PSR Monitor

Critical funding for radiation victims is caught in a race against time

In June of this year, the existing Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) is set to expire. RECA is the  law providing compensation to people whose health has been impacted by American nuclear weapons development and testing.  PSR has been supporting a bipartisan effort led by Senators Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) to extend RECA beyond this deadline and expand compensation to include additional groups of people and geographic areas impacted by nuclear weapons. On March 7, in an important first step toward justice, the United States Senate voted 69 to 30 in favor of a bill to accomplish this. The day before that, the Biden administration signaled its support. So with the Senate and White House solidly behind it, the focus turns now to the House of Representatives, where this critical legislation is in a race against time.

PSR Board Member Delivers Apology to the People of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

PSR national board member Ann Suellentrop traveled to Hiroshima and Nagasaki March 2-17 as part of a Pax Christi USA pilgrimage. Ann visited with Hibakusha, survivors of the US atomic bomb attacks, met with Japanese activists for nuclear weapons abolition, and delivered messages of apology and solidarity, including from PSR.

Welcome, Magritte Gordaneer, New NWA Staffer!

Join us in welcoming Ms. Magritte Gordaneer as PSR National’s new Lead Organizer and Policy Coordinator of the Nuclear Weapons Abolition Program.

Magritte is a UN Youth Champion for Disarmament, having been selected as one of fifteen individuals out of over 1000 applicants from 128 countries.

Magritte has worked in the field of disarmament for the past six years, largely focusing on advocating for nuclear abolition. She first learned about nuclear weapons and the humanitarian threats they pose as a high school student through the work of the late Dr. Mary-Wynne Ashford. In 2019, she traveled to Hiroshima to learn from hibakusha and academics as part of the Hiroshima-ICAN Academy.

Tomorrow: Fracking with "Forever Chemicals" in West Virginia

Tomorrow, Wednesday, March 27, PSR is releasing the sixth and final in its series of reports on the use of "forever chemicals" — PFAS, or Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances — used in fracking and drilling for oil and gas. This report, documenting use of these toxic chemicals in West Virginia, found a situation similar to that in other states: Some use of PFAS is visible in industry reporting; a lot more information is shielded behind "confidential business information" designations. In short, it's nearly impossible for West Virginians to know where these toxic chemicals are being used in drilling and fracking, and in what quantities. Please visit psr.org on Wednesday to download the report.

PSR & Gas Leaks Team Up To Get Warning Labels on Gas Stoves

Gas stoves emit dangerous pollutants into our homes, whether they are on or off. Consumers have the right to know that the appliance they’re buying can harm their and their family’s health. Through a comedic spin on reality television, GasLeaks is educating the public about just how Hot & Toxic gas stove pollutants are. Watch their video at the Hot & Toxic campaign site, and see each of the air pollutants personified as messy, toxic reality stars. While there you can sign their petition, which PSR National is uplifting to urge the Consumer Safety Product Commission (CPSC) to require warning labels on gas stoves through the #HotAndToxic campaign.

Oregon PSR Reports on Indoor Air Pollution

Oregon PSR has released a report on the pollution caused by burning fossil fuels for heating and water heating in Oregon homes and buildings. The report, coauthored with  four other organizations — Verde, Beyond Toxics, Oregon Sierra Club and RMI — found that combustion from these sources generates as much lung-damaging nitrogen oxide (NOx) pollution as the state’s cement manufacturing and power generation combined. The report also found that communities of color across the state are disproportionately impacted by air pollution from homes and buildings. These important findings echo those in an October 2023 report coauthored by the national PSR office with Sierra Club and WeAct for Environmental Justice.

PSR National Welcomes Our Spring 2024 Cohort of Next Generation Climate and Health Ambassadors

PSR National is excited to share that the Spring 2024 Next Generation Climate and Health Ambassadors program has started! We have welcomed young healthcare professionals with diverse backgrounds and across various states. Throughout our program, our Ambassadors will learn advocacy skills through our training sessions, such as submitting a public comment, writing a letter to the editor, and contacting their local legislatures. They will also be working on a project related to climate and health in their local communities. Through this program, we aim to empower the next generation of healthcare leaders to drive positive change in their practice, the healthcare industry and in planetary health.

Take action to tackle car and truck pollution

EPA recently finalized a historic rule to decrease harmful emissions from cars. The transportation sector contributes 29% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the US, making it the largest contributor. Pollution from cars and trucks harm our health by enabling climate change and emitting co-pollutants like particulate matter that can lead to premature death. Cracking down on emissions from cars is a step in the right direction, but now we need to finish the job and set strong standards on pollution from trucks. Take action today to thank the EPA and encourage them to finalize strong emissions standards for trucks!

