Dear Friend,
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) exists to protect our environment and keep our land, water, air, and health safe.
But when the EPA's own scientists found evidence that fracking was contaminating water, the EPA stopped or slowed down its scientists' work in three states.1
Why would the EPA back away from its own science?
Simple. Fierce pressure from industry and politicians interfering at every step—from a former Democratic governor reportedly hired by drilling industries to pressure the agency, to a U.S. Senator delaying scientists by demanding constant financial reports, even asking how many dollars were spent on individual lab tests.2
As the fracking boom continues, the EPA can expect even more interference. We can't sit by and watch. We're looking for 750 new UCS members to stand up this month to help counter misinformation, demand accountability, protect whistleblowers, and defend our health.
WHAT THE UNION OF CONCERNED SCIENTISTS IS DOING:
Stopping the attacks on clean vehicles. The Obama administration has proposed aggressive reductions in vehicle pollutants, but the oil and gas industry is trying to stall them, spreading misinformation about the costs of cleaner fuels.3UCS's efforts have already generated more than 50,000 letters this year to the EPA and Congress from members and supporters on the issue.
Fighting back against Big Coal. Coal companies and Fox News are up in arms about the Obama administration's proposed carbon standards, which would finally retire most of the oldest coal-fired plants. As climate deniers spread misinformation about a "War on Coal," UCS members and experts are spreading the facts about clean energy's environmental and economic benefits—while pushing the Obama Administration to stand strong.4
We're also making waves with our groundbreaking Ripe for Retirement report, which makes the economic case for closing 353 coal-fired power plants. Since November, when we released our first report, 45 plants already have been slated for closure—we're on the right track!
Whether it's fracking, vehicle pollution, or coal, the Obama Administration and the EPA are often ready to do the right thing—but they need vocal support from scientists and the public at large. They need people like you to refute lies from the fossil fuel industry and fact-denying politicians. They need you to counteract the millions of dollars being spent to convince the public that a future with clean energy isn't possible.
Help make sure all of our leaders—friend and foe—put science first in the national conversation about our energy and our health.
1. http://www.propublica.org/article/epas-abandoned-wyoming-fracking-study-one-retreat-of-many
2. Ibid.
3. http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/03/29/17518351-epa-proposes-tighter-fuel-emissions-standards-could-push-price-of-gas-higher?lite
4. http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2013/06/25/obama-declares-war-on-coal/
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