Media Releases
Anglo American’s Pebble Mine Poses High Risks for Investors
Earthworks
February 22, 2012
Viability of Pebble mine project questioned as legal, political, and engineering challenges mount
WASHINGTON, DC—A new investor advisory released today raises significant questions about the serious risks associated with Anglo American plc’s (LSE: AAL, JSE: ANGLO) Pebble mine project in southwest Alaska. The advisory details the growing list of regulatory, legal, engineering, and political challenges facing the London-based mining giant as it struggles to secure permits for the controversial gold-copper mine planned for the headwaters of Bristol Bay, the world’s biggest wild sockeye salmon fishery.
The Pebble mine project in southwest Alaska is a 50-50 joint venture between London-based Anglo American plc and Canada-based Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. known as the Pebble Limited Partnership. The report points to the dramatic drop in share price over the last year at Northern Dynasty Ltd. - whose only project is the Pebble Mine – as evidence of the lack of confidence in the Pebble project. The company’s share price has dropped by more than half – from $20 a share in February 2011 to less than $10 a share in January 2012.
Tagged with: alaska, bristol bay, anglo american, pebble mine, investor risk, investors, northern dynasty, trillium
This Valentine’s Day, over 80 jewelry retailers make a lasting commitment to clean up dirty metals
Earthworks
February 14, 2012
Macy’s and Costco continue dodge responsibility, falling behind industry standard
WASHINGTON, DC: Over 80 jewelry retailers from around the world, including 8 of the top 10 US retailers, have committed to cleaning up dirty metals by signing the No Dirty Gold campaign’s “Golden Rules” for more responsible metals sourcing. This is good news for consumers, the environment, and the communities who live with metals mining – the largest toxic polluter in the U.S. Unfortunately, two companies, Macy’s and Costco, among the top 10 US jewelry retailers, lag behind and have yet to meaningfully commit to cleaning up their gold supply chain.
“Dirty gold must become a thing of the past,” said No Dirty Gold campaign director Payal Sampat. She continued, “No one wants their Valentine’s Day jewelry tainted with human rights abuses or toxic pollution. But this can’t happen unless companies like Macy’s commit to cleaning up their supply chains and sign the Golden Rules. ”
Tagged with: jewelry retailers, golden rules, no dirty gold, costco, macys, valentines day
PA Senate and House vote for preemption of municipal zoning to favor gas drilling and operations; Industry interests dominate the public interest
Clean Water Action, Conservation Voters of PA, Delaware Riverkeeper Network, Earthworks, PennEnvironment, Sierra Club PA Chapter
February 8, 2012
Yesterday in the Senate and today in the House, the Pennsylvania legislature voted in favor of HB1950, a compromise gas development bill that was hammered out behind closed doors under the heavy hand of Governor Tom Corbett. Under the guise of providing “impact fees” to municipalities where gas operations occur, the legislature effectively supported a takeover of municipalities by the State and the gas industry by gutting established and effective local planning and zoning rights.
Through provisions contained in the bill, municipalities will no longer be able to play a central, critical role in protecting the health, safety, and welfare of residents and determining which uses of land are most beneficial.
Tagged with: pennsylvania, regulations, zoning, municipalities, hb 1950
President Obama promotes environmentally safe natural gas despite lack of supporting science
Earthworks
January 24, 2012
“In tonight’s State of the Union speech, President Obama promoted increased, environmentally safe natural gas production to meet our nation’s energy needs. President Obama is right that we don’t have trade energy production for the environment, but only if we wait for the science necessary to make informed decisions about how, where and whether to drill.
But his statement tonight made no mention of a growing body of evidence that drilling has serious known consequences, and much of those impacts have yet to be studied. Promoting gas production in the face of such evidence effectively prioritizes the profits of the oil and gas industry over the communities’ health, their drinking water, and the environment.
Tagged with: fracking, hydraulic fracturing, president obama, state of the union, science advisory board
Groups denounce attack on EPA investigation of hydraulic fracturing contamination
Earthworks
January 17, 2012
State & industry previously refused investigation of Pavillion-area drinking water wells
JOINT RELEASE: Earthworks’ Oil & Gas Accountability Project * Powder River Basin Resource Council * Pavillion Area Concerned Citizens
Pavillion, Wyoming, Jan 17 – Pavillion Area Concerned Citizens (PACC) today denounced attacks from the oil and gas industry and the state of Wyoming in a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency regarding its investigation of contaminated drinking water wells in Pavillion, Wyoming. EPA test results show that hazardous chemicals, commonly used in oil and gas development, contaminated the wells.
Powder River Basin Resource Council and Earthworks’ Oil and Gas Accountability Project applauded PACC for its letter and today launched a national sign on letter campaign urging the EPA to continue with its rigorous investigation and to identify the cause of the contamination.
Tagged with: epa, water pollution, drinking water, wyoming, pavillion
Obama Administration Finalizes Million Acre Ban on Mining Near Grand Canyon
Earthworks
January 9, 2012
Barring Congressional Action, National Park Protected From Uranium Mining
WASHINGTON – After a nearly four-year battle to safeguard the Grand Canyon, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced today that the area surrounding the National Park would be protected from new mining for 20 years. Conservation organizations across the country applauded the Obama administration for taking action, while recognizing the important leadership role Congressman Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) has played in protecting this national treasure.
Tagged with: uranium, grand canyon, interior department, ken salazar
EPA: Metal Mining Industry Nation’s Top Toxic Polluter
Earthworks
January 6, 2012
Federal loopholes still allow oil and gas industry to hide its hazardous chemicals from the national Toxics Release Inventory
Jan 6th, Washington, D.C. -- Yesterday the Environmental Protection Agency released its complete analysis of the most recent Toxics Release Inventory data. The analysis – of data publicly released in October 2011 – indicates that, as with every year since the metal mining industry was required to report in 1997, the metal mining industry is the nation's largest toxic polluter: 41% of all reported toxics in 2010, or 1.6 billion pounds.
But perhaps the most significant toxics releases are those not included – across metal mining and oil & gas production.
Tagged with: mining, oil and gas, regulation, disclosure, loopholes, toxics release inventory
Conservation Organizations Question Legality of SRBC Actions
American Rivers | Earthworks | Sierra Club PA
December 22, 2011
Seven conservation and environmental groups have sent a letter to the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC), asking the Commissioners to reconvene for the purposes of completing its meeting held on December 15 and pointing out that the Commission’s approval of 26 water withdrawal permits for shale gas development projects is not legal because it occurred after the meeting was adjourned.
Last week, the Commission hastily adjourned its meeting in Wilkes- Barre, after a group of citizens disrupted the meeting. The complete text of the letter follows at the bottom of this release.
The SRBC held its December 15 meeting to consider a series of natural gas drilling water withdrawal applications. In response to some outspoken members of the public, the meeting was adjourned; then, after adjourning, theCommissioners proceeded to vote off the record to approve the water withdrawal applications.
By adjourning the meeting prematurely, the SRBC prevented the testimony of non-protesting members of the public who wished to testify on the individual water withdrawals. Effectively, the SRBC’s action penalized the entire public for the actions of a few individuals and violated the SRBC’s own rules.
Tagged with: fracking, hydraulic fracturing, regulations, susquehanna river basin commission, water withdrawal, permitting
Human Rights Assessment of Hydraulic Fracturing for Natural Gas Raises Liability Concerns for New York
Earthworks
December 12, 2011
WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 – A new human rights report details for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation specific ways in which hydraulic fracturing threatens to compromise international human rights norms. Commissioned by Earthworks' Oil and Gas Accountability Project, the report evaluates the production process known as hydraulic fracturing in relation to widely accepted international human rights norms.
Tagged with: hydraulic fracturing, oil and gas, human rights, new york, environmental and human rights advisry
What’s in Macy’s Stocking? A Lump of Dirty Gold
Earthworks
December 1, 2011
WASHINGTON, Dec. 1 – This holiday season, Macy’s could give its customers a gift: the assurance that the jewelry they buy comes from responsible gold mining. Instead, Macy’s remains one of the last major retailers that has yet to sign the No Dirty Gold Campaign’s Golden Rules, a set of social, human rights and environmental criteria for mining gold and other precious metals.
The No Dirty Gold Campaign, led by Earthworks, an international mining reform group, says Macy’s is turning a blind eye toward the abuses associated with irresponsible gold mining, while potentially selling gold tainted with those abuses. The department store chain, which includes Bloomingdale’s, is the eighth-largest retailer of gold jewelry in the United States, and one of the last major jewelry retailers to fail to sign the Golden Rules. Thus far, 80 retailers, including Target, Tiffany, Sears and Helzberg, have committed to these criteria.
