Press Releases
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.
South Dakota Coal Power Plant Canceled
Remaining Partners Throw in the Towel
(Minneapolis, MN) —The last remaining partners in the construction of the Big Stone II coal-fired power plant announced yesterday that they would not continue the project. They proposed a 500 to 600 megawatt expansion of an existing coal-fired power plant located near Milbank, South Dakota. The expansion would have been built on the shores of Big Stone Lake, headwaters to the Minnesota River, near the Minnesota border.
Commission Delays Decision on Power Lines for Dirty Coal, Concerns Over Costs of the Big Stone II Plant
St. Paul, MN — The Minnesota Public Utility Commission decided today to delay a decision on the Certificate of Need for power lines leading to the proposed Big Stone II coal-burning power plant in South Dakota. Commissioners found that information currently available is insufficient as to the costs of implementing the project. Commissioners expressed concerns about the likely impact on rate payers in Minnesota should the plant go forward. This comes at a time of growing realization across the region that continued reliance on coal is unnecessary and not worth the health, environmental and economic problems.
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.