environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-09-03--EWG News Roundup (9/3): Landmark Public Health Bills Pass Calif. Legislature, Duke Energy’s $11.6 Bi

EWG News Roundup (9/3): Landmark Public Health Bills Pass Calif. Legislature, Duke Energy’s $11.6 Billion Failures and More

Early this week , lawmakers in California sent three landmark pieces of legislation to Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s desk .
EWG co-sponsored all three bills – Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act , Senate Bill 1044 and Assembly Bill 2276 – which will require that children be tested for lead exposure ; protect firefighters from toxic PFAS chemicals ; and ban a number of toxic chemicals from personal care products .
Also this week , EWG published an exposé that shows a number of failed projects by Duke Energy and its partners , totaling $ 11.6 billion in losses since 2013 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first and foremost , is to achieve and maintain a high profit margin , not to provide affordable service with a least cost approach to its customers , ” said EWG Senior Energy Policy Advisor Grant Smith , co-author of the report .
“ While other utilities are shedding costly , dangerous and climate-disrupting energy sources for clean , safe , cost-efficient renewables , Duke continues to waste billions with its high-risk , high-reward gambles.
” In other Duke news , the company has been claiming that it will achieve “ net zero @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its new resource plan shows that the company is doubling down on fossil fuel and nuclear energy .
And finally , if you ’ re planning on heading out to a lake or river this Labor Day weekend , make sure to find out whether it ’ s been compromised by an algae bloom .
EWG analysis found that through the end of August , algae blooms have plagued 318 bodies of water across the U.S.
Here ’ s some news you can use going into the weekend .
Poosh : 4 Exercises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EWG is a great site to use a resource to check products and for information on endocrine disruptors .
Conde Nast Traveler : The Best Sunscreens for All Skin Types If you ’ re looking for an environmentally safe product that will also protect your kids from sun damage , look no further .
This sunscreen was ranked with the highest score possible by the Environmental Working Group .
Delaware Today : Consider These Healthier Alternatives for Common Baby Products and Toys Even soaps and lotions labeled “ gentle ” or “ natural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a survey by the Environmental Working Group , children encounter about 27 dangerous chemicals through exposure to personal care products alone .
Avoid cleaners with fragrance and volatile organic compounds , which are hazardous to health .
Read labels for eco-certifications and check product safety on the Environmental Working Group ’ s app .
Circle of Blue : Des Moines River ‘ Essentially Unusable ’ for Drinking Water due to Algae Toxins A new report from the Environmental Working Group Wednesday found that U.S. communities where algae toxin outbreaks had been reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevention and treatment of the toxins over the past decade .
Harvest Public Media : Across Midwest , Clearing Algal Blooms From Nutrient Runoff Has High Price Tag An economic analysis by the nonprofit Environmental Working Group found that 22 states have spent more than $ 1 billion altogether since 2010 .
Miami New Times : Pollution Has Cost Florida Millions , and the Bill Keeps Rising Over the past decade , the State of Florida has spent at least $ 20 million cleaning up and preventing algal blooms in its major bodies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study by the nonprofit Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) .
THE RENDERING of the Des Moines River as a water source comes the same day Environmental Working Group released an estimate of treatment costs of algal blooms over the last 10 years .
Last week the Environmental Working Group released a study showing that in the last decade , United States communities have spent more than $ 1 billion dealing with algae outbreaks in 85 locations and 22 states .
Michigan Public Radio : Ohio outspending Michigan by hundreds of millions to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Environmental Working Group ’ s analysis found the majority of that money was spent in Ohio .
That state has spent more than $ 815 million as it struggles to control algae blooms in Lake Erie and some other inland lakes .
Lake Erie is a hot spot for cyanobacteria .
Sound Health and Lasting Wealth : Over 300 bodies of water in the US have been plagued algae blooms this year Long linked to animal deaths , high doses of the toxins in humans can cause liver damage and attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Group ( EWG ) , a non-profit organizations , released a report as a warning ahead of the holiday weekend in the US .
“ If signed into law , Californians will have greater assurance of the safety of the consumer products they use every day—like lotion and body wash , toothpaste and dental floss , shampoo and conditioner , and makeup , ” said Susan Little , EWG ’ s senior advocate for California government affairs .
Inside EPA : California Bill Banning PFAS In Firefighting Foam Heads To Governor ( subscription @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presence of all PFAS in firefighting gear , according to the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) .
Legislatures in Connecticut , Illinois , Iowa , North Carolina and Vermont are also considering similar bans .
Awareness also rose after the recent release of an Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) study , which found that PFAS was underreported at many locations in the United States .
Dazzling Daily Deals : 11 Products To Help You Become More Organic # ShiftCon # ShiftConLove Our Laundry Powder is rated A by the Environmental Working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way .
You ’ ll love the Wool Dryer Balls which last at least 3 years and replace the need for a toxic fabric softener .
Greatist : Going Au Naturel ?
Here Are the Best Natural Cleaning Products of 2020 According to the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) , people should also avoid these types of products completely… Seventh Generation is owned by multinational corporation Unilever ( a significant plastic polluter ) ; its products run the gamut on EWG ’ s Guide to Healthy Cleaning with scores ranging from A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ products are still packaged in plastic .
Forbes : What ’ s Hiding In Your Skincare And Makeup Is Anything But Beautiful Cosmetic and personal care is a multi-billion-dollar industry .
According to the Environmental Working Group , every day the average woman uses 12 different beauty products such as body cleansers , conditioners , hair dyes , fragrances , skin care items , scented lotions , nail polish , and makeup .
Best Life : 20 Best Generic Products From Target Not only is it a favorite among customers , it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four , meaning there are low concerns about its ingredients and processing .
The environmental Working Group ( EWG ) which is a U.S. non-profit organizational that does environmental and safety studies gave petroleum a “ moderate hazard ” safety rating stating that it needed more study before it can be considered safe .
An environmental group says Duke Energy and its partners have pulled the plug on about $ 11.6 billion in failed projects since 2013 .
( Environmental Working Group ) Washington Examiner : Daily on Energy : NuScale reaches milestone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The North Carolina-based utility has been involved in roughly $ 11.6 billion in failed natural gas and nuclear projects since 2013 , the Environmental Working Group finds in a new report Monday .
Vanilla Luxury : Best Hair Loss Shampoos and Products to Buy for Thinning Hair in Singapore This Avalon Organics® shampoo formula is EWG VERIFIED™ , which means it meets the Environmental Working Group 's strictest criteria for ingredients , transparency , and health and features the EWG VERIFIED™ seal on its label !
KX Net ( Bismark , N.D. ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should you be worried ?
The Environmental Working Group or otherwise known as the EWG reports that one-third of the 27 conventional hummus products surpassed “ their health-based benchmark.
” Top Class Actions : Are Thinx Underwear Toxic ?
Report Says Yes !
In fact , according to the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) , testing shows that 99 % of Americans have PFAS in their blood .
KYW ( Philadelphia ) : Study finds fast-food chains are still using wrappers with toxic PFAS chemicals Recent testing has found similar results , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” explained Dr. David Andrews , a senior scientist with the Environmental Working Group .
Ring of Fire : EPA Allows Defense Department To Pollute Communities & Boeing Airline Crash Lawsuits Well , you and I right now are sitting in an area that ’ s basically surrounded by three massive military bases and we know according to maps by the Environmental Working group , this area you and I are sitting in right now is one of those sites that is hugely contaminated .
The Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vicious personal attack ’ on Enck , and added that she is a leading environmental advocate in the area of Hoosick Falls , New York , which has been affected by PFAS contamination .
“ Laboratory-scale studies have shown that , when incinerated , PFAS can break down to toxic , volatile chemicals such as carbon tetrafluoride and hexafluoroethane , as well as trifluoroacetic acid and hydrogen fluoride , ” according to Environmental Working Group .
Center for Health Journalism : Start digging into the hidden chemicals polluting your community In July this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a nonprofit group founded in 1993 with a focus on public health and the environment , launched a new report that showed as many as 110 million Americans – about one out of every three people in the country – are living in areas with water shown to be contaminated with PFAs .
According to the Environmental Working Group , PFAS chemicals have been found in drinking water in Ohio communities including Cleveland Heights and Struthers , and on military bases including Camp Ravenna and Wright Patterson .
Healthy Holistic Living : Old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Most Effective At Removing Pesticide Residue According to the infamous Dirty Dozen list produced by the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) , the foods with the most pesticides for 2020 are… According to a Time article , the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) published its 2019 Dirty Dozen list , which ranked 12 produce items in terms of contamination… Rercordnet ( Stockton , Calif. ) : Plant strawberries in the fall so you can enjoy your own crop in the spring For several years , strawberries have been designated by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among the dirty dozen fruits and vegetables contaminated with pesticides , although within FDA standards ( https : //www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php . )
All of the ingredients in our products rate well on the Environmental Working Group and Paula ’ s Choice Ingredient Dictionary .
( These are website databases specialising in the research and evaluation of ingredients . )
Houston Chronicle : If you have n't melted yet , here 's how to beat the heat in Houston .
Choose a mineral-based sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium oxide .
These are the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ human use , according to the Environmental Working Group .

