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Tell the EPA to Keep Information about Toxic Pollution Public
Target: Stephen L. Johnson, Administrator, Environmental Protection AgencySponsored by: Union of Concerned Scientists
We think American citizens have a right to know what toxic chemicals are being released into their local communities.
But the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced plans to significantly limit the information that companies are required to disclose about their release of hazardous chemicals including toxins like mercury, lead, and dioxin into our environment.
Through its plan to reduce the reporting requirements of its Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) program, the EPA is proposing to take away an important tool for protecting public health and our environment. In its 20 years in existence, the TRI has provided the public with critical information about chemical contaminants that pose a serious threat to our health, while simultaneously providing incentives for companies to reduce their pollution levels.
There is no justification for weakening this successful program today, other than to please large corporate polluters, who view public disclosure as a costly nuisance. That's why we must send a strong message to the Bush Administration that this is unacceptable public policy in a democracy!
The EPA is accepting public comments only until January 13, 2005. Please take a moment to oppose this misguided and dangerous proposal and be included in the public record!
But the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced plans to significantly limit the information that companies are required to disclose about their release of hazardous chemicals including toxins like mercury, lead, and dioxin into our environment.
Through its plan to reduce the reporting requirements of its Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) program, the EPA is proposing to take away an important tool for protecting public health and our environment. In its 20 years in existence, the TRI has provided the public with critical information about chemical contaminants that pose a serious threat to our health, while simultaneously providing incentives for companies to reduce their pollution levels.
There is no justification for weakening this successful program today, other than to please large corporate polluters, who view public disclosure as a costly nuisance. That's why we must send a strong message to the Bush Administration that this is unacceptable public policy in a democracy!
The EPA is accepting public comments only until January 13, 2005. Please take a moment to oppose this misguided and dangerous proposal and be included in the public record!
Sign Petition! see who signed this
We signed the “Tell the EPA to Keep Information about Toxic Pollution Public” petition!
# 18,250:
4:29 pm PST, Jan 12,
Candice Christman, Tennessee
# 18,249:
4:29 pm PST, Jan 12,
Kandy Bruce, Wisconsin
The government is supposed to represent Joe citizen. To do something that could imperil the lives, and even more generations, of the average American is another spitting on its own people who it is chosen to represent. All so big business can save a few bucks when they're already making more profit than God. It's always the time to do the right thing- don't let companies get away with less reporting, or lives ruined or lost would be on your soul.
The government is supposed to represent Joe citizen. To do something that could imperil the lives, and even more generations, of the average American is another spitting on its own people who it is chosen to represent. All so big business can save a few bucks when they're already making more profit than God. It's always the time to do the right thing- don't let companies get away with less reporting, or lives ruined or lost would be on your soul.
# 18,248:
4:28 pm PST, Jan 12,
Name not displayed, California
# 18,247:
4:26 pm PST, Jan 12,
Isa Reid, Florida
# 18,246:
4:24 pm PST, Jan 12,
Name not displayed, California
# 18,245:
4:16 pm PST, Jan 12,
Angie Roth, Kansas
Does EPA stand for Environmental Protection Agency or Environmental Polluting Agency...I am not sure anymore.
Does EPA stand for Environmental Protection Agency or Environmental Polluting Agency...I am not sure anymore.
# 18,244:
4:12 pm PST, Jan 12,
Butch Kessell, Georgia
you people are alot of talk and hot air you know, you talk about locking up muderers so on and so forth and then your willing to sit by and watch our world and our home planet earth be muder by people who only care about mighty dollar thats what it all comes down too greed isn't that right thinking only of your selves, what effects us also effects you and your children remember that i say take a stand and do what you people have been entrusted to do and that is to protect the people and planet earth at all cost, its time you people to stop thinking of yourselves and put all that greed aside and clean up ------ the environment and mess you created, its time to put up and shutup ?????????
you people are alot of talk and hot air you know, you talk about locking up muderers so on and so forth and then your willing to sit by and watch our world and our home planet earth be muder by people who only care about mighty dollar thats what it all comes down too greed isn't that right thinking only of your selves, what effects us also effects you and your children remember that i say take a stand and do what you people have been entrusted to do and that is to protect the people and planet earth at all cost, its time you people to stop thinking of yourselves and put all that greed aside and clean up ------ the environment and mess you created, its time to put up and shutup ?????????
