We need your help to stop the destruction of mountains and streams in Appalachia from irresponsible coal mining.

EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson has taken some positive initial steps to rein in destructive mountaintop removal mining, but even these insufficient actions have drawn fire from mining companies, coal-state governors and members of Congress beholden to industry lobbyists. Please call your member of Congress today and urge him/her to sign on to Congressman Pallone’s ‘Dear Colleague’ letter in support of EPA’s efforts to reduce mountaintop removal. Without political support, EPA may lack the will to put tougher measures in place to stop mountaintop removal.

EPA has a long way to go before it stops mountaintop removal mining, which has destroyed more than 500 mountains and buried 2,000 miles of streams in coal mining waste. Even so, EPA has taken some important steps. It has required tougher environmental reviews of almost 80 mountaintop removal permits. It proposed a rare veto of a new permit for an operating mine, one of the largest surface mines in Appalachia. In April, it issued new policy that, if properly carried out, should put teeth in states’ clean water standards that should stop the most destructive mining.

But the mining industry has organized fierce opposition. States are resisting EPA’s new policies. Coal-state members of Congress are aggressively questioning the legality of EPA’s actions and pressuring the agency to back down. And most recently, the National Mining Association – the lobbying group representing the coal industry – filed a lawsuit arguing that the EPA policies.

We need to show EPA that it has political support for the positive steps it has taken on mountaintop removal – otherwise, EPA is unlikely to go further. Representative Frank Pallone (D-NJ) has asked other members of Congress to join him in sending a letter of support to EPA’s efforts. He plans to send the letter in just a few days. Please call your member of Congress and ask him/her to sign on to Congressman Pallone’s Dear Colleague letter to EPA on mountaintop removal. Call today – before it’s too late.

Thank you for your help to stop mountaintop removal.

Here’s how to help:

It’s not necessary, but before calling you might want to see if your member of Congress is a co-sponsor of the Clean Water Protection Act, H.R. 1310, the bill to stop mountaintop removal mining. Co-sponsors are likely to want to help EPA curtail mountaintop removal. (See the list below)

Call the Capitol switchboard (202-224-3121) and ask for your member of Congress.

When connected, tell the receptionist that you are a constituent and give your name and address.

Tell the receptionist that you are opposed to mountaintop removal mining in Appalachia and that want Representative [name] to sign Congressman Frank Pallone’s Dear Colleague letter on mountaintop removal.

That’s all you have to do. The receptionist will forward this information to the appropriate staff person. Most members of Congress are interested in hearing from their constituents. A call like this can have a big impact, so thanks for calling.

Clean Water Protection Act, H.R. 1310 Cosponsors:

