PSR Monitor

Global Health Organizations Call for Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty

More than 1000 health professionals and 200 health organizations across the world are calling on governments to urgently develop and implement a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty to end global dependence on fossil fuels, in order to protect global public health. The letter was initiated by PSR and the Global Climate and Health Alliance and co-authored by PSR Board Members Drs. Laalitha Surapaneni and Marjaneh Moini. Signatories include the World Health Organization and the nation of Vanuatu.

Read the letter here and if you are a health professional, add your name here.

Toxic PFAS Chemicals Used in Fracking in Ohio

Don't miss our about-to-be-released report on the use of toxic PFAS chemicals in oil and gas operations in the state of Ohio. PFAS, known as "forever chemicals" because they break down so slowly in the environment, are a class of chemicals that can cause cancer, pre-eclampsia and other diseases. Our research documents where PFAS chemicals were used in oil and gas wells, and that companies frequently invoked "trade secret" privileges to hide the identity of the chemicals they used. The report will be released on September 29.

PSR Webinar Analyzes Public Health Impacts of IRA

PSR hosted a webinar analysis of the public health impacts of the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act, the strongest climate policy ever passed by Congress. The robust conversation, led by Paul Billings, National Senior Vice President of Public Policy for the American Lung Association, and Jake Assael, PSR's Policy Coordinator for Environment & Health, addressed the law's strengths, its shortcomings, and what to look for in its implementation.

Manchin Dirty Permitting Proposal Attached to Government Funding Bill

A provision that would streamline fossil fuel projects and gut bedrock environmental protections has been attached to a government funding bill that must be approved by September 30 to avoid a government shutdown. The provision, apparently part of a deal between Senator Manchin and Senator Schumer, would greatly benefit the fossil fuel industry while threatening public health and the climate. PSR strongly opposes this proposal. Please ask your members of Congress to stand against it as well.

Next-Generation Ambassadors meet Next Gen U

Erica Frank, MD, MPH, FAACME, and previous PSR board member and president, gave a wonderful presentation on climate and health curriculum to PSR’s Next-Generation Ambassadors. Dr. Frank created Next Gen U, the first institution of higher education that is for-credit and for-free, and the world's first online portal where anyone, anywhere can take free post-secondary courses for credit through recognized universities. Dr. Frank also shared her own journey as an environmental activist, researcher, physician, and advocate, inspiring Ambassadors to integrate efficient and effective advocacy in their careers and personal lives.

Warn Your Patients About Gas Stoves

Gas stoves are a health risk. This is true especially for children and the elderly. People who live in homes with gas stoves have more asthma, lung disease, and perhaps even cancer. This month, PSR's My Green Doctor explains the data and offers advice in a short article that you can share with your patients.

New PSR Resource on the Ongoing Situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine

Since Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine, there has been ongoing concern about the safety and security at multiple Ukrainian nuclear power plants, most notably the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. As the plant's safety and security measures continue to be compromised, the risk of radiation exposure grows. PSR has created a fact sheet laying out the dangers if fighting continues around the plant.

Sept. 28: Preventing Nuclear War Means Defending Democracy

The outcome of the November 2022 elections will determine our country’s ability to make meaningful progress on important issues, including preventing nuclear war and abolishing nuclear weapons.
 

Join the Back from the Brink coalition for this virtual roundtable discussion featuring a panel of experts and pro-democracy advocates. PSR is a Partner Organization in the coalition.

Ask your U.S. Representative to cosponsor the People Over Pentagon Act

It's time to stop misdirecting hundreds of billions of dollars away from domestic and human needs to fund endless wars, dangerous and unneeded new nuclear weapons, and the Pentagon's corporate handouts. Doing so will make our country stronger and more just. This summer, U.S. Representatives Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Mark Pocan (D-WI)  introduced the People Over Pentagon Act (H.R. 8040), which calls for cutting $100 billion (about 12%) from the topline military budget. So far, 18 Representatives have joined them to cosponsor H.R. 8040. PSR has endorsed the bill and is working with the People Over Pentagon coalition to garner additional cosponsors.

Upcoming Events

Healthy Democracy, Healthy People
Wed. Sep. 28, 12:00 pm EDT
Join PSR Maine for this webinar examining how Maine compares within the Health and Democracy Index, and what steps can be taken to ensure access to the ballot for more Maine residents. Register

Preventing Nuclear War Means Defending Democracy
Wed. Sep. 28, 7:00 pm EDT
The outcome of the November 2022 elections will determine our country's ability to make meaningful progress on important issues, including preventing nuclear war and abolishing nuclear weapons. Join the Back from the Brink coalition for this virtual roundtable discussion featuring a panel of experts and pro-democracy advocates. Learn more & register

Annual Global Health and Peace Concert
Sat. Oct. 1, 7:00 - 8:30 pm EDT
Greater Boston PSR (GBPSR) and International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) are pleased to host a very special fifth annual peace and health concert to address the twin existential threats of nuclear war and climate change. Learn more & register

Greater Boston PSR Monthly Meeting
Mon. Oct. 3, 7:00 pm EDT
Greater Boston PSR’s monthly meeting – open to all. Please contact Anna Baker at abaker@gbpsr.org for Zoom information.

