Current Actions

• Support the Clean Water Restoration Act

  In the 37 years since it has been adopted, the Clean Water Act has spurred the clean up of polluted rivers and lakes. But recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings have called into question whether the Clean Water Act applies to certain water bodies.

  Of particular concern for the West is the suggestion that the Act does not apply to the intermittent and ephemeral streams. These streams are the lifeblood of the West, making up between 46 and 90 percent of streams in Western states.

  Your help is needed to make sure that these streams are protected from degradation by oil and gas production; hard rock, coal and uranium mining; animal factories; and other sources of pollution.
  
  In just six months in 2007, more than 500 Clean Water Act violations were not pursued with enforcement action because of the Court rulings. Most of these violations were oil spills, and approximately 20 percent of them were in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 8, which includes the states of Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming.
  
  The Clean Water Restoration Act (S. 787), introduced by Senator Feingold, would clarify that the Clean Water Act applies to all waters of the United States, including intermittent and ephemeral streams vital to the West.
  
  These Senators below have signed on as cosponsors of S. 787. If you one or both of your Senators are not yet cosponsors, please email them today and urge them to cosponsor the Clean Water Restoration Act.
  

  • Sen. Boxer, Barbara [CA]
  • Sen. Dodd, Christopher J. [CT]
    
  • Sen. Lieberman, Joseph I. [CT]
    
  • Sen. Carper, Thomas R. [DE]
    
  • Sen. Kaufman, Edward E. [DE]
    
  • Sen. Durbin, Richard [IL]
    
  • Sen. Brown, Sherrod [OH]
    
  • Sen. Kerry, John F. [MA]
    
  • Sen. Cardin, Benjamin L. [MD]
    
  • Sen. Levin, Carl [MI]
    
  • Sen. Stabenow, Debbie [MI]
    
  • Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [NH]
    
  • Sen. Lautenberg, Frank R. [NJ]
    
  • Sen. Menendez, Robert [NJ]
    
  • Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [NY]
    
  • Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [NY]
    
  • Sen. Wyden, Ron [OR]
    
  • Sen. Merkley, Jeff [OR]
    
  • Sen. Reed, Jack [RI]
    
  • Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [RI]
    
  • Sen. Leahy, Patrick J. [VT]
    
  • Sen. Sanders, Bernard [VT]
    
  • Sen. Cantwell, Maria [WA]
    
  • Sen. Kohl, Herb [WI]

  Feel free to add your comments to the email.

• Protect drinking water from toxic chemicals

  Hydraulic fracturing is used widely throughout the oil and gas industry. Hydraulic fracturing involves the high pressure injection of water, sand and toxic fluids into a rock or coal formation to enhance oil and gas production.
  

  While hydraulic fracturing is an effective technique for increasing oil and gas production, it also has the potential to harm human health and the environment.
  

  Hydraulic fracturing fluids contain toxic chemicals, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, methanol, formaldehyde, ethylene glycol, glycol ethers, hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, and diesel fuels. Diesel fuels contain benzene, ethyl benzene, toluene, xylene, naphthalene, and other chemicals.
  
  These chemicals can cause cancer and have effects on the respiratory, neurological, reproductive, and central nervous systems.
  
  Complaints of drinking water contamination have been documented in Alabama, Colorado, New Mexico, Ohio, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
  
  The good news is that legislation repealing the exemption for hydraulic fracturing is now before Congress. H.R. 2766 was introduced by Representatives Diana DeGette (CO), Maurice Hinchey (NY), and Jared Polis (CO) in June.
  
  H.R. 2766 cosponsors are
  

  • Rep. Lynn Woolsey (CA-6)
  • Rep. Bobby Rush (IL-1)
  • Rep. Rush Holt (NJ-12)
  • Rep. Eric Massa (NY-29)
  • Rep. John McHugh (NY-23)
  • Rep. Michael Arcuri (NY-24)
  • Rep. Dennis Kucinich (OH-10)
  • Rep. Patrick Murphy (PA-8)

  On the Senate side, Senators Robert Casey (PA) and Charles Schumer (NY) introduced S.1215 on June 9, 2009.
  
