New legislation signed by Gov. Rick Perry on Friday will prohibit Texas homeowners associations (HOAs) from banning water-efficient landscaping. Under Senate Bill 198 (Watson; Dukes), which goes into effect September 1, 2013, HOAs can still require prior approval before homeowners can switch to such landscapes, and HOAs can adopt guidelines that determine what kind of plants are acceptable, as long as such guidelines do not “unreasonably restrict” water-conserving landscapes.

Clean Water Action and the Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter praised the law as an important way for our drought-stricken state to address its water needs.

Clean energy advocates gather to show that wind is working

ANN ARBOR - Volunteers and members of the Clean Energy Now coalition (CEN) gathered at locations across Michigan to mark Global Wind Day with kite flying events. 

“I’m proud to stand with activists today to send a message that wind is working,” said Rick Wilson, Vice President of Operations with Heritage Sustainable Energy. “Recently even the biggest utilities in the state have acknowledged that wind energy is cheaper than energy from coal-fired plants. Best of all, investing in clean energy is already saving ratepayers, creating jobs and reducing the need for expensive and outdated power plants.”

New rule limits toxic wastewater dischared into rivers,  lakes and streams

DETROIT – Michigan’s rivers, lakes and streams are closer to being cleaner and safer as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced long-overdue limits on toxic wastewater discharges. 

Coal power plants are, by far, the largest water polluters in the United States. The wastewater discharge rule governing these plants is more than 30 years out of date and allows heavy metals such as arsenic and mercury to pollute Michigan’s waterways.

Washington, DC - Today, Clean Water Action and its Garden State chapter, the NJ Environmental Federation, marked the passing of Senator Frank Lautenberg. Senator Lautenberg was a longtime advocate for the residents of New Jersey whose national leadership in the U.S. Senate on clean water and public health protection, and numerous other issues, will be sorely missed.

"Senator Lautenberg championed the everyday concerns of people across New Jersey. He was ahead of his time in leading efforts to protect public health and clean water.

Clean Water Groups Mark Loss of Environmental Champion Sen. Frank Lautenberg

Washington, DC – Today, Clean Water Action and its Garden State chapter, the NJ Environmental Federation, marked the passing of Senator Frank Lautenberg. Senator Lautenberg was a longtime advocate for the residents of New Jersey whose national leadership in the U.S. Senate on clean water and public health protection, and numerous other issues, will be sorely missed.