Rep Abercrombie, Neil [HI-1] – 3/4/2009
Rep Ackerman, Gary L. [NY-5] – 3/4/2009
Rep Adler, John H. [NJ-3] – 4/13/2010
Rep Andrews, Robert E. [NJ-1] – 3/4/2009
Rep Arcuri, Michael A. [NY-24] – 3/12/2009
Rep Baird, Brian [WA-3] – 3/30/2009
Rep Baldwin, Tammy [WI-2] – 3/4/2009
Rep Berman, Howard L. [CA-28] – 3/4/2009
Rep Bishop, Timothy H. [NY-1] – 3/4/2009
Rep Blumenauer, Earl [OR-3] – 3/4/2009
Rep Braley, Bruce L. [IA-1] – 3/4/2009
Rep Brown, Corrine [FL-3] – 3/4/2009
Rep Butterfield, G. K. [NC-1] – 3/24/2009
Rep Capps, Lois [CA-23] – 3/4/2009
Rep Capuano, Michael E. [MA-8] – 3/4/2009
Rep Carnahan, Russ [MO-3] – 3/4/2009
Rep Carson, Andre [IN-7] – 3/4/2009
Rep Castor, Kathy [FL-11] – 3/24/2009
Rep Chandler, Ben [KY-6] – 3/4/2009
Rep Christensen, Donna M. [VI] – 3/4/2009
Rep Chu, Judy [CA-32] – 1/26/2010
Rep Clarke, Yvette D. [NY-11] – 3/24/2009
Rep Clay, Wm. Lacy [MO-1] – 3/4/2009
Rep Cleaver, Emanuel [MO-5] – 3/4/2009
Rep Cohen, Steve [TN-9] – 3/4/2009
Rep Connolly, Gerald E. “Gerry” [VA-11] – 3/4/2009
Rep Conyers, John, Jr. [MI-14] – 3/4/2009
Rep Cooper, Jim [TN-5] – 3/4/2009
Rep Courtney, Joe [CT-2] – 3/12/2009
Rep Crowley, Joseph [NY-7] – 4/21/2009
Rep Cummings, Elijah E. [MD-7] – 3/4/2009
Rep Davis, Danny K. [IL-7] – 3/4/2009
Rep Davis, Susan A. [CA-53] – 3/4/2009
Rep DeFazio, Peter A. [OR-4] – 3/4/2009
Rep DeGette, Diana [CO-1] – 3/4/2009
Rep Delahunt, William D. [MA-10] – 3/4/2009
Rep DeLauro, Rosa L. [CT-3] – 3/4/2009
Rep Doggett, Lloyd [TX-25] – 7/8/2009
Rep Driehaus, Steve [OH-1] – 10/1/2009
Rep Edwards, Donna F. [MD-4] – 3/4/2009
Rep Ehlers, Vernon J. [MI-3] – 4/21/2009
Rep Ellison, Keith [MN-5] – 3/4/2009
Rep Engel, Eliot L. [NY-17] – 3/4/2009
Rep Eshoo, Anna G. [CA-14] – 3/4/2009
Rep Farr, Sam [CA-17] – 3/4/2009
Rep Fattah, Chaka [PA-2] – 5/13/2009
Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51] – 3/4/2009
Rep Foster, Bill [IL-14] – 3/15/2010
Rep Frank, Barney [MA-4] – 3/4/2009
Rep Fudge, Marcia L. [OH-11] – 7/8/2009
Rep Giffords, Gabrielle [AZ-8] – 11/19/2009
Rep Gordon, Bart [TN-6] – 3/30/2009
Rep Grayson, Alan [FL-8] – 4/21/2009
Rep Grijalva, Raul M. [AZ-7] – 3/4/2009
Rep Gutierrez, Luis V. [IL-4] – 3/4/2009
Rep Hall, John J. [NY-19] – 3/4/2009
Rep Hare, Phil [IL-17] – 6/9/2009
Rep Harman, Jane [CA-36] – 3/4/2009
Rep Hastings, Alcee L. [FL-23] – 3/4/2009
Rep Heinrich, Martin [NM-1] – 4/14/2010
Rep Higgins, Brian [NY-27] – 3/4/2009
Rep Himes, James A. [CT-4] – 3/4/2009
Rep Hinchey, Maurice D. [NY-22] – 3/4/2009
Rep Hirono, Mazie K. [HI-2] – 3/4/2009
Rep Hodes, Paul W. [NH-2] – 3/4/2009
Rep Holt, Rush D. [NJ-12] – 3/4/2009
Rep Honda, Michael M. [CA-15] – 3/4/2009
Rep Inglis, Bob [SC-4] – 3/18/2010
Rep Inslee, Jay [WA-1] – 3/4/2009
Rep Israel, Steve [NY-2] – 4/21/2009
Rep Jackson, Jesse L., Jr. [IL-2] – 3/24/2009
Rep Johnson, Henry C. “Hank,” Jr. [GA-4] – 3/24/2009
Rep Kagen, Steve [WI-8] – 9/30/2009
Rep Kennedy, Patrick J. [RI-1] – 3/4/2009
Rep Kildee, Dale E. [MI-5] – 3/4/2009
Rep Kilpatrick, Carolyn C. [MI-13] – 3/4/2009
Rep Kilroy, Mary Jo [OH-15] – 6/23/2009
Rep Kirk, Mark Steven [IL-10] – 3/4/2009
Rep Kissell, Larry [NC-8] – 3/12/2009
Rep Kucinich, Dennis J. [OH-10] – 3/4/2009
Rep Lance, Leonard [NJ-7] – 2/2/2010
Rep Langevin, James R. [RI-2] – 3/4/2009
Rep Larson, John B. [CT-1] – 3/12/2009
Rep Lee, Barbara [CA-9] – 3/4/2009
Rep Levin, Sander M. [MI-12] – 3/4/2009
Rep Lewis, John [GA-5] – 3/4/2009
