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45-402: New Jersey's Shore was filled with a large amount of trash that resulted in the closing of their beaches and being known as one of the largest ocean-dumping sites in 1984. After several concerns took place regarding the rise of trash on the site, Clean Action Ocean was established to help educate, advocate, and take action on cleaning along the coast to restore it to its natural state. Since then,

90-655: A hydroelectric power plant in New York. As of 2019, the NRDC had over three million members, with online activities nationwide, and a staff of about 700 lawyers, scientists and other policy experts. NRDC was founded in 1970. Its establishment was partially an outgrowth of the Scenic Hudson Preservation Conference v. Federal Power Commission , the Storm King case. The case centered on Con Ed 's plan to build

135-536: A Sign-the-Surfboard petition in support of the BEACH Act through Congress when the act was proposed to President Clinton; they gained over 100 signatures from members of the House of Representatives and Senate. The Surfrider Foundation continues to fight for the implementation and funding of the BEACH Act by emphasizing the importance of public health. Surfrider also has many alliances with other organizations and programs, such as

180-677: A national pollution level. In conjunction to the BEACH Protection Act of 2007, most of the water quality testings may could have been put into play. However, Congress never passed the BEACH Protection Act, leaving beach testings extremely under-funded. In 2015, federal funds of $ 9.5 million have to be distributed among 35 coastal states. These funds have to protect the lives of 100 million people who are active beach-goers. Beach programs help protect public confidence in pristine beaches, eventually attracting tourists and jobs. Coastal and Great Lake states are eligible for funding if they fall under

225-459: A new mapping interface, report creation wizard, and RSS feed generator. The EPA databases are the data sources for the BEACON 2.0 system. Data is gathered from all states, tribes, and territories that receive grants from the BEACH Act. There are four main databases that BEACON 2.0 supplements its information from. The Reach Address Database (RAD) provides geographic data, defining a beaches location and

270-522: A new standard in 2012. Natural Resources Defense Council The Natural Resources Defense Council ( NRDC ) is a United States–based 501(c)(3) non-profit international environmental advocacy group , with its headquarters in New York City and offices in Washington, D.C. , San Francisco , Los Angeles , Chicago , Bozeman , India , and Beijing . The group was founded in 1970 in opposition to

315-534: A quarterly magazine that dealt with environmental challenges, through 2016. It was founded in 1979 as The Amicus Journal . As Amicus , it won the George Polk Award in 1983 for special interest reporting. The council's first president was John H. Adams , who served until 2006. He was replaced by Frances Beinecke , who served as president from 2006 to 2015. The third president was Rhea Suh , who served from 2015 to 2019. In 2020, Gina McCarthy served as

360-491: A state is granted funds for the BEACH Act, they must comply to the EPA Administrator(s) and what they deem appropriate. The Administrator writes up a report that describes two aspects. One, the report must consist of data collected as part of the program for monitoring and notifying. Second, the report must address the actions needed to alert the public when water quality levels exceed national levels. If states do not adopt

405-536: Is not a viable energy source to mitigate climate change, arguing that it poses public health and safety risks through nuclear waste and nuclear proliferation. In 2014, NRDC president Frances Beinecke said that the NRDC could not support nuclear power because it would lose donations. In 2012, NRDC sued the federal government to stop the 663.5-megawatt Calico solar station in the Mojave Desert in California. NRDC said

450-534: Is potent, because the bacteria symbolizes sewage or waste contamination. To comply with the BEACH Act, the state of Indiana developed a Beach Monitoring and Notification Plan (BMNP). Prior to Indiana's BMNP, Indiana's coastal beaches were overseen once or twice a week. After supplying funds for the BMNP, communities came together to monitor pollution levels five to seven days out of the week. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management also allocated its resources to share

495-592: The Beach Protection Act of 2007 , Clean Coastal Environment and Public Health Act of 2009 , and the EPA's 2012 Recreational Water Quality Criteria . EDC vs. EPA (2003) Following the passing of the BEACH Act, the EPA failed to comply to the provisions made to section 104 and section 304(a) by the specified deadline, and the NRDC sued for inaction. EPA has made promises to update their storm water protections, but they have not acted upon this. The EPA settled to publish

