March 2024 ENews

Urge the EPA to Stop Slaughterhouse Pollution

The slaughterhouse industry is at the top of the list of polluting industries. For nearly 20 years, and even longer for smaller plants, the EPA has not updated pollution regulations for these facilities. Pollution from slaughterhouse and rendering facilities contributes to toxic algal outbreaks, fish kills, dead zones, drinking water contamination and fecal bacteria that can make swimmers sick. More than 60 million Americans live downstream from where slaughterhouses dump their pollution into our waterways, including millions in our region. EPA’s own analysis shows that these facilities exacerbate environmental injustice by disproportionately harming vulnerable and under-resourced communities and communities of color.

Waterkeepers Chesapeake joined a coalition of groups to file a lawsuit that resulted in the EPA issuing new proposed regulations. Unfortunately, the proposed option falls short of the pollution reductions our rivers and communities deserve and the Clean Water Act demands.

We urge you to take action by March 25 to ask the EPA to adopt the strongest option that would reduce more than three times as much pollution than the option they proposed.

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Call on Maryland to Pass the Clean Water Justice Act

Clean water for drinking, swimming, and fishing should be guaranteed. Unfortunately, the U.S. Supreme Court recently weakened the Clean Water Act by removing federal protections for a majority of streams and wetlands. Now communities rely on state laws more than ever to protect clean water. Fortunately, Maryland already has strong water protection laws. But unlike at the federal level, in Maryland, there is no right for communities to file lawsuits to enforce the state law.

We are calling on Maryland state legislators to ensure that communities maintain their ability to keep their waters safe by passing the Clean Water Justice Act. The Clean Water Justice Act allows communities harmed by illegal water pollution to enforce Maryland’s clean water laws in state court. This access to the courts is crucial, because a law is only meaningful when it is enforced.

Marylanders, we urge you to sign the petition to help pass the Clean Water Justice Act!

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Job Notice: Director of Advocacy & Member Support

We are seeking an experienced policy advocate with a passion for coalition building to support action plans centered on protecting communities and local waterways from pollution. The Director of Advocacy & Member Support develops and implements state and regional campaigns that include legal and policy strategies to secure swimmable, fishable, and drinkable waters throughout the region. The position supports our 17 Waterkeepers in leveraging their power to achieve collective impact in the fight for clean water that protects communities, rivers, and streams. We seek an experienced candidate who values environmental protection, and who is committed to centering racial justice at the intersection of water protection, access, and equity. Apply here.

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MOM’s Organic Market 5% Day – April 10

Mark your calendar to visit your local MOM’s Organic Market on Wednesday, April 10! On this 5% Day, your shopping dollars at 12 stores in Maryland, DC and Virginia will benefit Waterkeepers Chesapeake, Gunpowder Riverkeeper, Patuxent Riverkeeper, Anacostia Riverkeeper, Baltimore Harbor Waterkeeper and Potomac Riverkeeper Network.

Stock up and support clean water!

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Thank You, Devora

For the past couple of years, we have benefited from Devora Kimelman-Block’s regenerative agriculture expertise, first as a consultant and then as our Agriculture Policy Specialist. Devora devoted a keen sense of curiosity and creativity as she explored and supported collaboration with our Waterkeepers and the farming community to uplift climate-smart agriculture practices. Devora’s position came to an end in January. We look forward to having her continue applying her energy to improving our soils, water and climate.

Clean Water Act Playbook

We developed the Clean Water Act Playbook for Frontline Communities for communities that have experienced and continue to experience environmental racism. It offers easy online access to the Clean Water Act’s tools and resources to enforce the law when government fails to do so. We invite you to explore the Playbook and share it with groups and communities who could benefit from this open resource.