Report: Texas Transit Reducing Traffic, Oil Use and Pollution 4/15/2008

AUSTIN – A new report by TexPIRG finds that transit systems in Austin, Houston and DFW eliminated the need for more than 44 million gallons of oil in 2006, saving consumers more $116 million in saved gasoline costs and avoiding emissions of 270,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide, the primary greenhouse gas. Austin transit also prevented what would have otherwise been an additional 1.7 million hours in traffic delays for drivers. The group pointed to the findings as evidence that further investments in transit, in particular the creation of an ultra light rail system for downtown Austin, will help reduce oil dependency and save consumers money.

Washington D.C.: Texas Oil Refinery Explosion Underscores Need for Safer Chemicals 2/19/2008

The explosion at the Big Spring, Texas, oil refinery this week underscores the importance of protecting communities from releases of highly toxic chemicals. The explosion at the Alon USA petroleum refinery injured four and closed schools, a local college and Interstate Highway 20, which passes by the refinery. The Big Spring explosion follows other recent chemical accidents, and once again raises the question of how best to protect public health in the event of a dangerous release of toxic chemicals.

Retailers Misleading Consumers on the Digital Television (DTV) Transition 2/19/2008

In one year, 22 million Americans who rely on free over-the-air analog broadcasting – including many elderly and other vulnerable populations – will be at risk of losing access to TV, which for many is a primary source of news and emergency information as well as entertainment.

A Better Way to Go 4/15/2008

America’s automobile-centered transportation system was a key component of the nation’s economic prosperity during the 20th century. But our transportation system is increasingly out of step with the challenges of the 21st century. Rising fuel prices, growing traffic congestion, and the need to address critical challenges such as global warming and America’s addiction to imported oil all point toward the need for a new transportation future.

Trouble in Toyland: The 22nd Annual Survey of Toy Safety 11/20/2007

For several years, we have reported that toys are safer than ever before, thanks to decades of work by product safety advocates and parents and the leadership of Congress, state legislatures and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Yet, as many have noted, 2007 has been described as the “year of the recall.” Millions of toys, including famous playthings like Thomas the Tank Engine and Barbie, have been recalled in 2007. Many of these toys have been from leading manufacturers like Mattel, and most were imported from China. Most of the recalls have been for hazards previously identified in this report—excessive levels of toxic lead, dangerous small magnets, and choking dangers.

Pulp Fiction: Chemical Hazard Reduction at Pulp and Paper Mills 8/01/2007

Across the country, pulp and paper mills, petroleum refineries, chemical plants and other industrial facilities use and store large amounts of hazardous chemicals that could be released in the event of an accident or terrorist attack. Releases at these chemical facilities could endanger thousands or even millions of people working and living in nearby communities.

TexPIRG's Matthew Tejada on Austin's Fox News 7 8/29/2007

Texas Pulp and Paper Mill Report 8/01/2007

Letter to the Editor: Congress should allow Texas to set chemical plant safety protections 7/13/2007

An important but overlooked issue in the homeland security spending bill currently before Congress is whether states can regulate chemical plant safety and security. Nationwide, more than 15,000 chemical plants store dangerous quantities of highly toxic chemicals that, if released, could kill or seriously injure thousands.