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DEFENDING ENVIRONMENTAL AGENDA
July 27, 2004
"It's hard to find anything President Bush wants to help business get its hands on more than oil, but trees seem to be running a close second lately." - From a Nashville Tennessean editorial entitled "No to Roads, Save Forests," July 24, 2004.
(1) TOXICS: Super Scary
(2) GLOBAL WARMING: Dollars and Sense
(3) TAKE ACTION: Defend the Clean Water Act
1. TOXICS: Super Scary
The Bush administration's failure to protect Americans' health from toxic waste pollution is documented in a new Sierra Club report released today. The report breaks down state-by-state the Superfund sites across the country where human exposure to toxic pollution and groundwater pollution is either not under control or where insufficient data on threats exist. The report finds that human exposure to health- threatening chemicals is not under control at 111 Superfund sites and that in another 199 sites, EPA has insufficient data to determine if migration of groundwater pollution is under control.
Read "Communities At Risk: The Sierra Club Superfund Report": https://info.sierraclub.org/ct.html?rtr=on&s=arz,7mqm,km3,ey8x,ifjb,irqz,5w4u
2. GLOBAL WARMING: Dollars and Sense
Of all the automakers, General Motors and Ford stand to lose the most as an increasing number of U.S. states and other countries take measures to address global warming. That's because more than most companies Ford and GM been stuck in reverse when it comes to dealing with the issue. A new report by the World Resources Institute, an environmental policy group in Washington, forecasts that Ford would have to spend $403 more on each vehicle to meet expected pollution requirements and other standards and GM would dole out $377 more per vehicle! Meanwhile, Toyota, having already adopted more fuel-efficient technologies, could actually be helped by tougher regulations.
Read "GM and Ford to feel the heat of global-warming costs" by Danny Hakim: https://info.sierraclub.org/ct.html?rtr=on&s=arz,7mqm,km3,7fnq,9bnq,irqz,5w4u
3. TAKE ACTION: Defend the Clean Water Act
The Bush administration is excluding many of the nation's wetlands, streams, lakes, ponds and other waters from Clean Water Act (CWA) protection by instructing Army Corps and EPA field staff to stop enforcing CWA protections over ANY waters that they consider "isolated." Based on this directive, agency field staff are excluding thousands of acres of wetlands, many hundreds of miles of headwater streams, and other waters from protection, in violation of existing CWA regulations. These waters perform critical functions - helping to maintain water quality, recharge groundwater, store floodwaters, and serve as habitat for birds, fish and other wildlife, including many threatened and endangered species.
Senator Feingold is circulating among Senate Democrats a "Dear Colleague" letter calling on the President to withdraw the harmful policy directive and apply Clean Water Act protections to the full extent of the law.
Please call Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) 202-224- 4822, Bob Graham (D-FL) 202-224-3041, Mary Landrieu (D-LA) 202-224-5824, Daniel Inouye (D-HI) 202-224-3934 and John Breaux (D-LA) 202-224-4623 and urge them to sign onto the Feingold letter. The deadline to sign on is August 4.
"I thought it was more than that. I will be seeking more. Absolutely." - Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson's response to Sierra Club Conservation Organizer Chris Wilhite after Wilhite noted that Patterson had received more than $28,000 in campaign contributions from BNP Petroleum. BNP is currently drilling for oil in Padre Island, Texas, disrupting the environment, turtles and tourists alike.
(1) WILDLANDS: The Forest Roadshow
(2) JUDICIAL: Sitting the Bench
(3) TAKE ACTION: Stop the Attack on the Roadless Conservation Rule
1. WILDLANDS: The Forest Roadshow
A cross-section of a Douglas fir, weighing in at about a thousand pounds, took up two parking meters in downtown Charleston this week. The fir once stood more than 200 feet tall before it was cut down in 2002 as part of a timber sale. "Doug" now travels with the Ancient Forest Roadshow, a group moving across the country raising public awareness on how the Bush administration is cutting the public out of environmental protection decisions. The fir, 11 years old when Shakespeare wrote "Romeo and Juliet," shows Americans how the administration's timber policies impact our national forests and allows them to see and touch what was once living history.
