environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-05-01--EWG News Roundup (5/1): Despite COVID Outbreaks, Trump Forces Meat Processing Plants To Stay Open, R

EWG News Roundup (5/1): Despite COVID Outbreaks, Trump Forces Meat Processing Plants To Stay Open, Rethinking Beauty Routines at Home and More

On Tuesday President Trump signed an executive order that declared meat-processing facilities essential businesses during the pandemic , despite the growing number of COVID-19 outbreaks causing factory workers falling ill and dying .
“ Sending workers back to meat-processing plants without proper protection is tantamount to a death sentence , ” said EWG senior vice president of government affairs Scott Faber .
“ Rather than escalating this danger with reckless fiats , President Trump should be ensuring food and farm workers have adequate PPE , plenty of space to work safely , and free testing – not to mention paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do get sick.
” EWG took a look at the steps Michigan implemented to reduce industrial discharges of the toxic fluorinated compounds known as PFAS .
Lawmakers in Michigan set stringent water quality standards for two PFAS compounds , PFOA and PFOS .
EWG applauds the state and calls on federal lawmakers to take the steps necessary to reduce these discharges at the national level .
With shelter-at-home orders still in place , EWG offered some helpful tips this week for folks who want to make small changes to their beauty routines while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mind .
We looked at how the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is responding to the COVID-19 crisis and finally , we explored how the pandemic is affecting the wind energy sector in Iowa and what federal lawmakers can do to step in .
Here ’ s some news you can use going into the weekend .
Courier Express ( DuBois , Pa. ) : Locals make their own household products as a family during quarantine DuBois native Gionna Pitrone said she was shocked when researching home products with the Environmental Working Group , learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is born with in their body .
Parents : These Are the Worst Sunscreens of 2018 for Babies and Kids , Says EWG But according to a report from the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) , some sunscreens can actually be unsafe for kids and babies .
Mustela 's products score well with the Environmental Working Group and this newborn starter set is backed by more than 300 reviews on Amazon , including from parents who commented these formulas worked for their baby 's sensitive skin .
Reuters : Trump orders U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fears Reprinted by The New York Times ; Financial Post ; Successful Farming ; The Sacramento Bee ; 24 additional media outlets Environmental Working Group called the order a potential death sentence .
The United Food and Commercial Workers union said in a statement that if workers aren ’ t safe , the food supply won ’ t be either .
Reprinted by Columbus Ledger-Enquirer ( Ga. ) ; Miami Herald ; Idaho Statesman ; The News Tribune ( Tacoma , Wash. ) ; Illinois Farmer Today ; 19 additional media outlets Scott @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affairs at the Environmental Working Group , said in a statement that the order was “ tantamount to a death sentence . ''
Khanna was joined on the call by Alexis Guild , health policy director for Farmworker Justice , and Scott Faber , government affairs vice president for the Environmental Working Group .
Reprinted by Idaho Statesman ; Fort Worth Star-Telegram ( Texas ) ; Bradenton Herald ( Fla. ) ; Belleville News-Democrat ( Ill. ) ; The Sun Herald ( Biloxi , Miss . )
; 7 additional media outlets It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the farm bill such as the Heritage Foundation , the Environmental Working Group and the American Enterprise Institute , Goule added .
The Fence Post : Advocates : There ’ s still time to save farmworkers from COVID-19 Not enough has been done to protect meat plant and grocery workers , they said , but “ maybe there is time to protect farmworkers , ” said Scott Faber , the senior vice president of the Environmental Working Group , which organized the media call .
CBS News , 60 Minutes Overtime : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Large Farms “ These payments are going to people who are living in the middle of New York City because they happen to have an ownership interest in the farm , ” says Ken Cook , president of the Environmental Working Group , which found hundreds of urban dwellers , including an architect , a composer and a banker who receive payments under the program .
Scott Faber , a senior vice president of the Environmental Working Group , said the effort showed “ greed has no limits.
” New York Post : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to kids Aggressive cleaning calls for careful consideration , says Samara Geller , a senior research and database analyst from the Environmental Working Group .
Reprinted by The World News ; DML News ; Fox News ; WCSI ( Columbus , Ind . )
; Tech Times ; 1 additional media outlet The Dominion Post ( Morgantown , W.Va. ) : How to create DIY air fresheners using household items Testing by the Environmental Working Group found over 450 chemicals in air fresheners and multipurpose cleaning sprays , many of which compounds are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harm , or cancer .
For The Mommas : Clorox Stain & Odor Remover Spray for Pets $ 6.99 It ’ s rated A by the EWG ( Environmental Working Group ) , which means it ’ s considered low-toxin and safe to use inside the home !
Green Matters : What Is Greenwashing ?
Greenwashing for Beginners While this type of branding lends itself to natural , nontoxic , and eco-friendly connotations , Tide Free & Gentle actually scores an F on the Environmental Working Group .
Poosh : The Top Ingredients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the help of the EWG ( Environmental Working Group ) —an organization Kourt got involved with after having Mason when she started to more closely examine the products she uses on herself and children—we ’ re sharing the top five ingredients to avoid in beauty products .
Be careful to use safe , gentle , hypo-allergenic , tear-free products to clean your baby ’ s skin and hair .
The Environmental Working Group has a wonderful database , Skin Deep , that allows you to search for products for personal care and cosmetics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To Detox Your Beauty Routine American women use an average of 12 products a day containing nearly 200 chemicals , according to the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) .
The Garden City News ( N.Y. ) : Go Green with Kelly and Colleen Check out the Environmental Working Group ’ s online Earth Day campaigns at act.ewg.org for suggestions on practicing environmental responsibility at home .
The Talko : 10 Awesome Locations Kourtney Kardashian Used For Instagram Backgrounds Aside from her work on beauty projects , cover magazines and photoshoots , Kourtney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also is greatly involved with helping the Environmental Working Group in their cause to pass a law on abolishing harmful chemicals .
Byrdie : Fragrance Wardrobe : Michelle Pfeiffer on the Perfume Equivalent to a Comfy Pair of Sweats In an industry that 's largely unregulated when it comes to the thousands of murky ingredients housed under the umbrella term `` fragrance '' —many of which are proven to be toxic and harmful to the human body—Pfeiffer worked closely with Environmental Working Group , Cradle to Cradle , and International Flavors and Fragrances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transparency .
Omaha World Herald : Nebraska towns pay millions to fight nitrates as water bills go up Nebraska is doing a good job fighting the nitrate problem , but its groundwater still has some of the highest nitrate levels in the country , said Jamie Konopacky , the Midwest director at the Environmental Working Group .
For example , nationwide testing compiled by the Environmental Working Group identified at least 1,155 communities without systems for removing the unacceptable levels of nitrate — a contaminant linked to cancer — found in their drinking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Fight Against the F-35sData compiled by the advocacy organization Environmental Working Group—and collected by the Department of Defense—shows 678 sites across the country where military bases were suspected of introducing PFAS contaminants into the water , and 328 where the chemicals were found in drinking water next to a base .
WNEM ( Saginaw , Mich. ) : Kildee pushes Air Force to clean up PFAS chemicals at former base in Oscoda According to Kildee , he held a press call on Monday , April 27 to announce the new letter with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EWG ) , Michigan League of Conservation Voters ( LCV ) and Need our Water ( NOW ) .
The Spokesman-Review ( Spokane , Wash. ) : Washington DOC sues federal government over chemicals that tainted food from Airway Heights prison Tens of millions of people in the United States , primarily those near military installations , rely on tap water containing unsafe levels of the compounds , according to the Environmental Working Group .
Reprinted by Stars and Stripes The Wenatchee World ( Wash. ) : State sues federal government over chemicals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tens of millions of people in the United States , primarily those near military installations , rely on tap water containing unsafe levels of the compounds , according to the Environmental Working Group .
The Doctors : Choose the Best Water Filter to Remove Chemicals from Your Drinking Water A new study by the Environmental Working Group found that potentially harmful `` forever chemicals '' known as perfluorinated chemicals or PFAs ( PFOA & PFO ) may be found in our drinking water at a much higher rate than previously estimated .
Holistic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Water , COVID Prevention Guidelines are Out of Hand A new survey from the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) shows the wide prevalence of chemicals related to plastic production in the US drinking water supply .
The EWG confirmed the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances ( PFAS ) ––a broad group of potentially toxic fluorinated compounds––in the tap water or groundwater of nearly 1,500 US communities .
WCPO Cincinnati : A better evil ?
Evaluating the risk of GenX pollution in Cincinnati But Brunswick County still ranked number one in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tap water study released in January by Environmental Working Group .
Reader ’ s Digest Best Health : 20 Produce Mistakes You Didn ’ t Know You Were Making Each year , the nonprofit Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) releases the Shopper ’ s Guide to Pesticides in Produce so customers can figure out where to spend extra for organic and which fruits and veggies are safe to buy conventionally grown .
Reprinted by MSN Reader ’ s Digest Best Health : 25 Genius Ways to Get a Healthy Lifestyle on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Group ( EWG ) for their “ Dirty Dozen ” ( pesticide-covered foods you should always buy organic ) and “ Clean 15 ” foods ( foods that are OK to buy conventional ) to help you know when to splurge or save .
HuffPost : The Best Canned Tuna For Your Health , According To Experts Because high mercury levels can have a negative impact on developing fetuses , the Environmental Working Group suggests pregnant women consume 25 % less high-mercury fish than the FDA and EPA recommendation .
Reprinted by MSN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Weekly : Why You Still Need To Wear Sunscreen Indoors : A Comprehensive Guide According to the Environmental Working Group , these three UV filters are also known to have lower toxicity concerns , and so they ’ re less likely to have lasting effects on your skin .
11 of the 31 contaminants found exceeded health guidelines set forth by the Environmental Working Group .
Six of those contaminants are widely unregulated .

