If you had a trillion dollars, what would YOU spend it on?

Does this chart of proposed federal spending represent your priorities?

If not, raise your voice with us today!

Sadly, this chart does represent our current reality. Almost 57% of discretionary federal spending could go to the military this year. But it can change. After all, it's our money!

Environmental Toxins and Brain Development

Toxic substances in the environment can affect the development of the brain – and with it, our intelligence and our behavior. The fetus, infant and child are most vulnerable, but brain development continues for two decades, so exposure can be harmful at many points in life. What environmental contaminants are damaging our neurodevelopment?  How widespread is the exposure? What is our society losing in terms of intelligence as a result? And what can we do about it? For insights, read this month's Environmental Health Policy Institute.

Best opportunity in years to reduce military spending!

The battle over our federal budget priorities has begun.  We urge you to remember that it is your money and to make your voice heard this tax season.

The current discussion in Congress offers us the best opportunity in years to make meaningful reductions in the bloated military budget. We can't afford to squander this moment, but some are trying to do just that.

EPA Acts to Reduce Industrial Carbon Pollution from New Power Plants -- A Critical First!

PSR is pleased with the new standards announced by the Environmental Protection Agency on March 27 to limit industrial carbon pollution from new power plants. Limiting carbon pollution is an important step in mitigating climate change and reducing the associated health effects that already impact the lives of millions of Americans. Add your name to express your support of this valuable step to improve air quality and reduce climate change.

Editorial opposes new nuclear reactor in Florida

PSR applauds the recent Tampa Bay Times editorial calling on Progressive Energy to halt plans for a new nuclear reactor in west-central Florida. Dr. Lynn Ringenberg, president of PSR/Tampa, testified before a Nuclear Regulatory Commission panel in January citing the public health risk associated with nuclear reactors and the possibility of a Fukushima-like disaster in the U.S., and urged the commission to reject the license for the Levy plant. Echoing concerns about cost overruns, the Times said it is unfair for Progressive Energy to continue charging its customers for a plant that is unlikely to ever be built.

PSR intervenes in lawsuit against EPA’s Mercury and Air Toxics Rule

PSR has intervened in a lawsuit to defend the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s newly proposed rule to regulate mercury and air toxics from coal-fired power plants.  EPA is being sued by big polluters and their allies before the U.S. Circuit Court for the District of Columbia to strike down the Mercury and Toxics (MATS) rule.

Big Win in Kansas City. Nukes on the Ballot!

Our PSR chapter, their local coalition partners, and supporters around the world are celebrating a tremendous win. After months of delay and obstruction the Kansas City City Council voted to put our citizen's initiative on the ballot. In April 2013, voters will have a chance to raise their voices for peace and sanity. Our Kansas City chapter played a key role in this long and ground breaking battle. Power to the People!  

You can help stop wasteful military spending

On Monday, March 12th at 8:30PM ET, PSR will partner with the National Priorities Project to host an online webinar to discuss what is at stake with the federal budget this year. If we are going to be able to take back the budget from the grasp of the military-industrial complex, we need educated advocates to speak for us throughout this country. Sign-up today to register for this opportunity to fight back against hundreds of billions of dollars that are currently allocated for the weapons of war.

Limited space available. Please register early.

Radiation and Health News in 2012: PSR Warns Country is Still Dangerously Unprepared

One year after the Fukushima reactor crisis in Japan, no meaningful progress has been achieved in improving the ability of first responders and medical professionals to react to a disaster on a similar scale in the United States, according to a major new report from PSR. The report, titled "Nuclear Power and Public Health: Lessons from Fukushima, Still Dangerously Unprepared," discusses the inadequacies of our current infrastructure to cope with a similar scale nuclear accident.

Teleconference with Rep. Markey: Cutting the Nuclear Weapons Budget

We invite you to a special phone call with Rep. Ed Markey, an outspoken critic of nuclear weapons.  He will be joining our call to talk to us about The SANE Act, his new bill which would make $100 billion in cuts to over a dozen nuclear weapons programs and already has 41 cosponsors.

