At the Federal Level, officials weighing whether to regulate the presence of rocket fuel in our drinking water. Perchlorate is the main combustion ingredient in missile and rocket fuel. Extensive data show that perchlorate contamination in water and food supplies poses a serious threat to public health. With perchlorate found in drinking water sources nationwide. You can sign a petition requesting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to set a limit for perchlorate in drinking water. Visit the action center for current online actions.

In California, Clean Water Action, a core member of the CHANGE coalition (Californians for a Healthy and Green Economy), has taken a lead role in developing the California Green Chemistry Initiative and generating thousands of letters from our members to Governor Schwarzenegger and decision makers at Cal EPA calling for regulations that will stop the flow of hazardous chemicals, develop safer alternatives, and build a sustainable economy. The state legislature took a major step toward these goals this year by passing two groundbreaking bills. Clean Water Action will be at the forefront of efforts to ensure that these laws are correctly implemented.

Thanks to Clean Water Action's efforts, Connecticut turned back intense industry opposition and become one of the first states to restrict lead and asbestos in children's products. Now momentum is building to pass a comprehensive policy that keeps toxic chemicals out of products and the environment by shifting to safer alternatives. Clean Water Action's Sarah Uhl can be contacted for more information.

In Michigan, Clean Water Action is working on legislation to replace toxic chemicals with safer alternatives and educating consumers on how to choose safer products for their homes and families. This year a proposed Safe Children's Products Act is expected to be introduced. For more information contact Katie Kelly

In Minnesota, Clean Water Action is leading a 28-organization coalition, advocating for consumer education, business leadership, and protective policies to advance safe alternatives in Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Health recently created a list of 30 chemicals commonly detected in Minnesota's groundwater, proving that many of the chemicals used in consumer products are ending up in our water. Since children are most vulnerable to chemical contamination, the focus is on legislation to reduce children's exposure to known toxins.

A top priority for preventing harm to public health from toxics in Massachusetts is passing the Safer Alternatives bill. A program to replace toxic chemicals with safer alternatives wherever feasible passed the State Senate in 2008, but was not taken up by the State House so it must start the process again in 2009.

In this issue of Clean Water Currents|Online:

What's Good For the Environment is Good for America
The expression used to be "What's good for General Motors is good for America" but current events suggests that expression may need retiring.

While we watch our financial markets and the economy melt down, we continue to accept public policy decisions that prevent us from making the most important economic breakthrough in our history.

It's a fact: The country that achieves breakthroughs in generating clean, competitive renewable energy is the country that will dominate the world economy for decades.

Wet 'N Wild: Changing How Water Works For Us
For most of us, our great water system is both out of sight and out of mind. The system, however, has become a huge industry that binds huge sections of our country to the old centers of our cities and back to the life-giving rivers that run through them.

Taking Action Across America
A round-up of Clean Water Action's campaigns on the national and state levels.

Making Our Mark on a New Congress
One of the biggest winners in the November election was our nation's environment.

At every level significant pro-environment gains were made. From the U.S. House and Senate to critical state-level races voters turned out in historic numbers to vote for candidates endorsed by Clean Water Action-elected officials now committed to stopping global warming, protecting America's waters, and building a clean energy future for all Americans.

Download the full issue of Clean Water Currents (pdf, 1.4 MB)

You will need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader properly installed to view PDF documents. You can get it free from Adobe.