing diesel emissions 40 percent by the year 2012, 55 percent by 2015 and 70 percent by 2020. You can visit their website at www.dieselcleanup.org

Tell Senator Klobuchar to support the Feinstein amendment on BPA.

In September, the US Senate will decide on critical legislation that will affect the safety of the food supply in our nation. Unfortunately, Senators still need to be convinced that getting the toxic chemical bisphenol A (BPA) out of our food and beverage containers is an urgent food safety issue that MUST be addressed in the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2010.

Take a minute and send this urgent letter asking your Senators to support an amendment proposed by Senator Dianne Feinstein that would get BPA out of baby bottles, sippy cups, infant formula and baby food as part of the Food Safety legislation.

Watching the tall ships float through the Duluth-Superior Harbor this summer reminded me of how much we depend on our natural environs. The wind that filled the ship’s sails and the water on which they rode are critical but fickle partners in their journey.

The large sailing ships may be no more than a novelty today, but the health of Lake Superior is still critical for our communities.

Event: Volunteer Phone Banks
Date: Sunday – Thursday starting August 16
Time: Sundays, 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM; Monday-Thursday 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Clean Water Action office, Minneapolis, MN
Description: This election year presents a tremendous opportunity for us. We have to get our state on a sustainable path to protect our water, our health and our children’s futures. That is why Clean Water Action has endorsed Mark Dayton for Governor and a number of environmental champions for the State Legislature. We need these strong leaders in office to guarantee Minnesota’s environment is protected for future generations. Clean Water Action’s volunteers are critical to our success this election season. We need your help to make a difference! Volunteers are needed for volunteer phone banks beginning August 16 and running until Election Day. The time for change is now, and the power is in your hands to make that change!
For more info: Sign up here or contact Melissa Caldwell at mcaldwell@cleanwater.org or 612-627-1533

Support Candidates Who Support the Environment

Clean Water Action is proud to announce our initial list of endorsed candidates for the 2010 federal and state elections. Below is a list of candidates we feel will champion policies to defend our environment in Congress and at the State Capitol. Clean Water Action is in the process of finalizing our endorsement process for 2010 and a final list of candidates for the November 2 election will be posted in the coming weeks.

Gulf Coast Beach Warnings Skyrocket Due to Oil, Pollution Persists Nationwide

Duluth, Minnesota (July 28, 2010) – Pollution continues to contaminate the water at America’s beaches, causing 99 advisory days for Minnesota’s Lake Superior beaches last year and 18,682 closing and advisory days nationwide. Meanwhile, as of July 23, the Gulf oil disaster had already led to 1,755 days of beach closing, advisories, and notices in the Gulf region this year, according to the 20th annual beachwater quality report released today by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

As part of Clean Water Action’s Ripple Effects Project, Minnesotans share their tips for living more sustainably.

Why fragrances really stink for us and the environment

Although it smells great, it really stinks!

Asia’s Tip: Buy fragrance-free products
Next time you go shopping for hand lotion, shampoo or other products, be sure to read the label. If one of the listed ingredients is “fragrance”, look for a fragrance free alternative.