Tagged with: gold, golden rules, no dirty gold, jewelry, macys
Statement by Jennifer Krill, Executive Director of Earthworks, regarding Newmont Mining’s Suspension of the Conga Mine development in Peru:
Earthworks
December 1, 2011
“Earthworks welcomes this week's decision by Newmont Mining Co. to suspend the development of its controversial Conga mine in northern Peru at the request of President Ollanta Humala. The Minas Conga development has been at the center of many weeks of protests by community members and elected officials who are concerned about the project’s impacts on the environment, water supplies, health and livelihoods. The project is a partnership between Newmont, Peruvian company Buenaventura, and the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC).
We urge the company, government and communities to open up a meaningful dialogue process that is undertaken in good faith. We also encourage all parties at the table to take the necessary time to build trust and address concerns.
Tagged with: newmont, peru, no dirty gold, fpic, conga
Carlson, Hawthorn and Ingraffea Join Board of Earthworks
Earthworks
November 22, 2011
WASHINGTON, Nov. 22 – Earthworks, an international organization that campaigns to protect communities from the impacts of mining and oil and gas extraction, announces the addition of three distinguished experts to its Board of Directors: Cathy Carlson, Paula Hawthorn, Ph.D., and Anthony Ingraffea, Ph.D., P.E.
Tagged with: mining, oil and gas, earthworks board, cathy carlson, paula hawthorn, tony ingraffea
As Mining Profits Soar, Time for Mining Companies to Pay Royalties and Curb Pollution
Earthworks
November 17, 2011
WASHINGTON, Nov. 17 – Prices for precious metals are soaring, but the hardrock mining industry remains exempt from paying royalties for the riches it extracts from U.S. public lands, and from paying to cleanup the pollution from abandoned mines. Legislation to make the mining industry pay its share and clean up its messes was welcomed today by Western communities who live daily with the impacts of mining.
"With record-high metals prices and skyrocketing industry profits, it’s time for mining companies to pay their fair share,” said Lauren Pagel, policy director for Earthworks. “Reform of America’s antiquated mining laws to protect water resources, fund cleanup of abandoned mines, put special places off-limits to mining and make the industry pay taxpayers what we are owed is long overdue.”
Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA), ranking Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, introduced a large package of bills today to make sure the oil, gas and mining industries pay their fare share. A key component of this comprehensive legislation would overhaul the General Mining Law of 1872, which allows mining of gold, copper, uranium and other metals virtually anywhere on Western public lands, with few environmental safeguards and no return to the taxpayers. Hardrock mining is the only industry that extracts resources from public lands that does not pay federal royalties.
Tagged with: regulation, 1872 mining law, subsidies, abandoned mine fee, abandoned mine cleanup, rep. ed markey
Alaskans: Why Won’t Kay and Jared Jewelers Pledge to Shun Anglo’s Dirty Gold?
Earthworks
November 14, 2011
DILLINGHAM, Alaska, Nov. 14 -- In the weeks leading up to Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year, Alaskans are asking Signet, the world's largest jewelry corporation, to promise not to use gold from the proposed Pebble Mine -- a massive copper gold mine that threatens the world's most valuable wild salmon fishery.
Alaska Natives, commercial fishermen, and mining reform group Earthworks have turned the spotlight on to the world's largest jeweler: Signet, parent company of the retail chains Kay Jewelers and Jared the Galleria, with a full-page ad (PDF) in the Western edition of The New York Times.
Tagged with: pebble, bristol bay pledge, our bristol bay, kay jewelers, signet jewelers, jared jewelers
EPA: Oil & Gas Industry Must Report Emissions of Air Toxin From Drilling and Refining
Earthworks
November 4, 2011
WASHINGTON, Nov. 4 -- Earthworks welcomed the news that after 17 years, the EPA ordered oil and gas companies to resume publicly disclosing releases of hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas often emitted from drilling rigs and refineries.
Beginning next year, hydrogen sulfide emissions must again be reported to the Toxics Release Inventory, a federal database that allows Americans to find out what hazardous chemicals are being released in their communities, Nationwide, communities have not only used the TRI to learn about chemical releases in their neighborhoods, but to campaign for tighter regulations and health protections.
Tagged with: epa, drilling, toxics release inventory, hydrogen sulfide
Envelope Please: Earthworks’ No Dirty Gold Wins Top Honor at the BENNY Awards
Earthworks
October 20, 2011
SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 20 – No Dirty Gold, a campaign by Earthworks to get jewelry retailers to reject irresponsibly mined precious metals, took top honors at the 2011 BENNY Awards, given for outstanding achievement in advancing corporate ethics.
The awards were announced this week by the Business Ethics Network, which since 1995 has honored victories in corporate campaigns by non-profit activist groups. No Dirty Gold not only won the 2011 BENNY from Business Ethics Network’s judges, but also the People’s Choice Award, determined by popular vote conducted online.
Tagged with: no dirty gold, jewelry, target, business ethics network
Alaskans say no to Pebble Mine—but don’t expect Anglo American to tell you about it
Earthworks
October 20, 2011
DILLINGHAM, Alaska, Oct. 20 -- This week, voters in the Bristol Bay region said no to Anglo American plc's plans to dig a massive open-pit gold and copper mine at the headwaters of the world's richest salmon fishery. But if you're a Anglo American investor, don't expect the company to tell you about the risk to your share value by growing opposition to the mine or the chance that it might not be built at all.
According to a formal complaint filed by Alaskan Native villages with the UK's financial reporting watchdog, Anglo American has failed to obey the law requiring disclosure to shareholders the environmental, regulatory and liability risks of the proposed Pebble Mine near the salmon-rich waters of Bristol Bay.
Tagged with: pebble, bristol bay, anglo american, investors, polls
Gov Cuomo & DEC Fracking Policy Omits Costs to Communities, Health & Environment
September 28, 2011
ALBANY, NY (09/28/2011)(readMedia)-- In response to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) release today of regulations for industrial gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale by means of high-volume hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," if such drilling is permitted, several environmental groups criticized Governor Cuomo and the DEC for not looking at the true costs of industrial gas drilling, particularly costs related to infrastructure, public health, and the environment that will be borne by communities. The groups are calling this omission Governor Cuomo and the DEC's "Don't Know, Don't Care" policy.
The New York Water Rangers also criticized the Governor for fast-tracking the state's fracking plans by releasing the regulations while the state's environmental review is incomplete.
Tagged with: regulation, new york, clean water not dirty drilling, andrew cuomo, new york water rangers
Hundreds Rally for Clean Air in Pittsburgh
Earthworks
September 27, 2011
Pittsburgh, PA, September 27th -- Today, hundreds of families and concerned citizens gathered at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh for the first of only three public hearings held by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on a proposed safeguard to reduce harmful air pollution from the extraction, transmission, and storage of oil and gas. These are also the first-ever federally proposed safeguards aimed at cutting harmful air pollution from hydraulic fracturing.
Such federal laws are critical because they provide consistent standards that -- through oversight and enforcement by the EPA and other agencies -- can help to ensure that all Americans nationwide have basic protection from significant risks to their health and environment. As the oil and gas industry rapidly expands into new areas and uses new technologies to develop unconventional sources of fossil fuels, current standards and practices haven't kept pace and revision is necessary.
Tagged with: hydraulic fracturing, epa, regulation, pennsylvania, air pollution
Former DOE, NCAR Air Chemist Joins Earthworks as Science and Policy Advisor
Earthworks
September 20, 2011
Earthworks welcomes Cherelle Blazer, an atmospheric chemist, to their Oil & Gas Accountability Project (OGAP).
Tagged with: ogap, air pollution, texas ogap, media, cherelle blazer
Turning Up the Heat on Costco: National Call-In Campaign to Reject Dirty Gold
Earthworks
September 2, 2011
WASHINGTON, Sept. 1 -- In recent weeks, hundreds of Costco customers have flooded Costco's Facebook page to urge them to reject "dirty" or irresponsibly mined gold and to commit to switching to more ethically produced metals. The wholesale chain -- one of the nation's leading jewelry retailers-- has failed to respond, and environmental and human rights campaigners are turning up the heat.
This week, Earthworks' No Dirty Gold Campaign and change.org are urging Costco customers to call the company's headquarters in Issiquah, WA, to tell CEO James Sinegal it's time to sign the Golden Rules, principles for more responsible mining that respect human rights, adopt fair labor standards, and minimize harm to the environment. To date, more than 80 leading jewelry retailers including Sears/Kmart, Target, and Tiffany & Co. have signed on to the Golden Rules principles. Customers are asking why Costco is lagging behind other major retailers in ensuring that the gold it sells is not tainted with human rights abuses or pollution.
