Make Polluters Pay

Superfund laws are based on the idea that polluters -- not taxpayers -- should pay to clean up their mess. Now the principle that polluters should pay is under attack. Tell the government to hold corporate polluters accountable.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Make corporate polluters pay: Support S. 2596 and H. 4060

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

American taypayers should not pay for hazardous messes caused by corporate polluters. These companies need to be held responsible and pay for the contamination they create. I urge the Senate and House to support S. 2596 and H. 4060 respectively.

The Superfund law is based on two simple propositions. First, hazardous waste sites should be quickly and thoroughly cleaned up. Second, polluters, not innocent taxpayers, should pay to clean up the contamination of waste sites. S. 2596 and H. 4060 ensures that the intent of the Superfund law remains intact.

Please do the right thing and make polluters -- not tax payers -- pay.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
July 02, 2002

Background Information

SUPER DUPER

Congress created the Superfund law based on two powerful propositions. First, hazardous waste sites should be quickly and thoroughly cleaned up. Second, polluters -- not innocent taxpayers -- should pay to cleanup the contamination.

The American public insists that cleaning up hazardous waste is one of the greatest environmental issues we face. Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), parties that release hazardous substances are responsible for damages or injuries to natural resources and are liable for restoration. And, wouldn't you know it, big industry and their friends in government are attempting -- once again -- to weaken our Superfund laws. In fact, the EPA just announced they will be cutting much of what the program was scheduled to do this year.

Superfund sites are some of the most contaminated toxic waste sites in the nation. These sites poison our land, water, and air with toxic chemicals that potentially cause cancer, birth defects, liver, brain and nerve damage, as well as other adverse health effects. With 10 million American children living within a bicycle ride of a Superfund site we need to ensure these sites are cleaned up properly. Environmental groups across the country are pushing to strengthen the Superfund laws. They recognize that cleaning up these sites is a priority for public health and environmental quality. Ensuring the life of the Superfund trust fund is imperative and should be accomplished through corporate polluter's coffers not our pocketbook.

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