Press Releases
Local Control Press Conference
Success in Lower Macungie
Last week, Lehigh County judge, Michele Varricchio, overturned a zoning ordinance change which would have allowed turkey farmer David Jaindl to cover over 600 acres of pristine farmland with warehouses, fast food restaurants, and townhouses.
Cathy Frankenberg, Program Arganizer for Clean Water Action, and organizer with Friends for the Protection of Lower Macungie, praised the decision, saying it “will have far reaching impacts, preserving not only the rural character of Lower Macungie, but by avoiding massive runoffs and sewage overcharges, also protecting water quality as far downstream as Allentown. We are thrilled.”
U.S. Department of Energy Panel Releases Fracking Recommendations
Clean Water Action Urges Immediate Action to Protect Public
(Pittsburgh) - A U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advisory panel released their first report today listing recommendations on actions to reduce the environmental and public health impacts of shale gas drilling utilizing hydraulic fracturing, or ‘fracking.' Clean Water Action released a statement urging that the federal government take immediate action before further drilling damages water and air quality.
"We are glad to see that the federal government is identifying problems that have resulted in damage to communities in Pennsylvania and around the nation. The question now is whether the federal government will take action to stop further damage or continue to ignore the lack of oversight of the gas industry at the state level," stated Myron Arnowitt, Pennsylvania State Director for Clean Water Action.
Other Press Releases
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.
MI 2012 Midterm Scorecard
majority in state house receive failing grade
LANSING – Clean Water Action held a press conference at the State Capitol today to urge the majority in the legislature to start protecting Michigan’s water and other natural resources in the New Year.
MI 2012 Midterm Scorecard
majority in state house receive failing grade
LANSING – Clean Water Action held a press conference at the State Capitol today to urge the majority in the legislature to start protecting Michigan’s water and other natural resources in the New Year.