Are You a Clean Water Voter? the Environmental Stakes Have Never Been Higher Than in This Year’S Elections

FALL ELECTION ISSUE 2012 New England currents are you a clean water voter? The environmental stakes have never been higher than in this year’s elections. The next President and Congress — and the leaders who are elected at the state and local levels this fall — can do much to restore the nation’s commitment to clean air and water and healthy communities. The right leadership can make sure the United States is positioned to reap the full economic and job creation benefits that will come from smart investment in a clean energy and clean water future. The past two years brought more attacks on fundamental protections than ever before. The U.S. House led the way — backwards — voting more than three hundred times to dismantle the Clean Water Act, weaken clean air protections, strip funding from environmental protection programs, effectively dismantle the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and more. Without the U.S. Senate and veto threats from President Obama to stop these bills from becoming law, the results would have been disastrous. Too many officials have been carrying the polluters’ agenda and turning their backs on the people they were elected to represent — perhaps thinking they could get away with it. Clean Water Action members like you can make sure that does not happen. You can help hold our elected officials accountable for their actions with your votes this November 6. This special issue of Clean Water Currents provides information on Clean Water Action’s nonpartisan candidate endorsements for 2012. All endorsements are based on a careful review of the candidates’ records and positions, their responses to questionnaires on key issues, and, in many cases, in-person interviews and recommendations from local and national staff, allies and volunteers. Throughout the 2012 campaign season, Clean Water Action:  Educates its members about critical issues,  Provides information on candidates and ballot initiatives before voters  Spotlights the records and positions of endorsed candidates, with special attention to environmental “heroes” deserving re-election and environmental “zeroes” whose anti-environment records are unacceptably poor  Mobilizes Clean Water Action voters to make sure they vote for Clean Water Action’s endorsed candidates on election day. Clean Water Action’s 2011-12 scorecard (see page 8) provides additional detail on U.S. House and Senate voting records for those states where Clean Water Action has the largest numbers of members. Continued on page 2

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF inside n CT News, pages 2 and 3 n MA News, pages 4 and 5 n Rhode Island News, pages 6 and 7 n ACTION FOR How Did Your Reps. and Senators Vote?, pages 8 and 9 CLEAN WATER

www.CleanWaterAction.org New England Currents | Fall Election Issue 2012 are you a clean water voter? Continued from page 1 PRESIDENTIAL ENDORSEMENT: This April, Clean Water Action joined with other national environmental groups in an unprecedented early endorse- This April, Clean Water ment of President Obama’s re-election. President Obama’s Action joined with other record in his first term has been stronger than any other national environmental in decades, and his leadership has been essential in stop- groups in an unprec- ping the train wreck of anti-environmental bills moving edented early endorse- through Congress. The Romney-Ryan ticket would be an ment of PRESIDENT environmental disaster, if elected. Rep. Ryan led the attack on the Clean Water Act and other water and health protec- OBAMA’s re-election. President Obama’s record tions in Congress, and Gov. Romney has committed to an in his first term has been stronger than any agenda of weakening environmental laws and extending other in decades, and his leadership has been special treatment and expanding government subsidies essential in stopping the train wreck of anti- for the nation’s worst polluters. environmental bills moving through Congress. The stakes are equally high in contests for U.S. Sen- The Romney-Ryan ticket would be an environ- ate, U.S. House, and in many races for state legislature, mental disaster, if elected. Rep. Ryan led the governor’s races and more local offices. Clean Water attack on the Clean Water Act and other water Action members can make a difference: and health protections in Congress, and Gov. LEARN about the candidates’ records and positions, Romney has committed to an agenda of weaken- Clean Water Action’s endorsements and any ballot ing environmental laws and extending special measures before voters this fall. treatment and expanding government subsidies REGISTER and VOTE for the candidates and posi- for the nation’s worst polluters. tions endorsed by Clean Water Action. The stakes are equally high in contests for U.S. DONATE to help Clean Water Action reach and turn Senate, U.S. House, and in many races for state leg- out more pro-environment voters to support endorsed islature, governor’s races and more local offices. candidates and hold others accountable. Donate online at www.cleanwater.org/donate VOLUNTEER by joining with Clean Water Action staff in your state to make phone calls, distribute literature, and mobilize voters in the days leading up to election day. Contact the office nearest you to volunteer. connecticut Chris Murphy for U.S. Senate

