[Minnesota] –Minnesota agricultural producers and rural community leaders today firmly expressed their support for the passage of strong, comprehensive federal climate and clean energy legislation in 2010.

The leaders spoke during a conference call organized by 1Sky Minnesota and Clean Water Action. The call was part of a 1Sky-organized nationwide effort this week to profile the urgency of climate solutions and to shine a spotlight on attempts to weaken the ability to use the Clean Air Act to crack down on dirty coal plants.

HOLYOKE – Last night the Holyoke City Council passed a Resolution supporting statewide Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). EPR is a new approach to reduce, reuse, and recycle that shifts the financial cost of managing discarded products and packaging from the cities and towns to the brand owners who design and market the products.

Councilor Rebecca Lisi, who introduced the Resolution, said, “Holyoke taxpayers shouldn’t have to pay to dispose of toxic or hard-to-recycle products. The companies that put these products into the marketplace should be responsible for these costs.”

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.

Providence – Today Clean Water Action released a report documenting that Rhode Island is below the national average for preventing mercury pollution from thermostats and far behind the national leaders. The report, Turning Up The Heat, also finds that thermostat makers have collected less than 5% of the thermostats coming out of service over the last 10 years. The House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources is scheduled to hear a bill that would prevent mercury pollution from thermostats on Thursday, February 4 at the rise of the House in room 205.

Legislators, advocates, call for new, effective strategy

Boston--Thanks to the 2006 passage of the much acclaimed Mercury Management Act, you can no longer purchase a mercury-containing thermostat in Massachusetts, but thousands of them remain in use on the walls in the homes, businesses and institutions of the Commonwealth.  Today Clean Water Action released a report documenting that thermostat makers have collected less than 5% of the thermostats coming out of service in the United States over the last 10 years.

New toxics laws would make Americans healthier, wealthier

Worcester-- Environmental health organizations and city officials celebrated the clean-up of diesel school buses to protect the health of school children and the public. The Massachusetts Diesel Pollution Solution Coalition called for urgent action to clean-up diesel WTA buses, trash trucks, and construction vehicles.

Pittsburgh - A federal judge in U.S. District Court has approved a settlement between Clean Water Action and Horsehead Corp. concerning Clean Water Action's lawsuit alleging violations of the Clean Water Act at the company's zinc smelter in Monaca, PA on the Ohio River outside of Pittsburgh.

Key elements of the proposed settlement include:

• Horsehead will pay a penalty of $15,000 for past Clean Water Act violations. As additional mitigation for past violations, Horsehead will contribute to two local environmental projects.
  Published On: 

  12/29/2009 - 18:38

Groups Sharply Criticize Granholm-Cherry Administration Approval of Coal Plant

Today's DEQ Decision Strikes Blow to Clean Energy Jobs

Lansing, MI - Clean energy and environmental groups today criticized a decision today by Governor Granholm's Department of Environmental Quality approving a controversial permit for a coal plant project in Bay City, a move that strikes a blow to clean energy investments and jobs in Michigan. The DEQ is expected to put off a decision on a pending permit application for a smaller coal plant in Rogers City. 

CLEAN ENERGY NOW

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Leigh Fifelski

Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009 (248) 321.4579

Mich. Senate passes bill to gut coal regulations and raise utility rates

House should reject Senate's dangerous giveaway to dirty coal companies, environmental leaders say

LANSING - The Michigan Senate passed a bill today that would force the state to ignore critical environmental and economic factors when evaluating Clean Air Act permits, a move that is being roundly panned by leading environmental groups throughout Michigan.

A Response to Representative Walz and Paulsen’s press conference

Minneapolis, MN- Clean Water Action is disappointed with the statements made by Representatives Tim Walz and Eric Paulsen this morning urging for the repeal of Minnesota’s statewide nuclear moratorium. Minnesota is a national leader in renewable energy and allowing the construction of new nuclear reactors will ultimately slow progress on local clean energy and hurt the state’s economy. “Our leaders in the Minnesota House and Senate have committed to the 2007 Renewable Energy Standard and moving Minnesota towards clean and locally-grown renewable energy instead of dangerous and expensive nuclear power,” said Deanna White, State Director of Clean Water Action. Efforts to overturn the moratorium were defeated during the 2009 legislative session.

