Providence—Clean Water Action is proud to announce our initial list of endorsed candidates for the 2010 city, state, and federal elections.

"Rhode Island voters have a real opportunity to support environmental candidates this year," said Sheila Dormody, Rhode Island director of Clean Water Action. "Rhode Island needs more leaders who will take action to promote clean renewable energy, create green jobs, protect our drinking water supply, and fund public transportation. These candidates have earned Clean Water Action's endorsement by demonstrating their commitment to protecting our environment."

Action Urged As Clock Ticking On Deadline for Great Lakes Drilling Ban

A Record Oil Spill Means Legislature Must Act by Sept. 2 Deadline For November Ballot

LANSING, MI - In the wake of the Kalamazoo River oil spill and an approaching deadline for ballot measures, Clean Water Action today said lawmakers should return from Tuesday's primary election and act quickly on stalled measures to put a permanent ban on oil drilling before voters in the November election.

Gulf Coast Beach Warnings Skyrocket Due to Oil, Pollution Persists Nationwide

Duluth, Minnesota (July 28, 2010) – Pollution continues to contaminate the water at America’s beaches, causing 99 advisory days for Minnesota’s Lake Superior beaches last year and 18,682 closing and advisory days nationwide. Meanwhile, as of July 23, the Gulf oil disaster had already led to 1,755 days of beach closing, advisories, and notices in the Gulf region this year, according to the 20th annual beachwater quality report released today by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

Washington, DC - Clean Water Action joined with the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and Story of Stuff Project to launch the startling and fast-paced <em>Story of Cosmetics</em>  expose, a 7-minute online film exposing toxic hazards from personal care and consumer products used by millions of Americans each day.
 
The film's release coincides with the introduction of the Safe Cosmetics Act in Congress. The legislation would for the first time regulate and limit the use of toxic and cancer-causing ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products.
 

Constitutional change will protect MI from oil disaster; Legislature must act now

LANSING, MI - Clean Water Action today urged the full House and Senate to pass the strongest possible proposal to ban drilling in the Great Lakes after a bipartisan Senate panel approved protections that would ensure Michigan doesn't become the next oil disaster zone with devastating consequences.

A state House committee had previously passed the measure, which will protect local communities dependent on tourism, fishing and other industries.

Philadelphia - Clean Water Action today released a report showing ten years of diminishing funding for environmental protection. Citing recent incidents in signficant pollution in the areas of wastewater treatment, food processing and natural gas drillers, the report is meant to show the urgent need for a robust agency to check polluters, look for problems and fine them aggressively for violations. In the Governor's budget deal released today, DEP would take another cut in funding. Adjusted for inflation, the agency is now two-fifths the size it was under the previous administration.

From the first page of the report:

"When adjusted for inflation, state support for environmental protection has dropped from $340,000,000 in 2000-2001 to approximately $160,000,000 today (see General Fund line item in following tables and charts, this represents what the state allocates to DEP). The 2010 – 2011 state budget is projecting to lower this even further to $145,000,000.  The story is much worse when you adjust for inflation. If the state spent as little on environmental protection in 2000 as it does today, the agency would only be receiving $130,000,000. In other words, the DEP budget is 2/5s today of what it was midway through the Ridge Administration.

Published On: 

06/30/2010 - 18:25

Washington DC - On July 1, 2010 a voluntary ban on phosphates in dishwasher detergents will be implemented by many members of the American Cleaning Council (formerly the Soap and Detergent Association), a manufacturer's trade group representing most detergent companies.

Proposals in House will protect Michigan's lakes, economy

LANSING, MI - Clean Water Action today applauded a state House panel for moving forward a proposed permanent ban on oil drilling in the Great Lakes and called on the full House to act quickly ensure Michigan doesn't become the next oil disaster zone with devastating consequences to local communities dependent on tourism, fishing and other industries.

Northampton—Scientists and advocates gathered today to call on the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) to phase out BPA from infant formula and baby food packaging and reusable food and beverage containers, as well as baby bottles and sippy cups.  The DPH has proposed a “limited ban on bisphenol-A (BPA) in reusable food and beverage containers intended for use by children ages 3 and under,” ie: baby bottles and sippy cups.  Scientists, parents, and advocates representing members of the Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow (AHT) coalition will offer testimony at a hearing this afternoon in Northampton demonstrating that the proposed regulation

Trenton, NJ-- David Pringle, the Campaign Director for the NJ Environmental Federation, released the following statement in response to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection's offshore wind meeting and report release this afternoon:

"This is an important step in transforming New Jersey's economy into a 21st century clean energy-driven green engine. This top notch report provides the scientific baseline needed to advance offshore wind and thereby effectively combat climate change, create jobs, grow the economy and protect public health.

