The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released two proposals today to roll back clean water protections against waste from coal-fired power plants. The first proposal would overhaul wastewater rules, drastically weakening safeguards that prevent utilities from discharging toxic pollutants like arsenic, lead and mercury into America’s waterways. The second proposal would significantly extend closure dates for coal ash disposal sites, allowing utilities to continue storing toxic coal debris in ponds that can leak or overflow, for decades.
In response to a growing set of pollution threats and to mark today’s 47th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, Environment America Research and Policy Center and the Clean Water for All coalition have launched a new website -- “Voices for Clean Water” -- that features photos and testimonials from a wide array of individuals from across America. They included business owners, faith leaders, public health experts and people who love to swim, hike, kayak or just drink clean water.
Cities across the country are making the switch to electric buses and are reaping the benefits on dual fronts -- reducing emissions as well as operating expenses. A new report from Environment Virginia Research and Policy Center and Frontier Group highlights the experience of six early adopters, illuminating the successes, challenges and lessons learned.
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its long-awaited proposal to update to the federal Lead and Copper Rule. As proposed, EPA’s long-awaited update to the Lead and Copper Rule falls far short of the decisive action needed to “get the lead out” of our drinking water. And in a few critical provisions, the proposed rule could even take us backwards.
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf is expected to announce a proposal tomorrow to commit the commonwealth to joining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Through the governor’s administrative action, the commonwealth is poised to become a member of one of the largest and most successful programs for tackling climate pollution in the nation.
Environment Virginia Research and Policy Center is part of The Public Interest Network, which operates and supports organizations committed to a shared vision of a better world and a strategic approach to getting things done.
