Environmental

Documentary Unveils PFAS Crisis as Key Legal Battles Loom: A Call to Action for Environmental Health

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Harrisburg, Pennsylvania — The ongoing fight against per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often termed "forever chemicals," drew significant attention at the MTMP Spring 2025 Mass Torts Track session. The event kicked off with a screening of the documentary How to Poison a Planet, which explores the far-reaching impact of PFAS contamination, deemed one of the most pressing environmental crises of our time. Directed by Katrina McGowan, the film sheds light on the extensive pollution linked to PFAS and the actions of major chemical manufacturers like 3M and DuPont in contributing to this issue while allegedly … Read more

DHS Fast-Tracks Border Wall Construction in Arizona and New Mexico with New Waivers Ignoring Environmental Laws

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The Department of Homeland Security has taken significant steps to expedite border wall construction in Arizona and New Mexico by issuing three new waivers affecting approximately 36 miles of the project. These waivers, approved by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, allow the agency to sidestep certain environmental regulations to facilitate the building process. The waivers enable the Department to bypass laws such as the National Environmental Policy Act, which is designed to ensure thorough environmental assessments. By using this authority, DHS aims to minimize potential administrative delays in constructing physical barriers and related infrastructure at the … Read more

Environmental Groups Uncover Major Noncompliance: 30 Million Pounds of Chemicals Injected Without Disclosure in Colorado Fracking Operations

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DENVER — A recent report from environmental advocacy organizations has raised alarms about oil and gas companies allegedly failing to comply with a Colorado law mandating the disclosure of chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing and drilling. This analysis suggests that nearly 30 million pounds of undisclosed chemicals have likely been injected into the ground across Colorado over the past 21 months. The report, released on May 20 by Physicians for Social Responsibility, Physicians for Social Responsibility Colorado, the FracTracker Alliance, and the Colorado Sierra Club, highlights significant noncompliance among operators, with Chevron and its subsidiaries … Read more

Environmental Group Moves to Sue Federal Government Over Manatee Protection at Crystal River Refuge

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CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — An environmental advocacy group has initiated legal proceedings against the federal government, aiming to bolster protections for manatees within the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. The Center for Biological Diversity submitted a formal notice alleging that inadequate staffing compromises the refuge’s ability to protect these endangered marine mammals, especially during the harsh winter months. According to the group, the refuge is critical for approximately 20 percent of Florida’s manatee population, offering warm-water springs and abundant vegetation as refuge during colder weather. The notice highlights concerns over what the group terms “take,” … Read more