environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-04-14--Despite Link to COVID-19 Deaths, Trump EPA Refuses To Strengthen Soot Standards

WASHINGTON – Ignoring his own scientists and public health advocates , Environmental Protection Agency chief Andrew Wheeler refused today to tighten federal standards for soot emitted from auto tailpipes and smokestacks that causes serious respiratory harm .
The decision comes on the heels of the first nationwide study by a team of disease experts from the Harvard T.H .
Chan School of Public Health that found COVID-19 sufferers who live in places with air polluted with higher levels of the tiny airborne soot particles known as PM2.5 are far more likely to die than those in areas with cleaner air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ published a draft review , required every five years , of the risks of keeping the current PM2.5 standard of 12 micrograms per cubic meter .
Their review of the latest research found that exposure to that level of soot is associated with 45,000 deaths each year .
If the standards were tightened to nine micrograms per cubic meter , the number of premature deaths associated with PM2.5 exposure would fall by 12,150 people .
Wheeler ’ s decision not to lower the federal standards for PM2.5 came after lobbying by the oil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York Times .
And today Wheeler dismissed the Harvard study , saying its authors were biased against the Trump administration .
“ This decision by Andrew Wheeler is as tone-deaf as it is reckless , ” said EWG President Ken Cook .
“ Right now , long-term exposure to PM2.5 is increasing the number of people who are dying from the coronavirus .
If there ever was a moment for all Americans , regardless of political persuasion , to demand the Trump EPA stop gutting the nation ’ s air quality standards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health protection , it ’ s now.
” In farm country , industrial agriculture is also a major source of PM2.5 , putting farm workers at greater risk .
“ Farm workers are already unprotected from COVID-19 , and they work in places with some of the highest PM levels in the nation , ” said Scott Faber , EWG ’ s senior vice president for government affairs .
“ As the Harvard study shows , failing to reduce PM pollution will make the people who harvest our crops at great personal risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit , non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment .
Through research , advocacy and unique education tools , EWG drives consumer choice and civic action .

WASHINGTON – Ignoring his own scientists and public health advocates, Environmental Protection Agency chief Andrew Wheeler refused today to tighten federal standards for soot emitted from auto tailpipes and smokestacks that causes serious respiratory harm.
The decision comes on the heels of the first nationwide study by a team of disease experts from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health that found COVID-19 sufferers who live in places with air polluted with higher levels of the tiny airborne soot particles known as PM2.5 are far more likely to die than those in areas with cleaner air.
In September 2019, EPA scientists published a draft review, required every five years, of the risks of keeping the current PM2.5 standard of 12 micrograms per cubic meter. Their review of the latest research found that exposure to that level of soot is associated with 45,000 deaths each year. If the standards were tightened to nine micrograms per cubic meter, the number of premature deaths associated with PM2.5 exposure would fall by 12,150 people.
Wheeler’s decision not to lower the federal standards for PM2.5 came after lobbying by the oil and manufacturing industries, according to The New York Times. And today Wheeler dismissed the Harvard study, saying its authors were biased against the Trump administration.
“This decision by Andrew Wheeler is as tone-deaf as it is reckless,” said EWG President Ken Cook. “Right now, long-term exposure to PM2.5 is increasing the number of people who are dying from the coronavirus. If there ever was a moment for all Americans, regardless of political persuasion, to demand the Trump EPA stop gutting the nation’s air quality standards and finally place a premium on public health protection, it’s now.”
In farm country, industrial agriculture is also a major source of PM2.5, putting farm workers at greater risk.
“Farm workers are already unprotected from COVID-19, and they work in places with some of the highest PM levels in the nation,” said Scott Faber, EWG’s senior vice president for government affairs. “As the Harvard study shows, failing to reduce PM pollution will make the people who harvest our crops at great personal risk even more vulnerable to COVID-19.”
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The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-04-14--Harvard Study: In Places With Dirty Air, COVID-19 Patients at Greater Risk of Death

Coronavirus sufferers in places with dirtier air are far more likely to die than those in areas with cleaner air , according to the first nationwide study of the connection between fossil fuel pollution and deaths from COVID-19 .
Disease experts with the Harvard T.H .
Chan School of Public Health analyzed recent air pollution and COVID-19 mortality data for more than 3,000 counties across the U.S .
They found that coronavirus patients exposed for decades to even a moderate increase in the tiny airborne particles known as PM2.5 were at a heightened risk of dying .
The most significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much smaller than a human hair , are auto tailpipes and power plants .
Researchers found that an increase of just one microgram of PM2.5 per cubic meter of air is associated with a 15 percent increase in the COVID-19 death rate for that county .
The finding has grave implications for mortality from infectious respiratory diseases such as COVID-19 and the Trump administration ’ s recent rollback of auto pollution regulations and mileage standards .
“ A small increase in long-term exposure to PM2.5 leads to a large increase in COVID-19 death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 times that observed for PM2.5 and all-cause mortality , ” the researchers wrote .
“ The study results underscore the importance of continuing to enforce existing air pollution regulations to protect human health both during and after the COVID-19 crisis.
” Studies have clearly established that communities of color are disproportionately exposed to sharply higher levels of long-term air pollution because they are closer to congested streets and highways , as well as refineries and power plants .
A 2011 study by researchers at the University of Southern California and the RAND @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were 2.5 times more likely to go to the hospital as a result of air pollution .
That may help explain why African Americans make up a disproportionate share of COVID-19 deaths in many areas .
In Louisiana , African Americans are 33 percent of the population but make up 70 percent of deaths from COVID-19 .
In Wisconsin , African Americans are just 26 percent of the population in Milwaukee County but account for almost three-fourths of deaths from the virus .
Last month , the Environmental Protection Agency finalized a rule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efficiency standards for automobiles .
The new standard will allow cars and light trucks to cumulatively emit nearly 1 billion more tons of lung-damaging carbon dioxide over the lifetime of the nation ’ s vehicle fleet than under the Obama-era standards .
The Obama standards were the most aggressive federal policy ever adopted to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions .
Those standards required cars and light trucks to average 54 miles per gallon by 2025 , compared to 40 mpg under the Trump EPA ’ s new rule , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Generating electricity was once the main source of greenhouse gas emissions .
But as coal-fired power plants are closing and being replaced by cheap , abundant natural gas and clean energy sources like wind and solar , cars have become the worst offenders .
According to the EPA , cars , light trucks and other vehicles are now the primary contributor of greenhouse gas emissions and particulate air pollution such as PM2.5 .
An analysis by the Union of Concerned Scientists found that PM2.5 and other particulate matter “ is singlehandedly responsible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year.
” If the Trump rollbacks of federal and state emissions standards are successful , many more Americans are expected to develop serious illnesses , including respiratory problems , asthma and heart attacks .
At one time , the U.S. auto industry universally supported federal clean car standards and California ’ s own stringent fuel economy rules .
But now Toyota , GM and Fiat Chrysler are backing Trump ’ s reckless and dangerous rollback of the federal standards and his attempt to overturn California ’ s right to set its own standards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other states and the District of Columbia .
Toyota ’ s support for Trump ’ s mpg rollback has hurt the company ’ s reputation among its customers .
According to a recent survey commissioned by the Union of Concerned Scientists that asked 1,000 Toyota drivers about the company ’ s position , its favorability fell by nearly a third , from 98 percent to 66 percent .
By siding with Trump ’ s assault on clean car standards , Toyota , GM and Fiat Chrysler have turned their collective backs on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Last week , EWG challenged Toyota , GM and Fiat Chrysler to renounce the Trump rollbacks and join Ford , Honda , BMW , Volkswagen and Volvo in agreeing to abide by the California standards

