On top of that, the Pentagon is still using a fire suppressant with potential to further contaminate drinking water on bases.
By Nick Cleveland-Stout, Responsible Statecraft
In Dr. Strangelove, the fictitious base commander Jack D. Ripper orders a first-strike nuclear attack on the Soviet Union to enact revenge for contaminating American water to “impurify all of our precious bodily fluids.” The satirical film poked fun at rampant Cold War conspiracy theories about fluoridating our water supply. But as it turns out, America’s water was being contaminated — not by the Russians, but by the Pentagon.
Not long after American audiences packed into theaters to watch the bleak Cold War comedy, the Department of Defense ramped up its use of a fire suppressant called AFFF, knowingly contaminating the drinking water of millions of Americans.
Now, the Department of Defense is refusing to take accountability.
This week, the Air Force claimed it has no legal obligation to comply with an order from the Environmental Protection Agency in May to abate the threat of “forever chemicals” to the drinking water of Tucson, Arizona. The EPA order required the Air Force to create a system designed to treat high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — synthetic chemicals known as PFAS that are linked to weakened immunity and other health risks — in drinking water, estimated to cost $25 million.
Recent Posts
‘A Day Without Immigrants’: Protests Against Trump’s Mass Deportation Plans Across U.S.
Take Action Now “D.C. depends deeply on immigrants, who work vital jobs in our local economy, pay taxes, and make the city a vibrant place to…
Fed Employee Unions Sue Over Musk’s Government Takeover
Take Action Now“It is disgraceful that the Trump administration has allowed unelected billionaires and their lackeys unfettered access to…
Trump’s Energy Pick Wants To Export Climate Destruction
Take Action NowChris Wright turns a real issue into a neat talking point for the destruction of the planet.By Gabriel Colburn, Foreign…
On Solidarity, Love, and Jewish Anti-Zionist Organizing, a Zero Hour Conversation with Rebecca Vilkomerson
Take Action Now The book and interview underscore the importance of long-term organizing, solidarity, and creating spaces for political and spiritual…