New report shows where cancer-causing chemicals are polluting water for over 200 million Americans
More than 200 million people are at risk of drinking tap water contaminated with chemicals that cause cancer, liver damage, birth defects and other reproductive harms, according to research released Wednesday that includes an interactive map of high-risk hot spots.
The map, developed by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), focuses on arsenic, chromium-6 and nitrate – all scientifically known to cause cancer and other health problems.
EPA effort to withdraw pollution controls for slaughterhouses is illegal, lawsuit claims
By Shannon Kelleher
A recent move by federal regulators to walk back a proposed rule that would have tightened water pollution standards for US meat industry plants violates the Clean Water Act, which requires slaughterhouses to curb pollution using modern technology, according to a lawsuit filed this week.
EPA has failed us. The MAHA Commission just proved it.
By George Kimbrell
On Sept. 9, the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission released its long-awaited “Make Our Children Healthy Again” Strategy Report, which was supposed to set policy recommendations that would address the urgent public health crisis caused by our industrial food system. Unfortunately, but perhaps predictably, and as foreshadowed by a leaked draft report in August, at the end of the day the MAHA commission utterly betrayed the grassroots MAHA movement, and anyone else that cares about creating a healthier future for our food, serving up only a few crumbs instead of the healthy new meal promised.
Rooftop solar is in a slump. Are dark days ahead?
The popularity of residential solar is seeing a steep reversal due to shifting state and federal policies driven by powerful utility interests. And while some say the decline is simply a mild adjustment, others fear the market for residential solar may be on the brink of a long-term slide.
MAHA report draws fire as critics say corporate pressure trumps public health
A long-awaited and highly controversial report issued on Tuesday by the Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) commission provides a few “crumbs” for public and environmental health advocates, but big wins for powerful food and chemical industries seeking to skirt limits on their products and practices.
Small communities left behind as advanced water treatment for PFAS proves broader benefits
By Brian Bienkowski
As the US wrestles with how to deal with widespread PFAS pollution in drinking water supplies, most utilities are lacking advanced filtration systems that could protect public health from not just PFAS but an array of harmful contaminants, according to a new study.
EPA walks back proposal to limit water pollution from meat and poultry plants
By Shannon Kelleher
In a move celebrated by US meat and poultry producers but mourned by environment and health advocates, federal regulators are walking back a proposed rule that would have strengthened water pollution standards for slaughterhouse operators.
As Iowans wrestle with polluted waters, politics get in the way
By Carey Gillam
When a team of scientists embarked two years ago on a $1 million landmark study of Iowa’s persistent water quality problems, they knew that the findings would be important to share. But now, after the completed study pointed to agricultural pollution as a significant source of the key US farm state’s water quality problems, public officials have quietly stripped funding away from plans to promote the study findings.
Congress proposes scrapping PFAS measures that protect public servants and others
By Shannon Kelleher
Congress is proposing to reverse measures that protect military service members, firefighters and others from harmful PFAS chemicals.
Postcard from California: State’s status as clean energy pacesetter threatened by Trump’s attacks
By Bill Walker
For decades, California has been on the cutting edge of US environmental policy. The state has enacted landmark measures to regulate air and water pollution, protect residents from exposure to toxic chemicals, and combat the climate crisis. Many of its groundbreaking policies have spread to other states.