Coronavirus sufferers in places with dirtier air are far more likely to die than those in areas with cleaner air, according to the first nationwide study of the connection between fossil fuel pollution and deaths from COVID-19.
Disease experts with the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health analyzed recent air pollution and COVID-19 mortality data for more than 3,000 counties across the U.S. They found that coronavirus patients exposed for decades to even a moderate increase in the tiny airborne particles known as PM2.5 were at a heightened risk of dying.
The most significant sources of pollution from PM2.5 particles, much smaller than a human hair, are auto tailpipes and power plants. Researchers found that an increase of just one microgram of PM2.5 per cubic meter of air is associated with a 15 percent increase in the COVID-19 death rate for that county.
The finding has grave implications for mortality from infectious respiratory diseases such as COVID-19 and the Trump administration’s recent rollback of auto pollution regulations and mileage standards.
“A small increase in long-term exposure to PM2.5 leads to a large increase in COVID-19 death rate, with the magnitude of increase 20 times that observed for PM2.5 and all-cause mortality,” the researchers wrote. “The study results underscore the importance of continuing to enforce existing air pollution regulations to protect human health both during and after the COVID-19 crisis.”
Studies have clearly established that communities of color are disproportionately exposed to sharply higher levels of long-term air pollution because they are closer to congested streets and highways, as well as refineries and power plants. A 2011 study by researchers at the University of Southern California and the RAND Corporation found that African Americans in California were 2.5 times more likely to go to the hospital as a result of air pollution.
That may help explain why African Americans make up a disproportionate share of COVID-19 deaths in many areas.
In Louisiana, African Americans are 33 percent of the population but make up 70 percent of deaths from COVID-19. In Wisconsin, African Americans are just 26 percent of the population in Milwaukee County but account for almost three-fourths of deaths from the virus.
Last month, the Environmental Protection Agency finalized a rule rolling back President Obama’s fuel efficiency standards for automobiles. The new standard will allow cars and light trucks to cumulatively emit nearly 1 billion more tons of lung-damaging carbon dioxide over the lifetime of the nation’s vehicle fleet than under the Obama-era standards.
The Obama standards were the most aggressive federal policy ever adopted to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Those standards required cars and light trucks to average 54 miles per gallon by 2025, compared to 40 mpg under the Trump EPA’s new rule, which is likely to be challenged in court.
Generating electricity was once the main source of greenhouse gas emissions. But as coal-fired power plants are closing and being replaced by cheap, abundant natural gas and clean energy sources like wind and solar, cars have become the worst offenders. According to the EPA, cars, light trucks and other vehicles are now the primary contributor of greenhouse gas emissions and particulate air pollution such as PM2.5.
An analysis by the Union of Concerned Scientists found that PM2.5 and other particulate matter “is singlehandedly responsible for up to 30,000 premature deaths each year.” If the Trump rollbacks of federal and state emissions standards are successful, many more Americans are expected to develop serious illnesses, including respiratory problems, asthma and heart attacks.
At one time, the U.S. auto industry universally supported federal clean car standards and California’s own stringent fuel economy rules. But now Toyota, GM and Fiat Chrysler are backing Trump’s reckless and dangerous rollback of the federal standards and his attempt to overturn California’s right to set its own standards, which have been adopted by 13 other states and the District of Columbia.
Toyota’s support for Trump’s mpg rollback has hurt the company’s reputation among its customers. According to a recent survey commissioned by the Union of Concerned Scientists that asked 1,000 Toyota drivers about the company’s position, its favorability fell by nearly a third, from 98 percent to 66 percent.
By siding with Trump’s assault on clean car standards, Toyota, GM and Fiat Chrysler have turned their collective backs on the health and safety of every American. Last week, EWG challenged Toyota, GM and Fiat Chrysler to renounce the Trump rollbacks and join Ford, Honda, BMW, Volkswagen and Volvo in agreeing to abide by the California standards


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-04-13--Mississippi River Flood Management Could Cause Another Devastating Gulf Coast Toxic Algae Bloom This

Mississippi River Flood Management Could Cause Another Devastating Gulf Coast Toxic Algae Bloom This Year

The Army Corps of Engineers just opened a huge flood management structure to relieve the swollen Mississippi River , which could cause a recurrence of a huge toxic algae bloom along the Gulf Coast , potentially affecting fisheries , recreation and ecosystems .
On April 3 , the Corps opened up part of the five-mile-long Bonnet Carré Spillway upriver of New Orleans to protect the city ’ s levees and prevent flooding .
Last year , two extended openings of the spillway caused an enormous toxic algae bloom that closed all of Mississippi ’ s beaches for the entire summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the death of dolphins and other animals .
They also fed a large toxic algae outbreak in Louisiana ’ s Lake Pontchartrain .
EWG tracks all media reports of algae blooms in freshwater across the U.S. and has found that the number of reported outbreaks more than quintupled between 2010 and 2019 .
The main cause of most algae blooms – only some of which are toxic – is the nutrients ( chemicals found in fertilizer and manure ) in agricultural runoff .
As “ non-point sources ” of pollution , farms are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Act .
Toxic algae blooms can sicken humans and kill pets and wildlife .
Last year ’ s opening of the spillway and the resulting toxic algae outbreak were linked to huge declines in Mississippi ’ s commercial fisheries , including the annihilation of the 2019 oyster harvest , according to the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources .
Federal fisheries disasters were declared in Mississippi , Alabama and Louisiana .
Due to this loss and other significant economic impacts , last year Mississippi and a coalition of the state ’ s environmental and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Engineers in two separate civil suits , requesting the agency change how it handles flood control on the Lower Mississippi .
Both lawsuits are still pending .
As recently as Feb. 20 , the Corps had predicted it wouldn ’ t need to open the spillway this year .
But unlike last year , the Corps did notify officials in Mississippi and Louisiana that it would open the Bonnet Carré before it made the decision public .
It ’ s unclear how long the spillway will remain open .
But the enormous amount @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brackish and saltwater ecosystems is almost certain to have large-scale environmental impacts again .
The National Weather Service has predicted a rainy spring for the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest , with major or moderate flooding expected in many states .
Last year was also extremely wet .
At least one Mississippi tributary , the James River in South Dakota , has been in flood stage for more than a year .
The climate crisis has made such extreme weather events increasingly common .
In recent years , the Bonnet Carré , completed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with almost half of all openings occurring during the past 12 years .
The latest opening marks the first time the spillway has been opened in three consecutive years .
Last year was the first time it was opened twice , for a combined total of 123 days , dwarfing the previous record of 75 days , in 1973 .
The Mississippi River drains 40 percent of the continental U.S. , much of it farmland .
Farm pollution that enters the river from the 31 states , and parts of two Canadian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the giant annual Gulf of Mexico dead zone , but that issue is different from last year ’ s algae outbreak .
We ’ ll continue to monitor algae outbreaks across the U.S. , including any that may result from the opening of the Bonnet Carré Spillway .

