Monday, March 31, 2014

Coal ash poison in water even without spill

Win for Whales: UN Court Blasts Japan's 'Scientific' Whaling Claims | Common Dreams

Win for Whales: UN Court Blasts Japan's 'Scientific' Whaling Claims | Common Dreams

"In a decision being heralded as a win for the whales, the UN's International Court of Justice on Monday ruled that Japan's Antarctic whaling program is not for purposes of scientific research and that the country must therefore halt permits for this marine mammal-killing program."

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Vote Big Money out of Politics | Common Dreams

Vote Big Money out of Politics | Common Dreams

"Determined to promote controversial mining projects — and to advance Gov. Scott Walker’s agenda — a group backed by the billionaire Koch brothers has waded into Tuesday’s competition for control of the Iron County Board.
With dubious “facts” and over-the-top charges, the Wisconsin chapter of Americans for Prosperity is pouring money into the county — where voter turnout in spring elections rarely tops 1,500 — for attack ads. Small-business owners, farmers and retirees who have asked sensible questions about the impact of major developments on pristine lakes, rivers, waterfalls and tourism are dismissed as “anti-mining radicals” who “just want to shut the mines down, no matter what"."


Thursday, March 27, 2014

Koch-Backed Group in Small Town, USA | Common Dreams

Koch-Backed Group in Small Town, USA | Common Dreams

"Outside money flows into Iron County, WI"

The Myth of Nuclear Safety: Fukushima Reveals That Nuclear Power Is Here to Stay

The Myth of Nuclear Safety: Fukushima Reveals That Nuclear Power Is Here to Stay

"One thing should be obvious - nuclear safety is no more of a factor in determining the nuclear option in the United States than it is in determining the nuclear future of Japan."

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

How ''Extreme Levels'' of Monsanto's Herbicide Roundup in Food Became the Industry Norm

How ''Extreme Levels'' of Monsanto's Herbicide Roundup in Food Became the Industry Norm

"Roundup Ready GM-soy accumulates residues of glyphosate and AMPA, and also differs markedly in nutritional composition compared to soybeans from other agricultural practices. Organic soybean samples also showed a more healthy nutritional profile (e.g. higher in protein and lower in saturated fatty acids) than both industrial conventional and GM soybeans."

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Migratory Birds Face Danger From Oil Spill Long After Shipping Channel Will Open

Migratory Birds Face Danger From Oil Spill Long After Shipping Channel Will Open

"Heavy fuel oil that spilled from a Kirby Inland Marine oil barge after it collided with a cargo ship on March 22, began washing up on Galveston Bay's shoreline on Sunday. The Coast Guard received its first reports of impacted birds by Sunday afternoon and the Houston Chronicle published a photo of a duck on the beach covered in oil.

There are shorebird habitats on both sides of the shipping channel, including the Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary."

The Other Keystone XL: On the Growing Fight over Cove Point | Common Dreams

The Other Keystone XL: On the Growing Fight over Cove Point | Common Dreams

"It’s just as important to stop the building of the LNG terminal in Maryland"

Scientists Gather to Finalize Dire Warning for Planet's Climate Future | Common Dreams

Scientists Gather to Finalize Dire Warning for Planet's Climate Future | Common Dreams

"The world's leading climate scientists gathered in Japan on Tuesday to begin hashing out the final details of a "grim" climate report, which both leaked drafts and those familiar with its contents say will call on policy makers to take immediate action or face a climate future that will otherwise be marked by widespread ecological and human catastrophe."

Ohio Pipeline Spill Twice As Large As Original Estimate

www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/03/25/3418592/pipeline-spill-ohio/
"20,000 gallons of crude oil spilled from a damaged pipeline into a nature reserve in southwest Ohio — double the initial estimates — according to officials with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency."

Soon The Ocean Will Be Generating Power Near Seattle

www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/03/24/3418381/puget-sound-ocean-tidal-power/
"At the end of last week, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission gave the go-ahead for a 10-year project testing our ability to generate electricity from the movement of the ocean.
The license permits Public Utility District No. 1 of Snohomish County to install two underwater turbines in the Admiralty Inlet near Seattle, Washington."

Fox Business News: Oil Spills Are A Distraction...Like Oreos?

Fox Business News: Oil Spills Are A Distraction...Like Oreos?

"168,000 gallons of heavy crude oil end up in Galveston bay this week and all Fox Business News can say is it's a distraction."

How a Coyote Suffered Behind the Scenes at Animal Planet

www.motherjones.com/environment/2014/03/animal-abuse-coyote-call-of-the-wildman-animal-planet
"Mother Jones has uncovered photographic evidence of mistreatment and neglect of animals behind the scenes of Animal Planet's hit reality show Call of the Wildman, a pattern first exposed in our seven-month investigation published on January 21. Additional documents we obtained also raise questions about whether the show operated in violation of Kentucky wildlife regulations."

Fox reporter says oil spills are just ‘distractions’ — like ‘Oreos’ when you’re on diet

www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/03/24/wtf-fox-reporter-says-oil-spills-are-just-distractions-like-oreos-when-youre-on-diet/
"Fox Business reporter Tracey Byrnes asserted on Monday that oils spills were just “distractions” — like Oreo cookies — that activists used to delay building the Keystone XL pipeline in the United States."