Rep Lipinski, Daniel [IL-3] – 4/2/2009
Rep Lofgren, Zoe [CA-16] – 3/4/2009
Rep Lowey, Nita M. [NY-18] – 4/2/2009
Rep Lynch, Stephen F. [MA-9] – 4/13/2010
Rep Maloney, Carolyn B. [NY-14] – 3/4/2009
Rep Markey, Edward J. [MA-7] – 3/4/2009
Rep Massa, Eric J. J. [NY-29] – 5/4/2009
Rep Matsui, Doris O. [CA-5] – 4/2/2009
Rep McCarthy, Carolyn [NY-4] – 10/14/2009
Rep McCollum, Betty [MN-4] – 3/4/2009
Rep McDermott, Jim [WA-7] – 3/4/2009
Rep McGovern, James P. [MA-3] – 3/4/2009
Rep McHugh, John M. [NY-23] – 3/4/2009
Rep McMahon, Michael E. [NY-13] – 3/24/2009
Rep McNerney, Jerry [CA-11] – 3/4/2009
Rep Meek, Kendrick B. [FL-17] – 3/4/2009
Rep Michaud, Michael H. [ME-2] – 2/25/2010
Rep Miller, Brad [NC-13] – 3/4/2009
Rep Miller, George [CA-7] – 3/4/2009
Rep Minnick, Walter [ID-1] – 3/24/2009
Rep Moore, Dennis [KS-3] – 3/26/2009
Rep Moran, James P. [VA-8] – 3/4/2009
Rep Murphy, Christopher S. [CT-5] – 3/4/2009
Rep Murphy, Patrick J. [PA-8] – 3/4/2009
Rep Nadler, Jerrold [NY-8] – 3/4/2009
Rep Napolitano, Grace F. [CA-38] – 10/13/2009
Rep Neal, Richard E. [MA-2] – 3/4/2009
Rep Norton, Eleanor Holmes [DC] – 3/4/2009
Rep Olver, John W. [MA-1] – 3/4/2009
Rep Owens, William L. [NY-23] – 5/11/2010
Rep Pascrell, Bill, Jr. [NJ-8] – 3/4/2009
Rep Payne, Donald M. [NJ-10] – 3/4/2009
Rep Perriello, Thomas S.P. [VA-5] – 4/21/2009
Rep Pingree, Chellie [ME-1] – 3/4/2009
Rep Platts, Todd Russell [PA-19] – 3/4/2009
Rep Polis, Jared [CO-2] – 3/4/2009
Rep Price, David E. [NC-4] – 3/4/2009
Rep Quigley, Mike [IL-5] – 3/12/2010
Rep Rangel, Charles B. [NY-15] – 3/4/2009
Rep Reichert, David G. [WA-8] – 3/4/2009
Rep Richardson, Laura [CA-37] – 6/2/2009
Rep Rothman, Steven R. [NJ-9] – 3/4/2009
Rep Roybal-Allard, Lucille [CA-34] – 5/4/2009
Rep Rush, Bobby L. [IL-1] – 3/4/2009
Rep Ryan, Tim [OH-17] – 3/4/2009
Rep Sanchez, Linda T. [CA-39] – 3/24/2009
Rep Sanchez, Loretta [CA-47] – 3/4/2009
Rep Sarbanes, John P. [MD-3] – 3/4/2009
Rep Schakowsky, Janice D. [IL-9] – 3/4/2009
Rep Schiff, Adam B. [CA-29] – 3/4/2009
Rep Schwartz, Allyson Y. [PA-13] – 3/4/2009
Rep Scott, Robert C. “Bobby” [VA-3] – 3/12/2009
Rep Serrano, Jose E. [NY-16] – 3/4/2009
Rep Sestak, Joe [PA-7] – 3/4/2009
Rep Shea-Porter, Carol [NH-1] – 3/4/2009
Rep Sherman, Brad [CA-27] – 3/4/2009
Rep Shuler, Heath [NC-11] – 3/4/2009
Rep Sires, Albio [NJ-13] – 3/4/2009
Rep Slaughter, Louise McIntosh [NY-28] – 3/4/2009
Rep Smith, Adam [WA-9] – 3/4/2009
Rep Smith, Christopher H. [NJ-4] – 3/4/2009
Rep Speier, Jackie [CA-12] – 6/2/2009
Rep Spratt, John M., Jr. [SC-5] – 3/24/2009
Rep Stark, Fortney Pete [CA-13] – 3/4/2009
Rep Sutton, Betty [OH-13] – 3/4/2009
Rep Tauscher, Ellen O. [CA-10] – 3/4/2009
Rep Tierney, John F. [MA-6] – 3/4/2009
Rep Tonko, Paul D. [NY-21] – 3/24/2009
Rep Towns, Edolphus [NY-10] – 3/6/2009
Rep Tsongas, Niki [MA-5] – 3/4/2009
Rep Van Hollen, Chris [MD-8] – 3/4/2009
Rep Velazquez, Nydia M. [NY-12] – 3/4/2009
Rep Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [FL-20] – 3/4/2009
Rep Waters, Maxine [CA-35] – 3/24/2009
Rep Watson, Diane E. [CA-33] – 3/4/2009
Rep Watt, Melvin L. [NC-12] – 9/10/2009
Rep Waxman, Henry A. [CA-30] – 3/4/2009
Rep Weiner, Anthony D. [NY-9] – 3/4/2009
Rep Welch, Peter [VT] – 3/26/2009
Rep Wexler, Robert [FL-19] – 3/4/2009
Rep Wolf, Frank R. [VA-10] – 3/4/2009
Rep Woolsey, Lynn C. [CA-6] – 3/4/2009
Rep Wu, David [OR-1] – 3/4/2009
Rep Yarmuth, John A. [KY-3] – 3/4/2009

