Posts by nickr
The Hidden Environmental and Health Threats of AI: Data Centers and Alaska’s Future
Data center development is expanding across the United States, and Alaska is beginning to see proposals for large-scale facilities of its own. This includes a massive project on the North Slope that could involve a 50-year lease to STAK Energy Corporation. But what would these projects mean for Alaska’s communities, environment, and strained energy infrastructure?…
Read MoreWEBINAR SUMMARY: Hidden Harms: How Plastics & Chemicals in Plastics Affect the Developing Brains of Children
By: Gabriella (Gabby) Chalker, ACAT Environmental Justice and Community Health Researcher In a recent webinar by CHE Alaska titled “Hidden Harms: How Plastics & Chemicals in Plastics Affect the Developing Brains of Children(opens in new tab),” leading experts with Project TENDR (Targeting Environmental Neurodevelopmental Risks) Maureen Swanson, Dr. Carmen Marsit, and Dr. Susan Schantz examined the emerging science on how plastics and the chemical additives used…
Read MoreACAT’s July Newsletter
In this latest update, Alaska Community Action on Toxics (ACAT) reflects on Governor Dunleavy’s disappointing veto of HB 25—Alaskan legislation aimed at phasing out polystyrene foodware—while reaffirming their ongoing commitment to combating plastic pollution and protecting public health alongside local advocates. The newsletter also highlights several upcoming community events and initiatives, including Plastic Free July…
Read MoreHope Into Action: Young Voices for Environmental Justice, Health, and Community Resilience
Young people are at the forefront of movements for environmental and climate justice, community health, and social change. Join us for an inspiring conversation with young adult advocates who are working to strengthen their communities through leadership, education, cultural knowledge, and collective action. In this inspiring conversation with Paniinguar Aishah Yamani, Charitie Ropati, Sonny Ahkivgak, Jayden Lampe, and…
Read MoreACAT’s June Newsletter
Our June newsletter kicks off with a major legislative milestone: the historic passage of House Bill 25, a crucial bipartisan victory that begins phasing out toxic polystyrene foam food ware across Alaska. Inside this issue, we dive into what this means for public health, look ahead to our continued advocacy for PFAS drinking water standards,…
Read MorePlastics, Chemicals & Reproductive Health: Implications for a Changing Arctic
Building on the momentum of the national Collaborative on Health and Environment’s recent webinar, “Plastic, Chemicals & Infertility: What We Know Now,” this follow-up conversation explores how those same chemical exposures are playing out in one of the most rapidly changing regions on Earth: the Arctic. In this webinar, leading environmental and reproductive epidemiologist Shanna…
Read MoreFrom Contamination to Restoration
Over the past two months, we’ve explored how glyphosate use is expanding and how it moves through our shared environment—traveling through water, air, and soil far beyond where it’s applied. But what comes next? If these chemicals don’t stay put, how do we begin to restore the spaces we care for? If you’ve used glyphosate…
Read MoreHidden Harms: How Plastics & Chemicals in Plastics Affect the Developing Brains of Children
Children’s brains are rapidly developing and especially sensitive to environmental exposures, making early-life contact with toxic substances a critical public health concern (Project TENDR, 2024). In this webinar, leading experts with Project TENDR (Targeting Environmental Neurodevelopmental Risks) Maureen Swanson, Dr. Carmen Marsit, and Dr. Sue Schantz will examine the emerging science on how plastics, (and…
Read MoreHouse bill 25 would ban use of Styrofoam in food establishments
House bill 25 would ban use of Styrofoam in food establishments | The Cordova Times By: Margaret Bauman Photo courtesy of Unsplash/Julio Lopez Legislation to ban use of polystyrene (Styrofoam) for takeout food service has passed the Alaska House and is now before the state Senate. House Bill 25, sponsored by Rep. Andy Josephson,…
Read MoreACAT’s April Newsletter
Catch up on our latest advocacy, community events, and tips for toxic-free living in the April 2026 ACAT Newsletter! This edition dives deep into the unexpected ways environmental health hits close to home—from recent scientific findings revealing how common backyard chemicals cycle through spring rain showers , to the inspiring story of local advocates fighting…
Read MoreMore Than Rain: The Hidden Presence of Glyphosate in April Showers
Last month, we discussed Trump’s executive order to prioritize domestic production of glyphosate-based herbicides and the growing concerns around their health impacts. This month, we’re focusing on why this issue affects you, even if you never use glyphosate yourself. Studies increasingly show that once applied, glyphosate can move through both water and air, traveling far beyond where…
Read MoreCleaning House: The Fight to Rid Our Homes of Toxic Chemicals
Environmental health expert Lindsay Dahl reveals how toxic chemicals end up in everyday products due to weak U.S. regulations—and what that means for our health. Blending personal experience with science and advocacy, she exposes industry tactics and calls for systemic change to create a safer, healthier future. CHE-Alaska is part of CHE’s broader network, which…
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