The Army Corps of Engineers just opened a huge flood management structure to relieve the swollen Mississippi River, which could cause a recurrence of a huge toxic algae bloom along the Gulf Coast, potentially affecting fisheries, recreation and ecosystems.
On April 3, the Corps opened up part of the five-mile-long Bonnet Carré Spillway upriver of New Orleans to protect the city’s levees and prevent flooding. Last year, two extended openings of the spillway caused an enormous toxic algae bloom that closed all of Mississippi’s beaches for the entire summer, devastated Gulf fisheries and likely caused the death of dolphins and other animals. They also fed a large toxic algae outbreak in Louisiana’s Lake Pontchartrain.
EWG tracks all media reports of algae blooms in freshwater across the U.S. and has found that the number of reported outbreaks more than quintupled between 2010 and 2019. The main cause of most algae blooms – only some of which are toxic – is the nutrients (chemicals found in fertilizer and manure) in agricultural runoff. As “non-point sources” of pollution, farms are largely exempt from the federal Clean Water Act. Toxic algae blooms can sicken humans and kill pets and wildlife.
Last year’s opening of the spillway and the resulting toxic algae outbreak were linked to huge declines in Mississippi’s commercial fisheries, including the annihilation of the 2019 oyster harvest, according to the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. Federal fisheries disasters were declared in Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana.
Due to this loss and other significant economic impacts, last year Mississippi and a coalition of the state’s environmental and community groups sued the Army Corps of Engineers in two separate civil suits, requesting the agency change how it handles flood control on the Lower Mississippi. Both lawsuits are still pending.
As recently as Feb. 20, the Corps had predicted it wouldn’t need to open the spillway this year. But unlike last year, the Corps did notify officials in Mississippi and Louisiana that it would open the Bonnet Carré before it made the decision public.
It’s unclear how long the spillway will remain open. But the enormous amount of river water it is releasing into brackish and saltwater ecosystems is almost certain to have large-scale environmental impacts again.
The National Weather Service has predicted a rainy spring for the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest, with major or moderate flooding expected in many states. Last year was also extremely wet. At least one Mississippi tributary, the James River in South Dakota, has been in flood stage for more than a year.
The climate crisis has made such extreme weather events increasingly common. In recent years, the Bonnet Carré, completed in 1931, has gotten unprecedented use, with almost half of all openings occurring during the past 12 years.
The latest opening marks the first time the spillway has been opened in three consecutive years. Last year was the first time it was opened twice, for a combined total of 123 days, dwarfing the previous record of 75 days, in 1973.
The Mississippi River drains 40 percent of the continental U.S., much of it farmland. Farm pollution that enters the river from the 31 states, and parts of two Canadian provinces, in its watershed also induces the giant annual Gulf of Mexico dead zone, but that issue is different from last year’s algae outbreak.
We’ll continue to monitor algae outbreaks across the U.S., including any that may result from the opening of the Bonnet Carré Spillway.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-04-13--EWG Calls for Food and Farm Protections in Next COVID-19 Stimulus Bill

Congress must make support for the nation ’ s food and farm system a priority in the next COVID-19 stimulus bill , said Scott Faber , senior vice president of government affairs at EWG .
In a statement issued today , Faber outlined food and farm priorities for the next stimulus bill : COVID-19 is testing America ’ s food system like never before .
Although our food so far remains safe to eat , millions of Americans face hunger , millions of restaurant workers have lost their jobs , mom-and-pop restaurants are facing extinction , some farms are facing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers lack basic protections from the virus .
To support families facing hunger and provide an immediate boost to the economy , Congress should increase the SNAP benefit by 15 percent , raise the minimum monthly benefit to $ 30 and suspend rules that limit benefits .
Congress should also suspend the public charge rule and take other steps to prohibit discrimination in anti-hunger programs .
The Department of Agriculture should also use its authority to make it easier to provide meals to low-income families during school closures , many of whom are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a nationwide waiver for area eligibility .
Much more needs to be done by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to protect frontline food-chain workers and others at risk .
These protections must ensure that the food and farm workers who grow , harvest , manufacture , stock , sell and transport our food have adequate protection from the virus , including personal protective equipment and , in the case of farm workers , better housing and transportation .
The USDA should also issue food and worker safety guidance to school food service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide them with personal protective equipment .
Congress should also do more to support newly unemployed food and farm workers by expanding the number of weeks that workers are eligible for unemployment benefits , regardless of immigration status , and provide hazard pay .
Congress should also ensure that all food and farm workers are designated as first responders and are eligible to receive state benefits such as childcare , overtime , premium pay and have the right to organize .
To protect the health of food and farm workers and their families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus , Congress should provide free COVID-19 testing , regardless of immigration status , and provide universal paid sick days , and paid family and medical leave .
What ’ s more , Congress should expand health care coverage by paying for medical treatment related to COVID-19 , by increasing the federal share of state Medicaid expenditures , and by adopting policies to help unemployed food and farm workers obtain health insurance .
Farmers are ready to meet regional food supply needs .
To ensure that they can do so , financial assistance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to economic downturns , including farmers and ranchers and those who have lost local markets due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Although our food remains safe , Congress should also ensure that the USDA , the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration continue to enforce laws that protect us from food-borne illness , especially environmental laws that protect farm workers from pesticides and protect our drinking water supplies , and laws that limit line speeds in meat and poultry processing .
Congress should do much more to support independent restaurants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standards and expanding zero-interest loans , and by extending loan periods .
Our food and farm workers are working long hours , at enormous personal risk , to make sure store shelves are stocked and families are fed .
Millions of restaurant workers have lost their jobs .
Mom-and-pop restaurants face the risk of economic ruin .
And many families who lost their jobs or depend on school meals may now go hungry .
As more workers become sick and job losses grow , our nation ’ s food and farm system will @ @ @ @ @

Congress must make support for the nation’s food and farm system a priority in the next COVID-19 stimulus bill, said Scott Faber, senior vice president of government affairs at EWG. In a statement issued today, Faber outlined food and farm priorities for the next stimulus bill:
COVID-19 is testing America’s food system like never before. Although our food so far remains safe to eat, millions of Americans face hunger, millions of restaurant workers have lost their jobs, mom-and-pop restaurants are facing extinction, some farms are facing economic ruin, and food and farm workers lack basic protections from the virus.
To support families facing hunger and provide an immediate boost to the economy, Congress should increase the SNAP benefit by 15 percent, raise the minimum monthly benefit to $30 and suspend rules that limit benefits. Congress should also suspend the public charge rule and take other steps to prohibit discrimination in anti-hunger programs. The Department of Agriculture should also use its authority to make it easier to provide meals to low-income families during school closures, many of whom are food and farm workers, by issuing a nationwide waiver for area eligibility.
Much more needs to be done by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to protect frontline food-chain workers and others at risk. These protections must ensure that the food and farm workers who grow, harvest, manufacture, stock, sell and transport our food have adequate protection from the virus, including personal protective equipment and, in the case of farm workers, better housing and transportation. The USDA should also issue food and worker safety guidance to school food service workers, operators and volunteers, and provide them with personal protective equipment.
Congress should also do more to support newly unemployed food and farm workers by expanding the number of weeks that workers are eligible for unemployment benefits, regardless of immigration status, and provide hazard pay. Congress should also ensure that all food and farm workers are designated as first responders and are eligible to receive state benefits such as childcare, overtime, premium pay and have the right to organize.
To protect the health of food and farm workers and their families, and reduce the spread of the virus, Congress should provide free COVID-19 testing, regardless of immigration status, and provide universal paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave. What’s more, Congress should expand health care coverage by paying for medical treatment related to COVID-19, by increasing the federal share of state Medicaid expenditures, and by adopting policies to help unemployed food and farm workers obtain health insurance.
Farmers are ready to meet regional food supply needs. To ensure that they can do so, financial assistance should be directed to those most susceptible to economic downturns, including farmers and ranchers and those who have lost local markets due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although our food remains safe, Congress should also ensure that the USDA, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration continue to enforce laws that protect us from food-borne illness, especially environmental laws that protect farm workers from pesticides and protect our drinking water supplies, and laws that limit line speeds in meat and poultry processing.
Congress should do much more to support independent restaurants by providing grants, reforming loan forgiveness standards and expanding zero-interest loans, and by extending loan periods.
Our food and farm workers are working long hours, at enormous personal risk, to make sure store shelves are stocked and families are fed. Millions of restaurant workers have lost their jobs. Mom-and-pop restaurants face the risk of economic ruin. And many families who lost their jobs or depend on school meals may now go hungry. As more workers become sick and job losses grow, our nation’s food and farm system will be tested even more.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-04-10--EWG News Roundup (4/10): Mapping PFAS Discharges, COVID-19 Hand Care Tips and More

