Wasting Our Waterways
Polluters poured nearly 200 million pounds of toxic substances into U.S. waterways in 2020. We must strengthen Clean Water Act protections and reduce toxics use.
Report
The Need to Enforce Waste Bans in Massachusetts
New report outlines need for more resources devoted to getting banned materials out of landfills and incinerators.
State Program Protecting Children from Lead in Drinking Water
Ringing in our Fears
One year after new law, robocalls are down and compliance is up, but skyrocketing robotexts are the latest problem.
What to do if you suspect a gas pipeline leak
Methane gas—marketed as “natural” gas—has heated homes of many Americans for over a century and, for just as long, has been prone to leaks, putting communities and the environment in danger. When it leaks, methane gas can do significant damage, especially when it catches fire or explodes. This guide will explain the warning signs and how to keep your family safe if you suspect a gas pipeline leak in your community.
Methane Gas Leaks
Methane gas (marketed as “natural gas”) has heated the homes of many Americans for over a century – and for over a century, it has been prone to leaks, putting communities and the environment in danger. With growing awareness of the impact of methane leaks on the climate, and with growing availability of safer alternatives, it is clear that gas has no place in a modern clean energy network.
Methane Gas Leaks
Methane gas (often known as natural gas) has heated the homes of many Americans for over a century — and for over a century, it has been prone to leaks, putting communities and the environment in danger.
Food for thought: Are your groceries safe?
Two major recalls from the last seven months showcase the weaknesses in our food recall system: It often takes too long for companies and regulators to notify grocers, consumers, restaurants and food packagers, particularly regarding Class I recalls with a “reasonable probability” that exposure or use of the product could cause “serious adverse health consequences or death.” And once grocers find out, they aren’t required to contact customers who may have already purchased contaminated products. While many stores do quickly notify customers one way or another, the practices aren’t uniform and aren’t always timely. Meanwhile, people continue to get sick. The CDC estimates that one in six Americans become ill every year from foodborne diseases. Among those, 128,000 wind up in the hospital and 3,000 die.
Getting off the Hook of a Predatory Tow Part II
Driving is picking up again as the number of Americans heading to social gatherings, in-person work and vacations moves closer to pre-pandemic norms. More driving means more parking – maybe in unfamiliar areas. Parkers have always run the risk of getting towed. But a new trend exacerbates that risk: Towing companies are giving private property owners kickbacks when the landowner notifies the companies about vehicles to tow -- whether the vehicle is defying parking regulations or not. Our new analysis, Getting Off the Hook of a Predatory Tow Part II, an update to our comprehensive 2021 report on towing protections in every state, finds that 16 states currently ban kickbacks, as others are considering such laws.
TOWING KICKBACKS: ONLY ONE-THIRD OF STATES BAN INCENTIVES TO PROPERTY OWNERS, LAW ENFORCEMENT
The good news: More big cities are stepping up to protect consumers where states aren't