Early this week, lawmakers in California sent three landmark pieces of legislation to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk. EWG co-sponsored all three bills – Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act, Senate Bill 1044 and Assembly Bill 2276 – which will require that children be tested for lead exposure; protect firefighters from toxic PFAS chemicals; and ban a number of toxic chemicals from personal care products.
Also this week, EWG published an exposé that shows a number of failed projects by Duke Energy and its partners, totaling $11.6 billion in losses since 2013.
“Duke’s priority, first and foremost, is to achieve and maintain a high profit margin, not to provide affordable service with a least cost approach to its customers,” said EWG Senior Energy Policy Advisor Grant Smith, co-author of the report. “While other utilities are shedding costly, dangerous and climate-disrupting energy sources for clean, safe, cost-efficient renewables, Duke continues to waste billions with its high-risk, high-reward gambles.”
In other Duke news, the company has been claiming that it will achieve “net zero” carbon pollution by 2050, but its new resource plan shows that the company is doubling down on fossil fuel and nuclear energy.
And finally, if you’re planning on heading out to a lake or river this Labor Day weekend, make sure to find out whether it’s been compromised by an algae bloom. EWG analysis found that through the end of August, algae blooms have plagued 318 bodies of water across the U.S.
Here’s some news you can use going into the weekend.
Children’s Health
Poosh: 4 Exercises to Get Your BODY READY FOR PREGNANCY
EWG is a great site to use a resource to check products and for information on endocrine disruptors.
Conde Nast Traveler: The Best Sunscreens for All Skin Types
If you’re looking for an environmentally safe product that will also protect your kids from sun damage, look no further. This sunscreen was ranked with the highest score possible by the Environmental Working Group.
Delaware Today: Consider These Healthier Alternatives for Common Baby Products and Toys
Even soaps and lotions labeled “gentle” or “natural” can contain toxic chemicals. According to a survey by the Environmental Working Group, children encounter about 27 dangerous chemicals through exposure to personal care products alone.
Delicious Living: Strengthening Kids’ Immunity
Avoid cleaners with fragrance and volatile organic compounds, which are hazardous to health. Read labels for eco-certifications and check product safety on the Environmental Working Group’s app.
EWG’s Algae Bloom Economic Analysis
Circle of Blue: Des Moines River ‘Essentially Unusable’ for Drinking Water due to Algae Toxins
A new report from the Environmental Working Group Wednesday found that U.S. communities where algae toxin outbreaks had been reported spent more than $1.1 billion on prevention and treatment of the toxins over the past decade.
Harvest Public Media: Across Midwest, Clearing Algal Blooms From Nutrient Runoff Has High Price Tag
An economic analysis by the nonprofit Environmental Working Group found that 22 states have spent more than $1 billion altogether since 2010.
Miami New Times: Pollution Has Cost Florida Millions, and the Bill Keeps Rising
Over the past decade, the State of Florida has spent at least $20 million cleaning up and preventing algal blooms in its major bodies of water, according to a recent study by the nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG).
Storm Lake Times (Iowa): Des Moines struggles to meet water demand as toxic algae blooms
THE RENDERING of the Des Moines River as a water source comes the same day Environmental Working Group released an estimate of treatment costs of algal blooms over the last 10 years.
Traverse City Record Eagle (Mich.): Editorial: Clear action called for in Torch Lake blooms
Last week the Environmental Working Group released a study showing that in the last decade, United States communities have spent more than $1 billion dealing with algae outbreaks in 85 locations and 22 states.
Michigan Public Radio: Ohio outspending Michigan by hundreds of millions to fight algae harboring toxic bacteria
A report by the Environmental Working Group’s analysis found the majority of that money was spent in Ohio. That state has spent more than $815 million as it struggles to control algae blooms in Lake Erie and some other inland lakes. Lake Erie is a hot spot for cyanobacteria.
Algae Blooms
Sound Health and Lasting Wealth: Over 300 bodies of water in the US have been plagued algae blooms this year
Long linked to animal deaths, high doses of the toxins in humans can cause liver damage and attack the nervous system. The Environment Working Group (EWG), a non-profit organizations, released a report as a warning ahead of the holiday weekend in the US.
California Bill: AB2762 Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act
HAPPI: California Ingredient Ban
“If signed into law, Californians will have greater assurance of the safety of the consumer products they use every day—like lotion and body wash, toothpaste and dental floss, shampoo and conditioner, and makeup,” said Susan Little, EWG’s senior advocate for California government affairs.
California Bill: SB1044 PFAS Chemicals in Firefighting Equipment and Foam
Inside EPA: California Bill Banning PFAS In Firefighting Foam Heads To Governor (subscription)
They also require reporting of the presence of all PFAS in firefighting gear, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG). Legislatures in Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, North Carolina and Vermont are also considering similar bans.
Environmental Expert: PFAS Regulation Moves Forward at State, Federal Levels
Awareness also rose after the recent release of an Environmental Working Group (EWG) study, which found that PFAS was underreported at many locations in the United States.
Cleaning Products
Dazzling Daily Deals: 11 Products To Help You Become More Organic #ShiftCon #ShiftConLove
Our Laundry Powder is rated A by the Environmental Working Group and a little goes a long way. You’ll love the Wool Dryer Balls which last at least 3 years and replace the need for a toxic fabric softener.
Greatist: Going Au Naturel? Here Are the Best Natural Cleaning Products of 2020
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), people should also avoid these types of products completely…
Green Matters: Seventh Generation Is Now Selling Zero-Waste, Powder-Based Cleaning Products
Seventh Generation is owned by multinational corporation Unilever (a significant plastic polluter); its products run the gamut on EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning with scores ranging from A to F; and most of its products are still packaged in plastic.
Skin Deep® Cosmetics Database
Forbes: What’s Hiding In Your Skincare And Makeup Is Anything But Beautiful
Cosmetic and personal care is a multi-billion-dollar industry. According to the Environmental Working Group, every day the average woman uses 12 different beauty products such as body cleansers, conditioners, hair dyes, fragrances, skin care items, scented lotions, nail polish, and makeup.
Best Life: 20 Best Generic Products From Target
Not only is it a favorite among customers, it's earned an Environmental Working Group score of four, meaning there are low concerns about its ingredients and processing.
Black Hair Information: 3 Reasons Why Petroleum Gets A Bad Rap
The environmental Working Group (EWG) which is a U.S. non-profit organizational that does environmental and safety studies gave petroleum a “moderate hazard” safety rating stating that it needed more study before it can be considered safe.
Duke Energy Accountability Coalition
Energy News Network: Energy industry pushes biogas to replace failed pipeline projects
An environmental group says Duke Energy and its partners have pulled the plug on about $11.6 billion in failed projects since 2013. (Environmental Working Group)
Washington Examiner: Daily on Energy: NuScale reaches milestone in quest for working small nuclear reactor
The North Carolina-based utility has been involved in roughly $11.6 billion in failed natural gas and nuclear projects since 2013, the Environmental Working Group finds in a new report Monday.
EWG VERIFIED®
Vanilla Luxury: Best Hair Loss Shampoos and Products to Buy for Thinning Hair in Singapore
This Avalon Organics® shampoo formula is EWG VERIFIED®, which means it meets the Environmental Working Group's strictest criteria for ingredients, transparency, and health and features the EWG VERIFIED® seal on its label!
Glyphosate in Hummus
KX Net (Bismark, N.D.): Cancer-causing chemical found in hummus, should you be worried?
The Environmental Working Group or otherwise known as the EWG reports that one-third of the 27 conventional hummus products surpassed “their health-based benchmark.”
PFAS in Consumer Products
Top Class Actions: Are Thinx Underwear Toxic? Report Says Yes!
In fact, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), testing shows that 99% of Americans have PFAS in their blood.
KYW (Philadelphia): Study finds fast-food chains are still using wrappers with toxic PFAS chemicals
Recent testing has found similar results, that these compounds are still being used,” explained Dr. David Andrews, a senior scientist with the Environmental Working Group.
PFAS Military Base Contamination
Ring of Fire: EPA Allows Defense Department To Pollute Communities & Boeing Airline Crash Lawsuits
Well, you and I right now are sitting in an area that’s basically surrounded by three massive military bases and we know according to maps by the Environmental Working group, this area you and I are sitting in right now is one of those sites that is hugely contaminated.
PFAS Waste Disposal
Chemistry World: PFAS incineration study cancelled by US environment agency
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) called Wheeler’s remarks a ‘vicious personal attack’ on Enck, and added that she is a leading environmental advocate in the area of Hoosick Falls, New York, which has been affected by PFAS contamination.
EHS Daily Advisor: EPA Plans to Study Incineration of PFAS Waste
“Laboratory-scale studies have shown that, when incinerated, PFAS can break down to toxic, volatile chemicals such as carbon tetrafluoride and hexafluoroethane, as well as trifluoroacetic acid and hydrogen fluoride,” according to Environmental Working Group.
PFAS Water Contamination
Center for Health Journalism: Start digging into the hidden chemicals polluting your community
In July this year, the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit group founded in 1993 with a focus on public health and the environment, launched a new report that showed as many as 110 million Americans – about one out of every three people in the country – are living in areas with water shown to be contaminated with PFAs.
Cleveland.com: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine seeks Defense Department agreement to address PFAS contamination at Wright Patterson Air Force Base
According to the Environmental Working Group, PFAS chemicals have been found in drinking water in Ohio communities including Cleveland Heights and Struthers, and on military bases including Camp Ravenna and Wright Patterson.
Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™
Healthy Holistic Living: Old Fashioned Baking Soda Found To Be The Most Effective At Removing Pesticide Residue
According to the infamous Dirty Dozen list produced by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the foods with the most pesticides for 2020 are…
Patch (Howell, N.J.): Kale People
According to a Time article, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) published its 2019 Dirty Dozen list, which ranked 12 produce items in terms of contamination…
Rercordnet (Stockton, Calif.): Plant strawberries in the fall so you can enjoy your own crop in the spring
For several years, strawberries have been designated by the Environmental Working Group as No. 1 among the dirty dozen fruits and vegetables contaminated with pesticides, although within FDA standards (https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php.)
EWG Guide to Sunscreens
Expat Living: Let’s talk sunscreen!
All of the ingredients in our products rate well on the Environmental Working Group and Paula’s Choice Ingredient Dictionary. (These are website databases specialising in the research and evaluation of ingredients.)
Houston Chronicle: If you haven't melted yet, here's how to beat the heat in Houston.
Choose a mineral-based sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium oxide. These are the only ingredients that are proven safe for human use, according to the Environmental Working Group.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-09-09--McConnell COVID-19 Package Fails Farmworkers, Hungry Families

