Public Policy & NGOs
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Public Policy & NGOs
Featured Stories
WildEarth Guardians: Another Mexican Gray Wolf Crosses U.S.-Mexico Border
SANTA FE, New Mexico, Oct. 9 -- WildEarth Guardians issued the following news release:
* * *
Another Mexican Gray Wolf Crosses U.S.-Mexico Border
Flor's movement underscores the need to halt further border wall construction in natural areas of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas
October 8, 2026
TUCSON, Ariz. - A U.S.-born Mexican gray wolf translocated to Chihuahua, Mexico, in May 2026 crossed north back into New Mexico this week through the state's remote region known as the Bootheel. Named "Flor", Spanish for flower, by wolf advocates in Mexico, the former breeding male of the Hardcastle Canyon ... Show Full Article SANTA FE, New Mexico, Oct. 9 -- WildEarth Guardians issued the following news release: * * * Another Mexican Gray Wolf Crosses U.S.-Mexico Border Flor's movement underscores the need to halt further border wall construction in natural areas of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas October 8, 2026 TUCSON, Ariz. - A U.S.-born Mexican gray wolf translocated to Chihuahua, Mexico, in May 2026 crossed north back into New Mexico this week through the state's remote region known as the Bootheel. Named "Flor", Spanish for flower, by wolf advocates in Mexico, the former breeding male of the Hardcastle Canyonpack returned to his home state through one of the last unwalled stretches of the international boundary. His movement underscores the need to halt further border wall construction in natural areas of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.
Ongoing protests of the border wall in southern Arizona near the town of Lochiel have made the news recently as the Department of Homeland Security uses increasingly violent tactics against the land defenders opposing new construction, and the walls themselves are violence against the natural communities of this region.
"The demonstrations in Lochiel against the border wall are about exactly this: the border walls are devastating to the ecological and social functions of the border region," said Greta Anderson, deputy director of Western Watersheds Project. "Animals like Flor demonstrate the need to protect the remaining intact habitats from further destruction and harmful land uses."
"This is larger than one wolf wandering a remnant of open borderlands," said Roz Switzer, Sonoran Broadband co-leader with Great Old Broads for Wilderness. "The incredibly biodiverse zones along the U.S.-Mexico border are succumbing to ecosystem destruction, severed habitat connectivity and aquifer depletion. The Grandmother cottonwoods toppled in Lochiel, Ariz., and the riparian area they anchored, are the latest victims of the ecocide that is occurring for border barrier and infrastructure construction."
Flor is the most recent wolf to cross the border, but Mexican gray wolves have traversed the region for thousands of years until they were driven nearly extinct by a government-funded campaign to eradicate livestock predators through shooting, trapping and poisoning. The species was reintroduced in the U.S. beginning in 1998 and Mexico in 2011. Today, wolves are again demonstrating the need to protect cross-border habitat in the shared landscapes where barriers do not block their movements.
Flor is just one of at least four wolves known to use the bootheel area as a corridor in recent years. In 2022, a pair of wolves established a home range spanning both countries within the Peloncillo and Chiricahua Mountains. In April 2026, a male wolf known as Cedar traveled south from New Mexico into Chihuahua and countless more have crossed undetected over the years. Together, these journeys demonstrate the Bootheel remains one of the last functioning connections between wolf habitat on both sides of the border. Indeed, existing barriers have already disrupted wolf movements elsewhere along the border. In 2021, a Mexican gray wolf known as Mr. Goodbar spent four days moving along the border wall near Las Cruces before turning back north. A wolf from Mexico had crossed through that same area in 2017, before the wall blocked the route.
"Flor's roaming shows why we should be protecting and restoring migration pathways across the border, not destroying them," said Russ McSpadden, Southwest conservation advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity. "The Trump administration's dream of a continent-wide border wall is ecological madness."
"People and wolves alike need room to build their lives, form families, and stay connected to the communities that sustain them," said Michelle Lute, PhD in wolf conservation and executive director of Wildlife for All. "Border walls rip apart those connections-fragmenting wildlife habitat, dividing Indigenous homelands, and separating human communities. We stand with the peaceful defenders of these shared lands and demand a future that protects the freedom of people and wildlife to roam, live, and thrive."
"Flor, and those brave border-crossing lobos who preceded him, demonstrate the critical need for big connected, protected landscapes for iconic, native wildlife," said Leia Barnett, New Mexico conservation lead for WildEarth Guardians. "The international line, and other arbitrary political boundaries, like Interstate-40, are meaningless, and often harmful, to wild wolves. We need to stop imposing our human-centered agendas on wildlife and let lobos roam."
"An impenetrable border wall is devastating for many wildlife species, not just Mexican wolves like Flor," said Mary Katherine Ray, wildlife chair for the Rio Grande Chapter of the Sierra Club. "It severs connections to habitat, to food and to water. In this way, the wall threatens their very lives. Surely humans are smart enough to find a way to protect our human-created border without harming the animals who call both sides home."
* * *
Original text here: https://wildearthguardians.org/press-releases/another-mexican-gray-wolf-crosses-u-s-mexico-border/
[Category: Environment]
* * *
Another Mexican Gray Wolf Crosses U.S.-Mexico Border
Flor's movement underscores the need to halt further border wall construction in natural areas of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas
October 8, 2026
TUCSON, Ariz. - A U.S.-born Mexican gray wolf translocated to Chihuahua, Mexico, in May 2026 crossed north back into New Mexico this week through the state's remote region known as the Bootheel. Named "Flor", Spanish for flower, by wolf advocates in Mexico, the former breeding male of the Hardcastle Canyon ... Show Full Article SANTA FE, New Mexico, Oct. 9 -- WildEarth Guardians issued the following news release: * * * Another Mexican Gray Wolf Crosses U.S.-Mexico Border Flor's movement underscores the need to halt further border wall construction in natural areas of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas October 8, 2026 TUCSON, Ariz. - A U.S.-born Mexican gray wolf translocated to Chihuahua, Mexico, in May 2026 crossed north back into New Mexico this week through the state's remote region known as the Bootheel. Named "Flor", Spanish for flower, by wolf advocates in Mexico, the former breeding male of the Hardcastle Canyonpack returned to his home state through one of the last unwalled stretches of the international boundary. His movement underscores the need to halt further border wall construction in natural areas of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.
Ongoing protests of the border wall in southern Arizona near the town of Lochiel have made the news recently as the Department of Homeland Security uses increasingly violent tactics against the land defenders opposing new construction, and the walls themselves are violence against the natural communities of this region.
"The demonstrations in Lochiel against the border wall are about exactly this: the border walls are devastating to the ecological and social functions of the border region," said Greta Anderson, deputy director of Western Watersheds Project. "Animals like Flor demonstrate the need to protect the remaining intact habitats from further destruction and harmful land uses."
"This is larger than one wolf wandering a remnant of open borderlands," said Roz Switzer, Sonoran Broadband co-leader with Great Old Broads for Wilderness. "The incredibly biodiverse zones along the U.S.-Mexico border are succumbing to ecosystem destruction, severed habitat connectivity and aquifer depletion. The Grandmother cottonwoods toppled in Lochiel, Ariz., and the riparian area they anchored, are the latest victims of the ecocide that is occurring for border barrier and infrastructure construction."
Flor is the most recent wolf to cross the border, but Mexican gray wolves have traversed the region for thousands of years until they were driven nearly extinct by a government-funded campaign to eradicate livestock predators through shooting, trapping and poisoning. The species was reintroduced in the U.S. beginning in 1998 and Mexico in 2011. Today, wolves are again demonstrating the need to protect cross-border habitat in the shared landscapes where barriers do not block their movements.
Flor is just one of at least four wolves known to use the bootheel area as a corridor in recent years. In 2022, a pair of wolves established a home range spanning both countries within the Peloncillo and Chiricahua Mountains. In April 2026, a male wolf known as Cedar traveled south from New Mexico into Chihuahua and countless more have crossed undetected over the years. Together, these journeys demonstrate the Bootheel remains one of the last functioning connections between wolf habitat on both sides of the border. Indeed, existing barriers have already disrupted wolf movements elsewhere along the border. In 2021, a Mexican gray wolf known as Mr. Goodbar spent four days moving along the border wall near Las Cruces before turning back north. A wolf from Mexico had crossed through that same area in 2017, before the wall blocked the route.
"Flor's roaming shows why we should be protecting and restoring migration pathways across the border, not destroying them," said Russ McSpadden, Southwest conservation advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity. "The Trump administration's dream of a continent-wide border wall is ecological madness."
"People and wolves alike need room to build their lives, form families, and stay connected to the communities that sustain them," said Michelle Lute, PhD in wolf conservation and executive director of Wildlife for All. "Border walls rip apart those connections-fragmenting wildlife habitat, dividing Indigenous homelands, and separating human communities. We stand with the peaceful defenders of these shared lands and demand a future that protects the freedom of people and wildlife to roam, live, and thrive."
"Flor, and those brave border-crossing lobos who preceded him, demonstrate the critical need for big connected, protected landscapes for iconic, native wildlife," said Leia Barnett, New Mexico conservation lead for WildEarth Guardians. "The international line, and other arbitrary political boundaries, like Interstate-40, are meaningless, and often harmful, to wild wolves. We need to stop imposing our human-centered agendas on wildlife and let lobos roam."
