The Public Interest Networks Environment America, PIRG and PIRG work together on multiple campaigns to ensure that our country’s policies and practices make the world safer, cleaner, and more comfortable for all. This newsletter highlights the latest environmental news, both from our work and others. If you have suggestions or comments, please email Arielle Ostry ([email protected]) or Josh Chetwynd ([email protected]).
Bipartisan infrastructure bill becomes law
After months of negotiations the House passed the Bipartisan infrastructure framework and President Joe Biden signed it into law. It includes key investments in water infrastructure, electric vehicle charging networks, and energy efficiency programs.
Clean energy investments total $73million, $55billion for water infrastructure projects, and $7.5billion for EV charging.
Wendy Wendlandt (President of Environment Americas) stated that the infrastructure we create has a long-term impact on our health, and the environment. Every American wants clean air to breathe and clean water to drink. There are many ways to get around.
Apple reverses ban to sell parts to consumers
Apple products users will now have access to parts, instructions, and software to repair their electronics. This is a win for the right-to–repair movement. This new initiative is not only a win for the right-to-repair movement, but it also provides consumers with access to the parts, instructions and software they need to fix their broken electronics. self-service repairWhile the program isn’t as comprehensive as the reforms suggested by advocates in over a dozen state legislatures in the past year but the move on Apples’ part is certainly a step forward.
Apple’s efforts to provide consumers with the tools and knowledge to fix electronic waste will slow its growth. Electronic waste is accumulating in landfills and polluting the environment.
“Our coalition consisting of fixers, tinkerers repair shops, DIYers, tinkerers, fixers, and consumer advocates has forced one world’s largest companies to make a change for the better. Nathan ProctorU.S. PIRGs senior Right to Repair director. It’s a win-win for repair shops, consumers, and the planet.
Biden proposes drilling ban for Chaco Canyon
Biden announced the first steps in instituting an initial 20-year ban of oil drilling in New Mexico’s Chaco Canyon. This announcement comes after his administration’s efforts to protect other national monuments such as Bears Ears, Grand Staircase-Escalante and Grand Staircase.
Chaco Canyon is home to many indigenous people. It is considered a biodiversity center that supports a wide range of species. Microclimates.
This is a great day for local tribes and communities. They can rest easier knowing that drilling equipment is not going to ruin what remains of the landscape. Virginia Carter, Environment America public land campaign associate, stated that this is a positive day. This ban will allow archaeologists and future generations of wildlife more time to study the area.
What else were we celebrating:
-
More habitat for the spotted Owl: Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). AnnouncementThey will be reversing a Trump-era ruling which severely reduced the land that was designated as critical habitat for endangered spotted owls. The northern spotted Owls’ critical habitat will now be 9.4 million acres.
-
New bill introduced to address the problem of deforestation: U.S. House Minority Leader StenyHoyer introduced new legislation to restore forests and combat climate change. The bill would create a $9 billion fund to fight global warming caused by deforestation. This would eliminate an estimated 180 tons of carbon each year.
-
Vineyard Wind I construction is underway: America’s first ever commercial-scale offshore wind farm was built this month. This opens the door to more offshore wind projects. The 62-turbine farm generates 800 megawatts annually of electricity, enough to power more that 400,000 American homes.
-
Protections for multiple turtle species: In the United States, the FWS began to provide endangered species protections to five map-tortoise species. This group includes the Pearl River Map Turtle. Map turtles are well-known because of the maps-like markings on their shells. They are vulnerable to poaching and have been threatened by nearby reservoir projects.
Looking for even more uplifting environmental content?
Environment America also offers the Greener Together project. The project aims at strengthening our connection with nature and each other. The initiative includes fun activities, engaging events, and helpful guides both for children and adults.
###
Environment America is a network of affiliates in 29 US states. Our members and staff work together to protect the places we love and advance the environmental values that we all share. We also achieve real results for the environment.
