• ACAT brought medical, scientific, and environmental justice leaders together for conferences that drew people from all over Alaska. More than 100 people participated in our conferences in Fairbanks and Kodiak entitled Preventing Toxics in Alaska: Organizing for Environmentally Healthy Communities (see our newsletter article about the conferences).
  
  
• ACAT conducted a scientific investigation and exposé of Princess Tours for dumping hazardous wastes at their bus maintenance facility in Anchorage.
  
  
• ACAT, the Alaska Conservation Alliance, and the Cook Inlet Keeper organized public talks, media briefings, and a workshop with renowned scientist and writer Sandra Steingraber, author of "Living Downstream: An Ecologist Looks at Cancer and the Environment."
  
  
• ACAT is investigating military abuses of the environment and health at installations and formerly used defense sites, including: Amchitka Island (site of the world’s largest underground nuclear test); Fort Greely; Gakona; Northeast Cape; Fort Richardson; Adak Naval Air Station; and military munitions ranges throughout Alaska.
  
  
• Our computer mapping program provides the only integrated compilation of information on the nature and extent of contaminated sites in Alaska. We have mapped over 2,000 contaminated sites caused by the military and industry.

Our mission is unique among organizations in Alaska. We are the only statewide organization focusing on environmental contamination and health issues. ACAT works to protect human health and the environment from the toxic effects of contaminants. We are dedicated to achieving environmental justice. We work to ensure responsible cleanup of contaminated sites and empower community involvement in cleanup decisions. We strive to stop the production, proliferation, and release of toxic chemicals.

ACAT needs your support so we can 1) hire an environmental health advocate to facilitate scientific, medical, and training assistance for communities faced with contamination problems; 2) expand our computer mapping program; 3) assist workers with contamination problems; 4) use community-right-to-know laws to help people protect themselves and the environment; 5) work on clean air and water issues; 6) establish a program on mining contamination; 7) prevent military contamination; and 8) serve as a link for citizens throughout the State as they participate in decision-making.

When you become a member of Alaska Community Action on Toxics, you give a clear message that you care about what happens in Alaska. You do not have to be an Alaskan resident to join. We need your support so we can continue with this work.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I hope that you will join us!

Pamela K. Miller
Program Director