"An impenetrable border wall is devastating for many wildlife species, not just Mexican wolves like Flor," said Mary Katherine Ray, wildlife chair for the Rio Grande Chapter of the Sierra Club. "It severs connections to habitat, to food and to water. In this way, the wall threatens their very lives. Surely humans are smart enough to find a way to protect our human-created border without harming the animals who call both sides home."
* * *
Original text here: https://wildearthguardians.org/press-releases/another-mexican-gray-wolf-crosses-u-s-mexico-border/
[Category: Environment]
UnityPoint Health: Iowa Hospital Association Recognizes Ryan Gemmati, DO, With 2026 Hospital Hero Award
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, Oct. 9 -- UnityPoint Health issued the following news release:
* * *
Iowa Hospital Association Recognizes Ryan Gemmati, DO, with 2026 Hospital Hero Award
Oct 08, 2026
On Wednesday, Oct. 7, the Iowa Hospital Association (IHA) honored Ryan Gemmati, DO, Emergency Services, at UnityPoint Health - Trinity Regional Medical Center, as a 2026 Hospital Hero in recognition of his exceptional leadership during the Iowa Lakes Community College bus crash on February 11. Dr. Gemmati was one of 10 Iowa hospital employees selected to receive this year's award.
"Dr. Gemmati and our Emergency ... Show Full Article WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, Oct. 9 -- UnityPoint Health issued the following news release: * * * Iowa Hospital Association Recognizes Ryan Gemmati, DO, with 2026 Hospital Hero Award Oct 08, 2026 On Wednesday, Oct. 7, the Iowa Hospital Association (IHA) honored Ryan Gemmati, DO, Emergency Services, at UnityPoint Health - Trinity Regional Medical Center, as a 2026 Hospital Hero in recognition of his exceptional leadership during the Iowa Lakes Community College bus crash on February 11. Dr. Gemmati was one of 10 Iowa hospital employees selected to receive this year's award. "Dr. Gemmati and our EmergencyDepartment team didn't hesitate. They stepped up, cared for people when they needed it most, and showed the very best of who we are as a team and as a community," says Leah Glasgo, Market President, UnityPoint Health - Fort Dodge. "I'm incredibly proud of the way they responded that day. Their courage, compassion and commitment to our community are exactly what it means to be an Iowa Hospital Hero, and we're so grateful to see Dr. Gemmati and our ED team recognized in this way."
The IHA Hospital Hero Award celebrates individuals who go above and beyond in service to others, whether through courageous actions in a moment of crisis, extraordinary compassion and commitment to patient care, or a lifetime of meaningful contributions to their hospital and community.
The nomination follows Trinity's response on February 11, when the hospital cared for 12 injured athletes with varying levels of trauma. The team's preparation, coordinated response and Dr. Gemmati's leadership made a meaningful difference for those affected. Inside the hospital, team members came together with a clear, shared purpose.
"Amidst the reality of the environment, there was an obvious visual and verbal appreciation for the support offered. I soaked in as much of that moment as humanly possible because I have yet to witness an MCI handled in such a graceful and efficient fashion," says a Marshalltown EMS, who responded to the incident.
While the incident itself was devastating, the response was nothing short of extraordinary. The ability to balance an unfolding crisis with ongoing patient needs is a powerful testament to the strength, flexibility and professionalism of the entire team.
Each year, hospitals across the state of Iowa nominate outstanding employees for the IHA Hospital Heroes Awards. Recipients are selected based on their commitment to serving others and the meaningful difference they make within their organizations and communities.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.unitypoint.org/news-and-articles/press-releases/iowa-hospital-association-recognizes-ryan-gemmati-do-with-2026-hospital-hero-award
[Category: Health Care]
* * *
Iowa Hospital Association Recognizes Ryan Gemmati, DO, with 2026 Hospital Hero Award
Oct 08, 2026
On Wednesday, Oct. 7, the Iowa Hospital Association (IHA) honored Ryan Gemmati, DO, Emergency Services, at UnityPoint Health - Trinity Regional Medical Center, as a 2026 Hospital Hero in recognition of his exceptional leadership during the Iowa Lakes Community College bus crash on February 11. Dr. Gemmati was one of 10 Iowa hospital employees selected to receive this year's award.
"Dr. Gemmati and our Emergency ... Show Full Article WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, Oct. 9 -- UnityPoint Health issued the following news release: * * * Iowa Hospital Association Recognizes Ryan Gemmati, DO, with 2026 Hospital Hero Award Oct 08, 2026 On Wednesday, Oct. 7, the Iowa Hospital Association (IHA) honored Ryan Gemmati, DO, Emergency Services, at UnityPoint Health - Trinity Regional Medical Center, as a 2026 Hospital Hero in recognition of his exceptional leadership during the Iowa Lakes Community College bus crash on February 11. Dr. Gemmati was one of 10 Iowa hospital employees selected to receive this year's award. "Dr. Gemmati and our EmergencyDepartment team didn't hesitate. They stepped up, cared for people when they needed it most, and showed the very best of who we are as a team and as a community," says Leah Glasgo, Market President, UnityPoint Health - Fort Dodge. "I'm incredibly proud of the way they responded that day. Their courage, compassion and commitment to our community are exactly what it means to be an Iowa Hospital Hero, and we're so grateful to see Dr. Gemmati and our ED team recognized in this way."
The IHA Hospital Hero Award celebrates individuals who go above and beyond in service to others, whether through courageous actions in a moment of crisis, extraordinary compassion and commitment to patient care, or a lifetime of meaningful contributions to their hospital and community.
The nomination follows Trinity's response on February 11, when the hospital cared for 12 injured athletes with varying levels of trauma. The team's preparation, coordinated response and Dr. Gemmati's leadership made a meaningful difference for those affected. Inside the hospital, team members came together with a clear, shared purpose.
"Amidst the reality of the environment, there was an obvious visual and verbal appreciation for the support offered. I soaked in as much of that moment as humanly possible because I have yet to witness an MCI handled in such a graceful and efficient fashion," says a Marshalltown EMS, who responded to the incident.
While the incident itself was devastating, the response was nothing short of extraordinary. The ability to balance an unfolding crisis with ongoing patient needs is a powerful testament to the strength, flexibility and professionalism of the entire team.
Each year, hospitals across the state of Iowa nominate outstanding employees for the IHA Hospital Heroes Awards. Recipients are selected based on their commitment to serving others and the meaningful difference they make within their organizations and communities.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.unitypoint.org/news-and-articles/press-releases/iowa-hospital-association-recognizes-ryan-gemmati-do-with-2026-hospital-hero-award
[Category: Health Care]
On Children's Environmental Health Day, New Report Warns of Rising Threats as EPA Retreats From Protecting Kids From Harmful Pollution
WASHINGTON, Oct. 9 [Category: Environment] (TNSrpt) -- Environmental Protection Network issued the following news release:
* * *
October 8, 2026
On Children's Environmental Health Day, New Report Warns of Rising Threats as EPA Retreats from Protecting Kids from Harmful Pollution
New EPN analysis examines changes involving air pollution, PFAS, pesticides and data centers -- and whether EPA is adequately accounting for children's heightened vulnerability
-
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On Children's Environmental Health Day, a new report examines a series of recent federal actions that could increase ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Oct. 9 [Category: Environment] (TNSrpt) -- Environmental Protection Network issued the following news release: * * * October 8, 2026 On Children's Environmental Health Day, New Report Warns of Rising Threats as EPA Retreats from Protecting Kids from Harmful Pollution New EPN analysis examines changes involving air pollution, PFAS, pesticides and data centers -- and whether EPA is adequately accounting for children's heightened vulnerability - WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On Children's Environmental Health Day, a new report examines a series of recent federal actions that could increasechildren's exposure to harmful pollution in the air they breathe, the water they drink and the food they eat.
The report, released today by the Environmental Protection Network (EPN), focuses on three areas: more than 30 federal actions that weaken, bypass or delay pollution safeguards as AI data centers rapidly expand; EPA actions weakening protections against PFAS and other harmful pollutants; and major regulatory decisions in which the agency has failed to fully account for children's particular vulnerability to pollution.
Children encounter pollution through the air they breathe, the water they drink, and the food they eat--exposures that can begin before birth and lead to lifelong developmental and health problems. Because children's brains, lungs, and organs are still developing, and because they consume more air, water, and food per pound of body weight than adults do, they are especially vulnerable to toxic pollutants.
"A child doesn't experience pollution one regulatory program at a time--they breathe the air outside school, drink the water at home, and play in their backyards," said Jeanne Briskin, former Director of EPA's Office of Children's Health Protection. "Parents do everything they can to protect their kids, but they can't shield developing bodies from toxic chemicals in their air, water, and food on their own. That is why federal safeguards exist, and why weakening them leaves children to pay the price."
The report puts the federal actions in the context of pollution exposures children already face: 33.5 million children--including nearly 2.4 million children with asthma--live in counties receiving an F grade for ozone or particle pollution. Roughly 500,000 children have blood lead levels at or above CDC reference values, while approximately 96% of U.S. adolescents have four or more PFAS "forever chemicals" detected in their blood.