The following is a statement from Scott Faber , EWG ’ s senior vice president for government affairs , on the COVID-19 relief package released today by Senate Republicans : The relief package released today by Senate Republicans fails to provide what ’ s needed to protect food and farm workers from COVID-19 or to address the needs of families struggling with hunger .
Many of the people who feed us are especially susceptible to the coronavirus sweeping the nation .
So far , at least 58,000 workers have contracted the virus , and at least 249 have died .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers , Senate Republicans have proposed to provide $ 20 billion in new subsidies to farmers – on top of roughly $ 35 billion already flowing to farmers this year .
These funds have overwhelmingly flowed to the largest and most successful farmers .
Congress must ensure that food and farm workers have protective gear , access to COVID-19 testing , and sick and hazard pay .
Congress must also increase the standard SNAP benefit to help ensure every family has enough to eat .
Legislators must do more to protect our food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feed us at great personal risk to themselves .

The following is a statement from Scott Faber, EWG’s senior vice president for government affairs, on the COVID-19 relief package released today by Senate Republicans:
The relief package released today by Senate Republicans fails to provide what’s needed to protect food and farm workers from COVID-19 or to address the needs of families struggling with hunger. Many of the people who feed us are especially susceptible to the coronavirus sweeping the nation. So far, at least 58,000 workers have contracted the virus, and at least 249 have died.
Instead of feeding hungry families or protecting workers, Senate Republicans have proposed to provide $20 billion in new subsidies to farmers – on top of roughly $35 billion already flowing to farmers this year. These funds have overwhelmingly flowed to the largest and most successful farmers.
Congress must ensure that food and farm workers have protective gear, access to COVID-19 testing, and sick and hazard pay. Congress must also increase the standard SNAP benefit to help ensure every family has enough to eat. Legislators must do more to protect our food supply chain and the people who help feed us at great personal risk to themselves.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-09-10--Agricultural Pollution Has Contaminated Tap Water in Dozens of Locations So Far in 2020

EWG has found 377 news reports of agricultural pollution contaminating drinking water in 303 locations since 2010 .
With four months left in 2020 , 38 of those cities , towns and counties have suffered from contaminated drinking water so far this year .
The number of news reports written about agricultural contamination of drinking water has steadily increased since 2013 , except in 2018 .
The chart below stops in 2019 , since there are still four months left of 2020 and more reports are likely to be added ( Figure 1 ) .
Figure 1 .
Reports of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year since 2013 .
EWG ’ s interactive map locates U.S. news stories since 2010 that have reported contamination of drinking water with nitrate , animal waste , pesticides or disinfection byproducts , all of which are often associated with runoff from farm fields .
Drinking water contaminated with nitrate , pesticides and disinfection byproducts is associated with increased cancer risks .
Animal waste may contain fecal bacteria like E. coli or other pathogens , like giardia , that can make people sick .
These contaminants have affected drinking water throughout the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But most of the stories on EWG ’ s map were in heavily farmed states , and the top six states accounted for 55 percent of all news reports ( Figure 2 ) .
Figure 2 .
Six states made up 55 percent of all news reports since 2010 .
Nitrate is a chemical component of fertilizer and animal manure .
Fertilizer , animal waste and pesticides all run off farm fields and get into both surface and groundwater sources of drinking water .
When source water used by drinking water systems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , crop residues or bacteria from algae blooms , chlorine or other chemicals are used to disinfect the water .
But this process can create disinfection byproducts , which increase the risk of numerous health harms .
U.S. public water systems do a great job disinfecting their water to kill the pathogens in animal waste , but this disinfection is exactly what generates disinfection byproducts .
And people in agricultural areas who get their drinking water from private wells may have animal waste and associated pathogens in their water , since many well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treat their water .
To prevent more news stories of agricultural contamination of drinking water from being added to EWG ’ s map next year – and beyond – lawmakers must act immediately to reduce runoff of farm pollution into water .
Farmers should be required to implement basic conservation practices to keep farm chemicals out of surface water and groundwater sources of drinking water .

EWG has found 377 news reports of agricultural pollution contaminating drinking water in 303 locations since 2010. With four months left in 2020, 38 of those cities, towns and counties have suffered from contaminated drinking water so far this year.
The number of news reports written about agricultural contamination of drinking water has steadily increased since 2013, except in 2018. The chart below stops in 2019, since there are still four months left of 2020 and more reports are likely to be added (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Reports of drinking water contamination have increased almost every year since 2013.
State Number of News Reports Percent of All Reports California 53 14% Wisconsin 52 14% Minnesota 31 8% Iowa 25 7% Nebraska 23 6% Kansas 21 6%
Source: EWG search of news databases, 2010-2019
EWG’s interactive map locates U.S. news stories since 2010 that have reported contamination of drinking water with nitrate, animal waste, pesticides or disinfection byproducts, all of which are often associated with runoff from farm fields.
Drinking water contaminated with nitrate, pesticides and disinfection byproducts is associated with increased cancer risks. Animal waste may contain fecal bacteria like E. coli or other pathogens, like giardia, that can make people sick.
These contaminants have affected drinking water throughout the country, with news stories in 41 states. But most of the stories on EWG’s map were in heavily farmed states, and the top six states accounted for 55 percent of all news reports (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Six states made up 55 percent of all news reports since 2010.
Source: EWG search of news databases, 2010-2020
Nitrate is a chemical component of fertilizer and animal manure. Fertilizer, animal waste and pesticides all run off farm fields and get into both surface and groundwater sources of drinking water.
When source water used by drinking water systems contains organic matter like manure, mud, crop residues or bacteria from algae blooms, chlorine or other chemicals are used to disinfect the water. But this process can create disinfection byproducts, which increase the risk of numerous health harms.
U.S. public water systems do a great job disinfecting their water to kill the pathogens in animal waste, but this disinfection is exactly what generates disinfection byproducts. And people in agricultural areas who get their drinking water from private wells may have animal waste and associated pathogens in their water, since many well owners don’t regularly test or treat their water.
To prevent more news stories of agricultural contamination of drinking water from being added to EWG’s map next year – and beyond – lawmakers must act immediately to reduce runoff of farm pollution into water. Farmers should be required to implement basic conservation practices to keep farm chemicals out of surface water and groundwater sources of drinking water.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-09-10--Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’ Likely Discharged Near Schools in 18 States