# 18,243:
4:12 pm PST, Jan 12,
Laura Martin, Michigan
# 18,242:
4:09 pm PST, Jan 12,
Charlotte Silverstein, California
We must protect our children and ourselves from the fiendinshly greedy polluters.
We must protect our children and ourselves from the fiendinshly greedy polluters.
# 18,241:
3:59 pm PST, Jan 12,
Michael Adkins, Tennessee
This proposed action by the EPA is easily one of the most fiendishly unconscionable efforts I've ever heard of by a government agency. That is it. I've had enough of this administration's deadly attacks on its citizenry. I demand Bush and his administration resign, effective immediately, and face immediate trial over their traitorous acts.
This proposed action by the EPA is easily one of the most fiendishly unconscionable efforts I've ever heard of by a government agency. That is it. I've had enough of this administration's deadly attacks on its citizenry. I demand Bush and his administration resign, effective immediately, and face immediate trial over their traitorous acts.
# 18,240:
3:53 pm PST, Jan 12,
Ruth Ann Thomas, California
I have the right to know what is in my food, water, and air so that I can protect myself. It has become abundantly clear in the past several years that I can no longer count on the EPA to protect me or my natural resources; and that is a very sad thing to say about an office created for those purposes.
I have the right to know what is in my food, water, and air so that I can protect myself. It has become abundantly clear in the past several years that I can no longer count on the EPA to protect me or my natural resources; and that is a very sad thing to say about an office created for those purposes.
# 18,239:
3:51 pm PST, Jan 12,
Jessica Carmelia, New York
I cannot believe after all the efforts the EPA has put in over recent years to have a cleaner environment that they would think about lowering standards one iota. What we need is a stronger push for clean air, not to start slacking. The public has the right to know exactly what toxins are being released by industry, I wish to take advantage, as every person should, of that right.
I cannot believe after all the efforts the EPA has put in over recent years to have a cleaner environment that they would think about lowering standards one iota. What we need is a stronger push for clean air, not to start slacking. The public has the right to know exactly what toxins are being released by industry, I wish to take advantage, as every person should, of that right.
# 18,238:
3:36 pm PST, Jan 12,
Dorothy Walsh, New York
As a citizen of the US I deserve to know what pollutants are being released onto my enviornment and it is your job to see that this right to such information is not compromised or weakened by lesser standards.
As a citizen of the US I deserve to know what pollutants are being released onto my enviornment and it is your job to see that this right to such information is not compromised or weakened by lesser standards.
# 18,237:
3:30 pm PST, Jan 12,
William Hauser, Texas
# 18,236:
3:28 pm PST, Jan 12,
Alice S. Duncan, Texas
I have a right to have clean air to breathe. I can not believe that they are even thinking about this two year deal. The polluters are contaminating not only others but themselves. After all they have to breathe the same air as we do. I declare myself for CLEAN AIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have a right to have clean air to breathe. I can not believe that they are even thinking about this two year deal. The polluters are contaminating not only others but themselves. After all they have to breathe the same air as we do. I declare myself for CLEAN AIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
# 18,235:
3:27 pm PST, Jan 12,
Tom Fields, Colorado
# 18,234:
3:24 pm PST, Jan 12,
Dan Bynum, Iowa
Bush has done enough damage to our environment , at least we should be advised of toxic polution in our states and communities.
Bush has done enough damage to our environment , at least we should be advised of toxic polution in our states and communities.
# 18,233:
3:21 pm PST, Jan 12,
Name not displayed, Florida
# 18,232:
3:19 pm PST, Jan 12,
Paulette Kaplan, Virginia
I believe it is the responsiblity of our government to protect it's citizens and their environment. To limit the disclosure requirements of these companies is criminal. How else can we protect ourselves, if we don't even know what is going on? It seems to me if pollution is financially beneficially to the companies, they are not going to worry about a thing....no one will know until it is too late to undo the damage they have done. The govenment is not protecting us, it seems to be more interested in protecting and hiding the sins of the offending companies. Does not make any sense to me.