Key Report Findings:
AIR POLLUTION AND DATA CENTERS
Unchecked AI Energy Expansion: Federal agencies have taken more than 30 actions that weaken, bypass or delay pollution protections as energy-intensive AI data centers expand. Independent health modeling estimates that data-center-related air pollution under a high-growth scenario could contribute to roughly 600,000 asthma-symptom cases and 1,300 premature deaths annually across the population--a threat magnified by the fact that-- at least 188 schools nationwide sit within three miles of proposed power plants dedicated to data-centers.
EPA repealed or rolled back standards restricting mercury, arsenic, and carbon emissions. The carbon pollution standards alone were previously projected to prevent 1,900 new asthma cases, 360,000 asthma-symptom episodes, and 48,000 missed school days by 2035. The agency is also asking the Supreme Court to overturn stronger limits on fine-particle soot pollution.
CLEAN WATER, SAFE FOOD AND TOXIC CHEMICALS
PFAS Rollbacks: EPA proposed eliminating drinking-water protections for several PFAS "forever chemicals," gave some water systems two additional years to meet limits for others, and rescinded its 2022 guidance to states and wastewater systems for identifying and reducing industrial PFAS pollution at the source.
Sewage Sludge and Pesticides: Despite finding health risks from PFAS-contaminated sewage sludge spread on land, EPA has stopped short of enforceable national limits. The agency also approved the pesticide isocycloseram for food crops and residential lawns despite documented fetal and reproductive risks in animal studies.
HOW CHILDREN'S HEALTH IS COUNTED IN EPA DECISIONS
PFAS Drinking Water: When proposing to remove PFAS drinking-water limits, EPA said health risks, including risks that may disproportionately affect children, were outside the scope of its decision, despite its own March 2026 children's health policy calling for consistent consideration of early-life exposures and lifelong health effects.
Uncounted Health Costs & Impacts: The agency counted financial savings from repealing power-plant safeguards, but did not quantify or monetize several health impacts including asthma symptoms and missed school days.
Vacant Advisory Committee: Children's Health Experts: EPA's independent Children's Health Protection Advisory Committee (CHPAC) has not met since August 2025 and currently lists no appointed members, leaving the agency without its longstanding source of dedicated outside children's environmental-health expertise during major regulatory decisions.
The finding comes just over a week after EPN and other health and children's-health organizations called on EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to restore a functioning CHPAC and ensure independent children's-health expertise is part of major agency decisions. Read the letter.
The report urges federal decision-makers to reverse weakened protections and restore science-based safeguards designed to prevent pollution before children are exposed. EPN calls on the agency to fully account for children's health impacts in regulatory decisions, require comprehensive pollution reviews for AI data centers, and act on the recent call from health organizations to restore a functioning Children's Health Protection Advisory Committee.
* * *
ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NETWORK
The Environmental Protection Network is a nonpartisan organization comprising more than 800 former EPA scientists, toxicologists, chemists, biologists, engineers, and policy analysts -- many of whom spent decades as career experts inside the agency. They assessed cancer and developmental risks, studied links between pollution and fertility and chronic disease, investigated contaminated communities, and brought enforcement actions to hold corporate polluters accountable. EPN was founded in 2017 to serve as an independent voice promoting science-based policies that protect families' health.
* * *
REPORT: https://safernotsicker.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Childrens-Health-at-Risk-as-the-EPA-Retreats-on-Harmful-Pollution.pdf
* * *
Original text here: https://www.environmentalprotectionnetwork.org/on-childrens-environmental-health-day-new-report-warns-of-rising-threats-as-epa-retreats-from-protecting-kids-from-harmful-pollution/
* * *
October 8, 2026
On Children's Environmental Health Day, New Report Warns of Rising Threats as EPA Retreats from Protecting Kids from Harmful Pollution
New EPN analysis examines changes involving air pollution, PFAS, pesticides and data centers -- and whether EPA is adequately accounting for children's heightened vulnerability
-
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On Children's Environmental Health Day, a new report examines a series of recent federal actions that could increase ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Oct. 9 [Category: Environment] (TNSrpt) -- Environmental Protection Network issued the following news release: * * * October 8, 2026 On Children's Environmental Health Day, New Report Warns of Rising Threats as EPA Retreats from Protecting Kids from Harmful Pollution New EPN analysis examines changes involving air pollution, PFAS, pesticides and data centers -- and whether EPA is adequately accounting for children's heightened vulnerability - WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On Children's Environmental Health Day, a new report examines a series of recent federal actions that could increasechildren's exposure to harmful pollution in the air they breathe, the water they drink and the food they eat.
The report, released today by the Environmental Protection Network (EPN), focuses on three areas: more than 30 federal actions that weaken, bypass or delay pollution safeguards as AI data centers rapidly expand; EPA actions weakening protections against PFAS and other harmful pollutants; and major regulatory decisions in which the agency has failed to fully account for children's particular vulnerability to pollution.
Children encounter pollution through the air they breathe, the water they drink, and the food they eat--exposures that can begin before birth and lead to lifelong developmental and health problems. Because children's brains, lungs, and organs are still developing, and because they consume more air, water, and food per pound of body weight than adults do, they are especially vulnerable to toxic pollutants.
"A child doesn't experience pollution one regulatory program at a time--they breathe the air outside school, drink the water at home, and play in their backyards," said Jeanne Briskin, former Director of EPA's Office of Children's Health Protection. "Parents do everything they can to protect their kids, but they can't shield developing bodies from toxic chemicals in their air, water, and food on their own. That is why federal safeguards exist, and why weakening them leaves children to pay the price."
The report puts the federal actions in the context of pollution exposures children already face: 33.5 million children--including nearly 2.4 million children with asthma--live in counties receiving an F grade for ozone or particle pollution. Roughly 500,000 children have blood lead levels at or above CDC reference values, while approximately 96% of U.S. adolescents have four or more PFAS "forever chemicals" detected in their blood.
Key Report Findings:
AIR POLLUTION AND DATA CENTERS
Unchecked AI Energy Expansion: Federal agencies have taken more than 30 actions that weaken, bypass or delay pollution protections as energy-intensive AI data centers expand. Independent health modeling estimates that data-center-related air pollution under a high-growth scenario could contribute to roughly 600,000 asthma-symptom cases and 1,300 premature deaths annually across the population--a threat magnified by the fact that-- at least 188 schools nationwide sit within three miles of proposed power plants dedicated to data-centers.
EPA repealed or rolled back standards restricting mercury, arsenic, and carbon emissions. The carbon pollution standards alone were previously projected to prevent 1,900 new asthma cases, 360,000 asthma-symptom episodes, and 48,000 missed school days by 2035. The agency is also asking the Supreme Court to overturn stronger limits on fine-particle soot pollution.
CLEAN WATER, SAFE FOOD AND TOXIC CHEMICALS
PFAS Rollbacks: EPA proposed eliminating drinking-water protections for several PFAS "forever chemicals," gave some water systems two additional years to meet limits for others, and rescinded its 2022 guidance to states and wastewater systems for identifying and reducing industrial PFAS pollution at the source.
Sewage Sludge and Pesticides: Despite finding health risks from PFAS-contaminated sewage sludge spread on land, EPA has stopped short of enforceable national limits. The agency also approved the pesticide isocycloseram for food crops and residential lawns despite documented fetal and reproductive risks in animal studies.
HOW CHILDREN'S HEALTH IS COUNTED IN EPA DECISIONS
PFAS Drinking Water: When proposing to remove PFAS drinking-water limits, EPA said health risks, including risks that may disproportionately affect children, were outside the scope of its decision, despite its own March 2026 children's health policy calling for consistent consideration of early-life exposures and lifelong health effects.
Uncounted Health Costs & Impacts: The agency counted financial savings from repealing power-plant safeguards, but did not quantify or monetize several health impacts including asthma symptoms and missed school days.
Vacant Advisory Committee: Children's Health Experts: EPA's independent Children's Health Protection Advisory Committee (CHPAC) has not met since August 2025 and currently lists no appointed members, leaving the agency without its longstanding source of dedicated outside children's environmental-health expertise during major regulatory decisions.
The finding comes just over a week after EPN and other health and children's-health organizations called on EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to restore a functioning CHPAC and ensure independent children's-health expertise is part of major agency decisions. Read the letter.
The report urges federal decision-makers to reverse weakened protections and restore science-based safeguards designed to prevent pollution before children are exposed. EPN calls on the agency to fully account for children's health impacts in regulatory decisions, require comprehensive pollution reviews for AI data centers, and act on the recent call from health organizations to restore a functioning Children's Health Protection Advisory Committee.
* * *
ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NETWORK
The Environmental Protection Network is a nonpartisan organization comprising more than 800 former EPA scientists, toxicologists, chemists, biologists, engineers, and policy analysts -- many of whom spent decades as career experts inside the agency. They assessed cancer and developmental risks, studied links between pollution and fertility and chronic disease, investigated contaminated communities, and brought enforcement actions to hold corporate polluters accountable. EPN was founded in 2017 to serve as an independent voice promoting science-based policies that protect families' health.
* * *
REPORT: https://safernotsicker.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Childrens-Health-at-Risk-as-the-EPA-Retreats-on-Harmful-Pollution.pdf
* * *
Original text here: https://www.environmentalprotectionnetwork.org/on-childrens-environmental-health-day-new-report-warns-of-rising-threats-as-epa-retreats-from-protecting-kids-from-harmful-pollution/
No Labels Issues Commentary: Could Democrats Win a Majority of Governorships in 2026?
