It’s time for immediate action to address the toxic chemicals harming orcas and people! That’s why over 40 organizations have come together to urge action on the Pollution Prevention for Our Future Act.
The diverse coalition includes health, environmental, orca recovery, faith, and community organizations. All recognize the need to take immediate action to stop the flow of harmful chemicals from consumer products to humans and orcas. Toxic chemicals used widely in consumer products are known to especially impact sensitive populations and species, like children, pregnant women, and orcas.
Here’s what coalition members are saying about the Pollution Prevention for Our Future Act:
“As a researcher actively involved in furthering scientific knowledge with the goal of protecting Southern Resident Killer Whales, I am aware of a strong base of knowledge regarding toxic chemicals and their effects on orcas. The Pollution Prevention for the Future Act prioritizes several classes of chemicals, including PFAS, PCBs, flame retardants, and others, for which there is ample evidence that action is needed.”
– Dr. Deborah Giles, Science & Research Director, Wild Orca
“I support the Pollution Prevention for Our Future Act because I have seen evidence in my practice and in the medical research that environmental health, including exposure to known toxics, are having a negative impact on fertility and pregnancy outcomes. The priority chemicals of significant concern to vulnerable populations addressed in the Pollution Prevention for Our Future Act are some of those known to have negative impacts on reproductive health.”
– Dr. Lora Shahine, Pacific NW Fertility and IVF Specialists and Clinical Faculty at the University of Washington
“We believe [this bill] would assist manufacturers in producing
safer products and make it easier for retailers to implement meaningful policy and product changes to eliminate chemicals that may harm people or the environment and hurt salmon and orcas.”— Aimee Simpson, Director of Product Sustainability, PCC Community Markets
“In order to move towards a cleaner, healthier Washington State, we must first stop the bleeding! We need to stop the flow of toxic chemicals into Washington and reduce the presence of these chemicals in our children, our wildlife and our environment. Prevention is key!”
– Anne Harvey, Whidbey Water Keepers
“The heartbreaking images of the mother orca that carried her dead newborn calf for over two weeks this past summer was a wake-up call for us all. There is not time to further delay action.”
“As the Federal Government, through the EPA and other agencies, are demonstrating their intent to withdraw regulations for such chemicals, the states and local jurisdictions must take action.”
– Martin Gibbons, League of Women Voters of Washington