On Tuesday President Trump signed an executive order that declared meat-processing facilities essential businesses during the pandemic, despite the growing number of COVID-19 outbreaks causing factory workers falling ill and dying.
“Sending workers back to meat-processing plants without proper protection is tantamount to a death sentence,” said EWG senior vice president of government affairs Scott Faber. “Rather than escalating this danger with reckless fiats, President Trump should be ensuring food and farm workers have adequate PPE, plenty of space to work safely, and free testing – not to mention paid sick leave and medical care if they do get sick.”
EWG took a look at the steps Michigan implemented to reduce industrial discharges of the toxic fluorinated compounds known as PFAS. Lawmakers in Michigan set stringent water quality standards for two PFAS compounds, PFOA and PFOS. EWG applauds the state and calls on federal lawmakers to take the steps necessary to reduce these discharges at the national level.
With shelter-at-home orders still in place, EWG offered some helpful tips this week for folks who want to make small changes to their beauty routines while keeping their health and environment top of mind.
We looked at how the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is responding to the COVID-19 crisis and finally, we explored how the pandemic is affecting the wind energy sector in Iowa and what federal lawmakers can do to step in.
Here’s some news you can use going into the weekend.
Children’s Health
Courier Express (DuBois, Pa.): Locals make their own household products as a family during quarantine
DuBois native Gionna Pitrone said she was shocked when researching home products with the Environmental Working Group, learning about all of the toxins a baby is born with in their body.
Parents: These Are the Worst Sunscreens of 2018 for Babies and Kids, Says EWG
But according to a report from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), some sunscreens can actually be unsafe for kids and babies.
Romper: The 16 Best Eco Friendly Baby Products
Mustela's products score well with the Environmental Working Group and this newborn starter set is backed by more than 300 reviews on Amazon, including from parents who commented these formulas worked for their baby's sensitive skin.
COVID-19 and Farmworker Justice
Reuters: Trump orders U.S. meat-processing plants to stay open despite coronavirus fears
Scott Faber, Environmental Working Group senior vice president for government affairs, criticized Trump’s move.
Reprinted by The New York Times; Financial Post; Successful Farming; The Sacramento Bee; 24 additional media outlets
Bloomberg: Trump Orders Meat Plants to Stay Open in Move Unions Slam
Environmental Working Group called the order a potential death sentence. The United Food and Commercial Workers union said in a statement that if workers aren’t safe, the food supply won’t be either. Reprinted by Columbus Ledger-Enquirer (Ga.); Miami Herald; Idaho Statesman; The News Tribune (Tacoma, Wash.); Illinois Farmer Today; 19 additional media outlets
FERN: Advocates slam Trump order to keep meatpacking plants open
Scott Faber, senior vice president for government affairs at the Environmental Working Group, said in a statement that the order was “tantamount to a death sentence."
CQ Roll Call: Democrats propose protections for farm workers
Khanna was joined on the call by Alexis Guild, health policy director for Farmworker Justice, and Scott Faber, government affairs vice president for the Environmental Working Group. Reprinted by Idaho Statesman; Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Texas); Bradenton Herald (Fla.); Belleville News-Democrat (Ill.);The Sun Herald (Biloxi, Miss.); 7 additional media outlets
Capital Press: NAWG leader: Farm Bill will have 'huge target'
It likely won't just be long-time critics of the farm bill such as the Heritage Foundation, the Environmental Working Group and the American Enterprise Institute, Goule added.
The Fence Post: Advocates: There’s still time to save farmworkers from COVID-19
Not enough has been done to protect meat plant and grocery workers, they said, but “maybe there is time to protect farmworkers,” said Scott Faber, the senior vice president of the Environmental Working Group, which organized the media call.
Trump Administration Farmer Bailout
CBS News, 60 Minutes Overtime: Trade War Relief Money Mostly Going To Large Farms
“These payments are going to people who are living in the middle of New York City because they happen to have an ownership interest in the farm,” says Ken Cook, president of the Environmental Working Group, which found hundreds of urban dwellers, including an architect, a composer and a banker who receive payments under the program.
Bloomberg: Farm Groups Seek to Lift Cap on Coronavirus Bailout Payments
Scott Faber, a senior vice president of the Environmental Working Group, said the effort showed “greed has no limits.”
Cleaning Products
New York Post: Going overboard with disinfectants could be deadly to kids
Aggressive cleaning calls for careful consideration, says Samara Geller, a senior research and database analyst from the Environmental Working Group. Reprinted by The World News; DML News; Fox News; WCSI (Columbus, Ind.); Tech Times; 1 additional media outlet
The Dominion Post (Morgantown, W.Va.): How to create DIY air fresheners using household items
Testing by the Environmental Working Group found over 450 chemicals in air fresheners and multipurpose cleaning sprays, many of which compounds are linked to asthma, developmental and reproductive harm, or cancer.
For The Mommas: Clorox Stain & Odor Remover Spray for Pets $6.99
It’s rated A by the EWG (Environmental Working Group), which means it’s considered low-toxin and safe to use inside the home!
Green Matters: What Is Greenwashing? Greenwashing for Beginners
While this type of branding lends itself to natural, nontoxic, and eco-friendly connotations, Tide Free & Gentle actually scores an F on the Environmental Working Group.
Skin Deep® Cosmetics Database
Poosh: The Top Ingredients to AVOID IN BEAUTY PRODUCTS
Thanks to the help of the EWG (Environmental Working Group)—an organization Kourt got involved with after having Mason when she started to more closely examine the products she uses on herself and children—we’re sharing the top five ingredients to avoid in beauty products.
Dr. Greene: Bath Time Fears
Be careful to use safe, gentle, hypo-allergenic, tear-free products to clean your baby’s skin and hair. The Environmental Working Group has a wonderful database, Skin Deep, that allows you to search for products for personal care and cosmetics.
Bay Area Beauty Blogger: How To Detox Your Beauty Routine
American women use an average of 12 products a day containing nearly 200 chemicals, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
Earth Day
The Garden City News (N.Y.): Go Green with Kelly and Colleen
Check out the Environmental Working Group’s online Earth Day campaigns at act.ewg.org for suggestions on practicing environmental responsibility at home.
Kourtney Kardashian
The Talko: 10 Awesome Locations Kourtney Kardashian Used For Instagram Backgrounds
Aside from her work on beauty projects, cover magazines and photoshoots, Kourtney does a lot of charity work and also is greatly involved with helping the Environmental Working Group in their cause to pass a law on abolishing harmful chemicals.
Michelle Pfieffer’s Henry Rose
Byrdie: Fragrance Wardrobe: Michelle Pfeiffer on the Perfume Equivalent to a Comfy Pair of Sweats
In an industry that's largely unregulated when it comes to the thousands of murky ingredients housed under the umbrella term "fragrance"—many of which are proven to be toxic and harmful to the human body—Pfeiffer worked closely with Environmental Working Group, Cradle to Cradle, and International Flavors and Fragrances to create a luxurious line founded in transparency.
Nitrate in Tap Water
Omaha World Herald: Nebraska towns pay millions to fight nitrates as water bills go up
Nebraska is doing a good job fighting the nitrate problem, but its groundwater still has some of the highest nitrate levels in the country, said Jamie Konopacky, the Midwest director at the Environmental Working Group.
American City & County: 3 ways to make clean water affordable in America’s smallest communities
For example, nationwide testing compiled by the Environmental Working Group identified at least 1,155 communities without systems for removing the unacceptable levels of nitrate — a contaminant linked to cancer — found in their drinking water.
PFAS Military Map
The Progressive: Wisconsin’s Fight Against the F-35sData compiled by the advocacy organization Environmental Working Group—and collected by the Department of Defense—shows 678 sites across the country where military bases were suspected of introducing PFAS contaminants into the water, and 328 where the chemicals were found in drinking water next to a base.
WNEM (Saginaw, Mich.): Kildee pushes Air Force to clean up PFAS chemicals at former base in Oscoda
According to Kildee, he held a press call on Monday, April 27 to announce the new letter with representatives from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), Michigan League of Conservation Voters (LCV) and Need our Water (NOW).
The Spokesman-Review (Spokane, Wash.): Washington DOC sues federal government over chemicals that tainted food from Airway Heights prison
Tens of millions of people in the United States, primarily those near military installations, rely on tap water containing unsafe levels of the compounds, according to the Environmental Working Group. Reprinted by Stars and Stripes
The Wenatchee World (Wash.): State sues federal government over chemicals that tainted food from Airway Heights prison
Tens of millions of people in the United States, primarily those near military installations, rely on tap water containing unsafe levels of the compounds, according to the Environmental Working Group.
PFAS Tap Water Contamination
The Doctors: Choose the Best Water Filter to Remove Chemicals from Your Drinking Water
A new study by the Environmental Working Group found that potentially harmful "forever chemicals" known as perfluorinated chemicals or PFAs (PFOA & PFO) may be found in our drinking water at a much higher rate than previously estimated.
Holistic Primary Care: For Millions Without Clean Water, COVID Prevention Guidelines are Out of Hand
A new survey from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) shows the wide prevalence of chemicals related to plastic production in the US drinking water supply. The EWG confirmed the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)––a broad group of potentially toxic fluorinated compounds––in the tap water or groundwater of nearly 1,500 US communities.
WCPO Cincinnati: A better evil? Evaluating the risk of GenX pollution in Cincinnati
But Brunswick County still ranked number one in the nation in PFAS pollution, according to a tap water study released in January by Environmental Working Group.
Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™
Reader’s Digest Best Health: 20 Produce Mistakes You Didn’t Know You Were Making
Each year, the nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases the Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce so customers can figure out where to spend extra for organic and which fruits and veggies are safe to buy conventionally grown. Reprinted by MSN
Reader’s Digest Best Health: 25 Genius Ways to Get a Healthy Lifestyle on a Budget
Look to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) for their “Dirty Dozen” (pesticide-covered foods you should always buy organic) and “Clean 15” foods (foods that are OK to buy conventional) to help you know when to splurge or save.
Seafood Guide
HuffPost: The Best Canned Tuna For Your Health, According To Experts
Because high mercury levels can have a negative impact on developing fetuses, the Environmental Working Group suggests pregnant women consume 25% less high-mercury fish than the FDA and EPA recommendation. Reprinted by MSN; Head Topics
EWG Guide to Sunscreens
The Singapore Women’s Weekly: Why You Still Need To Wear Sunscreen Indoors: A Comprehensive Guide
According to the Environmental Working Group, these three UV filters are also known to have lower toxicity concerns, and so they’re less likely to have lasting effects on your skin.
Tap Water Database
Loquitur (Cabrini University): Is your drinking water safe?
11 of the 31 contaminants found exceeded health guidelines set forth by the Environmental Working Group. Six of those contaminants are widely unregulated.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-05-01--The Pandemic Sends an Ill Wind Through Iowa. Will Congress Step Up To Help?