Tagged with: gold, jewelry retailers, golden rules, no dirty gold, costco
Tests Find Banned Carcinogen in Air Near Fracking Sites
Earthworks
August 23, 2011
DENTON, TX, Aug. 23 - State air tests in two communities in the Barnett Shale gas patch found strong evidence that a cancer-causing chemical -- banned for most uses for more than 25 years -- was used in hydraulic fracturing of natural gas wells, according to a newspaper investigation. But despite the test results and the drilling company's admission that it used a banned biocide, state regulators have recanted their own findings and refuse to take action.
The Denton Record-Chronicle reported Sunday that air tests by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) found levels of 1,2-dibromoethane, or EDB, at least six times since December 2010 near natural gas facilities in the towns of Argyle and Bartonville. EDB, formerly used as a fumigant pesticide, was banned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1983 for all but minor uses after it was found to cause cancer and reproductive damage. Four of the six detections were over TCEQ's safe level for long-term exposure.
Tagged with: fracking, texas, texas ogap, barnett shale, tceq
DOE Panel Takes a Stand: Action Needed to Protect Communities From Risks of Natural Gas Drilling and Fracking
August 11, 2011
WASHINGTON, Aug. 11 -- An Energy Department advisory panel today called for swift action to protect air, drinking water and public health from the impacts of the shale gas boom. Earthworks applauded the recommendations, but said loopholes in key environmental laws must still be closed to shield communities in America's gas patch from the risks of drilling and fracking.
President Obama called on Secretary Chu to examine the health and environmental impacts that have plagued the nation's gas fields for decades. After three months of study and public hearings, the Secretary of Energy Advisory Board's Subcommittee on Natural Gas released its recommendations. The subcommittee identified four areas of concern from shale gas production: possible pollution of drinking water from methane and chemicals; air pollution; disruption of communities; and cumulative impacts on communities and the environment.
Tagged with: fracking, natural gas, public health, disclosure, obama
Environmental Groups Respond to Corbett Marcellus Commission
July 25, 2011
(Harrisburg) - A number of environmental and community organizations gathered outside Governor Corbett's office in the state capitol today to respond to the Governor's Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission. Groups universally criticized the Commission's final report, issued last Friday, as a product of its industry make-up and decried the secrecy employed to generate the final product.
"The Commission recognized the need for regulatory improvements, but in effect gave barely a nod to the serious and accelerating health and environmental problems in Pennsylvania's gas patch," said Nadia Steinzor, Marcellus Regional Organizer with Earthworks. "With strong incentives for the expansion of drilling, limited protections, and a willingness to violate the rights of landowners through forced pooling and municipalities by overriding zoning rights, the recommendations are yet another way to favor industry over citizens."
Tagged with: oil and gas, ogap, pennsylvania, marcellus shale
Montana State Court Blocks Construction of Rock Creek Mine
July 22, 2011
July 22nd -- On Thursday, a Montana state court blocked construction of Revett Mineral's proposed Rock Creek Mine beneath the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness in northwestern Montana, ruling that the state improperly relied on a permitting shortcut under the Montana Water Quality Act.
The ruling was the latest in a series of legal setbacks for the controversial copper and silver mine. The courts have repeatedly found the mine plan to be in violation of state and federal laws that protect clean water, fish and wildlife, and public health, resulting in the loss of several key state and federal permits.
Tagged with: gold, drinking water, montana, rock creek mine
Groups Call on Corbett Marcellus Commission to Issue Moratorium and Protections for Pennsylvania residents
July 15, 2011
(Harrisburg) -- The Pennsylvania Campaign for Clean Water released today a letter to Gov. Corbett's Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission, sent earlier this week, calling for a moratorium on further drilling pending study of the cumulative impact of gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale in Pennsylvania. The letter also listed recommendations to the Commission regarding what protections need to be implemented immediately to address the numerous problems with drilling identified thus far. 22 organizations from across the state signed the letter, which is available at: http://www.pacleanwatercampaign.org/.
Tagged with: fracking, ogap, pennsylvania, marcellus, marcellus shale advisory commission
Hundreds of Customers Flood Costco's Facebook Page Demanding Cleaner Gold
July 1, 2011
June 30 -- Hundreds of people flooded Costco's Facebook page on Thursday, calling for the company to sign on to the No Dirty Gold campaign's Golden Rules criteria for more responsible metals sourcing. The online outburst grew from 50 posts on Tuesday to over 600 as of Thursday afternoon, and still continues to build. Since late March this year, more than 25,000 people have written letters urging Costco to sign on to the Golden Rules and to take a stand against irresponsible mining practices.
Costco is one of only two top 10 US gold retailers that has not yet signed the Golden Rules principles for more responsible mining mining practices that respect human rights, adopt fair labor standards, and minimize harm to the environment. Costco, which made $1.3 billion in profits last year, has thus far remained silent on the matter.
Tagged with: golden rules, no dirty gold, costco
In Wake of Dispatches Expos , Jewellery Customers Want to Avoid Dirty Gold
June 28, 2011
LONDON, 28 June -- Monday night, Channel 4's Dispatches exposed the truth about the international gold trade: despite a growing movement for more responsible mining, the use of child labor, dangerous working conditions and environmental destruction remain widespread. The programme also revealed that some UK jewellers who tell customers their gold or other precious metals were mined responsibly are either unclear about the details of their supply chains, or just plain wrong.
Tagged with: mining, international, golden rules, no dirty gold
Nuclear Power's Other Tragedy: Stories from the Frontlines of Uranium Mining
Earthworks
June 23, 2011
WASHINGTON, June 23 -- The past and future of uranium mining threaten communities across America, which an antiquated federal law fails to protect from the hazards of abandoned mines, toxic waste dumps and contaminated water, according to a new report from Earthworks.
The recent decision by the Obama administration to advocate for the withdrawal from mining of one million acres around the Grand Canyon demonstrates the serious threat that uranium mining poses to water resources.
Tagged with: 1872 mining law, uranium, grand canyon, nuclear power
Grand Canyon and Colorado River Temporarily Protected from Uranium Mining
June 20, 2011
WASHINGTON, June 20 -- The Obama administration today took an emergency measure to bar new mining claims around the Grand Canyon until December. At that time, administration officials indicated they hope to come up with a more comprehensive solution to protect one million acres around Grand Canyon National Park from new mining claims for the next 20 years.
The million-acre area has been off limits to mining for the past two years. That moratorium, issued by Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is set to expire July 20.
Tagged with: mining, congress, uranium, grand canyon, obama
At Federal Fracking Hearing, Citizens Face Off Against Industry
June 13, 2011
WASHINGTON, PA, June 13 -- Tonight a federal task force on hydraulic fracturing holds a hearing in Pennsylvania's gas patch, and citizens will testify to water contamination, air pollution, and other health and community hazards of industrial gas development. But the panel will also hear from fracking supporters -- some of them drawn to the event by the natural gas industry's offers of airfare, hotel rooms, and meals.
Tagged with: fracking, ogap, pennsylvania, department of energy, federal reforms
Conflict at the Canyon
June 13, 2011
Washington, D.C., June 13 -- The Obama administration s imminent decision on the future of uranium mining near the Grand Canyon could be swayed by the analysis of a mining industry consultant who stands to reap hundreds of thousands of dollars if the moratorium on new uranium claims is lifted, according to a new report from Earthworks and the Environmental Working Group.
In February, the Bureau of Land Management released a study of the options for lifting the moratorium on new uranium mining claims on 1 million acres surrounding the Canyon. The study gave short shrift to the risk that radioactive mine waste could contaminate the Colorado River, which flows through the Canyon. That analysis relied heavily on a paper by the consultant, Karen Wenrich, of Golden, Colo.
Tagged with: mining, uranium, grand canyon, obama
Fracking Disclosure Bill Advances in California State Legislature
June 7, 2011
Sacramento, Calif. -- The California State Assembly has passed legislation sponsored by Environmental Working Group and Earthworks to require oil and natural gas drillers to make public a complete list of chemicals they use in oil and natural gas hydraulic fracturing ( fracking ) operations. The fracking issue has raised alarms in communities nationwide because some chemicals injected into the earth to break up rock formations and free oil and gas are known human carcinogens such as benzene, xylene, toluene and diesel fuel.
The bill, known as AB 591 and authored by Assembly member Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont), now goes to the California State Senate, where a committee that considers water quality issues is expected to hear it before the end of June.
Tagged with: fracking, oil and gas, ogap, disclosure, california
Colorado River Agencies Urge Caution on Uranium Mining Near Grand Canyon
June 2, 2011
WASHINGTON, June 3 -- Uranium mining near the Grand Canyon could have health impacts and erode trust in the safety of drinking water supplies for 26 million residents of Southern California, Nevada and Arizona, the region's water suppliers warn.
In a letter to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the Lower Colorado River Water Partnership expressed concern that the draft environmental study for a plan that could allow uranium mining near the Canyon does not address worst-case scenarios should safeguards fail to prevent radioactive material from flowing downstream. The Partnership also said it had "substantial concerns" that uranium mining could deplete water supplies in the drought-prone region.