  Both bills need more co-sponsors. If your representative or any of your senators have not cosponsored this legislation, send a message today asking them to cosponsor these bills to protect drinking water from toxic chemicals.
  
  Use our sample message or personalize the message with your own words.

• Local Food Summit

  Buy your tickets today!

  Deborah Madison, author of "Local Flavors" and founding chef of the original Greens Restaurant in San Francisco, CA, will share perspectives on local foods at the Local Food Summit in Rapid City.
  
  The evening mixer and reception will begin at 5 p.m. Tickets are on sale now for $25. Wine and local food appetizers complete the even and are sourced locally.
  
  Madison's keynote address will pull from her travels to over a hundred farmer's markets across the United States, management of the Santa Fe New Mexico farmer's market, and the award-winning books she has authored on local foods, farmers' markets, and healthy eating.
  
  Registration for the afternoon workshops that are free and open to the public begins at 11:00 a.m. MT. A series of local foods topic workshops begins at 12:00 noon with information for producers, consumers, and local restaurants.
  
  Rebecca Terk, Board President of the Vermillion Area Farmers Market and Sandra Vannemann, state administrator of the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)/ Food Stamp program will discuss how the Vermillion farmer's market became the first in the state to implement electronic funds transfer technology, providing EBT program families with access to the farmer's market, this season.
  
  "After great customer demand for these options, and using a SD Market Grower Grant to help purchase the required technology, we have had a number of individuals and families utilize the debit and EBT payment options at the market, and the response has been great!" said Terk.
  
  "Our ability to accept these forms of payment has increased both the number and cash amount of purchases benefitting vendors, customers, and the local economy as a whole."
  
  Annie Conely of the Western Sustainability Exchange will share insight from the successful farm to restaurant campaign in Montana.
  
  There will also be practical hands-on workshops for anyone wanting more how-to information about producing local food. Cathie Drain, a member of Rapid City Garden Club will teach about the various aspects of maintaining naturally healthy soil and how to compost at home. Tony Schmidt, a master gardener will walk participants through the process of establishing an herb garden and producing home-made spices.
  
  The Cyclorama room will feature continuous DVD screenings on various films which pertain to local foods and sustainable agriculture.
  
  An afternoon panel discussion on value-added marketing of local food will examine the balancing act between health concerns and more access to local food. The panel will look at providing solutions for producers interested in marketing their locally produced food which has undergone some level of processing such as canning or baking. Panelists will include Representative Don Kopp, Robert Weyrich of the SD Department of Agriculture, and Joel Schwader, a local producer of the state dessert, kuchen.
  
  The ticketed reception will follow, featuring inspiration from acclaimed author and chef, Deborah Madison. A Seed-Saver's Exchange board member, a long-time advocate for food and farming, and a vegetable farmer herself, Deborah has inspiration for anyone involved in local foods.
  
  The reception will include a wine tasting with three selections from the Black Hills' own, Prairie Berry Winery, expertly paired with appetizers from Rapid City's prestigious downtown farm-to-table gourmet, The Corn Exchange.
  
  "With the Local Foods Summit, Dakota Rural Action hopes to spark conversation about and involvement in the local foods movement in the Black Hills, by networking the community, to make local food more available for everyone," said Talli Nauman, a DRA member from Whitewood, SD.
  
  Everyone is invited to the afternoon presentations. Tickets for the evening events are available at: The Dahl Arts Center, The Corn Exchange, Prairie Berry Winery and The Main Street Market.
  
  For more information contact Stephanie Trask at 605-718-4957.
  
  
  

• Give Modern Mining a Modern Law

  Legislation has been introduced in Congress to protect public lands and correct the enduring and serious problems of the outdated 1872 Mining Law. Your help is needed to take the next step – securing more cosponsors in both the House of Representatives and Senate.

