Latest news with #EnvironmentalProtectionAgency
The Journal
2 hours ago
- Health
- The Journal
Progress on removing lead from drinking water pipes 'far too slow', watchdog warns
PROGRESS ON PROTECTING public health by getting lead out of water supply networks and homes is 'far too slow', the Environmental Protection Agency has warned. Uisce Éireann needs to eliminate lead from drinking water networks, as well as ensure water is free of bacteria and chemical substances like pesticides. In its 2024 Drinking Water Quality report, the EPA has said that the quality of drinking water from public supplies in Ireland remains very high overall, with more than 99.8 per cent of collected samples showing compliance with standards. The EPA identified that good progress has been made in areas such as disinfection and completion of risk assessments. However, progress on removing lead from the supply network remains far too slow. EPA Programme Manager Noel Byrne said that 'lead in our drinking water is a cumulative risk to human health and must be removed from our supply network'. Advertisement 'The risk is greatest for young children, infants and babies in the womb,' Byrne said. 'Despite Ireland having a National Lead Strategy in place since 2015, progress to date has been far too slow,' he said. 'The legal limit for lead in our drinking water will halve in 2036 (from 10ugl to 5ug/l) – so much greater focus is needed by Government Departments and Uisce Éireann to remove lead from the supply network and public buildings. 'The EPA welcomes the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage commitment to review progress in 2025.' The report also noted that there were 45 supplies serving 497,000 people on the EPA's list of 'at-risk' supplies (Remedial Action List) in 2024 for Uisce Eireann to address. This was a decrease from 57 supplies serving 561,000 people) in 2023. Additionally, there were 33 long-term boil water notices in 2024, down one-third from 2023 levels. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Free Malaysia Today
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
EPA employees accuse Trump administration of ‘ignoring' science
The EPA, under Lee Zeldin, backs Donald Trump's push to loosen rules, boost fossil fuels, and slash green energy spending. (AP pic) WASHINGTON : US President Donald Trump's administration is 'ignoring the scientific consensus to benefit polluters', hundreds of Environmental Protection Agency employees said in a letter of dissent Monday, accusing the government of undermining the EPA's core mission. The scathing letter, signed by more than 200 current and former officials and their supporters, accused EPA chief Lee Zeldin of enacting policies dangerous to both humans and the environment. 'The decisions of the current administration frequently contradict the peer-reviewed research and recommendations of agency experts,' said the letter. 'Make no mistake: your actions endanger public health and erode scientific progress – not only in America – but around the world.' Under Zeldin, the EPA has worked to deliver Trump's campaign promises of lifting environmental regulations, boosting fossil fuel production and cutting clean energy spending. The letter identifies five main areas of concern, including the increasing politicisation of the agency, the reversing of programmes aimed at marginalised communities and the 'dismantling' of the agency's Office of Research and Development. It described the agency's communications under Zeldin as being used 'to promote misinformation and overtly partisan rhetoric'. 'This politicised messaging distracts from EPA's core responsibility: to protect human health and the environment through objective, science-based policy.' As an example, the letter cited official communications that likened 'climate science to a religion'. Zeldin has repeatedly stated that he sees the EPA's role as supporting US economic growth, and under his guidance the agency has set in motion a full-scale reversal of several environmental standards and greenhouse gas regulations. Unveiling a set of policy initiatives in March, Zeldin hailed the move as 'the greatest day of deregulation our nation has seen.' 'We are driving a dagger straight into the heart of the climate change religion to drive down the cost of living for American families, unleash American energy, bring auto jobs back to the US and more,' said the administrator of the federal agency charged with protecting the environment. The letter came weeks after the publication of a similar text signed by dozens of employees of the National Institutes of Health over the Trump administration's 'harmful' policies. The EPA letter had more than 170 'anonymous signers', with the text stating the administration had promoted 'a culture of fear' at the agency.