Toxic ‘ Forever Chemicals ’ Likely Discharged Near Schools in 18 States Suspected industrial dischargers of the toxic fluorinated chemicals known as PFAS are located less than a mile of 27 schools or childcare facilities that maintain their own water systems , an EWG analysis finds .
Schools or childcare facilities in 18 states , including Michigan , Oregon , Pennsylvania and Wisconsin , were located within 5,000 feet of manufacturers that are known or suspected of producing or using PFAS .
In April , EWG used EPA and state data to identify 2,501 unique industrial sites that are known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are suspected of using PFAS .
We matched that list with the locations of schools nearby .
Under the Clean Water Act , there are no federal restrictions on industrial PFAS discharges .
So far , only a few states have taken action to implement these types of policy changes .
Michigan , for example , has adopted restrictions that reduce PFAS discharges to rivers and lakes .
States can also impose restrictions on certain dischargers on a case-by-case basis , as North Carolina has done at a Chemours facility in Fayetteville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suppress the immune system , including reduced response to vaccines , and are associated with cancer and reproductive and developmental harms , among other health problems .
Because PFAS are not yet regulated contaminants under the Safe Drinking Water Act , schools are not required by federal law to test for the presence of PFAS in tap water , nor are they required to filter it out .
The EPA has proposed a regulatory determination , which , once finalized , would start the process of developing a national drinking water standard for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notorious and well-studied compounds in the PFAS family – but that standard could take many years to finalize .
The House and Senate have proposed giving the EPA a two-year deadline to complete its work .
Drinking water in schools comes from either municipal community water systems or the school ’ s own on-site drinking water source , such as wells .
About 8,000 schools and childcare facilities maintain their own water systems , which are subject to federal drinking water regulations , according to the EPA .
The rest – about 98,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country – obtain drinking water from local community water systems .
In such cases , schools are not required to conduct any additional tests of the water they receive from the community water system .
PFAS chemicals are currently unregulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act , but from 2013 to 2015 , the EPA required one-time tests for six PFAS chemicals under a monitoring rule for unregulated contaminants .
However , only large municipal systems or schools serving more than 10,000 people and a sample of smaller systems were required to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own water systems serve fewer than 10,000 people , or are served by community systems serving fewer than 10,000 people .
As a result , test data for PFAS is not readily available for those schools .
Regardless of the source , schools are not currently required to test for PFAS chemicals in their drinking water , because PFAS remain an unregulated contaminant .
Some states – including Colorado , New Hampshire , Michigan , Ohio and Vermont – and school districts have tested for PFAS in school tap water , and schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Results at other schools in each of those states showed levels above EWG ’ s health guideline for PFAS chemicals of 1 part per trillion .
Additionally , some states have developed state drinking water standards that apply to schools .
Some schools with high PFAS levels in water are offering students bottled water , although this is not a long-term solution .
To further combat this problem , two major steps must be taken : • Enacting national drinking water standards – not just for PFOA and PFOS , but for @ @ @

Suspected industrial dischargers of the toxic fluorinated chemicals known as PFAS are located less than a mile of 27 schools or childcare facilities that maintain their own water systems, an EWG analysis finds.
Schools or childcare facilities in 18 states, including Michigan, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, were located within 5,000 feet of manufacturers that are known or suspected of producing or using PFAS.
Schools Near Sites of Suspected Industrial PFAS Discharge
*Known User of PFAS
Source: EWG’s Tap Water Database, EPA’s ECHO database and Chemical Data Reporting Rule, and New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation industry survey.
In April, EWG used EPA and state data to identify 2,501 unique industrial sites that are known to produce or use PFAS, or that are suspected of using PFAS. We matched that list with the locations of schools nearby.
Under the Clean Water Act, there are no federal restrictions on industrial PFAS discharges. So far, only a few states have taken action to implement these types of policy changes. Michigan, for example, has adopted restrictions that reduce PFAS discharges to rivers and lakes. States can also impose restrictions on certain dischargers on a case-by-case basis, as North Carolina has done at a Chemours facility in Fayetteville.
Studies have shown that PFAS may suppress the immune system, including reduced response to vaccines, and are associated with cancer and reproductive and developmental harms, among other health problems.
Because PFAS are not yet regulated contaminants under the Safe Drinking Water Act, schools are not required by federal law to test for the presence of PFAS in tap water, nor are they required to filter it out. The EPA has proposed a regulatory determination, which, once finalized, would start the process of developing a national drinking water standard for PFOA and PFOS – the two most notorious and well-studied compounds in the PFAS family – but that standard could take many years to finalize. The House and Senate have proposed giving the EPA a two-year deadline to complete its work.
Drinking water in schools comes from either municipal community water systems or the school’s own on-site drinking water source, such as wells. About 8,000 schools and childcare facilities maintain their own water systems, which are subject to federal drinking water regulations, according to the EPA. The rest – about 98,000 public schools and 500,000 childcare facilities across the country – obtain drinking water from local community water systems. In such cases, schools are not required to conduct any additional tests of the water they receive from the community water system.
PFAS chemicals are currently unregulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act, but from 2013 to 2015, the EPA required one-time tests for six PFAS chemicals under a monitoring rule for unregulated contaminants. However, only large municipal systems or schools serving more than 10,000 people and a sample of smaller systems were required to test.
Many schools that have their own water systems serve fewer than 10,000 people, or are served by community systems serving fewer than 10,000 people. As a result, test data for PFAS is not readily available for those schools. Regardless of the source, schools are not currently required to test for PFAS chemicals in their drinking water, because PFAS remain an unregulated contaminant.
Some states – including New Hampshire, Michigan, Ohio and Vermont – and school districts have tested for PFAS in school tap water, and schools in each state had positive PFAS detections. Results at other schools in each of those states showed levels above EWG’s health guideline for PFAS chemicals of 1 part per trillion. Additionally, some states have developed state drinking water standards that apply to schools. Some schools with high PFAS levels in water are offering students bottled water, although this is not a long-term solution.
To further combat this problem, two major steps must be taken:


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-09-10--Study Highlights Importance of Cosmetics Ingredient Safety Tests

For many cosmetics products , exposure through your mouth may seem unlikely .
Still , it ’ s important to consider oral dosing in assessing the safety of cosmetics ingredients , according to a new European study .
Toxic chemicals can affect multiple organs and tissues simultaneously , leading to health harms with complex cause-effect relationships .
Toxicologists routinely use oral dosing tests to identify these so-called systemic effects .
In the journal Archives of Toxicology , Belgian researchers analyzed 114 opinions on the safety of 101 cosmetics ingredients published by the European Commission ’ s Scientific Committee on Consumer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of repeat dose tests and found that the liver , blood and kidneys are the organs and tissues most commonly affected by cosmetics ingredients following repeated oral exposure .
These effects may indicate or lead to harm , which highlights the importance of oral dosing studies in cosmetics safety testing .
Such tests are especially useful for hazard-based safety assessments , such as those used in EWG ’ s Skin Deep® database .
The study highlights the appalling state of affairs for U.S. cosmetics regulations and safety .
In the European Union , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before entering the market , and the European Commission actively regulates individual ingredients , prohibiting or restricting those linked to harm .
Shamefully , no comparable federal regulations exist in the U.S .
The Food and Drug Administration does not require that new ingredients be evaluated for safety before they hit the shelves .
This allows U.S. cosmetics companies to use American consumers as unknowing , non-consenting test subjects .
This is both unethical and dangerous .
Cosmetics ingredients should never enter the market before undergoing a comprehensive safety evaluation .
Congress must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to use science and data – including oral dosing studies – to evaluate and regulate the safety of potentially dangerous cosmetics ingredients .

For many cosmetics products, exposure through your mouth may seem unlikely. Still, it’s important to consider oral dosing in assessing the safety of cosmetics ingredients, according to a new European study.
Toxic chemicals can affect multiple organs and tissues simultaneously, leading to health harms with complex cause-effect relationships. Toxicologists routinely use oral dosing tests to identify these so-called systemic effects.
In the journal Archives of Toxicology, Belgian researchers analyzed 114 opinions on the safety of 101 cosmetics ingredients published by the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety. They focused on the results of repeat dose tests and found that the liver, blood and kidneys are the organs and tissues most commonly affected by cosmetics ingredients following repeated oral exposure.
These effects may indicate or lead to harm, which highlights the importance of oral dosing studies in cosmetics safety testing. Such tests are especially useful for hazard-based safety assessments, such as those used in EWG’s Skin Deep® database.
The study highlights the appalling state of affairs for U.S. cosmetics regulations and safety. In the European Union, cosmetics ingredients must be assessed for safety before entering the market, and the European Commission actively regulates individual ingredients, prohibiting or restricting those linked to harm.
Shamefully, no comparable federal regulations exist in the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration does not require that new ingredients be evaluated for safety before they hit the shelves. This allows U.S. cosmetics companies to use American consumers as unknowing, non-consenting test subjects. This is both unethical and dangerous.
Cosmetics ingredients should never enter the market before undergoing a comprehensive safety evaluation. Congress must take decisive action and empower the FDA to use science and data – including oral dosing studies – to evaluate and regulate the safety of potentially dangerous cosmetics ingredients.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-09-11--Minn. Study Is First To Show Cause-and-Effect Link Between ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Drinking Water and

Minn. Study Is First To Show Cause-and-Effect Link Between ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Drinking Water and Reproductive Harms