This week , EWG uncovered and mapped over 2,500 industrial facilities across the nation that could be discharging the toxic fluorinated compounds known as PFAS into the air and water .
Using Environmental Protection Agency and New York State data , EWG identified 2,501 unique industrial sites that are known to produce or use PFAS , or that are suspected of using PFAS .
Late last week , President Trump rolled back Obama-era federal fuel efficiency standards , which will mean 1 billion or more additional tons of carbon pollution and more expensive gas .
EWG wrote an open letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chrysler , which are backing Trump ’ s rollback , pointing out that they broke their 2011 promise to take steps to meet the fuel economy goals in Obama ’ s rule .
“ You are complicit in Trump ’ s reckless abandonment of the nation ’ s most significant initiative to combat the climate crisis and the public health impacts of tailpipe emissions , ” said EWG President Ken Cook .
“ Your support of the rollback in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic is a shameless betrayal of American taxpayers that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the planet and the health of your customers.
” During the pandemic , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends washing with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds – which has the side effect of dry and chapped skin .
EWG provided some tips for folks that have taken their handwashing routines to the next level .
Here ’ s some news you can use going into the weekend .
Business Insider : I use this gentle baby balm to ease my toddler 's skin irritation when her eczema @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of their products carry the Environmental Working Group 's EWG Verified guarantee that they do not contain potentially harmful ingredients .
Reprinted by World News Briefing : New PFAS Polluters Map with Congressman Harley Rouda ( D-Calif. ) and Congressman Chris Pappas ( D-N.H. ) E & E News : Study : More than 2,500 facilities could release PFAS The Environmental Working Group reviewed EPA 's Chemical Data Reporting rule , along with other databases , and found possible sites releasing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances , or PFAS , that have not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ D.C. , -based Environmental Working Group , a non-profit that advocates for clean air and water , on Thursday released an interactive national map of likely polluters .
Reprinted by La Revue Gauche USA Today : In California : Do n't even THINK of canceling fishing The nonprofit Environmental Working Group released an analysis Thursday identifying 2,501 industrial facilities likely releasing a lightly regulated class of toxic chemicals into the environment in Puerto Rico and every state — including about 100 in California .
Reprinted by USA Today affiliates .
Palm Springs Desert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PFAS contamination found at 2,501 facilities around the U.S .
The Environmental Working Group released a new analysis on Thursday that identified 2,501 industrial facilities around the country that are likely releasing a lightly regulated class of toxic chemicals into the environment in every state and Puerto Rico .
TruthOut : As US Reels From COVID-19 , the PFAS Pollution Crisis Is Quietly Growing Nationally , there are 2,500 industrial manufacturing and chemical facilities that could be releasing PFAS into the air and water , according to a new dataset and map released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) on Thursday .
New Hampshire Public Radio : Report IDs New Potential Sources Of PFAS Pollution In New Hampshire For the new analysis , the watchdog Environmental Working Group used government data to find facilities that likely use PFAS and already report other toxic discharges .
2 Oceans Vibe ( South Africa ) Rolling Stone Names And Shames The Powerful Men Killing The Planet He came to the EPA after spending years as a fossil-fuel-industry lobbyist .
“ Wheeler is the embodiment of the anti-regulatory ‘ deep state ’ in Washington , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nonprofit advocacy organization Environmental Working Group , told us in 2018 .
“ He ’ s playing the long game .
And that ’ s exactly what makes him so dangerous.
” Faribault Daily News ( Minn. ) : Stimulus aid to farmers shows what ’ s wrong with U.S. farm policy Of the tens of billions of “ Market Facilitation Payments ” made during the past few years , the top 10 % of recipients — the largest , most profitable industrial-scale farms in the country — got half , says the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Digest : 12 Things You Need to Clean After Returning from the Outside World '' When reaching for an antimicrobial cleaning product , it 's important to consider that optimal effectiveness of disinfectants — typically a 99.9 percent reduction in particular pathogens—will only be achieved when used according to the label instructions , '' warns Samara Geller , senior research and database analyst for the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) .
Reprinted by MSN Healthline : How to Clean and Kill COVID-19 , But Avoid Harsh Chemicals The Environmental Working Group warns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t provide consumers enough information about ingredients to allow people to make informed decisions on which ones might harm their health .
Dermstore : 17 Most Common Labels on Your Beauty Products ( and What They Really Mean ) “ In beauty , the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) is the closest thing there is to the USDA , ” she adds , noting that the EWG has a process that companies go through to get their products certified .
If you ’ re unfamiliar with squalene and what it does for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defines it as a compound that is a naturally occurring lipid in both plants and animals .
Real Simple : 6 Clean Beauty Brands Actually Worth Adding to Your Stash And that ’ s not a bad thing—according to the Environmental Working Group , women use 12 personal care products per day on average , exposing themselves to 168 chemical ingredients .
Scott Faber , the Environmental Working Group ’ s ( EWG ) senior vice president for government affairs , told the call that a fifth COVID-19 bill “ could provide a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Municipal Sewer & Water : How Likely Is Infrastructure Spending Amidst COVID-19 Outbreak ?
 In related news , the Environmental Working Group recently applauded U.S. House of Representatives leaders for its Moving Forward Framework which makes investments into drinking water pollution a priority .
The activist organization Environmental Working Group published an open letter today to the CEOs of three automakers that have backed the Trump administration 's rollback Obama-era vehicle fuel economy standards .
Reprinted by Governors ’ Wind & Solar Energy Coalition Eat This , Not That !
: 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In 2015 , the Environmental Working Group found potassium bromate in eighty-six store-bought baked goods , including some brands of store-bought breakfast sandwiches .
Steer clear of these ultra-processed products .
Reprinted by MSN Star Tribune ( Minneapolis ) : Readers Write : Minnesota Orchestra in South Africa , allegations against Keith Ellison , the role of the press , chemicals in cereal The letter writer cites 160 parts per billion in a 2-cup serving as the “ child protective limit ” recommended by the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nine times that amount .
IR3535 : This is an active ingredient that can also be effective against biting flies , ( like sand fleas ) plus mosquitoes , deer ticks , and body lice .
IR3535 is deemed safe by both the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) and the EPA .
Military Times : Here ’ s the latest count of suspected bases with toxic “ forever chemicals ” in the water There are nearly 700 military installations with either confirmed or suspected ground water contamination caused by fire-fighting foam using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to new data released Thursday by the Environmental Working Group .
Reprinted by 10z US Politics The Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) , a non-profit group of researchers , compiled 23 years of data which showed evidence of their growing concern that Minnesota drinking water is becoming contaminated with nitrates .
NJ Spotlight : NJ Adopts Strict Standards on Two Toxic Chemicals in Drinking Water Environmental Working Group , a leading national advocate for PFAS regulation , also welcomed New Jersey ’ s move .
Burlington County Times : New Jersey approves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Will legal battles follow ?
Among them was the Environmental Working Group , a Washington , D.C.-based nonprofit .
Reprinted by The Intelligencer ( Doylestown , Pa. ) ; Argus Leader ( Sioux Falls , S.D . )
; other USA Today affiliates Great Lakes Now : PFAS News Roundup : Indianapolis and Rhinelander find PFAS , PFAS testing and projects stalled due to COVID-19 The long-lasting “ forever chemicals ” also known as PFAS showed up in Indianapolis tap water at a level of 15 parts per trillion , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a national research and advocacy organization .
The Environmental Working Group has updated its map of military sites with such confirmed or suspected contamination , including two suspected sites in Southeastern North Carolina .
Fish is a low-fat quality protein and a healthy choice for dinner .
But making choices about which fish to eat can get confusing .
Here is a chart from the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) that identifies which fish are best to eat .
EWG is an American activist group that specializes in research and advocacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chemicals and drinking water pollutants to name a few .
Eating Well : Celery Juice : The Health Benefits , Side Effects and Science Behind the Trend Celery is also on the Environmental Working Group 's Dirty Dozen list of most-contaminated produce when it comes to pesticide residue .
Eating Well : How to Lose Weight on a Budget If organic is important to you , the Environmental Working Group has identified the foods that are most contaminated ( that you should consider buying organic ) , as well as the produce that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( that you can buy conventional ) .
Green Matters : 2020 ’ s Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen Are Here , To Help You Shop for Pesticide-Free Produce Every spring , the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) publishes an updated Shopper 's Guide to Pesticides in Produce , better known as the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen .
My Fitness Pal : Experts Debate : Should You Buy Organic ?
The Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) provides a Dirty Dozen list , which shows the 12 fruits and vegetables that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grow , such as strawberries , spinach and kale .
These are still within ‘ safe ’ levels regulated by the government , but I ’ d advise always buying organic if you can to lower your exposure .
One Green Planet : Homemade Vitamin C Powder Made From Organic Orange Peels This Homemade Vitamin C Powder is made from the peels of organic oranges .
Why organic ?
According to the Environmental Working Group , citrus fruits like oranges and lemons are among the produce with the highest pesticide residue .
Marie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wo n't Disappoint It also earned a number-one rating by the EWG ( Environmental Working Group ) in its annual sunscreen guide , so you know it 's good .
So , before you purchase another bottle of sunscreen , I recommend looking at the Environmental Working Group ’ s safe sunscreen database to find an option that protects you from the sun without putting you at risk for other health concerns .
Environmental Health News : ‘ Them plants are killing us ’ : Inside a cross-border battle against cancer and pollution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2007 , but data obtained by non-profit organization the Environmental Working Group shows the area still has unhealthy amounts of chromium-6 in its drinking water .
Created in collaboration with The Narwhal .