Irish Times
13 hours ago
- Health
- Irish Times
Drinking water is safe but problems persist with THMs, lead and other contaminants, says EPA
Almost 500,000 people in the State are served by 'at-risk' water supplies which need to be urgently addressed by Uisce Éireann , the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has said. While public water is safe to drink for the vast majority of people, the agency's drinking water report for 2024, published on Wednesday, shows there were 45 supplies serving 497,000 people on the at-risk list – down from 57 supplies (serving 561,000 people) in 2023. The quality of Irish drinking water from public supplies remains very high, with more than 99.8 per cent of samples compliant with bacterial and chemical standards, but Uisce Éireann must ensure the supply network is more resilient, the EPA said. It acknowledges progress but warns moves 'to protect public health by removing lead from our supply networks and houses is still far too slow'. READ MORE The legal limit for lead in drinking water will halve in 2036 (from 10 micrograms per litre (ugl) to 5ug/l) – 'so much greater focus is needed by Government Departments and Uisce Éireann to remove lead from the supply network and public buildings'. It also highlights a problem of persistent levels of toxic trihalomethanes (THMs), which has been repeatedly highlighted by the EU. THM limits were exceeded in 31 supplies, compared to 41 in 2023, while pesticide limits were exceeded in 23 supplies – the same as 2023. Complete upgrades of supplies on the at risk list are needed to address issues with THMs and the parasite cryptosporidium, which can make people ill, 'without delay', it says. The report highlights storms in late 2024 and early 2025 resulted in significant disruption to supplies. Boil water notices were required due to the impacts of Storm Bert; Storm Darragh and Storm Eowyn in successive months. They caused power outages at treatment plants, resulting in water treatment processes being compromised, while extreme rainfall caused high turbidity – making water murky – with some plants unable to adequately treat water, the EPA notes. The EPA acknowledges a reduction 'long-term boil water notices' in 2024, down by a third to 33. Uisce Éireann said the report confirms public drinking water supplies meet 'exceptionally high standards'. This reflected sustained investment and operational improvements across the country with more than €1.3 billion invested in 2024 by the utility in upgrading water and wastewater treatment plants and networks, 'enhancing resilience and safety for communities', it said.
Metro
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Metro
Donald Trump's new ‘Victory' fragrance needs to come with a warning label
With 'VICTORY 45-47', the grift is complete. Donald Trump has sold off just about everything that matters: abortion rights, public education, environmental protections, civil service standards, even the basic premise of non-partisan governance. And now there's only one thing left to flog – himself. Taking to his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump wrote on Tuesday: 'Trump Fragrances are here… Enjoy, have fun, and keep winning!' Sprayed with cheap bravado, christened 'VICTORY 45-47' (in reference to him being the 45th and 47th president), and slapped with a $199 (£144) price tag – or $249 (£180) for the version topped with a man in a suit wrapped in tacky gold – this latest venture is the most literal expression yet of what his politics have become: an expensive joke. But this isn't a sideshow or even a side hustle. It is the main show. With no vision beyond revenge and no plan to govern, Trump's second term has been one long liquidation sale fuelled by resentment, celebrity, and now, cologne. So, let's take a look at what else has been sold off in the opening months of his second term. The Education Department – whose largest programme reached over 21million low-income or disadvantaged students in more than 56,000 schools – has been gutted. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Before the department existed, more than half of children with disabilities in the US were not receiving 'appropriate educational services' from public (or as we'd say, state) school. That progress is gone. Of course, initiatives focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion? Slashed. Biden's plans for student debt relief? Dead on arrival. The Environmental Protection Agency is hanging on by a thread. Meanwhile, fossil fuels are back in fashion, with new licences fast-tracked for oil drilling on federal land. Environmental impact reviews have been scrapped and electric vehicle infrastructure has been suspended. Tens of thousands of civil servants have been fired without notice and replaced with MAGA loyalists. Foreign aid aimed at stabilising democracies or tackling poverty and hunger? Forget about it. Ukraine? Good luck. Palestine? Luxury Trump resort coming soon. Not even law and order is safe. Federal prosecutors and FBI officials who previously investigated Trump or refuse to bow to his petty