Latest news with #metroAtlantans
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
EPA announces rollback on forever chemical limits. What that means for your drinking water
In a major announcement on Wednesday, the government said that the EPA is rolling back limits on forever chemicals, or PFAS. The announcement overturns a landmark move by the Biden administration that required companies, for the first time, to limit six forever chemicals from leaching into our water. The data reporting from companies was supposed to start in 2027, but now, that has been delayed. Like a lot of metro Atlantans, Natasha Dixie buys her water instead of using what comes out of her tap. 'It scares me,' Dixie told Channel 2 investigative reporter Sophia Choi. 'Because it has the chemicals in it, and I don't want to give it to my family.' Chemicals, like PFAS, are man-made forever chemicals and are used in hundreds of products like stain and water-resistant fabrics, nonstick pots and pans, food containers, and even makeup. RELATED STORIES: Feds no longer planning on cleaning up harmful forever chemicals in drinking water UGA researchers working to limit 'forever chemicals' in water as EPA announces new restrictions WARNING: Toxic chemicals found in makeup -- even high-end brands, investigation finds They can cause all sorts of health issues, including cancer and developmental problems. That's why the Biden administration wanted to start limiting them in our drinking water, starting with six out of thousands of known variants. But the Environmental Protection Agency announced it is relooking at the requirement for four of them and delaying the requirement for the other two until 2031. Right now, researchers at a University of Georgia lab in Griffin are working on ways to get the forever chemicals out of our water. 'They are robust. They don't easily degrade,' researcher Jack Huang said. The team collected samples from wastewater treatment plants and tested them for forever chemicals, before using various methods to try and remove them, including filters, chemicals and electric shocks. 'We know it is a forever chemical. And so, we're trying to figure out ways to get rid of it within the treatment plants,' researcher Gary Hawkins said. For many Georgia families, even a small amount is too much risk. 'I don't use water from the tap. Never,' Stephanie Amir said. The EPA said one reason for the delay is the testing method. They want to make sure the software used to collect and analyze the data from manufacturers is accurate.
Axios
15-04-2025
- Business
- Axios
R. Thomas Deluxe Grill is for sale
R. Thomas Deluxe Grill, Atlanta's late-night beacon of healthy food, fresh-squeezed juices and tropical birds, could be yours for the right price. Why it matters: Though healthier options are easier to find today, R. Thomas remains an outlier where the menu — R's Meatless Meatloaf! — is just as colorful as its surfer shack decor of beaded curtains, rattan and bright colors. For generations of metro Atlantans, the quirky Buckhead spot has been a refuge from chains and a yin to the Waffle House's yang after a night out partying. Driving the news: Owner Linay Sheltra, the daughter of Richard Thomas, the former fast food entrepreneur who opened the Bay Area-inspired restaurant in 1985, told the AJC she's looking for another health-minded individual to take over. What they're saying:"We're going to be vetting people a little bit more, maybe deeper than we normally do," Atlanta entrepreneur Cliff Oxford, who's helping Sheltra sell the restaurant, told the AJC, the first to report the news.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
State of MARTA 2025: New train car unveiled as transit leaders look towards future
The Brief MARTA unveiled a new fleet of train cars with enhanced features, expected to enter service by 2026. A $1 billion investment will enhance all 38 rail stations with improvements like brighter lights and "smart" restrooms. MARTA Rapid, featuring 60-foot purple electric vehicles, will debut on Summerhill's "Rapid A Line" next year. The initiatives aim to improve transit safety and performance, crucial for accommodating 2 million more residents in the next 25 years. MARTA plans to overhaul the existing bus system, seeking community input for the NextGen Bus Network. ATLANTA - The Council for Quality Growth and the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) hosted the 2025 State of MARTA event on Thursday. The event, attended by over 500 people, including local officials and transit professionals, took place at Lindbergh Station and Uptown Atlanta. What we know MARTA unveiled its new fleet of train cars, developed by Stadler Rail, featuring enhanced lighting, seating, digital displays, charging stations, cameras, and noise monitors. The exterior of the cars is marked by a lighted "smile" in red, gold, green, or blue, indicating the rail line they service. The full fleet is expected to enter revenue service by 2026. What's next MARTA's General Manager & CEO, Collie Greenwood, announced a $1 billion investment to enhance all 38 rail stations with improvements such as brighter lights, new seating, deep cleaning, repaving, elevators, and "smart" restrooms. Upgrades are already visible at several stations, including Airport and Five Points. Greenwood also discussed the launch of MARTA Rapid, featuring 60-foot purple electric vehicles, set to debut on Summerhill's "Rapid A Line" next year, with additional lines planned for various corridors in Atlanta and Clayton County. Why you should care MARTA's initiatives aim to revolutionize the transit experience in Atlanta, providing "safe, clean, and reliable transit to metro Atlantans," as Greenwood stated. The new fleet and station enhancements are part of a broader effort to improve transit safety and performance, with plans for a new communications-based train control system and an automated fare collection system. These developments are crucial as the region anticipates 2 million more residents over the next 25 years, emphasizing the need for a robust transit network. Local perspective The Council for Quality Growth, a long-time advocate for transit, convenes the State of MARTA event biennially, bringing together the region's business community and local leaders. Clyde Higgs, the Council's 2025 Board Chair, highlighted the importance of transit network growth, while Michael Paris, President & CEO of the Council, stressed the need for increased investment to accommodate the region's growing population. What they're saying Greenwood emphasized MARTA's role as "the backbone of metro Atlanta's transit network," with plans to overhaul the existing bus system and seek community input for the NextGen Bus Network. "Transit is a value proposition that continues to increase as time goes on," he stated. The event also featured remarks from Jennifer Ide, Board Chair of MARTA, and other industry leaders, underscoring the collaborative effort to enhance Atlanta's transit infrastructure. The Source The Council for Quality Growth and Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority were the sources for this article.