Clean Water Action endorses U.S. Rep Chris Murphy for U.S. Senate, to replacing retiring Sen. Joseph Lieberman, based on his solid track record of support on key issues. Rep. Murphy:

• Opposes attempts to weaken the Clean Water Act and will fight to strengthen protections for rivers, streams and wetlands under the law. • Supports strong clean air and climate change protections and will fight to stop riders that weaken current law, and stand up to climate change “deniers” as a top priority. • Backs market-driven solutions for reducing the carbon pollution that causes global warming. • Voted against the Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act that would have left coal ash regulations to the states on a voluntary basis. • Favors full and comprehensive disclosure of fracking fluid contents and the air emissions produced by this technology. • Supports reforming federal toxics policy to protect children and families from health harming chemicals.

2 New England Currents | Fall Election Issue 2012 www.CleanWaterAction.org connecticut Toxics Program/Coalition for a Safe and Healthy Connecticut

Since the Connecticut General Assembly finished its 2012 prepare for the next state legislative session, Clean Water session in May, Clean Water Action and the Coalition for a Action organizers tabled at Norwalk’s SoNo Arts Festival Safe and Healthy Connecticut turned their attention to the and have been reaching out to bring additional local groups proposed federal Safe Chemicals Act. The Act would reform to the effort. The Coalition produced its first video and is the outdated Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). working with state agency staff to identify those chemicals posing the greatest environmental and health threats. A new Hundreds of letters, postcards and calls from Clean Water report released by the Coalition on toxics in back-to-school Action members contacted door to door helped persuade products won extensive media coverage, including radio and Sen. Joe Lieberman to cosponsor the bill, making Connecti- television interviews with ally, State Sen. Terry Gerratana, cut one of the few states with both U.S. Senators on board. and Clean Water Action’s Anne Hulick. To help build the Coalition’s community support base and

Introducing Clean Water Action’s Connecticut Co-Directors

ANNE HULICK first began working with Clean Water Action in 2008 in her role as Environmental Health Coordinator for the Connecticut Nurses’ Association. Anne organized nurses across the state to press for health protective state and federal toxics policies, with Clean Water Action and the Coalition for a Safe and Healthy Connecticut. Anne joined Clean Water Action’s staff full Clean Water Action staff and supporters gather time in January 2011 as Coordinator for the Coalition. at Connecticut’s 2011 benefit event. Left to right: “I am deeply honored and thrilled to be the state co-director Mary Ellen Hobson, Meghan Kenny, Chris Corcoran along with my colleague Roger Smith. My passion has always (back), Joyce Acebo-Raguskas (front), Anne Hulick, been to do work that combines advocating for policies that Madeline Priest, Roger Smith. This year’s event is on protect public health and the environment and working with November 16 at the Graduate Club in New Haven. such a phenomenal team at Clean Water Action and the Coali- Join the Connecticut Clean Water Action staff, tion is truly a dream come true. I look forward to growing and other members and allies from around the state for strengthening our work to reform chemical policies.” an evening featuring great food, great company and supporting this great cause! Contact Shannon ROGER SMITH joined Clean Water Action in August 2003 McAvoy for tickets information or to become a to mobilize public support for action on global warming. Since sponsor, [email protected] then Roger has worked on energy, climate and air quality issues, coordinating volunteers and leading coalitions to win passage of save the date: 40th Anniversary Clean Water Benefit two global warming laws, expand the state’s energy efficiency November 16, 2012 programs, ensure Connecticut’s participation in the Regional Graduate Club, New Haven Greenhouse Gas Initiative, and increase investments in renewable energy, particularly solar power. In 2010 Roger helped 14 Connecticut towns win an energy outreach grant from the U.S. Department of Energy and now coordinates community outreach for this project, the Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge. “I’m proud to be part of the Clean Water Action team that has accomplished so much in Connecticut over the past decade. I am looking forward to working with Anne Hulick as Connecticut co-director. We have a tremendous opportunity to help our fellow Connecticut residents make their homes and businesses part of a clean energy future. I look forward to continuing our grassroots organizing and advocacy which are key to making this future real.”

