New England Currents | Summer 2012
new england currents
summer 2012 edition
moms on a mission:
stroller bridgades for safer chemicals and healthy families
On May 22, Clean Water Action participated in the National Stroller Brigade in Washington DC to demonstrate support for the Safe Chemicals Act. Clean Water Action’s Elizabeth Saunders (Massachusetts), and Susan Eastwood (Connecticut) represented New England. Moms, kids and advocates from thirty states, from as far away as Alaska and Idaho, rolled into Washington DC and right up to the Capitol to let Congress know that people are serious about protecting their children and families from “toxic trespass.” The bill’s lead sponsor, U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg, addressed the enthusiastic crowd, as did Sens. Dick Durbin (IL) and Charles Schumer (NY). Michigan mom of three Polly Schlaff shared her powerful story of losing her husband to cancer and made a passionate plea for our legislators to help to keep families safe. The event was covered by press from around the country.
Elizabeth Warren for Senate (MA)
Clean Water Action has endorsed Elizabeth Warren in the closely contested U.S. Senate race for Massachusetts. The endorsement is based on Warren’s promise as a leader in promoting clean energy investments and environmental protection and placing working families’ interests above those of big oil, chemical and dirty energy companies.
Environmentalists have been disappointed with incumbent U.S. Sen. Brown’s record, including his recent vote to protect billions of dollars in Big Oil tax subsidies for some of the world’s most powerful and profitable corporations.
“Elizabeth Warren shares our commitment to promoting clean, safe, and affordable water, preventing pollution, and protecting our air quality,” says Clean Water Action’s New England Director, Cindy Luppi. “We are pleased to endorse Elizabeth Warren, and look forward to her leadership on these critical issues that affect the health and well-being of Massachusetts families.”
Clean Water Action has endorsed Elizabeth Warren in the closely contested U.S. Senate race for Massachusetts. The endorsement is based on Warren’s promise as a leader in promoting clean energy investments and environmental protection and placing working families’ interests above those of big oil, chemical and dirty energy companies.
Environmentalists have been disappointed with incumbent U.S. Sen. Brown’s record, including his recent vote to protect billions of dollars in Big Oil tax subsidies for some of the world’s most powerful and profitable corporations.
“Elizabeth Warren shares our commitment to promoting clean, safe, and affordable water, preventing pollution, and protecting our air quality,” says Clean Water Action’s New England Director, Cindy Luppi. “We are pleased to endorse Elizabeth Warren, and look forward to her leadership on these critical issues that affect the health and well-being of Massachusetts families.”
community energy:
Leading the Charge from the Ground Upin Massachusetts
Of, by, and for the people: what works for good government works for climate and community power!
Clean Water Action’s movement-building for efficient and renewable energy is going local, and across Massachusetts, communities are speaking up. In Haverhill, Fitchburg, Worcester, Lawrence and Lowell, letters of support, city resolutions and backing from labor show a cross-sector commitment to Green Justice. From city to city, the same message resounds: Massachusetts’ energy policy must account for the needs of local communities and diverse peoples.
from the director
Forty years ago it was 1972…
Billy Jean King beat Bobby Riggs in three straight sets of tennis. The Nixon Watergate scandal broke wide open. The most popular television show was All in the Family. The nation had recently witnessed powerful community events including water bodies like the Cuyahoga River catching fire.
And Clean Water Action was founded!
To celebrate 40 years of action for clean water, we are planning benefit events in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island this fall. We want you to join us and be a part of these celebrations. Read more
coalition for a safe and healthy connecticut
Clean Water Action and the Coalition for a Safe and Healthy Connecticut continue to enjoy national recognition for cutting edge programs and leadership on reducing exposures to toxic chemicals in everyday products at home and in the environment. This past legislative session, the Coalition collaborated with policy makers and agency experts to propose a comprehensive bill that would reform and strengthen chemical safety protections in the state. Read More
heating oil legislation becomes law in CT
In a special legislative session, the Connecticut General Assembly took action to continue heating oil conservation programs for another year.
Clean Water Action worked closely with home energy contractors, customers, and municipal energy committees to educate legislators about the tremendous potential for energy efficiency to reduce home heating and cooling costs, save energy and reduce pollution. Read more
For four years, Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund helped lead an alliance of environmental and consumer advocates and solar installers working to make Connecticut a national solar power leader. In 2011, Clean Water Action and allies worked with the legislature to create a new incentive program (zero-emission renewable energy credits, or ZRECs). The incentives will increase the number of commercial solar systems installed in Connecticut while using competition to reduce costs.
The first round of competition for solar incentives concluded on June 12th. When winners are announced later this summer, Clean Water Action expects towns and schools across the state will be able to move forward with large and ambitious solar power projects. If your town is not selected, it’s not too late! Encourage your town and local businesses to take part in the next solar solicitation in 2013. Email us if you have any questions.