Related Posts

• Alert: Tell Congress to Fully Fund LWCF! (Land and Water Conservation Fund)
• Alert: Help Stop $35 Billion in Oil and Gas Industry Tax Breaks
• Alert: Critical Sea Turtle Habitat at Risk – Vote Expected This Week
• Alert: Stop Unregulated Gas Drilling in the Delaware River Watershed
• Alert: Support Good Planning and Environmental Policy. Call NJ DEP Today!

From: Land Trust Alliance

Oil Spill Bills Would Dedicate LWCF, Congress May Vote This Week

Oil spill response legislation headed to the House and Senate floors this week may provide the best opportunity in years to secure dedicated funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund! But it’s by no means a done deal, so we need your help today.

Ask Your Senators and Rep. to Support Dedicated LWCF in Oil Spill Legislation

The Land and Water Conservation Fund is authorized to receive a small percentage of revenue from offshore leases for oil and gas–$900 million a year—but Congressional appropriators have consistently withheld much of that funding, shortchanging the program by some $17 billion over the past 46 years. The tragedy of the BP Oil Spill reminds us of the vulnerability of wildlife habitat from energy development, but response legislation provides an opportunity to finally ensure that LWCF is fully dedicated, without further appropriation.

House leaders just released a new version of H.R. 3534 that that would fully dedicate $900 million to the fund each year, and we expect the Senate to follow suit this afternoon. Crucial floor votes on these bills could come as soon as Thursday, so please call the Capitol Switchboard today at 202-224-3121 and ask for your Representative, then call back for each of your Senators:

1. Ask to speak with the staffer who handles natural resource issues.

2. Tell them about the organization you represent and any LWCF projects that have supported your work.

3. Ask them to support including full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund in legislation addressing the Gulf oil spill AND urge them to support final passage.

4. Ask for the staffer’s email address so you can forward this fact sheet and any local examples.

Click here for more detailed talking points on this legislation and read last week’s New York Times editorial on LWCF.

The Alliance supports full funding for LWCF, but also supports allowing the fund to more directly fund conservation by land trusts. We believe the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative is our best opportunity to secure changes to LWCF that would allow greater flexibility, like that of the Great Outdoors Colorado program, founded when Secretary Salazar headed the Department of Natural Resources in that state.

Related Posts

• Alert: Tell Your Rep. to Sign Pallone ‘Dear Colleague’ to Reduce Mountaintop Removal
• Alert: Help Stop $35 Billion in Oil and Gas Industry Tax Breaks
• Alert: Tell DEP to Reject PSE&G’s Request for Permits to Expand Power Lines!
• Hike to Save the Delaware Water Gap! Saturday, May 1 – 2010
• Alert: Critical Sea Turtle Habitat at Risk – Vote Expected This Week

From: National Wildlife Federation:

Sea turtles have been through enough during the BP oil spill.

Now to make matters worse, this week Congress will be voting on a bill that could result in the destruction of critical sea turtle habitats in Florida, as well as other sensitive wildlife habitat areas throughout the country.

Tell your U.S. Representative to vote against the Multiple Peril Insurance Act.

Construction on top of fragile ecosystems is eroding beaches and destroying the habitat of 90% of U.S. sea turtles, which nest on Florida beaches that are under threat by the Multiple Peril Insurance Act.

This bill would expand a federal program that masks the true cost of this development and will hasten destruction of habitat in Florida and across the country.

Urge your representative to vote against this dangerous bill and make sure important nesting habitat is preserved.

Oiled beaches, tar balls and oil slicks have disastrous consequences for endangered sea turtle eggs, hatchlings and migrating adults.

The last thing that sea turtles need is more of their habitat destroyed.

Don’t make it easy for developers to destroy beach habitats–speak up to protect them for sea turtles and future generations.

Sincerely,

Sue Brown
Executive Director
NWF Action Fund
info@nwa.org
Twitter: @wildlifeaction
Friend us on Facebook

Related Posts

• Say NO to Offshore Drilling! Join Hands Across the Sand on June 26th
• Alert: Celebrate Earth Day – Speak out Against Offshore Oil Drilling
• Alert: Tell Your Rep. to Sign Pallone ‘Dear Colleague’ to Reduce Mountaintop Removal
• Alert: Tell Congress to Fully Fund LWCF! (Land and Water Conservation Fund)
• Tell President Obama: Stop Asian Carp Now, Before It’s Too Late

Japanese knotweed has become a major problem in northern New Jersey and many other places, driving out native vegetation, and creating a useless sea of inedible greenery for our wildlife. Not good!

On Sunday, July 18th we will continue removal of these invasive weeds from Riverdale’s Appelt Park. The goal is to eventually replace them with native trees and shrubs. Our first session in June made a big dent. Please help us to continue this successful work! Drinks, tools and gloves will be provided, but extra shovels are welcome.

There will be tasks to suit everyone at every age or energy level. These efforts will not only restore the park, but are helping to spread the word on the danger these invasive plants pose.

Appelt Park is on the east side of Hamburg Turnpike in Riverdale, about 1/2 mile north of Rt. 287. The work session begins at 10:00 AM and ends at 1:00 PM.

Thanks!

Ross Kushner, Executive Director
Pequannock River Coalition
P.O. Box 392
Newfoundland, NJ 07435
www.pequannockriver.org
(973)492-3212

Almost 30 volunteers turned out today for our first restoration event at Appelt Park. This park, like many other areas along waterways in New Jersey, had been taken over by an invasive plant – Japanese knotweed. Forming dense stands up to 12 feet tall, this weed has been gobbling up the park. No more! Our hard-working folks liberated more than a half-acre of ground from thickets of knotweed. Stacked for disposal, the pile of removed weed was 30 feet long, 15 feet wide and almost 6 feet tall. Incredible!!

Press – The Bergen Record: Japanese Knotweed is not wanted: Aggressive plant no match for determined volunteers

Related Posts

• Say NO to Offshore Drilling! Join Hands Across the Sand on June 26th
• National Trails Day – Help Protect the Water Gap
• Pequannock River Coalition Park Restoration Project – June 26 & July 18
• Pequannock River Coalition Spring Hike – Sunday, May 2nd
• Alert: Tell DEP to Reject PSE&G’s Request for Permits to Expand Power Lines!

