October 2006: Target may have the latest hip designs, but their aisles are filled with products made of dangerous chemicals linked to cancer. The Center for Health, Environment & Justice has launched a national campaign to ask Target to phase out the poison plastic and switch to safer alternatives, as other retailers have done. Read CHEJ's letter updating the campaign. (posted 12/07/06)

First National Conference on Precaution was held from June 9th - 11th, 2006 in Baltimore, MD
Taking Precautionary Action - Roadmap for Success

Join with groups across America who are applying the precautionary approach to environmental hazards by shifting the focus to "how can we prevent harm?", instead of asking "what level of harm is acceptable?" This national event will bring together people working on conservation, disease prevention, environmental justice, environmental health, green purchasing, precautionary business practices, toxic and nuclear pollution prevention, worker safety and more to build a stronger movement to protect our health and environment.
More Details | Conference Brochure

Dec. 12, 2005: The rule promulgated under the US Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Pesticide Programs would have severe negative effects, allowing intentional exposure to pesticides to children and the unborn. Also, the EPA acknowledges that the impact of this rule change would have implications for new rulemakings at other federal agencies. But the rule does not meet minimum standards of ethical medical practice. BREDL comments on rule

Dec. 7, 2005: Microsoft Completes Phase Out of PVC, “the Poison Plastic”/ North Carolina Group Applauds Steps to Eliminate PVC - Today the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League and other environmental organizations across the country praised the efforts of major U. S. corporations to eliminate PVC plastic from their products. Read BREDL Press Release

First National Conference on Precaution: June 9th - 11th, 2006 in Baltimore, MD - Join with groups across America who are applying the precautionary approach to environmental hazards by shifting the focus to "how can we prevent harm?", instead of asking "what level of harm is acceptable?" This national event will bring together people working on conservation, disease prevention, environmental justice, environmental health, green purchasing, precautionary business practices, toxic and nuclear pollution prevention, worker safety and more to build a stronger movement to protect our health and environment. More Details

Dec. 7, 2004: A new report released today by the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League (BREDL) documents the health risks to people living near waste incinerators in North Carolina.  Citing as examples two medical waste incinerators, Stericycle in Haw River and BMWNC in Matthews, and the municipal solid waste incinerator WASTEC in New Hanover County, BREDL urged North Carolinians to learn about PVC, the "Poison Plastic", and take action to phase out its use. Read BREDL Press Release

BREDL joins Center for Health, Environment & Justice (CHEJ) in national release of PVC Report - PVC, Bad News Comes in Threes: The Poison Plastic, Health Hazards & The Looming Waste Crisis. This national report will be released on Tuesday, December 7, 2004. It provides a comprehensive summary of the hazards of PVC, with new information on the looming PVC waste crisis. News Releases and events in 19 States. For information on the national release contact CHEJ at: 703-237-2249, Cell Phone 703-627-9483. In North Carolina, please contact BREDL Staffer David Mickey at 336-769-0955.

April 26, 2004: Please write the NC Rules Review Commission to ask them to oppose NC Environmental Management Commission’s exemption for Paper Mills from Hydrogen Sulfide Air Emissions Limits. Action Alert and more details. Letters needed as soon as possible. Thanks UPDATE: The NC Rules Review Commission (RRC) received more than 10 letters objecting to the H₂S exemptions for pulp and paper mills, thus sending the issue to the NC General Assembly. On June 17, 2004, industry lawyers argued that the RCC should rescind the approval of the new H₂S AALs because the new rules should be considered as a "package". The RRC obliged and rescinded the new H₂S rules. Discussions are underway . . . stay tuned. Thank you for your letters.

April 26, 2004: BREDL and Protect All Children's Environment (PACE) Action Alert (.pdf) asking the NC Dept. of Agriculture to require public notification of ALL aerial pesticides spraying.

April 9, 2004: Pictures taken at the March 25, 2004 rallies in Louisa County and Charlottesville, Virginia which were held in support of the BE SAFE Anti-nuclear Days of Action. PACE, People's Alliance for Clean Energy, organized the events with help from the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Three Mile Island nuclear meltdown and to prevent new nuclear plants from being constructed by Dominion Virginia Power on Lake Anna. View Pictures

Mar. 02, 2004: Posted notorized transcript of comments from Feb. 12, 2004 People's Hearing regarding International Paper-Riegelwood kraft paper mill. (.pdf)

Mar. 01, 2004: BREDL comments to NC DENR DAQ regarding International Paper Riegelwood PSD permit - proposed boiler upgrade.

Feb. 12, 2004: BREDL Press Release - GROUPS HOLD PEOPLE’S HEARING ON INTERNATIONAL PAPER: Today in Lake Waccamaw the BE SAFE North Carolina Campaign hosted a public hearing on the air permits and new proposals for International Paper at Riegelwood. Speakers took aim at the recently issued Clean Air Act permit and IP’s proposal to avoid meeting federal maximum achievable control technology standards. IP has proposed to substitute a computer-modeled risk assessment for federally mandated technological improvements.

Feb. 12, 2004: People’s Hearing on International Paper Riegelwood air pollution permit, risk assessment and new innovative technology. Hearing will be held Thursday, Feb. 12, 2004 at 7:00 PM in Lake Waccamaw, NC. More Details: BREDL Action Alert | IP Fact Sheet | Hearing Flyer (Flyer & Fact Sheet updated with new date)

Jan. 27, 2004: BREDL comments to EPA regarding International Paper Riegelwood air pollution permits.

Dec. 15, 2003: BREDL additional comments on NC DAQ rulemaking for Hydrogen Sulfide limits.

NC EMC Public Hearing Nov. 5, 2003 in Enka, NC regarding hydrogen sulfide regulations and reductions. Action Alert and more details. Comment deadline ended on Dec. 15, 2003.

Nov. 4, 2003: Added section on aerial pesticides including information on North Carolina's attempt to deregulate.

Oct. 20, 2003: Today at press conferences in Asheville, High Point and Durham, statewide and regional organizations launched the BE SAFE North Carolina campaign. Groups from across the state will promote the “better-safe-than-sorry” approach to protection of public health and the environment. The mission of BE SAFE NC is to protect children’s health and to safeguard our air, water, and workplaces. Press Releases and more information on the BE SAFE Campaign.

Oct. 20, 2003: Factsheet: Hydrogen Sulfide - The Human Health Effect of a Toxic Pollutant. (.pdf)