The Pandemic Sends an Ill Wind Through Iowa .
Will Congress Step Up To Help ?
In 1983 , Iowa was the first state to set a renewable energy standard – requiring utilities to generate a mandated share of electricity from renewable sources – and it paid off : Wind power is Iowa ’ s top electricity resource , with a larger share of its electricity coming from wind than any other state .
Now the economic crisis triggered by the coronavirus pandemic threatens Iowa ’ s further progress in renewable energy .
Before the crisis , Iowa had 5,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them in wind power , according to the environmental entrepreneurs coalition E2 .
But the BW Research Partnership reports that in March alone , Iowa lost more than 1,000 clean energy jobs , as 100,000 clean energy jobs were lost nationwide .
Sen. Charles Grassley ( R-Iowa ) , father of the federal wind energy tax credit , recently wrote that wind power “ creates thousands of jobs , supports economic development , boosts tax receipts , attracts investment to our state and puts extra money in farmers ’ pockets.
” The American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says Iowa ’ s wind industry provides $ 60 million in annual tax payments from wind farms and $ 69 million in annual lease payments , mainly to farmers , since almost all wind development is in rural areas .
Nationwide , John Hensley , vice president of research and analytics at AWEA , told Energy and Environment News , that the pandemic is idling workers , slowing construction of new projects and stalling lease negotiations with landowners .
It ’ s also disrupting supply chains : Last week , a wind power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was forced to shut down after 110 of its 900 workers tested positive for COVID-19 .
AWEA estimates that the pandemic threatens the jobs of almost 30 percent of the nation ’ s 120,000-strong wind industry workforce , tens of billions of dollars of investments , and billions more in tax and lease payments .
One-fourth of all installed U.S. wind capacity – 25,000 megawatts , including 1,100 in Iowa – is at risk of not being built .
The solar and wind industries are urging Congress to extend the federal tax credits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the near term , for direct payments to soften the financial blow to the renewable energy sector .
But Grassley is seeking a quicker fix .
Grassley and a bipartisan group of five other senators recently wrote to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin , asking to extend “ safe harbor ” provisions for renewable projects under construction , so that stalled projects can qualify for the federal production tax credit , or PTC , for wind and the investment tax credit , or ITC , for solar .
“ This modest adjustment to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tens of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in investments and provide some certainty in these challenging times , ” the senators said .
Iowa ’ s phenomenal wind power sector is the result of strong state and congressional leadership .
Let ’ s hope Grassley ’ s colleagues listen and support renewable power in future stimulus legislation .
As we emerge from the malaise of the pandemic , we can ill-afford losing the power of the clean energy industry ’ s economic development engine .

In 1983, Iowa was the first state to set a renewable energy standard – requiring utilities to generate a mandated share of electricity from renewable sources – and it paid off: Wind power is Iowa’s top electricity resource, with a larger share of its electricity coming from wind than any other state. Now the economic crisis triggered by the coronavirus pandemic threatens Iowa’s further progress in renewable energy.
Before the crisis, Iowa had 5,000 jobs in renewables, almost all of them in wind power, according to the environmental entrepreneurs coalition E2. But the BW Research Partnership reports that in March alone, Iowa lost more than 1,000 clean energy jobs, as 100,000 clean energy jobs were lost nationwide.
That’s a big blow.
Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), father of the federal wind energy tax credit, recently wrote that wind power “creates thousands of jobs, supports economic development, boosts tax receipts, attracts investment to our state and puts extra money in farmers’ pockets.” The American Wind Energy Association, or AWEA, says Iowa’s wind industry provides $60 million in annual tax payments from wind farms and $69 million in annual lease payments, mainly to farmers, since almost all wind development is in rural areas.
Nationwide, John Hensley, vice president of research and analytics at AWEA, told Energy and Environment News, that the pandemic is idling workers, slowing construction of new projects and stalling lease negotiations with landowners. It’s also disrupting supply chains: Last week, a wind power plant in Grand Forks, N.D., was forced to shut down after 110 of its 900 workers tested positive for COVID-19.
AWEA estimates that the pandemic threatens the jobs of almost 30 percent of the nation’s 120,000-strong wind industry workforce, tens of billions of dollars of investments, and billions more in tax and lease payments. One-fourth of all installed U.S. wind capacity – 25,000 megawatts, including 1,100 in Iowa – is at risk of not being built.
The solar and wind industries are urging Congress to extend the federal tax credits for wind and solar, and in the near term, for direct payments to soften the financial blow to the renewable energy sector. But Grassley is seeking a quicker fix.
Grassley and a bipartisan group of five other senators recently wrote to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, asking to extend “safe harbor” provisions for renewable projects under construction, so that stalled projects can qualify for the federal production tax credit, or PTC, for wind and the investment tax credit, or ITC, for solar.
“This modest adjustment to the PTC and ITC guidance would help preserve tens of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in investments and provide some certainty in these challenging times,” the senators said.
Iowa’s phenomenal wind power sector is the result of strong state and congressional leadership. Let’s hope Grassley’s colleagues listen and support renewable power in future stimulus legislation. As we emerge from the malaise of the pandemic, we can ill-afford losing the power of the clean energy industry’s economic development engine.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-05-05--EWG Comments to EPA on Neonicotinoids

EWG Comments to EPA on Neonicotinoids

EWG submits comments opposing the EPA ’ s decisions to allow continued use of five neonicotinoid insecticides .
EWG urges @ @ @ @ @ use of these pesticides to prevent harm to pollinators and wildlife and to protect children @ @ @ @

The snap of a coffee lid, the pop of a chip bag opening, the crinkle of an empty wrapper – all ways that we use plastic before discarding and forgetting about it. But we’re reminded of the pollution...


