Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–July 23, 2015.  Statement by AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka on House consideration of H.R.3009 the Enforce the Law for Sanctuary Cities Act: We should not allow shameless, anti-immigrant politicians to frame our nation’s policy debate. We reject this bill and any policies that further criminalize immigrants and communities of color.[Read More…]

Washington, DC—(ENEWSPF)—July 23, 2015. Statement of Food & Water Watch Executive Director Wenonah Hauter: “Today the House of Representatives passed the so-called Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act, better known as the Denying Americans the Right to Know (DARK) Act. This bill would prevent states from requiring labeling of genetically[Read More…]

WASHINGTON—(ENEWSPF)–July 22, 2015 – Shell was granted federal permits today that clear the way for the oil company to begin drilling in the Arctic Ocean. Following is a statement from Franz Matzner, director of NRDC’s Beyond Oil Initiative: “Shell shouldn’t be drilling in the Arctic, and neither should anybody else. President Obama’s[Read More…]

WASHINGTON, D.C. –(ENEWSPF)–July 22, 2015.  Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill sponsored by Rep. David McKinley (WV) which would gut the modest protections put in place last year by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) governing the safe disposal and storage of coal ash waste. The bill has[Read More…]

Decision Goes Against Science, Will of the People, and Common Sense Washington, D.C. –(ENEWSPF)–July 22, 2015.  Today, President Obama granted conditional approval to Shell to begin drilling in the Chukchi Sea. The President’s approval comes at a time when electric vehicles are being produced at a record rate and significant[Read More…]

Agency gives Shell clearance to drill in fragile Arctic Ocean, despite threats to climate, wildlife and region A walrus and pup on an ice floe in the Chukchi Sea. Shell Oil was given its two remaining permits for oil exploration to drill in the Chukchi on July 22, 2015.  Sarah[Read More…]

The devastating coal ash spill at Kingston, TN, in December 2008. One billion gallons of toxic coal ash spilled from the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Kingston Fossil Plant, covering 300 acres. Photo by United Mountain Defense Washington, D.C. —(ENEWSPF)–July 22, 2015.  Today, by a vote of 258 to 166, the House[Read More…]

WASHINGTON, D.C. –(ENEWSPF)—July 23, 2015.  The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee released the Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2015. Chairwoman Lisa Murkowski (Alas.) and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (Wash.) have negotiated for months on a package that includes five overarching topics: efficiency, infrastructure, supply, accountability and conservation reauthorization. Earlier[Read More…]

WASHINGTON, D.C. –(ENEWSPF)—July 22, 2015. The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement approved Shell’s final drilling permits, which was the final hurdle before the company can begin drilling exploration wells in the Chukchi Sea this summer. Shell can immediately begin drilling the top sections of two wells, but cannot drill[Read More…]

ANCHORAGE, Alaska—(ENEWSPF)—July 23, 2015. The Obama administration yesterday gave Shell the last permit it needs to begin controversial and dangerous oil drilling in the Chukchi Sea off Alaska, despite strong public opposition and continuing failures of the company’s equipment. Shell’s first attempt to explore for oil in the Arctic Ocean[Read More…]