www.CleanWaterAction.org New England Currents | Fall Election Issue 2012 3 massachusetts Voting for the Elect Elizabeth Warren Environment in By Vanessa Green, Elections Coordinator Massachusetts The Massachusetts U.S. Senate race provides a clear choice for voters who sup- Clean Water Action is urging its mem- port a clean environment and healthy economy. That’s why Clean Water bers to support candidates who have Action has endorsed Elizabeth Warren for Senate in 2012. earned the organization’s endorsement for the November 6, 2012 elec- Elizabeth Warren recognizes the critical need to tion. These are the candidates whose transition from the dirty fossil fuels of the past to a records and positions on clean air, clean 21st century clean energy system. She knows that water, and healthy communities make them leaders and champions: replacing toxic chemicals in our homes, schools and workplaces with safer alternatives is essen- U.S. PRESIDENT Barack Obama tial and doable. She acts on the idea that decisions today affect the world of tomorrow, and that our U.S. SENATE Elizabeth Warren children and grandchildren need, deserve, and are counting on more from us. MASSACHUSETTS STATE SENATE Kathleen O’Connor Ives, 1st Essex “We’re far more aware of the dangers of toxic Sen. Jamie Eldridge, Middlesex & “We know what we need chemicals today than we were just a few decades Worcester to do. We have known ago,” Warren said. “We need updated rules that Sen. Pat Jehlen, 2nd Middlesex Michael Barrett, 3rd Middlesex what we’ve had to do reflect just how dangerous and widespread toxic Sen. Harriette Chandler, 1st Worcester since the 1970s. But chemicals can be. By passing the Safe Chemicals powerful oil, gas and MASSACHUSETTS STATE HOUSE Act, Congress would send a signal to families that coal companies have A. Keith Carreiro, 4th Bristol the health and safety of our nation’s citizens is a blocked real change. Barbara L’Italien, 18th Essex We can’t keep putting top priority.” Rep. Tom Sannicandro, 7th Middlesex Rep. Carolyn Dykema, 8th Middlesex off the changes we Warren has a record of speaking up and fight- need to make. Investing Rep. Cory Atkins, 14th Middlesex ing when necessary for our basic rights. We can in clean energy technol- Rep. Sean Garballey, 23rd Middlesex ogy is investing in our count on her to push for action on critical legisla- Marjorie Decker, 25th Middlesex health, our environ- tion, and stay the course when up against attacks Rep. Denise Provost, 27th Middlesex mental security, our to the Clean Water Act and other air, climate and Rep. Jason Lewis, 31st Middlesex Rep. Jim O’Day, 14th Worcester national security, and health protections. Elizabeth Warren is a timely Mary Keefe, 15th Worcester our economic security.” and experienced leader who will fight for clean — elizabeth warren water, clean air and healthy communities. More endorsement information at: www.CleanWater.org/Massachusetts- While Warren is prepared to commit to cost-effective and consumer-friendly endorsements. Contact the Clean Water approaches to clean energy and energy efficiencynow , Senator Scott Brown Action office nearest you to volunteer. has repeatedly voted against environmental protections, scoring a failing grade of 38% on Clean Water Action’s latest Environmental Report Card. He has voted for billions of dollars in tax breaks and subsidies for the fossil fuel industry, and voted to block EPA from regulating the gases that cause climate change. In contrast to War- ren’s public support for the Safe Chemicals Act, Brown’s staff have communicated that he is “unable to support [the legislation] at this time.” We simply cannot count on him to be the pro-health, pro-environment candidate Massachusetts families need.

This election could well determine the balance of power in the Senate for the next four years. Will we move forward for a clean environment and healthy economy, or will we have to fight renewed efforts to roll-back existing environmental protections? Your vote could determine whether we can move forward with better protections for drinking water and other vital water resources, real reductions in air contaminants, limits to hydraulic fracturing, and a path to climate stabilization.

We can either continue growing our economy by building toward a future of clean water, healthy air and clean jobs, or we can continue spending billions dealing with the damage that inaction and climate change will cause. We must elect Elizabeth Warren to be our Senator.

4 New England Currents | Fall Election Issue 2012 www.CleanWaterAction.org massachusetts

Introducing Clean Water Action’s Massachusetts Director

This fall, Clean Water Action welcomed longtime team member ELIZABETH SAUNDERS into the new role of Massachusetts Director. Elizabeth has been with Clean Water Action since January 2001. She started fresh out of college as a “newbie” organizer focused on reducing mercury pollution and helped found what soon became the Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow coalition. Since then her role evolved to Environmental Health Legislative Director and most recently Massa- chusetts Legislative Director for Clean Water Action.

“If you had told me in 2001 that in 12 years I would still be with Clean Water Action and stepping up as the State Director, I wouldn’t have believed you, but I am, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. It’s such a privilege to lead this incredible team of Clean Water Action staff and members who are talented, creative, visionary and just plain fun. I look forward to working with all of you to deepen our collaboration, strengthen our move- ment, and build the momentum that we need to shift the conversation so that protection of the environment and public health become the norm.

“As we celebrate Clean Water Action’s 40th birthday, I am inspired by all that we’ve accomplished and by the people whose shoulders we are standing on as we go forward into the next 40 years. How has Clean Water Action inspired or helped you? What’s your vision for Clean Water Action Massachusetts’ next 40 years? I’d like to hear from you!”

Volunteer Alert: Plymouth’s Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station was recently re-licensed to operate for an addi- Pilgrim tional 20 years beyond its intended life-period. Its outdated equipment and problems place Coalition Massachusetts residents at risk. The Pilgrim Coalition is a non-partisan network of citizens Needs and organizations dedicated to raising aware- ness of — and reducing — significant risks to Your Help public safety, health, and our environment aris- ing from continued operation of the Pilgrim.

The Pilgrim Coalition has developed an urgent “to do” list of actions needed to ensure that the reactor does not continue to operate in its current dangerous state. People are needed now to help carry out these tasks. You do not need to live near Plymouth to help out — you can help from afar (just as you might be affected from the other side of Boston in the event of an accident). Please email the coalition directly to find out how you can get involved: [email protected]

www.CleanWaterAction.org New England Currents | Fall Election Issue 2012 5 rhode island Protecting Environmental Champions in Rhode Island Rhode Island’s more than four hundred miles of coastline, including Narragansett Bay, keep Rhode Islanders closely connected to the natural environment. The state’s beaches and coastal areas are natural resource treasures worth protecting for the long term. Some of the areas just offshore also offer huge potential for wind energy development, which could supply clean energy and sustain new economic development for the state. Re-electing Rhode Island’s pro-environment delegation to the U.S. House and Senate this November 6 is criti- cally important for people who care about environmental and health protection. Clean Water Action urges its members to vote for these environmental champions:

U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse has been a leading voice for comprehensive climate change solutions. He has also pushed to reform of the Toxic Substances Control Act so that EPA can collect important information on chemical risks and protect public health by reducing preventable toxic exposures. U.S. Rep. David Cicilline (District 1) earned 100% on Clean Water Action’s voting scorecard (see p. 8) and is sponsoring legislation to preserve Rhode Island’s natural beauty. HR 3191 would create a national park in the Blackstone River Valley. HR 2027 would preserve and protect additional coastal areas. U.S. Rep. James Langevin (District 2) also has a 100% record for his 2011-12 votes. He has worked to have the Wood and Pawcatuck Rivers added to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, ensuring their long-term protection. Rep. Langevin is also co-founder of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition in the U.S. House. The fifty-two member Coalition promotes energy and environmental priorities in Congress.

Above: Congressman David Cicilline (endorsed by Clean Water Action, CD 1) presents 2012 Earth Day Champion Award to U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (endorsed by Clean Water Action)

Left: President Barack Obama with Congressman Jim Langevin (endorsed by Clean Water Action, CD 2). March 9, 2009 - Source: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images North America

6 New England Currents | Fall Election Issue 2012 www.CleanWaterAction.org rhode island Voting for the Primary Victories and Environment in What to Expect in November Rhode Island Rhode Islanders can already claim environmental election victories in this year’s elections. There were two key wins in the Sep- Clean Water Action is urging tember 11 Primary. its members to support In the race for State House District candidates who have earned the 50 (portions of Woonsocket), Steve organization’s endorsement: Casey was endorsed by Clean Water U.S. PRESIDENT Action and defeated long-time incin- Barack Obama erator advocate Jon Brien. Casey does not have a general election U.S. SENATE opponent on November 6, but Brien Sheldon Whitehouse may mount a last-minute write-in challenge. Casey, who is currently U.S. HOUSE a firefighter, has said he would not David Cicilline, District 1 continue Brien’s support for building Jim Langevin, District 2 a trash-burner in Woonsocket. Steve Casey, (Clean Water RHODE ISLAND STATE SENATE Action endorsed candidate Art Handy (State House District 18), for State House District 50), Gayle Goldin, District 3 former Clean Water Action staffer at a September candidate Dominick Ruggerio, District 4 and current Chair of the House Envi- forum. Casey defeated long- Adam Satchell, District 9 ronment and National Resources time incinerator advocate Ryan Pearson, District 19 Jon Brien in the September Committee, won a resounding vic- Josh Miller, District 28 tory against Bill McKenna to retain 11 primary election. David Bates, District 32 his seat in the General Assembly. With strong environmental support, Handy secured more than 65% of the vote in Cranston’s RHODE ISLAND STATE HOUSE Edgewood and Park View neighborhoods. Edith Ajello, District 1 This November, many of Clean Water Action’s environmental cham- Chris Blazejewski, District 2 pions in the legislature will be defending their seats against chal- Maria Cimini, District 7 lengers. As a representative of coastal Charlestown, Westerly, South Joe Almeida, District 12 Kingstown and New Shoreham, Donna Walsh (State House District Arthur Handy, District 18 36) is an invaluable voice for land conservation, water protection, and David Bennett, District 20 effective waste management. Jay O’Grady (State House District 46), Frank Ferri, District 22 representing Lincoln and Pawtucket, is a lead sponsor of legislation Teresa Tanzi, District 24 to provide sustainable funding for public transportation in the state. Scott Guthrie, District 28 Lisa Tomasso, District 29 Left: Art Handy (State House District 18), Clean Water Donna Walsh, District 36 Action endorsed State House Larry Valencia, District 39 candidate and Chair of the Jeremiah O’Grady, District 46 House Environment Committee, Stephen Casey, District 50 poses for a Clean Water Action photo project highlighting safe Linda Finn, District 72 disposal problems for compact Deb Ruggiero, District 74 fluorescent (CFL) light bulbs.

www.CleanWaterAction.org New England Currents | Fall Election Issue 2012 7 How Did Your Representatives and Senators Vote? Clean Water Action has spent much of the past two years defending against an all-out assault in Congress. Fundamental environmental and health protections — highly successful laws such as the Clean Water Act — are under attack. How serious is this situation? So far the U.S. House has considered — and actually voted to pass — more than 300 measures that would weaken clean water, clean air and health protection. Fortunately, the worst of these were turned back in the Senate, with the help of veto threats by President Obama. To help Clean Water Action members and others understand what has been going on, the organization tracks key votes and compiles scorecards. This latest scorecard covers votes from 2011-12. Members of Congress who have sided with the polluters and against protecting water and health must be held accountable. This November’s elections provide some excellent opportunities for doing so. Here in New England, most Representatives and Senators scored highly. This makes the few exceptions (those scoring worse than 60%, a failing grade) all the more noteworthy, highlighting the extreme nature of their anti-environment votes. SCORECARD: Clean Water Action tallied twelve U.S. House and eight U.S. Senate votes for each Represen- tative and Senator. To earn a perfect “100”, a U.S. Representative would need to have voted “No” on all but one of the scored anti-environment measures and “Yes” on the one clean water proposal in the scorecard; in the Senate two “Yes” votes and six “No’s” were required. As summarized here, one of the two positive Senate votes passed, and the other failed narrowly. An asterisk denotes that the representative did not vote on all bills. Detailed breakdowns of Senators’ and Representatives’ votes are available at www.cleanwater.org/scorecard