I believe it is the responsiblity of our government to protect it's citizens and their environment. To limit the disclosure requirements of these companies is criminal. How else can we protect ourselves, if we don't even know what is going on? It seems to me if pollution is financially beneficially to the companies, they are not going to worry about a thing....no one will know until it is too late to undo the damage they have done. The govenment is not protecting us, it seems to be more interested in protecting and hiding the sins of the offending companies. Does not make any sense to me.
# 18,231:
3:08 pm PST, Jan 12,
William Asprey, New Mexico
It is imperative for Americans to know the evolving toxic picture of America to ensure and protect our individual freedoms from collective corporate interests!!!
It is imperative for Americans to know the evolving toxic picture of America to ensure and protect our individual freedoms from collective corporate interests!!!
# 18,230:
3:03 pm PST, Jan 12,
Michael Gerber, Florida
# 18,229:
2:59 pm PST, Jan 12,
Kristin Wellenberger, New Hampshire
knowledge is key if we are going to make a change!!!
knowledge is key if we are going to make a change!!!
# 18,228:
2:34 pm PST, Jan 12,
Name not displayed, New Jersey
# 18,227:
2:28 pm PST, Jan 12,
Abigail Smith, Washington D.C.
Ugh,.... it's called voluntary manslaughter not to disclose the facts!
Ugh,.... it's called voluntary manslaughter not to disclose the facts!
# 18,226:
2:25 pm PST, Jan 12,
Dennis Keener, New Jersey
# 18,225:
2:22 pm PST, Jan 12,
Carole Miller, New Mexico
It is not healthy to just breathe air, and not know what we are putting into our bodies. I quit smoking because of what it does to the lungs. Why on Earth would I breathe pollutants and not care. It is my right to know what toxins are put into the community so something can be done about it. It is the EP S's responsibility to make this possible.
It is not healthy to just breathe air, and not know what we are putting into our bodies. I quit smoking because of what it does to the lungs. Why on Earth would I breathe pollutants and not care. It is my right to know what toxins are put into the community so something can be done about it. It is the EP S's responsibility to make this possible.
# 18,224:
2:19 pm PST, Jan 12,
Ken Connell, Colorado
Environmental toxins that are released into human communities are sources of ill-health and premature death; we can't protect ourselves and our families if you don't require polluters to identify and control their dispersal of all important toxins; STRENTHEN, DON'T WEAKEN, EPA REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC REPORTING OF DISPERSED TOXINS.
Environmental toxins that are released into human communities are sources of ill-health and premature death; we can't protect ourselves and our families if you don't require polluters to identify and control their dispersal of all important toxins; STRENTHEN, DON'T WEAKEN, EPA REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC REPORTING OF DISPERSED TOXINS.
# 18,223:
2:15 pm PST, Jan 12,
Mary Kleinbach, Pennsylvania
# 18,222:
2:09 pm PST, Jan 12,
Julene Hanson, Minnesota
# 18,221:
2:09 pm PST, Jan 12,
Jim Folk, Pennsylvania
# 18,220:
2:06 pm PST, Jan 12,
Justin Lorenzo, California
We can't study environmental science and do toxicity labs without knowing that information. Stop messing with Mr. McCullough!
We can't study environmental science and do toxicity labs without knowing that information. Stop messing with Mr. McCullough!
# 18,219:
2:03 pm PST, Jan 12,
Anonymous Anonymous, Texas
# 18,218:
1:58 pm PST, Jan 12,
Marla Levine, Ohio
# 18,217:
1:57 pm PST, Jan 12,
Holly Vergho, California
# 18,216:
1:52 pm PST, Jan 12,
Aaron Warren, New York
# 18,215:
1:46 pm PST, Jan 12,
Yvonne Orlando, Illinois
# 18,214:
1:40 pm PST, Jan 12,
John Lewis, West Virginia
My granddaughters do not deserve to suffer from corporate greed. The standards should be tougher, not weaker. Corporate greed is ruining our government and our country.
My granddaughters do not deserve to suffer from corporate greed. The standards should be tougher, not weaker. Corporate greed is ruining our government and our country.
