2003 Press Releases

October 9th, 2003: Senate Takes Action to Protect Michigan from Waste

With bipartisan support, the Michigan Senate today passed a package of bills that address landfill concerns in Michigan. "These bills are the first positive steps in years to address our concerns about solid waste management practices and Michigan’s dismal recycling rate," said James Clift, Policy Director of the Michigan Environmental Council. "We’re pleased with both the breadth of the package and the bipartisan effort to work on solutions to this problem."

July 23, 2003: Automobile Industry Largest Source of Lead Pollution Today

The use of lead in cars accounts for the largest remaining source of lead pollution, finds a new report released today. Getting the Lead Out: Impacts of and Alternatives for Automotive Lead Uses, jointly released by the Michigan-based Ecology Center and New York-based Environmental Defense, documents the release of lead into the environment resulting from automobile manufacturing, use, and disposal. "Automobiles are responsible for a majority of lead pollution in North America, or approximately 16 pounds of lead per vehicle over its lifetime" said Jeff Gearhart, report author and Clean Car Campaign Research Director for the Ecology Center.

May 23, 2003: Michigan Groups Blast Rumored Choice of Engler to Head EPA

In the wake of the resignation of EPA Administrator Christine Todd Whitman, twenty seven Michigan environmental groups again warned President George W. Bush not to appoint former Governor John Engler as Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, saying that Engler is "unfit for duty" and his appointment would underscore a perceived "contempt" for environment.

May 8, 2003: Confrontation Between Survivors of Bhopal Disaster and Industry Executives

Eight days into an indefinite fast, two women survivors of the world’s worst chemical disaster in Bhopal India brought the disaster home to top executives of Dow Chemical, Union Carbide’s new owners. The survivors addressed Dow shareholders and leadership at Dow’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), demanding that the company take responsibility for the health consequences and environmental impacts of their operations.

April 27, 2003: 2003 Earth Day Festival at Ann Arbor Farmer's Market

After ten years, Ann Arbor’s Earth Day Festival is moving to the Ann Arbor Farmers Market in the Kerrytown District on Sunday, April 27 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. The public is invited to celebrate the urban environment with free entertainment, displays and hands-on activities for all ages. Over 100 exhibit areas will feature nonprofit environmental organizations, area artisans and vendors of Earth-friendly products.

April 14, 2003: Global Warming Will Alter Character of Great Lakes Region

A comprehensive new study by a team of leading scientists from Midwest universities and Canada examines the potential impacts of climate change upon the various ecosystems in the Great Lakes Region. The two-year study represents the current state of scientific knowledge about the potential regional impacts of climate change, which is caused principally by carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, vehicles, and clearing forests.

April 14, 2003: Join the Ecology Center for a Benefit Concert with Nicola Gordon

This concert will be a fun way for you to show your support for the Ecology Center! The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Arbor Brewing Company (116 E Washington, Ann Arbor). Ttickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students, and kids under 12 are free. All proceeds benefit the Ecology Center.

April 7, 2003: 90% of Michigan Voters Support Phase Out of Persistent Toxic Chemicals

New polling data released today shows that nearly two-thirds of the voters in states, including Michigan, in different regions of the U.S. are highly concerned about the unique dangers posed by persistent toxic chemicals in our air, water, land and food. "This survey demonstrates that Michigan residents are keenly aware of the health threats associated with persistent toxic chemicals in the environment, and strongly support efforts to reduce their production and release," said Mary Beth Doyle of the Ecology Center.

April 5, 2003: Indecent Acts – Demanding Corporate Accountability Conference

Activists working to hold Dow Chemical accountable for its effects on the environment and public health will converge with students and concerned community members on April 5 for a conference on corporate accountability at the University of Michigan. Conference attendees will learn about how corporations impact our health and the environment. Five student organizations at the University of Michigan and four environmental groups, including the Ecology Center, are co-sponsoring the conference.

April 4, 2003: All are Invited to a Brown-bag Lecture and Discussion with Sheldon Rampton

Editor of PR Watch and co-author of "Trust us, We're Experts: How Industry Manipulates Science and Gambles with Your Future" and "Toxic Sludge is Good for You" speaks on April 4 at MSU. This Ecology Center event is free and the public is welcome.

April 1, 2003: Is It True? Or April Fools? PR Firm Says Toronto Trash Is Good For You!

LANSING-A coalition of environmental groups, including the Ecology Center, protested on April 1 outside a Lansing public relations firm's headquarters in an April Fools Day event aimed at exposing the Canadian waste industry's attempts to fool Michigan residents into accepting imported trash.

February 19, 2003: New Book Ranks Greenest 2003 Cars and SUVs

American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has released the new ACEEE's Green Book®: The Environmental Guide to Cars & Trucks - Model Year 2003. The guide helps consumers compare vehicles on the basis of a "Green Score," a measure that incorporates fuel consumption and air pollution, including both unhealthy tailpipe emissions and the emissions of gases that cause global warming.

February 10, 2003: Major New 'Don't Trash Michigan' Campaign Launched

Nearly two dozen Michigan environmental organizations, community and religious groups will unveil a comprehensive campaign to curb out-of-state trash and empower local communities to take measures toward a cleaner, greener Michigan.

February 6, 2003: President's "Freedom Car" Plan Does Nothing to Address Current Fuel Economy

Lansing, MI--Today, as President Bush reiterated his call for a hydrogen-powered "Freedom Car," Michigan environmentalists fear his announcement is more empty promises from the administration and domestic automakers.

January 3 , 2003: Hybrids Can Revolutionize Roads with 60 MPG Cars and Trucks (But Automakers Can't Skimp on Technology)

America's cars and trucks can reach an average of 60 miles per gallon by the end of the next decade if automakers use the best hybrid vehicle technologies and mass-produce them fleet-wide, according to a new report released today by the Union of concerned Scientists.

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