Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility

Decades ago, a Supreme Court judicial immunity ruling prompted Congress to pass whistleblower protection legislation. With the recent Trump immunity ruling, will Congress need to address executive abuses again? Explore the history of whistleblowers and presidential immunity in our latest commentary from Pacific PEER Director Jeff Ruch. #SCOTUS https://ow.ly/6bzR50T8O8T

Vermont made history earlier this year by enacting the nation's first “Climate Superfund Act,” requiring fossil fuel companies to pay for damages linked to greenhouse gas emissions. Senator Anne Watson (D), a prime sponsor, explained, “Thanks to attribution science, we can measure just how much worse storms are now because of climate change. So, it’s time for us to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for the damage they have caused.” Thank you, Senator Watson, for leading the charge in holding fossil fuel companies accountable for the climate damages they've caused.

When Dr. Jonathan Lundgren was working as a top-rated USDA scientist, his research uncovered the environmental harms, especially to bees and other pollinators, of neonicotinoid insecticides and other industry favorites. USDA’s research arm tried to stifle his research, so Jonathan fought back. With our help, he invoked the agency’s own Scientific Integrity rules, which state that research cannot be suppressed merely because it's inconvenient for powerful industry interests. It was a tough battle, but he was able to extract himself with his integrity intact. Today, he runs Blue Dasher Farm, his own research farm in South Dakota. We've continued to work together to highlight the risks of pesticides to bees and the environment. Jonathan’s insights are too important to suppress. At PEER, we stand with courageous whistleblowers like Jonathan who risk their careers to reveal the truth. Our job during these difficult times is to protect them from retaliation as best we can, amplify their message, and push for meaningful reforms in our government. Read the full story here 👇 https://ow.ly/UQ4c50T6oQU #ScientificIntegrity

🏔️ Denali National Park, home to over six million acres of public land, has taken a significant step forward by eliminating the sale of plastic water bottles. During a recent visit to the park, former PEER Policy & Litigation Attorney Hudson Kingston captured these photos of the initiative in action. Single-use disposable plastic bottles are the single biggest component of national park waste streams. By ensuring that park visitors have access to free potable water and ending the sale of plastic water bottles at all national parks, we can reduce discarded plastics by 75%. Kudos to the PEER team for their tireless efforts in driving change on this issue!

✉️ In today's edition of PEERMail, learn about our impactful work addressing pressing issues brought to us by public employees. We've championed several critical causes, including: • Opposing new oil and gas wells in Colorado • Enhancing PFAS monitoring • Protecting local authority to regulate pesticides • Advocating for responsible land management • Eliminating toxic chemicals in automobiles https://ow.ly/jiQB50T38gg

🖋️ Tomorrow marks two years since President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into law. While far from perfect, it represented a significant step forward in the fight against climate change, providing much needed investments in climate mitigation strategies. However, effective governance has proven challenging. Government agencies lack the staff needed to manage IRA funds, and many in Congress are using this shortfall to criticize climate change programs. As the election approaches, PEER will be one of many groups advocating for higher staffing levels at the government agencies critical to the IRA's success. https://ow.ly/5pb050SYSI3

In our latest commentary, Pacific PEER Director Jeff Ruch explores the complex issue of federal employee accountability in light of the Supreme Court's recent decision on presidential immunity. 💬 What are your thoughts on the decision? How do you think it will affect federal oversight and accountability? https://ow.ly/ZJ7050SXEGE #PublicEmployees

Since 2004, we've examined Florida Department of Environmental Protection data to assess state trends in pollution enforcement. Our findings reveal a troubling trend: environmental enforcement actions in Florida are well below historical averages, having declined significantly during the last three years of the DeSantis administration. Learn more in our latest Florida Enforcement Report. https://ow.ly/zbrq50SUGhc

In today's edition of ✉️ PEERMail: • Insights into the state of the National Park Service’s ranger force • Three important PEER-led petitions concerning issues brought to us by public employees • Our efforts to protect cultural and natural resources in Nevada from solar sprawl https://ow.ly/uZmM50SSf5S Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter PEERMail to get the next edition sent straight to your inbox: https://ow.ly/7M3650SSf76