Editor’s note: Author David Steinman recently discussed his new book and citizen enforcement of environmental laws on Earth911’s podcast “Sustainability In Your Ear.” We asked him to explain how Americans can take corporations and governments to court to prevent harmful chemicals from harming nature and human health.
If I had to say something It is I would say I’m a writer, journalist, anti-toxic activist, parent, and citizen enforcer. As a civil enforcement officer, I have fought against some of the nation’s largest brands and companies, winning cases using the laws available in both California and the District of Columbia.
As I share in my new book, Raising Healthy Children: Protecting Children from Hidden Chemical ToxinsWhen I discovered this, I successfully sued Procter & Gamble. outrageous We investigated the amount of carcinogen 1,4-dioxane in Herbal Essences and Pantene shampoo and obtained consent. judgement court approval to reduce or eliminate the chemical; it is more 10 years ago, and I’ve been working with large companies ever since.
After winning that lawsuit, I founded a non-profit organization Chemical Toxins Working Group (CTWG) to advance my work in the unique but important field of law and consumer rights.
Since then, what I’ve been using is California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Substances Control Act. State voters passed it with a near-yes vote in 1986. two-thirds Popularity vote results. CTWG filed more than 200 violation notices, a requirement of the law, before going to court or settling before litigation. The purpose of this law is to empower consumers. Companies are required to warn consumers if reproductive toxins or carcinogens are found in their products. in Displays harmful amounts with clear label information. After testing the product and find out expensive amount and can prove that they are Harmful For consumers and society, this law allows the public to enforce regulations.
can participate in battle
this teeth So empowerment and place wonderful responsibility for individual Citizens who use the law to fulfill their civic duties. in most casesin fact, that will be brought Enforcement under California law is conducted by civil enforcement officers. i know that I take my job seriously and only bring strong cases that can be won in court.
but law is important Get used to it forced. This information allows consumers to make informed choices and vote for change with their shopping dollars. I want to see it.
Since the California law change, this law has also made products like Herbal Essences and Pantene safer for everyone. often reflected Nationally.
CTWG has won cases against companies such as: bumblebee, sea chicken, krogerand walmart Require conspicuous label disclosure of hidden chemical toxins that shoppers have a right to know about.
In Washington, DC, our group Consumer Procedure Protection Act (CPPA) successfully stopped false advertising that personal care products are phthalate-free. This victory comes after our testing revealed the presence of these nasty reproductive and developmental toxins in personal care products.
The importance of citizen enforcement in our legal system can’t do it Get used to it I emphasized too much. State and federal governments are often overwhelmed by the sheer volume of illegal activity. toxic etc. shortage of personnel that There’s little or nothing they can do. In some cases, public officials are even less willing to enforce environmental laws.
But we don’t have to feel helpless. I got courage try out To find a lawyer who can help me in case of an emergency. to Win in court. The first win was emotional. You can do this too. It takes patience and an attorney familiar with your state’s laws.
Citizens, charge against the invasion!
I have seen many success stories.
Sharon C. Lavigne Rise St. James in Cancer Alley, Louisiana, a highly industrialized corridor. Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans She is calling on the Civil Enforcement Act to force state agencies to do their jobs and protect the public from the Formosa plastics factory planned for the diocese.
Michael Hickey of Hoosick Falls used the law to confront environmental polluters. his his Home of harmful emissions of carcinogens forever Chemicals can enter public water supplies.
Stephanie Melo, a cosmetologist in Orlando, Florida, founded the Devacal users group on Facebook, which has more than 60,000 members, many of whom complain about various scalp and skin injuries related to the use of the product. have reported fertility problems (contains ingredients). quaternium compound related to infertility). Her group united users and contributed to a successful class action lawsuit submitted To the company.
in fact, Sixteen states authorize citizens to enforce state environmental laws. Among them powerful The law is michigan environmental protection lawPassed in 1969, it gives anyone the power to sue.To protect air, water, and other natural resources and to protect public trust in these resources from pollution, damage, and destruction.”
South Dakota, Minnesota, and Nevada have very similar laws. Ten state residents must participate as: plaintiff in Massachusetts. The Louisiana Environmental Quality Act allows citizens to enforce nearly all aspects of the state’s environmental laws.
Health and environmental regulations are up to the public. can enforce the law;
Approximately 75% of reported private environmental lawsuits This is the result of civil suit, notebook natural resources and environment. The average number of citizen activities per year is approximately 770 per year.
Do your part in the community
Democracy works best when it provides opportunities for each person to participate in society by leveraging their unique talents and expertise. civil life of the people.
But we need more citizens Executor Whether they are river wardens, bay wardens, or simply neighborhood poison wardens.
Often, if you I’m not confident of You can get help from your local environmental organization on how to get started. sierra club, earth justiceand Natural Resources Defense Council teeth some of them A national organization that works with local neighborhood communities on legal issues related to environmental justice. they will listen to you. they will help.
I reached out to The lawyer who listened to my first case and believed me. you can Also, and Share your concerns and seek the help of legal professionals who, like you, care deeply about our future.
About the author
David Steinman’s new book Raising Healthy Children: Protecting Children from Hidden Chemical Toxins (Skyhorse Publishing, June 2024) is available from your local independent bookstore. powell’s bookor in Amazon.com.