  The Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2009 – S. 796 in the Senate and H.R. 699 in the House – would not prohibit mining on public lands. The bills would end the unfair give-away of public resources and help ensure that mining takes place in a manner that protects crucial drinking water supplies and other natural resources, special places, fish and wildlife habitat, and the health and well-being of our communities.
  
  More specifically, the bills would:

  • Set a royalty on hardrock minerals taken from public lands, as is done for coal, oil and gas and other resources
    
  • Put special areas, such as National Forest Roadless Areas and Wild and Scenic River areas, off limits for new mining claims
    
  • Assure that mining operations do not adversely impact national parks
    
  • Establish environmental management and cleanup standards specific to hardrock mining
    
  • End the forced sale of public lands to mining claimholders
    
  • Set up a new program to fund clean up of abandoned mines
    
  •  Allow state and local elected officials to petition for protection of special areas needing protection

  The Senate bill, introduced by Sen. Jeff Bingaman (NM), has one cosponsor, Sen. Tom Udall (NM).

  On the House side, Rep. Nick Rahall’s bill has 35 cosponsors. See list below.
  

  We need to show more support to keep this important legislation moving forward.

  Please urge your Representative and Senators to cosponsor the Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2009. If your Representative or Senators have already cosponsored this legislation, please thank him or her.

  It’s easy. Use our sample messages or personalize the messages with your own words.

• Support the expansion of San Juan Wilderness Areas

  US Rep. John Salazar [D-CO] recently posted a draft bill that will protect more than 60,000 acres of prime wilderness in the northern San Juan Mountains.  It includes a 13,224-acre wilderness addition to the existing Mt. Sneffels Wilderness Area known as the Whitehouse Addition, a landscape of jagged ridgelines and expansive forests that looms large over the town of Ridgway. 

  
  [See maps of these areas as well as the text of the draft bill.]

  Rep. Salazar needs your support and encouragement to shore up the bill and get it introduced soon!  Comments are due by August 16.  We've offered a sample letter below, but it's best if you can personalize it with your own knowledge of and connection to this treasured landscape.
  
  The following areas will receive Wilderness Area designations under the proposed legislation:

  1. 3,374 acres in the Blackface, Sunshine and Wilson additions to Lizard Head Wilderness Area.
  2. 9,086 acres in the Liberty Bell and Last Dollar additions to Mt. Sneffels Wilderness Area.
  3. 13,224 acres in the Whitehouse addition to Mt. Sneffels Wilderness Area.
  4. 8,614 acres in the northern half of the McKenna Peak Wilderness Study Area will be designated as Wilderness.  

  In addition, two other designations will be created by the proposed legislation:

  • 22,582 acres will be designated as the Sheep Mountain Special Management Area.
    
  • 6,595 acres will be withdrawn from eligibility for mineral leasing in Naturita Canyon.
    

  Additional important areas that were left out of the bill:

  • The Proposed Snaggletooth Area in San Miguel County includes over 8 miles along the bank of the Dolores River as wilderness, representing the first protective designation in the stunning river canyon.  We are still urging inclusion of the Snaggletooth Area.   
  • The southern half of the McKenna Peak WSA should also be included. 
    
  • The bill should also include a mineral withdrawal for Perins Peak, as requested by the La Plata County commissioners.  

  
  Your comments are very important!  Please take a moment to send your supportive comments to Congressman Salazar.  A sample letter is provided below, but it's always better if you personalize it with your knowledge of and experience in these special areas!

  
  

• Give Modern Mining a Modern Law

  Legislation has been introduced in Congress to protect public lands and correct the enduring and serious problems of the outdated 1872 Mining Law. Your help is needed to take the next step – securing more cosponsors in the U.S. Senate.

  The Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2009, S. 796, would not prohibit mining on public lands. The bill would end the unfair give-away of public resources and help ensure that mining takes place in a manner that protects crucial drinking water supplies and other natural resources, special places, fish and wildlife habitat, and the health and well-being of our communities.
  
