A look back at what our unique network accomplished in 2023
Here are 10 examples of how our advocates won positive results for the public and the planet in 2023.
Clean water
If we want a greener, healthier world we need to protect our rivers, lakes and streams.
Clean water is vital to ecosystems, to our health, and our quality of life. But too many of our rivers, lakes and streams are vulnerable to pollution. This pollution, along with outdated infrastructure – like lead pipes in our schools – puts our health at risk. We need to work together to protect our waters.
The Latest on Clean water
Statement: EPA tells power plants to clean up their act
Statement: White House launches new effort to protect clean water
Updates
Report: Over 1 million pounds of toxic chemicals dumped in Oregon’s waterways
Two more states take action to limit lead in schools’ drinking water
What You Can Do
Featured Resources
Good intentions, bad outcomes. Six ways impervious surfaces harm our cities and the environment
Safe for Swimming?
The Threat of “Forever Chemicals”
Who are the top toxic water polluters in your state?
The Latest
New report: Microplastics found in 100 percent of tested Oregon waterways, including Crater Lake
At 30 waterways tested across Oregon, microplastic contamination was found in every spot -- from the rivers that flow through our biggest urban centers to the state’s most remote and treasured waterways like Crater Lake.
Groups issue new toolkit on lead in school’s drinking water
With the bipartisan infrastructure bill now signed into law, Environment America Research & Policy Center (Environment America's research partner) and U.S. PIRG Education Fund (PIRG's research partner) released a new toolkit for parents and community leaders on Tuesday on how to get the lead out of schools’ drinking water. The infrastructure bill includes $200 million for schools to conduct lead reduction efforts.
EPA’s PFAS plan would limit toxic chemicals, but falls short of phase out
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched a new plan on Monday to deal with toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances that are linked to serious health risks, including liver damage, birth defects and cancer.
Thousands urge EPA to protect waterways from pollution
Nearly 30,000 people are urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to end the dumping of PFAS chemicals, and thousands more are telling the agency to dramatically reduce pollution from slaughterhouses. Environment America Research & Policy Center and U.S. PIRG Education Fund submitted comments from these individuals to the EPA Thursday as the agency considers updating pollution control standards, which is required by the Clean Water Act. The groups are also calling on the EPA to strengthen standards for other industrial sources -- including power plants and refineries.
Pathogens pose risk at 18 Oregon beaches
With Oregonians returning to local beaches this summer, a new report warns that more work is needed to ensure that all waters are safe for swimming. In 2020, 18 Oregon beaches were potentially unsafe for swimming on at least one day, according to Safe for Swimming? - Environment Oregon Research & Policy Center's annual analysis of bacteria testing. The report comes as Congress considers investments in water infrastructure.