CHICAGO - Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt made a secret, unannounced visit to Whiting, Ind. just outside Chicago today to make an announcement about the EPA’s Superfund program. American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 704, the union representing some 900 EPA employees across the midwest, joined residents of East Chicago, advocacy groups like the Sierra Club and Union of Concerned Scientists, Moms Clean Air Force and more in Chicago today to speak out about EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt’s secretive, exclusive travel to the region and his damaging policies as EPA administrator.
New York -- Today, in response to a formal petition filed by the Sierra Club and a coalition of 40 environmental, environmental justice, labor, and transportation industry stakeholders, the New York Public Service Commission opened a new proceeding to expand New York’s electric vehicle (EV) market.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the EPA Inspector General announced another investigation into EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt’s questionable ethics. This, the tenth federal investigation into Pruitt, one focuses on his use of official security detail on personal trips to Disneyland, the Rose Bowl and college basketball games.
In a notice that will be officially posted to the Federal Register tomorrow, the Department of the Interior launched the process to hold a lease sale for drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Richmond, VA -- Today, the American Lung Association released their 2018 State of Air report, with Virginian cities ranking among both the cleanest and most polluted U.S. cities for air pollution. This report was released a day after Virginia state officials from environmental and energy state agencies signed a letter opposing the Environmental Protection Agency’s repeal of the Clean Power Plan.
PALM BEACH, FL -- Today, when asked about rejoining the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) during a press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Trump responded, “I don’t want to go back into TPP, but if they offered us a deal that I can’t refuse on behalf of the United States, I would do it. But I like bilateral [trade deals] better.” Just yesterday, Trump said he “doesn’t like the deal for the United States,” and incorrectly cited South Korea as a TPP member.
With Power Out Yet Again, Sierra Club de Puerto Rico Calls for Massive Investments in Energy Grid
San Juan, Puerto Rico, -- Today, Puerto Rico suffered an island-wide power outage impacting hospitals and emergency services. This is the second widespread power outage this month on the island. Over 1.5 million U.S. citizens will be without power for at least 24 to 36 hours.
***Media Advisory: Watts Clean Energy and Air Committee to Host Earth Day Celebration***
LOS ANGELES, C.A. -- On Saturday, April 21, the Watts Clean Energy and Air Committee will host their inaugural Earth Day Celebration at St. John’s United Methodist Church. The centerpiece of the event will be the groundbreaking of the MegaWatts Solar Project, a 6 kilowatt solar installation that is the first phase of a larger project to bring solar power to the community.
The American Lung Association’s 2018 State of the Air report, released today, gives Shelby County an “F” grade for excessive levels of ozone pollution. Last year, the county got a “D” for ozone, a pollutant that medical experts say is like getting a sunburn on your lungs.
Led by Senator Tom Udall and Representative Kathy Castor, 161 senators and members of Congress have signed a resolution calling for EPA administrator Scott Pruitt’s resignation. The news comes as Scott Pruitt is facing yet another investigation into his law breaking and ethics violations.