# 18,213:
1:39 pm PST, Jan 12,
David Dixon, New Jersey
I shouldn't have to tell you why it's more important for us to know what's being done to our communities than to save the polluters a little more profit. To do so would be completely indefensible and whomever introduced such an idea ought to be in a public stockade.
I shouldn't have to tell you why it's more important for us to know what's being done to our communities than to save the polluters a little more profit. To do so would be completely indefensible and whomever introduced such an idea ought to be in a public stockade.
# 18,212:
1:39 pm PST, Jan 12,
E Gieschen, Georgia
Please use the authority you have been given to consider the generations to come-- don't opt for what may benefit a few for the moment. Remember that you are accountable for the way you use your power.
Please use the authority you have been given to consider the generations to come-- don't opt for what may benefit a few for the moment. Remember that you are accountable for the way you use your power.
# 18,211:
1:33 pm PST, Jan 12,
Jennifer Riina, New York
# 18,210:
1:33 pm PST, Jan 12,
Gena Roberts, Oklahoma
These toxins start a domino effect on all of our lives, even those in Washington,DC are not exempt from exposure. They still breathe the same air and eat the same food we are exposed to. This is why our health is going down the drain. Thus leading to all health care debts for families especially for the ages not covered 21 to 55 years of age. One day when these so called decision makers get sick and they will it will come to their mind, WHY ME?
These toxins start a domino effect on all of our lives, even those in Washington,DC are not exempt from exposure. They still breathe the same air and eat the same food we are exposed to. This is why our health is going down the drain. Thus leading to all health care debts for families especially for the ages not covered 21 to 55 years of age. One day when these so called decision makers get sick and they will it will come to their mind, WHY ME?
# 18,209:
1:31 pm PST, Jan 12,
Mary Warren, Florida
I just spent three weeks in China, citizens there do not have a clue what toxins are in their environment, and how they may be shortening their lives. Mr. President do you want us to be more like China. Please come to your senses.
I just spent three weeks in China, citizens there do not have a clue what toxins are in their environment, and how they may be shortening their lives. Mr. President do you want us to be more like China. Please come to your senses.
# 18,208:
1:31 pm PST, Jan 12,
Hope Salzer, California
This is a no-brainer, for crying out loud!! When pregnant women can't eat fish because of mercury levels and children's asthma rates have been steadily climbing-- what are you thinking?! We should be INCREASING the cost of polluting, not making it *easier*!
This is a no-brainer, for crying out loud!! When pregnant women can't eat fish because of mercury levels and children's asthma rates have been steadily climbing-- what are you thinking?! We should be INCREASING the cost of polluting, not making it *easier*!
# 18,207:
1:28 pm PST, Jan 12,
Charles Sternaimolo, Massachusetts
Keep us taxpaying citizens in the loop!
Keep us taxpaying citizens in the loop!
# 18,206:
1:26 pm PST, Jan 12,
Susan J. Lenarz, Illinois
I breathe with regularity and would like to continue to do so.
I breathe with regularity and would like to continue to do so.
# 18,205:
1:25 pm PST, Jan 12,
Name not displayed, Florida
Please don't let the profit of big business take priority over the health and welfare of our communities.
Please don't let the profit of big business take priority over the health and welfare of our communities.
# 18,204:
1:20 pm PST, Jan 12,
James Montgomery
, Washington
# 18,203:
1:19 pm PST, Jan 12,
Severin Wellinghoff, Indiana
The current reporting schedule has been very successful in reducing pollution. Don't stop a good thing. Keep the reporting requirements as is.
The current reporting schedule has been very successful in reducing pollution. Don't stop a good thing. Keep the reporting requirements as is.
# 18,202:
12:59 pm PST, Jan 12,
Russell Clay, Georgia
Cheimical Companies must be held to the highest life safety standards available. The companies must be required to protect the communities were located and its employees or we could be looking at more major disasters. In order to maintain un-biased awareness about toxins released in our communities across this great nation, residents should have access to information which effect their quality of life.
Cheimical Companies must be held to the highest life safety standards available. The companies must be required to protect the communities were located and its employees or we could be looking at more major disasters. In order to maintain un-biased awareness about toxins released in our communities across this great nation, residents should have access to information which effect their quality of life.
# 18,201:
12:51 pm PST, Jan 12,
Kathrine Silver, Kentucky