From CREDO Action:

Before the worst environmental disaster in American history began, BP was claiming almost a quarter of a million dollars in tax deductions per day for its Deepwater Horizon oil platform in the Gulf. That’s right, at a time of soaring deficits and record unemployment, a single deepwater offshore drilling facility won $225,000 in taxpayer subsidies for one of the most profitable companies in the world.

We are joining Democracy for America and USAction/TrueMajority and calling for a repeal of dirty fuel tax breaks. Click here to join us.

BP, EXXON Mobile and other oil companies are among the most profitable in the world, yet they are given billions in tax subsidies, credits, deductions, and other loopholes.

In fact, EXXON Mobile, the single most profitable company in history, avoided paying any federal income taxes last year and even received a $46 million refund.

If not now, when? It’s time for Congress to stop the annual $35 billion taxpayer bailout to dirty energy companies.

Even while they rake in obscene profits from government contracts and sweetheart deals for mineral leases on public lands, Big Oil companies will stop at nothing to avoid paying their fair share of taxes. They already register their oil platform rigs in Panama and move their corporate headquarters to tax havens like the Cayman Islands. Enough is enough. Now is the time to mobilize massive public pressure and force Congress to end the tax loopholes for Big Oil.

Congress can put an end to these practices, but they need to hear from you. Join CREDO Action, Democracy for America and USAction/TrueMajority in calling for an end to Big Oil tax subsidies.

The BP oil spill has created an opportunity. There is a movement in the Senate of progressive senators who want cut subsidies to Big Oil and gas companies. Dirty energy lobbyists and the politicians they give money to are putting up a massive defense of these subsidies. Reformers in Congress need to know that you are fed up with the special treatment that oil and gas companies receive.

Congress can put an end to these practices but they need to hear from you. Join CREDO Action, Democracy for America and USAction/TrueMajority in calling for an end to Big Oil tax subsidies.

Thank you. Your pressure works.

Adam Quinn, Campaign Manager
CREDO Action

Related Posts

• Say NO to Offshore Drilling! Join Hands Across the Sand on June 26th
• Alert: Tell Your Rep. to Sign Pallone ‘Dear Colleague’ to Reduce Mountaintop Removal
• Alert: Tell Congress to Fully Fund LWCF! (Land and Water Conservation Fund)
• Alert: Runaway Drilling Disaster Threatens Sea Turtles… Deadline Monday for Action!
• Alert: Celebrate Earth Day – Speak out Against Offshore Oil Drilling

An unregulated drilling technique is putting the water supply for Trenton, Phillipsburg and many South Jersey towns at risk and we need your help to protect it. (Click this link to send an e-mail message and to take other actions!)

Natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale (PA & NY) is threatening to pollute New Jersey’s drinking water for a million and a half people and to deforest the Delaware River watershed. A new process called hydrofracking , injects chemicals into millions of gallons of clean water to drill horizontally for natural gas. The chemical mixture that remains is difficult to treat and risks seeping in to our drinking water.

Come join the NJ Sierra Club and the Delaware Riverkeeper next Wednesday (7/14/10) to rally outside of a Delaware River Basin Commission Meeting on this important issue. Until federal regulations for hydrofracking are set our organizations are asking for a complete moratorium on all natural gas projects in the Marcellus Shale.

What: Rally at Delaware River Basin Commission Public Meeting

When: 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 14

Where: West Trenton Volunteer Fire Company http://www.wtvfc.org/directions.htm

40 West Upper Ferry Road, Ewing, NJ 08628-2714 (609) 883-0325

Why: We need a complete and total moratorium on all natural gas projects in the Delaware River Watershed until the comprehensive study of the cumulative impact of gas projects is completed and all regulations are adopted. It’s urgent that we act to preserve the high water quality of the Delaware River.

The Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf is a daily reminder what can happen when energy companies go unregulated. Tell the DRBC we don’t want the same to happen in the Delaware River.

Let us know if you can join us at the hearing or send a letter to the commission.

Thank you for your support,

NJ Sierra Club Staff

P.S. There are carpools being organized in the Philadelphia area and a car shuttle running from the West Trenton Septa Train Station. To get more info on carpools or train pick up, contact DRN at 215-369-1188 ext. 110.

More information:

- The Delaware River Watershed supplies drinking water for 15 million people including one million New Jerseyans. Hydrofracking can, and has, contaminated drinking water supplies and streams and rivers.

- Each fracking well will destroy 15 acres of forest and need a half mile of roadway. There are currently proposals for more than 50,000 wells. This could mean the removal of 750,000 acres of woodlands and the construction of 25,000 miles of road. The runoff and pollution will cause irreparable damage to the Delaware River Watershed.

- The EPA is currently researching a comprehensive report due in 2012. The federal government has not yet passed the Frack Act to force the drilling companies to reveal the hundreds of toxic chemicals injected into the wells  and comply with the Clean Air and Water Acts and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.

- The DRBC has placed a temporary and incomplete moratorium. The current moratorium will expire before the EPA’s impact study is released and full regulations are in place. The moratorium does not include previously permitted drilling projects or related projects like Stone Energy’s application to withdraw 700,000 million gallons per day from a major tributary.