Mobilization of citizens, organizations and legislators succeeds in limiting pollution in streams

Harrisburg - The PA Independent Regulatory Review Commission voted today to enact new protections for the state's rivers and streams. Two regulations were approved to set new treatment requirements for wastewater from Marcellus Shale drilling operations, and to require buffers along our best streams when new development is proposed there. These new rules fall under Title 25, in the PA code, Chapter 95, Wastewater Treatment Requirements, and Chapter 102, Erosion and Sedimentation Control.

Myron Arnowitt, PA State Director for Clean Water Action stated, "Pennsylvania is taking a big step forward to protect our rivers and our drinking water supplies. Both natural gas drilling wastewater and stormwater from uncontrolled development can quickly contaminate any river. We are glad to see that our state regulators heeded the call of so many in this state who want to see more done for clean water."

Altogether over 8,000 comments were received by the state from the public, with over 90% in support of the proposed water protection rules. 100 organizations supported the new rules, several major water suppliers in the state, and 50 state legislators wrote in support.

NJ Environmental Federation and NJ Sierra Club Statement

 Trenton, NJ--The Sierra Club and NJ Environmental Federation believe that the proposed NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) public access rules are a compromise that tries to balance competing interests while still allowing public access to New Jersey's waterways.

Oceanport, NJ-Oceanport is going greener along the path to sustainability by adopting policy resolutions that declare parks and playgrounds as "Pesticide Free Zones." and places limits on fertilizer phosphorus content. Both measures are important steps to reducing non point source pollution to waterways and protecting public health.

According to Ellynn Kahle,Council member and liaison to the Oceanport Environmental Commission, Waterwatch and Recreation Committees, the integrated pest management policy for the township identifies key sensitive areas like the parks to be managed without harmful chemical pesticides.

Washington, DC - Yesterday, Clean Water Action joined twenty-three other national and Gulf Coast organizations in calling for strong leadership from President Obama in the continuing response to the BP oil spill disaster and the debate on U.S. Energy and Climate policy now underway in Congress.

"The unfolding tragedy in the Gulf underscores the need for a U.S. Energy policy that ends our dependence on oil and the other dirty, polluting technologies of the past," said Clean Water Action President John, DeCock. "Job one is clearly dealing aggressively with this spill and its aftermath, but steps are also needed now to make sure that this disaster is not repeated in the future, on any scale."

LANSING, MI -Local residents and groups declared victory today in a more than four-year battle against a proposed coal plant in Rogers City. Area residents applauded Governor Jennifer Granholm and the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment (DNRE) Director Rebecca Humphries for denying a permit needed to build the controversial plant.

Trenton/Lacey, NJ -- In a May 14th letter released by NJDEP today, Exelon attempts to avoid responsibility for the increasing number of radioactive leaks occurring around their plant on Oyster Creek on Barnegat Bay. NJ's leading environmental groups active on this issue support DEP's continued efforts to push Exelon to do the right thing.

"Shame on Exelon. It shows a total disregard for public health and their workers. They've been caught in the past about previous tritium leaks. It's past time for them to begin acting responsibly and clean-up this radioactive pollution that far exceeds safety levels," said Janet Tauro, GRAMMES (GRAndmothers, Mothers and More for Energy Safety).

Groups Call On Department of Public Health to protect children from BPA in infant formula, other food containers

Trenton, NJ -- New Jersey's three leading environmental groups, Environment New Jersey, the NJ Environmental Federation and the NJ Sierra Club, offered strong support for the Christie Administration's announcement earlier today it was taking formal legal action against a notorious Pennsylvania polluter literally on the banks of the Delaware River across from New Jersey.

Boston—Today the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s (DPH) Public Health Council (PHC) met to discuss a proposal to phase out certain children’s products containing the toxic chemical bisphenol A (BPA). The Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow coalition (AHT) praised the DPH for moving forward with a BPA regulation, but urged that the regulation as proposed will not adequately protect children’s health.

Threatens Major South Jersey Drinking Water Source
NJDEP going after nuclear plant operator, Exelon 

Trenton, NJ -- This morning NJDEP announced that new test results found groundwater contamination from Exelon's Oyster Creek nuclear plant was greater than expected, having spread to the Cohansey aquifer, a major drinking source for South Jersey. NJDEP also announced it was ordering Exelon to take aggressive action to address this growing problem as the contaminant, tritium, was found at over 50 times the federal drinking water standard.

Trenton, Montclair, Toms River, NJ -- New Jersey environmental leaders joined the League of Municipalities*, hundreds of its member towns, and NJ Planning Officials* in criticizing the Governor's signing today of the "time of decision" bill.