Republicans Attempted to Cripple Legislation

WASHINGTON, DC - Eight years after the September 11th attacks, the House of Representatives today approved the "Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2009," (H.R. 2868) by a vote of 230-193. The legislation was led by Representatives Thompson (D-MS), Jackson-Lee (D-TX), Waxman (D-CA), Markey (D-MA), Oberstar (D-MN) and Johnson (D-TX). This is the first time either house of Congress has approved permanent and comprehensive chemical security legislation.

PROVIDENCE - Rep. Art Handy of Cranston and Providence Councilman Seth Yurdin joined with colleagues across the country today in calling on the electronics industry to withdraw its lawsuit against the New York City e-waste recycling law, describing the lawsuit as a direct challenge to state and local government efforts to protect public health and the environment.

In a letter to the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and the Information Technology Industry Council (ITIC), who filed the lawsuit, state and local government representatives from 18 states expressed their continued support for state and local laws that give the electronics manufacturers responsibility for financing effective takeback services for all the products they are selling in those states.

Remaining Partners Throw in the Towel

(Minneapolis, MN) —The last remaining partners in the construction of the Big Stone II coal-fired power plant announced yesterday that they would not continue the project. They proposed a 500 to 600 megawatt expansion of an existing coal-fired power plant located near Milbank, South Dakota. The expansion would have been built on the shores of Big Stone Lake, headwaters to the Minnesota River, near the Minnesota border.

New project examines how global environmental issues impact people locally

MINNEAPOLIS, MN— Today, Clean Water Action launched a project that explores how new threats to our water and health impact Minnesotan’s lives and communities. In Ripple Effects: Minnesotan’s Stories On Our Environment And Health, Minnesotans share their personal stories on how global problems, such as climate change and polluted water, are being experienced locally. “We hear a lot about the significant issues putting our environment and health at risk. This project highlights how climate change and other problems are changing the lives and communities of everyday Minnesotans,” stated Deanna White, Minnesota Clean Water Action State Director.

(Boston, Mass. - October 21, 2009) - As part of a settlement for clean air violations, school bus operator First Student will commit to reduce idling from its nationwide fleet of 50,000 school buses.

The anti-idling measures are the result of an EPA enforcement action to address illegal idling at Connecticut and Rhode Island school bus lots. This nationwide effort will reduce school children's exposure to diesel pollution and help clean the nation's air. First Student, Inc. will also pay a fine of $128,000 and perform environmental projects valued at over $1 million.

Congressional Action Needed to Restore Protection to America's Waters

Washington, D.C. - During yesterday's U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing on enforcement of the Clean Water Act, Committee Chairman James Oberstar (D-MN) noted that new challenges to protecting the nation's water may be less visible, but are no less insidious than the burning lakes and rivers of untreated sewage that prompted Congress to pass the Clean Water Act in 1972. The hearing laid bare the critical need to clarify the Clean Water Act's intent to protect all the waters of the United States.

Calls on Congress to restore protections of hallmark environmental legislation

Washington, D.C. - This Sunday, October 18, marks the 37th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act's signage into law. In observance of the occasion, Clean Water Action President, John DeCock, issued the following statement:

"We face often invisible and always complex water issues, but for a generation we could rely on the shield of the Clean Water Act to provide basic protections for all of America's waters. It has been one of the most successful environmental laws in history.

