Pacific Environment

en.highnorthnews.comReceding Sea Ice Drives New Arctic ThreatsIncreasing traffic on the Northern Sea Route threatens the Arctic’s fragile ecosystem.

The #Arctic, which acts as a coolant for the planet, is warming 4x faster than the rest of the globe. More ships on the Northern Sea Route mean more black carbon and other air pollution, noise disruptive to marine life and risk of oil & chemical spills. But we can take action! Learn more ⬇️

High North News@highnorthnews.bsky.social

#Debate: Increasing traffic on the Northern Sea Route threatens the Arctic’s fragile ecosystem, says Kay Brown, Arctic Policy Director for @pacenvironment.bsky.social #russia #Arctic #shipping #blackcarbon #emissions #climatechange #seaice #NSR #opinions #pollution

Happy #NationalReuseDay! Reusable cups and foodware prevent pollution from single-use cups, utensils, and more from littering our beaches and filling our landfills. Sign the petition to call on major companies to ditch single-use plastic & switch to reusables: www.dontwastethegames.org

bit.lyNew Report: Plastic Expelled: Exposing Industry Propaganda in U.S. SchoolsPlastic Expelled exposes the plastic industry’s propaganda playbook and outlines how to get the plastic industry out of schools.

New report uncovers the plastic industry’s propaganda playbook for influencing U.S. K-12 public education, and outlines how to expel the plastic industry from schools. 🍎 Read #PlasticExpelled, a new report by @plasticpollutes.bsky.social: bit.ly/ppc-plastic-...

pacificenvironment.org6 facts you need to know about plastic pollution | Pacific Environment6 facts you need to know about plastic pollution. The plastic pollution crisis is an urgent issue at the nexus of climate change and biodiversity loss, public health and environmental justice. While stories about microplastics and toxic chemicals keep plastic in the news, they are part of a much bigger story.

Stories about #microplastics and toxic chemicals keep plastic in the news, but they are only a piece of a much bigger story. Learn more about the fossil fuel-connection, environmental racism and decades of industry deception around #plastic recycling: www.pacificenvironment.org/6-facts-you-...

bit.lySign Up for the October Webinar | Plastic Pollution Coalition

On Oct. 14 @plasticpollutes.bsky.social will host a webinar on how to get toxic plastic packaging off our food. 🥤🍬 Explore the health risks as well as solutions to unwrap our food systems from plastic. 🥕 bit.ly/ppc-webinar-...

ICYMI — Last month, we ran ads in @politico.com & @thehill.com highlighting the importance of zero-emission shipping. ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ Shipping fuels a major share of global climate pollution, but it’s still one of the least regulated sectors. 🧵

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Around the world, countries are investing in cleaner vessels, advanced maritime fuels, and modern port infrastructure. The United States should be competing to lead that transformation, not clinging to yesterday's technologies.

pacificenvironment.orgTomorrow’s ships, today's choiceThe U.S. can strengthen American jobs, energy security and global competitiveness by investing in the future of clean shipping. Learn more.

Ending shipping pollution is not only a climate imperative; it’s a matter of health, equity and justice. Learn more: www.pacificenvironment.org/futureshippi...

These impacts are especially severe in port cities and coastal regions, where public health and marine ecosystems are increasingly at risk. The future of shipping is being built *right now.*

We showed up. We spoke out. Now, the work continues. On Sept. 24, community members and clean shipping advocates returned to the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey to call for real progress on shore power and port electrification. Take action for clean air: bit.ly/shorepowernow

bit.lyTell New York-New Jersey port leaders: Put our health first & accelerate shore power now!Join us in calling on New York and New Jersey port leaders to accelerate shore power now to put our health & communities first!

Now, we’ll keep pushing for clear timelines, dedicated investment and action that communities can see and feel. With air pollution contributing to thousands of childhood asthma cases across our region, cleaner ports can’t wait. Our port. Our health. Our power. Join us: bit.ly/shorepowernow

bit.lyThe relationships behind climate action and what Alaska can teach usAt Climate Week NYC, Alaska leaders shared stories about the relationships, local knowledge and community voices that make climate action possible.

At #ClimateWeekNYC, Alaska advocates, organizers and community leaders shared a common lesson about climate action: it starts with relationships. Read our latest blog on what Alaska can teach us about building stronger, more inclusive climate action: bit.ly/3Tnqe4l

latimes.comCalifornia rules on air pollution from ships under challengeThe Trump administration asked Congress to reverse California's authority to address shipping pollution, and the House agreed.

The @latimes.com just covered last week’s narrow vote in the House of Representatives that could take away CA's authority to regulate air pollution from ships & large commercial boats. 👀 Learn about the legality of these congressional votes & what it could mean portside communities: bit.ly/4yvpn0w

latimes.comCalifornia rules on air pollution from ships under challengeThe Trump administration asked Congress to reverse California's authority to address shipping pollution, and the House agreed.