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-05-07--Public Interest Groups Unite to Form Duke Energy Watchdog

‘ People ’ s Commission ’ Will Hold Largest U.S. Utility Accountable on Climate , Environmental , Economic and Social Justice WASHINGTON – A coalition of public interest , social justice , watchdog and environmental groups are joining forces to hold Duke Energy , the largest investor-owned U.S. electric utility , accountable for its policies , which impact almost 8 million Americans in six states – and by extension , impede the nation ’ s progress toward a clean energy future .
The coalition will work to improve Duke Energy ’ s greenhouse gas emission reductions , transition from fossil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equity , coal ash cleanup and health impacts , influence spending and more .
The announcement of the new coalition comes on the same day Duke Energy holds its annual shareholder meeting .
The Duke Energy Accountability Coalition is a project of Appalachian Voices , Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana , the Energy and Policy Institute , Environmental Working Group , Friends of the Earth , NC WARN , Ohio Citizen Action and the League of Women Voters of South Carolina .
( For statements from some of the member organizations , see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work by environmental and consumer advocates , energy experts and frontline communities in states where Duke Energy operates as a monopoly utility .
It will provide fact checks on key documents released by Duke , such as its federal Securities and Exchange Commission filings , annual Sustainability Reports and Integrated Resource Plans .
The coalition has also created the Duke Energy People ’ s Commission to shine a light on concerns shared by Duke ’ s 7.8 million customers in the Carolinas , Florida , Indiana , Ohio and Kentucky .
The People @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watchdog , acting solely in the public interest and free from the political and economic influence Duke wields with regulators , lawmakers and other elected officials .
The People ’ s Commission will hold hearings , webinars and other forums featuring experts and advocates who will examine Duke ’ s environmental record , its investments in solar and wind power , and its actions that adversely impact ratepayers , particularly low-income customers and communities of color .
These forums will be formatted as hearings at which experts and the general public can give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Energy by the People ’ s Commission .
The founding members of the People ’ s Commission include : • Donna Chavis , North Carolina-based senior fossil fuels campaigner for Friends of the Earth .
• The Rev .
Rodney S. Sadler , Jr. , Ph.D. , director of the Center for Social Justice and Reconciliation at Union Presbyterian Seminary in North Carolina .
• Holley Ulbrich , co-president of the South Carolina League of Women Voters .
Representatives from Florida , Ohio and Kentucky will be named soon .
The People ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be held later this year , will focus on how Duke ’ s policies negatively affect low-income ratepayers .
Last week , Duke Energy released a new climate report presenting pathways to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 , confirming that it plans to rely on fossil gas , offsets and unproven carbon capture technology , while discounting the feasibility of energy storage and renewable energy on flawed grounds .
In a point-by-point response , a post by the Energy and Policy Institute said : “ This pathway solidifies Duke ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committed to full decarbonization .
Duke ’ s pathway also fails to adequately model cost or climate considerations , and details policy and compensation efforts at odds with realizing a clean electric grid.
” Duke is currently seeking to significantly raise rates in its home state of North Carolina and in Indiana .
In Indiana , Duke is seeking a rate increase of $ 400 million , one of the largest in state history , even though the state ’ s consumer counselor has urged a rate decrease of more than $ 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have ordered Duke to clean up coal ash contamination at six power plants .
Cleanup of the sites could cost as much as $ 10 billion , and Duke says it will pass those costs on to its customers , even as a legal battle is underway over regulators ’ decision to make customers pay for past coal ash cleanup .
Across Duke ’ s territory , its coal ash dumps and coal and natural gas plants – and their toxic emissions – are mostly located near low-income communities and communities of color @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being exposed to and harmed by the utility ’ s pollution .
Duke wields its considerable political clout in all its territories , including the Carolinas and Indiana .
Millions of dollars from its ratepayers go to campaign contributions , donations to curry favor with civic organizations and other public entities , and greenwashing through public relations and advertising campaigns .
This is the first time that public interest groups and experts have joined together from across all six states in Duke Energy ’ s service area to hold the utility behemoth accountable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engage with the Duke Energy Accountability Coalition and its People ’ s Commission , connect via Facebook or Twitter .
Statements From Members of the Duke Energy Accountability Coalition For too long , Duke Energy has used its monopoly power to raise rates on North Carolina ’ s families and businesses , while locking us into a high-cost , fossil-heavy grid .
They ’ ve done this by buying the influence of key legislators to pass laws that generate profits for Duke on the backs of ratepayers .
And now , despite vague @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carbon emissions – three decades from now – Duke is still trying to pass on billions in costs for large gas plants , the Atlantic Coast pipeline boondoggle , and what the company calls “ grid improvement.
” All of this flies in the face of what we need right now – an affordable , equitable , democratic , and truly clean energy economy .
Appalachian Voices is excited to fight for that future side by side with the other members of the Duke Energy Accountability Coalition .

WASHINGTON – A coalition of public interest, social justice, watchdog and environmental groups are joining forces to hold Duke Energy, the largest investor-owned U.S. electric utility, accountable for its policies, which impact almost 8 million Americans in six states – and by extension, impede the nation’s progress toward a clean energy future.
The coalition will work to improve Duke Energy’s greenhouse gas emission reductions, transition from fossil fuels to renewables, ratepayer affordability and equity, coal ash cleanup and health impacts, influence spending and more. The announcement of the new coalition comes on the same day Duke Energy holds its annual shareholder meeting.
The Duke Energy Accountability Coalition is a project of Appalachian Voices, Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana, the Energy and Policy Institute, Environmental Working Group, Friends of the Earth, NC WARN, Ohio Citizen Action and the League of Women Voters of South Carolina. (For statements from some of the member organizations, see below.)
The coalition will spotlight work by environmental and consumer advocates, energy experts and frontline communities in states where Duke Energy operates as a monopoly utility. It will provide fact checks on key documents released by Duke, such as its federal Securities and Exchange Commission filings, annual Sustainability Reports and Integrated Resource Plans.
The coalition has also created the Duke Energy People’s Commission to shine a light on concerns shared by Duke’s 7.8 million customers in the Carolinas, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. The People’s Commission will be an independent watchdog, acting solely in the public interest and free from the political and economic influence Duke wields with regulators, lawmakers and other elected officials.
The People’s Commission will hold hearings, webinars and other forums featuring experts and advocates who will examine Duke’s environmental record, its investments in solar and wind power, and its actions that adversely impact ratepayers, particularly low-income customers and communities of color. These forums will be formatted as hearings at which experts and the general public can give testimony that will be relayed to Duke Energy by the People’s Commission.
The founding members of the People’s Commission include:
Donna Chavis, North Carolina-based senior fossil fuels campaigner for Friends of the Earth.
Kerwin Olson, executive director of Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana.
The Rev. Rodney S. Sadler, Jr., Ph.D., director of the Center for Social Justice and Reconciliation at Union Presbyterian Seminary in North Carolina.
Holley Ulbrich, co-president of the South Carolina League of Women Voters.
Representatives from Florida, Ohio and Kentucky will be named soon.
The People’s Commission’s first hearing, to be held later this year, will focus on how Duke’s policies negatively affect low-income ratepayers.
Last week, Duke Energy released a new climate report presenting pathways to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, confirming that it plans to rely on fossil gas, offsets and unproven carbon capture technology, while discounting the feasibility of energy storage and renewable energy on flawed grounds. In a point-by-point response, a post by the Energy and Policy Institute said: “This pathway solidifies Duke’s position far behind peer utilities who have committed to full decarbonization. Duke’s pathway also fails to adequately model cost or climate considerations, and details policy and compensation efforts at odds with realizing a clean electric grid.”
Duke is currently seeking to significantly raise rates in its home state of North Carolina and in Indiana. In Indiana, Duke is seeking a rate increase of $400 million, one of the largest in state history, even though the state’s consumer counselor has urged a rate decrease of more than $100 million.
In North Carolina, regulators have ordered Duke to clean up coal ash contamination at six power plants. Cleanup of the sites could cost as much as $10 billion, and Duke says it will pass those costs on to its customers, even as a legal battle is underway over regulators’ decision to make customers pay for past coal ash cleanup.
Across Duke’s territory, its coal ash dumps and coal and natural gas plants – and their toxic emissions – are mostly located near low-income communities and communities of color, putting them at disproportionate risk of being exposed to and harmed by the utility’s pollution.
Duke wields its considerable political clout in all its territories, including the Carolinas and Indiana. Millions of dollars from its ratepayers go to campaign contributions, donations to curry favor with civic organizations and other public entities, and greenwashing through public relations and advertising campaigns.
This is the first time that public interest groups and experts have joined together from across all six states in Duke Energy’s service area to hold the utility behemoth accountable everywhere it operates.
To follow and engage with the Duke Energy Accountability Coalition and its People’s Commission, connect via Facebook or Twitter.
Statements From Members of the Duke Energy Accountability Coalition
Rory McIlmoil, senior energy analyst, Appalachian Voices:
For too long, Duke Energy has used its monopoly power to raise rates on North Carolina’s families and businesses, while locking us into a high-cost, fossil-heavy grid. They’ve done this by buying the influence of key legislators to pass laws that generate profits for Duke on the backs of ratepayers. And now, despite vague claims about achieving “net zero” carbon emissions – three decades from now – Duke is still trying to pass on billions in costs for large gas plants, the Atlantic Coast pipeline boondoggle, and what the company calls “grid improvement.” All of this flies in the face of what we need right now – an affordable, equitable, democratic, and truly clean energy economy. Appalachian Voices is excited to fight for that future side by side with the other members of the Duke Energy Accountability Coalition.
Kerwin Olson, executive director, Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana:
As a result of Duke Energy’s almost exclusive reliance on coal for decades in Indiana, which continues today, the health and pocketbooks of Hoosiers have suffered long enough. It is long past time to hold them accountable for their extraordinary greed and their indifference to both the climate crisis and the financial well-being of their customers, most notably low- and fixed-income households. CAC looks forward to collaborating with our partners on the Duke Energy Accountability Coalition to shed light on the sordid business practices of Public Energy Enemy No. 1, and work collectively to protect customers, public health, and our planet.
Donna Chavis, Senior Fossil Fuels Campaigner, Friends of the Earth:
For too long, Duke Energy has been able to call the shots that lock consumers into rates that are too high and energy sources that are too dirty. Experts, advocates and, most importantly, customers will now have a platform to shed light on practices that hold us back from a more democratic energy system. In this time of Climate and Health Crises, Friends of the Earth is energized by the opportunity to collaborate with partners in the Duke Energy Accountability Coalition to help fight for a better energy tomorrow for North Carolinians and beyond.
Grant Smith, senior energy policy advisor, Environmental Working Group:
Duke operates in so many states, each with its own rules and policies, that it’s hard for customers, journalists and regulators to get the full picture of the many ways it has earned the label of Public Energy Enemy No. 1. The Duke Energy Accountability Coalition and the People’s Commission will bring a singular point of view to concerns that recur across Duke’s entire service area, challenging the utility and its shareholders to put the public interest ahead of profits – an obligation that is supposed to be a condition of a government-granted monopoly.
Holley Ulbrich, co-president, League of Women Voters of South Carolina:
The League of Women Voters of South Carolina is pleased to join the Duke Energy Accountability Coalition. Several areas of League activity and concern overlap with the purpose of the Duke Energy People’s Commission: our work in opposing Duke Energy rate increases that would unfairly burden low usage households and agriculture; our long-term monitoring of the safety of nuclear waste storage and coal ash disposal; and our concern over Duke’s ongoing resistance to legislative action encouraging renewable energy, especially solar. We look forward to sharing within the People’s Commission resources, experiences, and effective ways to protect customers and the environment from some of the proposals and practices of Duke Energy.
Jim Warren, executive director, NC WARN:


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-05-06--EWG: USDA Must Do More To Protect Meat Workers

The following is the statement of Scott Faber , EWG ’ s senior vice president of government affairs , on Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Purdue ’ s May 5 letter on meatpacker expectations .
Secretary Perdue should do more than exhort meatpacking companies to follow guidelines to keep workers safe .
Perdue and Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia should issue emergency standards that employers must follow .
At least 5,000 workers in 115 meatpacking plants have gotten sick from COVID-19 , and at least 20 have died so far , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ CDC reporting does not include new cases reported since April 27 and does not include all states or all meatpacking plants .
Others estimate that many more workers have gotten sick and died .
The Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting estimates that there have been at least 9,300 reported cases of COVID-19 in 27 states .
Nevertheless , the Trump administration has invoked the Defense Production Act to pressure these plants to stay open – without simultaneously ordering employers to provide workers with basic safety protections .
What ’ s more , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business interests , the Trump administration and Republican leaders in Congress have sought to protect employers like food companies when their workers become sick or die from COVID-19 .
Crowded conditions have made meatpacking plants a hotspot for the spread of COVID-19 .
But , despite appeals from Congress and labor leaders , neither the Occupational Safety and Health Administration nor the Department of Agriculture has yet issued emergency standards requiring food and farm employers to meet the CDC ’ s safety guidelines .
Although some employers have taken steps to protect workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and are not subject to enforcement .
Simply exhorting employers to keep workers safe , or requiring them submit records to the USDA , is not the same as setting and enforcing emergency standards .
To protect food and farm workers , Congress should direct OSHA to issue emergency standards , as proposed by Rep. Bobby Scott ( D-Va. ) .
Congress should also ensure that all food and farm workers are eligible for testing , sick pay and hazard pay .
Many food and farm workers are not eligible for free COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , many are ineligible for paid sick leave , increasing the likelihood they will infect their co-workers .
The Families First Act passed by Congress requires some employers to provide two weeks of paid sick leave , but many food and farm companies are exempt from the requirement .
Although they have been deemed essential workers , food and farm workers do not receive hazard pay to reflect the risks they face .
Because many are undocumented , many are ineligible for health benefits other workers enjoy , such as Medicaid .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only denied hazard pay and sick pay but also lack access to health care , increasing the likelihood that the virus will spread as they continue to work .
Congress should also reject efforts to grant immunity to employers who fail to protect their workers from COVID-19 .
Companies that implement mandatory safety requirements and apply reasonable care will not face the avalanche of liability some Republicans and business interests fear .
Granting protection to employers will only increase the number of sick workers and further weaken our food supply chains .
Food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and poultry – could rise as labor shortages affect other food categories .

The following is the statement of Scott Faber, EWG’s senior vice president of government affairs, on Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Purdue’s May 5 letter on meatpacker expectations.
Secretary Perdue should do more than exhort meatpacking companies to follow guidelines to keep workers safe. Perdue and Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia should issue emergency standards that employers must follow.
At least 5,000 workers in 115 meatpacking plants have gotten sick from COVID-19, and at least 20 have died so far, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At least 22 plants have closed. CDC reporting does not include new cases reported since April 27 and does not include all states or all meatpacking plants. Others estimate that many more workers have gotten sick and died. The Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting estimates that there have been at least 9,300 reported cases of COVID-19 in 27 states.
Nevertheless, the Trump administration has invoked the Defense Production Act to pressure these plants to stay open – without simultaneously ordering employers to provide workers with basic safety protections. What’s more, at the urging of food companies and other business interests, the Trump administration and Republican leaders in Congress have sought to protect employers like food companies when their workers become sick or die from COVID-19.
Crowded conditions have made meatpacking plants a hotspot for the spread of COVID-19. But, despite appeals from Congress and labor leaders, neither the Occupational Safety and Health Administration nor the Department of Agriculture has yet issued emergency standards requiring food and farm employers to meet the CDC’s safety guidelines. Although some employers have taken steps to protect workers, these safety protections are not mandatory and are not subject to enforcement. Simply exhorting employers to keep workers safe, or requiring them submit records to the USDA, is not the same as setting and enforcing emergency standards.
To protect food and farm workers, Congress should direct OSHA to issue emergency standards, as proposed by Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.). Congress should also ensure that all food and farm workers are eligible for testing, sick pay and hazard pay.
Many food and farm workers are not eligible for free COVID-19 testing. If they do become sick, many are ineligible for paid sick leave, increasing the likelihood they will infect their co-workers. The Families First Act passed by Congress requires some employers to provide two weeks of paid sick leave, but many food and farm companies are exempt from the requirement.
Although they have been deemed essential workers, food and farm workers do not receive hazard pay to reflect the risks they face. Because many are undocumented, many are ineligible for health benefits other workers enjoy, such as Medicaid. As a result, undocumented workers are not only denied hazard pay and sick pay but also lack access to health care, increasing the likelihood that the virus will spread as they continue to work.
Congress should also reject efforts to grant immunity to employers who fail to protect their workers from COVID-19. Companies that implement mandatory safety requirements and apply reasonable care will not face the avalanche of liability some Republicans and business interests fear. Granting protection to employers will only increase the number of sick workers and further weaken our food supply chains. Food prices in general – not just meat and poultry – could rise as labor shortages affect other food categories.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-05-08--Public Interest Groups Unite To Form Duke Energy Watchdog


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-05-08--Newsom Moves To Protect Kids From Pesticide Drift As Homes Become Classrooms