This week, EWG uncovered and mapped over 2,500 industrial facilities across the nation that could be discharging the toxic fluorinated compounds known as PFAS into the air and water. Using Environmental Protection Agency and New York State data, EWG identified 2,501 unique industrial sites that are known to produce or use PFAS, or that are suspected of using PFAS.
Late last week, President Trump rolled back Obama-era federal fuel efficiency standards, which will mean 1 billion or more additional tons of carbon pollution and more expensive gas. EWG wrote an open letter to automakers Toyota, GM and Fiat Chrysler, which are backing Trump’s rollback, pointing out that they broke their 2011 promise to take steps to meet the fuel economy goals in Obama’s rule.
“You are complicit in Trump’s reckless abandonment of the nation’s most significant initiative to combat the climate crisis and the public health impacts of tailpipe emissions,” said EWG President Ken Cook. “Your support of the rollback in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic is a shameless betrayal of American taxpayers that shows callous disregard for the future of the planet and the health of your customers.”
During the pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends washing with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds – which has the side effect of dry and chapped skin. EWG provided some tips for folks that have taken their handwashing routines to the next level.
Here’s some news you can use going into the weekend.
Children’s Health
Business Insider: I use this gentle baby balm to ease my toddler's skin irritation when her eczema flares up
On top of that, all of their products carry the Environmental Working Group's EWG Verified guarantee that they do not contain potentially harmful ingredients. Reprinted by World News
Briefing: New PFAS Polluters Map with Congressman Harley Rouda (D-Calif.) and Congressman Chris Pappas (D-N.H.)
E&E News: Study: More than 2,500 facilities could release PFAS
The Environmental Working Group reviewed EPA's Chemical Data Reporting rule, along with other databases, and found possible sites releasing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, that have not been previously reported.
United Press International (UPI): Health-damaging PFAS 'forever chemicals' likely released at 2,500 sites
The Washington, D.C.,-based Environmental Working Group, a non-profit that advocates for clean air and water, on Thursday released an interactive national map of likely polluters. Reprinted by La Revue Gauche
USA Today: In California: Don't even THINK of canceling fishing
The nonprofit Environmental Working Group released an analysis Thursday identifying 2,501 industrial facilities likely releasing a lightly regulated class of toxic chemicals into the environment in Puerto Rico and every state — including about 100 in California. Reprinted by USA Today affiliates.
Palm Springs Desert Sun (Calif.): Likely toxic PFAS contamination found at 2,501 facilities around the U.S.
The Environmental Working Group released a new analysis on Thursday that identified 2,501 industrial facilities around the country that are likely releasing a lightly regulated class of toxic chemicals into the environment in every state and Puerto Rico.
TruthOut: As US Reels From COVID-19, the PFAS Pollution Crisis Is Quietly Growing
Nationally, there are 2,500 industrial manufacturing and chemical facilities that could be releasing PFAS into the air and water, according to a new dataset and map released by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) on Thursday.
New Hampshire Public Radio: Report IDs New Potential Sources Of PFAS Pollution In New Hampshire
For the new analysis, the watchdog Environmental Working Group used government data to find facilities that likely use PFAS and already report other toxic discharges.
Trump Administration
2 Oceans Vibe (South Africa) Rolling Stone Names And Shames The Powerful Men Killing The Planet
He came to the EPA after spending years as a fossil-fuel-industry lobbyist. “Wheeler is the embodiment of the anti-regulatory ‘deep state’ in Washington,” Ken Cook, president of the nonprofit advocacy organization Environmental Working Group, told us in 2018. “He’s playing the long game. And that’s exactly what makes him so dangerous.”
Trump Administration Farm Bailouts
Faribault Daily News (Minn.): Stimulus aid to farmers shows what’s wrong with U.S. farm policy
Of the tens of billions of “Market Facilitation Payments” made during the past few years, the top 10% of recipients — the largest, most profitable industrial-scale farms in the country — got half, says the Environmental Working Group.
Cleaning Product
Reader’s Digest: 12 Things You Need to Clean After Returning from the Outside World
"When reaching for an antimicrobial cleaning product, it's important to consider that optimal effectiveness of disinfectants — typically a 99.9 percent reduction in particular pathogens—will only be achieved when used according to the label instructions," warns Samara Geller, senior research and database analyst for the Environmental Working Group (EWG). Reprinted by MSN
Healthline: How to Clean and Kill COVID-19, But Avoid Harsh Chemicals
The Environmental Working Group warns that cleaning product labels often don’t provide consumers enough information about ingredients to allow people to make informed decisions on which ones might harm their health.
EWG VERIFIED®
Dermstore: 17 Most Common Labels on Your Beauty Products (and What They Really Mean)
“In beauty, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) is the closest thing there is to the USDA,” she adds, noting that the EWG has a process that companies go through to get their products certified.
Skin Deep® Cosmetics Database
Huff Post: Squalene (And Squalane) Skin Care Products Dermatologists Recommend For Dry Skin
If you’re unfamiliar with squalene and what it does for your skin, the Environmental Working Group defines it as a compound that is a naturally occurring lipid in both plants and animals.
Real Simple: 6 Clean Beauty Brands Actually Worth Adding to Your Stash
And that’s not a bad thing—according to the Environmental Working Group, women use 12 personal care products per day on average, exposing themselves to 168 chemical ingredients.
COVID-19 Infrastructure Legislation
Inside EPA: House Lawmakers Eye Possible 5th COVID-19 Bill For Water Infrastructure
Scott Faber, the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) senior vice president for government affairs, told the call that a fifth COVID-19 bill “could provide a historic investment in drinking water infrastructure.”
Municipal Sewer & Water: How Likely Is Infrastructure Spending Amidst COVID-19 Outbreak?
In related news, the Environmental Working Group recently applauded U.S. House of Representatives leaders for its Moving Forward Framework which makes investments into drinking water pollution a priority.
EPA Rollback of Auto Emissions Standards
Politico - Morning Energy: Trump threatens OPEC, Russia with tariffs
The activist organization Environmental Working Group published an open letter today to the CEOs of three automakers that have backed the Trump administration's rollback Obama-era vehicle fuel economy standards. Reprinted by Governors’ Wind & Solar Energy Coalition
Food Scores
Eat This, Not That!: 100 of the Worst Foods Linked to Cancer
In 2015, the Environmental Working Group found potassium bromate in eighty-six store-bought baked goods, including some brands of store-bought breakfast sandwiches. Steer clear of these ultra-processed products. Reprinted by MSN
Glyphosate
Star Tribune (Minneapolis): Readers Write: Minnesota Orchestra in South Africa, allegations against Keith Ellison, the role of the press, chemicals in cereal
The letter writer cites 160 parts per billion in a 2-cup serving as the “child protective limit” recommended by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which claims several oat cereals had up to nine times that amount.
Insect Repellent
Bustle: The 5 Best Sand Flea Repellents
IR3535: This is an active ingredient that can also be effective against biting flies, (like sand fleas) plus mosquitoes, deer ticks, and body lice. IR3535 is deemed safe by both the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and the EPA.
New PFAS Military Map
Military Times: Here’s the latest count of suspected bases with toxic “forever chemicals” in the water
There are nearly 700 military installations with either confirmed or suspected ground water contamination caused by fire-fighting foam using in vehicle and aircraft mishaps, according to new data released Thursday by the Environmental Working Group. Reprinted by 10z US Politics
Nitrate in Minnesota Tap Water
Morrison County Record (Central Minn.): Non-profit releases study mirroring ongoing concerns over water quality
The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit group of researchers, compiled 23 years of data which showed evidence of their growing concern that Minnesota drinking water is becoming contaminated with nitrates.
PFAS Tap Water Contamination
NJ Spotlight: NJ Adopts Strict Standards on Two Toxic Chemicals in Drinking Water
Environmental Working Group, a leading national advocate for PFAS regulation, also welcomed New Jersey’s move.
Burlington County Times: New Jersey approves drinking water standards for toxic PFAS chemicals. Will legal battles follow?
Among them was the Environmental Working Group, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit. Reprinted by The Intelligencer (Doylestown, Pa.); Argus Leader (Sioux Falls, S.D.); other USA Today affiliates
Great Lakes Now: PFAS News Roundup: Indianapolis and Rhinelander find PFAS, PFAS testing and projects stalled due to COVID-19
The long-lasting “forever chemicals” also known as PFAS showed up in Indianapolis tap water at a level of 15 parts per trillion, according to a study by the Environmental Working Group, a national research and advocacy organization.
Star-News (Wilmington, N.C.): PFAS update: Locals respond to Chemours action plan
The Environmental Working Group has updated its map of military sites with such confirmed or suspected contamination, including two suspected sites in Southeastern North Carolina.
Seafood Guide
City Lifestyle Washington: Cast Iron Skillet Salmon
Fish is a low-fat quality protein and a healthy choice for dinner. But making choices about which fish to eat can get confusing. Here is a chart from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) that identifies which fish are best to eat. EWG is an American activist group that specializes in research and advocacy in the areas of agriculture, toxic chemicals and drinking water pollutants to name a few.
Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™
Eating Well: Celery Juice: The Health Benefits, Side Effects and Science Behind the Trend
Celery is also on the Environmental Working Group's Dirty Dozen list of most-contaminated produce when it comes to pesticide residue.
Eating Well: How to Lose Weight on a Budget
If organic is important to you, the Environmental Working Group has identified the foods that are most contaminated (that you should consider buying organic), as well as the produce that is cleanest and most free of pesticides (that you can buy conventional).
Green Matters: 2020’s Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen Are Here, To Help You Shop for Pesticide-Free Produce
Every spring, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) publishes an updated Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce, better known as the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen.
My Fitness Pal: Experts Debate: Should You Buy Organic?
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) provides a Dirty Dozen list, which shows the 12 fruits and vegetables that use the most pesticides and herbicides to grow, such as strawberries, spinach and kale. These are still within ‘safe’ levels regulated by the government, but I’d advise always buying organic if you can to lower your exposure.
One Green Planet: Homemade Vitamin C Powder Made From Organic Orange Peels
This Homemade Vitamin C Powder is made from the peels of organic oranges. Why organic? According to the Environmental Working Group, citrus fruits like oranges and lemons are among the produce with the highest pesticide residue.
EWG Guide to Sunscreens
Marie Claire: The Best SPF-Filled Moisturizers That Won't Disappoint
It also earned a number-one rating by the EWG (Environmental Working Group) in its annual sunscreen guide, so you know it's good.
Easy Health Options: 6 common sunscreen chemicals aren’t safe even by FDA standards
So, before you purchase another bottle of sunscreen, I recommend looking at the Environmental Working Group’s safe sunscreen database to find an option that protects you from the sun without putting you at risk for other health concerns.
Tap Water Database
Environmental Health News: ‘Them plants are killing us’: Inside a cross-border battle against cancer and pollution
The Michigan tannery site was remediated in 2007, but data obtained by non-profit organization the Environmental Working Group shows the area still has unhealthy amounts of chromium-6 in its drinking water. Created in collaboration with The Narwhal.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-04-09--UPDATE: Thousands of Industrial Facilities Likely Discharging Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’ Into Air and