AUSTIN, Texas - A new study by Clean Water Fund warns that Central Texas is likely to experience serious long-term water shortages as population continues to increase and the effect of drought and climate change make themselves felt. The report urges Central Texas communities to amplify their efforts to conserve water. The report, called "The Coming Crisis: Water Availability and Municipal Conservation Efforts in Central Texas," outlines the challenges facing water security from population growth, drought and climate change, and surveys the limited conservation steps that cities in Williamson County, Travis County and Hays County have undertaken to date.

Call for legislature to take action

Boston, MA—Mercury, phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA) and other toxic chemicals have been found in the bodies of a doctor and nurse in Massachusetts whose blood and urine were tested as part of a national study whose results were released today.  The study, Hazardous Chemicals In Health Care, is the first investigation ever of chemicals found in the bodies of health care professionals.  It found that all of the 20 study participants had toxic chemicals associated with health care settings in their bodies.  These chemicals are all linked to chronic illness and physical disorders.

 
Pending Michigan bills would help stop needless exposures

 
(October 8, 2009 –– Lansing)  The first national study of the toxic chemical “body burden” in health professionals found an array of hazardous chemicals in twenty doctors and nurses across the country, including state Representative Jimmy Womack, MD and the founder of MSU’s Department of Pediatrics, Dr. William Weil.

First ever biomonitoring study detects chemicals on EPA’s priority list

MINNEAPOLIS, MN— Today, Clean Water Action joins with Physician’s for Social Responsibility to release their report “Hazardous Chemicals In Health Care”, detailing the first investigation ever of chemicals found in the bodies of health care professionals. The study found all 20 study participants, including a doctor and nurse from Minnesota, had toxic chemicals in their bodies. Each participant had at least 24 individual chemicals present, four of which are on the recently released Environmental Protection Agency list of priority chemicals for regulation. These chemicals are all associated with chronic illness and physical disorders.

Senate Introduces the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act

Washington, DC - This morning, Senators John Kerry and Barbara Boxer introduced the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act in the U.S. Senate, a comprehensive bill to address clean energy and create new jobs, and make America more energy independent. The bill is considered the complement to the American Clean Energy and Security Act passed by the U.S. House in June.

Minneapolis, MN. (September 25, 2009)—Minnesota’s U.S. Senators, Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, helped advance Great Lakes restoration and economic recovery last night by voting for an appropriations bill with $400 million to address some of the most urgent threats to the Great Lakes, including invasive species, toxic pollution and habitat restoration. The Interior Appropriations bill passed by a bipartisan vote of 77-21.

Urges Immediate Action to End Dumping of Untreated Waste

Pittsburgh - A state coalition of environmental, watershed, and sporting organizations is calling on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to take immediate action following a large scale fish kill in Dunkard Creek. Over the past two weeks, 10,000 fish in both West Virginia and Pennsylvania have been reported killed in Dunkard Creek as a result of the dumping of untreated wastewater from Marcellus Shale gas drilling operations.

Environmentalists call for PA-DEP to hold Marcellus Gas Drillers accountable after recent spills of unknown chemicals

(September 16, 2009 –Boston) The Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow and the Ecology Center released results today on over 900 common products tested for toxic chemicals including lead, cadmium, mercury, bromine, chlorine (PVC) and arsenic.  Researchers analyzed the ingredients of pet products, cars, women’s handbags, children’s car seats and more, finding toxic chemicals in many of these products.  The result is the largest database yet of independent tests of toxic chemicals in consumer goods. 

Vote for a Healthy Environment in November!

Clean Water Action has endorsed 10 candidates for the Virginia House of Delegates in the November 3rd general election. The endorsed candidates include 5 incumbents, 3 who are challenging incumbents, and 2 seeking open seats. "All of our endorsed candidates have demonstrated leadership for a clean and healthy environment and are clearly superior to their opponents on our issues," said Andrew Fellows, Chesapeake Regional Director of Clean Water Action.

Fake "Citizens Energy Group" stages rally in Greeley

Fort Collins, CO -- The American Petroleum Institute will stage a fake "citizens rally" in Greeley, Colorado on Tuesday, August 25th apparently to target U.S. Representative Betsy Markey for her vote supporting the American Clean Energy Security Act of 2009, and also to target U.S. Senator Michael Bennet as he considers his upcoming vote in the U.S. Senate.