A study of almost 50,000 births in Minnesota is reportedly the first to establish a cause-and-effect link between high levels of the fluorinated “ forever chemicals ” known as PFAS in drinking water and higher rates of infertility , premature birth and low birth weight babies .
In a peer-reviewed study published earlier this year in the journal Environmental Health , a team of scientists reported that the rate of premature and low-weight births in Oakdale , Minn. , dropped dramatically and fertility rates increased after the city began filtering PFAS from its tap water .
According to the researchers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ born in Oakdale were 36 percent more likely to be underweight and 45 percent more likely to be born prematurely , compared to babies born in cities where the water was not contaminated with PFAS .
And the fertility rate was 15 to 25 percent lower among Oakdale women of childbearing age , compared to the general population .
In 2006 , a filtration system was installed to remove PFAS from drinking water .
From 2007 to 2011 , the researchers saw a measurable improvement in birth outcomes , though the fertility rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ population .
`` It 's not the birthweight as such , it 's the implications , '' Dr. Philippe Grandjean , a co-author of the study , said during a webinar Wednesday , the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported .
`` This is a red light .
This is like a signal : 'Hey , there 's something bad going on here . '
We 're looking at the tip of an iceberg here . ''
Grandjean , an adjunct professor of environmental health at the Harvard T.H .
Chan School of Public Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study that found that a safe level of PFAS in drinking water is as low as 1 part per trillion , or ppt , far below the Environmental Protection Agency ’ s health advisory level of 70 ppt .
That 1 ppt level is the standard endorsed by EWG .
The research team said the study is the first to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between the filtration of drinking water containing high amounts of PFAS and better reproductive outcomes .
Almost all previous studies have examined only the association between PFAS exposure and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and effect .
Oakdale is only 12 miles from the Cottage Grove , Minn. , headquarters of 3M , which was a leading manufacturer of PFAS chemicals .
For decades , 3M discharged PFAS waste , leading to the contamination of groundwater and drinking water .
As early as the 1950s , 3M ’ s own studies showed that PFAS chemicals built up in blood , and by the 1960s , 3M ’ s own animal studies showed the potential for harm .
Yet 3M continued to produce PFAS chemicals without notifying its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the risks .
PFAS are known as “ forever chemicals ” because they do not break down in the environment and they build up in our bodies .
Even very low doses of PFAS in drinking water have been linked to an increased risk of cancer , reduced effectiveness of childhood vaccines , reproductive and immune system harm , liver or thyroid disease and other serious health problems .
EWG has mapped PFAS contamination of drinking water or ground water in 2,230 sites in 49 states .
An analysis of unpublished data from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supplies for 110 million Americans may be contaminated with PFAS – an estimate that could be much too low , based on our recent findings .
Under the Clean Water Act , there are no federal restrictions on industrial PFAS discharges .
Only a few states have taken action to control discharges .
Michigan , for example , has adopted restrictions on PFAS discharges to rivers and lakes .
States can also impose restrictions on discharges on a case-by-case basis , as North Carolina has done at a Chemours facility in Fayetteville .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ led Senate efforts to stop manufacturers and other polluters from contaminating waterways with PFAS .
In November , she introduced the Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act .
In January , the House passed the PFAS Action Act , which includes an amendment by Rep. Chris Pappas ( D-N.H. ) to set deadlines for the EPA to adopt standards for industrial discharges of PFAS .

A study of almost 50,000 births in Minnesota is reportedly the first to establish a cause-and-effect link between high levels of the fluorinated “forever chemicals” known as PFAS in drinking water and higher rates of infertility, premature birth and low birth weight babies.
In a peer-reviewed study published earlier this year in the journal Environmental Health, a team of scientists reported that the rate of premature and low-weight births in Oakdale, Minn., dropped dramatically and fertility rates increased after the city began filtering PFAS from its tap water.
According to the researchers, from 2001 to 2006, babies born in Oakdale were 36 percent more likely to be underweight and 45 percent more likely to be born prematurely, compared to babies born in cities where the water was not contaminated with PFAS. And the fertility rate was 15 to 25 percent lower among Oakdale women of childbearing age, compared to the general population.
In 2006, a filtration system was installed to remove PFAS from drinking water. From 2007 to 2011, the researchers saw a measurable improvement in birth outcomes, though the fertility rate was still below that of the general population.
"It's not the birthweight as such, it's the implications," Dr. Philippe Grandjean, a co-author of the study, said during a webinar Wednesday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported. "This is a red light. This is like a signal: 'Hey, there's something bad going on here.' We're looking at the tip of an iceberg here."
Grandjean, an adjunct professor of environmental health at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, is co-author of a groundbreaking 2015 study that found that a safe level of PFAS in drinking water is as low as 1 part per trillion, or ppt, far below the Environmental Protection Agency’s health advisory level of 70 ppt. That 1 ppt level is the standard endorsed by EWG.
The research team said the study is the first to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between the filtration of drinking water containing high amounts of PFAS and better reproductive outcomes. Almost all previous studies have examined only the association between PFAS exposure and birth outcomes, not a direct cause and effect.
Oakdale is only 12 miles from the Cottage Grove, Minn., headquarters of 3M, which was a leading manufacturer of PFAS chemicals. For decades, 3M discharged PFAS waste, leading to the contamination of groundwater and drinking water.
As early as the 1950s, 3M’s own studies showed that PFAS chemicals built up in blood, and by the 1960s, 3M’s own animal studies showed the potential for harm. Yet 3M continued to produce PFAS chemicals without notifying its employees, the public or regulators of the risks.
PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment and they build up in our bodies. Even very low doses of PFAS in drinking water have been linked to an increased risk of cancer, reduced effectiveness of childhood vaccines, reproductive and immune system harm, liver or thyroid disease and other serious health problems.
EWG has mapped PFAS contamination of drinking water or ground water in 2,230 sites in 49 states. An analysis of unpublished data from the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that water supplies for 110 million Americans may be contaminated with PFAS – an estimate that could be much too low, based on our recent findings.
Under the Clean Water Act, there are no federal restrictions on industrial PFAS discharges. Only a few states have taken action to control discharges. Michigan, for example, has adopted restrictions on PFAS discharges to rivers and lakes. States can also impose restrictions on discharges on a case-by-case basis, as North Carolina has done at a Chemours facility in Fayetteville.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) has led Senate efforts to stop manufacturers and other polluters from contaminating waterways with PFAS. In November, she introduced the Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act.
In January, the House passed the PFAS Action Act, which includes an amendment by Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) to set deadlines for the EPA to adopt standards for industrial discharges of PFAS.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-09-11--EWG News Roundup (9/11): PFAS Discharges Near Schools, Tracking Farm Pollution in Our Drinking Water

EWG News Roundup (9/11): PFAS Discharges Near Schools, Tracking Farm Pollution in Our Drinking Water and More