Read the new Wildlands at Risk report to learn more: https://info.sierraclub.org/ct.html?rtr=on&s=arz,7kly,km3,1wcl,gau,irqz,5w4u
2. JUDICIAL: Sitting the Bench
Sierra Club, along with more than two dozen civil rights, women's, health, and religious groups, is running television advertisements to highlight the extreme records of some of President Bush's judicial nominees. Using the nominees' own writings and words, the ad shows how out of step these nominees are with most Americans. President Bush is trying to pack the bench with unqualified, extreme nominees. William Pryor, for instance, has a record of working to weaken the Clean Air Act at a time when cities across the country are facing record number of unhealthy air days!
Watch the ad and read the press release: https://info.sierraclub.org/ct.html?rtr=on&s=arz,7kly,km3,2i2f,32o0,irqz,5w4u
3. TAKE ACTION: Stop the Attack on the Roadless Conservation Rule
The Bush administration's latest effort to reduce or eliminate decades of National Forest protection and increase spending to benefit timber companies must be stopped. Already, 440,000 miles of roads are carved into America's National Forests. The wildly popular Roadless Rule helps protect our remaining wild forests and the clean water, wildlife habitat and outstanding backcountry recreation opportunities from more taxpayer-subsidized commercial logging. Ask the Forest Service to abandon the administration's misguided proposal, to keep the Roadless Area Conservation Rule intact in the Lower 48 states and Alaska's Chugach National Forest, and to reinstate the rule in the Tongass National Forest.
Take action and ask the Forest Service to stop the attack on the Roadless Conservation Rule: https://info.sierraclub.org/ct.html?rtr=on&s=arz,7kly,km3,2tpe,2jgt,irqz,5w4u
"It's almost as if the motto of the administration in power today in Washington is not environmental protection, but polluter protection. I find this deeply disturbing." - Republican Russell Train, former EPA second chief under presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, commenting on the Bush administration's dismal record on the environment.
(1) WILDLANDS: Forest Clearcuticus
(2) ANNIVERSARY: A Wild Birthday Party
(3) TAKE ACTION: Protect Transit, Communities, and Air Quality
1. WILDLANDS: Forest Clearcuticus
With the Bush Administration's recent assault on the Roadless Rule, it looks like the most common species found in our wildlands today may be "Forest Clearcuticus" and "Habitat Destructus." The Sierra Club released its "Wildlands at Risk" report today, highlighting 25 places around the country where the Bush administration's assault on the environment could have lasting impacts. The report was accompanied by a new ad featuring the "Sierra Club Guide to Common Species Found in the Wildlands of the Bush Administration" such as our good friend "Coastal Spillicus."
View the ad here: https://info.sierraclub.org/ct.html?rtr=on&s=arz,7j3n,km3,15eb,jf0l,irqz,5w4u fieldspotter_ad.pdf
View the report here: https://info.sierraclub.org/ct.html?rtr=on&s=arz,7j3n,km3,1wcl,gau,irqz,5w4u
2. ANNIVERSARY: A Wild Birthday Party
September 3, 2004 marks the 40th anniversary of the Wilderness Act, arguably America's greatest piece of conservation legislation protecting wildlands throughout the United States. Celebrate this event and show support for future protection of the unique areas in the National Wilderness Protection System. Head to the Adirondacks in upstate New York October 10 - 13 to participate in a series of panel discussion and workshops led by wilderness professionals. Fellow activists, environmentalists and outdoor enthusiasts will also hike the High Peaks, canoe through the Siamese Ponds or bid in the Lake George Wild Forest.