- Consequently, it is essential that the DRBC act by adopting a total moratorium on gas projects while conducting a thorough analysis of the cumulative impacts of extended gas development and then adopts comprehensive regulations to protect and preserve the Delaware River Watershed for us and future generations.

Related Posts

• Delaware Supervisors Want DRBC to Finish Gas Drilling Regulations
• Commissioner Martin: Don’t Sell New Jersey’s Water Supply Short
• Video: NJN – NJDEP Commissioner Calls Upon PA, DRBC to Develop Rules for Natural Gas Drilling, Fracking
• Video: NJN – DRBC Grants Controversial Permit for Natural Gas Drilling in Delaware River Watershed
• Hydro-Fracking Is the Real Enemy of the Watershed

Two Wrongs Do Not Make a Right! Don’t Let PSE&G Undermine Environmental Policy and Good Planning.  Tell the DEP NOT to Allow Piecemeal Applications.

We need your help to stop PSE&G from piecemealing its DEP Freshwater Wetlands and Flood Hazard permit applications for the Susquehanna-Roseland transmission lines.  PSE&G recently submitted these permit applications to the DEP.  The applications were incomplete and flawed, and the DEP responded with a four-page letter requiring PSE&G to provide substantial additional information, make numerous adjustments to the project, and provide mitigation for all loss of forests.  In response, PSE&G is trying to split the project into two separate application areas to circumvent the DEP process.

The applications for the project are to be divided at Hopatcong, so that PSE&G can begin construction on the eastern portion of the project – from Hopatcong to Roseland – this summer.  In the western portion of this proposed “split” lies the Delaware Water Gap.  The National Parks Service hasn’t issued its scoping document for the Delaware Water Gap, as part of the NEPA process.  The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires federal agencies to integrate environmental values into their decision-making processes by considering the environmental impacts of their proposed actions and reasonable alternatives to those actions. By splitting the application, PSE&G is undermining the NEPA process.

The Susquehanna-Roseland transmission line expansion is an unnecessary project proposed by PSE&G and its Pennsylvania counterpart, PP&L that is fueled by greed, not need.  The project consists of adding 500 kV power lines to the already existing 230 kV.  To achieve the increase in transmission capacity they will need to build 75 195-ft towers and create 80 access roads.  Environmentalists have been opposing this project from the onset because of serious ecological impacts, negative affects on air and water quality, reduced property values and public health concerns.

Please help us oppose PSE&G’s piecemeal application and support good environmental policy and planning:

Call DEP Commissioner Bob Martin on Thursday, June 10, 2010 and urge him NOT to allow PSE&G to piecemeal its application and undermine the National Park Service.

Today seven organizations are asking their members to do the same thing.  Let’s make sure Bob Martin hears the message loud and clear!

DEP Phone Number: (609) 292-2885

Thank you for your help on this important issue!

Sincerely,

The Sierra Club Staff in Trenton

Related Posts

• Alert: Tell DEP to Reject PSE&G’s Request for Permits to Expand Power Lines!
• Hike to Save the Delaware Water Gap! Saturday, May 1 – 2010
• National Trails Day – Help Protect the Water Gap
• Comment Period Extended to March 12 – Alert: The Delaware Water Gap and Appalachian Trail Threatened by Powerline – Speak Out!
• Alert: The Delaware Water Gap and Appalachian Trail Threatened by Powerline – Speak Out!

In response to the Deepwater Horizon spill and growing disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, Sierra Club and our partners are organizing a day of action at coastal beaches in New Jersey, and across the United States.

On Saturday, June 26th people all across the country will join hands on the beach with one simple message:  “NO to offshore oil drilling and YES to clean energy”

For more information, visit handsacrossthesand.org.

In New Jersey there will be three key events: Asbury Park, Seaside Heights, and Atlantic City. In addition people all along the coast are creating their own small events.

Please save the date to spend Saturday June 26 on the beach with other people around the country who are ready to move into a smarter, safer energy future.

Who Anyone and everyone

What:  A national event with participants joining hands at beaches and shorelines.

Message: “No to offshore drilling and yes to clean energy.”

When: June 26, 2010. Arrive at the beach at 11am. At noon join hands for 15 minutes.

Where: Asbury Park, Seaside Heights, Atlantic City, and more (Visit http://www.handsacrossthesand.com/new-jersey/ for a full listing)

RSVP: On our Facebook pages

Seaside Heights: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=125558947478411

Asbury Park: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=132480546769181&ref=ts

Atlantic City: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=130651916961088

Interested in volunteering? We could use a few good people. Email grace.sica@sierraclub.org

Thank you for your interest.  We look forward to seeing you on the beach.

Sincerely,

NJ Sierra Club Staff

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• Hike to Save the Delaware Water Gap! Saturday, May 1 – 2010
• Alert: Help Stop $35 Billion in Oil and Gas Industry Tax Breaks

June 5 is National Trails Day and the Sierra Club will be hosting an outing to the Delaware Water Gap. This outing will provide an opportunity to see first hand the beauty of the park and also the threat posed by PSE&G’s powerlines.