Tagged with: mining, uranium, grand canyon
Earthworks to DOE Panel: To Protect Americans' Drinking Water, U.S. Must Close 'Halliburton Loophole' on Natural Gas Drilling and Fracking
June 1, 2011
WASHINGTON, June 1 -- The health and safety crisis in America's gasland states calls not for another panel, but for striking the oil & gas industry's exemptions from federal environmental laws, Earthworks told a Department of Energy task force today.
Last month, at President Obama's direction, Energy Secretary Steven Chu appointed a Natural Gas Subcommittee to address mounting concerns over the risks of drilling and hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, in communities caught up in the natural gas boom. Today the subcommittee -- many of whose members have ties to the natural gas industry -- met with environmental groups including Earthworks, which has worked for decades with communities impacted by gas drilling and fracking.
Tagged with: fracking, oil and gas, public health, obama
Coalition calls on elected officials and the DEC to focus on public health risks of gas drilling as NY Assembly considers issue
May 26, 2011
Albany, May 26, 2011 -- Today representatives of health, environmental, and citizens organizations called on the New York State legislature, Governor Cuomo, and the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to give priority to public health when determining the future of natural gas drilling and high-volume hydraulic fracturing ( fracking ) in the state.
Along with residents from the gas fields of New York and Pennsylvania, they gathered at a public hearing on the links between natural gas development using hydraulic fracturing and public health risks. The hearing was called by New York Assembly members Robert Sweeney, Chair of the Committee on Environmental Conservation, and Richard Gottfried, Chair of the Committee on Health. For the first time, legislative members had the opportunity to hear testimony from medical professionals, scientists, and health experts on the pathways of toxic contamination and subsequent health effects.
Tagged with: fracking, oil and gas, ogap, public health, new york
Texas Fracking Bill Protects Oil and Gas Industry's Chemical Secrets, Not Citizens' Health
May 19, 2011
AUSTIN, May 19 -- Today the Texas Senate heard testimony on legislation touted as a national precedent on public disclosure of chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing of oil and gas wells. But Texans should not be fooled: The bill allows the oil and gas industry to hide details about its use of fracking chemicals, denying citizens the important information that would help them protect their drinking water.
The bill in question, HB 3328, was introduced by Rep. Jim Keffer (R-Eastland).
Tagged with: fracking, texas, disclosure, texas ogap
Missing From U.S. Fracking 'Experts' Panel: Voices From Communities at Risk
May 10, 2011
WASHINGTON, May 10 - EARTHWORKS and citizens from shale gas deposits around the country are sending a letter to Energy Secretary Steven Chu requesting that impacted citizens be represented on the federal advisory panel on the safety of hydraulic fracturing in natural gas drilling. The panel includes academics, ex-regulators and analysts, some of whom have professional ties to the oil and gas industry. But the panel does not have a single citizen from communities directly impacted by drilling and fracking.
Tagged with: fracking, ogap, public health
Leading oil and gas reform organization expands presence in Gulf Region
May 2, 2011
Durango, CO, May 2nd --"We are very pleased to announce Texas Sharon as our Gulf Region Organizer, said Gwen Lachelt, Director and Founder of EARTHWORKS' Oil & Gas Accountability Project. Beginning today, Sharon Wilson, aka "Texas Sharon," the prolific and much-respected Bluedaze blogger, becomes a full-time organizer for the nation's leading oil and gas reform organization.
Ms. Wilson will lead the organization's campaign work in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. "The Gulf Region Organizer position represents a milestone for us and we are honored to be adding our voice and expertise to the citizens' movement to reform gas drilling practices in this region", Lachelt stated.
Tagged with: ogap, texas ogap
Newmont Urged to Drop Plans for Gold Mine in Cerro Quilish, Peru
April 19, 2011
WASHINGTON, DC, April 19 -- As Newmont Mining Corp. (NYSE: NEM) holds its annual general meeting today, environmental and human rights groups are demanding the company drop plans for a gold mine gold mine at Cerro Quilish, where strong community opposition blocked previous plans seven years ago.
Mass protest in 2004, the last time Newmont proposed expanding its Yanacocha mine into Cerro Quilish. Credit: GRUFIDES
" Developing Cerro Quilish is an untenable proposal, both in terms of the financial risks represented as well as the damage to Newmont's reputation and social license", said a letter to Newmont President and CEO Richard T. O'Brien from EARTHWORKS and Oxfam America.
Tagged with: mining, gold, newmont, international, indigenous
The Dark Side of the Boom: How Natural Gas Drilling in Texas Threatens Public Health and Safety
April 14, 2011
AUSTIN, TX, APRIL 14 -- State, local and federal officials and regulatory agencies are failing to protect Texans from the health and safety risks of the natural gas boom, according to a report released today by the Texas Oil & Gas Accountability Project (OGAP).
State Rep. Lon Burnam of Fort Worth joined OGAP, other state advocacy organizations and community groups in releasing Flowback: How the Texas Natural Gas Boom Affects Health and Safety. The report finds that authorities either lack the resources to deal with the air pollution, water contamination and other problems that accompany natural gas production; are limited in their response by inadequate laws and regulations, or continue the long Texas tradition of favoring the oil and gas industry at the expense of citizens.
Tagged with: fracking, oil and gas, texas, public health, texas ogap
URANIUM: Bill Would Scrap 139-Year-Old Law, Protect Water and Public Lands
April 8, 2011
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 8 -- -- Today, Rep. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Rep. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) introduced legislation to shift the regulation of uranium mining from the antiquated 1872 Mining Law to the Mineral Leasing Act. This change would allow uranium mining on federal lands to be managed through a competitive leasing program, as opposed to an industry-initiated claim and patent system.
Because of an increased interest in nuclear power, the price of uranium is six times what it was 10 years ago. This price increase, as well as the speculation that new nuclear power plants will come online in the US and abroad has led to an increase
Tagged with: mining, 1872 mining law, congress, uranium, grand canyon
Natural gas discovered underneath U.S. Capitol
April 1, 2011
Washington D.C. - Earlier today, Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers announced that natural gas deposits were discovered on U.S. Capitol grounds during the construction of the underground Capitol Visitor center. The discovery -- made prior to the visitor center's opening in 2008 -- was announced today after mineral rights and jurisdictional issues were resolved allowing leasing to proceed and gas production oversight to be implemented.
An unsuspected natural gas bearing shale formation -- similar to the Marcellus Shale underlying middle Appalachian states, the Barnett Shale in north-central Texas, and other shale gas plays around the country -- was uncovered as the pit was dug for the several stories deep undergound Capitol visitor center. The new visitor center was deemed necessary in the wake of 9/11 to mitigate the possibility of terrorist attack on the Capitol Building.
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Target Says 'No' to Dirty Gold
March 24, 2011
WASHINGTON, D.C., March 24 -- Target, the third-largest retail chain in the U.S., has joined 72 other jewelry retailers worldwide in pledging to shun gold from irresponsible mining and seek cleaner sources of gold and precious metals.
Minneapolis-based Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) becomes the 73rd signer of the Golden Rules, a set of social, human rights, and environmental criteria for more responsible mining of precious metals from the No Dirty Gold campaign. Target ranks No. 10 among U.S. jewelry retailers with 2009 sales of about $450 million. The Golden Rules have now been signed by eight of the top 10 jewelry sellers in the country, with combined annual sales of more than $13.5 billion, about a quarter of the total U.S. jewelry market.
Tagged with: gold, golden rules, no dirty gold, target
FRACKING CRACKDOWN: Senate, House Bills Would Protect Drinking Water from Toxic Gas Drilling Chemicals
March 15, 2011
WASHINGTON, March 15 -- With growing national alarm over the health and environmental threat of toxic chemicals natural gas drilling, five members of Congress are reintroducing bills to repeal the exemption of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, from the Safe Drinking Water Act and require public disclosure of chemicals used in the controversial process.
Tagged with: fracking, epa, toxics, drinking water, safe drinking water act, loopholes
First Nations and Greens Urge Credit Suisse: No Funds for Taseko's Prosperity Mine
March 7, 2011
WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C., March 7 -- First Nations and environmentalists are urging a major international financial institution to say "no" if Taseko Mines Ltd seeks funding for its revised proposal for the open-pit Prosperity Mine, which would threaten the traditional way of life of the Tsilhqot'in people and a celebrated trout lake high in the Chilcotin Mountains of British Columbia.
Tagged with: mining, international, indigenous, canada
Showdown in Court Over Oil & Gas Waste As Legislators Wage Stealth Attacks on Pit Rule
February 22, 2011
SANTA FE, Feb. 22 -- The battle over New Mexico's landmark Pit Rule -- the nation's most protective measure to safeguard citizens, water and land from hazardous oil and gas drilling wastes -- is building to a showdown in the courthouse and the Roundhouse.