WASHINGTON, Oct. 9 -- No Labels, a political organization that advocates for centrism and bipartisanship, issued the following news:
* * *
October 7, 2026
Could Democrats Win a Majority of Governorships in 2026?
Peyton Lofton
Democrats have a strong chance to take control of a majority of governorships for the first time in years. And the map looks very different from the usual red-state, blue-state divide.
Top Three Takeaways
* Democrats have a strong chance of winning a majority of governorships this year.
* The map is unusually scrambled: Iowa currently leans Democratic, Oregon is ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Oct. 9 -- No Labels, a political organization that advocates for centrism and bipartisanship, issued the following news: * * * October 7, 2026 Could Democrats Win a Majority of Governorships in 2026? Peyton Lofton Democrats have a strong chance to take control of a majority of governorships for the first time in years. And the map looks very different from the usual red-state, blue-state divide. Top Three Takeaways * Democrats have a strong chance of winning a majority of governorships this year. * The map is unusually scrambled: Iowa currently leans Democratic, Oregon iscompetitive, and Republican strongholds like Florida and Texas are only Lean Republican.
* Candidate quality and state-level issues are playing an outsized role, creating several governor races that look very different from Senate races in the same states.
If you knew nothing about the candidates and looked only at how states normally vote, you would probably make some very bad predictions about the 2026 governor races.
A Democrat is favored to win Iowa. Oregon is competitive. In Florida and Texas - two of the biggest Republican strongholds in the country - the GOP nominees are only slightly favored to win.
And along the way, Democrats could take control of a majority of America's governorships for the first time since 2010.
But the path to that majority is not as simple as red states moving left. Some Democratic strongholds are surprisingly competitive, while Democrats are threatening Republicans in states that would normally be safely red.
Here's what is driving the unusual 2026 governor map - and what it could mean for control of the states.
How Many Governor Races Are There in 2026?
There are 36 governor elections this year.
The other 14 states do not have governor elections. Of those, six currently have Democratic governors and eight have Republicans.
Among the 36 states holding elections, 18 governorships are currently held by Democrats and 18 by Republicans.
According to the Cook Political Report, the map breaks down like this:
[View table in the link at bottom.]
Democrats are favored (or guaranteed) to win in 23 states, Republicans in 22. And five states are currently too close to predict.
But the most interesting part is not simply how many races are competitive. It's where they are competitive.
Why Is Iowa's Governor Race Leaning Democratic?
Iowa has become a reliably red state in recent years. But Cook Political Report currently rates its governor race as Lean Democratic.
The main reason is Democratic state Auditor Rob Sand.
Sand has already shown that he can win voters who normally support Republicans. He was the only Democrat elected statewide in Iowa in 2022, and his reputation for independence and anti-corruption work has helped him build an unusually strong profile for a Democrat in the Hawkeye State.
Republicans, meanwhile, nominated Zach Lahn, a first-time candidate who unexpectedly defeated President Trump's preferred candidate, Rep. Randy Feenstra.
So far, Lahn has not been able to overcome voters' concerns about the trade war with Canada (Iowa's top trading partner) or the Iran conflict's effects on diesel prices (the fuel for most farming equipment).
The polling reflects it. A September Marist poll had Sand leading 54% to 42% among registered voters, including a 57% to 33% advantage among independents.
Is Oregon's Governor Race Competitive?
Oregon presents almost the opposite situation as Iowa.
The state reliably votes blue. But Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek is facing a competitive reelection race against Republican Christine Drazan.
The reason is largely dissatisfaction with state government.
Affordability, taxes, homelessness, and housing have all become major issues, while Gov. Kotek's personal standing remains weak.
A September Oregon Public Broadcasting poll found just 38% of Oregon voters had a positive view of Gov. Kotek, and nearly 60% said the state is on the wrong track. That helps explain why the Republican candidate is leading 47%-46%.
Could Democrats Win Texas or Florida?
Perhaps the most surprising ratings on the map are Florida and Texas. Both are major GOP strongholds and are home to President Trump and several potential 2028 candidates like Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, Ron DeSantis, and Greg Abbott.
Yet neither state's governor race is safe for the GOP.
In Florida, Republican bombthrower Rep. Byron Donalds is facing off against David Jolly, a former Republican congressman now running as a Democrat.
That gives Democrats more crossover potential than they might normally have in the state. Housing costs, insurance, and other affordability concerns are also giving Democrats an opening after years of Republican control.
Cook rates it Lean Republican: Rep. Donalds is favored but is by no means guaranteed to win. A September Stetson University poll found him with just a bare majority - 51% - of the vote.
In Texas, Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa is attacking incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott over populist issues including data centers and Flock surveillance cameras. And it doesn't help the Governor that Democrat James Talarico is faring better-than-expected in the Lone Star State's Senate race.
Texas remains Lean Republican, but the fact that it's competitive at all says a lot about the current political environment.
Will There Be Ticket Splitting in 2026?
The governor race map also shows that voters are not treating every statewide race the same.
In several states, Cook's governor rating differs significantly from its Senate rating.
[View table in the link at bottom.]
In Maine, Republican Sen. Susan Collins remains competitive even as Democrats are all but guaranteed to hold the governor's mansion. Part of the reason why is her reputation as a commonsense leader with a proven bipartisan record of delivering for the Pine Tree State.
In Michigan, Democrats are expected to win the governor's race, but their odds of winning the Senate race are lower after nominating Abdul El-Sayed, a controversial progressive who has faced scrutiny over campaigning with Hasan Piker - the Twitch streamer who said "America deserved 9/11."
And in Texas, Republicans are in a much worse spot after passing over longtime Sen. John Cornyn, a proven bipartisan dealmaker with strong conservative credentials. Instead, they nominated Ken Paxton, a scandal-plagued Republican bombthrower who might well deliver control of the Senate to the Democratic Party.
These gaps between the governor and Senate maps suggest voters are still judging candidates as individuals, not just voting based on party labels.
Ticket splitting - where voters choose candidates from different parties for different offices on the same ballot - is not as common as it once was. But these signs show it might make a comeback this November.
Will Democrats Win a Majority of Governorships?
There's a good chance they will. And they don't even need Florida or Texas to do it.
Veteran election forecaster Nate Silver's model gives Democrats an over 80% chance of winning the majority of governor races this year. And Decision Desk HQ favors Democrats in 20 of the 36 governor races on the ballot this year.
If the forecasts are correct, this would be the first time since 2010 that Democrats control a majority of governorships.
The 2026 map is a reminder that not every election has become completely nationalized.
A Democrat can still win in a red state like Iowa. A Republican can still win in a blue state like Oregon. And voters who choose one party for Senate may choose the other for governor.
That makes this year's governor races unusually unpredictable - and gives Democrats their best opportunity in years to take control of a majority of the nation's governorships.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many governor races are there in 2026?
There are 36 governor elections in 2026. Fourteen states are not holding governor elections this year.
How many governor races are competitive in 2026?
Cook currently rates 12 races as Lean Democratic, Toss Up, or Lean Republican.
Which states have Toss Up governor races in 2026?
Cook currently rates Alaska, Georgia, Nevada, Ohio, and Wisconsin as Toss Ups.
Why is Iowa's governor race leaning Democratic?
Democrat Rob Sand has already won statewide, has crossover appeal with independents and Republicans, and is running in a political environment that is currently difficult for Republicans.
Can Democrats win a majority of governorships?
Yes. Democrats are favored to win a majority of governorships for the first time since 2010.
* * *
Peyton Lofton is Senior Policy Analyst at No Labels and has spent his career writing for the common sense majority. His work has appeared in the Washington Examiner, RealClearPolicy, and the South Florida Sun Sentinel. Peyton holds a degree in political science from Tulane University.
* * *
Original text here: https://nolabels.org/the-latest/could-democrats-win-a-majority-of-governorships-in-2026/
[Category: Political]
* * *
October 7, 2026
Could Democrats Win a Majority of Governorships in 2026?
Peyton Lofton
Democrats have a strong chance to take control of a majority of governorships for the first time in years. And the map looks very different from the usual red-state, blue-state divide.
Top Three Takeaways
* Democrats have a strong chance of winning a majority of governorships this year.
* The map is unusually scrambled: Iowa currently leans Democratic, Oregon is ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Oct. 9 -- No Labels, a political organization that advocates for centrism and bipartisanship, issued the following news: * * * October 7, 2026 Could Democrats Win a Majority of Governorships in 2026? Peyton Lofton Democrats have a strong chance to take control of a majority of governorships for the first time in years. And the map looks very different from the usual red-state, blue-state divide. Top Three Takeaways * Democrats have a strong chance of winning a majority of governorships this year. * The map is unusually scrambled: Iowa currently leans Democratic, Oregon iscompetitive, and Republican strongholds like Florida and Texas are only Lean Republican.
* Candidate quality and state-level issues are playing an outsized role, creating several governor races that look very different from Senate races in the same states.
If you knew nothing about the candidates and looked only at how states normally vote, you would probably make some very bad predictions about the 2026 governor races.
