Toxics & Environmental Health

New Study: Mercury in Tuna May Present Greater Risk than Thought

News and Updates, Toxics & Environmental Health / By

For immediate release: Wednesday, September 19, 2012 Montpelier, VT – Some children may be at greater risk from mercury in tuna than previously thought, finds a new study by the Mercury Policy Project (MPP).  Tuna Surprise contains the first-ever test results of canned tuna sold to schools, including Vermont schools, and assesses children’s mercury exposure …

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VPIRG Releases 2011-2012 Legislative Scorecard

Climate & Energy, Consumer Protection, Elections and Government Reform, Health Care, News and Updates, Resources, Toxics & Environmental Health / By

  The Vermont Public Interest Research Group released its 2011-2012 Legislative Scorecard on public interest issues today. As the state’s largest consumer and environmental advocacy organization, VPIRG is involved in a broad range of policy debates in Montpelier, from health care reform to banning fracking. The 2011-2012 Legislative Scorecard tracks votes on clean energy, health care, consumer protection, …

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Thank You Summer 2012 Interns!

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VPIRG summer interns worked hard on research, grassroots organizing and more.  We extend a huge THANK YOU to these five dedicated, smart members of the team.  Click the links below to learn their stories. Clean Energy Intern – Brian Buckley Brian Buckley is one of two clean energy interns working with VPIRG.  A bona fide …

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Back-to-School Guide for Safer School Supplies

Resources, Toxics & Environmental Health / By

The Back-to-School Guide for Safer School Supplies provides parents with information on many common back-to-school items – from backpacks to binders – that may contain toxic chemicals and suggests some safer alternatives. For example, a lot of children’s products, including backpacks, paper clips, 3-ring binders, and lunch boxes, are decorated with PVC coatings.   Polyvinyl chloride, …

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Intern Dives into Reforming Toxic Chemical Regulations

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Evaluating funding mechanisms available to states tackling new comprehensive toxic chemical regulations – this research requires brains and patience, both of which intern Mitty Barnard has exemplified this summer.  Mitty comes to VPIRG from Vermont Law School, where she’s on track to complete her law degree in 2013. Prior to coming to Vermont for law …

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VPIRG Intern Making an Impact

Climate & Energy, Consumer Protection, Elections and Government Reform, Health Care, News and Updates, Toxics & Environmental Health, Vermont Yankee / By

South Burlington resident and soon-to-be Connecticut College senior, Scott Britt, is interning with VPIRG’s Field team this summer.  As a government major, he’s focused on learning how to inform and engage citizens on important issues of the day, from wind energy to the Bottle Bill. Having wasted no time getting his hands dirty, Scott has …

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“National Stroller Brigade” Descends on Capitol

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Several hundred moms, nurses and cancer survivors gathered at the U.S. Capitol to demand action on toxic chemicals. The group rallied in support of Senator Frank Lautenberg’s (D-NJ) Safe Chemicals Act, a bill to overhaul antiquated laws governing toxic chemicals.  Hundreds of moms, including VPIRG Environmental Health Advocate Lauren Hierl, flew or bused into Washington …

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Lies of the Chemical Industry

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Update from VPIRG Environmental Health Advocate, Lauren Hierl — May 10, 2011 I knew the chemical industry couldn’t be trusted, but it’s way worse than I thought. This week, the Chicago Tribune published a scathing series of articles about the underhanded tactics the chemical industry has used to stop regulators from banning toxic flame retardants. …

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2012 Legislative Accomplishments

Climate & Energy, Consumer Protection, Elections and Government Reform, Health Care, News and Updates, Toxics & Environmental Health, Victories / By

The 2012 legislative session marked another busy and successful year in advocacy for the public interest. We came into the session with ambitious plans – from taking on the Oil and Gas Industry to ban fracking to initiating a campaign to require GMO labeling to standing up to health insurers and making sure they cover the medical care they should. We take our role as “Vermont’s Voice” in the State House seriously – bringing research and policy analysis, strong partnerships and principled organizing and advocacy to the fore.

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