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• Say NO to Offshore Drilling! Join Hands Across the Sand on June 26th
• Sierra Club Response to PSE&G on Power Lines

Photo courtesty of Leon Steber

Richard Charter
Senior Policy Advisor, Marine Programs
Defenders of Wildlife

Right now, roughly 5,000 barrels of oil a day are being spilled into the Gulf of Mexico southeast of Venice, Louisiana [1] – yet another awful outcome of the tragic explosion at what was supposed to be one of the safest and most advanced offshore drilling rigs in the world.

Help close the door on another drilling disaster. Urge the Obama administration to reject expanded offshore drilling exploration.

Delicate marine ecosystems – and the dolphins, sea turtles and other wildlife that need them to survive – are at risk. Local fisherman fear for their businesses, as an oil slick twice the size of Maryland nears the ecologically fragile Louisiana coastline. [2] 

The situation is so desperate that yesterday the U.S. Coast Guard lit contaminated portions of the Gulf on fire in a desperate attempt to eliminate the spill before it reaches the coast. [3]

And as the tragedy unfolds, officials in the Obama administration are considering a proposal that could dramatically expand offshore drilling – and bring the threat of another tragedy like the one now unfolding in the Gulf of Mexico to your favorite beach.

Tell the Obama administration to reject Big Oil’s plans to industrialize our coasts. Submit your comments now.

Comments on the administration’s offshore drilling proposal are due Monday (May 3rd), so please send your message to federal officials right now!

It doesn’t take a dramatic explosion and monster oil slick to see the perils of offshore drilling. For some marine wildlife, the simple act of determining whether and where to site an offshore rig can be a prelude to disaster.

Seismic surveys conducted during oil and gas exploration potentially can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss, induce behavioral changes and even physically injure marine mammals like bottlenose dolphins found along the Gulf coastline and bowhead whales in the waters of Alaska’s Chukchi Sea.

Protect whales and dolphins from risky offshore drilling schemes. Say “No!” to more destructive oil and gas exploration off our coasts.

Exposure to petroleum also causes tissue damage in the eyes, mouth, skin and lungs of dolphins and other marine mammals. And because they are at the top of the food chain, marine mammals like polar bears and whales will be exposed to the dangers of bioaccumulation of organic pollutants and metals.

For the threatened and endangered sea turtles found along the Gulf Coast, expanded oil drilling could mean the difference between survival and extinction.
Dredging of nesting beaches, collisions and noise disruptions threaten sea turtles. And hatchlings are particularly susceptible to oiling because they spend much of their time near the water surface, where spilled oil or tar accumulates.

Take action now to protect sea turtles, whales, dolphins and our coasts. Send your message to the Obama administration now.

For the Wild Ones,

Richard Charter
Senior Policy Advisor, Marine Programs
Defenders of Wildlife

Over the last three weeks, Defenders of Wildlife has mobilized hundreds of activists to attend public hearings on the proposal to expand harmful exploration for oil and gas deposits off U.S. Coasts.

Defenders from Texas, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina and New Jersey packed local hearings to testify on the dangers of industrializing our coasts and act as a voice for the whales, sea turtles, dolphins, shorebirds and other wildlife threatened by plans line our coasts with new offshore drilling rigs.
Notes

[1] http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g5gnWbqZ9SqBHvSYqJeE2AT5KebwD9FCN2100

[2] http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2010/04/29/bloomberg1376-L1N0ET1A74E9-6.DTL

[3] http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/29/AR2010042901244.html?hpid=topnews

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• Alert: Help Stop $35 Billion in Oil and Gas Industry Tax Breaks
• Say NO to more nuclear power in Salem County!

PSE&G is applying for an early site permit to build another nuclear plant in Salem. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is holding a public hearing to address questions and concerns related to the permit. The meeting will be held in Salem Community College’s Davidow Theatre. There will be an open house with NRC staff from 5 to 7 p.m. where residents can discuss issues related to the planned permit application with federal officials. From 7 to 9:30 p.m. will be the pubic outreach meeting where the public can comment on the planned application submission.

Related Posts

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• Say NO to Offshore Drilling! Join Hands Across the Sand on June 26th
• Alert: Celebrate Earth Day – Speak out Against Offshore Oil Drilling
• Alert: Tell DEP to Reject PSE&G’s Request for Permits to Expand Power Lines!
• Hike to Save the Delaware Water Gap! Saturday, May 1 – 2010

Photo courtesty of Leon Steber

Earlier this month President Obama announced that the Atlantic Ocean could be open for drilling as early as 2012. The current proposal would allow drilling as far north as Cape Henlopen in Delaware, 10 miles off the coast of Cape May.

Next week the Minerals Management Service will hold a public hearing in Newark on ocean exploration. Ocean exploration is the first step in offshore drilling. In addition exploring the ocean floor is a difficult process and a significant taxpayer investment. Ocean exploration requires sound testing. Whales, dolphins, and even fisheries are negatively impacted by these surveys.

At every opportunity we need to let the federal government know that New Jersey residents do not want drilling anywhere near our coasts. Please contact the MMS and tell them you are concerned about the environmental effects of exploration and future oil drilling or carbon sequestration.