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540-470: The Ford Foundation and joined forces with Gus Speth and three other recent Yale Law School graduates of the class of 1969: Richard Ayres, Edward Strohbehn Jr., and John Bryson . John H. Adams was the group's first staff member and Duggan its founding chairman; Seymour, Laurance Rockefeller , and others served as members of the board. In September 1979 The Ford Foundation pulled funding for

585-704: The United States Environmental Protection Agency to begin reducing tetraethyl lead in gasoline sooner than they were going to. NRDC opposed the Water Rights Protection Act , a bill that would prevent federal agencies from requiring certain entities to relinquish their water rights to the United States in order to use public lands . NRDC supported the EPS Service Parts Act of 2014 (H.R. 5057; 113th Congress) ,

630-455: The "treatment in the same manner as a state." Once granted funds, states and tribes must use these funds for programs for comprehensive monitoring or notifying. EPA has set aside approximately $ 149 million in grants for implementation of beach programs. When allocating grants, EPA considers several factors such as the length of the beach season, shoreline miles, and coastal county population. The EPA wants Great Lakes and coastal states to apply for

675-439: The 2011 BEACH grant. The first grant allocation was issued on March 31, 2003. To apply for a grant, applicants must report an outline of methodologies, data, and steps taken to notify the public about water quality standards. The state and local government must abide by different steps. These steps include identifying all coastal recreation waters, methodologies implementing programs, outlining steps for how to move forward. Once

720-526: The BEACH Act. For example, coastal recreation waters are defined as "Great Lakes, marine coastal waters, coastal estuaries designated under the Clean Water Act Section 303[c] by a State for swimming, bathing, surfing, and any other water contact activities," and exclude waters, waters upstream of a river, or stream's mouth which have access to the open sea. Section 406 of the Clean Water Act had

765-783: The CEO and president. She previously served as the head of the Environmental Protection Agency in the Obama administration and became White House National Climate Advisor in the Biden administration in 2021. In 2021, NRDC selected Manish Bapna, formerly of the World Resources Institute , as their new president and CEO. At their web site NRDC state they have about 700 employees including scientists, lawyers, and policy advocates. NRDC v. U.S. EPA (1973), with David Schoenbrod caused

810-548: The Clean Ocean Action Education Ambassador Program allows individuals with presentation skills to administer topics on ocean pollution for various communities. BEACH Act The Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act of 2000 , or BEACH Act, is a United States federal statute that sets national standards for recreational water testing and authorizes grants to pay for beach monitoring programs at state and federal levels. The Act

855-589: The Clean Ocean Action has shut down 8 ocean-dumping sites and continued to support the Clean Ocean Zone policy and the BEACH Act . During Clean Ocean Action's clean-up activities, the organization collects data to understand and identify the cause of harm to the environment by gathering littered trashes. Their research is displayed to federal and state programs in order to uphold heavier enforcement on protecting

900-525: The Clean Ocean Action, Riverkeeper, NRDC, Waterkeeper Alliance, Heal the Bay, and Alliance for the Great Lakes. These organizations have been active in supporting federal funding for the BEACH Act grant program. Initially, the coastal recreation water quality criteria stated that every state adjacent to coastal recreational waters must submit their pathogen and pathogen indicator criteria no later than 42 months after

945-788: The Clean Water Act. For example, section 303(i) requires that states, territories, and tribes along the coasts implement new water quality standards for pathogens and pathogen indicators. The addition of Section 303(i) also authorizes the EPA to regulate states to abide by health standards. Under the addition of Section 104(v) and 304(a), the EPA must perform studies on the effects pathogens and pathogen indicators have on human health, and publish new or revised pathogen indicator criteria based on prior studies. Section 303(i)(1)(B) requires that states, territories, or tribes along coastal recreational waters must adopt any new, or revised, EPA water quality standards based on Section 304(a) criteria within three years of publication. Section 502 defines key terms in

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990-564: The NRDC alongside the Environmental Defense Fund after Henry Ford II said groups receiving foundation money were "antibusiness" and "biting the hand that feeds them." The NRDC had recently challenged the FDA's interim approval for Coca-Cola's first plastic bottle made of acrylonitrile/styrene. The FDA reported that test animals exposed to acrylonitrile had "significantly lowered body weight and other adverse effects, including lesions in