  More specifically, the bill would:

  • Set a royalty on hardrock minerals taken from public lands, as is done for coal, oil and gas and other resources
    
  • Put special areas, such as National Forest Roadless Areas and Wild and Scenic River areas, off limits for new mining claims
    
  • Assure that mining operations do not adversely impact national parks
    
  • Establish environmental management and cleanup standards specific to hardrock mining
    
  • End the forced sale of public lands to mining claimholders
    
  • Set up a new program to fund clean up of abandoned mines
    
  •  Allow state and local elected officials to petition for protection of special areas needing protection

  The Senate bill, introduced by Senator Jeff Bingaman (NM), has three cosponsors – Senators Tom Udall (NM), Ron Wyden (OR), and Benjamin Cardin (MD).

  This important legislattion needs more support.
  

  Please ask your Senators to cosponsor the Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2009. If one of your Senators has already cosponsored this legislation, please thank him.

  It’s easy. Use our sample messages or personalize the messages with your own words.

• One size does not fit all when it comes to food safety

  Call or email your U.S. Senators to urge them to fix flawed Federal Food Safety Legislation (S.510) so it does not stall the newly emerging small businesses built around fresh, wholesome local foods, direct market farmers and small local processors processing local foods for local markets.
  
  WORC and its member organizations just delivered letters from a coalition of 21 grassroots farm, ranch, organic consumers and producers and holistic health organizations to 100 members of the U.S. Senate.

  The message to Senators is:

  One size does not fit all when it comes to food safety. Please amend S. 510 so it does not undermine small businesses involved in direct market farming and processing local foods for local markets.

  Read the letter and 2-page fact sheet.

• Protect Property Rights

  Tens of thousands of new oil, gas and coalbed methane wells have been drilled across the West, and many more planned. This energy development includes pipelines, roads, compression stations, transmission lines, wastewater ponds, and well pads.
   
  Much of this development occurs on "split estate land", where the landowner does not own the rights to the minerals beneath their land. The mineral owner has the right to develop the minerals and the landowner has limited ability to protect their private property. Too often, irresponsible oil and gas companies have polluted land and water, destroyed hay meadows, spread noxious weeds, disturbed farm or ranch operations, and devalued property.
  
  Contact your Senators and ask them to support federal legislation that would require

  • Notification of landowners before the government leases the oil and gas out from underneath them.
  • Negotiation between the energy company and the landowner to find the least intrusive ways to develop oil and gas located under the property owner’s land.
  • Fair compensation to the landowner for damages to his or her land.

  
  

• Protect the Clean Air Act

  The Clean Air Act is one of the best environmental and public health laws in the United States. The Clean Air Act has reduced smog and acid rain and improved public health. In 2000, almost all of the pollutants contributing to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards had decreased.

  There is simply no debate – the Clean Air Act is a wildly successful policy.
  
  In 2007, the Supreme Court affirmed that the Clean Air Act applies to global warming pollution. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency has proposed regulations to control global warming emissions.

  These new rules would apply only to very large polluters such as power plants, not to small sources like family farms.

  Unfortunately, Montana Senator Max Baucus is pushing for a major rollback of the Clean Air Act in the Senate climate change bill, S. 1733

  Unlike the House climate change bill, S. 1733 preserves key aspects of the Clean Air Act. New power plants or significant improvements to old plants would have to meet modern standards. Not only would this clean up the oldest and dirtiest power plants, but it would put renewable energy on even footing with 50 year old coal plants.
  
  Please email or call you Senators today and ask them to protect the existing provisions the Clean Air Act. You can use the suggested message to draft and send an email in your own words, if you wish.

• Senate Committee to act on food safety bill

  CALL members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and ask them to stand up for a healthy fresh local food alternatives to the highly concentrated and vertically integrated food system. S.510, the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, will be marked up next week and members need to get the message!
  
