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Our View: Stealing From The Future To Pay For Today's Shortfall
New Britain Herald
published Monday, February 8, 2010
The Rell administration, as a way of coping with the state’s budget woes, has proposed three possible sources of future revenue that the state could sell now to raise a $1.3 billion lump sum — in other words, sacrificing future budgets to meet today’s needs.
The governor’s budget office would “securitize” a portion of the charges on electric bills used to support clean energy and conservation initiatives, a move that Roger Smith, campaign director for Clean Water Action, told the Journal Inquirer, would “saddle Connecticut consumers with a future of higher electricity rates to reduce this year’s budget deficit. While the governor claims to be opposed to new taxes, this proposal turns utility bills into a tax collection vehicle for the state.”
New report reveals Mercury Thermostats Coming Off the Wall and Going Into the Trash
Manufacturers’ Collection Falls Short
Hartford - Today Clean Water Action released a report, Turning Up The Heat documenting that thermostat makers have collected less than 5% of the thermostats coming out of service over the last 10 years. Therefore, Clean Water Action is calling on the Connecticut General Assembly to pass a state collection program that includes incentives to recycle and performance standards to ensure meaningful progress.
Statement in Support of Funding the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act
Act Now To Fund Jobs That Save Lives
Legislation to create jobs is moving forward in Congress, and environmental health advocates have a great opportunity to significantly increase the funding to reduce diesel emissions. The request for $1 billion would potentially save or generate 19,000 jobs and increase economic output by over $3 billion.
It is a great opportunity to protect public health, curb greenhouse gases and otherwise protect the environment while putting Americans to work and boosting the economy. Please contact your House representative and two Senators to urge them to support $1 billion in the jobs package to reduce diesel emissions today.
January 11, 2010
The Honorable Harry Reid
Senate Majority Leader
522 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510Dear Majority Leader Reid:
We are writing as a broad-based group of environmental, health and industry organizations to urge you to include $1 billion for the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2005 ("DERA") in the anticipated jobs package.
Published On:01/11/2010 - 10:57
Ask Your Legislators to Pass the Safe Cosmetics Act
What are all those chemicals in your shampoo? Your lipstick? your aftershave? And what do they have to do with asthma, breast cancer and learning disabilities?
Learn, share and help change this toxic mess: Watch The Story of Cosmetics, a 8-minute film exposing the ugly truth about personal care products - brought to you by Clean Water Action, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, Annie Leonard's Story of Stuff Project and Free Range Studios, and take action to help pass the Safe Cosmetics Act.
Reduce Diesel Pollution
Diesel pollution is a major global warming pollutant as diesel "black carbon" soot traps heat and warms the atmosphere. While the Federal government set strict standards for new diesel engines starting in 2007, these standards do not apply to existing diesel vehicles, which can remain on the road for decades. As a part of the CT Alliance Against Diesel Pollution, Clean Water Action is working to close this loophole by taking action at the state level.
Coalition for a Safe & Healthy Connecticut
Connecticut residents want to protect ourselves and those we love, preventing harm especially to babies and young children. Our homes and our bodies should be safe from unwanted and dangerous intrusion. But there's a toxic problem putting our health at risk.
Clean Energy 20% by 2010 Campaign
In 2003, Clean Water Action, Environment Northeast, the Interreligious Eco-Justice Network and Smart Power joined forces to convince New Haven to become the first town to commit to support clean energy, and New Haven committed to purchase clean energy in February 2004. Since that time over 85 other towns and the state government have taken the 20% by 2010 challenge, sending a strong message to make more clean energy.
Sooty Six - Power Plants
Through five grueling years of fighting false information and strong opposition, demand has grown "until it was impossible for decision-makers not to follow the lead of the people" to clean up Connecticut's Sooty Six Power Plants. Clean Water Action has been a leader in this largest environmental campaign on this scale in recent memory, winning a larger voice for environmental groups in Connecticut.
Connecticut Climate Coalition
Clean Water Action coordinates the Connecticut Climate Coalition, a coalition of more than 90 health, faith, business, and environmental organizations.