District Judge Barbara Vigil will hear arguments Wednesday in a lawsuit to stop the rollback of the Pit Rule, even as anti-environmental lawmakers in the Legislature mount a backdoor assault on it and other important conservation rules.
Tagged with: fracking, oil and gas, ogap, new mexico, pit rule
Obama Administration: Grand Canyon Should Be Off-Limits to Mines
February 17, 2011
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 -- The U.S. Interior Department's draft plan for addressing uranium and other mining near the Grand Canyon includes a proposal to ban new mine claims on 1 million acres. Mining reform advocates applauded the proposal, noting it is the third move forward by the Obama Administration this week to protect public lands from destructive hardrock mining.
The Grand Canyon is our most iconic national treasure, and it's critical that the Canyon and important ecological areas around it be protected from uranium mining, said Lauren Pagel, policy director for EARTHWORKS, an international mining reform group. There are many other special places and Western waterways that need protection from the devastation of uranium mining, but the Grand Canyon is a no-brainer.
Tagged with: mining, uranium, grand canyon, interior department
This Valentine's Day, 54 Jewelers Say NO to Gold From Bristol Bay, Alaska
February 9, 2011
BRISTOL BAY, ALASKA, Feb. 9 -- Valentine's Day is the biggest holiday for sales of gold jewelry in the U.S., and these days, many love-struck sweethearts want to know where their gold comes from. This year leading jewelers, commercial fishermen and Alaska Natives all want to make sure it doesn't come from a monster open-pit mine that would threaten the world's largest wild salmon fishery.
Fifty-four jewelers, representing more than $5.75 billion in annual sales, have pledged not to use gold from the proposed Pebble Mine at the headwaters of Bristol Bay in Southwest Alaska. The mine, a project of Anglo American PLC of London and Northern Dynasty Minerals of Vancouver, B.C., would be the largest open-pit mine in North America, and generate up to 10 billion tons of toxic waste that would be disposed in the Bristol Bay watershed.
Tagged with: mining, gold, alaska, bristol bay, jewelry retailers, no dirty gold
Walmart's 'Love, Earth' Jewelry is Dirty Gold
January 12, 2011
WASHINGTON, DC, Jan. 12 -- Walmart's Love, Earth jewelry line, marketed as the product of eco-friendly mines and worker-friendly factories, in fact uses gold from polluting mines in the U.S. and Bolivian sweatshops where employees work in brutal and unsafe conditions for a few dollars a day, according to an investigation by a journalist for TIME and ABC News.
The investigation by Jean Friedman-Rudovsky in the Jan. 6 issue of Miami New Times confirms concerns raised by environmental and indigenous peoples' groups since Walmart, the world's largest jewelry retailer, launched the Love, Earth line two years ago.
Tagged with: mining, gold, jewelry retailers, golden rules, no dirty gold
CLEAN AIR ACT: U.S. Issues First-Ever Limits on Mercury Pollution From Gold Mines
December 17, 2010
Tagged with: mining, gold, regulation, mercury, clean air act
United States changes position to support UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
December 16, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C., December 16 -- "EARTHWORKS congratulates President Obama on the decision today to support the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This represents a historic moment for Indigenous Peoples and for the United States, and an important step for Indigenous communities threatened by the impacts of mining, and oil and gas drilling.
“The Declaration states that Indigenous Peoples’ free, prior, and informed consent is required if they are to be moved from their lands or to have hazardous materials stored or disposed of on their lands. Free, prior and informed consent is also required for approval of projects, including mining, oil, and gas projects, that affect their lands. The Declaration includes the right for Indigenous Peoples to protect their religious and cultural sites and the right to the conservation and protection of the environment.
Tagged with: indigenous, obama, un
GOV PATERSON SETS NATIONAL PRECEDENT, CALLS FOR A TIMEOUT ON FRACKING
December 11, 2010
(Albany, NY) -- Governor David Paterson today helped protect the health of New Yorkers and their drinking water by issuing an Executive Order that calls for a temporary timeout on high volume hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling for natural gas. In doing so he signaled his understanding that high volume hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, threatens both public health and the environment.
The Executive Order places a timeout on horizontal wells for fracking for natural gas through July 1, 2011. The Executive Order also creates a loophole that oil and gas corporations can exploit according to environmental, good government, community and public health organizations.
Tagged with: fracking, ogap, public health, drinking water, new york
Groups Applaud New York State Assembly for Passing a *Timeout* on Fracking for Natural Gas
November 30, 2010
(ALBANY, NY) -- Environmental, good government, community and public health organizations applauded the State Assembly today for voting to protect New York's drinking water by passing legislation that will enact a timeout on hydraulic fracturing for natural gas. By passing the bill, A. 11443B, sponsored by Assembly Member Robert Sweeney (D-Lindenhurst), the Assembly demonstrated that it recognizes the potential dangers of the environmentally dangerous practice of hydraulic fracturing, often called "fracking." In states such as Pennsylvania, Colorado and Wyoming gas development using fracking has contaminated drinking and groundwater sources.
Tagged with: fracking, public health, new york
Statement of EARTHWORKS Executive Director Jennifer Krill in response to the Interior Department's forum on natural gas development on public lands
November 30, 2010
Washington, D.C. -- "We are pleased to see the Secretary of the Interior and the Department take the initiative to modernize our federal oil and gas policy to protect communities and federal resources impacted by gas development. We urge Interior go further to require best management practices for natural gas drilling on public lands.
The federal government has a responsibility to ensure drilling on our public lands occurs responsibly. And disclosure, although necessary, is only the first and most basic step necessary to protect communities and their groundwater from irresponsible drilling.
Tagged with: oil and gas, public lands, obama, interior department
Indigenous Peoples in Latin America call for an end to destructive mining
November 26, 2010
Lima, Peru -- On Tuesday, Nov 23, Indigenous Peoples from across Latin America released The Lima Declaration , a unified position calling for an end to large-scale surface mining by transnational companies on Indigenous Peoples' lands. Indigenous representatives from the Andes, the Amazon, and Central America drafted the Declaration after a three-day Indigenous Peoples' Forum on Mining, Climate Change, and Well-being. EARTHWORKS, a US-based organization that works to protect communities and the environment from destructive mining impacts, attended the meeting at the invitation of an Indigenous Peoples' coordinating group in Latin America.
Tagged with: mining, international, indigenous
Native Alaskans Respond to UK Mining Giant's Greenwashing Campaign With Ad in CityAM
November 4, 2010
LONDON, 4 November -- For weeks, Anglo American PLC have been running ads in the Guardian, the Economist and at Heathrow Airport, touting the benefits their mines bring to communities. Alaska Natives from Bristol Bay, where Anglo American proposes to dig the largest open-pit mine in North America, have today replied to this greenwashing by taking out a full page ad in CityAM with a blunt message to the company.
Tagged with: mining, gold, alaska, bristol bay, anglo american
50 Leading Jewellers oppose Anglo American's Alaskan Gold Mine
November 2, 2010
LONDON, 2 November -- Fifty jewellers, with more than 3.5 billion ($5.75 billion) in sales, say they won't use gold from Anglo American PLC's proposed Pebble Mine, which threatens the world's most important fishing grounds for wild sockeye salmon in Bristol Bay, Alaska.
The proposed open-pit mine would be the largest in North America and generate an estimated 10 billion tonnes of mine waste, much of it toxic and held on the site forever. If it goes ahead, the mine would destroy salmon spawning habitat in a designated Fishery Reserve, and jeopardize the commercial fishing industry and the livelihoods of the Alaska Native communities in the region. With gold selling at record highs of over $1,300 an ounce, permits applications are expected next year.
Tagged with: mining, gold, alaska, pebble, jewelry retailers
US Probe Finds Halliburton Lies Contributed to BP Disaster --
October 29, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct. 29 -- The presidential commission investigating the BP disaster says Halliburton knew before the explosion its drilling cement was faulty but said nothing -- raising grave doubts about whether the company is being honest about the danger of hydraulic fracturing of natural gas wells.
Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is Halliburton's patented process for injecting huge volumes of chemical-laced fluid into natural gas wells to force deposits to the surface. In 2005, the drilling services company's lobbying opened the Halliburton Loophole in the Safe Drinking Water Act, exempting fracking from federal regulation.
Tagged with: drilling, halliburton, oil spill
Red Gold: Inside the effort to protect the world's greatest wild sockeye salmon fishery from gold mining.
October 18, 2010
Bristol Bay, Alaska, October 18 -- Alaskans are bringing award-winning film Red Gold to London.