SAN FRANCISCO – Gov .
Gavin Newsom has issued sweeping new enforcement guidance requiring county agriculture commissioners to tighten regulations of pesticide use near residences to protect children from spray drift who are now home due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation , or DPR , is directing all county agriculture commissioners in the state to take a series of aggressive steps to ensure kids are not exposed to pesticides while at home , including : • Strictly enforcing all applicable pesticide health protections around homes and schools during the COVID-19 emergency .
• Prohibiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possibility of contamination of people or not involved in the pesticide application process .
In addition , the Newsom administration will take a much tougher approach to penalizing farm operations that violate these application rules by imposing fines up to $ 5,000 “ per person per incident ” and ensuring that county agriculture commissioners “ prioritize investigations of violations near homes and schools.
” Previous administrations treated each pesticide abuse as a single violation regardless of the number of people affected , and local investigations did not prioritize schools or homes .
DPR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use of California ’ s System for Pesticide Incident Reporting , a mobile app for reporting pesticide incidents .
No previous California governor has ever taken such an aggressive approach with the state ’ s powerful chemical-based agribusiness sector when it comes to protecting residents and farmworkers from pesticide drift from nearby farm fields – even though environmental and farmworker justice advocates have been calling for this exact type of action out of Sacramento for more than two decades .
“ This order recognizes the extraordinary importance of reducing the threat of pesticide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities during this COVID-19 crisis with a focus on growing a strong , climate smart agricultural economy while transitioning away from the use of harmful chemicals , ” said Adam Vega , coordinator , Ventura County Coalition Advocating for Pesticide Safety .
“ This administration has spoken about its commitment to California ’ s farmers , but that commitment under no circumstances should come down to a choice between who suffers more – the farmers or the farmworkers , ” Vega said .
“ This is the perfect example , and opportunity , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and essential workers could address immediately.
” “ Farmworkers and their families are of course the most vulnerable of all .
They are the frontline essential workers feeding us right now , ” said Laura Dern , actor , director and producer .
“ This issue is deeply personal to me .
My mom , like so many , has been exposed to pesticide drift that invade her home and surroundings and seriously compromised her health and seriously affected her beloved pets .
That ’ s why I ’ m so grateful for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of sweeping new state guidance to protect children and everyone else from pesticide spray drift that affects their homes .
His policy pledges would reduce the use of harmful chemicals in agriculture , and charts a hopeful , sustainable future that balances the needs of California ’ s farms with the health concerns of millions of people in nearby communities.
” “ I ’ m so grateful to Gov .
Newsom for his leadership , ” said actor , writer and director Diane Ladd , who is also a California resident exposed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organizations who are working together now to protect all Californians , especially our children and even our pets , from dangerous pesticide spray that drifts from farm fields onto our property and into our homes .
It is especially important to protect anyone whose health conditions make them especially vulnerable to toxic pesticides that pose acute risk to our respiratory or nervous systems.
” “ As a resident whose community has been ravaged by neighboring farms overspraying children , ill neighbors , preschools and elementary schools , I am forever grateful to Gov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visionary leadership to safeguard ALL Californians , ” said Heather Collins , a resident of Ojai , Calif. “ The landmark guidance his administration announced on May 7 will hold county agriculture commissioners accountable to protect residents from farm pesticide drift.
” “ It will give homes the same protection from pesticide drift accorded now to schools , ” Collins said .
“ And it will lead California in the direction of the governor ’ s goal , ‘ intricately connecting the areas of healthy soils , alternative pest management strategies , agricultural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety , food systems and environmental resource priorities all while transitioning away from harmful chemicals.
’ ” '' The governor 's letter and the directive from CalEPA make it very clear that there 's a new sheriff in town when it comes to pesticide abuse , who will put protecting people above promoting pesticides , '' said James Wheaton , president of the Environmental Law Foundation , which provided legal assistance to the groups asking for reform .
“ This is a new day for California ’ s kids and all residents of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ken Cook .
“ Now those days spent at home learning will not be interrupted by a blast of dangerous pesticides wafting through windows and doors .
Once again the governor is using the power and authority of his office to protect public health – the exact opposite of the leadership we are unfortunately seeing from elected officials in Washington.
” In May 2019 Newsom announced the ban of the neurotoxic pesticide chlorpyrifos over the risk it poses to children .
The pesticide drift that is harming children while they are learning from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operations , not from organic farms where the pesticide control technologies are much safer .
In his letter to Jared Blumenfeld , secretary of California Environmental Protection Agency , directing him to adopt these new guidelines , Newsom called for a new approach to agriculture in the state by “ transitioning away from harmful chemicals.
” The organic agriculture sector in California is big – and getting bigger each year .
According to California Certified Organic Farmers , in 2017 the state ’ s organic farming , processing and handling industry produced more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gov .
Newsom ’ s desire for the state ’ s agriculture sector to be free of toxic chemicals could open the door to calls for organic to be the prevailing system of farming in the state .
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 .

SAN FRANCISCO – California Gov. Gavin Newsom has directed all counties to tighten restrictions on pesticide spraying near homes, to protect children from toxic chemicals drifting from crop fields while they are homebound during the coronavirus pandemic. Newsome’s order signals a new approach to California agriculture regulation, calling for “transitioning away from harmful chemicals.”
At Newsom’s direction, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, or DPR, issued guidance to all 58 county agriculture commissioners to take a series of aggressive steps to ensure kids are not exposed to pesticides while forced to stay home from school, including:
Strictly enforcing all applicable pesticide health protections around homes and schools during the COVID-19 emergency.
Prohibiting pesticide applications when there is a reasonable possibility of contamination of people not involved in the pesticide application process.
The Newsom administration will take a much tougher approach to penalizing farm operations that violate the rules, imposing fines up to $5,000 “per person per incident” and ensuring that county agriculture commissioners “prioritize investigations of violations near homes and schools.” Previous administrations treated each instance of pesticide abuse as a single violation regardless of the number of people affected, and local investigations did not prioritize schools or homes.
DPR will also boost its promotion of the use of California’s System for Pesticide Incident Reporting, a mobile app for reporting pesticide drift.
No previous California governor has taken such an aggressive approach with the state’s powerful chemical-based agribusiness sector when it comes to protecting residents and farmworkers from pesticide drift from nearby farm fields. People who live near farms and environmental and farmworker justice advocates have been calling for such action from Sacramento for more than two decades.
“This order recognizes the extraordinary importance of reducing the threat of pesticide exposure among California’s most vulnerable communities during this COVID-19 crisis with a focus on growing a strong, climate smart agricultural economy while transitioning away from the use of harmful chemicals,” said Adam Vega, coordinator, Ventura County Coalition Advocating for Pesticide Safety.
“This administration has spoken about its commitment to California’s farmers, but that commitment under no circumstances should come down to a choice between who suffers more – the farmers or the farmworkers,” Vega said. “This is the perfect example, and opportunity, of what a working group on agriculture and essential workers could address immediately.”
“Farmworkers and their families are of course the most vulnerable of all. They are the frontline essential workers feeding us right now,” said actor, director and producer Laura Dern. “This issue is deeply personal to me. My mom, like so many, has been exposed to pesticide drift that invades her home and surroundings and seriously compromised her health and seriously affected her beloved pets.
“That’s why I’m so grateful for Gov. Gavin Newsom’s announcement of sweeping new state guidance to protect children and everyone else from pesticide spray drift that affects their homes,” Dern said. “His policy pledges would reduce the use of harmful chemicals in agriculture, and charts a hopeful, sustainable future that balances the needs of California’s farms with the health concerns of millions of people in nearby communities.”
“I’m so grateful to Governor Newsom for his leadership,” said Dern’s mother, actor, writer and director Diane Ladd, who lives in Ventura County. “And to all the organizations who are working together now to protect all Californians, especially our children and even our pets, from dangerous pesticide spray that drifts from farm fields onto our property and into our homes. It is especially important to protect anyone whose health conditions make them especially vulnerable to toxic pesticides that pose acute risk to our respiratory or nervous systems.”
“As a resident whose community has been ravaged by neighboring farms overspraying children, ill neighbors, preschools and elementary schools, I am forever grateful to Gov. Gavin Newsom for his bold, visionary leadership to safeguard all Californians,” said Heather Collins, of Ojai in Ventura County. “The landmark guidance his administration announced on May 7 will hold county agriculture commissioners accountable to protect residents from farm pesticide drift.”
“It will give homes the same protection from pesticide drift accorded now to schools,” Collins said. “And it will lead California in the direction of the governor’s goal of ‘intricately connecting the areas of healthy soils, alternative pest management strategies, agricultural economies, community and worker health and safety, food systems and environmental resource priorities all while transitioning away from harmful chemicals.’”
"The governor's letter and the directive from CalEPA make it very clear that there's a new sheriff in town when it comes to pesticide abuse, who will put protecting people above promoting pesticides," said James Wheaton, president of the Environmental Law Foundation, which provided legal assistance to the groups asking for reform.
“This is a new day for California’s kids and all residents of the state,” said EWG President Ken Cook. “It recognizes that during the crisis, homes are classrooms, and kids at home deserve the same protections from pesticide drift that apply to schools. Now those days spent at home learning will not be interrupted by a blast of dangerous pesticides wafting through windows and doors. Once again the governor is using the power and authority of his office to protect public health – the exact opposite of the leadership we are unfortunately seeing from elected officials in Washington.”
Newsom’s order comes almost exactly after a year he announced the ban of the neurotoxic pesticide chlorpyrifos over the risk it poses to children. Under the Obama administration, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed to ban the brain-damaging pesticide, but in 2017, Trump EPA chief Andrew Wheeler overruled his agency’s own scientists to reverse the pending ban.
The pesticide drift that poses a risk to children learning from home comes largely from conventional agricultural operations, not from organic farms, where the pesticide control technologies are much safer.
The organic agriculture sector in California is big – and getting bigger each year. According to California Certified Organic Farmers, in 2017 the state’s organic farming, processing and handling industry produced more than $14 billion in sales. Newsom’s desire for the state’s agriculture sector to be free of toxic chemicals could open the door to calls for organic to be the prevailing system of farming in the state.
###
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--2020-05-08--EWG News Roundup (5/8): MultiState Duke Energy Watchdog Formed, Protecting Farm and Food Workers Dur

EWG News Roundup (5/8): MultiState Duke Energy Watchdog Formed, Protecting Farm and Food Workers During Pandemic and More

