In support of the federal Safer Beauty Bills package, Jordana Vanderselt was quoted in Consumer Reports, Caller Times, and the Tease. “Studies show that women of color, and Black women in particular, face greater exposure to these toxic chemicals due to racist beauty standards –on top of already being exposed to more toxic chemicals in their everyday lives,” said Vanderselt. “That is why we support the Federal Safer Beauty Bill Package, which will remove many of these dangerous chemicals from products, improve transparency with regard to product labels and the supply chain, and increase awareness and protection for salon workers – many of whom are women of color.”
In advance of today’s hearing on our lawsuit with Citizen Action of New York, Earthjustice, PUSH Buffalo, and Sierra Club against New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for failing to issue regulations to ensure the State meets the emissions-reduction targets established by the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act of 2019, Eric Walker raised concern in NY Focus about the DEC’s request for lenience. “The administrative agency is asking for a free pass to essentially bypass the mandate of the people to the legislature and the administration,” Walker said. “This is really scary territory that we’re in.”
Our Out of Gas, In with Justice pilot project continues to make news more than two years after we released our findings! A Chowhound article that touted the superior performance of inductions stoves over gas stoves also cited our study that found gas stoves emit harmful indoor air pollution. "According to the U.S. Department of Energy, induction ovens are more energy-efficient than electric and gas stoves, meaning you may save more on power bills. Induction is also cleaner than gas, which releases pollutants linked to childhood asthma. A report by WE ACT for Environmental Justice found that gas ranges emitted more nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide than induction, noting that this was a point of concern for groups disproportionately affected by respiratory diseases."
After six months of relentless attacks on environmental justice, we are happy to share some good news. Governor Wes Moore of Maryland signed an executive order to advance environmental justice, and WE ACT Co-Founder Vernice Miller-Travis (below, far right) spoke at the ceremony, with coverage appearing in Progressive Maryland, Nottingham MD, and other outlets. “I witnessed Governor Moore’s inauguration, where he talked about the opportunity to lead with love. Today we are gathered here to watch our governor breathe life into those words once again as he signs this historic executive order on environmental justice,” said Miller-Travis. “This is the first of what I anticipate will be many steps down the path toward achieving environmental justice for all who call our state home.”