1035-568: The act into law on October 10, 2000. The BEACH Act covers 35 coastal recreational waters near coastal states and territories. Supporters of the BEACH Act argue that without the support of environmental groups such as the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Center for Marine Conservation, and American Oceans Campaigns, the BEACH Act would not exist. Members of the Surfrider Foundation and other activists carried

1080-438: The amount of pollution in the ocean and reduces the risk of endangering marine wildlife. Clean Ocean Action takes additional action by persuading public authorities to ensure the safety of the beaches and marine wildlife. Clean Ocean Action influences many citizens, from any age and background, to contribute to beach clean-ups and promotes the conservation of natural resources . Volunteers for Clean Ocean Action clean beaches with

1125-460: The beaches, waterways, and underwater sites as they move along towards the Delaware Bay . Additionally, Clean Ocean Action's Student Summit program allows middle schoolers to study about marine wildlife and the environment through several hands-on experience activities. The Clean Ocean Action Presentations teaches students about the issues of ocean pollution that arises in the world today. Lastly,

1170-670: The central nervous system and growths in the ear ducts." and suspended its approval. In the 1970s, NRDC sought to block expansion of the Indian Point nuclear power plant in New York. It has historically until the plant's closure in 2021, sought to close the plant. NRDC has also sought to close the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant in California. In 2018, the NRDC took no position on legislative proposals in New Jersey to subsidize three of its nuclear reactors. NRDC has argued that nuclear power

1215-410: The economy have led to stringent budgets for the BEACH Act funds. There has been a $ 10 million cut in grants for testing, which has led local governments to fund pollution monitoring activities. The decrease of federal funds caused testing to become less frequent. In 2007, U.S Representatives gathered to discuss the issue of the undercut of funding. They proposed a $ 60 million fund for water testings at

1260-489: The efforts taken to implement the BEACH Act at the federal, state, and local level; and the recommendations to improve monitoring systems for coastal recreation waters. To meet this requirement, the EPA created the Beach Advisory and Closing Online Notification ( BEACON ) system. The BEACON system is a public database that shows the pollution within coastal recreational waters. Recently, it has been upgraded to BEACON 2.0 with

1305-484: The enactment of section 303(i) and section 304(a). The revised standards of coastal recreation water quality criteria under section 304(a)(9) states that every state adjacent to coastal recreational waters must submit to the revised water quality criteria of pathogen and pathogen indicators set by the Administrator no later than 36 months after the Administrator's publications. The BEACH Act added numerous amendments to

1350-465: The goal of creating a clean environment and saving marine wildlife from danger. Volunteers consists of students, families, business, other non-profit organizations , and more. Children under the age of 12 are able to volunteer as long as they are accompanied by an adult. Millions of pieces of harmful debris has been removed from beaches and waterways by the volunteers. There are several programs that Clean Ocean Action organizers to educate citizens on

1395-611: The group, represented by Whitney North Seymour Jr. , his law partner Stephen Duggan, and David Sive , sued the Federal Power Commission and successfully achieved a ruling that groups such as Scenic Hudson and other environmentalist groups had the standing to challenge the FPC's administrative rulings. Realizing that continued environmentalist litigation would require a nationally organized, professionalized group of lawyers and scientists, Duggan, Seymour, and Sive obtained funding from

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1440-434: The importance of beach monitoring. Beach managers and park departments developed a system of kiosks to inform the public when there are signs of E.coli contamination in recreational waters. Under the BEACH Act, the EPA is required to publish a report every four years that outlines recommendations for water quality improvement, the actions that have been taken to enhance the quality of coastal recreation waters, an evaluation of

1485-494: The largest revisions. Under this provision, the EPA is required to: When the BEACH Act became federal law, the federal government had to step in and take responsibility of providing funds to individual states and governments. Congress was provided $ 30 million for the BEACH Act, but Congress did not use nearly the amount of money for its programs. In 2007, Congress funded $ 9.9 million for water quality monitoring. In 2008, however, funding decreased to $ 9.75 million. Difficulties within

