[Peace-discuss] Earth Day Index (fwd)

[C. G. Estabrook]

[From Jeff St. Clair at Counterpunch. --CGE]

INSTITUTE INDEX - Earth Day, Everyday

Number of U.S. residents who live in areas the EPA considers "too smoggy
to be healthy," in millions: 170

Percent that federal prosecution of criminal pollution cases has dropped
since 2001: 30

Acres of wetlands removed from Clean Water Act protection since 2001, in
millions: 20

Number of babies born each year with enough mercury pollution to cause
"severe health problems" including brain damage: 630,000

Number of states and territories with fish consumption advisories due to
mercury pollution: 44

Percent by which current administration proposals would increase allowable
mercury pollution: 500

Number of ex-National Park Service workers who last January charged Bush
administration with "short-changing, ignoring, or violating"  
conservation policies: 183

Number of scientists who in April charged current administration with
"manipulation and abuse of science" for political ends: 62

Number of senior EPA officials that have resigned in protest since 2001: 2

Sources on file at the Institute for Southern Studies.