Press Releases
Connecticut Becomes First State to Ban Bisphenol-A from Thermal Register Receipts
HARTFORD - Calling Connecticut a national leader, Coalition for a Safe and Healthy Connecticut Coordinator Anne Hulick, RN, MS, JD today praised lawmakers in the House of Representatives for approving legislation that prohibits the use of Bisphenol-A (BPA) in thermal register receipts often used by retailers, gas stations and banks. Once the bill becomes law with Governor Malloy's signature, Hulick pointed out that Connecticut would become the first of fifty states to protect consumers and workers alike from the health risks associated with BPA exposure from thermal receipt paper. After hours of discussion, the bill passed the House by a vote of 112 to 33.
Clean Water Action Criticizes House Policy Riders
Washington DC – Clean Water Action is appalled that the leadership of the US House of Representatives appears willing to shut down the federal government in order to win passage of budget riders limiting the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and prohibiting funding for Planned Parenthood.
While recent press reports have indicated that the EPA restrictions may no longer be on the table, the House Republican leadership has brought the federal government close to the brink of shutdown over policy issues that should not be part of budget negotiations.
School Bus Company to Implement Nationwide Anti-Idling Program and Pay Penalties for Clean Air Act Violations - Public Health Be
(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.
Other Press Releases
Industry Interests Dominate the Public Interest
pennsylvania senate & house vote for preemption of municipal zoning to favor gas drilling and operations
Organizations decry lack of concern for communities, health, and property
Protesters Walk Red Carpet in Trenton for "Fracky Awards"
As Legislature Ponders Ban Bill, Activists Protest Oil and Gas Industry Pow Wow Across from Statehouse
Trenton, NJ--Today activists protested one of several planned regional workshops by the American Petroleum Institute in Trenton, NJ, countering the oil and gas industry association's event discussing the development of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) with a recommendation of their own: ban fracking entirely. Protestors handed media and passersby "swag bags" filled with information on the risks associated with fracking and staged an award ceremony for the Frackies.
Great Lakes–Mississippi River Separation is Possible, Practical and Preventive
Alliance for the Great Lakes - Clean Water Action Minnesota - Freshwater Future -
Great Lakes United - Healing Our Waters–Great Lakes Coalition –
National Wildlife Federation - Natural Resources Defense Council -
Sierra Club-Ontario - Ohio Environmental Council
A much-anticipated study says separating the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins to prevent the spread of Asian carp and other invasive species is not only possible, but a natural step toward much-needed action to improve Chicago’s water infrastructure.
State Legislatures Tackle Toxic Chemicals To Protect Citizens
Lack Of Federal Reform Makes State Laws More Urgent
(Boston, MA) - In 2012, Massachusetts and 27 other state legislatures will consider bills that address concerns over toxic chemicals in consumer products, according to a new analysis by Safer States, a national coalition of state-based environmental organizations which Clean Water Action participates in. Bills to be introduced this year will cover a broad list of topics, including safer alternatives to toxic chemicals to bans on toxic chlorinated Tris flame retardants and cadmium, and requirements that makers of consumer products publicly disclose chemicals in products.
Clean Water MA and Green Justice Coalition Push Energy Efficiency Bill Forward!
Taxpayers in Massachusetts currently fund statewide energy efficiency programs, but policymakers lack the tools to track who is being served by the programs and how they have impacted local communities. A new piece of Green Justice legislation, approved by the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy (TUE) on January 24, would change that.
“We applaud the Committee for its role in advancing transparency and increasing access for previously underserved communities,” said Staci Rubin of Alternatives for Community & Environment, a member of the Green Justice Coalition (GJC). The GJC has, since 2008, worked with utility companies and state agencies to address inequities in state efficiency programs and address job quality standards. “We are encouraged that the bill aims to provide equitable access to efficiency programs for hard to reach communities, including low-to-moderate- income homeowners and renters, residents whose primary language is not English, and small businesses.”
The bill, “An Act Further Promoting Energy Efficiency and Green Jobs,” mandates public accountability in Massachusetts’ energy efficiency programs and would establish a new Oil Heat Energy Efficiency Fund.