New Guide to Help Parents Make Safer Choices for Back-to-School Shopping

Boston, MA –  Massachusetts health advocates applaud the new Back to School Guide to PVC-Free School Supplies from the Center for Health, Environment & Justice (CHEJ).

The new guide gives parents specific recommendations for buying safer, PVC-free school supplies in over 20 product categories.  

Boston—The Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s (DPH) Bureau of Environmental Health today will issue a consumer warning on bisphenol-A (BPA), a toxic chemical that leaches from polycarbonate plastics and the linings of food and beverage cans. The Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow (AHT) praises the DPH for issuing a warning and reinforcing public health concerns regarding BPA’s links to a range of health problems including breast cancer, miscarriage, obesity, and diabetes. In light of this warning, advocates are re-issuing a call to action, urging the state to use its existing powers to phase out BPA from consumer products to better protect Massachusetts’ families.

Boston—The Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s (DPH) Bureau of Environmental Health today will issue a consumer warning on bisphenol-A (BPA), a toxic chemical that leaches from polycarbonate plastics and the linings of food and beverage cans. The Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow (AHT) praises the DPH for issuing a warning and reinforcing public health concerns regarding BPA’s links to a range of health problems including breast cancer, miscarriage, obesity, and diabetes. In light of this warning, advocates are re-issuing a call to action, urging the state to use its existing powers to phase out BPA from consumer products to better protect Massachusetts’ families.

Beach Closing Days Nationwide Top 20,000 for Fourth Consecutive Year

Michigan Ranked 17th in the Nation for Beachwater Quality,and Analysis Reveals Climate Change to Make Pollution Worse

Lansing, MI – The water at American beaches was seriously polluted and jeopardized the health of swimmers last year with the number of closing and advisory days at ocean, bay and Great Lakes beaches reaching more than 20,000 for the fourth consecutive year, according to the 19th annual beachwater quality report released today by Clean Water Action and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

“When families head to the beach this summer, they shouldn’t have to worry about swimming in human and animal waste that can make them sick,” said Christy McGillivray, Michigan Campaigns Director for Clean Water Action.

MN AG recommends tapping Superfund for clean-up of rogue feedlot

St. Paul, MN— At a June 22 hearing the Minnesota Pollution Control Board warned Excel Dairy this was their last chance to show good faith and correct the air emissions problem with their dairy operation in Marshall County near Thief River Falls, Minnesota.

A year ago in June the MPCA, the county and the Attorney General filed lawsuits to get the company to bring the toxic air emissions under compliance with Minnesota’s air quality standards for hydrogen sulfide. Excel Dairy had nearly 500 violations last year. Hydrogen sulfide causes many health problems such as headache, nausea, breathing problems, vomiting, diarrhea and extreme fatigue.

Clean Water Restoration Act is key to safeguarding water resources for millions of Americans

Today, Clean Water Action Minnesota applauds passage of the Clean Water Restoration Act in the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee by a party line vote of 12 – 7. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar played a key role in the smooth passage of the bill.

“This vote is a strong rejection of the last Administration’s ‘No Protection Policy’ that threatened the drinking water sources for at least 110 million people, including over 950,000 Minnesotans,” said Clean Water Action Program Coordinator Darrell Gerber.

New Report: Despite "Green" Claims, Incinerator Industry Just Blowing Smoke

Providence, RI - Environmental groups gathered at the State House today to release findings from a new report, An Industry Blowing Smoke: 10 Reasons Why Gasification, Pyrolysis & Plasma Incineration are Not "Green Solutions" revealing that new incineration technologies are no better than conventional trash-burning. The report cites consultant reviews, government studies and scientific literature concluding that despite industry claims of advanced pollution control technology, the impacts of incinerating waste remain the same: it is toxic to public health, harmful to the economy, environment and climate, and undermine recycling and waste reduction programs. Clean Water Action, Toxics Action Center, Conservation Law Foundation and other groups stood with Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts and legislators in opposition to two bills pending in the legislature that would overturn the state's fifteen year ban on incineration and define trash-burning as renewable energy.