UPDATE: Thousands of Industrial Facilities Likely Discharging Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’ Into Air and Water

At least 2,500 industrial facilities across the nation could be discharging the toxic fluorinated compounds known as PFAS into the air and water , according to an updated EWG analysis of government data .
EWG reviewed two online databases from the Environmental Protection Agency , as well as data from a survey by the state of New York , and identified 2,501 unique industrial sites that are known to produce or use PFAS , or that are suspected of using PFAS .
Independent scientific research has linked low doses of some PFAS compounds to weakened childhood immunity , cancer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serious health problems .
EWG ’ s analysis and interactive map identifies many industrial facilities that could be discharging PFAS .
Some have already been confirmed as a source of drinking water contamination , but tap water near other listed facilities may not have been tested .
Our data comes from the following sources : • The EPA ’ s Chemical Data Reporting Rule , which lists 28 industrial facilities that have disclosed the production and use of large quantities of PFAS chemicals .
These include well-known companies such as Chemours ( a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dow Corning .
These facilities are known to produce or use PFAS chemicals but are not required to disclose through the Toxics Release Inventory whether they are releasing PFAS chemicals into the air or water .
• The EPA ’ s Enforcement and Compliance History Online , or ECHO , from which EWG identified 2,444 industrial facilities that , based on the type of industry , could be using PFAS in their production process .
This includes chemical producers , tanneries , carpet and rug mills , coated-paper-product plants , electroplating facilities , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A 2017 survey by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation , which found 28 facilities in the state that reported past use of PFOA or PFOS – the two most notorious members of the PFAS family of thousands of compounds – including 13 facilities that currently store PFOA and PFOS onsite .
• A 2017 internal EPA memorandum that identifies different PFAS uses .
Our count of industrial sites does not include 446 public water systems known to be contaminated with PFAS or the 678 military installations with known or suspected PFAS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identified in our analysis closely correlate with known PFAS contamination sites Until recently , chemical companies have not been required to report industrial releases of PFAS through the federal Toxic Release Inventory , or TRI .
Of the industrial facilities known or suspected of using PFAS , EWG found that 2,467 are already reporting other toxic chemical releases through the TRI .
Last year , Congress included a provision in must-pass legislation that will add 172 PFAS to the TRI , but that reporting will not start until next year .
There are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under the federal Clean Water Act .
In many communities , industrial discharges of PFAS are the most significant source of PFAS pollution entering drinking water supplies .
Because there is no requirement that manufacturers or industrial users of PFAS pretreat their waste , PFAS is also contaminating municipal biosolids , which are often applied to farm fields and city parks as fertilizer , as well as sold to home gardeners .
In January , the House passed the PFAS Action Act ( H.R .
535 ) , which would , among other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to determine how to regulate industrial discharges of PFAS under the Clean Water Act .
Specifically , the Clean Water Act provisions in H.R .
535 would : • Require the EPA to establish effluent limitation and pretreatment standards for PFAS for priority industry categories like chemical companies and textile mills within four years .
• Ensure priority industries like chemical companies and textile mills obtain a permit before discharging PFAS .
• Ensure priority industries like chemical companies and textile mills pretreat their PFAS waste before sending PFAS to a publicly owned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discharges of industrial PFAS into municipal wastewater treatment plants without advance notice .
A similar version of these provisions , which has been championed by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand ( D-N.Y ) and by Reps. Chris Pappas ( D-N.H. ) and Antonio Delgado ( D-N.Y. ) , was also included in the Moving Forward framework for infrastructure legislation released by House Democrats in January .