Upcoming Events

LTEs: Fun, Quick, Effective Climate Action
Fri. Mar. 29, Noon - 1:00 pm EDT
Pull out your lunch or pour a cup of tea and learn how to write a letter to the editor with us during this online letter writing lunch and learn, from PSR Pennsylvania. Register

A Benefit Cabaret to Save Philadelphia from Climate Change
Sat. Mar. 30, 8:30 – 11:30 pm EST
Fringearts, 140 N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Join five cabaret performers, one standup comedian, and a live band for the most important benefit concert you'll ever buy a ticket to. Register

2024 Auction
Mon. Apr. 1 - Mon. Apr. 22
Join the fun! Bid online from April 1 - 22, 2024, to support San Francisco Bay Physicians for Social Responsibility! Learn more

Greater Boston PSR’s Annual Membership Meeting
Mon. Apr. 1, 7:00 - 8:00 pm EDT
Open to All - Contact Executive Director Anna Linakis for questions or to request the Zoom link: info@gbpsr.org

Fracking with ‘Forever Chemicals’ in West Virginia: A New Report from Physicians for Social Responsibility
Tue. Apr. 2, Noon - 1:00 pm EDT
Join our webinar to learn about the report findings and how residents could be exposed to PFAS. We'll also look at what steps West Virginians can take to protect themselves. Register

International Uranium Film Festival – Spokane
Wed. Apr. 3 - Thu. Apr. 4
The Magic Lantern Theater, 25 W Main Ave, Spokane, WA
Washington PSR is sponsoring the Spokane, WA edition of the International Uranium Film Festival. View Program

Climate Change and the Human Health Echo: Environmental Justice and Nuclear Harms Panel
Wed. Apr. 3, Noon - 1:30 pm MDT
Session three of this biweekly series is a panel facilitated by Dr. Bob Gould of SF Bay PSR. Co-sponsored by PSR National and SF Bay PSR. Register

Climate Change and the Human Health Echo: Environmental Justice and Nuclear Harms Panel
Wed. Apr. 3, Noon - 1:30 pm MDT
Session three of this biweekly series is a panel facilitated by Dr. Bob Gould of SF Bay PSR. Co-sponsored by PSR National and SF Bay PSR. Register

Martha and Denise's Silver and Emerald Jubilee
Thu. Apr. 11, 6:00 - 11:00 pm PDT
Johnny's West Adams, 4327 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Join PSR-Los Angeles for a fun celebration of Martha Dina Arguello's 25th anniversary and Denise Duffield's 20th Anniversary at PSR-LA. Tickets

International Uranium Film Festival – Seattle
Fri. Apr. 12 - Sun. Apr. 14
Northwest Film Forum, 1515 12th Ave, Seattle, WA
Washington PSR is sponsoring the Seattle, WA edition of the International Uranium Film Festival. View Program

Tax Day to Earth Day: Week of Action and Advocacy
Mon. Apr. 15 - Mon. Apr. 22
Join Washington PSR in demanding federal tax dollars for housing, healthcare, and climate, and not for nuclear weapons by holding a demonstration in your Congressional District. Sign up for an event or host your own! Register

Climate Change and the Human Health Echo: Superfund Sites and Environmental Exposures
Wed. Apr. 17, Noon - 1:00 pm MDT
Session four of this biweekly series features speaker Michelle Hunter, MS. Co-sponsored by PSR National and SF Bay PSR. Register

How to Prepare for the Unexpected: Disaster Preparation for Healthcare Professionals
Mon. Apr. 29, 7:00 - 8:00 pm CDT
Join PSR Texas for this webinar on disaster preparedness and medical response structure in Texas, featuring speaker Douglas Havron, RN. Register

Climate Change and the Human Health Echo: Identifying the Source of Chemical Solvents and Their Health-Related Impacts
Wed. May 1, Noon - 1:00 pm MDT
Session five of this biweekly series features speaker Michelle Hunter, MS. Co-sponsored by PSR National and SF Bay PSR. Register

End Gun Violence Advocacy Day
Tue. May 7, 9:00 am - 3:30 pm EDT
Pennsylvania State Capitol, 501 N 3rd St, Harrisburg, PA
PSR Pennsylvania and CeaseFire PA invite Pennsylvanians to join them in Harrisburg for a day of advocacy. Register

More events

PSR Actions

Take action to clean up car and truck pollution!

Tell EPA: Make polluters pay!