Restrictions on Bisphenol-A (BPA) in Children's Products Shines Light on Greater Problem

In the past few weeks, Minnesota and Connecticut became the first states in the country to pass laws eliminating bisphenol-a from products intended for use by children, including baby food cans and jars, "sippy" cups, and baby bottles. Connecticut's law stretched even further, protecting a full range of reusable food and beverage containers.

In March, Suffolk County, NY became the first jurisdiction in the country to disallow BPA within county limits. Shortly thereafter, Chicago became the first U.S. city to ban BPA, with a unanimous vote of its city council.

Despite Unanimous House Approval, Bipartisan Solar Legislation Fails to Advance through Senate

State Action Sends Message that the Public Supports Safer Products

Hartford, CT - Connecticut became the first state in the nation to ban the toxic chemical bisphenol A (BPA) from infant formula and baby food cans and jars, as well as the full range of reusable food and beverage containers. Governor M. Jodi Rell (R) signed the legislation into law, which will take effect on October 1, 2011. The BPA ban passed with significant bipartisan support; only one vote was cast in opposition to the final version of the bill. Connecticut's progress follows legislation in Canada, Minnesota, Suffolk County New York, and Chicago which prevents the chemical from use in baby bottles.

New Guide Details Steps to Take After Pesticide Exposure

MINNEAPOLIS, MN— Today, statewide environmental group Clean Water Action released a Toolkit for the victims of pesticide exposure with the advice they need to treat exposure, obtain medical help and deal with the State of Minnesota’s complicated process of obtaining pesticide information to facilitate proper treatment. The toolkit is available at: http://cleanwateraction.org/mn/toolkit.

House retains moratorium to preserve Minnesota’s renewable energy future

Minneapolis, MN— Clean Water Action is encouraged by today’s actions by the Minnesota House to reject an amendment to the House Energy Omnibus bill to repeal the statewide moratorium on new nuclear power plants in Minnesota.

“This action is a clear signal that our state leaders in the House are committed to the 2007 Renewable Energy Standard by moving Minnesota towards clean and locally-grown renewable energy instead of toxic and expensive nuclear power,” said Ken Bradley, State Director of Clean Water Action. This news comes in the wake of the disappointing actions by the Senate to repeal the moratorium several weeks ago.

Shocked locals fear for health, families in wake of pro-feedlot decision

St. Paul, MN—The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Citizens Board heard hours of testimony on April 28, regarding the revoking and re-issuance of a permit to operate for Excel Dairy located in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. Typically a five year permit is issued. The MPCA Citizens Board voted to revoke and reissue a one year permit to Excel Dairy in light of flagrant air and water quality violations.

WARWICK - Today, Clean Water Action and Ocean State Action held the 7th Annual Earth Day Breakfast, honoring leaders working to create "change you can breathe in." Legislators, environmentalists and advocates gathered at the Aspray Boat House in Pawtuxet Village overlooking the water to celebrate and honor Senate Majority Leader Dan Connors, Rep. Donna Walsh, Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA), and Alisa Richardson, Principal Engineer at RI DEM.

Boston— Fourteen of the largest public packaged food companies still use Bisphenol A (BPA) in their packaging despite studies linking BPA to developmental problems, cancer, heart disease and diabetes, according to a scorecard released today by shareholder groups. Seven companies got a grade of “F”, including Campbell, Coca-Cola, Kraft, Hershey and Del Monte because they are not taking any action to protect consumers from BPA in their can linings or other packaging. 