Learn more about the Wilderness Act or register for the conference: https://info.sierraclub.org/ct.html?rtr=on&s=arz,7j3n,km3,h7cw,dqa5,irqz,5w4u
3. TAKE ACTION: Protect Transit, Communities, and Air Quality
The proposed national transportation bill will weaken clean air laws, limit public input in the planning of highways and other transportation projects and could cut public transportation funding in favor of funding more roads. Congress needs to hear that we oppose any cuts to public transportation, that they should not weaken air quality standards, and that the public's right to be involved should not change. We can build better, healthier communities with strong public transportation.
To send a message to Congress, please visit: https://info.sierraclub.org/ct.html?rtr=on&s=arz,7j3n,km3,hqpx,67vy,irqz,5w4u
"Shortsighted men...in their greed and selfishness will, if permitted, rob our country of half its charm by their reckless extermination of all useful and beautiful wild things." - President Theodore Roosevelt
(1) FORESTS: Road Rules
(2) TRANSIT: Metro Commotion
(3) TAKE ACTION: Off-Road Vehicle Rule Needs Strengthening
1. FORESTS: Road Rules
The Bush administration dealt one of our most popular conservation policies a serious blow this week by deciding to rewrite the landmark Roadless Area Conservation Rule. America's National Forests already have 440,000 miles of roads carved through them and, with this new proposal, the administration wants to leave the last remaining wild forests open to destructive commercial logging and road building. This latest blow by the administration is another effort to reduce or eliminate decades of National Forest protection and increase spending to benefit timber companies.
Read the Sierra Club press release: https://info.sierraclub.org/ct.html?rtr=on&s=arz,7gx2,km3,jqvt,bb3o,irqz,5w4u
2. TRANSIT: Metro Commotion
DC Metro riders hit the streets today in a city-wide "Riders' Day of Action" calling on elected officials to do their part and support funding for public transit. As commuters poured through the turnstiles for their morning ride, Sierra Club volunteers launched events at over 14 stations city-wide, handing out flyers urging riders to call their elected officials. Three TV stations covered the events, filming the volunteers' giant 6-foot metro-card that read "Ticket to better transit."
Read the Sierra Club's 2004 Sprawl Report: https://info.sierraclub.org/ct.html?rtr=on&s=arz,7gx2,km3,jino,da52,irqz,5w4u
Tell friends about currents! Visit this link: https://info.sierraclub.org/ct.html?rtr=on&s=arz,7gx2,km3,d67b,h50q,irqz,5w4u
3. TAKE ACTION: Off-Road Vehicle Rule Needs Strengthening
The Forest Service recently issued their plan for off- road vehicle use in national forests. The plan is designed to govern use of off-road vehicles (ORVs) on America's 176 National Forests and Grasslands. Although some changes are positive, they alone will not solve this growing problem. The Bush administration must include additional measures in the final rule to ensure basic protections for public land, wildlife and other types of recreation. Publication of the proposal in the Federal Register, expected in the next several days, will begin a 60-day public comment period.
Send a message to the Forest Service: https://info.sierraclub.org/ct.html?rtr=on&s=arz,7gx2,km3,aqw3,6gva,irqz,5w4u
"Of course every American wants a big car. But government has to say to the automobile industry: Of course they want it, but you've got to make 40 mpg. And if we had that law, within a year, Detroit would be producing SUVs that have the same performance and the same comfort and safety as the ones they're making today." - Robert F. Kennedy Jr., author and environmental advocate
(1) GLOBAL WARMING: Here, There and Everywhere
(2) TUNE IN: First Things Thirst
(3) TAKE ACTION: A Better Mercury Plan
1. GLOBAL WARMING: Here, There and Everywhere
Here's something that gives new meaning to the term "Roadmap for Peace." This summer, Mohammad Hasan A. Taher, a Jordanian Arab, and Ilana Meallem, an Israeli Jew, are driving together from Seattle to San Diego -- and they are doing it in a hybrid car. Both are interning with the Sierra Club as part of a unique program bringing together aspiring Arab and Jewish environmental leaders under the premise that all parties have a stake in a healthy environment. By driving a car that's better for the planet, they'll draw attention to energy and global warming, two issues that profoundly affect people from the United States to the Middle East.