This week , EWG released an analysis that identifies 27 schools or child care facilities in 18 states that maintain their own water systems and are less than one mile from a facility that could be discharging the toxic fluorinated “ forever chemicals ” known as PFAS .
“ We don ’ t know the full scope of PFAS pollution in our water , but we do know that where you look for PFAS contamination , you usually find it , ” said Jared Hayes , policy analyst at EWG .
On Wednesday , Senate Republicans released their latest COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that aid and protect families and farm workers .
“ Instead of feeding hungry families or protecting workers , Senate Republicans have proposed to provide $ 20 billion in new subsidies to farmers – on top of roughly $ 35 billion already flowing to farmers this year , ” said Scott Faber , EWG ’ s senior vice president for government affairs .
“ These funds have overwhelmingly flowed to the largest and most successful farmers.
” Since 2010 , EWG has tracked news stories of agricultural pollution tainting public drinking water supplies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news reports in 303 locations , with the number of reports steadily rising since 2013 , except in 2018 .
And finally , EWG broke down a recent study that showcases the oral toxicity of many cosmetics ingredients .
Although it ’ s often overlooked , the oral toxicity of the personal care products we apply on a daily basis is important for scientists and formulators to consider .
Here ’ s some news you can use going into the weekend .
Conde Nast Traveler : The Best Sunscreens for All Skin Types @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environmentally safe product that will also protect your kids from sun damage , look no further .
This sunscreen was ranked with the highest score possible by the Environmental Working Group .
More recently , the Consumers Union and Environmental Working Group have released studies confirming that children are overexposed even if their exposure is within legal limits .
The Environmental Working Group conducted the study by looking at the water systems for schools across the U.S. at risk of contamination , focusing on finding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances , known as PFAS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year , the Environmental Working Group released a new study revealing that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances ( PFAS ) were found in more localities and in higher quantities than previously believed .
The Counter : Should states require food and farm businesses to test their employees for Covid-19 ?
Eight states require growers and farm operations to provide personal safety equipment , according to an analysis by the Environmental Working Group .
The ranking came from a recent report from the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) , which found that Oregon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ algae , at $ 75 million , with Texas , California , and New York also in the top-five list of spenders .
The Weather Channel : Toxic Algae Found in More than 300 Bodies of Water in the U.S .
Toxic algae has been found in more than 300 bodies of water this year , according to data compiled by the Environmental Working Group .
Natural News : Spending the Labor Day weekend at the beach ?
Watch out for toxic algal blooms , warn experts The Environment Working Group ( EWG @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all over the United States that are populated by toxic amounts of cyanobacteria , a type of algae that can produce toxins .
In the U.S. , atrazine is the most commonly detected pesticide in tap water , according to the Environmental Working Group , a nonprofit that advocates for reduced pesticide use and stronger drinking water standards .
At about the same time , the Environmental Working Group , Commonweal , and the Mount Sinai School of Community Medicine released a study in Public Health Reports that tested for the most comprehensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small number of people .
Living on Earth : More Organics , Less Cancer The observed decrease in cancer risk is associated with organic food ’ s lack of pesticides , dyes , and other additives , though more research is necessary to confirm these results and understand possible mechanisms .
Ken Cook , President of the Environmental Working Group , joins Host Steve Curwood to consider consumer and research choices in light of this news .
Fox News : Kourtney Kardashian calls on California Gov .
Newsom to sign bill banning 'toxic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of these chemicals have already been banned by the European Union from use in cosmetics because of their toxicity and harmful impacts on health such as cancer , birth defects , damage to the reproductive system , organ system toxicity and endocrine disruption , ” according to the activist group Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) .
Vogue Arabia : Kourtney Kardashian on Leaving Her Family ’ s Reality Show Keeping Up With The Kardashians Teaming up with the nonprofit organization Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) , she implored congressional staff members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Act .
“ I don ’ t think it ’ s taken that seriously , ” she comments .
“ There are a lot of people who are still not aware of the harm that could be in our products – the harmful chemicals and things that we don ’ t think about.
” House Beautiful : Here ’ s Why You Need to Stop Using Dryer Sheets ASAP The Environmental Working Group ’ s senior research and database analyst Samara Geller told Apartment Therapy that dryer sheets contain a potentially harmful chemical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
BuzzFeed : All The Best Deals At Amazon 's Labor Day Sale I picked this detergent after reading quite a bit on the EWG ( Environmental Working Group ) website .
It appeared to have the best compromise of effectiveness and environmental 'friendliness ' .
New York Post : Kill up to 99.9 % of germs , viruses and bacteria with this all-natural disinfectant According to the Environmental Working Group ’ s investigation of more than 2,000 cleaning supplies on the market , many of the popular products in the cleaning aisle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to serious health problems , including asthma and birth defects , as well as more mild consequences such as itchy eyes and throat .
FM 106.1 ( Milwaukee , Wis. ) : Dryer sheets in your laundry may be doing more harm than good In an article posted at WISN.com , The Environmental Working Group 's senior research and database analyst commented that dryer sheets contain potentially harmful chemicals that at the very least have been known to cause and/or worsen asthma and skin irritations but are also linked to more serious long-term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ C|net : The best mattress for 2020 : Layla , Helix and Purple make the cut Because of this , the Environmental Working Group recommends choosing a mattress that 's made from at least 95 % cotton , wool or natural latex .
And that 's where the Avocado Green comes in .
Black Beauty & Hair : Black women are using harmful acids to achieve clear skin In 2016 , EWG Skin Deep found that less than 25 % of cosmetic products marketed to black women score low in potentially hazardous ingredients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s the Difference Between Natural , Organic , Cruelty-Free + Clean Beauty ?
EWG Skin Deep – If you ’ ve never checked out this database , get ready to have your mind blown .
Hello Giggles : Dermatologists Say Glycerin Is the Underdog Moisturizing Ingredient You Need to Know About—Here 's Why Glycerin is essentially a colorless , odorless , non-toxic liquid—the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) has given glycerin a score of 1-2 , which makes it one of the safest ingredients in skin care .
S & P Global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but some say not fast enough The nonprofit Environmental Working Group formed the Duke Energy Accountability Coalition in May , which released a scathing report Aug. 31 that said Duke Energy wasted nearly $ 12 billion in `` failed '' natural gas and nuclear projects .
Bangor Daily News ( Maine ) : How to check if your personal care items contain toxins The Environmental Working Group also has a database of verified personal care products that are free of any of the chemicals the preeminent consumer protection group considers “ unacceptable ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in scientific studies .
Beauty Independent : Stressed Out ?
Pursoma Will Help You Disconnect , Decompress And Detox I looked at all the verifiers and , to me , EWG had the highest standards .
They look at every single ingredient .
The customer doesn ’ t have to be a cosmetic chemist and understand ingredient lists .
They can look at the seal and feel good about the product .
Successful Farming : What 's the Relationship Status Between Farmers and USDA ?
Don Carr describes the situation differently .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acres , are highly capitalized , and they can weather lots of storms , ” says Carr , a senior adviser for the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) , a government watchdog .
He describes recent USDA direct payments and other subsidies as “ deeply unethical ” and “ grossly inequitable.
” Connell joined an appeal of the department ’ s decision led by the Environmental Working Group and other clean water advocacy organizations .
Earth Maven : The Link Between Factory Farms and Racism From 2012 to 2019 , the estimated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three North Carolina counties increased by 36 percent , according to an analysis by the Environmental Working Group and Waterkeeper Alliance .
Eat This , Not That !
: The 18 Unhealthiest Breads on the Planet The Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) notes that because there are so few studies on its potential health risks ( which include asthma , allergies , and cancer ) , azodicarbonamide should be removed from the food supply .
We recommend you remove this bread from yours .
Eat This , Not That !
: 7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coffee While it is considered GRAS ( generally recognized as safe ) by the FDA , sodium phosphate is something you should pay attention to .
The additive earned a spot on the Environmental Working Group 's Dirty Dozen Guide to Food Additives due to its connection to increased risk of heart problems .
They , along with dozens of other chemicals , are considered food additives that are designed to help boost flavor , retain color and texture , or extend the shelf life of products .
If you want to learn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Group calls the “ dirty dozen additives , ” visit EWG.org and check out the list .
Healthy Holistic Living : Old Fashioned Baking Soda Found To Be The Most Effective At Removing Pesticide Residue According to the infamous Dirty Dozen list produced by the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) , the foods with the most pesticides for 2020 are… Well + Good : 5 Benefits of Raisins That Make Them a Surprisingly Good Pre-Workout Snack In terms of other risks or side effects to keep in mind , like any food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reaction or intolerance to raisins .
It ’ s also worth noting that raisins are one of the fruits with the highest amount of pesticide residue , as tested by the Environmental Working Group .
Who What Wear : I Asked a Dermatologist What 's the Deal With Organic Sunscreen—Here 's the Truth Thinksport 's sunscreen has a rating of `` 1 '' on the Environmental Working Group 's list of sunscreens , meaning it has low hazards linked to its ingredients .
The Bargain Hunter : Is your drinking water contaminated with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the watersheds monitored , Deer Creek , Mad River , North Fork Licking and Kokosing all had atrazine concentrations above the EPA 3.0 parts per billion drinking water standards .
Natural News : Chemicals found in tap water could be responsible for more than 100,000 cases of cancer In a major breakthrough , scientists from the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) estimated that exposure to 22 cancer-causing contaminants in community water systems nationwide could result in more than 100,000 cases of cancer over the span of a lifetime among people using @ @ @ @