A Democrat is favored to win Iowa. Oregon is competitive. In Florida and Texas - two of the biggest Republican strongholds in the country - the GOP nominees are only slightly favored to win.
And along the way, Democrats could take control of a majority of America's governorships for the first time since 2010.
But the path to that majority is not as simple as red states moving left. Some Democratic strongholds are surprisingly competitive, while Democrats are threatening Republicans in states that would normally be safely red.
Here's what is driving the unusual 2026 governor map - and what it could mean for control of the states.
How Many Governor Races Are There in 2026?
There are 36 governor elections this year.
The other 14 states do not have governor elections. Of those, six currently have Democratic governors and eight have Republicans.
Among the 36 states holding elections, 18 governorships are currently held by Democrats and 18 by Republicans.
According to the Cook Political Report, the map breaks down like this:
[View table in the link at bottom.]
Democrats are favored (or guaranteed) to win in 23 states, Republicans in 22. And five states are currently too close to predict.
But the most interesting part is not simply how many races are competitive. It's where they are competitive.
Why Is Iowa's Governor Race Leaning Democratic?
Iowa has become a reliably red state in recent years. But Cook Political Report currently rates its governor race as Lean Democratic.
The main reason is Democratic state Auditor Rob Sand.
Sand has already shown that he can win voters who normally support Republicans. He was the only Democrat elected statewide in Iowa in 2022, and his reputation for independence and anti-corruption work has helped him build an unusually strong profile for a Democrat in the Hawkeye State.
Republicans, meanwhile, nominated Zach Lahn, a first-time candidate who unexpectedly defeated President Trump's preferred candidate, Rep. Randy Feenstra.
So far, Lahn has not been able to overcome voters' concerns about the trade war with Canada (Iowa's top trading partner) or the Iran conflict's effects on diesel prices (the fuel for most farming equipment).
The polling reflects it. A September Marist poll had Sand leading 54% to 42% among registered voters, including a 57% to 33% advantage among independents.
Is Oregon's Governor Race Competitive?
Oregon presents almost the opposite situation as Iowa.
The state reliably votes blue. But Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek is facing a competitive reelection race against Republican Christine Drazan.
The reason is largely dissatisfaction with state government.
Affordability, taxes, homelessness, and housing have all become major issues, while Gov. Kotek's personal standing remains weak.
A September Oregon Public Broadcasting poll found just 38% of Oregon voters had a positive view of Gov. Kotek, and nearly 60% said the state is on the wrong track. That helps explain why the Republican candidate is leading 47%-46%.
Could Democrats Win Texas or Florida?
Perhaps the most surprising ratings on the map are Florida and Texas. Both are major GOP strongholds and are home to President Trump and several potential 2028 candidates like Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, Ron DeSantis, and Greg Abbott.
Yet neither state's governor race is safe for the GOP.
In Florida, Republican bombthrower Rep. Byron Donalds is facing off against David Jolly, a former Republican congressman now running as a Democrat.
That gives Democrats more crossover potential than they might normally have in the state. Housing costs, insurance, and other affordability concerns are also giving Democrats an opening after years of Republican control.
Cook rates it Lean Republican: Rep. Donalds is favored but is by no means guaranteed to win. A September Stetson University poll found him with just a bare majority - 51% - of the vote.
In Texas, Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa is attacking incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott over populist issues including data centers and Flock surveillance cameras. And it doesn't help the Governor that Democrat James Talarico is faring better-than-expected in the Lone Star State's Senate race.
Texas remains Lean Republican, but the fact that it's competitive at all says a lot about the current political environment.
Will There Be Ticket Splitting in 2026?
The governor race map also shows that voters are not treating every statewide race the same.
In several states, Cook's governor rating differs significantly from its Senate rating.
[View table in the link at bottom.]
In Maine, Republican Sen. Susan Collins remains competitive even as Democrats are all but guaranteed to hold the governor's mansion. Part of the reason why is her reputation as a commonsense leader with a proven bipartisan record of delivering for the Pine Tree State.
In Michigan, Democrats are expected to win the governor's race, but their odds of winning the Senate race are lower after nominating Abdul El-Sayed, a controversial progressive who has faced scrutiny over campaigning with Hasan Piker - the Twitch streamer who said "America deserved 9/11."
And in Texas, Republicans are in a much worse spot after passing over longtime Sen. John Cornyn, a proven bipartisan dealmaker with strong conservative credentials. Instead, they nominated Ken Paxton, a scandal-plagued Republican bombthrower who might well deliver control of the Senate to the Democratic Party.
These gaps between the governor and Senate maps suggest voters are still judging candidates as individuals, not just voting based on party labels.
Ticket splitting - where voters choose candidates from different parties for different offices on the same ballot - is not as common as it once was. But these signs show it might make a comeback this November.
Will Democrats Win a Majority of Governorships?
There's a good chance they will. And they don't even need Florida or Texas to do it.
Veteran election forecaster Nate Silver's model gives Democrats an over 80% chance of winning the majority of governor races this year. And Decision Desk HQ favors Democrats in 20 of the 36 governor races on the ballot this year.
If the forecasts are correct, this would be the first time since 2010 that Democrats control a majority of governorships.
The 2026 map is a reminder that not every election has become completely nationalized.
A Democrat can still win in a red state like Iowa. A Republican can still win in a blue state like Oregon. And voters who choose one party for Senate may choose the other for governor.
That makes this year's governor races unusually unpredictable - and gives Democrats their best opportunity in years to take control of a majority of the nation's governorships.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many governor races are there in 2026?
There are 36 governor elections in 2026. Fourteen states are not holding governor elections this year.
How many governor races are competitive in 2026?
Cook currently rates 12 races as Lean Democratic, Toss Up, or Lean Republican.
Which states have Toss Up governor races in 2026?
Cook currently rates Alaska, Georgia, Nevada, Ohio, and Wisconsin as Toss Ups.
Why is Iowa's governor race leaning Democratic?
Democrat Rob Sand has already won statewide, has crossover appeal with independents and Republicans, and is running in a political environment that is currently difficult for Republicans.
Can Democrats win a majority of governorships?
Yes. Democrats are favored to win a majority of governorships for the first time since 2010.
* * *
Peyton Lofton is Senior Policy Analyst at No Labels and has spent his career writing for the common sense majority. His work has appeared in the Washington Examiner, RealClearPolicy, and the South Florida Sun Sentinel. Peyton holds a degree in political science from Tulane University.
* * *
Original text here: https://nolabels.org/the-latest/could-democrats-win-a-majority-of-governorships-in-2026/
[Category: Political]
Earthjustice: Protecting Who? 'Bring Your Own Power' Projects for AI Data Centers Would Wreak Havoc on Communities and the Environment, New Report Finds
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Oct. 9 (TNSrpt) -- Earthjustice issued the following news release:
* * *
October 8, 2026
Protecting Who? "Bring Your Own Power" Projects for AI Data Centers Would Wreak Havoc on Communities and the Environment, New Report Finds
The rapid expansion of "Bring Your Own Power" arrangements for AI data centers will lead to a massive gas buildout that poses serious risks to communities and the environment
New York, NY -- A new report published today by Earthjustice and the Better Data Center Project, a technical assistance provider for communities, reveals that the rapid ... Show Full Article SAN FRANCISCO, California, Oct. 9 (TNSrpt) -- Earthjustice issued the following news release: * * * October 8, 2026 Protecting Who? "Bring Your Own Power" Projects for AI Data Centers Would Wreak Havoc on Communities and the Environment, New Report Finds The rapid expansion of "Bring Your Own Power" arrangements for AI data centers will lead to a massive gas buildout that poses serious risks to communities and the environment New York, NY -- A new report published today by Earthjustice and the Better Data Center Project, a technical assistance provider for communities, reveals that the rapidexpansion of "Bring Your Own Power" (BYOP) arrangements for artificial intelligence (AI) data centers will lead to a massive gas buildout that poses serious risks to communities and the environment operating outside of already weakened current permitting, legal and regulatory systems. While the President, governors, lawmakers, and regulators are increasingly encouraging and incentivizing AI data centers to secure their own power generation, the report reveals that this purported 'solution' will significantly increase pollution and a slew of mounting costs for decades to come.
This new, comprehensive analysis focuses on AI data centers proposing to bring their own power (BYOP), providing an overview of these convoluted projects and how they enable billion-dollar companies to sidestep laws and regulations meant to protect consumers, communities, the environment, and climate, so they can power their enormous AI data centers as quickly as possible.
The analysis finds that:
* BYOP is driving a massive, rapid buildout of predominantly dirty gas plants: 80% of proposed energy generation from BYOP projects over the next five years -- enough to power 65% of U.S. homes -- will come from gas, rather than the renewables companies have committed to.
* If built, nine proposed gas BYOP projects will become among the top 10 largest power plants in the U.S.
* Ozone and particulate matter pollution from BYOP could cause an estimated $5-10B in monetized health damages each year.
* The report also analyzes the specific types of gas generators proposed, finding that over half of disclosed BYOP gas projects would use less efficient and more polluting gas generators than typical gas power plants.
* Most BYOP projects are expected to seek grid connection eventually despite circumventing regulations and safeguards today.
* Developers 'segment' projects into separate permit applications to avoid more stringent environmental review.
* Despite being posed as an affordability solution, BYOP can still have significant cost impacts.