March Institute Examines Irrevocable Damage from Coal Ash

This month's Environmental Health Policy Institute explores the threats to human health posed by coal ash disposal. It details the toxic contaminants in coal ash, the exposure pathways, and the means by which exposure could be prevented. It also includes three portraits of homes, lands, and lives irrevocably damaged by coal ash, told by the people who live it. These terribly poignant accounts bring home like nothing else the dangers, the magnitude, and the tragedy of unsafe coal ash disposal.

PSR petitions White House for safe coal ash disposal

Help PSR petition the White House for release of health-protective standards for coal ash disposal.  Coal ash, the waste left after coal is burned in power plants, contains toxic metals including arsenic, mercury, lead, cadmium, and chromium.  Coal ash has contaminated streams, lakes and rivers, underwater aquifers and drinking-water wells in 34 states. We are gathering signatures on a letter demanding enforceable, nationwide standards for disposal of this huge toxic waste stream.  Please read and sign the letter now.

PSR Testifies for Wind Power in Maryland

Catherine Thomasson MD, PSR's new executive director, testified in favor of state legislation supporting an off-shore wind farm off the coast of Maryland. Dr. Thomasson's testimony stressed the health costs that would be averted by shifting from coal to clean offshore wind, including a large number of unnecessary premature deaths every year.

New Essays on Prenatal Exposures to Toxic Chemicals

The prenatal period is a time of rapid development. It is also a time of particular vulnerability to toxic chemicals. In this month's Environmental Health Policy Institute, experts address how and why the developing fetus is vulnerable to toxic exposures – and how our regulatory system can more effectively guard against related health impacts.

Nation's budget should reflect our priorities. Let your voice be heard!

President Obama released his administration's plans for FY 2013 spending. The US bankrolls a military-industrial complex that has infiltrated our political process in unacceptable ways. This country's investment in the military has deprived our communities of the resources they need to rebuild our schools, invest in health care for all, and create a clean energy future.

President Obama Can Change US Nuclear Policy

Time and history have come together this year to create an opportunity to change how the world perceives nuclear weapons and their utility. At this critical moment, we are asking you to join a nationwide effort to press the Obama administration to dramatically reduce our reliance on nuclear weapons and move us closer to a nuclear weapons free world.

“Hazardous Chemicals” Report Now Made Available in Spanish

PSR is thrilled to release the Spanish-language version of its report, "Hazardous Chemicals In Health Care." The report, written with the American Nurses Association and Health Care Without Harm (HCWH), details the first investigation of environmental chemicals found in the bodies of health care professionals. The study found that all 20 study participants had toxic chemicals in their bodies, with at least 24 individual chemicals present in each participant. We extend our thanks to HCWH/Latin American Regional Office for the translation.

Thanks for joining PSR on Facebook during the State of the Union

On Tuesday, January 24th at 9:00 pm EST / 6:00 pm PST, President Barack Obama delivered his State of the Union address.  PSR members were watching to hear how the address would impact our core work on climate change, nuclear disarmament, and nuclear energy. Check out the rich conversation with over 85 comments on our Facebook page. If you are not yet a "fan" of PSR on Facebook, please join the 1000+ who have already liked us there.

PSR Iowa Leads Fight Against Nuclear Subsidies

As the nuclear industry renews its effort to persuade legislators, taxpayers and ratepayers to prop up its uneconomic industry, PSR Iowa is leading a grassroots campaign against an advanced cost recovery bill, a measure which would enable utilities to collect the capital expense for a new nuclear reactor in advance from their customers. A number of environmental, consumer protection and agricultural groups have found common ground in seeking to defeat the bill.

PSR Signals Intention to Sue EPA for Release of Coal Ash Rule

PSR indicated its intention to sue the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to force it to release rules for the disposal of coal ash. Coal ash, the waste material left after electrical utilities burn coal, is heavily laden with toxic heavy metals, which have leaked, spilled and leached into ground and surface waters in communities around the country. Coal ash toxics can cause cancer as well as damage to the brain, peripheral nervous system, lungs, heart, kidneys and liver. The EPA has 60 days to come to a settlement before the issue proceeds to court.