UPDATE: In July 2021, EWG updated this map here. We have now found 41,828 industrial and municipal sites that are known to produce or use, are suspected of using, or are a suspected source of PFAS.
At least 2,500 industrial facilities across the nation could be discharging the toxic fluorinated compounds known as PFAS into the air and water, according to an updated EWG analysis of government data.
EWG reviewed two online databases from the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as data from a survey by the state of New York, and identified 2,501 unique industrial sites that are known to produce or use PFAS, or that are suspected of using PFAS.
Independent scientific research has linked low doses of some PFAS compounds to weakened childhood immunity, cancer, kidney and thyroid disease, and other serious health problems.
EWG’s analysis and interactive map identifies many industrial facilities that could be discharging PFAS. Some have already been confirmed as a source of drinking water contamination, but tap water near other listed facilities may not have been tested.
Our data comes from the following sources:
The EPA’s Chemical Data Reporting Rule, which lists 28 industrial facilities that have disclosed the production and use of large quantities of PFAS chemicals. These include well-known companies such as Chemours (a spinoff of DuPont), 3M and Dow Corning. These facilities are known to produce or use PFAS chemicals but are not required to disclose through the Toxics Release Inventory whether they are releasing PFAS chemicals into the air or water.
The EPA’s Enforcement and Compliance History Online, or ECHO, from which EWG identified 2,444 industrial facilities that, based on the type of industry, could be using PFAS in their production process. This includes chemical producers, tanneries, carpet and rug mills, coated-paper-product plants, electroplating facilities, semiconductor factories and wire manufacturers.
A 2017 survey by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, which found 28 facilities in the state that reported past use of PFOA or PFOS – the two most notorious members of the PFAS family of thousands of compounds – including 13 facilities that currently store PFOA and PFOS onsite.
A 2017 internal EPA memorandum that identifies different PFAS uses.
Our count of industrial sites does not include 446 public water systems known to be contaminated with PFAS or the 678 military installations with known or suspected PFAS contamination.
Many of the industrial sites identified in our analysis closely correlate with known PFAS contamination sites previously identified and mapped by EWG.
Until recently, chemical companies have not been required to report industrial releases of PFAS through the federal Toxic Release Inventory, or TRI. Of the industrial facilities known or suspected of using PFAS, EWG found that 2,467 are already reporting other toxic chemical releases through the TRI. Last year, Congress included a provision in must-pass legislation that will add 172 PFAS to the TRI, but that reporting will not start until next year.
There are no restrictions currently on industrial PFAS discharges under the federal Clean Water Act. In many communities, industrial discharges of PFAS are the most significant source of PFAS pollution entering drinking water supplies. Because there is no requirement that manufacturers or industrial users of PFAS pretreat their waste, PFAS is also contaminating municipal biosolids, which are often applied to farm fields and city parks as fertilizer, as well as sold to home gardeners.
In January, the House passed the PFAS Action Act (H.R. 535), which would, among other things, establish deadlines for the EPA to determine how to regulate industrial discharges of PFAS under the Clean Water Act.
Specifically, the Clean Water Act provisions in H.R. 535 would:
Require the EPA to establish effluent limitation and pretreatment standards for PFAS for priority industry categories like chemical companies and textile mills within four years.
Ensure priority industries like chemical companies and textile mills obtain a permit before discharging PFAS.
Ensure priority industries like chemical companies and textile mills pretreat their PFAS waste before sending PFAS to a publicly owned sewage treatment plant.
Prohibit indirect discharges of industrial PFAS into municipal wastewater treatment plants without advance notice.
A similar version of these provisions, which has been championed by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y) and by Reps. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) and Antonio Delgado (D-N.Y.), was also included in the Moving Forward framework for infrastructure legislation released by House Democrats in January.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-04-06--Automakers Backing Trump’s Gutting of Pollution Rules Are Complicit in Harm to Health and Climate

Automakers Backing Trump ’ s Gutting of Pollution Rules Are Complicit in Harm to Health and Climate EWG Challenges GM , Fiat Chrysler and Toyota To Reject Rollback of MPG Standards WASHINGTON – When the economy recovers and Americans go car shopping , they should shun automakers that broke their promises by supporting President Trump ’ s gutting of air pollution rules , the Environmental Working Group wrote today in an open letter to the CEOs of General Motors , Fiat Chrysler and Toyota .
Those companies are backing Trump ’ s reckless and dangerous rollback of federal fuel efficiency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s separate standards , which are similar to those set by the Obama administration in 2011 .
In the letter , EWG President Ken Cook reminded the auto bosses that as a condition of the $ 80 billion bailout that saved GM and Chrysler during the last financial crisis , those and other major car companies committed to better fuel efficiency .
But as soon as Trump took office , the industry lobbied for a rollback of the Obama-era standards , and on March 31 , the Environmental Protection Agency finalized a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than the industry requested .
The rollback will mean 1 billion or more tons of carbon pollution and make consumers pay billions more for gasoline .
The Obama-era fuel standards would have raised the average efficiency of new cars and light trucks to 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025 .
Under the Trump rollback , vehicle fleets will be required to average about 40 mpg .
Carbon dioxide and other tailpipe pollutants can damage the respiratory and immune systems , leaving many people who suffer from underlying health problems or who live in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ falling ill from viruses , including COVID-19 .
Since a front group called the Auto Alliance pushed for the rollback , Ford , Honda , BMW , Volkswagen and Volvo have backed off and agreed to California ’ s separate mileage standards .
But GM , Fiat Chrysler and Toyota are siding with Trump and supporting his efforts to revoke California ’ s right to set its own standards .
EWG challenged the CEOs to answer to consumers for their broken promises , asking : • What is your policy for accepting taxpayer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bailed out before ; they ’ ll bail us out again ” ?
• Is your company ’ s stated commitment to environmental responsibility anything more than marketing spin ?
• Will you support the Trump administration in fighting the inevitable court challenge – from California and the 14 states that have committed to its standards – to overturn the rollback ?
“ Until we hear differently , ” Cook wrote , “ we plan to urge our audience of millions that when the economy recovers and the time comes to shop for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to auto companies that stand by their word and a shared determination to fight air pollution and climate change .
By that measure , right now your companies are rolling out nothing but lemons – and who would want to buy one of those ?
” This is not the first time Toyota , which built its brand on fuel-efficient vehicles , has cozied up to the Trump administration .
In December 2017 , then-EPA chief Scott Pruitt , who was leading the administration ’ s rollback of environmental safeguards , told Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” to help the EPA operate in “ a lean process.
” EWG then wrote to James Lentz , CEO of Toyota North America , calling on him to “ immediately and unambiguously announce Toyota 's rejection of any management partnership with EPA and Administrator Scott Pruitt.
” The next month , the company replied that it had no plans to move ahead with the partnership .
“ Toyota listened to reason once , ” said Cook .
“ We hope they and the other automakers backing Trump will listen again.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment .
Through research , advocacy and unique education tools , EWG drives consumer choice and civic action .