  Ask Senators to stand up for amending S.510 so that:

  1. Direct market farms (including those who sell direct to schools, restaurants and groceries, as well as farmers markets, farm stands and CSA’s) should be EXEMPTED from the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, so that Food and Drug Administration is not regulating farming practices or mandating record keeping for these small farms.
  2. Small local processors processing local products for local markets should be EXCLUDED from federal regulation by the FDA.

  Senate HELP Committee members  need to hear from you so that they know that any bill which gets to the Senate floor without protecting the viability of local foods will do a great disservice to the promising emergence of a healthy, wholesome new economic sector.   
  
  If your Senator is on the committee listed below, please call.

  S. 510 fact sheet and sign-on letter to Senate

  List of Senate HELP Committee Members

  Senator                             Phone                       Fax
  
  Democrats
  Tom Harkin (IA), 202-224-3254             No fax
  Chris Dodd (CT), 202-224-2823            Fax 202-224-1083
  Barbara Mikulski (MD), 202-224-4654   Fax 202-224-8858
  Jeff Bingaman (NM), 202-224-5521       No fax
  Patty Murray (WA), 202-224-2621        Fax 202-224-0238
  Jack Reed (RI), 202-224-4642              Fax 202-224-4680
  Bernie Sanders (VT), 202-224-5141      Fax 202-228-0776
  Sherrod Brown (OH), 202-224-2315      Fax 202-228-6321
  Bob Casey (PA), 202-224-6324            Fax 202-228-0604
  Kay Hagan (NC), 202-224-6342            Fax 202-228-2563
  Jeff Merkley (OR), 202-224-3753          Fax 202-228-3997
  Al Franken (MN), 202-224-5641           No fax
  Michael Bennet (CO), 202-224-5852     Fax 202-228-5036
  
   
  Republicans
  Mike Enzi (WY), 202-224-3424            Fax 202-228-0359
  Judd Gregg (NH), 202-224-3324           No fax
  Lamar Alexander (TN), 202-224-4944    Fax 202-228-3398
  Richard Burr (NC), 202-224-3154          Fax 202-228-2981
  Johnny Isakson (GA), 202-224-3643     Fax 202-228-0724
  Orrin Hatch (UT), 202-224-5251            Fax 202-224-6331
  Pat Roberts (KS), 202-224-4774           Fax 202-224-3514
  Tom Coburn (OK), 202-224-5754          Fax 202-224-6008
  Lisa Murkowski (AK), 202-224-6665      Fax 202-224-5301

• Act Now to Protect Grand Junction’s Riverfront

  The City of Grand Junction is accepting public comments for its draft Comprehensive Plan, and in Jaunary of 2010, the City Council will make its final decision.  The Comprehensive Plan is a master document which articulates the "VISION" for the City of Grand Junction and guides future landuse decisions (such as City Park construction).

  If you have a vision for Grand Junction, there isn't much time left to voice your thoughts!  WCC members have crafted a sample comment-letter for your consideration, but here are other ways for you to make a difference in your community:

  -Email your comments on the Draft Comprehensive Plan (click here to read more about it)

  -Call the Grand Junction City Council to voice your thoughts on the Plan ((970) 244-1504)

  -Attend the January 12, 2010 Public Hearing (click here for more info)

  -TELL A FRIEND!

• Tell the Obama Administration how agriculture monopolies affect you

  How is the lack of market competition in agriculture affecting you? What is the proper role of the federal government in making sure these markets work for farmers, ranchers, and consumers?
  
  That’s what the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Department of Justice (DOJ) want to know. These agencies are asking consumers, farmers, and ranchers to tell them what topics public workshops should explore next year on competition issues affecting the agriculture industry and the appropriate role for antitrust and regulatory enforcement of that industry.
  
  These joint USDA/DOJ workshops will be the first ever held to discuss agricultural market competition and regulatory issues, and will influence the course the Obama Administration takes on agricultural antitrust enforcement.
  
  Your comments are needed to ensure these workshops address the issues that impact rural America and your livelihood.