A delegation of Alaska Natives and commercial fishermen from Bristol Bay, the world's largest remaining wild sockeye salmon fishery, is coming to the UK to bring attention to the threat of London-based mining giant Anglo American's proposed Pebble Mine. If built, it would be the largest open-pit mine in North America, directly upstream from the most valuable wild sockeye runs on Earth. The UK is the largest importer of Bristol Bay wild salmon.
Tagged with: mining, gold, alaska, international, bristol bay
Records Show Texas Takes No Action on 99% of Barnett Shale Complaints
October 11, 2010
DISH, Texas, Oct. 11 -- State inspectors cited no violations in response to almost 99 percent of citizen complaints about natural gas drilling and hydrofracking operations in the Barnett Shale region in the first seven months of 2010, according to documents obtained through the Texas Public Information Act.
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) records show 256 complaints -- more than one a day -- about odor and health effects from January 1 to July 23 in Tarrant, Denton, Wise and other counties in the Barnett Shale formation. Yet only three violations were found, all at the same site in Wise County.
Tagged with: fracking, oil and gas, ogap, texas, texas ogap, barnett shale
Catastrophic waste spill in Hungary shows risks of irresponsible metals production
October 5, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C., October 5 -- The Danube River, the Marcal, and several other European rivers and the communities and ecosystems that rely upon them are at risk following the collapse of a dam holding back millions of tons of toxic metal-processing wastes at a Hungarian alumina plant. The accident has killed 4 people and injured at least 120 others and has covered an area of about 15 square miles with toxic red sludge.
Tagged with: mining, international, toxics
FRACKING: Wyoming Requires Disclosure of Chemicals in Natural Gas Drilling
September 16, 2010
SHERIDAN, Wyo., Sept. 16 -- Wyoming's new rules requiring natural gas drillers to disclose chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing are the best in the nation but fall short of full transparency, citizen groups said. They urged Congress to pass legislation protecting all Americans' right to know about hazardous drilling compounds that could contaminate water supplies.
Tagged with: fracking, oil and gas, ogap, disclosure
Feds to Pavillion Residents: Don t Drink the Water and Be Careful Not to Blow Yourselves up
September 1, 2010
Pavillion, WY Last night, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and their sister agency, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) released health and safety recommendations based on the second phase of testing in the Pavillion, WY drinking water investigation. The federal agencies recommended that residents not drink their water or use it for cooking. Additionally, residents were told to take specific precautions to avoid explosions due to methane contamination of drinking water. Precautions should include ventilation when taking showers and avoidance of ignitions in closed rooms where water is running.
Tagged with: epa, toxics, drinking water, wyoming
Wyoming gas-field residents call for Public Health studies related to oil & gas chemicals and drinking water contamination
August 18, 2010
Pavillion, Wy - EARTHWORKS and Powder River Basin Resource Council today released the results of a community-based health survey conducted in Pavillion, Wyoming. The survey results come after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identified known oil and gas chemicals in residents' drinking water wells last year as part of a Superfund Investigation. The voluntary health survey was conducted by Wilma Subra on behalf of the groups. Ms. Subra is a chemist and MacArthur Genius award winner renown for her work with communities impacted by industrial contamination.
Tagged with: oil and gas, public health, drinking water, wyoming
EARTHWORKS applauds passage of key oil and gas reforms
July 30, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 30 -- ""Today the U.S. Congress takes is taking an important step towards establishing some protections for communities facing oil and gas production in their backyard. The House voted 209 to 193 to pass the CLEAR Act, which will establish important reforms in both offshore and onshore oil and gas extraction to protect communities, our water and our air from damage caused by the reckless development of energy resources.
Tagged with: fracking, oil and gas, ogap, congress, clear act
Statement of Jennifer Krill, EARTHWORKS Executive Director, in response to introduction of Senate "Clean Energy Jobs and Oil Spill Accountability Plan"
July 27, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 27 -- "EARTHWORKS is stunned to see the one-sided nature of the Senate energy proposal, released today, which increases incentives for natural gas production without addressing the impacts of natural gas on communities and water supplies across the country.
The natural gas industry is exempt from numerous environmental standards, putting our Nation at risk of leaks and spills that threaten people and their livelihoods.
Tagged with: oil and gas, congress
New legislation to bring greater accountability for extractive industries
July 16, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 16 -- EARTHWORKS commends the supporters of a landmark Senate bill that passed yesterday with provisions that aim to break the connection of drilling and mining with corruption and conflict. Under the amendment included in the Dodd-Frank Financial Reform Act (Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act), companies will need to report to the Securities and Exchange Commission payments that they make to governments. This greater transparency should help prevent mining, oil, and gas companies from making arrangements with governments that represent bad deals for the public wherever those companies are operating.
Tagged with: international, congress, congo, conflict minerals, frank dodd
EARTHWORKS applauds passage of plan to address reforms needed in the oil and gas industry
July 15, 2010
Washington D.C.,-- EARTHWORKS applauds Chairman Rahall courage and leadership to address the broad range of reforms needed for America's oil and gas industry. As we have seen from the oil disaster in the Gulf, we can no long rely on a trust us mentality from the oil and gas companies. The CLEAR Act adopted today by the House Natural Resources Committee will establish important reforms in both offshore and onshore oil and gas extraction to protect communities, our water and our wildlife from damage caused by the reckless development of energy resources. We encourage the House to take swift action on these reforms by passing the CLEAR Act.
Tagged with: fracking, oil and gas, ogap, clear act, reform
World Bank approves destructive mining project in Indonesia
July 14, 2010
Jakarta and Washington, D.C., 14 July -- An international civil society coalition today condemned the World Bank for approving support for a destructive nickel mine that would displace Indigenous Peoples, destroy vast areas of intact tropical forest, and threaten rivers and the ocean with sediment and toxic chemicals. The Board of Directors of the World Bank Group yesterday approved a guarantee by the Bank's Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) for the Weda Bay Nickel mine. Of the 23 Executive Directors of the World Bank, only the US Director abstained from the vote. Indonesian-based WALHI and DC-based EARTHWORKS and Bank Information Center joined JATAM, KIARA, KAU and other Indonesian groups today in declaring that the approval of a $207 million guarantee application for a risky and damaging nickel and cobalt mine demonstrates the fundamental flaws of the World Bank's procedures, polices, and practices on extractive industry.
Tagged with: mining, international, indonesia, nickel
Independent review points to Weda Bay Nickel plans as cause for major concern
July 12, 2010
Jakarta and Washington, D.C., 12 July -- Groups from around the world today called on the World Bank's Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) to deny support for a controversial nickel mine planned for the island of Halmahera in Indonesia. The groups revealed the results of an independent expert's review of the Weda Bay Nickel mining project documents to debunk the project's claims of little negative impact. The review by Dr. Robert Moran, an independent water quality, geochemical and hydrogeological scientist, pointed to significant inadequacies and deficiencies in company documents and highlighted dangerous impacts including extensive water pollution risks. A separate report also noted that the project would destroy the forest habitat of endangered species in an area that was once proposed as a National Park.
Tagged with: mining, nickel, miga
EARTHWORKS Celebrates Effort to Close Clean Water Act Loophole
July 1, 2010
Washington D.C., 7/1-- EARTHWORKS joined 17 other organizations from across the country in support of an effort by Representative Mike Arcuri (NY) to close one of the loopholes in environmental laws for oil and gas companies. Representative Arcuri offered an amendment to the Oil Spill Accountability and Environmental Protection Act of 2010, which was approved today by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The amendment eliminates the ability of oil and gas operators to circumvent the Clean Water Act's stormwater permitting provisions during construction of oil and gas wells.
Tagged with: fracking, oil and gas, ogap, congress, clean water act, loopholes
Wyoming communities worry that state drilling oversight is another MMS/gulf spill in the making
June 28, 2010
Wyoming, 6/28 With the Gulf oil spill disaster continuing to play out, Wyoming landowners and community groups are equating the behavior of BP and federal regulators that led to the disaster to the behavior of industry and regulators in Wyoming. Landowners insist that whether it is drinking water contamination in Pavillion, inadequate response to blowouts in Clark, or oil spills in Deaver, state officials' relationship to industry devalues landowners' property and puts human health at risk.
Tagged with: oil and gas, regulation, drilling, wyoming
CORRECTED HEADLINE: Coalition forms to address risks of Marcellus shale gas drilling in New York
June 22, 2010
June 22. On June 19, nearly 140 individuals and representatives from 60 grassroots, regional, and national organizations in four states gathered in Binghamton to share information on legal, scientific, economic, policy, health, and family issues related to hydraulic fracturing for methane gas, or "fracking."
Participants in the Coalition to Protect New York are unified by knowledge of the extensive evidence that gas drilling and hydraulic fracturing with toxic chemicals harm water supplies, property values, community infrastructure, the environment, and human health.