Please come speak:

When: April 27th; 1st meeting begins at 1 p.m., 2nd meeting begins at 7 p.m.

Where: Sheraton Newark Airport Hotel, 128 Frontage Road, Newark

If you cannot attend the meeting email your comments to the MMS.

Thank you,
NJ Sierra Club Staff

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• Say NO to more nuclear power in Salem County!
• Alert: Tell DEP to Reject PSE&G’s Request for Permits to Expand Power Lines!

From NJ Chapter Sierra Club:

We need your help opposing PSE&G’s Susquehanna-Roseland Transmission line expansion project, which will replace existing 80-foot towers with ones that stand at 195-feet – more than double the current size.  The project will destroy environmentally sensitive areas in the Highlands and will be an eyesore in the middle of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.  These power lines will be used to import dirty coal energy from the Midwest for power that is not even needed, setting back New Jersey’s goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and move towards renewable energy sources.

The DEP is currently accepting public comment on two of the permits that PSE&G needs to begin the project – the Flood Hazard Area Individual Permit and a Freshwater Wetlands Permit. The DEP will also hold a public hearing on April 28 to consider these permits, which address stormwater runoff, drinking water contamination, groundwater recharge, and habitat destruction.  We believe PSE&G has not adequately addressed these issues and should not be granted either permit.

Please help us fight this unnecessary project by letting DEP know your concerns.  Please attend the public hearing on the DEP permits:

If you can’t make it to the hearing, your voice can still be heard. Please use this form to submit your comments to the DEP.

Thank you for your help on this important issue!

Sincerely,

The Sierra Club Staff in Trenton

————————————————————————————————————–

The following are some of the key issues to include in your comments to the DEP:

• If this power line expansion is carried out, it will impose serious, irreversible damage on the Highlands, an environmentally sensitive area that is critical to the health of the state’s water supply.
• The project will result in the removal of vegetation, destroying acres of wildlife habitat and causing erosion and sedimentation in area streams that play an important role in New Jersey’s drinking water supply.
• Increased amounts of sediment in these streams will cause contamination, resulting in dangerous public health affects .
• Access roads required to complete the project are located on hiking trails and logging roads that must be widened.  This will result in loss of canopy cover and forest connectivity, increasing the edge effects on the core forest.  Edge effects include more deer browsing and the encroachment of invasive species populations
• Soil compaction from the use of these vehicles and other heavy machinery will reduce groundwater recharge – the process through which groundwater is replenished
• The se expanded towers are near to homes and schools, which will impact public health and safety and potentially diminish property values
• PSE&G has not sufficiently explored alternatives to the project, including energy conservation and energy efficiency options
• PSE&G has not committed to avoidance and minimization practices to decrease the environmental and community impact of the project

Send your message to PSE&G via the Sierra Club Action Network!

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• Alert: The Delaware Water Gap and Appalachian Trail Threatened by Powerline – Speak Out!
• Alert: Support Good Planning and Environmental Policy. Call NJ DEP Today!

Photo Courtesy of greenjersey.org

The Appalachian Trail and the Delaware Water Gap are in trouble. PSE&G has applied to the National Park to replace the existing 80’ tall power lines with 195’ monster towers. Please join us on a 3 mile hike to view the existing transmission lines, talk about the impacts, and inspire each other to continue protecting our homes and our environment.

Hike to Save the Water Gap – 5/1

Related Posts

• Alert: Tell DEP to Reject PSE&G’s Request for Permits to Expand Power Lines!
• National Trails Day – Help Protect the Water Gap
• Comment Period Extended to March 12 – Alert: The Delaware Water Gap and Appalachian Trail Threatened by Powerline – Speak Out!
• Alert: The Delaware Water Gap and Appalachian Trail Threatened by Powerline – Speak Out!
• Alert: Support Good Planning and Environmental Policy. Call NJ DEP Today!

Saturday, April 17th, 9 am – 5 pm, Governor Chris Christie will be the keynote speaker at New Jersey Environmental Federation’s 24th annual conference at Rutgers University Center for Law and Justice, 123 Washington Street, Newark, NJ. In addition, there will be a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) Plenary on the Environment featuring Judith Enck, Region II Administrator, New York; and the new DEP Commissioner, Bob Martin.

Whatever your political views, it is critically important to know what the State government’s environmental policies will be over the next few years, and this is probably the best place to find out.

For more information and to register, visit  http://www.cleanwateraction.org/njef. To get a discount, let them know you are with the Sustainable Leadership Forum ($25 vs. $30 including breakfast and lunch). Call Jenny Vickers who will register you via credit card over the phone 732-280-8988, jvickers@cleanwater.org, or register online and insert $25 in the registration form, then call her to let her know you’re with the Sustainable Leadership Forum. If you are planning to pay at the door, please her in advance, as well.

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• Pequannock River Coalition Park Restoration Continues – Sunday July 18th – Help Remove Invasive Japanese Knotweed
• Say NO to Offshore Drilling! Join Hands Across the Sand on June 26th
• National Trails Day – Help Protect the Water Gap
• Hike to Save the Delaware Water Gap! Saturday, May 1 – 2010