This week, EWG released an analysis that identifies 27 schools or child care facilities in 18 states that maintain their own water systems and are less than one mile from a facility that could be discharging the toxic fluorinated “forever chemicals” known as PFAS.
“We don’t know the full scope of PFAS pollution in our water, but we do know that where you look for PFAS contamination, you usually find it,” said Jared Hayes, policy analyst at EWG.
On Wednesday, Senate Republicans released their latest COVID-19 relief package, which sorely lacked provisions that aid and protect families and farm workers.
“Instead of feeding hungry families or protecting workers, Senate Republicans have proposed to provide $20 billion in new subsidies to farmers – on top of roughly $35 billion already flowing to farmers this year,” said Scott Faber, EWG’s senior vice president for government affairs. “These funds have overwhelmingly flowed to the largest and most successful farmers.”
Since 2010, EWG has tracked news stories of agricultural pollution tainting public drinking water supplies. Overall, we have found 377 news reports in 303 locations, with the number of reports steadily rising since 2013, except in 2018.
And finally, EWG broke down a recent study that showcases the oral toxicity of many cosmetics ingredients. Although it’s often overlooked, the oral toxicity of the personal care products we apply on a daily basis is important for scientists and formulators to consider.
Here’s some news you can use going into the weekend.
Children’s Health
Conde Nast Traveler: The Best Sunscreens for All Skin Types
If you’re looking for an environmentally safe product that will also protect your kids from sun damage, look no further. This sunscreen was ranked with the highest score possible by the Environmental Working Group.
Dr. Greene: Organic a Choice for our Children
More recently, the Consumers Union and Environmental Working Group have released studies confirming that children are overexposed even if their exposure is within legal limits.
PFAS Water Contamination in Schools
International Business Times: New Study Finds Toxic 'Forever Chemicals' Contaminating School Water Systems In 18 States
The Environmental Working Group conducted the study by looking at the water systems for schools across the U.S. at risk of contamination, focusing on finding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS or fluorinated “forever chemicals.”
Waco Tribune-Herald (Texas): Joe Perrone: COVID-19 fallout leaves some water supplies suspect
Earlier this year, the Environmental Working Group released a new study revealing that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were found in more localities and in higher quantities than previously believed.
COVID-19 and Farm Workers
The Counter: Should states require food and farm businesses to test their employees for Covid-19?
Eight states require growers and farm operations to provide personal safety equipment, according to an analysis by the Environmental Working Group.
EWG’s Algae Bloom Economic Analysis
Water Online: Ohio's Algae-Fighting Bill Reaches $815M Over Last 10 Years
The ranking came from a recent report from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which found that Oregon spent the second most on fighting toxic algae, at $75 million, with Texas, California, and New York also in the top-five list of spenders.
Algae Blooms
The Weather Channel: Toxic Algae Found in More than 300 Bodies of Water in the U.S.
Toxic algae has been found in more than 300 bodies of water this year, according to data compiled by the Environmental Working Group.
Natural News: Spending the Labor Day weekend at the beach? Watch out for toxic algal blooms, warn experts
The Environment Working Group (EWG) identified 318 individual bodies of water all over the United States that are populated by toxic amounts of cyanobacteria, a type of algae that can produce toxins.
Atrazine
National Geographic: Wallabies exposed to common weed killer have reproductive abnormalities
In the U.S., atrazine is the most commonly detected pesticide in tap water, according to the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit that advocates for reduced pesticide use and stronger drinking water standards.
Body Burden
Dr. Greene: Links Between Chemicals and Health: Related Tidbits
At about the same time, the Environmental Working Group, Commonweal, and the Mount Sinai School of Community Medicine released a study in Public Health Reports that tested for the most comprehensive list of chemicals ever, in a small number of people.
Breast Cancer Rates and Consumer Products
Living on Earth: More Organics, Less Cancer
The observed decrease in cancer risk is associated with organic food’s lack of pesticides, dyes, and other additives, though more research is necessary to confirm these results and understand possible mechanisms. Ken Cook, President of the Environmental Working Group, joins Host Steve Curwood to consider consumer and research choices in light of this news.
California Bill: AB2762 Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act
Fox News: Kourtney Kardashian calls on California Gov. Newsom to sign bill banning 'toxic' chemicals from cosmetics
“All 12 of these chemicals have already been banned by the European Union from use in cosmetics because of their toxicity and harmful impacts on health such as cancer, birth defects, damage to the reproductive system, organ system toxicity and endocrine disruption,” according to the activist group Environmental Working Group (EWG).
Vogue Arabia: Kourtney Kardashian on Leaving Her Family’s Reality Show Keeping Up With The Kardashians
Teaming up with the nonprofit organization Environmental Working Group (EWG), she implored congressional staff members to pass the Personal Care Products Safety Act. “I don’t think it’s taken that seriously,” she comments. “There are a lot of people who are still not aware of the harm that could be in our products – the harmful chemicals and things that we don’t think about.”
Cleaning Products
House Beautiful: Here’s Why You Need to Stop Using Dryer Sheets ASAP
The Environmental Working Group’s senior research and database analyst Samara Geller told Apartment Therapy that dryer sheets contain a potentially harmful chemical called quaternary ammonium compounds (QACS).
BuzzFeed: All The Best Deals At Amazon's Labor Day Sale
I picked this detergent after reading quite a bit on the EWG (Environmental Working Group) website. It appeared to have the best compromise of effectiveness and environmental 'friendliness'.
New York Post: Kill up to 99.9% of germs, viruses and bacteria with this all-natural disinfectant
According to the Environmental Working Group’s investigation of more than 2,000 cleaning supplies on the market, many of the popular products in the cleaning aisle of your local store contain toxins linked to serious health problems, including asthma and birth defects, as well as more mild consequences such as itchy eyes and throat.
FM 106.1 (Milwaukee, Wis.): Dryer sheets in your laundry may be doing more harm than good
In an article posted at WISN.com, The Environmental Working Group's senior research and database analyst commented that dryer sheets contain potentially harmful chemicals that at the very least have been known to cause and/or worsen asthma and skin irritations but are also linked to more serious long-term conditions like cancer and reproductive issues.
Consumer Products
C|net: The best mattress for 2020: Layla, Helix and Purple make the cut
Because of this, the Environmental Working Group recommends choosing a mattress that's made from at least 95% cotton, wool or natural latex. And that's where the Avocado Green comes in.
Skin Deep® Cosmetics Database
Black Beauty & Hair: Black women are using harmful acids to achieve clear skin
In 2016, EWG Skin Deep found that less than 25% of cosmetic products marketed to black women score low in potentially hazardous ingredients.
The Healthy Maven: What’s the Difference Between Natural, Organic, Cruelty-Free + Clean Beauty?
EWG Skin Deep – If you’ve never checked out this database, get ready to have your mind blown.
Hello Giggles: Dermatologists Say Glycerin Is the Underdog Moisturizing Ingredient You Need to Know About—Here's Why
Glycerin is essentially a colorless, odorless, non-toxic liquid—the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has given glycerin a score of 1-2, which makes it one of the safest ingredients in skin care.
Duke Energy Accountability Coalition
S&P Global: Duke Energy moves to decarbonize, but some say not fast enough
The nonprofit Environmental Working Group formed the Duke Energy Accountability Coalition in May, which released a scathing report Aug. 31 that said Duke Energy wasted nearly $12 billion in "failed" natural gas and nuclear projects.
EWG VERIFIED®
Bangor Daily News (Maine): How to check if your personal care items contain toxins
The Environmental Working Group also has a database of verified personal care products that are free of any of the chemicals the preeminent consumer protection group considers “unacceptable” due to their link to health issues in scientific studies.
Beauty Independent: Stressed Out? Pursoma Will Help You Disconnect, Decompress And Detox
I looked at all the verifiers and, to me, EWG had the highest standards. They look at every single ingredient. The customer doesn’t have to be a cosmetic chemist and understand ingredient lists. They can look at the seal and feel good about the product.
Farm Subsidies
Successful Farming: What's the Relationship Status Between Farmers and USDA?
Don Carr describes the situation differently. “These folks have from 10,000 to 50,000 acres, are highly capitalized, and they can weather lots of storms,” says Carr, a senior adviser for the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a government watchdog. He describes recent USDA direct payments and other subsidies as “deeply unethical” and “grossly inequitable.”
Farming Practices
MPR News (Minnesota Public Radio): Small farmers challenge conventional agriculture in Pineland Sands
Connell joined an appeal of the department’s decision led by the Environmental Working Group and other clean water advocacy organizations.
Fields of Filth
Earth Maven: The Link Between Factory Farms and Racism
From 2012 to 2019, the estimated number of chickens and turkeys in the three North Carolina counties increased by 36 percent, according to an analysis by the Environmental Working Group and Waterkeeper Alliance.
Food Scores
Eat This, Not That!: The 18 Unhealthiest Breads on the Planet
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) notes that because there are so few studies on its potential health risks (which include asthma, allergies, and cancer), azodicarbonamide should be removed from the food supply. We recommend you remove this bread from yours.
Eat This, Not That!: 7 Things You Should Never Add to Your Coffee
While it is considered GRAS (generally recognized as safe) by the FDA, sodium phosphate is something you should pay attention to. The additive earned a spot on the Environmental Working Group's Dirty Dozen Guide to Food Additives due to its connection to increased risk of heart problems.
Pharos Tribune (Logansport, Ind.): STUFF WE LIKE: Thursday, September 10, 2020
They, along with dozens of other chemicals, are considered food additives that are designed to help boost flavor, retain color and texture, or extend the shelf life of products. If you want to learn about and avoid what the Environmental Working Group calls the “dirty dozen additives,” visit EWG.org and check out the list.
Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™
Healthy Holistic Living: Old Fashioned Baking Soda Found To Be The Most Effective At Removing Pesticide Residue
According to the infamous Dirty Dozen list produced by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the foods with the most pesticides for 2020 are…
Well + Good: 5 Benefits of Raisins That Make Them a Surprisingly Good Pre-Workout Snack
In terms of other risks or side effects to keep in mind, like any food, some people may have an allergic reaction or intolerance to raisins. It’s also worth noting that raisins are one of the fruits with the highest amount of pesticide residue, as tested by the Environmental Working Group.
EWG Guide to Sunscreens
Who What Wear: I Asked a Dermatologist What's the Deal With Organic Sunscreen—Here's the Truth
Thinksport's sunscreen has a rating of "1" on the Environmental Working Group's list of sunscreens, meaning it has low hazards linked to its ingredients.
Tap Water Database
The Bargain Hunter: Is your drinking water contaminated with toxins?
The Environmental Working Group found of the watersheds monitored, Deer Creek, Mad River, North Fork Licking and Kokosing all had atrazine concentrations above the EPA 3.0 parts per billion drinking water standards.
Natural News: Chemicals found in tap water could be responsible for more than 100,000 cases of cancer
In a major breakthrough, scientists from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) estimated that exposure to 22 cancer-causing contaminants in community water systems nationwide could result in more than 100,000 cases of cancer over the span of a lifetime among people using these water systems.


