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The testimony argues that US fossil fuel subsidies primarily increase excess profits rather than creating jobs, undermine global climate goals, and contribute to public health crises and environmental inequalities.

The Biden administration announced on April 9, 2021, that it would not immediately shut down the Dakota Access Pipeline, despite a court ruling that its water crossing permit was issued unlawfully. The pipeline transports 600,000 barrels of crude oil daily near the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's reservation, posing risks to drinking water. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is conducting an environmental and safety review, expected to conclude in early 2022, to determine if the pipeline should be permanently shut down.

The statement highlights a gap between Kenya's robust legal framework—including the Constitution and the 2016 Water Act—and the reality of water pollution caused by industrial activities. It cites specific examples of contamination from battery recycling and the salt industry, and warns against the water-related risks associated with oil and gas production, calling for stronger regulatory oversight and corporate accountability.

The document expresses support for Merrick Garland's appointment as Attorney General, citing his respect for science and the rule of law. It details the responsibilities of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and its Environment & Natural Resources Division (ENRD) in upholding federal environmental statutes and holding polluters accountable, while noting instances where Earthjustice has legally challenged the DOJ to ensure environmental protection.

A March 2021 survey of 1,037 American adults reveals that 70% believe global warming is happening and 57% attribute it primarily to human activity. While 64% of respondents express worry about global warming and 65% feel a personal responsibility to reduce it, social engagement remains low, with 67% rarely or never discussing the topic with family and friends. The report also highlights a gap in understanding scientific consensus, as only 22% recognize that over 90% of climate scientists agree on human-caused warming. Perceived risks are highest for future generations and plant and animal species, while a majority of Americans believe extreme weather poses a moderate to high risk to their local communities.

The March 2021 report 'Climate Change in the American Mind' finds that 70% of Americans believe global warming is happening, with 57% attributing it primarily to human activity. While 64% of respondents express worry about global warming and 65% feel a personal responsibility to reduce it, social engagement remains low, with 67% rarely or never discussing the topic with family and friends. The report also highlights a gap in scientific literacy, as only 22% of Americans recognize that over 90% of climate scientists agree on human-caused warming. Perceived risks are highest for future generations (71%) and plant and animal species (71%), while 55% of Americans believe extreme weather poses a moderate to high risk to their local community over the next decade.

Environmental organizations, including the Center for Biological Diversity and Waterkeeper Alliance, have notified the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers of their intent to sue over the reissuance of Nationwide Permits. The groups argue that these permits streamline industrial projects—such as oil pipelines, coal mines, and aquaculture—without required environmental reviews or consultations under the Endangered Species Act, leading to the destruction of wetlands and threats to wildlife like Florida manatees and whooping cranes.

A warming climate is extending the seasons for pests like mosquitoes and ticks and increasing the efficiency of microorganism growth, leading to higher risks of infections and contamination of food and water.

The document details the 'externalities' of fossil fuels—costs not reflected in market prices—across climate, environmental, and health dimensions. It highlights significant U.S. impacts, including $606.9 billion in extreme weather costs (2016-2020) and 350,000 premature deaths in 2018. It also emphasizes the disproportionate burden on communities of color and low-income areas, such as 'Cancer Alley' in Louisiana. Proposed policy solutions include eliminating subsidies, increasing the social cost of carbon, implementing a federal clean electricity standard, and establishing carbon pricing.

Freshwater fishes, comprising 51% of all known fish species, are facing an unprecedented extinction crisis due to habitat degradation, pollution, and climate change. Despite their critical role in global food security for hundreds of millions of people and their contribution to multibillion-dollar industries, they remain overlooked by policymakers. The report calls for a strategic global transition to restore freshwater ecosystems through a six-pillared recovery plan.

The document outlines a series of EPA actions between 2018 and 2020 that reduce oversight of coal ash disposal, including the removal of cleanup obligations, the broadening of 'beneficial use' exemptions, and the establishment of a federal permitting program with minimal oversight.