Find out if the hybrid tour is coming to your city: https://info.sierraclub.org/ct.html?rtr=on&s=arz,7f43,km3,6pq0,9cxj,irqz,5w4u
2. TUNE IN: First Things Thirst
All over the world, communities need help in securing safe drinking water. One out of six people lacks a decent supply. The question of who the providers will be -- private firms seeking a profit or public entities focused on the common good -- is becoming one of the big global battles of the 21st century. Tune in tonight to PBS's "Point of View" at 10 p.m. in most areas to watch THIRST. Produced by independent filmmakers Alan Snitow and Deborah Kaufman, THIRST is the story of communities from California to Bolivia to India which are resisting corporate control of their water in order to preserve access to clean water as a human right and public trust.
Find your local broadcast times and learn more about Sierra Club's work on water privatization: https://info.sierraclub.org/ct.html?rtr=on&s=arz,7f43,km3,2ld4,736a,irqz,5w4u
3. TAKE ACTION: A Better Mercury Plan
When the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCSL) meets next week, Maryland Delegate Jim Hubbard will propose a resolution to require EPA to finalize a strong mercury power plant rule and prohibit it from pursuing its cap and trade mercury plan. In 2003, the Bush administration announced its proposal to regulate mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants. Unfortunately, the proposal would only delay pollution reductions and not even be fully effective by 2025. If the administration would just enforce the Clean Air Act, we would see sharper cuts in mercury emissions much sooner than the current EPA proposal. There is a better way. The technology to dramatically clean up mercury from power plants is available and affordable.
Please call your State Legislator to attend and vote for Delegate Hubbard's mercury resolution: https://info.sierraclub.org/ct.html?rtr=on&s=arz,7f43,km3,9rbk,j6v7,irqz,5w4u legislature (to locate your legislator's contact information)
"I grew up in the fifties and sixties and we were raised that you cooked everything you caught. But now I never eat a fish out of Ohio rivers or streams. And that did take some of the enjoyment out of it for me." - Mike Utt, resident of Bellefontaine, Ohio, commenting in the Bucyrus Telegraph Forum on the impacts of mercury and other pollution in the state's rivers.
(1) Mad for MAX
(2) Centennial in Yosemite
(3) TAKE ACTION: Join the Evolution
1. Mad for MAX
There's something happening in Vegas that hopefully won't stay in Vegas. This month, Las Vegas commuters welcome the opening of MAX, a new fast transit bus service. MAX, which looks and operates like a sleek light rail line without tracks saves time by having its own lane and stopping at designated stations, where riders buy tickets from automated kiosks before they board. MAX also has the power to extend green lights, making its ride 40 percent faster than ordinary buses.
Read the Sierra Club's recent report on transit: https://info.sierraclub.org/ct.html?rtr=on&s=arz,7bb4,km3,jino,da52,irqz,5w4u
2. Centennial in Yosemite
This past weekend marked the 100th anniversary of the LeConte Memorial Lodge. Located in Yosemite Valley, this small stone cottage, built at the behest of John Muir to honor his friend and fellow Sierra Club founder Joseph LeConte, is an architectural gem. It's also an official National Historic Landmark, having served as the first visitor center in Yosemite National Park. The Sierra Club still operates the facility for the National Park Service as an education and information center.
Read more about history and programs of LeConte Memorial Lodge: https://info.sierraclub.org/ct.html?rtr=on&s=arz,7bb4,km3,g54h,hp66,irqz,5w4u
3. TAKE ACTION: Join the Evolution
Hybrid evolution means getting better. It means clean cars and clean energy. But the Bush administration has fought efforts to put these solutions to work and instead continues to push their backward and polluting energy plan. Sign the pledge and help hold the Bush administration accountable for their failure to take American into a cleaner, safer, and cheaper energy future. Click here to sign the 'I Will Evolve' pledge: https://info.sierraclub.org/ct.html?rtr=on&s=arz,7bb4,km3,fk3r,dlij,irqz,5w4u
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