environmentalworkinggroupewg--2020-09-14--At Wildfire Briefing, Trump Scoffs at Climate Crisis: “I Don’t Think Science Knows”

SAN FRANCISCO – A failure in forest management – not climate change – is fueling the catastrophic wildfire inferno on the West Coast , President Trump said today .
At a briefing with state officials near Sacramento , Trump repeated his claim that an accumulation of leaves and fallen trees are to blame for the out-of-control fires that have consumed more than five million acres and killed at least 26 people in California , Oregon and Washington state .
Trump has dismissed the climate crisis as “ a hoax ” and has said the fires are the result of states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When he met today with California ’ s Gov .
Gavin Newsom , the state ’ s natural resources secretary challenged him to accept the overwhelming scientific consensus on global warming , which is causing record high temperatures and drying out the forests , triggering unprecedented firestorms .
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[ S ] cience is going to be key because if we ignore that science and sort of put our head in the sand and think it ’ s all about vegetation management , we ’ re not going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot told Trump .
“ It ’ ll start getting cooler , you just watch , ” replied Trump .
“ I don ’ t think science knows , actually , ” said Trump .
“ President Trump is an existential threat in so many ways to this country , its people and the entire planet , it ’ s difficult to keep count , ” said EWG President Ken Cook , a Bay Area resident .
“ His refusal to embrace and act on the science of climate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ property and devastate the lives of countless families.
” “ President Trump ’ s grasp of climate science is matched only by his understanding of COVID-19 science , ” said Cook .
“ The president ’ s embrace of ideology in place of science will only bring death and destruction.
” 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 – A failure in forest management – not climate change – is fueling the catastrophic wildfire inferno on the West Coast, President Trump said today.
At a briefing with state officials near Sacramento, Trump repeated his claim that an accumulation of leaves and fallen trees are to blame for the out-of-control fires that have consumed more than five million acres and killed at least 26 people in California, Oregon and Washington state.
Trump has dismissed the climate crisis as “a hoax” and has said the fires are the result of states failing to clean brush from forest floors. When he met today with California’s Gov. Gavin Newsom, the state’s natural resources secretary challenged him to accept the overwhelming scientific consensus on global warming, which is causing record high temperatures and drying out the forests, triggering unprecedented firestorms.
“ . . . [S]cience is going to be key because if we ignore that science and sort of put our head in the sand and think it’s all about vegetation management, we’re not going to succeed together protecting Californians,” Secretary of Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot told Trump. “It’ll start getting cooler, you just watch,” replied Trump. “I wish science agreed with you,” responded Crowfoot. “I don’t think science knows, actually,” said Trump.
“President Trump is an existential threat in so many ways to this country, its people and the entire planet, it’s difficult to keep count,” said EWG President Ken Cook, a Bay Area resident. “His refusal to embrace and act on the science of climate change mean bigger fires that destroy more property and devastate the lives of countless families.”
“President Trump’s grasp of climate science is matched only by his understanding of COVID-19 science,” said Cook. “The president’s embrace of ideology in place of science will only bring death and destruction.”
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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--2020-09-14--Government Watchdog Report Finds Many Top Recipients of Trump’s Farmer Bailout Boondoggle Are Not Ev

Government Watchdog Report Finds Many Top Recipients of Trump’s Farmer Bailout Boondoggle Are Not Even Farmers

UPDATE : An earlier version of this release erroneously attributed Sen. Stabenow ’ s summary of the GAO report to the report itself .
MINNEAPOLIS – Since 2018 , in response to retaliatory tariffs from President Trump ’ s long-term trade war with China , the Department of Agriculture has paid many billions of dollars to farmers supposedly suffering financial losses .
The payments are made through the Market Facilitation Program , or MFP .
Today , the Government Accountability Office released a damning report summarizing its investigation into the program .
In the words of Sen. Debbie Stabenow ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s investigation , “ [ t ] he data in the GAO report confirms previous findings that the Trump Administration picked winners and losers between regions , crops , and farms in their attempt to assist farmers harmed by President Trump ’ s turbulent trade agenda.
” Under federal law , to qualify for MFP payments , farmers have to provide either “ active personal labor , ” with people actually working on the farm , “ active personal management , ” with people spending time managing the farm , or a combination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of the top 25 farms that received the largest payments in 2019 – a total of $ 37 million in taxpayer dollars – eight qualified for government checks through “ active personal management.
” This means that none of these recipients did any actual farm labor , yet they received $ 11.6 million in government payments .
“ The USDA ’ s definition of ‘ active personal management ’ is incredibly vague , ” said Anne Weir Schechinger , EWG ’ s senior economics analyst .
“ People with minimal ties to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ huge payments from the federal coffers just by dialing into a few shareholder conference calls a year , without ever having to set foot on the farm or get their hands dirty .
“ The GAO ’ s new report shows just how the MFP program has exacerbated the existing divide between the haves – people who know how to exploit the federal subsidy system – and the have-nots – small farmers who are actually harmed by shifts in the agricultural economy , including Trump ’ s capricious and unnecessary trade war , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must do more to ensure that these federal dollars flow to struggling small farms , and not large , wealthy farms that milk the system for a taxpayer-paid windfall.
” The GAO report reinforces EWG findings showing how giant loopholes in farm subsidy programs have allowed taxpayer dollars to flow to “ city slickers ” living in major American cities .
The Farm Service Agency recently proposed new rules that aim to tighten the “ active personal management ” loophole of farm-bill-authorized subsidy programs .
The rules would require people who qualify for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to perform at least one-fourth of the farm ’ s total management hours , or at least 500 hours each year , which would limit traditional farm subsidies to people who actually do significant work for the farm .
But these new rules do not apply to the MFP .
To be fair to taxpayers , USDA must apply these rules to any future farm subsidy programs , such as future iterations of MFP .
The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit , non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advocacy and unique education tools , EWG drives consumer choice and civic action .

UPDATE: An earlier version of this release erroneously attributed Sen. Stabenow’s summary of the GAO report to the report itself.
MINNEAPOLIS – Since 2018, in response to retaliatory tariffs from President Trump’s long-term trade war with China, the Department of Agriculture has paid many billions of dollars to farmers supposedly suffering financial losses. The payments are made through the Market Facilitation Program, or MFP.
Today, the Government Accountability Office released a damning report summarizing its investigation into the program. In the words of Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), who requested GAO’s investigation, “[t]he data in the GAO report confirms previous findings that the Trump Administration picked winners and losers between regions, crops, and farms in their attempt to assist farmers harmed by President Trump’s turbulent trade agenda.”
Under federal law, to qualify for MFP payments, farmers have to provide either “active personal labor,” with people actually working on the farm, “active personal management,” with people spending time managing the farm, or a combination. The GAO found that last year, of the top 25 farms that received the largest payments in 2019 – a total of $37 million in taxpayer dollars – eight qualified for government checks through “active personal management.”
This means that none of these recipients did any actual farm labor, yet they received $11.6 million in government payments.
“The USDA’s definition of ‘active personal management’ is incredibly vague,” said Anne Weir Schechinger, EWG’s senior economics analyst. “People with minimal ties to farms can – and do – receive huge payments from the federal coffers just by dialing into a few shareholder conference calls a year, without ever having to set foot on the farm or get their hands dirty.
“The GAO’s new report shows just how the MFP program has exacerbated the existing divide between the haves – people who know how to exploit the federal subsidy system – and the have-nots – small farmers who are actually harmed by shifts in the agricultural economy, including Trump’s capricious and unnecessary trade war,” Schechinger added. “The USDA must do more to ensure that these federal dollars flow to struggling small farms, and not large, wealthy farms that milk the system for a taxpayer-paid windfall.”
The GAO report reinforces EWG findings showing how giant loopholes in farm subsidy programs have allowed taxpayer dollars to flow to “city slickers” living in major American cities.
The Farm Service Agency recently proposed new rules that aim to tighten the “active personal management” loophole of farm-bill-authorized subsidy programs.
The rules would require people who qualify for subsidies through “active personal management” to perform at least one-fourth of the farm’s total management hours, or at least 500 hours each year, which would limit traditional farm subsidies to people who actually do significant work for the farm. But these new rules do not apply to the MFP. To be fair to taxpayers, USDA must apply these rules to any future farm subsidy programs, such as future iterations of MFP.
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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.