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A Triumph for our Water and Health at the State Capitol
Clean Water Action experienced several victories at the State Capitol this year. Thanks to our members, we were able to ban two toxic chemicals from specific children’s products, create a framework to ensure our waters are cleaned up, and set Minnesota on a path to promote the next generation of clean energy sources.
Banning Formaldehyde in Children’s Personal Care Products – PASSED!
Clean Water Action, as a co-lead of the Healthy Legacy coalition, supported a bill (SF 357 – Rest / HF 458 – Persell) to ensure children are protected from formaldehyde in their personal care products, such as shampoo, soap and lotions. The bill bans the intentional use of formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in personal care products designed for children under eight years old. Governor Dayton signed the bill on May 13 and so now these products will be formaldehyde free no later than August 1, 2015.
Support Clean Energy and Jobs Now
Clean Water Action is a proud member of the Minnesota Clean Energy & Jobs Campaign, which mobilizes more than 50 energy, labor, youth, faith, environment, and conservation groups, as well as clean energy businesses to advance groundbreaking state policies that create jobs for Minnesotans and generate clean, local, renewable energy, while protecting our health.
The campaign answers Governor Dayton’s call to establish Minnesota’s sustainable energy future this year and beyond — and promotes economic, energy and climate solutions supported by the majority of Minnesota voters.
Why Now?
Six years ago, our state took a big bipartisan step to cleaner energy and a stronger economy, proving that we can create thousands of jobs. But our work is not done — and we cannot afford to wait.
We must take the next step to promote clean, renewable energy; reduce costs and red tape for these industries; and promote energy efficiency to ensure family-supporting jobs, clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and a protected natural environment for future generations.
Download a fact sheet, including a list of policies we're proposing for Minnesota.
Take Action Tell your legislators to support clean energy and jobs for Minnesota's future.
Target, it’s time to get tough on toxic chemicals
Make your consumer voice heard
As Minnesota’s top retailer, Target has made significant contributions to our state’s economy and community. However, Target and other retailers need to do more to ensure the products on their store shelves are free from harmful chemicals. Tell Target it’s time to get tough on toxic chemicals.
Frustrated shoppers are tired of the burden being on them to research products for their chemical safety. Life is too hectic and schedules are too busy for most people to spend precious time looking up products’ chemical ingredients and their safety assessments. Modern day shopping is a minefield of hazards with products containing toxic chemicals such as triclosan, flame retardants and Bisphenol A (BPA) being found regularly on store shelves. The majority of products don't even list most of their chemical ingredients.
In response to consumer campaigns and legal actions, Target has taken some action to reduce PVC (vinyl) and cadmium in store products. While these are important steps, much more needs to be done to protect consumers’ health and our environment. In partnership with Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families’ Mind the Store Campaign, Clean Water Action is calling on Target to work with their suppliers to reduce, eliminate, or safely substitute the Hazardous 100+ chemicals. Join the over 50,000 people who have signed the letter to Target and other top retailers by sending your message today.
Target REDcard Members – your REDCard membership carries significant weight with Target. Be sure to indicate your membership in your message to Target.
Ask President Obama to help keep Asian Carp out of Minnesota Waters
Take Action Today
Photo courtesy T. Lawrence, Great Lakes Fisheries Commission
Asian Carp are voracious eaters which grow faster and compete better than native fish species, thus toppling the food chain and disrupting ecosystems – they are also on our doorstep. Asian carp were caught at the mouth of the St. Croix River, near Hastings, Minnesota, this past April.
In order to protect Minnesota’s waters we have to stop, slow and control their progress. This means stopping their spread above the Twin Cities, slowing their entry into Minnesota along the Mississippi River while continuing to develop effective long-term control measures. We can do this but the time is short.
President Obama can play a key role in this effort. He has placed a high priority on keeping Asian carp out of the Great Lakes and significant progress has been made there. However, in order to protect Minnesota’s waters we have to keep an eye on all fronts. Ask President Obama to provide regional coordination, agency prioritization and sufficient funding to keep Asian carp out of Minnesota.
Ask the President to continue to protect our waters from Asian Carp.
Protecting our Water and Health from Toxic Chemicals
Did you know the shampoo, cleaner, or laundry detergent you wash down the drain can harm your health and the health of our water?
Find out how these chemicals are making their way from our products into our bodies and water
Learn steps you can take to reduce your exposure and protect your health and our water
Clean Energy, Clean Water
The energy we use in Minnesota is directly connected to the quantity and quality of our water. Energy production is the largest consumer of water in the state and the old ways of generating power which rely on burning fossil fuels or nuclear fission harm our health and our environment.
Aquatic Invasive Species/Asian Carp
Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are not just a nuisance when they reach Minnesota’s water but are a significant economic, safety and water quality threat. The most effective and feasible approach is to prevent their introduction. Clean Water Action is working on multiple fronts to prevent the next invaders from reaching our waters. Learn what you can do to help.