This week , EWG joined a coalition of public interest , social justice , watchdog and environmental groups to hold Duke Energy accountable for its policies , which affect almost 8 million Americans in six states – and by extension , impede the nation ’ s progress toward a clean energy future .
The Duke Energy Accountability Coalition plans to shine a light on work by environmental and consumer advocates , energy experts and frontline communities in states where Duke Energy operates as a monopoly utility .
“ Duke operates in so many states that it ’ s hard for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the full picture of the many ways it has earned the label of Public Energy Enemy No .
1 , ” said EWG senior energy policy advisor Grant Smith .
“ The Duke Energy Accountability Coalition and the Duke Energy People ’ s Commission , which the coalition has created , will bring a singular point of view to concerns that recur across Duke ’ s entire service area , ” Smith said .
“ They will challenge the utility and its shareholders to put the public interest ahead of profits – an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ condition of a government-granted monopoly.
” To follow and engage with the Duke Energy Accountability Coalition and its People ’ s Commission , connect via Facebook or Twitter .
EWG also weighed in on a May 5 letter from Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue on the safety of meatpacking plant workers during the COVID-19 crisis .
“ Congress should also reject efforts to grant immunity to employers who fail to protect their workers from COVID-19 .
Companies that implement mandatory safety requirements and apply reasonable care will not face the avalanche of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said EWG senior vice president of government affairs Scott Faber .
“ Granting protection to employers will only increase the number of sick workers and further weaken our food supply chains .
Food prices in general – not just meat and poultry – could rise as labor shortages affect other food categories.
” And finally , EWG called for Congress to direct the USDA to use relief funds to ensure that farmworkers – not megafarms – have protections , free testing and paid sick leave .
Here ’ s some news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Oprah Magazine : The Best Sunscreen for Kids and Babies , According to Dermatologists We do n't want to be alarmist , but according to the Environmental Working Group 's report on the best sunscreen for kids , `` a few blistering sunburns in childhood can double a person ’ s lifetime chances of developing serious forms of skin cancer . ''
According to the EWG , “ Their presence has been linked to a variety of health harms , including increased cholesterol , multiple cancers , and weight gain .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ PFAS has been linked to low birth weight , endocrine disruption—particularly harmful in kids who are still developing—and weakened childhood immunity .
Politico , Morning Energy : What to expect when you 're expecting another coronavirus package The `` Duke Energy Accountability Coalition '' includes public interest groups and experts from across six states in Duke Energy 's service area and coincides with the utility 's annual shareholders meeting online today .
Members include Energy and Policy Institute , Environmental Working Group and Friends of the Earth .
The Hill : OVERNIGHT ENERGY @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ethanol requirement | Warren opposes oil industry 'bailout ' | New group launched to monitor major electric company “ The coalition will work to improve Duke Energy ’ s greenhouse gas emission reductions , transition from fossil fuels to renewables , ratepayer affordability and equity , coal ash cleanup and health impacts , influence spending and more , ” the coalition said in a statement .
The organization is comprised of green groups including the Environmental Working Group and Friends of the Earth .
CBS News , 60 Minutes : Why Are Hundreds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Money Meant for Farmers ?
Ken cook is the president of the Environmental Working Group that 's been tracking farm subsidies for decades and now the direct payments to farmers under the Trump administration 's bailout .
Reprinted byThe World News ; Blog for Arizona The Trump administration 's 2018 Market Facilitation Program has given about one-third of the agriculture subsidy funding to only 4 % of farmers , according to an analysis by the Environmental Working Group .
Reprinted by The World News ; MSN ; Wealth Creation Investing Business Insider : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : ' Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue defends the trade war bailout that mostly benefited wealthy farmers Citing data from the Environmental Working Group , 60 Minutes found there was a substantial amount of aid flowing to wealthier farmers , some of whom had only an ownership interest as investors and were n't directly involved in daily operations .
The Washington Post : No , Trump didn ’ t order meat-processing plants to reopen The nonprofit Environmental Working Group warned that Trump ’ s order could be a “ death sentence ” for workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) ; Connecticut Post ; Greenwich Times ( Conn. ) ; Star Tribune ( Minneapolis , Minn. ) ; Fairfield Citizen ( Conn. ) ; 4 additional media outlets '' Although some employers have taken steps to protect workers , these safety protections are not mandatory and are not subject to enforcement , '' said Scott Faber , senior vice president of government affairs at the Environmental Working Group .
Democratic lawmakers , Farmworker Justice and the Environmental Working Group have said they are pushing for new federal protections for farm and food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide : Don ’ t give businesses immunity from liability for exposing workers or consumers to covid-19 , consumer groups say In addition to Public Citizen , other groups signing the letter included the Environmental Working Group , Food and Water Action , the Main Street Alliance .
World Socialist Web Site : Deemed essential , US farmworkers face wage reductions , zero protections from COVID-19 Analysis of United States Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) data by the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) shows that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ farmworkers , more than $ 590 million in recent trade bailout payments were sent , with no requirement that any of those funds be used to improve the conditions of farmworkers .
The Washington Post : Americans are told to wash hands to fight coronavirus .
But some don ’ t trust the tap .
`` Those rules were never written with covid in mind , ” said Scott Faber , senior vice president for government affairs at the Environmental Working Group .
Reprinted by Houston Chronicle ; New Haven Register ( Conn. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ill. ) ; SF Gate ( San Francisco ) Iosco County Herald ( East Tawas , Mich. ) : Oscoda activists call on AF to stop the flow of PFAS from Wurtsmith by 2023 He spoke about the new letter he sent to Barrett and , on the call , Kildee was joined by representatives from LCV , NOW and Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) .
Agri News Net Farming Portal : How to Protect Yourself From These Hidden Household Dangers Some common products that have been shown to contain phthalates are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conditioners .
In 2002 , a report from the Environmental Working Group found phthalates in about three-fourths of the personal care products evaluated .
Bicycling : Are Canned Foods Less Nutritious Than Fresh ?
Follow This Guide You can also search the Environmental Working Group ’ s Food Scores site to find out if a brand you like is suspected to use BPA .
Kourtney Kardashian works with the Environmental Working Group to lobby for change in the cosmetics industry .
Reprinted by My Style News .
Fragrances that are made of pure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Their website states they are , “ The first fine fragrances to be both EWG VERIFIED™ and Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Gold.
” Women ’ s Wear Daily : On the Cusp : Why Clean Fragrance Could Be Beauty ’ s Next Big Bet Created by Michelle Pfeiffer , this marks a new model for celebrity fragrances .
Pfeiffer partnered with the Environmental Working Group and International Flavors & Fragrances , Inc. which adopted bold new fragrance design standards in concert with Cradle to Cradle .
Feed Me Phoebe : The Best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Them Safely According to the Environmental Working Group , chemicals in this family ( PFC ’ s ) can cause birth defects , abnormal thyroid levels , liver inflammation and weakened immune defenses , among other issues .
Indy Star : Some industrial sites in Indiana may be discharging toxic 'forever chemicals , ' report says These facilities join roughly 2,400 others nationwide suspected of discharging these chemicals , according to the report from the Environmental Working Group , a research and environmental advocacy organization .
Reprinted by South Bend Tribune ( Ind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Should be Included in a Drinking Water Test Shallower wells are contaminated much quicker than deeper wells , which was highlighted in a recent study by the Environmental Working Group on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances ( PFAS ) where deeper wells had little to no contamination .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 ) .
Choose organic produce where you can , focusing on buying organic foods from the EWG 's Dirty Dozen list and cutting yourself some slack with the Clean 15 foods list .
General Health : Benefits of Celery , Nutrition Facts , Recipes and More The Environmental Working Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it ’ s usually sprayed with multiple types of pesticides .
Ask Men : Best Sunscreens for Men Adding to the eco- and body-friendly vibe , Badger sells all of its sunscreens in eco-friendly packaging and this one happens to be rated the best by EWG with a rating of one .
Mind Body Green : Zinc Oxide In Sunscreens : What Is It + 7 Facts Explained About The Active At the moment , zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the only two ingredients the Environmental Working Group has deemed safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skin from UV damage .
Hello Glow : 6 Sunscreen Ingredients to Avoid + What to Use Instead After much time spent reading different sources , I decided to go with the Environmental Working Group ’ s recommendations because they seemed like a nice middle ground between “ wear all the chemical sunscreens all the time ” and “ never wear sunscreen ever until your skin looks and feels like beef jerky.
” ( Ew . )
NJ Spotlight : Appeals Court Says Not Government ’ s Job to Clean Up ‘ Erin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2016 , a national study by the advocacy organization Environmental Working Group concluded that more than 200 million Americans were exposed to the chemical at sites in every state , including 150 sites in New Jersey .
Blue Ridge Outdoors : The Value of Water You can also visit the Environmental Working Group ’ s website for a variety of water related topics .
Use your zip code in their Tap Water Database for more specifics about contaminants found in your water source .