* In addition, these so-called "privately powered" BYOP projects are subsidized by the public--receiving tax breaks, property abatements and expedited regulatory treatment.
Co-authors discussed their key findings in the report about the implications of this troubling trend using case studies from Texas, Pennsylvania, and Ohio -- among the top five states with the highest concentration of proposed BYOP capacity in the country. The report outlines not only the impacts and scale of these projects, but how Big Tech operates outside of and is taking advantage of weakened regulations to build faster.
The co-authors also provided an overview of the current policy landscape and considerations for communities and policymakers.
"Our research is clear: BYOP is not the answer that state and federal leaders are claiming it to be. The world's wealthiest tech companies should not be building dirty, behind-the-meter gas projects, creating a shadow grid that's causing even greater risks to communities and the climate. BYOP proposals for AI data centers -- almost all of which rely on polluting gas instead of cleaner and cheaper energy sources -- won't protect us from the consequences of AI data centers' unprecedented energy demand. In fact, we need stronger safeguards to protect people and the planet," said Mandy DeRoche, Director of Emerging Issues, Earthjustice.
"Bring Your Own Power is a tool sought by developers to build AI data centers as fast as possible -- while local communities, ratepayers, and our planet pay the costs. Our research finds 177 GW of planned gas BYOP, enough to power 65% of all U.S. homes. With over half of this disclosed gas capacity using inefficient and more polluting technologies, these projects could cause up to $10 billion a year in health damages. Addressing AI's demand for power requires stronger local, state, and federal policies and oversight -- yet the majority of recent policies weaken oversight designed to protect water, air, people, and the climate," said Catherine Casomar, Co-Founder, Better Data Center Project.
* * *
Additional Resources
* Report: The AI Gas Rush: Risks and Implications of "Bring Your Own Power" (https://earthjustice.org/feature/data-center-byop-energy-report)
* Expert Article: The AI Gas Rush: How "Bring Your Own Power" Evades Regulation and Drives Deadly Pollution (https://earthjustice.org/experts/mandy-deroche/the-ai-gas-rush-how-bring-your-own-power-evades-regulation-and-drives-deadly-pollution)
* About the Clean Energy Program (https://earthjustice.org/office/clean-energy)
* * *
About Earthjustice
Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people's health, to preserve magnificent places and wildlife, to advance clean energy, and to combat climate change. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer.
* * *
REPORT: https://earthjustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/the-ai-gas-rush-risks-of-byop_full-report-with-cover.pdf
* * *
Original text here: https://earthjustice.org/press/2026/protecting-bring-your-own-power-projects-for-ai-data-centers-would-wreak-havoc-on-communities-and-the-environment-new-report-finds
[Category: Environment]
* * *
October 8, 2026
Protecting Who? "Bring Your Own Power" Projects for AI Data Centers Would Wreak Havoc on Communities and the Environment, New Report Finds
The rapid expansion of "Bring Your Own Power" arrangements for AI data centers will lead to a massive gas buildout that poses serious risks to communities and the environment
New York, NY -- A new report published today by Earthjustice and the Better Data Center Project, a technical assistance provider for communities, reveals that the rapid ... Show Full Article SAN FRANCISCO, California, Oct. 9 (TNSrpt) -- Earthjustice issued the following news release: * * * October 8, 2026 Protecting Who? "Bring Your Own Power" Projects for AI Data Centers Would Wreak Havoc on Communities and the Environment, New Report Finds The rapid expansion of "Bring Your Own Power" arrangements for AI data centers will lead to a massive gas buildout that poses serious risks to communities and the environment New York, NY -- A new report published today by Earthjustice and the Better Data Center Project, a technical assistance provider for communities, reveals that the rapidexpansion of "Bring Your Own Power" (BYOP) arrangements for artificial intelligence (AI) data centers will lead to a massive gas buildout that poses serious risks to communities and the environment operating outside of already weakened current permitting, legal and regulatory systems. While the President, governors, lawmakers, and regulators are increasingly encouraging and incentivizing AI data centers to secure their own power generation, the report reveals that this purported 'solution' will significantly increase pollution and a slew of mounting costs for decades to come.
This new, comprehensive analysis focuses on AI data centers proposing to bring their own power (BYOP), providing an overview of these convoluted projects and how they enable billion-dollar companies to sidestep laws and regulations meant to protect consumers, communities, the environment, and climate, so they can power their enormous AI data centers as quickly as possible.
The analysis finds that:
* BYOP is driving a massive, rapid buildout of predominantly dirty gas plants: 80% of proposed energy generation from BYOP projects over the next five years -- enough to power 65% of U.S. homes -- will come from gas, rather than the renewables companies have committed to.
* If built, nine proposed gas BYOP projects will become among the top 10 largest power plants in the U.S.
* Ozone and particulate matter pollution from BYOP could cause an estimated $5-10B in monetized health damages each year.
* The report also analyzes the specific types of gas generators proposed, finding that over half of disclosed BYOP gas projects would use less efficient and more polluting gas generators than typical gas power plants.
* Most BYOP projects are expected to seek grid connection eventually despite circumventing regulations and safeguards today.
* Developers 'segment' projects into separate permit applications to avoid more stringent environmental review.
* Despite being posed as an affordability solution, BYOP can still have significant cost impacts.
* In addition, these so-called "privately powered" BYOP projects are subsidized by the public--receiving tax breaks, property abatements and expedited regulatory treatment.
Co-authors discussed their key findings in the report about the implications of this troubling trend using case studies from Texas, Pennsylvania, and Ohio -- among the top five states with the highest concentration of proposed BYOP capacity in the country. The report outlines not only the impacts and scale of these projects, but how Big Tech operates outside of and is taking advantage of weakened regulations to build faster.
The co-authors also provided an overview of the current policy landscape and considerations for communities and policymakers.
"Our research is clear: BYOP is not the answer that state and federal leaders are claiming it to be. The world's wealthiest tech companies should not be building dirty, behind-the-meter gas projects, creating a shadow grid that's causing even greater risks to communities and the climate. BYOP proposals for AI data centers -- almost all of which rely on polluting gas instead of cleaner and cheaper energy sources -- won't protect us from the consequences of AI data centers' unprecedented energy demand. In fact, we need stronger safeguards to protect people and the planet," said Mandy DeRoche, Director of Emerging Issues, Earthjustice.
"Bring Your Own Power is a tool sought by developers to build AI data centers as fast as possible -- while local communities, ratepayers, and our planet pay the costs. Our research finds 177 GW of planned gas BYOP, enough to power 65% of all U.S. homes. With over half of this disclosed gas capacity using inefficient and more polluting technologies, these projects could cause up to $10 billion a year in health damages. Addressing AI's demand for power requires stronger local, state, and federal policies and oversight -- yet the majority of recent policies weaken oversight designed to protect water, air, people, and the climate," said Catherine Casomar, Co-Founder, Better Data Center Project.
* * *
Additional Resources
* Report: The AI Gas Rush: Risks and Implications of "Bring Your Own Power" (https://earthjustice.org/feature/data-center-byop-energy-report)
* Expert Article: The AI Gas Rush: How "Bring Your Own Power" Evades Regulation and Drives Deadly Pollution (https://earthjustice.org/experts/mandy-deroche/the-ai-gas-rush-how-bring-your-own-power-evades-regulation-and-drives-deadly-pollution)
* About the Clean Energy Program (https://earthjustice.org/office/clean-energy)
* * *
About Earthjustice
Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people's health, to preserve magnificent places and wildlife, to advance clean energy, and to combat climate change. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer.
* * *
REPORT: https://earthjustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/the-ai-gas-rush-risks-of-byop_full-report-with-cover.pdf
* * *
Original text here: https://earthjustice.org/press/2026/protecting-bring-your-own-power-projects-for-ai-data-centers-would-wreak-havoc-on-communities-and-the-environment-new-report-finds
[Category: Environment]
Children's Health Defense Issues Commentary: Can You Trust CDC's Flu Vaccine Effectiveness Estimates? Epidemiologist Says No
FRANKLIN LAKES, New Jersey, Oct. 9 -- Children's Health Defense, an organization that says it restores and protects the health of children by eliminating exposures to environmental toxins, issued the following commentary by Suzanne Burdick, senior reporter for The Defender:
* * *
Can You Trust CDC's Flu Vaccine Effectiveness Estimates? Epidemiologist Says No
Every year, the CDC estimates how effective last year's flu vaccine was at preventing flu-related symptoms and hospitalizations. But Dr. Eyal Shahar, a professor emeritus of epidemiology at the University of Arizona's Mel & Enid Zuckerman ... Show Full Article FRANKLIN LAKES, New Jersey, Oct. 9 -- Children's Health Defense, an organization that says it restores and protects the health of children by eliminating exposures to environmental toxins, issued the following commentary by Suzanne Burdick, senior reporter for The Defender: * * * Can You Trust CDC's Flu Vaccine Effectiveness Estimates? Epidemiologist Says No Every year, the CDC estimates how effective last year's flu vaccine was at preventing flu-related symptoms and hospitalizations. But Dr. Eyal Shahar, a professor emeritus of epidemiology at the University of Arizona's Mel & Enid ZuckermanCollege of Public Health, says those estimates can't be trusted -- because the CDC uses what he says is an inherently biased study design to arrive at those estimates.
