"We all live downstream" is more than just a slogan or a blog title, it is the truth of our drinking and sporting waters in America.

You've seen the reports on "gender-bending" fish in waterways around the country, and pharmaceutical drugs detected in drinking water sources. And the thousands of water pollution or safe drinking water violations that go unpunished each year.

For every "regulated" contaminant there are tens of thousands for which safety standards have yet to be set. Under-funded government agencies are years behind in meeting environmental cleanup, research and health protection targets.

We need to move away from our system of after-the-fact treatment and clean-up, which requires the conclusive proof of harm only us human lab rats can provide, before action is even considered.

Looking upstream means holding companies accountable for their products' "downstream" impacts. Proof of safety should be required before any new chemical enters the marketplace, rather than proof of harm once the contaminant shows up in our water and our bodies.

Our idea to look upstream to protect our waters from toxic pollution has made it to the final round of voting in Change.org's Ideas for Change in America competition...and you helped put it there! Now, please vote and ask your friends to vote to make our idea that every American should have access to clean, safe water free from toxic pollution #1 of the Top 10 Ideas for Change in America!

You want it. I want it. Polls show most of the American people want it. In his State of the Union speech, President Barack Obama made it clear that he wanted it, that Senator John Kerry wanted it, and that even conservative Senator Lindsey Graham wanted it.

That "it" is comprehensive clean energy jobs legislation that would free the United States from our dependence on foreign oil. For Michigan, comprehensive legislation will rev the engine of our clean energy economy, which is already driving our economic resurgence.

Take Action: Tell the EPA and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection that Florida's waters should be protected!

photo by Justin Henry

On January 15, 2010 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released new pollution limits that may finally make it possible to protect Florida's waters. Unfortunately, special interest industry insider's who don't want to pay for the privilege of polluting our water are gearing up in opposition!

We need you to be on the record that Florida needs the highest possible standards to protect all of our waters. Send your comments to the EPA and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection now.

Low and unenforceable water quality standards in Florida have resulted in runoff triggering harmful algae blooms which poison water supplies, kill fish and choke marine life. Excess nitrogen and phosphorus have led to significant water quality problems and declines in wildlife habitat in both our inland and coastal waters.