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“Forever Chemicals” Called PFAS Show Up in Your Food, Clothes, and Home

ExplainerUnited StatesMolly M. Ginty, Courtney Lindwall
These toxic chemicals are so common in consumer products and manufacturing that they’re everywhere—including inside our bodies.
A river with green trees on either side, with yellow hills in the background

In Planning for Climate Change, Native Americans Draw on the Past

ExplainerUnited States, CanadaTim Vanderpool
Across North America, Indigenous tribes and nations are consulting their traditional ecological knowledge to help prepare for a warming world.
Homes lined on a street with large power plants right behind them, spewing out pollution

In a Win for Health, the EPA Toughens Limits on Soot Air Pollution

Expert BlogUnited StatesDr. Vijay Limaye, John Walke, Emily Davis
Today's agency action will deliver life-saving protections from dangerous air pollution.

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New York City: Replace Lead Drinking Water Pipes

Expert BlogNew York City, United StatesJoan Leary Matthews
One in five New Yorkers may be drinking lead-contaminated water. The New York City Council needs to replace all lead pipes within 10 years, at no cost to residents.

Principles for Lead Service Line Replacements

Expert BlogUnited StatesErik D. Olson, Joan Leary Matthews

Here are some lessons and recommendations for quickly, efficiently, and equitably removing lead pipes from the ground.

Gov Hochul Signs Bill for Safer Drinking Water in Schools

Expert BlogNew YorkJoan Leary Matthews
On December 22, 2021, Governor Hochul signed a bill (S2122-A/A-160-B) that would improve New York State’s program to reduce lead in drinking water in public schools. The bill had passed the State Legislature unanimously.

New Yorkers Lead a New Wave of Environmental Rights

Expert BlogNew YorkCorinne Bell, Joan Leary Matthews

An overwhelming majority of New York residents voted for an amendment that would require the state to safeguard people's health and natural resources in future policies and projects across the state.

New Yorkers—Vote Yes for Clean Air and Water!

Expert BlogNew YorkCorinne Bell, Joan Leary Matthews

On November 2nd, New Yorkers can lead a new wave of state environmental rights amendments if they decide that the state should officially recognize everyone’s right to clean air and water.

Safer Drinking Water in Schools: NY Leg. Votes for Our Kids

Expert BlogNew YorkJoan Leary Matthews

The New York State Legislature passed a bill (S2122-A / A160-B) in the closing days of this legislative session to require more stringent measures to reduce lead in drinking water in schools. This is a huge victory for kids!

A Huge Push to Remove Toxic Lead in School Drinking Water

Expert BlogWashington, D.C., Michigan, United StatesJoan Leary Matthews
President Biden has released his bold infrastructure package, which basically declares war on lead in drinking water, both in our homes and our schools.

New York: Protect People from Water Shutoffs During COVID-19

Expert BlogJoan Leary Matthews, Larry Levine
Over the summer, New York State did the right thing for utility customers feeling the severe economic downturn during the pandemic. The state adopted legislation (Laws of 2020, Chapters 108 and 126) requiring all utilities—water, gas, electric, telephone—to stop shutting…

New York Bans Utility Shutoffs during COVID-19 Emergency

Expert BlogNew YorkJoan Leary Matthews
New York is the first state to act via legislation to establish a statewide moratorium on all utility shutoffs—water, gas, electric, and telephone, including both publicly- and privately-owned utilities.

Data Show Millions at Risk of Water Shutoffs During COVID-19

Expert BlogUnited StatesJoan Leary Matthews, Larry Levine

To protect ourselves from the coronavirus, health officials repeatedly tell us to “wash our hands.” Many people can do that, but if you don’t have water in your home because it has been shut off by the water utility, you…

Get the Lead Out of Drinking Water in Schools: Model Law

Expert BlogJoan Leary Matthews
Lead in drinking water in schools has been in the news over the years, with particular concerns in New York City and Washington, D.C., among other cities. But ever since the recent crisis of lead in drinking water exploded in…