The Stream, January 28, 2022: Leases For Minnesota Mine Cancelled By Biden Administration
YOUR GLOBAL RUNDOWN
- Water taps at a South Africa primary school run dry amid an ongoing water shortage in the country’s Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.
- A recent study discovers PFAS chemicals in popular brand name products sold around the world.
- The U.S. EPA issues a directive to Jackson, Mississippi officials to upgrade the city’s water infrastructure.
- British Columbia will update its climate adaptation strategy to include measures protecting waterways and drinking water supplies.
The Biden administration cancels Trump-era lease renewals for a controversial mining project in Minnesota.
“The Boundary Waters are a natural treasure that is simply too important to risk — and the costs for people and wildlife too steep.” – Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. The Biden administration cancelled two lease renewals for a proposed copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. The move reverses an order from former President Donald Trump, which declared a national emergency over the country’s reliance on imported metals. Biden’s decision to cancel the leases comes after a decision last October to move forward with a study that could lead to a 20-year ban on mining upstream from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
In Recent Water News
In Case You Missed It:
HotSpots H2O: As Dust Settles in Tonga After Volcanic Eruption, Drinking Water Now the ‘Biggest Life-Saving Issue’ – Ocean water and volcanic ash have contaminated the drinking water of tens of thousands of people in the Pacific Island nation.
What’s Up With Water—January 24, 2022 – This week’s episode covers a strategically important dam in Syria that was the target of a U.S. bombing campaign during the war against the Islamic State, the rising cost of water in Chicago’s communities of color, and U.K. water companies that are under scrutiny for improperly handling wastewater.
Students at South African Primary School Sent Home After Taps Run Dry
Students at a primary school in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province were sent home early this week after the school’s taps ran dry. Schools and households across parts of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality have gone without water for more nearly two weeks. Water supplies for the municipality are running low. Officials say water levels at the municipality’s major reservoir dropped just under 19 percent last weekend.
Today’s Top Water Stories, Told In Numbers
75 PERCENT OF ITEMS
A recent study found that nearly 75 percent of popular brand name products labeled stain- or water-resistant contained PFAS chemicals. The study analyzed a total of 60 products from brands like Alpine Design and Patagonia sold at large retailers like Amazon, REI, Target, and Walmart.
45 DAYS
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an order to the city of Jackson, Mississippi directing city officials to outline a plan to upgrade its aging and overwhelmed drinking water within 45 days. EPA Administrator Michael Regan also urged city and state officials to use nearly $79 million in federal funding to resolve longstanding water access issues throughout the state. The move comes as part of a renewed effort by the agency to address environmental injustices in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.
On the Radar
British Columbia’s government announced this week that officials will develop a new climate adaptation strategy after drought, floods, and wildfires plagued the province last year. The strategy will include focus areas like safe drinking water, healthy ecosystems, ensuring a sufficient supply of water to support food security, as well as reducing risks from extreme weather.
Jane is a Communications Associate for Circle of Blue. She writes The Stream and has covered domestic and international water issues for Circle of Blue. She is a recent graduate of Grand Valley State University, where she studied Multimedia Journalism and Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies. During her time at Grand Valley, she was the host of the Community Service Learning Center podcast Be the Change. Currently based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Jane enjoys listening to music, reading and spending time outdoors.
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