Harrisburg Peace Garden Gala
Wed. Oct. 12, 6:00 pm EDT
West Shore Country Club, 100 Brentwater Rd, Camp Hill, PA
Peacemaking in an age of endless war. A first-hand report from Ukraine. Speaker Dr. John Reuwer, former Adjunct professor of Nonviolent Conflict Resolution at St Michael's college, Vermont. For more information contact rlittle@verizon.net. Register

OPHA 78th Annual Conference
Mon. Oct. 17, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm PDT
Oregon State University Conference Center, 900 State St, Corvallis, OR
Join Oregon PSR at the Oregon Public Health Association Annual Conference, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Natasha DeJarnett, PSR National President-Elect, and speaker Dr. Richard Bruno of Oregon PSR. Register

Climate Emergency Film Club: Albedo
Thu. Oct. 20, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm EDT
PSR Pennsylvania presents a one hour panel discussion on the short film about Albedo. Register

Salem Peace Lecture: Dr. Ira Helfand
Wed. Oct. 26, 6:30 pm PDT
Willamette University, Smith Auditorium, Salem, OR
PSR Board Member Dr. Ira Helfand will be the speaker at this year's Salem Peace Lecture at Willamette University. More information

PSR Virtual Gala 2022
Tue. Nov. 15, 6:00 - 7:30 pm EST
Join us for an evening of celebration and inspiration, as we look back on our collective accomplishments over the past year, and hear from PSR chapter leaders, staff, board, members, and expert speakers on the work ahead. Tickets

PSR Actions

Ask your U.S. Representative to cosponsor the People Over Pentagon Act

Tell Congress to Reject the Dirty IRA Side Deal

In the news

Local groups join national campaign calling for climate action from Biden administration
Fronteras - Sep 20
Quotes PSR Arizona's Eve Shapiro, MD

Origin's Beetaloo exit is not enough, the fracking has got to stop
Renew Economy - Sep 20
Cites PSR's fracking chemicals report

Opposition to Governor Brown's OTC pick strengthens
BikePortland - Sep 20
Mentions Oregon PSR

Global health groups call for treaty to end fossil fuel use and production
Nation (Kenya) - Sep 18
Quotes Laalitha Surapaneni, MD, MPH, PSR Board Member

Climate change: Inextricably linked to human health
Kenneth Lans, MD, MBA, Washington PSR, Seattle Times - Sep 16
Cites Washington PSR's climate & health report

Four Years After the Rocky Flats Refuge Opened, Concerns Surface Over PFAS Contamination
Westword - Sep 15
Mentions PSR Colorado

As utilities seek to relocate coal ash, will Black communities bear the burden?
Energy News Network - Sep 15
Cites PSR's Coal Ash report

Rx for Climate & Health equity: The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty
Laalitha Surapaneni, MD, MPH, PSR Board Member, World War Zero - Sep 15

Health groups call for global fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty
The Guardian - Sep 14
Quotes PSR Board Member Ira Helfand, MD

Health groups calls for fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty
RFI - Sep 14
Coverage of letter initiated by PSR

Call for Fossil Fuel 'Nonproliferation' Treaty Sets High Stakes for Climate Talks
Health Policy Watch - Sep 14
Coverage of letter initiated by PSR

Madison activists picket for peace in Ukraine
Channel 3000 - Sep 12
Mentions PSR Wisconsin

Chapel Hill's – and the planet's – coal ash problem
NC Policy Watch - Sep 12
Cites PSR's Coal Ash report

CO Enviro Groups Petition State to Protect the Air on High-Pollution Days
Colorado Times Recorder - Sep 12
Mentions PSR Colorado

Facing criticism, state amps up its climate change blueprint
Cal Matters - Sep 9
Quotes Martha Dina Arguello of PSR-Los Angeles

Sanders Gives Floor Remarks on Climate Disasters and the Mountain Valley Pipeline
Sen. Bernie Sanders Press Release - Sep 8
Mentions PSR

Ongoing nuclear gamble in Ukraine
Robert Dodge, MD, PSR Board Member, The Hill - Sep 5

DEQ approves air quality permit
The Chronicle - Sep 5
Quotes Theodora Tsongas, PhD, MS, member of Oregon PSR

Iran nuclear agreement is essential
Gwen DuBois, MD, MPH, Baltimore Sun - Sep 3

Believing nuclear weapons have military value is madness
Duluth News Tribune - Sep 1
Mentions PSR

Calling for Accountability at the Santa Susana Field Lab
Heal the Bay - Aug 31
Mentions PSR-Los Angeles

Environmental groups submit a formal petition demanding Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission protect the public against cumulative impacts of oil and gas production
WildEarth Guardians - Aug 31
Mentions PSR Colorado

Activists Call for Rejection of Controversial Climate Tech in California
LAist - Aug 30
Quotes Martha Dina Arguello of PSR-Los Angeles

Local doctor encourages everyone to sign petition to safeguard nuclear plant in Ukraine
KEYT - Aug 29
News interview with PSR's Bob Dodge, MD

CARB approves Community Emissions Reduction Program for South Los Angeles
California Air Resources Board - Aug 26
Mentions PSR Los Angeles

Biden Urged to Reseal Nuclear Deal to Avert 'Disastrous US-Iran War'
Common Dreams - Aug 25
Mentions PSR

Ukraine Independence Day and six month anniversary of invasion weighs on local supporters
KEYT - Aug 24
News interview with PSR's Bob Dodge, MD

Activists petition EPA to restrict the use of home and commercial furnaces by 2030
Yahoo! News - Aug 23
Mentions PSR

Carbon capture: climate change's "healthy" cigarette
Laalitha Surapaneni, MD, MPH, PSR board member, Harvard Public Health - Aug 15