This week, EWG joined a coalition of public interest, social justice, watchdog and environmental groups to hold Duke Energy accountable for its policies, which affect almost 8 million Americans in six states – and by extension, impede the nation’s progress toward a clean energy future.
The Duke Energy Accountability Coalition plans to shine a light on work by environmental and consumer advocates, energy experts and frontline communities in states where Duke Energy operates as a monopoly utility.
“Duke operates in so many states that it’s hard for customers, journalists and regulators to get the full picture of the many ways it has earned the label of Public Energy Enemy No. 1,” said EWG senior energy policy advisor Grant Smith.
“The Duke Energy Accountability Coalition and the Duke Energy People’s Commission, which the coalition has created, will bring a singular point of view to concerns that recur across Duke’s entire service area,” Smith said. “They will challenge the utility and its shareholders to put the public interest ahead of profits – an obligation that is supposed to be a condition of a government-granted monopoly.”
To follow and engage with the Duke Energy Accountability Coalition and its People’s Commission, connect via Facebook or Twitter.
EWG also weighed in on a May 5 letter from Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue on the safety of meatpacking plant workers during the COVID-19 crisis.
“Congress should also reject efforts to grant immunity to employers who fail to protect their workers from COVID-19. Companies that implement mandatory safety requirements and apply reasonable care will not face the avalanche of liability some Republicans and business interests fear,” said EWG senior vice president of government affairs Scott Faber. “Granting protection to employers will only increase the number of sick workers and further weaken our food supply chains. Food prices in general – not just meat and poultry – could rise as labor shortages affect other food categories.”
And finally, EWG called for Congress to direct the USDA to use relief funds to ensure that farmworkers – not megafarms – have protections, free testing and paid sick leave.
Here’s some news you can use going into the weekend.
Children’s Health
The Oprah Magazine: The Best Sunscreen for Kids and Babies, According to Dermatologists
We don't want to be alarmist, but according to the Environmental Working Group's report on the best sunscreen for kids, "a few blistering sunburns in childhood can double a person’s lifetime chances of developing serious forms of skin cancer."
Kiwi Magazine: PFAS Explained
According to the EWG, “Their presence has been linked to a variety of health harms, including increased cholesterol, multiple cancers, and weight gain. They pose additional risks for children. PFAS has been linked to low birth weight, endocrine disruption—particularly harmful in kids who are still developing—and weakened childhood immunity.
Duke Energy Accountability Coalition
Politico, Morning Energy: What to expect when you're expecting another coronavirus package
The "Duke Energy Accountability Coalition" includes public interest groups and experts from across six states in Duke Energy's service area and coincides with the utility's annual shareholders meeting online today. Members include Energy and Policy Institute, Environmental Working Group and Friends of the Earth.
The Hill: OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Senators urge White House to keep ethanol requirement | Warren opposes oil industry 'bailout' | New group launched to monitor major electric company
“The coalition will work to improve Duke Energy’s greenhouse gas emission reductions, transition from fossil fuels to renewables, ratepayer affordability and equity, coal ash cleanup and health impacts, influence spending and more,” the coalition said in a statement.
The organization is comprised of green groups including the Environmental Working Group and Friends of the Earth.
Ken Cook 60 Minutes Interview on Farm Bailout
CBS News, 60 Minutes: Why Are Hundreds of People in Big Cities Receiving Bailout Money Meant for Farmers?
Ken cook is the president of the Environmental Working Group that's been tracking farm subsidies for decades and now the direct payments to farmers under the Trump administration's bailout. Reprinted byThe World News; Blog for Arizona
CBS News, 60 Minutes Overtime: Most Trade War Relief Aid Bypassed Small & Medium Farms
The Trump administration's 2018 Market Facilitation Program has given about one-third of the agriculture subsidy funding to only 4% of farmers, according to an analysis by the Environmental Working Group. Reprinted by The World News; MSN; Wealth Creation Investing
Business Insider: 'That's just the way it happens:' Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue defends the trade war bailout that mostly benefited wealthy farmers
Citing data from the Environmental Working Group, 60 Minutes found there was a substantial amount of aid flowing to wealthier farmers, some of whom had only an ownership interest as investors and weren't directly involved in daily operations.
Trump Administration Meat Processing Plants
The Washington Post: No, Trump didn’t order meat-processing plants to reopen
The nonprofit Environmental Working Group warned that Trump’s order could be a “death sentence” for workers. Reprinted by Stamford Advocate (Conn.); Connecticut Post; Greenwich Times (Conn.); Star Tribune (Minneapolis, Minn.); Fairfield Citizen (Conn.); 4 additional media outlets
E&E News, GreenWire: White House doubles down on meat industry order
"Although some employers have taken steps to protect workers, these safety protections are not mandatory and are not subject to enforcement," said Scott Faber, senior vice president of government affairs at the Environmental Working Group.
COVID-19 and Food Workers and Restaurants
The Packer: Produce industry informs Congress on pandemic safety measures
Democratic lawmakers, Farmworker Justice and the Environmental Working Group have said they are pushing for new federal protections for farm and food workers in the next coronavirus stimulus legislation.
The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide: Don’t give businesses immunity from liability for exposing workers or consumers to covid-19, consumer groups say
In addition to Public Citizen, other groups signing the letter included the Environmental Working Group, Food and Water Action, the Main Street Alliance.
World Socialist Web Site: Deemed essential, US farmworkers face wage reductions, zero protections from COVID-19
Analysis of United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) data by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) shows that in the 100 counties with the most farmworkers, more than $590 million in recent trade bailout payments were sent, with no requirement that any of those funds be used to improve the conditions of farmworkers.
COVID-19 and Tap Water
The Washington Post: Americans are told to wash hands to fight coronavirus. But some don’t trust the tap.
"Those rules were never written with covid in mind,” said Scott Faber, senior vice president for government affairs at the Environmental Working Group. Reprinted by Houston Chronicle; New Haven Register (Conn.); The Telegraph (Alton, Ill.); SF Gate (San Francisco)
Congressman Dan Kildee (D-Mich.) and PFAS Contamination Cleanup
Iosco County Herald (East Tawas, Mich.): Oscoda activists call on AF to stop the flow of PFAS from Wurtsmith by 2023
He spoke about the new letter he sent to Barrett and, on the call, Kildee was joined by representatives from LCV, NOW and Environmental Working Group (EWG).
Skin Deep® Cosmetics Database
Agri News Net Farming Portal: How to Protect Yourself From These Hidden Household Dangers
Some common products that have been shown to contain phthalates are cosmetics, shampoo, moisturizer, and conditioners. In 2002, a report from the Environmental Working Group found phthalates in about three-fourths of the personal care products evaluated.
Food Scores
Bicycling: Are Canned Foods Less Nutritious Than Fresh? Follow This Guide
You can also search the Environmental Working Group’s Food Scores site to find out if a brand you like is suspected to use BPA.
Kourtney Kardashian
Cheat Sheet: Kylie Jenner Generously Donates Kylie Skin Hand Sanitizer to Medical Workers
Kourtney Kardashian works with the Environmental Working Group to lobby for change in the cosmetics industry. Reprinted by My Style News.
Michelle Pfeiffer's Henry Rose
Thrive Global: A Mother’s Day Gift Guide to Ignite her Senses
Fragrances that are made of pure, non toxic, high quality ingredients. Their website states they are, “The first fine fragrances to be both EWG VERIFIED® and Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Gold.”
Women’s Wear Daily: On the Cusp: Why Clean Fragrance Could Be Beauty’s Next Big Bet
Created by Michelle Pfeiffer, this marks a new model for celebrity fragrances. Pfeiffer partnered with the Environmental Working Group and International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. which adopted bold new fragrance design standards in concert with Cradle to Cradle.
Non-Stick Cookware
Feed Me Phoebe: The Best Non-Toxic Nonstick Pans + How to Use Them Safely
According to the Environmental Working Group, chemicals in this family (PFC’s) can cause birth defects, abnormal thyroid levels, liver inflammation and weakened immune defenses, among other issues.
PFAS Polluters Map
Indy Star: Some industrial sites in Indiana may be discharging toxic 'forever chemicals,' report says
These facilities join roughly 2,400 others nationwide suspected of discharging these chemicals, according to the report from the Environmental Working Group, a research and environmental advocacy organization. Reprinted by South Bend Tribune (Ind.)
PFAS Tap Water Contamination
Water Quality Products: What Should be Included in a Drinking Water Test
Shallower wells are contaminated much quicker than deeper wells, which was highlighted in a recent study by the Environmental Working Group on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) where deeper wells had little to no contamination.
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).
Eating Well: 7 Tips for Clean Eating
Choose organic produce where you can, focusing on buying organic foods from the EWG's Dirty Dozen list and cutting yourself some slack with the Clean 15 foods list.
General Health: Benefits of Celery, Nutrition Facts, Recipes and More
The Environmental Working Group’s “Dirty Dozen” shows that it’s usually sprayed with multiple types of pesticides.
EWG Guide to Sunscreens
Ask Men: Best Sunscreens for Men
Adding to the eco- and body-friendly vibe, Badger sells all of its sunscreens in eco-friendly packaging and this one happens to be rated the best by EWG with a rating of one.
Mind Body Green: Zinc Oxide In Sunscreens: What Is It + 7 Facts Explained About The Active
At the moment, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the only two ingredients the Environmental Working Group has deemed safe for use and effective at protecting the skin from UV damage.
Hello Glow: 6 Sunscreen Ingredients to Avoid + What to Use Instead
After much time spent reading different sources, I decided to go with the Environmental Working Group’s recommendations because they seemed like a nice middle ground between “wear all the chemical sunscreens all the time” and “never wear sunscreen ever until your skin looks and feels like beef jerky.” (Ew.)
Tap Water Database
NJ Spotlight: Appeals Court Says Not Government’s Job to Clean Up ‘Erin Brockovich’ Chemical in Jersey City
In 2016, a national study by the advocacy organization Environmental Working Group concluded that more than 200 million Americans were exposed to the chemical at sites in every state, including 150 sites in New Jersey.
Blue Ridge Outdoors: The Value of Water
You can also visit the Environmental Working Group’s website for a variety of water related topics. Use your zip code in their Tap Water Database for more specifics about contaminants found in your water source.