"This law ties the hands of municipal officials and thwarts sound planning at the local level. Towns will now have to foresee and circumvent every possible negative land use scenario before a developer proposes it. After that, enacting protective land use rules will be like closing the gate after the cow escapes," said Sandy Batty of the Association of NJ Environmental Commissions.

"Developers' common sense is our drinking water's worst nightmare. The playing field already tilts too far in their direction and away from permitting fair, needed changes mid-game. This will make matters worse, further favoring developers playing beat the clock. Planning isn't perfect, mistakes are sometimes made, and science and vision are always evolving. Governor Christie should have rejected the Legislature's putting developers' short-term personal profits over public health, safety, and even long-term jobs and development," stated David Pringle of the NJ Environmental Federation.

Newark, NJ--Saying Newark already faces more than its fair share of pollution at a City Hall press conference today, Councilmen Ron Rice Jr. (West Ward) and Oscar S. James II (South Ward) are campaigning against a plan for another garbage transfer station and the idea of expanding Newark's garbage incinerator.

At the event, the NJ Environmental Federation (NJEF), the state's largest environmental group, cited James and Rice's leadership here and on many other issues as it announced its endorsement of their re-election bids to the Newark Municipal Council just 8 days before the May 11th municipal elections.

Washington DC - Clean Water Action joined thirty other national organizations in calling for long-overdue Senate action to pass strong clean energy and climate change legislation.

"Americans have waited far too long for our leaders to begin down the path of a true clean energy future. We need leadership on climate that will bring with it millions of new, good-paying jobs," said Clean Water Action President, John DeCock.

"The Senate needs to refocus on comprehensive energy and climate legislation this June, if not sooner. It's either that or risk losing the opportunity for the U.S. to claim its position as a global leader in this emerging economy," DeCock said.

Washington, DC - Today, drinking water sources for more than 117 million Americans are at risk. Now, each U.S. House member will have a chance to help fix this damaging lapse in federal water protections. Each vote for passage of this "America's Commitment to Clean Water Act" bill is a vote for cleaner and safer water for all Americans.

"Preventing pollution in the first place is cheaper, better and faster than having to get it out at treatment plants," said Clean Water Action President and CEO John DeCock, "so there's also a serious common-sense aspect to passing this bill."

Oakhurst, NJ - The environmentally friendly ladybug is alive and well at Ocean Township parks, thanks to a newly adopted Township policy that declares parks and playgrounds as "Pesticide Free Zones."

According to Ray Pogwist, Chair of the Ocean Township Environmental Commission, the integrated pest management policy for the township identifies key sensitive areas like the village parks to be managed without harmful chemical pesticides. Integrated pest management (IPM) calls for the management of insects, undesired plants, and plant diseases with tools that are least likely to impact human health or the environment.

Washington DC -Clean Water Action welcomed progress in the debate over federal management of chemicals with today's introduction of the Safe Chemicals Act of 2010 by Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Representatives Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Bobby Rush (D-IL). The legislation would overhaul the 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act, widely agreed to be out of date and ineffective.

"The dramatic increase in health problems associated with toxic chemical exposure and renewed concern over chemicals in drinking water tell us that it is time to get serious about identifying problem chemicals and getting them out of products and out of the environment," said John DeCock, Clean Water Action President."

Washington DC -Clean Water Action welcomed progress in the debate over federal management of chemicals with today's introduction of the Safe Chemicals Act of 2010 by Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Representatives Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Bobby Rush (D-IL). The legislation would overhaul the 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act, widely agreed to be out of date and ineffective.

"The dramatic increase in health problems associated with toxic chemical exposure and renewed concern over chemicals in drinking water tell us that it is time to get serious about identifying problem chemicals and getting them out of products and out of the environment," said John DeCock, Clean Water Action President."

Environmentalists and local citizens across the state unify to support new legislation by State Representative Bud George

March 16, 2010

Harrisburg, PA - Clean Water Action emailed today tens of thousands of its members in Pennsylvania, calling on them to tell legislators to support H.B. 2213 that would beef up protections of drinking water sources and require tougher inspections when companies drill for gas in the Marcellus shale formation.

National Park, NJ - Environmental groups joined Governor Christie, Congressman Andrews, Senate President Sweeney and DEP Commissioner Martin on the dais today to applaud their strong stance against the proposed Delaware River deepening proposal. The bi-partisan event demonstrated strong opposition to the project on environment, health and safety grounds on the day New Jersey formally filed its opposition to proponents' latest legal effort to railroad the project through and run roughshod over environmental protections and states' rights.

[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.

Deerfield Beach, FL - Hundreds of people gathered today to send a message to state lawmakers - no oil drilling off our shores.