Tagged with: fracking, oil and gas, ogap, epa, marcellus shale, frac act, new york
Statement of Jennifer Krill, EARTHWORKS Executive Director, on the Gulf oil spill and protecting America's waters from further pollution
June 4, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C., June 4 -- "As BP's oil slick grows in the Gulf of Mexico, it's time to take action to protect all of America's waters -- offshore and onshore -- from future catastrophe.
"President Obama must permanently ban new offshore drilling to take our coastal communities, economies and the environment out of harm's way. Now is the time for Obama to lead us to a new energy economy by ending our dangerous dependence on oil, and implementing a transition to fossil-fuel free technology to meet our energy and transportation needs.
Tagged with: oil and gas, oil spill, offshore
Coalition calls on New York state legislature to enact moratorium on natural gas development
May 25, 2010
Albany, May 25, 2010 -- Yesterday representatives of more than 20 local and regional organizations called on members of the New York State Assembly and Senate to enact an immediate moratorium on high-volume hydraulic fracturing (HVHF, or hydrofracking), the technology required to extract natural gas from the Marcellus Shale. They were joined by State Assemblyman Steve Englebright (District 4), who together with Senator Joseph P. Addabbo (District 15) has introduced moratorium legislation supported by the coalition (bills A10490 and S7592).
Tagged with: fracking, oil and gas, ogap, new york, moratorium
Climate bill ignores nuclear power's hidden costs on communities and the environment
May 14, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 14 -- This week, Senators Kerry and Lieberman moved the debate forward on ways to meet our Nation's energy needs and address the global problem of climate change. Regrettably, the proposal includes new incentives for nuclear power and erodes safeguards for development of nuclear energy. The impact on communities across the Rocky Mountain region will be immediate and potentially destructive.
Tagged with: mining, congress, uranium, nuclear power
EARTHWORKS' Texas Oil & Gas Accountability Project hosts pre-HBO Forth Worth premiere of GASLAND
May 10, 2010
Fort Worth -- On May 12th, 2010, the Texas Oil & Gas Accountability Project (OGAP) of EARTHWORKS will host a special Fort Worth screening of Josh Fox's award-winning documentary GASLAND at an exclusive engagement at the Museum of Modern Art of Forth Worth prior to its June 21st HBO broadcast premiere. The event is co-hosted by community members who, along with Mr. Fox, Texas State Representative Lon Burnam, and Oil & Gas Accountability Program Director Gwen Lachelt will be on hand to answer questions and offer advice to audience members who are confronting natural gas drilling in their communities.
Tagged with: oil and gas, ogap, texas, texas ogap, gasland
Uranium-Impacted Communities Urge Washington to Consider the Human Impacts of Nuclear Power
May 7, 2010
Washington, D.C. -- As the Nation debates our energy future and the role of nuclear power in meeting our energy needs, uranium experts and people from communities impacted by uranium are arriving in Washington DC on May 10th to educate Members of Congress and the Obama Administration about the impact of uranium development on their communities. Citizens from Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming are telling our government that we cannot ignore the adverse effect that nuclear power as a fuel source has on public health, water supplies and the environment in areas where uranium is extracted.
Currently, uranium mining is governed by a patchwork of federal and state laws, including partial regulation under the 1872 Mining Law, an archaic statute that considers mining to be the highest and best use of the federal land. In these modern times, demands for nuclear fuel need to be balanced with other values from our federal lands, and reforms in our Nation’s mineral policy are long overdue.
Tagged with: mining, 1872 mining law, public health, congress, uranium, grand canyon, nuclear power
Four more jewelers sign on to provide responsible jewelry
May 6, 2010
Washington, D.C, 6 May 2010 -- Four jewelry companies today announced their concern over destructive gold mining, and their support for cleaner sources of gold and precious metals. Just in time for Mother's Day, Robbins Brothers, Meghan Connolly Haupt, D.NEA, and Bario Neal have joined the nation's leading jewelry companies in signing the No Dirty Gold campaign's Golden Rules for responsible sourcing of precious metals.
The list of Golden Rules signatories now includes 70 jewelry companies representing over $14 billion in annual US jewelry sales, or nearly a quarter of total U.S. jewelry sales.
Tagged with: gold, jewelry retailers, golden rules, no dirty gold
Natural Gas Drilling Toxics Exceed State Standards
May 4, 2010
DISH, TX, 5/4 -- Final results released today indicate that the gas drilling industry is polluting the air of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan region with toxic emissions in excess of state limits. A team of environmental scientists who conducted independent air quality tests in March 2010 released the results. Preliminary results released immediately after the March tests, now corroborated, showed alarming levels of toxic chemical and greenhouse gas emissions that threaten human health and the environment.
"These definitive results not only show extreme methane emissions from gas well sites but also startling levels of chemicals that pose public health risks," said Wilma Subra, EARTHWORKS board member, environmental scientist and MacArthur "Genius" Grant recipient.
Tagged with: fracking, oil and gas, ogap, toxics, texas ogap
EARTHWORKS announces Nadia Steinzor as Marcellus Regional Organizer
April 14, 2010
Durango, CO, April 14th --"We are very pleased to welcome Nadia Steinzor to our staff team, said Gwen Lachelt, Director of EARTHWORKS Oil & Gas Accountability Project. Beginning April 14, Ms. Steinzor will lead the organization's campaign work in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and Maryland. "The Marcellus Regional Organizer position represents a milestone for us and we are honored to be adding our voice and expertise to the great effort to reform gas drilling practices in the eastern United States, Lachelt stated.
Nadia Steinzor has worked for over 15 years in communications, writing and editing, and research on environmental and social issues. She has experience as a consultant for progressive non-profit organizations and has held positions at Zero Population Growth, the International Center for Research on Women, and most recently as Director of Communications at the Mohonk Preserve.
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Jewelry Retail Giant Zale Corp. Pledges to Protect Alaska's Bristol Bay
April 13, 2010
Anchorage, Alaska -- A wave of new jewelry retailers, including the nation's 2nd largest jewelry retailer, Zale Corporation (NYSE: ZLC), pledged support today for permanently protecting Alaska's Bristol Bay watershed from large-scale metal mining, including the controversial proposed Pebble Mine proposed by Canadian company Northern Dynasty and UK-based Anglo American.
"The 1,850 Bristol Bay commercial fishing permit holders that we represent want to thank the jewelers who have vowed not to buy gold from the Pebble Mine," said Bob Waldrop, Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association. This landslide of new jeweler support is a tremendous boost to our efforts to protect this irreplaceable fishery."
Tagged with: alaska, bristol bay, jewelry retailers, no dirty gold
Jewelry giant Zales, 12 others, pledge to protect Bristol Bay
April 13, 2010
Anchorage, Alaska -- A wave of new jewelry retailers, including the nation's 2nd largest jewelry retailer, Zale Corporation (NYSE: ZLC), pledged support today for permanently protecting Alaska's Bristol Bay watershed from large-scale metal mining, including the controversial proposed Pebble Mine.
"The 1,850 Bristol Bay commercial fishing permit holders that we represent want to thank the jewelers who have vowed not to buy gold from the Pebble Mine," said Bob Waldrop, Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association. This landslide of new jeweler support is a tremendous boost to our efforts to protect this irreplaceable fishery."
Tagged with: alaska, bristol bay, jewelry retailers, no dirty gold
EPA launches study of hydraulic fracturing threats to drinking water
April 8, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 8th -- Yesterday, EARTHWORKS provided comments to the EPA's Science Advisory Board charged with studying the public health and drinking water impacts of hydraulic fracturing (commonly known as "fracking"). Highlights of EARTHWORKS' recommendations included:
Tagged with: fracking, oil and gas, ogap, epa
No Fooling: Obama's gifts to extractive industries continue with defense of Bush mining policy
April 1, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 1st, 2010 -- In addition to opening up vast areas of our coastline to offshore oil drilling, the Obama administration yesterday elected to defend a Bush-era policy that allows unlimited amounts of our nation's treasured public lands to be used as toxic waste dumps for the multinational hardrock mining industry. This decision -- in the form of a response to federal litigation filed by a coalition of conservation and Native American groups -- is completely inconsistent with earlier remarks by Interior Secretary Ken Salazar on the importance of updating our federal mineral policies to protect public lands.
Tagged with: mining, oil and gas, public lands, obama, waste, offshore
'Stealth' Measurements of Air Quality Contradict Shale Gas Industry Claims of Safe Air
March 4, 2010
DISH, TX, 3/4 Yesterday a team of environmental scientists presented findings from a novel two day emissions gas detection project showing methane levels as much as 20 times above normal background levels in the air around several counties in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
"These findings raise troubling questions about shale gas industry pollution not only in Texas but for states nationwide where shale gas drilling and production is planned or underway," said Wilma Subra, EARTHWORKS board member, environmental chemist and MacArthur grant recipient.
