Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–February 5, 2014.  According to a new study published in Environmental Health Perspectives, chemical contaminants in waterways that mimic estrogen -endocrine disruptors- target developing heart valves in fish and impair the growth of fish hearts. The study illustrates that these hormone-mimicking compounds, which include some pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and other[Read More…]

Lawmakers Would Weaken Protections for Nation’s Most Endangered Species, Limit Citizen Participation WASHINGTON–(ENEWSPF)–February 4, 2014.  A “working group” of 13 House Republicans led by Doc Hastings today released a proposal to dismantle key portions of the Endangered Species Act, including limiting citizens’ ability to hold the government accountable and giving[Read More…]

NRDC Water Expert: “Vast Majority Vulnerable to Pollutants” WASHINGTON–(ENEWSPF)–February 4, 2014 — The massive Elk River contamination in West Virginia last month highlighted a serious public health threat that requires systematic new safeguards in order to prevent similar accidents around the country, Erik Olson, senior strategic director for health &[Read More…]

GAO reports confirms unfair coal leasing practices Washington, D.C.—(ENEWSPF)—February 4, 2014. Today, Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) echoed the Sierra Club and other environmental and community advocacy groups in calling for a temporary suspension of the federal coal leasing program. The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released the result of its[Read More…]

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–February 4, 2014.  No strawberries, no honey — without bees Valentine’s Day just wouldn’t be the same. In fact, one out of three bites of food depend on honey bee pollination, but they are in danger from the use of neonicotinoid pesticides that Europe has already banned. We know[Read More…]

WASHINGTON–(ENEWSPF)–February 3, 2014.  Building on President Obama’s State of the Union address, which called for reducing carbon pollution and helping communities move to greater energy efficiency, the Energy Department today announced new efficiency standards for external power supplies. Over the next 30 years, these standards will help cut carbon pollution[Read More…]

WASHINGTON–(ENEWSPF)–February 4, 2014.  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today recognized projects in seven communities as winners of the 2013 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement for their creative, sustainable initiatives that better protect the health and the environment while strengthening local economies. Among the winners are an expansive greenway[Read More…]

WASHINGTON–(ENEWSPF)–February 4, 2014.  Total releases of toxic chemicals decreased 12 percent from 2011-2012, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) annual Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) report released today. The decrease includes an eight percent decline in total toxic air releases, primarily due to reductions in hazardous air pollutant (HAP)[Read More…]

WASHINGTON–(ENEWSPF)–February 3, 2014.  Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement after the U.S. State Department released a report on the environmental impacts of the Keystone pipeline: “When the Keystone pipeline’s own proponents argue that the pipeline is essential to the rapid development of the tar sands, it is clear[Read More…]

EU–(ENEWSPF)–3 February 2014. Ice in northern Alaska’s lakes during winter months is on the decline. Twenty years of satellite radar imagery show how changes in our climate are affecting high-latitude environments. Changes in air temperature and winter precipitation over the last five decades have affected the timing, duration and thickness[Read More…]