Global warming auction revenue to stimulate state clean energy, efficiency programs

On Saturday, Governor Rell announced the transfer of $14 million in Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative revenue into state clean energy and energy efficiency programs. RGGI is a 10 state program which went into effect this January that requires power plants to reduce their global warming (CO2) emissions 10% by 2019. Under this program Connecticut requires power plant owners to take part in quarterly auctions to buy "allowances" to emit each ton of global warming pollution.

Today, Clean Water Action urged aggressive action to prevent pollution in the wake of new information about manufacturers dumping drugs into America's waters.

The Associated Press issued an update on its ongoing PharmaWater investigation of drugs in drinking water. The report found that at least 271 million pounds of pharmaceuticals have been released into our waterways and now contaminate the drinking water of at least 51 million Americans, though "[m]ost cities and water providers do not test."

How the Supreme Court Has Broken the Clean Water Act and Why Congress Must Fix It

Washington, DC - For decades, the Clean Water Act has broadly protected America's lakes, rivers, streams, and drinking water sources from unregulated pollution and destruction, rescuing them from the dire straits they were in during the late 1960s and early 1970s. But because of a concerted effort by polluters and developers, and muddied rulings from the U.S. Supreme Court, up to 60 percent (at least 15,000 important waters) have lost these vital protections and countless other waters (including more than 50 percent of our streams and 20 million acres of wetlands) are at risk of losing protections.

Clean Water Action Urges Congress To Move On New Bill

Washington, DC - Clean Water Action strongly endorsed legislation introduced today in the United States Senate to restore critical Clean Water Act protections lost through six years of confusing and contradictory court and government agency decisions.

The measure was introduced by Sen. Russell Feingold, D-WI, and several co-sponsors.

Nuclear a Costly Diversion from MN’s Path Toward Clean, Renewable Energy

Today a measure to lift Minnesota’s moratorium on new nuclear power plants passed on the Minnesota Senate Floor 42-24. Sen. Prettner Solon (DFL, Duluth) presented her energy policy omnibus bill (SF550), and Sen. Dille (R, Dassel) offered an amendment to repeal the ban on the PUC issuing Certificates of Need for new nuclear power plants—effectively ending the current moratorium.

Bill would define trash burning as "renewable energy"

Providence--Environmental organizations and renewable energy advocates denounced legislation introduced today (H6053) that would overturn the state ban on municipal waste incineration and would define trash burning as renewable energy.

These environmental leaders and renewable energy advocates issued the following statements to oppose the bill:

PORTSMOUTH, NH - Two weeks ago, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics released a national report, about unregulated cancer-causing chemicals found in bath, personal care and baby products. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, which is supported by Clean Water Fund, has been working to test for toxic chemicals in products like lotion, deodorant, bubble bath, perfume, toothpaste, lipstick, and many more. This new report found high levels of both formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane in 17 different baby products, including Johnson's Baby Shampoo, Sesame Street Bubble Bath, and Huggies Refreshing Cucumber & Green Tea baby wash.

PROVIDENCE - Last night parents, students, health and environmental advocates packed a committee hearing at City Hall to support and offer testimony on a bold policy set forth by the City Council to reduce diesel pollution in Providence. The law has gained significant momentum since it's introduction several weeks ago when it was unanimously co-sponsored by the entire City Council.

Clean Water Action stood in concert with Councilmen Seth Yurdin, who introduced the local law, and Cliff Wood as they championed the cause of government responsibility to prevent pollution from public works projects and protect those most vulnerable to diesel-related illnesses, especially children, low-income families and the elderly.

Climate Action Plan a Start, but Doesn't Go Far Enough

MANCHESTER, NH - Today Clean Water Action offered cautious praise for the completion of over a year's worth of work by Governor Lynch's Climate Change Task Force, which was charged with preparing a comprehensive climate change plan for the Granite State. The Climate Action Plan's intent was to set New Hampshire targets for reductions of greenhouse gas emissions, man-made pollutants which have been shown to contribute to global warming.