Tagged with: fracking, texas, texas ogap, barnett shale, methane, shale gas
A New Watchdog for Texas' Shale Gas Drilling Industry
February 24, 2010
Fort Worth, 2/23 -- Today EARTHWORKS formally launched the Texas Oil & Gas Accountability Project (OGAP), a new citizens' group that will work to ensure that Texas' burgeoning Barnett shale gas industry operates while respecting the environment and the rights of its neighbors. Simultaneously, the new watchdog group released its best practices platform: DRILL-RIGHT TEXAS: Best Oil & Gas Development Practices for Texas.
Tagged with: fracking, oil and gas, texas, texas ogap, barnett shale, drill right texas
New Group to Watchdog Texas Drilling Industry
February 19, 2010
EARTHWORKS will formally launch its Texas Oil & Gas Accountability Project (OGAP) via telephone conference on Wednesday, February 24 at 1:00 p.m. Central Standard Time. At the launch, Texas OGAP will release its campaign platform, DRILL-RIGHT TEXAS: Best Oil & Gas Development Practices for Texas. We will also introduce the lead Texas OGAP Organizer, Sharon Wilson, along with other key experts on the impacts of oil and gas development on health, communities and the environment. The new EARTHWORKS campaign will work throughout Texas to prevent and minimize the impacts caused by energy development.
Tagged with: oil and gas, texas, texas ogap, drill right texas
Leading Jewelry Retailers Act on Pledge To Shun Dirty Gold
February 10, 2010
Washington D.C.-- Dozens of the nation's leading jewelry retailers are taking innovative steps to provide consumers with gold jewelry made in a more environmentally and socially responsible way, according to a report released today by the Washington, DC-based environmental group EARTHWORKS.
The report, Tarnished Gold: Assessing the Jewelry Industry's Progress on Ethical Sourcing of Metals, evaluates progress jewelers have made in pursuit of cleaner sources of precious metals -- and finds signs of hope as well as shortfalls.
Tagged with: mining, gold, jewelry retailers, golden rules, no dirty gold
Denver-based Newmont Mining Co. fined millions for cyanide spill at Ghanaian mine
January 21, 2010
Accra and Washington, 01/21: Ghanaian authorities are fining Denver-based Newmont Mining millions of dollars for negligently spilling cyanide at its Ahafo gold mine in October 2009, resulting in water contamination and fish kills. A Ghanaian Ministerial Panel that evaluated the spill and its aftermath recommended that the company be fined US$ 4.9 million for failing to prevent the spill or to properly report on and investigate the spill.
For the past three months, community members and Wassa Association of Communities Affected by Mining (WACAM) have raised concerns about the accident and its aftermath. “The incident brings home the fact that Ghana needs very strong laws to regulate mining operations,” said Daniel Owusu-Koranteng.
Tagged with: mining, gold, newmont, international, cyanide, spill
EARTHWORKS announces Jennifer Krill as new Executive Director
January 13, 2010
Washington D.C., January 13th-- "EARTHWORKS is very pleased to welcome Jennifer Krill as its new Executive Director. Starting February 1st, Ms. Krill will lead EARTHWORKS in its third decade of achievement as the only national environmental advocacy organization focused exclusively on the environmental and social issues surrounding mineral extraction.
"I am thrilled to join EARTHWORKS and proud to lend my voice to the movement to protect people and the environment from the destructive impacts of mineral, oil and gas extraction," said Ms. Krill. "EARTHWORKS is a nimble, effective organization with a proven track record of success through its tough stands against irresponsible actors in extractive industries, its strong commitment to protecting communities and its innovative partnerships with market leaders."
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Mining and jewelry industry self-certification system falls short, groups say
Earthworks
December 21, 2009
London, Washington, DC, Elko, Ottawa and Melbourne, December 21, 2009: As the jewelry and mining industry trade association, the Responsible Jewelry Council, launched its certification scheme this week, NGOs, technical experts and community representatives cautioned about the limits and shortcomings of the industry-run system.
"Given the considerable impacts of gold mining and consumer concerns about 'dirty' gold, there is clearly a need for independent, third-party monitoring of the gold supply chain," said Payal Sampat of Washington, DC-based EARTHWORKS and the No Dirty Gold campaign. "Unfortunately, the RJC is a process led and governed entirely by the very industries that are to be monitored, and does not meet this need."
Tagged with: mining, international, jewelry retailers
Texas state government responds to results of DISH health survey
December 18, 2009
DISH, Texas, 12/18 -- In response to recently revealed health impacts in the DISH area, today, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) acknowledged the need for new protections for citizens living in and around the Barnett Shale gas deposit. TCEQ stated it is now issuing an important change in odor response procedures. New policies will require TCEQ to respond to odor complaints on the same day as the complaint, or within 12-hours from receiving a complaint. The new procedure will enable citizens to document both odor and health symptom information by affidavit. These changes represent an important step-forward for the local governments and citizens working to mitigate irresponsible shale gas drilling.
Tagged with: fracking, oil and gas, texas, public health, drilling, barnett shale, tceq, odor
Community Health Survey Shows Shale Gas Threatens Human Health
December 16, 2009
DISH, Texas, 12/17 -- Today, public interest groups and the Town of DISH released the final results of a health survey of area residents focused on the impacts of Barnett Shale gas infrastructure. The results show that more than half of surveyed maladies can be attributed to toxics first revealed in September in a DISH-commissioned study of area air quality. Based on the results, EARTHWORKS, the Texas Oil & Gas Accountability Project and the Town of DISH are calling on state regulators to immediately perform an in-depth health investigation, implement continuous 24-hour emissions monitoring, and establish a same-day community odor and symptom tracking system.
Tagged with: fracking, oil and gas, texas, public health, texas ogap
$140 billion giveaway? Senate Committee to Vote on Arizona Land Exchange
December 15, 2009
Washington,DC -- On Wednesday December 16th, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee is scheduled to mark up S. 409, the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2009. The current version of the legislation, as well as an amended version of the legislation being presented as a substitute, would fleece the American taxpayer out of billions of dollars.
Tagged with: mining, mining reform, rio tinto, arizona, bhp billiton, legislature, senate, tax payers
ASARCO Bankruptcy Shows Need for 1872 Mining Law Reform: Updated Mining Law Will Prevent Future Bankruptcies
December 11, 2009
Washington D.C., December 11-- Yesterday, the mining company ASARCO, a subsidiary of the Mexican corporation Grupo Mexico S.A. de C.V, paid the United States government $1.79 billion to help clean up hazardous waste pollution at ASARCO-owned mines and smelters in 19 states. This payment, the nation's largest environmental bankruptcy settlement, highlights the pressing need to reform the antiquated 1872 Mining Law, the law that governed many of ASARCO's mining properties.
Tagged with: mining, 1872 mining law, abandoned mines, bankruptcy, hazardous waste
Sears/Kmart join other jewelers in pledging to avoid *dirty* gold
November 18, 2009
Washington, D.C, 11/18 -- Three major jewelry retailers today announced their decision to shun irresponsible gold mining and seek cleaner sources of gold and precious metals. Sears Holdings (parent company of Sears and Kmart), Ultra Stores, and Blue Nile all signed the No Dirty Gold campaign's Golden Rules for responsible sourcing of precious metals, bringing the total number of jewelry retail signatories up to 60. These jewelry retailers include 7 of the top 10 jewelry retail firms in the United States, and represent over $14 billion in annual US jewelry sales, or nearly a quarter of total sales.
"The No Dirty Gold campaign is a great initiative that pushes for sustainability and ethnical sourcing on gold. We are proud to be a part of it and to offer our customers gold that was obtained in a responsible manner", said Michelle Pearlman, Senior Vice President and President of Jewelry at Sears Holdings. "Sears strives to be a green company and we will continue to work to build lifetime relationships with our customers starting from the mines up."
Tagged with: gold, jewelry retailers, golden rules, no dirty gold
Chesapeake Energy Concedes...
November 2, 2009
Durango, CO -- "Last week, Chesapeake Energy Corporation stated that it will not drill for natural gas within the New York City watershed, a small area within the Marcellus Shale natural gas reserve which underlies some of the Appalachian regions of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland and West Virginia. The watershed, which supplies untreated, clean water to nine million people, is under increasing pressure to drill.
Tagged with: fracking, oil and gas, ogap, natural gas, marcellus shale, chesapeake
Anglo American's Alaska Mine Poses High Risks for Investors
October 29, 2009
WASHINGTON, October 29-- A new investor advisory -http://earthworksaction.org/publications.cfm?pubID=436- released today raises significant questions about the risks associated with Anglo American plc's Pebble Mine Project in southwest Alaska. The advisory details the growing list of regulatory, legal, engineering and political challenges facing the London-based mining giant as its struggles to secure permits for the controversial gold-copper mine.
Tagged with: mining, gold, pebble, anglo american, copper
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