Press Releases, 2003
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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