In the news

Eric Hayot and Ned Ketyer: TIAA's 'sportswashing' its contribution to climate change
Net Ketyer, MD, PSR Pennsylvania President and Eric Hayot, Penn State, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Mar 20

20+ Groups In California Call Out Oil Refiners Profits, Seek Penalty By Summer
Daily Kos - Mar 18
Press release mentioning San Francisco Bay PSR

Countering Propaganda From the Fossil Fuel Industry
Linda Rudolph, MD, former PSR board member, The New York Times - Mar 17

Weaver ignored pitfalls of natural gas
Barbara Wendeborn Brandom, MD, PSR Pennsylvania Member, Observer-Reporter - Mar 16

Environmentalists renew fight to limit use of neonicotinoids in CT
CT Insider - Mar 16
Quotes PSR New York's Kathy Nolan, MD, MSL

A Social Psychiatric Perspective on a Winner and a Loser at the Oscars
Psychiatric Times - Mar 14
Mentions PSR

Environmentalists clash with Gov. Shapiro at hydrogen energy meeting in Philly
Allegheny Front - Mar 13
Quotes PSR Pennsylvania's Tammy Murphy

As Gonzalez Ramps Up Effort to Remodel PCEF Tax, Community Groups Plan a Defense
Willamette Week - Mar 13
Mentions Oregon PSR

Maya van Rossum, the Delaware Riverkeeper, Shouts Down Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro Over a Proposed 'Hydrogen Hub'
Inside Climate News - Mar 12
Mentions PSR Pennsylvania

Local US Pax Christi leaders visit Japan on peace pilgrimage
National Catholic Report - Mar 12
Quotes PSR board member Anne Suellentrop, MSRN

Judge Denies Industry Challenge to Delay Implementation of Washington’s New Climate and Health-Friendly Building Codes
Earthjustice - Mar 8
Press release on legal win for Washington PSR

'Fix the mix': Climate activists want PECO to buy more renewable energy
WHYY - Mar 7
Mentions PSR Pennsylvania

No One Should Lose Their Home Over Water Bills
Food and Water Watch - Mar 7
Mentions Chesapeake PSR

Report Exposes $11 Million Dark Money Ad Campaign by Big Oil in California
Daily Kos - Mar 7
Quotes Martha Dina Argüello, Executive Director, PSR-Los Angeles

Federal court hears lawsuit over proposed trail at Rocky Flats
KGNU - Mar 6
Coverage of PSR lawsuit

Federal judge urged to halt construction of public trail near former Colorado nuke facility
Courthouse News Service - Mar 6
Coverage of PSR lawsuit

Physicians, environmental groups sue Buttigieg, federal agencies in Rocky Flats case
Augusta Free Press - Mar 5
Coverage of PSR lawsuit

Peco may be forced to pick between fossil fuels or renewable energy before its latest plan expires in 2025
The Philadelphia Inquirer - Mar 5
Mentions PSR Pennsylvania

Xcel shouldn’t mix hydrogen with methane gas
Boulder Daily Camera - Mar 4
Letter to the editor citing PSR's hydrogen report

Homelessness: 'Support equitable policies'
Lexi Lightner, Washington PSR, The Seattle Times - Mar 1

New Report: Top retailers fail to warn shoppers about health risks of gas stove pollution
U.S. PIRG - Feb 29
Quotes Greater Boston PSR's Brita Lundberg, MD

TFAH Applauds the Re-introduction of The Social Determinants of Health Act in Congress
Trust for America's Health - Feb 29
Mentions Texas PSR

Dr. Ladapo should resign
Lynn Ringenberg, MD and Ron Saff, MD, PSR Florida, Tampa Bay Times - Feb 28
Letter to the editor on measles outbreak in Florida

Initiative to prohibit income taxes in Washington has its day in Olympia
MLT News - Feb 28
Quotes Charles Mayer, MD, MPH, Washington PSR

Legislature holds hearing on initiative to ban income tax in Washington
The Chronicle - Feb 28
Quotes Charles Mayer, MD, MPH, Washington PSR

The Deadly $125-Billion ICBM Boondoggle
Union of Concerned Scientists - Feb 27
Mentions PSR

Watertown Group Seeks to Pass Nuclear Disarmament Resolution
Watertown News - Feb 27
Mentions Greater Boston PSR

Legislature holds hearing on initiative concerning personal income tax
Lynnwood Times - Feb 27
Quotes Charles Mayer, MD, MPH, Washington PSR

A Warning about Radioactive Air Pollution from Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station
Brita Lundberg, MD; Joe Hodgkin, MD; and Dr. Susan Racine, MD; Greater Boston PSR, CommonWealth Beacon - Feb 24

Pennsylvania orders disclosure of fracking chemicals -- except for 'trade secrets'
Bay Journal - Feb 23
Cites PSR's Fracking Chemicals in Pennsylvania report

Climate Change Poses Risks to Our Health. These Nurses Want to Fix That
Time Magazine - Feb 21
Article on the great work of our partner organization, the Alliance of Nurses for Health Environments (ANHE), led by PSR Board Member and Treasurer Katie Huffling, DNP, RN, CNM, FAAN.

Allentown official signs letter criticizing Shapiro’s economic development plan, citing environmental justice
Lehigh Valley News - Feb 21
Mentions PSR Pennsylvania