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Action Results 2008
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Working together, we can make a difference -- below are lots of examples of what we've accomplished with your help. And although we can't celebrate a victory in every case, we know you're in the fight with us for the long haul -- so thank you and keep up the good work!
Despite protests, Bush administration ok's more mining waste in Appalachian streams
In one of the Bush administration's final efforts to weaken environmental regulations, on December 2, 2008, the Environmental Protection Agency ignored the will of the public and loosened the rules under which mining companies -- particularly those engaged in mountaintop removal mining -- may bury waste. The changes to the existing rule will result in hundreds of miles of streams being buried in rock, soil, mining sludge and other wastes, contaminating drinking water supplies throughout Appalachia, one of the poorest regions in the country. NRDC will work to restore the protections to these waterways in 2009; in the meantime, thanks to all of you who spoke out in opposition to the administration's actions.
California environment wins on election day
On November 4, 2008, Californians once again proved their commitment to a strong and healthy environment. Voters recognized the need for smart transportation alternatives by approving Proposition 1A, a $10 billion bond to help fund construction of a high-speed rail system linking northern and southern California by way of the Central Valley. The measure will reduce congestion at airports and along highways and curb global warming pollution by replacing car and plane trips with an electrified rail system that is expected to carry more than 100 million passengers per year by 2030. In addition, two misguided energy measures were defeated: Proposition 7 would have seriously harmed renewable energy development by excluding small renewable energy companies from California's energy markets and creating a long list of new excuses that utilities could use to avoid buying renewable power. And Proposition 10 would have approved $5 billion in bonds to fund only one alternative fuel, natural gas, which would have added pressure to drill while neglecting other options that are more efficient and lower polluting. Thanks to all of you who voted to protect California's clean energy future!
Stronger air pollution rule will protect kids from lead hazards
In June 2008 you sent almost 5,000 comments urging the Environmental Protection Agency to strengthen lead air pollution standards to levels that would protect children from the hazards of this dangerous toxin. We're thrilled to report that on October 16, 2008, the EPA announced a new lead standard of 0.15 micrograms per cubic meter, which is consistent with the advice of scientists and the public health community. Although lead has been proven to lower children's IQ levels, contribute to behavioral problems and cause brain, kidney and cardiovascular damage, the EPA had not strengthened the maximum legal level of lead in our air in 30 years. Thanks to all of you who helped achieve this remarkable victory! NRDC will continue to press the EPA to expand its lead monitoring network so that the new standard can be accurately enforced.
Energy-efficiency tax incentives will cut global warming, reduce costs, create jobs
During the summer of 2008, thousands of you urged Congress to extend federal tax incentives for energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies that were due to expire by the end of the year. We're happy to report that, after several failed attempts, the incentives were extended as part of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, which was signed into law on October 3, 2008. Extending these incentives will begin a market transformation that has the potential to dramatically reduce global warming pollution, cut families' and businesses' energy costs and create more high-tech jobs. Thanks to all of you who took action and helped achieve this victory.
Congress bans toxic toys, but agency creates industry-friendly loophole
In August 2008, responding to thousands of messages from activists and other public pressure, Congress voted overwhelmingly to ban the sale of toys and child care products that contain toxic phthalates and lead, effective February 10, 2009. The law bans the same six phthalates that have been banned in European toys for nearly 10 years. But in November 2009 the Consumer Product Safety Commission created a loophole in the ban that allows stores to stockpile and continue selling banned products that were manufactured before the ban date. In December 2008 NRDC and Public Citizen sued the CPSC to enforce the ban. Stay tuned, and thanks to everyone who spoke out to keep dangerous chemicals out of kids' toys.
New safety measures will keep deadly rat poisons away from kids
In spring 2007 you sent almost 7,000 comments urging the Environmental Protection Agency to enact long overdue safety measures to protect children from dangerous rat poisons. Although it took more than a year, we're nevertheless happy to report that on May 29, 2008, the EPA imposed new restrictions to reduce the threat of accidental poisonings for children, pets and wildlife. The new rules require rat poison manufacturers to package poisons in child-safe containers and restrict bulk sales to agricultural and commercial users. The decision will dramatically reduce the tens of thousands of accidental rat poisonings in small children every year, some of which resulted in hospitalization and even death. Thanks to all of you who helped achieve this critical victory for children's health and safety!
New diesel pollution standards will prevent thousands of deaths and illnesses
During the summer of 2007 you sent thousands of comments urging the Environmental Protection Agency to enact strong new standards to reduce dirty diesel pollution from train and ship engines. On March 14, 2008, the EPA announced its new rule that will cut soot pollution from new diesel ship and train engines by 90 percent, as well smog pollution by 80 percent, starting in 2015. Between now and then, ship and train engines will be required to be rebuilt to cleaner levels as they undergo their regularly scheduled overhauls. Reducing smog and soot pollution from the nation's 40,000 ships and 21,000 diesel locomotives will help avoid thousands of asthma attacks and more than 1,000 premature deaths every year. Thanks to everyone who contacted the EPA and helped achieve this landmark victory for clean air and public health.
California grants San Onofre State Beach reprieve from proposed toll road
Over the past several years you've sent the California Coastal Commission and other state officials thousands of messages opposing a proposal to build the six-lane Foothill-South Toll Road through San Onofre State Beach, one of California's most popular state parks. On February 6, 2008, the commission voted 8-to-2 to reject the toll road project on the grounds that it would violate the California Coastal Act, which is designed to regulate development along the state's 1,100-mile shoreline. The toll road agency then appealed to the U.S. Department of Commerce, which announced on December 18, 2008 that it would uphold the Coastal Commission's decision . Thanks to all of you who helped achieve this amazing victory for one of California's most beloved parks.
Pennsylvania overturns misguided ban; keeps hormone-free milk labels
In late 2007 Pennsylvania activists urged Governor Rendell to overturn a ban that prevented dairy farmers from labeling their milk products as free of artificial hormones. The governor heard and responded to you and other outraged consumers -- on January 17, 2008, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture announced that hormone-free labels would once again be permitted in the state. Pennsylvania would have been the first state to implement such a ban, setting a dangerous precedent, so thank you (and congratulations!) to everyone who contacted the governor and helped achieve this important victory for consumers everywhere.
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