The first round of competition for solar incentives concluded on June 12th. When winners are announced later this summer, Clean Water Action expects towns and schools across the state will be able to move forward with large and ambitious solar power projects. If your town is not selected, it’s not too late! Encourage your town and local businesses to take part in the next solar solicitation in 2013. Email us if you have any questions.
CT Mercury Thermostat Recycling Still Short of the Mark
On June 1 by Governor Malloy signed into law a measure to address pollution from mercury-containing thermostats, a significant source of persistent toxic contamination in the state’s waste stream. The bill, Public Act No. 12-54 (SB 350), AN ACT REQUIRING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF MANUFACTURER MERCURY THERMOSTAT COLLECTION AND RECYCLING PROGRAMS, falls far short of what is needed, according to Clean Water Action. Similar measures in other states offer financial incentives and performance measures not in the Connecticut version. Clean Water Action plans to push for strengthening changes in 2013. Contact Clean Water Action’s Susan Eastwood in Hartford, 860-232-6232.
Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund staff lead this energy saving effort in fourteen Connecticut towns. By June 2012, the program’s grassroots word-of-mouth outreach has involved more than 2200 households in energy-saving Home Energy Solutions visits, 150 of those leading to major home upgrades.
However, numbers alone don’t tell the full story. Last winter Clean Water’s Shannon McAvoy conceived of a “Share the Warmth” campaign and partnered with PeachTree Fleece to donate a blanket to families and children in need for each household completing insulation upgrades. In June, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Esty joined McAvoy to present the first forty-six blankets.
For more info, visit this page.
For more info, visit this page.
WE’RE HIRING! Do you share our passion for energy conservation and have experience with grassroots outreach? Consider joining our team. We are hiring three organizers for the third year of the Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge.
Seven Legislative Wins in RI
The halls of the statehouse are quiet. The dust has settled. And Clean Water Action is declaring victory. Seven pieces of legislation either passed or were prevented from passing with Clean Water Action’s help, including:
a first-in-the-nation commission to study Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Paper and Packaging Products, and one of the nation’s strongest laws protecting schools (and school children) by preventing school construction on contaminated sites. Read more
Rhode Island: Seven Bills Seven Wins
Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund gratefully acknowledge 40th Anniversary Sponsorship support from We-Care.com, SurveyMonkey Contribute,and the Clean Water Action Visa® Card from Capital One®.
Commission to Study Producer Responsibility Models for Paper and Packaging Products: This Senate Study Commission will meet over the next nine months to discuss what strategies are possible and appropriate for the state. The Commission will include four Senators, a representative from the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation, two environmentalists and two industry representatives, including an expert on EPR models for paper and packaging.
Proper Management of Unused Paint: The national paint manufacturers’ industry group proposed a plan for taking back used architectural paint for recycling and reuse. They brought their proposal to Rhode Island, and after working with them to win its adoption, Clean Water Action will monitor its implementation over the next two years.
Defending the Ban on Incineration: For 20 years, Rhode Island has banned trash incineration because it is dirty, economically damaging to cities, and it burns resources that can be recycled. Again this year, Rep. Brien (D-Woonsocket) introduced legislation to allow a trash incinerator to be built in Woonsocket and to give it the same financial incentives as renewable energy sources. Clean Water Action and several community members worked to block this bill.
Proper Management of Unused Paint: The national paint manufacturers’ industry group proposed a plan for taking back used architectural paint for recycling and reuse. They brought their proposal to Rhode Island, and after working with them to win its adoption, Clean Water Action will monitor its implementation over the next two years.
Defending the Ban on Incineration: For 20 years, Rhode Island has banned trash incineration because it is dirty, economically damaging to cities, and it burns resources that can be recycled. Again this year, Rep. Brien (D-Woonsocket) introduced legislation to allow a trash incinerator to be built in Woonsocket and to give it the same financial incentives as renewable energy sources. Clean Water Action and several community members worked to block this bill.
Online Activists, Organizers Converge on Providence
While Clean Water Action is known for its focus on protecting people’s environment, health, economic well-being and community quality of life, the organization also work with many partners and allies in an effort to create a more vibrant, active and sustainable society. Many of these friends from across the nation descended on Providence for the 6th Annual Netroots Nation conference, held at the Convention Center this June.
Netroots Nation is an annual gathering of grassroots organizers, bloggers, social justice advocates, labor organizers, and online activists from around the country. Netroots was named for its combination of ‘Grassroots’ emphasis and use of ‘Internet’ (or social media) technology. Through three days of panels, training sessions, keynote speakers, and film screenings, participants were educated and inspired to make positive change in the world. Not only does such a conference build awareness of our allies’ issues, but also it helps people work together on shared goals (and bring in millions of dollars in economic activity). Read MorePublication Date:
08/01/2012
- Login or register to post comments
- Printer-friendly version