Over the last year, Clean Water Action members have sent dozens of letters to the Governor in support of a strong Climate Action Plan that will also address carbon emissions from stationary sources, including the Merrimack Power Plant Station in Bow.

Boston—Alarmed that baby bottles, sippy cups, and infant formula continue to endanger the healthy development of children due to BPA contamination, MA residents delivered 8,490 consumer messages to Governor Patrick today. The Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow (AHT) called on the Governor and the Department of Public Health to protect children’s health from BPA.

“We can’t keep quiet on this issue; our children are suffering and depend on us to keep them safe,” said Cheryl Durr Patry, mother of 4 from Medfield.  “As a parent, it is a high priority for me to see BPA banned. We need the Department of Public Health to hold the manufacturers accountable for safe products.”

Advocates Call for Safer Alternatives Bill to get Toxic Products out of Marketplace

Boston – Despite label claims like “gentle” and “pure,” dozens of top-selling children’s bath products are contaminated with the cancer-causing chemicals formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane, according to a new report and product tests released today by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and the Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow. The chemicals were not disclosed on product labels because contaminants are exempt from labeling laws.

Lack of Regulatory Oversight Allows Toxic Products in Marketplace

Washington, DC - Despite label claims like "gentle" and "pure," dozens of top-selling children's bath products are contaminated with the cancer-causing chemicals formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane, according to new report and product tests released today by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and Clean Water Action. The chemicals were not disclosed on product labels because contaminants are exempt from labeling laws.

The Campaign study is the first to document the widespread presence of both formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane in bath products for children.

New Bill On Take-Out Containers Saves Money, Protects Health and Ocean

SACRAMENTO,CA - A new bill that would ban foam take-out packaging in California won support today from Clean Water Action.

Polystyrene (commonly known as Styrofoam ™), widely used in food take-out packaging, poisons ourbodies, contaminates local waterways, and winds up in the big Pacific "Garbage Patch." AB 1358, introduced by Assembly member Jerry Hill, proposes safer and more sustainable alternatives to polystyrene foodware and bans polystyrene food take-out containers state-wide. A hearing on the bill could come as early as March 30.

Pittsburgh Healthy School Bus Fund helps reduce kids' exposure to toxic diesel exhaust

Local school bus company owner, W L Roenigk, Inc, along with the Allegheny County Partnership to Reduce Diesel Pollution (led by Group Against Smog and Pollution and Clean Water Action), will unveil new healthy school buses on Tuesday afternoon. The buses, retrofitted to reduce diesel emissions by up to 90%, can greatly improve the health and safety standards for Pittsburgh Public School students and are the first of fifty buses he will retrofit by the end of the school year

Action Tackles Oil Dependence, Global Warming

Washington, DC - President Obama's announcement today that he is ordering the federal Environmental Protection Agency to strengthen emissions standards for autos puts us on a path toward reducing America's dependence on oil and is strong evidence the new administration is stepping up to the challenge of global warming.

In his first major action as president on energy and global warming, Obama said the federal government should stop blocking innovations by states and told the EPA to review its denial of granting California a waiver to regulate automobile tailpipe emissions linked to global warming. The president also threw the administration's support behind stronger fuel economy standards.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Concerned About Pollution, Global Warming

Washington, DC - Less than three days after the Bush Administration left office, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has overturned the State of South Dakota's approval of the massive BigStone II coal-fired power plant.  The EPA's decision comes after the state failed to require state-of-the-art pollution controls for the coal plant that would address concerns about harmful soot, smog and global warming pollution.

Battle Creek -- Clean Water Action today endorsed State Senator Mark Schauer, a Battle Creek Democrat, in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District.

"We are pleased to announce today that Clean Water Action officially endorses Mark Schauer for Congress," said Cyndi Roper, Michigan Director. "He’ll continue work to protect Michigan’s Mark Schauerlakes, river, streams and drinking water sources as well as the health of our families and communities.”