WASHINGTON – When the economy recovers and Americans go car shopping, they should shun automakers that broke their promises by supporting President Trump’s gutting of air pollution rules, the Environmental Working Group wrote today in an open letter to the CEOs of General Motors, Fiat Chrysler and Toyota.
Those companies are backing Trump’s reckless and dangerous rollback of federal fuel efficiency standards and his attempt to overturn California’s separate standards, which are similar to those set by the Obama administration in 2011.
In the letter, EWG President Ken Cook reminded the auto bosses that as a condition of the $80 billion bailout that saved GM and Chrysler during the last financial crisis, those and other major car companies committed to better fuel efficiency.
But as soon as Trump took office, the industry lobbied for a rollback of the Obama-era standards, and on March 31, the Environmental Protection Agency finalized a rule gutting the standards even more severely than the industry requested. The rollback will mean 1 billion or more tons of carbon pollution and make consumers pay billions more for gasoline.
Cook wrote:
You are complicit in Trump’s reckless abandonment of the nation’s most significant initiative to combat the climate crisis and the public health impacts of tailpipe emissions. Your support of the rollback in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic is a shameless betrayal of American taxpayers that shows callous disregard for the future of the planet and the health of your customers.
The Obama-era fuel standards would have raised the average efficiency of new cars and light trucks to 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025. Under the Trump rollback, vehicle fleets will be required to average about 40 mpg.
Carbon dioxide and other tailpipe pollutants can damage the respiratory and immune systems, leaving many people who suffer from underlying health problems or who live in heavily polluted areas at greater risk of falling ill from viruses, including COVID-19.
Since a front group called the Auto Alliance pushed for the rollback, Ford, Honda, BMW, Volkswagen and Volvo have backed off and agreed to California’s separate mileage standards. But GM, Fiat Chrysler and Toyota are siding with Trump and supporting his efforts to revoke California’s right to set its own standards.
EWG challenged the CEOs to answer to consumers for their broken promises, asking:
What is your policy for accepting taxpayer handouts going forward? “We got bailed out before; they’ll bail us out again”?
Is your company’s stated commitment to environmental responsibility anything more than marketing spin?
Will you support the Trump administration in fighting the inevitable court challenge – from California and the 14 states that have committed to its standards – to overturn the rollback?
“Until we hear differently,” Cook wrote, “we plan to urge our audience of millions that when the economy recovers and the time comes to shop for a new car, they should look to auto companies that stand by their word and a shared determination to fight air pollution and climate change. By that measure, right now your companies are rolling out nothing but lemons – and who would want to buy one of those?”
This is not the first time Toyota, which built its brand on fuel-efficient vehicles, has cozied up to the Trump administration. In December 2017, then-EPA chief Scott Pruitt, who was leading the administration’s rollback of environmental safeguards, told Congress the agency was “partnering with Toyota” to help the EPA operate in “a lean process.”
EWG then wrote to James Lentz, CEO of Toyota North America, calling on him to “immediately and unambiguously announce Toyota's rejection of any management partnership with EPA and Administrator Scott Pruitt.” The next month, the company replied that it had no plans to move ahead with the partnership.
“Toyota listened to reason once,” said Cook. “We hope they and the other automakers backing Trump will listen again.”
###
The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-04-06--Protecting Your Hands During the Coronavirus Pandemic

By now you may have seen the effects of repeated handwashing , and they ’ re not pretty .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends washing with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds .
Then there ’ s also all the cleaning you ’ re doing to disinfect the surfaces in your home .
So much handwashing can dry out your skin by removing its protective layer of oil .
Extreme dryness can lead to cracks in the skin , which can increase the risk of infection .
To combat the dryness safely , follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Whenever possible , wear gloves when you clean to avoid exposing your hands to chemicals and water if you don ’ t need to .
Use soaps with safer ingredients .
Consult EWG VERIFIED to find 65 hand soaps that are free from EWG ’ s chemicals of concern and meet our strictest standards for health and transparency .
Inventory your cleaners and disinfectants and look for those that are effective yet less toxic .
EWG has cross-referenced cleaners the CDC recommends to combat coronavirus against our Guide to Healthy Cleaning , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Moisturize frequently .
Twenty-two hand creams are EWG VERIFIED™ , meaning they are free from EWG ’ s chemicals of concern , fully transparent regarding their ingredients and made with good manufacturing practices .
Choose a tube over a tub if you can to help to reduce the risk of contamination , and stash enough tubes around so you can conveniently apply the moisturizer after you wash your hands .
Protect from sun damage .
In many states and cities , one of just two reasons you ’ re permitted to leave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a walk , which means it ’ s a good idea to apply sunscreen to your hands ( and other exposed skin , too ) .
EWG ’ s Guide to Sunscreens includes hundreds of sunscreens and moisturizers with SPF that would be good options .
Check your hand sanitizer .
If you don ’ t have a sink nearby , use hand sanitizer , but make sure it contains at least 60 percent alcohol and rub hands together vigorously for 20 seconds after applying it .
Avoid sanitizers and soaps that contain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of potentially allergenic and endocrine-disrupting mystery ingredients .
Please consult your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 .
This material is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice .

By now you may have seen the effects of repeated handwashing, and they’re not pretty.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends washing with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. Then there’s also all the cleaning you’re doing to disinfect the surfaces in your home.
So much handwashing can dry out your skin by removing its protective layer of oil. Extreme dryness can lead to cracks in the skin, which can increase the risk of infection.
To combat the dryness safely, follow these tips.
Cover up your hands. Whenever possible, wear gloves when you clean to avoid exposing your hands to chemicals and water if you don’t need to.
Use soaps with safer ingredients. Consult EWG VERIFIED to find 65 hand soaps that are free from EWG’s chemicals of concern and meet our strictest standards for health and transparency.
Inventory your cleaners and disinfectants and look for those that are effective yet less toxic. EWG has cross-referenced cleaners the CDC recommends to combat coronavirus against our Guide to Healthy Cleaning, and you can find those products here.
Moisturize frequently. Twenty-two hand creams are EWG VERIFIED™, meaning they are free from EWG’s chemicals of concern, fully transparent regarding their ingredients and made with good manufacturing practices. Choose a tube over a tub if you can to help to reduce the risk of contamination, and stash enough tubes around so you can conveniently apply the moisturizer after you wash your hands.
Protect from sun damage. In many states and cities, one of just two reasons you’re permitted to leave home right now is to go for a walk, which means it’s a good idea to apply sunscreen to your hands (and other exposed skin, too). EWG’s Guide to Sunscreens includes hundreds of sunscreens and moisturizers with SPF that would be good options.
Check your hand sanitizer. If you don’t have a sink nearby, use hand sanitizer, but make sure it contains at least 60 percent alcohol and rub hands together vigorously for 20 seconds after applying it. Avoid sanitizers and soaps that contain fragrance, which can include a number of potentially allergenic and endocrine-disrupting mystery ingredients.
Please consult your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. This material is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice.