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
Ringing in Our Fears
The number of voice providers that have installed the preferred robocall-blocking technology has nearly quadrupled since last year, according to our new analysis of the Federal Communications Commission’s robocall database.
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. 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
New analysis of towing laws shows only 16 states ban kickbacks to property owners or law enforcement
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
Going Out of Fashion
PFAS use in apparel and other consumer products is coming under increased scrutiny from lawmakers. However, apparel manufacturers and retail stores don’t need to wait for the law to catch up to the proliferation of toxic PFAS. They can get out in front of the regulatory curve and protect their customers and the planet from PFAS pollution by immediately adopting policies to end the use of PFAS in clothing, footwear, and accessories. Indeed, some already have. U.S. PIRG Education Fund, NRDC and Fashion FWD surveyed the PFAS-related policies and commitments of 30 top U.S.-based apparel brands and retailers, including companies in the footwear, indoor apparel, and outdoor apparel sectors and several of the nation’s leading apparel retailers. We graded them on the basis of their time lines for PFAS phaseout, the range of products covered by their PFAS policy, and public availability of company PFAS commitments, as well as their PFAS labeling and testing protocols.
Electric School Buses and the Grid
Unlocking the power of school transportation to build resilience and a clean energy future
The hidden costs of Buy Now, Pay Later
Report on issues with "Buy Now, Pay Later" financing plans.