connecticut % pro-environment votes representatives (by District) 1 Larson, J. (D)* 100% 5 Murphy, C. (D) 100% 2 Courtney (D) 100% senators: 3 DeLauro (D) 100% Richard Blumenthal (D) 100% 4 Himes (D)* 100% Joseph I. Lieberman (I) 100% massachusetts % pro-environment votes representatives (by District) 1 Olver (D)* 100% 8 Capuano (D) 100% 2 Neal (D)* 100% 9 Lynch (D) 100% 3 McGovern (D) 100% 10 Keating (D) 100% 4 Frank, B. (D) 100% senators: 5 Tsongas (D)* 100% Scott P. Brown (R) 38% 6 Tierney (D)* 100% John F. Kerry (D) 100% 7 Markey, E. (D) 100%

new hampshire % pro-environment votes representatives (by District) senators: 1 Guinta (R) 0% Kelly Ayotte (R) 50% 2 Bass (R) 25% Jeanne Shaheen (D) 100%

rhode island % pro-environment votes representatives (by District) senators: 1 Cicilline (D) 100% Jack Reed (D) 100% 2 Langevin (D) 100% Sheldon Whitehouse (D) 100%

8 New England Currents | Fall Election Issue 2012 www.CleanWaterAction.org key u.s. house votes in the fight Toxic Air Pollution (H.R. 2250, EPA Regulatory Relief Act): to protect water and health Would indefinitely delay air pollution standards for industrial boil- ers and incinerators, which emit neurotoxic mercury, cancer-caus- Federal Budget for 2011 (H.R. 1): The final House budget (con- ing dioxins and other toxic air pollution. [October 13, 2011; passed tinuing appropriations bill, FY2011) included devastating 275-142] cuts to programs that protect clean water and clean air, Regulatory Shutdown (H.R. 4078, Red Tape Reduction & plus numerous amendments (“riders”) that would roll Small Business Job Creation Act): back protections even further. [February 19, 2011: passed Would freeze any “signifi- 235-189] cant regulatory action” by federal agencies until the unemployment rate is at or below 6%, preventing action on essential environmental Dirty Water Act (H.R. 2018, Clean Water Cooperative Fed- and health protections and associated economic benefits. [July 26, eralism Act): This direct attack on the Clean Water Act would 2012; passed 245-172] effectively gut the current law by undermining the federal government’s responsibility for keeping water safe for drinking, fishing and swimming [July 13, 2011; passed 239-184] key u.s. senate votes in the fight Clean Water Protections (Moran amendment 1175): This to protect water and health pro-environment amendment championed by Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA) would strike provisions from H.R. 5325 (Energy & Water Federal Budget for 2011 (H.R. 1): The final House budget (con- Appropriations, FY2013) aimed at blocking federal agencies from tinuing appropriations bill, FY2011) included devastating cuts restoring Clean Water Act protections for wetlands, streams and to programs that protect clean water and clean air, plus critical water resources. [June 1, 2012; defeated 152-237] numerous amendments (“riders”) that would roll back protections even further. [March 9, 2011; defeated 56-44] Greenhouse Gas Pollution (H.R. 910, Energy and Tax Pre- vention Act): Would permanently block Clean Air Act controls on Greenhouse Gas Pollution (Amendment No.183 on S. 493): greenhouse gases and would “repeal” EPA’s science-based finding Amendment by Minority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to that this pollution endangers public health and the environment. “repeal” EPA’s science-based finding that greenhouse gas pollution [April 7, 2011; passed 255-172] endangers public health and the environment. Bill would permanently block Clean Air Act controls on this pollution and weaken Attack on Clean Air (H.R. 2401, Transparency in Regula- fuel economy standards. [April 6, 2011; defeated 50-50] tory Analysis of Impacts on the Nation or TRAIN Act): Would delay EPA rules on mercury and other toxic emissions along with Attack on Clean Air (Senate Joint Resolution 27): Resolution other smog-causing power plant pollution. Would tie up new Clean by Sen. Rand Paul (R- KY) would void EPA’s July 2011 Cross-State Air Act standards with unneeded studies in which only costs, but Pollution rule, blocking requirements that power plants reduce air not benefits, could be considered.