1530-484: The levels and post warning signs as necessary. Congress passed the BEACH Act based on the concern for public health and water quality. It was originally known as Beach Bill (H.R. 999) when it was presented to the House of Representatives on March 4, 1999. It was proposed a second time to the House on April 19, 1999 as the Beaches Environmental Assessment, Cleanup, and Health Act of 1999; the BEACH Act

1575-409: The locations of water monitoring stations. The STOrage and RETrieval (STORET) database and Water Quality Exchange (WQX) provides updated data from the monitoring stations. The PRogram tracking, beach Advisories, Water quality standards, and Nutrients (PRAWN) database provides information on any beach closings or advisories. The BEACH Act jumpstarted numerous water related, health-based movements such as

1620-602: The ocean. The Clean Ocean Action's objective is to prevent any harm that would potentially damage the debased water nature near the shores of New Jersey. The organization advocates for the protection of marine wildlife, clean beaches, and the preservation of all natural resources that would harm the environment by establishing several campaigns, programs, interactive events, active rallies, and teachings. The Executive Director, Cindy Zipf, suggests that citizens should practice utilizing reusable items, recycling, avoid littering, and participating in local clean-ups. These actions reduces

1665-632: The requirements of CWA section 406 (b)(2)(A). Eligible "states" include the District of Columbia , the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. In order for tribes to be eligible for grants, they must be nearby coastal recreational waters that are accessible to the public. The tribe must also show that it abides by

1710-438: The solar plant would imperil protected wildlife. In 2022, NRDC supported proposals to subsidize rooftop solar power generation. NRDC's position on hydropower is that it is not a renewable energy source. When Indian Point was scheduled for closure, NRDC held no position on a proposal to build a transmission line to Quebec to access excess hydropower while arguing, "we certainly would not be on board where [hydropower] gobbles up

1755-458: The space we think should be covered by true renewables". NRDC states the purpose of its work is "safeguard the earth—its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends," and to "ensure the rights of all people to the air, the water and the wild, and to prevent special interests from undermining public interests." Their stated areas of work include: " climate change , communities, energy, food, health, oceans, water,

1800-406: The system of the environment and to take action. This includes the Clean Ocean Action's "Student Environmental Advocates and Leaders" (SEAL) program conducts pieces of training where students will brainstorm on how to create solutions through advocacy and campaigns on environmental studies. The organizations also organizes annual "beach sweeps" where volunteers gather at Raritan Bay where they clean

1845-479: The water quality criteria of pathogen and pathogen indicators that the Administrator has proposed, the Administrator will immediately propose new, revised regulations that allow state to better meet its standards. Indiana implemented grant funds for the Lake Michigan Beaches Program. The funding increased monitoring of the bacteria, E.coli , at Indiana's Lake Michigan Beaches. The presence of E.coli

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1890-585: The wild". As a legal advocacy group , the NRDC works to accomplish environmental goals by operating within the legal system to reduce pollution and protect natural resources through litigation, and by working with professionals in science, law, and policy at the national and international level. The NRDC's Center for Campaigns & Organizing (CC&O) also oversees the NRDC Action Fund, a separate 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization which engages in political and electoral activities. NRDC published onEarth ,

1935-560: The world's largest hydroelectric facility at Storm King Mountain in New York's Hudson Valley . The proposed facility would have pumped vast amounts of water from the Hudson River to a reservoir and released it through turbines to generate electricity at peak demand . A dozen concerned citizens organized the Scenic Hudson Preservation Conference in opposition to the project, citing its environmental impact, and

1980-454: Was amended and passed through the House on April 22, 1999. Numerous changes were made to the draft before being passed through the Senate, including deadlines on publications and studies for the EPA, the clarification of waters covered, the inclusion of territories and Indian Tribes, and implementation of monitoring programs. The Senate passed the act on September 21, 2000 and President Clinton signed

2025-552: Was signed by President Bill Clinton on October 10, 2000. The law amends the Clean Water Act and requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set standard criteria for testing, monitoring, and notifying the public of possible pollution within coastal recreational waters. Water pollution levels are required to be monitored regularly for bacteria, such as Escherichia coli (E.coli), and other pathogen indicators. Agencies at local, state, and federal levels report and monitor

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