A manufacturer-run program for collecting mercury thermostats is failing to keep the toxic heavy metal out of the trash—and the environment. Turning Up The Heat II estimates that, at most, the industry recycling program has captured 8% of mercury thermostats coming out of service in the past decade. This has resulted in the disposal of over 50 tons of mercury into the environment, which can expose people to the neurotoxin through fish consumption. 

An Analysis of Landscaping Restrictions of Austin Area Homeowner Associations

Constant drought, a changing climate, and population growth make it imperative that Texas increase conservation efforts. While Texas may ultimately need to create new sources of water by adding infrastructure such as groundwater desalination, aquifer storage and recovery, and more, and while investments in pipes and treatment plants may also be necessary to deliver this water to consumers, conservation is far more cost effective and should be prioritized.In particular it makes sense to prioritize conservation in the municipal sector.

According to the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), municipal demand is the fastest growing sector among all water use categories in the state, projected to increase from 27% of total demand in 2010 to over 38% of total demand by 2060. The TWDB projects that water providers will need nearly $27 billion in state financial assistance to meet this demand — about half of the $53 billion the TWDB says is needed to meet state needs by 2060.

Southeast Michigan Beaches Some of Most Polluted in State; Great Lakes Region Most Frequently Contaminated

Macomb, MI - Pollution from stormwater runoff and sewage overflows continue to plague America's beaches, contributing to 119 closing and advisory days in Southeast Michigan (including beaches in Macomb, Monroe, Wayne, and St. Clair counties) and the second-highest number of closing and advisory days nationwide in more than two decades last year, according to the 21st annual beachwater quality report released today by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

re: Perchlorate Regulatory Determination
RIN: 2040-AF02 / 2040-AF08
January 13, 2011

Pursuant to the Safe Drinking Water Act, EPA must regulate a contaminant if it may have an adverse effect on human health, if it is known to occur (or there is a substantial likelihood that the contaminant will occur) in public water systems with a frequency and at levels of public health concern; and if its regulation would present a meaningful opportunity for health risk reduction for persons served by public water systems.¹

Precipitous drops in Pennsylvania's support for environmental protection, inspection and enforcement, since 2000

State support for core environmental protection halved