demands have been forced out. Thousands of violent rioters – including members of the ultra-right Proud Boys, designated a terrorist organisation by neighbouring Canada, and the Oath Keepers, who were convicted or charged over the US Capitol insurrection – have been released. And of course, women's rights have simply been collateral damage. As of 2023, over 24million women lived in states with restricted or banned abortion care. Federal funding has been pulled from clinics that even mention abortion. The global gag rule has been reimposed, blocking international aid to providers who offer or discuss reproductive healthcare. So with all that underway, you'd be forgiven for scoffing at the idea that Trump's $249 bottle of fumes for women is described as expressing 'confidence, beauty, and unstoppable determination'. What this actually smells like is anyone's guess. Meanwhile, the men's version promises to capture those 'who lead with strength, confidence, and purpose'. (Dr Freud's ideas about the male preoccupation with size and strength may be of particular interest to the President.) Unsurprisingly, questions of ethics have been raised, arguing that this is a blatant abuse of office. But who's listening? Anyway, the fine print disclaimer at the bottom of the website states that the new fragrances are 'not designed, manufactured, distributed or sold by Donald J. Trump', is 'not political' and has 'nothing to do with any political campaign' – so it's fine, right? This is the playbook now. Blur the line between campaign and personal gain. Turn the presidency into a platform for product placement. Treat every constitutional protection as an inconvenience. More Trending From steaks to NFTs, gold high-top trainers to Bibles, everything is sold not in spite of his office – but because of it. With everything else sold off – justice, oversight, public infrastructure, international credibility, and the last pretence of impartial governance – there's only one thing left to sell: himself. In case you missed the point: the grift is complete. The President is the product. The White House is the shopfront. All that's left is to slap one hell of a warning label on it. Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing Share your views in the comments below. MORE: Over 143,000 pounds of popular US lunch meat recalled over 'labeling error' MORE: I don't think Rob McElhenney should change his name – here's why MORE: England v India second Test: Giving Jasprit Bumrah a rest could see India fall into a trap England know all too well
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Science
- Yahoo
NASA makes surprising discovery after capturing satellite image of the Arctic: 'Implications of this loss are far-reaching'
NASA's Terra satellite recently captured the seasonal breakup of sea ice in Canada's Amundsen Gulf, according to NASA's Earth Observatory. The image depicts a stunning sight, but it also signals serious implications for the region's ecosystems. The image shows the ongoing sea ice breakup. As detailed by the Daily Galaxy, the gulf is known for having thick sea ice that impedes and delays explorers and commercial vessels navigating the Northwest Passage. According to NASA, the sea ice in the wider Arctic region began its "annual cycle of melting and breakup" in late March, and the process typically takes 2-22 weeks. Researchers closely monitor the ice breakup to track how rising temperatures are impacting the Arctic and its ecosystems. The delayed sea ice breakup reflects a broader trend in the Arctic of accelerated ice loss caused by shifting weather patterns. "The implications of this loss are far-reaching, both for the environment and for global climate systems," Daily Galaxy wrote. According to an indicator report by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Arctic sea ice melt season has lengthened by about 40 days since 1979, melting eight days earlier and refreezing 31 days later than the recorded average. Faster melting of sea ice exposes dark ocean water that absorbs more sunlight. This, in turn, can accelerate warming, supercharging extreme weather events and shifting weather patterns. Stronger storms could cause more frequent flooding — forcing communities to spend more on recovery. To monitor melting ice sheets in the Arctic, scientists have developed high-speed drones, which were tested in the harsh environment of Greenland. While extreme weather isn't new, experts say that human-induced pollution intensifies storms. This makes them more powerful and dangerous, especially for vulnerable communities. Do you think America has a plastic waste problem? Definitely Only in some areas Not really I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Individuals can help mitigate the impact of air pollution on weather patterns by supporting efforts to lower rising temperatures. This includes staying informed about critical climate topics and adopting habits such as donating to related causes and encouraging discussions about environmental issues and possible solutions. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
