Lansing, MI-- Yesterday, the Michigan Environmental Rules Review Committee (ERRC) voted to allow the rule-making process to move forward on cleaning up per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the drinking water of over one million Michiganders. PFAS chemicals are commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” because of how long they linger in the environment. They do not break down in the human body, and are linked to several health dangers like cancer, reproductive and immune system failures, and developmental harm in children.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Civil Liberties Union, Sierra Club, and Southern Border Communities Coalition today filed a new lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s transfer of an additional $3.8 billion in military funds for border wall construction. Congress did not authorize the funds.
Washington, D.C., -- Today, Chair Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and Rep. A. Donald McEachin (D-Va.) introduced their landmark Environmental Justice for All Act.
This landmark environmental justice bill was created by the environmental justice community and represents the culmination of over a year of outreach. The bill makes major strides on environmental justice including an update of the National Environmental Policy Act to promote environmental justice, and the Outdoors for All Act, a key legislative priority that Sierra Club Outdoors for All has worked to advance since 2016.
WASHINGTON, D.C.-- The House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands held a hearing on the Outdoors for All Act, sponsored by Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44) today, February 27, 2020. The important bipartisan bill would help communities around the country construct and improve parks and other outdoor recreational spaces, particularly in underserved communities that lack access to outdoor recreation areas. Witnesses included Allegra “Happy” Haynes, Executive Director of the Denver Department of Parks and Recreation and Denver Deputy Mayor.
“At a time when we need to rapidly transition away from dirty fossil fuels to 100% clean energy, this bill points us in the wrong direction. This bill includes a number of small bore proposals, some productive and some detrimental. It also incorporates some egregious non starters such as a provision to vastly expand the permitting of destructive mining operations, as well as an expansion of fracked gas exports.
RICHMOND, VA - Late last night, Virginia passed the Clean Energy and Community Flood Preparedness Act (HB 981, SB 1027) that enables the Commonwealth to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), America’s landmark multi-state plan to limit pollution from dirty fossil fuel plants and accelerate the transition to clean energy. The bill’s passage is a watershed moment for environmentalists and communities who have been championing the successful and popular policy for years.
ALBANY -- In a unanimous vote, the New York State Senate passed the Outdoor Rx Act on February 26, 2020. The bill, sponsored by state Senator Brian Benjamin (NY-30) and Assemblymember Didi Barrett (NY-106), would lower barriers for veterans to access New York State’s scenic and restorative outdoor spaces. The bill now moves to the desk of Gov. Andrew Cuomo to await his signature.
In response to the 60-0 vote, Lt. Col. (retired) Aaron Leonard, Sierra Club Military Outdoors Campaign Representative, released the following statement:
The Hill informó hoy que el secretario del Interior, David Bernhardt seguirá adelante con una controvertida propuesta de eliminar requisitos científicos al considerar temas sobre la salud pública, el medio ambiente y otros aspectos cruciales en el funcionamiento de su departamento.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands will hold a hearing on the Outdoors for All Act, sponsored by Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-California) on Thursday, February 27, 2020, beginning at 10 a.m. The important bipartisan bill would help communities around the country construct and improve parks and other outdoor recreational spaces, particularly in underserved communities that lack access to outdoor recreation areas.