[September 23, 2011; passed 249- pollution that travels across state lines. [November 11, 2011; de- 169] feated 56-41] Cement Plant Pollution (H.R. 2681, Cement Sector Regula- Attack on Clean Air Protections (Senate Joint Resolution tory Relief Act): Would nullify final EPA toxics reduction rules for 37): Resolution by Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK) would overturn cement kilns, a major source of mercury contamination in water. EPA’s Mercury and Air Toxics Standards, which require reductions [October 6, 2011; passed 262-161] in heavy metals and toxics from fossil-fuel burning power plants. [June 20, 2012; defeated 53-46] Attack on Public Safeguards (H.R. 10, Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny or REINS Act): Intended to pre- Factory Farm Pollution (Johanns Amendment No. 2372): vent adoption of any new public safeguards by requiring a Congres- Would effectively block Clean Water Act enforcement against fac- sional approval within 70 legislative days of Administrative action. tory farms by prohibiting EPA from using aircraft to inspect in- New or proposed rules on air and water quality, food, workplace dustrial livestock operations for animal waste pollution violations. and consumer product safety would all be stopped, placing Ameri- [June 21, 2012; defeated 56-43] cans’ health and safety at risk. [December 7, 2011; passed 241-184] Gulf Coast Restoration and Land & Water Conservation Blocking Environmental & Health Protections (H.R. 3010, Funding (Nelson Amendment No. 1822): Would provide fund- Regulatory Accountability Act): Would create significant new ing for natural resource restoration in Gulf Coast states and for the hurdles for public health and environmental protection regulations Land and Water Conservation Fund. [March 8, 2012; passed 76-22] by requiring agencies to choose “least costly” rather than “most pro- Big Oil Tax Subsidies (S. 2204, Repeal Big Oil Tax Subsidies tective” standards. [December 2, 2011; passed 253-167] Act): Would eliminate taxpayer handouts for this industry, which Coal Ash Pollution (H.R. 2273, Coal Residuals Reuse and is reaping record profits; would instead promote renewable energy Management Act): Would bar EPA from regulating coal ash and energy conservation. [March 29, 2012; defeated 51-47] laden with arsenic, lead and other toxic heavy metals as a hazard- Keystone XL Pipeline (Hoeven Amendment No. 1537): ous waste. Would not even require minimum state standards to Would fast-track approval of the Keystone XL Pipeline project, protect communities from coal ash spill disasters. [October 14, bypassing required environmental and siting reviews. [March 8, 2011; passed 267-144] 2012; defeated 56-42] Coal Ash Pollution (H.R. 4348): This “motion to instruct” pro- cedural vote required House conference committee members to in- clude H.R. 2273 (above) in the final, must-pass Transportation Bill package. [June 21, 2012; passed 260-138]

www.CleanWaterAction.org New England Currents | Fall Election Issue 2012 9 PUT EVERYDAY PURCHASES TO WORK FOR CLEAN WATER ACTION.

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New England Currents Managing Editor: Jonathan Scott President and CEO: Robert Wendelgass fall election issue 2012 Writers: Susan Eastwood, Mark Gray, Vanessa Green, Anne Hulick, Clean Water Action is a national citizens’ organization working for Jeff Knudsen, Ellie Leonardsmith, Cindy Luppi, Jamie Rhodes, clean, safe and affordable water, prevention of health-threatening Elizabeth Saunders, Roger Smith pollution, creation of environmentally-safe jobs and businesses, Design: ES Design and empowerment of people to make democracy work. Clean Water Action organizes strong grassroots groups, coalitions Reproduction in whole or part is permitted with proper credit. and campaigns to protect our environment, health, economic © Copyright 2012 All rights reserved. well-being and community quality of life.

Paid for and authorized by Clean Water Action for distribution to its members. For more information, please visit www.CleanWaterAction.org or call 617.338.8131

10 New England Currents | Fall Election Issue 2012 www.CleanWaterAction.org