The document examines the risks posed to UK agricultural environmental standards by new Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), particularly with the US, Australia, and New Zealand. It proposes a system of 'core' environmental standards based on environmental significance, production constraints, and cost impacts. To protect these, the author suggests several mechanisms: voluntary labelling, legally binding non-regression clauses, conditional import tariffs, and the introduction of mandatory environmental standards for imports. The briefing emphasizes the need for an independent expert body to provide the evidence base and governance required to implement these measures without breaching WTO rules.

Jon Eagle Sr., the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, details the environmental and cultural harms caused by the Dakota Access Pipeline. He argues that the pipeline's continued operation, despite court rulings that its permits were illegal, constitutes a violation of treaties and a continuation of historical trauma against the Lakota people.

The briefing examines the environmental and social impacts of Mowi, the world's largest salmon producer and a key supplier to Sainsbury's. It highlights the unsustainable use of wild-caught fish in aquafeed, high fish mortality rates, frequent escapes, and the use of antibiotics and chemicals, arguing that these practices contradict Sainsbury's sustainability claims.

Peru is the world's largest producer of fishmeal and fish oil (FMFO), primarily using anchoveta to supply global aquaculture. The report argues that the industry is plagued by systemic corruption, including the underreporting of catches and the illegal harvesting of juvenile fish. It highlights a 'phantom fishmeal' gap where exports consistently exceed reported production. The document also details severe environmental degradation in Chimbote and the diversion of fish intended for human consumption to animal feed. Furthermore, it exposes how major producers like TASA and Austral Group violated health protocols during the Covid-19 pandemic. The report concludes that certification bodies like MarinTrust provide 'greenwash' for unsustainable practices and calls for a phase-out of FMFO in aquaculture.

The update reports that Halcyon Agri has ceased deforestation in Cameroon and implemented a global No Deforestation policy. Key progress includes the establishment of the Cameroon Sustainability Council, the creation of grievance mechanisms for legacy and new issues, and the development of water treatment systems targeting zero effluent at the Sudcam factory. However, a July 2020 latex spill near Kribi highlighted remaining gaps in company responsiveness and transparency. Halcyon has also improved its global ESG transparency, ranking second in the ZSL SPOTT rubber commodity ranking with a score of 69.6%.

The document reports that Halcyon Agri has ceased deforestation in Cameroon and implemented a global zero-deforestation policy. Key progress includes the establishment of a multi-level Cameroonian Council for Sustainable Development and the creation of a grievance mechanism to address community land claims. However, challenges remain, such as a recent latex spill near Kribi and the need for further progress on indigenous rights and employment equity. The company is also transitioning to closed-circuit water treatment systems and improving supply chain transparency through the ZSL SPOTT tool.

A survey of 800 registered Michigan voters indicates a majority oppose spending $1.5 trillion to replace the U.S. nuclear arsenal and nearly $100 billion to replace land-based nuclear missiles. Voters expressed a preference for federal spending on cleaning up polluted drinking water, expanding health care, increasing job opportunities, and improving infrastructure. The data shows that women, voters of color, college-educated voters, and those in suburbs near cities are most likely to oppose the nuclear overhaul, with nearly 60% of Black voters in opposition.

The document presents a comprehensive set of demands for the cruise industry to address long-standing failures in environmental protection, public health, and labor rights. Key requirements include a commitment to zero emissions, the cessation of heavy fuel oil (HFO) and scrubbers, 100% shore power use by 2025, and the adoption of fair labor standards and tax compliance. It also calls for the respect of frontline communities' right to self-determination and the implementation of strict health protocols to prevent disease outbreaks. Additionally, the text advocates for the elimination of 'flags of convenience' by 2030 and the adoption of the UN Sustainable Development Goals to mitigate the socio-economic impacts of cruise tourism.

The Union of Concerned Scientists argues that marginalized communities in the US face disproportionate environmental and health harms, which are exacerbated by systemic racism within federal agencies. The document recommends that agencies make equity-based analyses mandatory for significant policies, strengthen scientific integrity, and dismantle internal racial biases. Specific calls to action include rescinding certain EPA and CEQ rules, increasing the number of health and safety inspectors, and improving the meaningful participation of frontline and tribal communities in rulemaking processes.