Trenton, NJ -- The NJ Environmental Federation (NJEF) released the following statement in response to BPU's approval this afternoon of a massive, new, and expensive dirty coal power line through the Highlands and the Governor's deficit reduction plan this morning.

"Today the air New Jerseyan's breathe, already too polluted, just got worse, suffering a double whammy!

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.

Trenton, NJ -- The NJ Environmental Federation (NJEF) released the following statement in response to Governor Christie's pick today to head the BPU.

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.

Trenton, NJ -- The NJ Environmental Federation (NJEF) released the following statement today at Governor-elect Christie's press conference announcing his nomination of Bob Martin to head the NJDEP.

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.

NJEF is filing suit today to put the brakes on this rogue Army Corps Deepening project which threatens South Jersey and Philadephia's major drinking water source - the Delaware River,as well as the fish and oyster populations that provide recreational enjoyment and commercial employment in the region.

The State of New Jersey is doubly threatened by the Deepening project - because New Jersey under the current Army Corps plan is the receiver of the majority of the dredge spoils which will be piled up to 90 feet high along the Jersey side of the Delaware River at Salem and Gloucester County dredge disposal sites, and, South Jersey's major drinking water sources - the River itself and the underlying aquifer, the Potomac Raritan Magothy(PRM), would be tainted by the stirring up of to

The recent release of the Root Cause Analysis to determine the reasons behind the tritium leak at the Oyster Creek Nuclear Plant eight days after receiving relicensing approval for another twenty years shows that Exelon knew about possible thinning of the pipes that leaked as early as October 2007, but did nothing about it. The report also details a review based upon incorrect assumptions, a pipe inspection program that failed to identify flaws, and lack of an independent review.

It is now evident why Exelon toiled so hard to keep this report from public review. It clearly shows that the plant's prior owner, GPU, abandoned maintenance of the pipes because it was going to close the plant when its original 40-year-license expired.

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.

To make up for his past mistakes, Corzine said he'd sue the feds over Delaware Deepening, but he wouldn't have to if he could get them to back off.

Cherry Hill, NJ -- The New Jersey Environmental Federation (NJEF) called on Governor Corzine and President Obama when they're together this Sunday in Camden to do right by the environment, economy, taxpayers and state rights by over-ruling a controversial decision by the federal Army Corps of Engineer last Friday. NJEF was joined by Chris Christie, the Republican candidate for Governor, who made similar remarks.

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.

Linden City Council President Robert Bunk Comes out Against the Plan 

A coalition of environmentalists announced today that they have formed the Arthur Kill Watershed Alliance with the goal of fighting a proposed mega coal plant in Linden.

Members of the Arthur Kill Watershed Alliance include the Tremley Point Alliance, the New Jersey Sierra Club, Edison Wetlands Association, New Jersey Environmental Federation, New Jersey Environmental Lobby and Environment New Jersey.

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.

First nod from NJ Environmental Federation to GOP in a statewide race

Trenton, NJ -- The NJ Environmental Federation (NJEF) today joined Chris Christie to release the strongest environmental agenda in this year's Governor's race and announce Christie's receipt of NJEF's endorsement, the first ever for a Republican in a statewide race.

"Chris Christie is the environmental candidate in this year's governor's race - he has laid out by far the most impressive green agenda," said Sharon Finlayson, who chairs NJEF and its political arm, the Vote Environment Committee (VEC). "Throughout our rigorous, exhaustive process, Christie consistently expressed a strong commitment to the environment and certainly demonstrated a willingness to work with us. We're excited to endorse him for governor - the first time we've endorsed a Republican in a statewide race and we welcome it!"

NEWARK, N.J. and NEW YORK-- The following is a statement by Amy Goldsmith, State Director of the New Jersey Environmental Federation:

"One year ago, the City of Los Angeles and its Harbor Commission, under the leadership of Mayor Anthony Villaraigosa, implemented the Clean Trucks Program. In twelve months the Port of Los Angeles has significantly reduced the amount of deadly toxins in the air. The key to its long-term success is the requirement that capitalized trucking companies assume responsibility for fleet replacement and maintenance instead of individual drivers who average $10 an hour.

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. 

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.

Camden-A coalition of local, regional and statewide environmental advocates came together today to publicly unveil a state report that confirms that the St. Lawrence Cement Plant (Holcim) in Camden, New Jersey - located within just blocks of the Waterfront South community - does indeed contribute significant pollution to this poor and working class neighborhood.

The report, "Final Report: Contribution of Particulate Emissions from a Cement Facility to Outdoor Dust in Surrounding Community", was submitted to the NJDEP by researchers at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute on October 6, 2008.

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