October 8, 2026
Every year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates how effective last year's flu vaccine was at preventing flu-related symptoms and hospitalizations.
But are the CDC's estimates accurate? Can you trust them?
Dr. Eyal Shahar, a professor emeritus of epidemiology at the University of Arizona's Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, says no -- because the CDC uses what he says is an inherently biased study design to arrive at those estimates.
In an interview with The Defender, Shahar said that for years, the CDC has insisted on using a "problematic" test-negative study design, even though better designs exist.
"There are many supporters of the test-negative design, and the CDC simply adopted that design long ago," Shahar said. "There are CDC-associated networks, all of which exclusively use that design to estimate effectiveness. It is time for a change."
Shahar has authored nearly 200 papers, a book chapter on biases in epidemiological research, and two books, including a textbook on epidemiology and statistics. He has taught courses in methodology and is the former associate editor of the American Journal of Epidemiology.
A test-negative study design method is relatively easy and cheap, but it is known to produce biased and incoherent results, Shahar said.
Test-negative studies on flu vaccine effectiveness enroll people who sought medical care for flu-like symptoms and were tested for the flu. The researchers compare the vaccination status between those who tested positive and those who tested negative.
But that means the study is limited to people who sought medical care and were tested. That's a form of selection bias, because the study excluded everyone who didn't do those things. Limiting the study in this way can also cause collider bias, which could skew the results, Shahar said.
Shahar said better study designs would likely yield more accurate results, but they require more effort and money.
The ideal study design is a randomized trial, but some people consider it unethical to use this design when testing a vaccine's effectiveness, he said.
"The best alternative is a well-designed cohort with two endpoints: symptomatic flu and asymptomatic flu," he said.
Participants in the cohort design should be matched based on when they received the vaccine, he added.
In a recent post on Medium, Shahar analyzed a CDC test-negative study for the flu vaccine in 2022-2023, when the vaccine was well-matched to the dominant strain.
He showed how the study suffered from several kinds of statistical bias and produced results that contradicted what the researchers would logically expect to find.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has commonly relied on test-negative studies when deciding whether to approve both flu and COVID-19 vaccines, Shahar said. That needs to change, he said.
Shahar wrote in an earlier Medium post:
"It is time for the FDA to implement a major revision in the approval of the Covid vaccine and the flu vaccine. It is not enough to show effectiveness against symptomatic infection by the test-negative design or by rising antibody titers.
"They need to see estimates of the effectiveness against both symptomatic infection and asymptomatic infection from a cohort design to distinguish coherent results from incoherent results."
NIH director calls out same problem with CDC studies on vaccine efficacy
Shahar is not alone in criticizing the CDC for using a test-negative design to measure vaccine efficacy.
In early April, National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya, who at the time was serving as the CDC's interim director, initially delayed publishing a test-negative study on COVID-19 vaccine efficacy in the CDC's long-running Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).
Later that month, the MMWR outright rejected the study.
After the paper's rejection sparked backlash on X, Bhattacharya wrote on X:
"There is no obligation for the MMWR -- a non-peer-reviewed journal that serves as the voice of CDC policy -- to publish a paper based on the statistically flawed test-negative design.
"The authors can do whatever they want with the paper, but they do not have a right to publish in MMWR just because they like their own method. Given its statistical flaws, no one should view the paper as providing an accurate measure of vaccine efficacy."
Shahar, who personally knows Bhattacharya, said he recently shared with Bhattacharya some of his work on the CDC's flawed flu vaccine efficacy studies.
The CDC has epidemiologists who are aware of a cohort design, he said. Still, the agency continues to employ the bias-prone design.
Meanwhile, Shahar continues to produce papers that expose how problematic the test-negative design is. "Publishing critiques is not easy," he said.
He shared with The Defender the preprint for a paper about a newly described bias in a test-negative design. "I can't get it published," he said.
Cleveland Clinic: 2024-2025 flu shot increased risk of getting the flu
According to a Cleveland Clinic study published last year that used a cohort design, people who received a flu vaccine formulated for the 2024-25 flu season had a 27% higher risk of getting the flu than those who didn't get the vaccine.
The study authors noted in their report that a strength of the study was that it didn't rely on a test-negative design.
They wrote that test-negative design studies "systematically overestimate true vaccine effectiveness."
The Cleveland Clinic study wasn't the first to find that flu vaccines could actually increase the risk of becoming ill.
A 2012 peer-reviewed study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases showed that children who received the flu vaccine were at significantly increased risk of contracting non-flu respiratory virus infections.
"The flu shot has never really prevented transmission of the flu and in some years (i.e., last year) the efficacy of preventing the flu is actually negative," said Brian Hooker, Ph.D., chief scientific officer at Children's Health Defense, in an Oct. 5 interview with The Defender.
"Flu would blow through a vaccinated population with nearly the same ease as it would an unvaccinated population," Hooker added.
Related articles in The Defender
* Georgia's Largest Healthcare System Will Fire Employees Who Refuse Flu Vaccine (https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/emory-healthcare-georgia-flu-vaccine-mandate-fire-employee-refusal/)
* Breaking: Moderna's mRNA Flu Vaccine Gets Unanimous Thumbs-Up Despite Risks, Low Efficacy (https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/breaking-moderna-mrna-flu-vaccine-unanimous-thumbs-up-risks-low-efficacy/)
* 'Deeply Concerning': This Year's Flu Shots Led to 27% Higher Risk of Flu (https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/flu-shots-27-percent-higher-risk-influenza-2024-2025-season/)
* HHS Tells CDC to Yank 'Wild to Mild' Flu Vaccine Ad Campaign, Shift Focus to 'Informed Consent' (https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/hhs-tells-cdc-remove-wild-to-mild-flu-vaccine-ad-campaign-informed-consent-focus/)
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Suzanne Burdick, Ph.D., is a senior reporter for The Defender based in Austin, Texas.
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Original text here: https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/can-you-trust-cdcs-flu-vaccine-effectiveness-estimates-epidemiologist-says-no/
[Category: Health Care]
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Can You Trust CDC's Flu Vaccine Effectiveness Estimates? Epidemiologist Says No
Every year, the CDC estimates how effective last year's flu vaccine was at preventing flu-related symptoms and hospitalizations. But Dr. Eyal Shahar, a professor emeritus of epidemiology at the University of Arizona's Mel & Enid Zuckerman ... Show Full Article FRANKLIN LAKES, New Jersey, Oct. 9 -- Children's Health Defense, an organization that says it restores and protects the health of children by eliminating exposures to environmental toxins, issued the following commentary by Suzanne Burdick, senior reporter for The Defender: * * * Can You Trust CDC's Flu Vaccine Effectiveness Estimates? Epidemiologist Says No Every year, the CDC estimates how effective last year's flu vaccine was at preventing flu-related symptoms and hospitalizations. But Dr. Eyal Shahar, a professor emeritus of epidemiology at the University of Arizona's Mel & Enid ZuckermanCollege of Public Health, says those estimates can't be trusted -- because the CDC uses what he says is an inherently biased study design to arrive at those estimates.
October 8, 2026
Every year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates how effective last year's flu vaccine was at preventing flu-related symptoms and hospitalizations.
But are the CDC's estimates accurate? Can you trust them?
Dr. Eyal Shahar, a professor emeritus of epidemiology at the University of Arizona's Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, says no -- because the CDC uses what he says is an inherently biased study design to arrive at those estimates.
In an interview with The Defender, Shahar said that for years, the CDC has insisted on using a "problematic" test-negative study design, even though better designs exist.
"There are many supporters of the test-negative design, and the CDC simply adopted that design long ago," Shahar said. "There are CDC-associated networks, all of which exclusively use that design to estimate effectiveness. It is time for a change."
Shahar has authored nearly 200 papers, a book chapter on biases in epidemiological research, and two books, including a textbook on epidemiology and statistics. He has taught courses in methodology and is the former associate editor of the American Journal of Epidemiology.
A test-negative study design method is relatively easy and cheap, but it is known to produce biased and incoherent results, Shahar said.
Test-negative studies on flu vaccine effectiveness enroll people who sought medical care for flu-like symptoms and were tested for the flu. The researchers compare the vaccination status between those who tested positive and those who tested negative.
But that means the study is limited to people who sought medical care and were tested. That's a form of selection bias, because the study excluded everyone who didn't do those things. Limiting the study in this way can also cause collider bias, which could skew the results, Shahar said.
Shahar said better study designs would likely yield more accurate results, but they require more effort and money.
The ideal study design is a randomized trial, but some people consider it unethical to use this design when testing a vaccine's effectiveness, he said.
"The best alternative is a well-designed cohort with two endpoints: symptomatic flu and asymptomatic flu," he said.
Participants in the cohort design should be matched based on when they received the vaccine, he added.
In a recent post on Medium, Shahar analyzed a CDC test-negative study for the flu vaccine in 2022-2023, when the vaccine was well-matched to the dominant strain.
He showed how the study suffered from several kinds of statistical bias and produced results that contradicted what the researchers would logically expect to find.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has commonly relied on test-negative studies when deciding whether to approve both flu and COVID-19 vaccines, Shahar said. That needs to change, he said.