  What you can do

  • Send your comments and concerns about the lack of competition in agriculture and its impact on agriculture markets and farm gate prices.
  • Share your personal story of how lack of competition, mergers and concentration in agriculture affect you and your community.
  • Submit your comments by December 31, 2009.
    

  What you can say in your comments
  
  WORC is submitting comments covering these points:
  

  • Only three multi-national meat packers control over 90% of the beef slaughter market. They use this market power to manipulate contracts and drive down prices to livestock producers and drive up prices for consumers.
  • Multi-national seed corporations are putting our food system at risk because they’re allowed to patent seed and drive independent, conventional seed producers and farmers out of business through higher cost and fewer seed choices.
    
  • Because there are only a handful of corporations controlling our food supply across the spectrum of food production, mergers between these companies and the purchase of smaller companies by these giants are dangerous trends.
    
  • The hidden costs of corporate control unfairly distort the value of fresh local produce, meats, dairy and other foods, taking away consumers’ choices.
    
  • If any of these topics concern you, please let the agencies know and include specific comments about how these topics have affected you personally.
    

  How to Comment
  

  • Comment by email below. Text for the email is provided, but you can add to or change it to suit your comments.
    
  • Or, send two paper copies, by courier or overnight service, if possible, to the Legal Policy Section, Antitrust Division, U.S. Department of Justice, 450 5th Street, N.W., Suite 11700, Washington, D.C. 20001.
    

  Please note that USDA and DOJ will publically post all comments received.

• Don't let Senator Murkowski gut the Clean Air Act

  The Clean Air Act is one of the best environmental and public health laws in the United States. The Clean Air Act has reduced smog and acid rain and improved public health. In 2000, almost all of the pollutants contributing to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards had decreased.
  
  There is simply no debate – the Clean Air Act is a wildly successful policy.
  
  In 2007, the Supreme Court affirmed that the Clean Air Act applies to global warming pollution. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency has proposed regulations to control global warming emissions.
  
  These new rules would apply only to very large polluters such as power plants, not to small sources like family farms.
  
  Unfortunately, Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski is leading an effort in the Senate to block the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from enforcing provisions of the Clean Air Act that require cuts in greenhouse gas pollution.
  
  On January 20th, Senator Murkowski will offer an amendment to a public debt bill to delay action on global warming by a year or more, letting polluters off the hook and locking us in to continued use of dirty fossil fuels.
  
  We need strong environmental laws that protect public health and the environment, and speed our transition to a clean, renewable energy economy.
  
  Tell your Senators to oppose Murkowski’s attacks and support the Clean Air Act.

  You can use the suggested message for your email, or you can use your own words, if you wish.

• Voice your Thoughts on Piñon Ridge Uranium Mill Proposal!

  Upcoming Public Meeting on Uranium Mill
  

  Demonstrate your support for healthy communities, sustainable economies, and local agriculture by attending the meeting and expressing your thoughts on the proposal. 

  **Feb 17th at Montrose Pavilion, Time 6pm (1800 Pavilion Dr)

  **If you cannot attend the meeting, DON'T WORRY!  CDPHE has stated that it will consider verbal comments equally to written comments received at anytime during the 12-15 month permit process. 
  

  Here are a few points to consider:
  

  Colorado taxpayers have paid over $1 billion to clean up past uranium operations!  Some of those locations are Western Slope communities like Uravan, Durango, Gunnison, Rifle and Grand Junction--and our communities are still facing challenges from our radioactive past.
  

  All uranium operations in Colorado are (or have been) in violation of ground water contamination regulations. 
  

  Uranium from Montrose County is low-grade and deposits have over 90% "overburden," or un-usable waste rock.  These wastes can lead to heavy metal contamination in waterways, constant radiation exposure, and lands with limited use.
  

  Uranium prices fluctuate, mills shut down, and some don't re-open.  Western Colorado communities deserve stabile forms of economic growth.
  

  Energy Fuels lacks the financial stability to ensure responsiblity if something goes wrong, the number of proposed jobs has already been reduced, and  they have no intent of selling their product in the United States!
  