“Republicans in Congress are working overtime to please Trump and give polluters a free pass, all while knowing it won’t do anything to address the soaring gas prices and energy bills everyday Americans are facing,” said Aaron McCall, an organizer with California Environmental Voters.

thehill.comDirty tricks: Why is Congress voting to scrap California’s clean air protections?This congressional overstep is creating an alarming precedent, threatening states’ authority to protect their residents from toxic pollution. The Senate must step in to stop it.

Why is Congress voting to scrap California’s clean air protections? 🚨 Learn why this is happening and what’s at stake for everyone — not just Californians — in a new op-ed for @thehill.com from Dori Chandler with the Coalition For Clean Air: thehill.com/opinion/ener... Takeaways below 🔽

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So are they expensive? No, these regulations are not expensive for international shipping and oil companies ($1.14 for each shipping container, $7.66 for each automobile transported and less than 1 cent for each gallon of finished product carried by a tanker).

BUT, eliminating them will inevitably shift the far greater costs of pollution onto California families, workers and taxpayers through preventable illness, missed work and higher health care expenses. 🩺

Now under attack, the at-berth program requires ships to stop pumping toxic diesel exhaust that has negative health impacts for the people that live and work nearby. Since the program began in 2018, it has achieved an 80% reduction in harmful emissions across more than 13,000 vessel visits. 💨

“We want to be the economically strongest port in the region, but please, let's also be the healthiest port.” Today, we showed up. We spoke out. 📣 Hear from Altorice Frazier, Pacific Environment’s port campaigner in the Northeast, who spoke at today's Port Authority of NY & NJ board meeting.

We’ll keep pushing for clear timelines, dedicated investment and action that communities can see and feel. With air pollution contributing to thousands of childhood asthma cases across our region, cleaner ports can’t wait. Now, the work continues. Take action for clean air: bit.ly/shorepowernow

Port communities and workers breathe harmful ship pollution every day, putting our health and neighborhoods at risk. 💨 Today, we’re back at the Port Authority of NY & NJ with community members and Clean Shipping advocates calling for action.

Our ask is clear: move forward on shore power and port electrification so ships can plug into electricity at berth instead of burning dirty fuel. Want to take action? ⚡Sign our petition: bit.ly/shorepowernow

22 Sept

Day 1: Climate Week NYC ✅ Yesterday, Pacific Environment and @envdefensefund.bsky.social brought together maritime experts for an engaging roundtable on port electrification as part of #ClimateWeekNYC.⚡

pacificenvironment.orgPacific Environment at Climate Week NYC 2026Explore our events, connect with our experts and discover how we're driving climate solutions throughout Climate Week NYC 2026.

22 Sept

We discussed real solutions for maritime decarbonization, including shore power and charging infrastructure as well as the policies and investments needed to accelerate the clean shipping transition.

Pacific Environment reposted

Clean Arctic Alliance

@cleanarctic.bsky.social

cleanarctic.orgReport: On Ever Thinner Ice: Reducing Black Carbon Demands Urgent ActionA new report released demonstrates why the International Maritime Organization (IMO) should immediately act to reduce black carbon pollution by requiring the use of cleaner marine fuels in the Arctic.

Report: On Ever Thinner Ice: Reducing Black Carbon Demands Urgent Action cleanarctic.org/2026/09/09/r... @pacenvironment.bsky.social @imohq.bsky.social @cleanarctic.bsky.social @sianprior.bsky.social

17 Sept

👏THANK YOU to Rep. Barrágan for her leadership & NO vote on resolutions that attack California’s right to regulate air pollution at our ports. Ocean-Going Vessels At Berth & Commercial Harbor Craft waivers cut cancer-causing emissions from ships & vessels & save $2.31 billion in public health costs.

Congresswoman Nanette Barragán@repbarragan.bsky.social

Just voted NO on Republicans’ resolutions that will attack California’s clean air protections, to prevent pollution from ships at our ports. We can’t let Republicans raise Americans’ costs again so polluting corporations can make more money by harming the air and health of our port communities.

📆Save the Date: On Ever Thinner Ice: Reducing black carbon requires urgent action

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Panelists will address the need for an International Maritime Organization Arctic polar fuel regulation leading to reductions in black carbon emissions from ships, before opening to a moderated Q&A session.

🕑 September 17, 2026. 4 p.m. (UK) | 8 a.m. Pacific | 7a.m. Alaska | 11 a.m. Washington time  📍 Register:  bit.ly/46gLQSI #Arctic #decarbonization #shipping

📆Save the Date: On Ever Thinner Ice: Reducing black carbon requires urgent action

Join us for an upcoming webinar that will highlight the accelerating heating of the Arctic and why emissions of black carbon from ships sailing in the Arctic should be regulated.

Panelists will present on the status of global climate tipping points and the legal obligations of nations to prevent climate harm which is embodied in a recent opinion by the International Court of Justice.

