Lansing, MI-- Yesterday, the Michigan Environmental Rules Review Committee (ERRC) voted to allow the rule-making process to move forward on cleaning up per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the drinking water of over one million Michiganders. PFAS chemicals are commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” because of how long they linger in the environment. They do not break down in the human body, and are linked to several health dangers like cancer, reproductive and immune system failures, and developmental harm in children.
The Sierra Club submitted more than 23,900 comments from members and supporters opposing former coal lobbyist Andrew Wheeler’s illegal attempt to scrap Section 401 of the Clean Water Act.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Former coal lobbyist and EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler finalized his rollback of America’s Clean Water Rule today, putting millions of people’s drinking water at risk from dangerous water pollution.
Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under Donald Trump’s direction, announced a proposed rule that would drastically undermine the bedrock protections set forth in the Clean Water Act
Washington, DC-- Moments ago, the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by 220 by 197 which includes strong initial efforts to address the contamination caused by the Department of Defense’s use of toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-- harming the drinking water of millions of Americans.
Today, Maryland became the second state to ban expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam food containers, as Gov. Larry Hogan announced that he would allow to become law a bill that prohibits restaurants, grocery stores, and other food providers from using foam food containers
Washington, DC-- Today. the House of Representatives Energy and Commerce committee heard testimony on a suite of new bills that would protect Americans at risk of PFAS contamination. More than 20 bills have been introduced recently to study the extent of water pollution, require the Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA) to take action on PFAS emissions, and speed the provision of clean water for communities and agricultural producers impacted by PFAS.
Washington, DC-- Yesterday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released interim guidance for cleanup of two toxic fluorinated chemicals known as PFOS and PFOA in groundwater. The proposed guidelines are meant to inform the clean-up of contaminated sites, but some critical limitations will hinder their implementation by local, state and federal governments. PFAS chemicals are likely to be present in drinking water for more than 100 million Americans.
Read the letter from 155 NGOs opposing the Dirty Water Rule
Maryland is on the brink of becoming the first state to ban expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam food containers, as the State House passed a bill that would ban restaurants, grocery stores, and other food providers from using foam food containers because of their harmful impact on the environment.
El Paso County, CO -- Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) announced they will study eight military bases and adjacent communities where there was long-term exposures to harmful per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS exposure is linked to decreased effectiveness of childhood vaccines, liver and kidney damage, increased risk of thyroid disease, decreased fertility, pregnancy complications, lower birth weights, and cancer.