An Interview with Cathy Frankenberg of Clean Water Action in Pennsylvania

Cathy Frankenberg, program director of Clean Water Action's Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, office, is a longtime supporter of environmental and human rights. I met her through my own work with Clean Water Action. I talked with her one afternoon about what drives her to work for environmental protection, the problem of greed in the world today, and what each individual can do to make sure we have a healthy environment for generations to come.

What drives you to work for environmental protection?

I think it is the most important cause right now that affects everybody, regardless of age, economic class, race, or political party, and I think that as we face the epidemic of cancer, we need to acknowledge and fight against the presence of carcinogens and other toxins in our air and water.

What do you feel is the number one problem with the world today?

The number one problem is greed. I think that it's people greed for money and ridiculous profits at the cost of human health and the well being of humans and animals alike that causes the majority of problems we face today.

What can individuals do to reduce or counteract the problem of greed?

I think individuals need to know that they're not alone in their concerns. They need to join with coalitions of other people to make democracy work, through free speech, political organizing, letters to politicians, and even running for office.

What does Clean Water Action do to limit the problem of greed?

Corporations are infamous for cutting corners to make a larger profit, and frequently, the corners they cut affect their toxic output. Worse yet, thousands of these incidents go unreported and even if reported, these industries often get off without fines. So, Clean Water Action works to hold these corporations accountable.

What do you feel is Clean Water Action's greatest achievement yet to date?

The passage of the Clean Water Act in 1972.

What, for you, has been the most important issue you've worked on since being with Clean Water Action?

The first campaign I worked on has been the most important to me - mercury pollution's effect. Mercury pollution effects human development and well being.

Has Clean Water Action made any breakthroughs on the issue of mercury pollution?

Yes, it was a very difficult campaign, but we won 90% reductions of mercury emissions in Pennsylvania.

That's very good! What issues are you currently working on?

We work on the local, state, and national levels. Locally, we're always working on 5 or 10 different issues. Currently, we're working against a plan to dump close to two million tons of toxic fly ash and dredge spoils in the city of Hazelton. Statewide, we're working to get 100 foot forested buffer zones on the sides of rivers and streams and also to pass the Safer Drinking Water Act. Nationally, we're continuously working on the Clean Water Restoration Act which is a bill to restore the protections intended by the Clean Water Act. We're also working toward better climate legislation, including incentives for green energy, like wind and solar.

How can individuals get involved in environmental protection?

I would suggest three things: One is to look at their daily habits and find ways they can personally reduce their impact - for example, driving less, using less plastic and Styrofoam, eating less meat, and supporting local and organic farmers. Secondly, join an environmental organization, such as Clean Water Action, Sierra Club, or Delaware Riverkeepers. Third, find out how your local officials vote on environmental issues, get in contact with them about how you'd like them to vote, and support candidates who are pro-environment.