🚢New report released! On ever thinner ice: Reducing black carbon demands urgent action, by Kay Brown with Pacific Environment, is an up-to-date look at the threats facing the Arctic, and the opportunities at the International Maritime Organization to address black carbon emissions from shipping.

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International maritime shipping is one of the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases and, by consuming heavy fuel oil, the dirtiest of all transport fuels, is also a major source of black carbon. About 20% of shipping’s climate impact is the result of black carbon emissions

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🔗Read the full report: bit.ly/4xkf4eu #blackcarbon #shipping #climate

27 Aug

The federal government is now trying to roll back protections that reduces air pollution at American ports.💨 Frontline, Black, brown and working class portside communities breathe in diesel pollution daily, leading to higher rates of asthma, stroke, and preterm birth.

27 Aug

That’s why California strengthened the Commercial Harbor Craft Ocean-Going Vessels and At Berth waivers to prevent idling ships at the ports and move away from diesel-powered ships, reducing toxic air pollution. Now, EPA is trying to dismantle these protections. ❌

bit.lyCongress moves to kill California’s shipping waivers, port communities and businesses will bear the consequencesCongressional resolutions targeting California’s clean shipping waivers threaten cleaner ports, public health, regulatory certainty and billions in clean maritime investments.

27 Aug

This month, Congress took further steps to undermine California's clean shipping waivers by introducing resolutions to overturn them — threatening investments already made in cleaner vessels, port infrastructure and maritime innovation. Learn what our team had to say: bit.ly/4z6mG6t

21 Aug

ICYMI — we’re in the news! 📰 Earlier this month, Congress introduced resolutions to California’s clean shipping regulations, threatening decades of progress to reduce cancer causing diesel pollution from boats and ships and longstanding investments in cleaner technology. 🚢

news.bgov.comCalifornia Pollution Rules Face New Congressional Challenge (1)Congressional Republicans are seeking to block pollution controls California placed on commercial ships during the Biden administration.

21 Aug

Read the coverage ⬇️ @bloomberg.com: news.bgov.com/bloomberg-go... @politico.com: subscriber.politicopro.com/article/eene...

linkedin.comPacific Environment hiring State Climate Policy Manager, Washington in Washington, United States | LinkedInPosted 10:57:23 PM. Pacific Environment works to protect communities and wildlife of the Pacific Rim. We support…See this and similar jobs on LinkedIn.

21 Aug

We’re hiring: Washington State Climate Policy Manager! 🌟 This role will provide critical policy support for our #PortsForPeople campaign and implement multi-state advocacy to advance climate goals, including achieving #ZeroEmission shipping & zero-ready ports. 🔗 www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/44...

13 Aug

ICYMI: EPA is attacking two waivers that help reduce pollution from ships at ports, putting public health at risk.‼️ These CA waivers cuts cancer-causing emissions from ships and vessels preventing hundreds of premature deaths and saving more than $2.31 billion in public health costs. 🩺

13 Aug

Now they are under attack. H.J.Res.210 sponsored by Rep. Vince Fong (R-CA-20) and S.J.Res.209 sponsored by Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK) threaten investments already made in cleaner vessels, port infrastructure and maritime innovation. Read what our team had to say ➡️ bit.ly/4z6mG6t

11 Aug

We’re hiring! 🌟 We are looking for a federal climate policy director at Pacific Environment to help lead our federal advocacy strategy on #maritime and clean #shipping policy. Link to apply: www.pacificenvironment.org/job-posting/... More details ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️

11 Aug

💻 The position is fully remote, but candidates must be based in the DC area for regular in-person meetings on the Hill. 💚 Full benefits, generous PTO & opportunities for professional development. 🌎 Work w/ a great mission-driven team. Are you or is someone you know a great fit? bit.ly/3S9jCWq

10 Aug

🚨BREAKING: On the last day before heading out for recess, Congress introduced resolutions attacking California’s shipping waivers, include the #AtBerth and #CommercialHarborCraft waivers. These waivers cut cancer-causing emissions from ships & vessels preventing hundreds of premature deaths. 🩺

commondreams.orgAlaska's Vital Waters Are Already Under Stress; They Don't Need Deep-Sea MiningThe untested practice will further disrupt already fragile ecosystems, creating increased pollution from discarded sediments, sharp increases in noise, and other potential dangers to the marine environment and food security of Arctic Peoples.

10 Aug

This congressional attack on California’s At Berth and Commercial Harbor Craft waivers will also undercut investments already made in cleaner vessels, port infrastructure, utilities and maritime innovations. 💰❌ Read our new press release: bit.ly/4z6mG6t

Pacific Environment reposted

Common Dreams

@commondreams.org

9 Aug

When BOEM opened a commenting period for the public to weigh in on deep-seabed mining, over 90,000 comment letters poured in from individuals and groups opposing the sale of leases for this largely untested technology, writes Jim Gamble of @pacenvironment.bsky.social.