Shahar wrote in an earlier Medium post:
"It is time for the FDA to implement a major revision in the approval of the Covid vaccine and the flu vaccine. It is not enough to show effectiveness against symptomatic infection by the test-negative design or by rising antibody titers.
"They need to see estimates of the effectiveness against both symptomatic infection and asymptomatic infection from a cohort design to distinguish coherent results from incoherent results."
NIH director calls out same problem with CDC studies on vaccine efficacy
Shahar is not alone in criticizing the CDC for using a test-negative design to measure vaccine efficacy.
In early April, National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya, who at the time was serving as the CDC's interim director, initially delayed publishing a test-negative study on COVID-19 vaccine efficacy in the CDC's long-running Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).
Later that month, the MMWR outright rejected the study.
After the paper's rejection sparked backlash on X, Bhattacharya wrote on X:
"There is no obligation for the MMWR -- a non-peer-reviewed journal that serves as the voice of CDC policy -- to publish a paper based on the statistically flawed test-negative design.
"The authors can do whatever they want with the paper, but they do not have a right to publish in MMWR just because they like their own method. Given its statistical flaws, no one should view the paper as providing an accurate measure of vaccine efficacy."
Shahar, who personally knows Bhattacharya, said he recently shared with Bhattacharya some of his work on the CDC's flawed flu vaccine efficacy studies.
The CDC has epidemiologists who are aware of a cohort design, he said. Still, the agency continues to employ the bias-prone design.
Meanwhile, Shahar continues to produce papers that expose how problematic the test-negative design is. "Publishing critiques is not easy," he said.
He shared with The Defender the preprint for a paper about a newly described bias in a test-negative design. "I can't get it published," he said.
Cleveland Clinic: 2024-2025 flu shot increased risk of getting the flu
According to a Cleveland Clinic study published last year that used a cohort design, people who received a flu vaccine formulated for the 2024-25 flu season had a 27% higher risk of getting the flu than those who didn't get the vaccine.
The study authors noted in their report that a strength of the study was that it didn't rely on a test-negative design.
They wrote that test-negative design studies "systematically overestimate true vaccine effectiveness."
The Cleveland Clinic study wasn't the first to find that flu vaccines could actually increase the risk of becoming ill.
A 2012 peer-reviewed study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases showed that children who received the flu vaccine were at significantly increased risk of contracting non-flu respiratory virus infections.
"The flu shot has never really prevented transmission of the flu and in some years (i.e., last year) the efficacy of preventing the flu is actually negative," said Brian Hooker, Ph.D., chief scientific officer at Children's Health Defense, in an Oct. 5 interview with The Defender.
"Flu would blow through a vaccinated population with nearly the same ease as it would an unvaccinated population," Hooker added.
Related articles in The Defender
* Georgia's Largest Healthcare System Will Fire Employees Who Refuse Flu Vaccine (https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/emory-healthcare-georgia-flu-vaccine-mandate-fire-employee-refusal/)
* Breaking: Moderna's mRNA Flu Vaccine Gets Unanimous Thumbs-Up Despite Risks, Low Efficacy (https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/breaking-moderna-mrna-flu-vaccine-unanimous-thumbs-up-risks-low-efficacy/)
* 'Deeply Concerning': This Year's Flu Shots Led to 27% Higher Risk of Flu (https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/flu-shots-27-percent-higher-risk-influenza-2024-2025-season/)
* HHS Tells CDC to Yank 'Wild to Mild' Flu Vaccine Ad Campaign, Shift Focus to 'Informed Consent' (https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/hhs-tells-cdc-remove-wild-to-mild-flu-vaccine-ad-campaign-informed-consent-focus/)
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Suzanne Burdick, Ph.D., is a senior reporter for The Defender based in Austin, Texas.
* * *
Original text here: https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/can-you-trust-cdcs-flu-vaccine-effectiveness-estimates-epidemiologist-says-no/
[Category: Health Care]
CAIR-NJ Condemns Removal of Classroom 'Let Gaza Live' Poster After Pressure From Rep. Gottheimer
WASHINGTON, Oct. 9 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release:
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CAIR-NJ Condemns Removal of Classroom "Let Gaza Live" Poster After Pressure from Rep. Gottheimer
October 8, 2026
The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), the state's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the removal of a "Let Gaza Live" sign from a Bergen County Technical School classroom upon pressure from Congressman Josh Gottheimer.
Based on emails reviewed by CAIR-NJ, a parent who attended Back To School Night at ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Oct. 9 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release: * * * CAIR-NJ Condemns Removal of Classroom "Let Gaza Live" Poster After Pressure from Rep. Gottheimer October 8, 2026 The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), the state's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the removal of a "Let Gaza Live" sign from a Bergen County Technical School classroom upon pressure from Congressman Josh Gottheimer. Based on emails reviewed by CAIR-NJ, a parent who attended Back To School Night atthe school reached out to Congressman Gottheimer's office requesting their assistance with removing the sign. The Congressman's office then reached out to Superintendent Dr. Lerner, who had the sign removed without any discussion with the teacher.
In a letter sent to Dr. Howard Lerner, Superintendent of Bergen County Technical Schools, CAIR-NJ's Public Affairs Director, Naureen Akhter, notes:
"Elsewhere in the building, classroom doors and windows display 'I Stand With Immigrants' and 'Stand With Ukraine' stickers, and at least one classroom displays a Black Lives Matter flag," and "Prior to the September removal of the sign, District Administrators regularly observed [the] classroom while the sign was displayed and never suggested that it violated any policy."
SEE: CAIR-NJ Letter to Superintendent of Bergen County Technical Schools (https://cair-nj.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/CAIR-NJ-Bergen-County-Technical-High-School-Letter.pdf)
In a statement, CAIR-NJ Public Affairs Director Naureen Akhter said:
"The interference by a Congressional office into a public high school classroom while appalling, is not surprising, given Congressman Gottheimer's track record of silencing pro-Palestinian voices. That this one sign was targeted while other social justice and global affairs signs remain up is a profound failure by the District's leadership to apply public messaging criteria evenly."
"We are disappointed in the Superintendent's actions and call on him to course correct: allow the sign to be reinstated, protect your classrooms from political interference, and give your teachers the courtesy of a discussion before partaking in heavy-handed measures."
SEE: Rep. Josh Gottheimer Goes to War Against High Schoolers Protesting for Gaza (https://theintercept.com/2024/03/06/nj-josh-gottheimer-high-school-protest-gaza-israel/)
CAIR-NJ continues to stand with Palestinians against attempts to erase their stories, silence their advocacy, and distort the reality of the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
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CAIR's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-nj-condemns-removal-of-classroom-let-gaza-live-poster-after-pressure-from-rep-gottheimer/
[Category: Sociological]
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CAIR-NJ Condemns Removal of Classroom "Let Gaza Live" Poster After Pressure from Rep. Gottheimer
October 8, 2026
The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), the state's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the removal of a "Let Gaza Live" sign from a Bergen County Technical School classroom upon pressure from Congressman Josh Gottheimer.
Based on emails reviewed by CAIR-NJ, a parent who attended Back To School Night at ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Oct. 9 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release: * * * CAIR-NJ Condemns Removal of Classroom "Let Gaza Live" Poster After Pressure from Rep. Gottheimer October 8, 2026 The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), the state's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the removal of a "Let Gaza Live" sign from a Bergen County Technical School classroom upon pressure from Congressman Josh Gottheimer. Based on emails reviewed by CAIR-NJ, a parent who attended Back To School Night atthe school reached out to Congressman Gottheimer's office requesting their assistance with removing the sign. The Congressman's office then reached out to Superintendent Dr. Lerner, who had the sign removed without any discussion with the teacher.
In a letter sent to Dr. Howard Lerner, Superintendent of Bergen County Technical Schools, CAIR-NJ's Public Affairs Director, Naureen Akhter, notes:
"Elsewhere in the building, classroom doors and windows display 'I Stand With Immigrants' and 'Stand With Ukraine' stickers, and at least one classroom displays a Black Lives Matter flag," and "Prior to the September removal of the sign, District Administrators regularly observed [the] classroom while the sign was displayed and never suggested that it violated any policy."
SEE: CAIR-NJ Letter to Superintendent of Bergen County Technical Schools (https://cair-nj.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/CAIR-NJ-Bergen-County-Technical-High-School-Letter.pdf)
In a statement, CAIR-NJ Public Affairs Director Naureen Akhter said:
"The interference by a Congressional office into a public high school classroom while appalling, is not surprising, given Congressman Gottheimer's track record of silencing pro-Palestinian voices. That this one sign was targeted while other social justice and global affairs signs remain up is a profound failure by the District's leadership to apply public messaging criteria evenly."
"We are disappointed in the Superintendent's actions and call on him to course correct: allow the sign to be reinstated, protect your classrooms from political interference, and give your teachers the courtesy of a discussion before partaking in heavy-handed measures."
SEE: Rep. Josh Gottheimer Goes to War Against High Schoolers Protesting for Gaza (https://theintercept.com/2024/03/06/nj-josh-gottheimer-high-school-protest-gaza-israel/)
CAIR-NJ continues to stand with Palestinians against attempts to erase their stories, silence their advocacy, and distort the reality of the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
* * *
CAIR's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-nj-condemns-removal-of-classroom-let-gaza-live-poster-after-pressure-from-rep-gottheimer/
[Category: Sociological]