  An independent economic study recently conducted by the Sonoran Institute concluded that this mill would have negative economic impacts on the growing tourism and recreation industry of Southwest Colorado.
  

  WCC created a letter with points that we feel are worthy of CDPHE consideration, however, FEEL FREE to edit ours or craft your own!

• Protect human health and water - regulate coal ash

  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a rule to regulate coal ash as “hazardous”, setting federal standards for the first time. But the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has delayed release of EPA’s proposed rules that would protect human health and water resources.
  
  And only coal industry representatives have seen the proposed rule. So far, at least 21 industry lobbyists have meet with OMB to derail this important EPA action. This is the most visits on any issue OMB has considered.
  
  One year ago during his Inaugural Address, President Obama said he would restore science to its rightful place. Tell the White House OMB to restore science and release the EPA coal ash rule to the public.
  
  Coal ash contains a veritable smorgasbord of toxic material. Arsenic, mercury and lead are just a few of the contents of coal ash. To see a more complete list of chemicals and the effect on human health, look at the bottom portion of this article, Coal ash first real test of Obama commitment to health and safety regulation.
  
  We’ve seen what can happen if this waste is not disposed of safely. In 2008, a coal ash holding pond spilt across the Tennessee countryside, flooding an area 100 times larger than the Exxon Valdez spill.
  
  Colstrip, Montana has one of the largest coal ash ponds in the country. The pond holds nearly 1 million tons of coal ash, enough to cover 665 football fields with 6 feet of toxic sludge. Unfortunately, this pond was improperly lined and allowed coal ash toxins to contaminate the aquifer. The town’s water had been contaminated to the point where officials recommended not to use it for irrigating or drinking by humans or livestock.
  
  These disasters never should have happened. We need coal ash to be regulated as the hazardous material it is, with consistent, enforceable standards to prevent spills and leaks in the future.

  Please go to the White House website and tell the OMB to release the EPA coal ash rule and begin the process of regulating coal ash as hazardous.
  

• Make Sure Food Safety Legislation Does Not Shut Down Local Foods

  The Senate will soon consider far reaching, new federal food safety legislation that threatens to overwhelm small direct market farms and processors. The legislation, spurred by dangerous foodborne pathogens in long industrial food chains that have proven difficult to trace and remedy, fails to take into account the inherent accountability of the existing local and state regulatory framework that governs local food producers.

  Contact your Senators and ask them to vote for amendments to fix the FDA Federal Food Safety Modernization Act (S.510) so it does not take away one of the bright emerging spots in wholesome, healthy food and local jobs and income.
  

  Ask them to support amendments to remove direct market farms and direct market processors from S. 510.
  

  TAKE ACTION NOW!
  

  You can send the letter below to your Senators. Feel free to change the letter and add your own comments.
  

• Tell your Senators to protect clean air

  The Clean Air Act is one of the best environmental and public health laws in the United States. The Clean Air Act has reduced smog and acid rain and improved public health. In 2000, almost all of the pollutants contributing to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards had decreased.
  
  There is simply no debate – the Clean Air Act is a wildly successful policy.
  
  In 2007, the Supreme Court affirmed that the Clean Air Act applies to global warming pollution. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency has proposed regulations to control global warming emissions.
  
  These new rules would apply only to very large polluters such as power plants, not to small sources like family farms.
  
  Unfortunately, Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski is leading an effort in the Senate to block the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from enforcing provisions of the Clean Air Act that require cuts in greenhouse gas pollution.
  
  Senator Murkowski and others will try any day now to delay action on global warming by a year or more, letting polluters off the hook and locking us in to continued use of dirty fossil fuels.
  
  We need strong environmental laws that protect public health and the environment, and speed our transition to a clean, renewable energy economy.
  
  Tell your Senators to oppose Murkowski’s attacks and support the Clean Air Act.

  You can use the suggested message for your email, or you can use your own words, if you wish.