Monday, March 24, 2014

Oil spill fouls coast on Valdez anniversary

PHOTOS: 25 Years Later, A Heartbreaking Look Back At Exxon’s Alaska Oil Spill

www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/03/24/3418287/exxon-valdez-25-years-later/
"It has been 25 years since that tragedy, and though the oil has largely disappeared from immediate sight, effects from Exxon Valdez linger. The government is still fighting in court for more compensation from the company that scarred a coastal ecosystem. Beaches are still drenched in subsurface oil, and mussels still hold traces of it in their shells. An industry — fishing — has still not recovered. Lives lost, human and animal alike, have not been returned."

Spill, baby, spill

25 years after Exxon Valdez: Fossil Fuels and accountability

Fossil Fuel Industry 25 Years After the Exxon Valdez: Still Reckless After All These Years | Common Dreams

Fossil Fuel Industry 25 Years After the Exxon Valdez: Still Reckless After All These Years | Common Dreams

"Today marks the 25th anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, one of the largest human-caused catastrophes in our history. Since then, the oil and gas industry has continued its quest to squeeze as many fossil fuels from the ground as possible, with little regard for public safety and the environment."

Heavy Crude Spill Hits Direct Path of Migrating Birds | Common Dreams

Heavy Crude Spill Hits Direct Path of Migrating Birds | Common Dreams

"A major Texas shipping waterway stayed mostly closed Monday, three days after a weekend barge collision sent thousands of barrels of thick tar-like oil spilling into the ocean, polluting an important migration route for tens of thousands of birds."

How The Koch Brothers Are Hacking Science

www.talkingpointsmemo.com/cafe/how-the-koch-brothers-are-hacking-science
"BHI has worked closely with the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), a corporate-funded network of ultra-conservative legislators and policy analysts, which drafts and advocates laws that will push state policies to the right."

Radiation Leak at New Mexico Nuclear Waste Storage Site Highlights Problems

Radiation Leak at New Mexico Nuclear Waste Storage Site Highlights Problems

"Experts have told Truthout that radiation leaks from the facility are "a troubling sign" and expressed concern about the future of storing radioactive material at the site, which is near Carlsbad, New Mexico. WIPP receives 17 to 19 shipments every week from sites around the country, including Los Alamos, New Mexico, and installations in Idaho, Illinois and South Carolina."

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Boston Endangered: Time To Close the Pilgrim Reactor

Boston Endangered: Time To Close the Pilgrim Reactor

"All 15 Cape Cod towns have called for Pilgrim's closure. It's time for Boston and its suburbs to join them in that effort - and for people who reside near other aging nuclear plants to take notice."

World Water Day: Getting More Crop Per Drop During an Epic Drought

www.alternet.org/environment/world-water-day-getting-more-crop-drop
"America's breadbasket is facing its worst drought since records began and must rethink irrigation and crop production to help conserve water."

Friday, March 21, 2014

Idaho Lawmakers Green-Light Legislation to 'Wipe Out' Wolves | Common Dreams

Idaho Lawmakers Green-Light Legislation to 'Wipe Out' Wolves | Common Dreams

"Legislation "has put a black eye on decades of tireless work to return wolves to the American landscape"."

Duke Energy busted after activists’ red flag

Duke Energy Busted After Activists’ Red Flag | Common Dreams

Duke Energy Busted After Activists’ Red Flag | Common Dreams

"Rachel Maddow follows up on a report from earlier in the week about environmental activists who accused a Duke Energy power plant of dumping toxic liquid into public waterway, that has prompted state officials cite Duke Energy for violations."

Cleaning Up Climate Change Polluting Is Cheaper and Easier than We Thought | Common Dreams

Cleaning Up Climate Change Polluting Is Cheaper and Easier than We Thought | Common Dreams

"This week another group of esteemed scientists said that climate change poses a dire threat to our communities. New evidence also confirmed that one of the best tools for defusing this threat is within reach. On Thursday NRDC released a report showing that the United States can cut more carbon pollution from power plants at less cost than previously thought."

Duke Energy Busted In North Carolina For Pumping Coal-Ash Water Into River

Duke Energy Busted In North Carolina For Pumping Coal-Ash Water Into River

"Duke has 30 days to appeal but are facing fines of nearly $3 million for their latest malfeasance. Governor Pat McCrory, who used to be an executive at Duke, was seeking damage of just $99,000 for their earlier mess."

The danger in your antibacterial soap

The danger in your antibacterial soap

"In the absence of FDA regulations, it’s up to consumers to watch out for triclosan"

US Sailors and Marines Allege Fukushima Radiation Sickness | Common Dreams

US Sailors and Marines Allege Fukushima Radiation Sickness | Common Dreams

"Three years have passed since the earthquake and tsunami that caused the nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan. The tsunami’s immediate death toll was more than 15,000, with close to 3,000 still missing. Casualties are still mounting, though, both in Japan and much farther away. The impact of the Fukushima nuclear meltdown on health and the environment is severe, compounded daily as radioactive pollution continues to pour from the site, owned by the Tokyo Electric Power Company, TEPCO."

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Koch Brothers Are The Largest Land Owners Of Canada’s Tar Sands

www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/03/20/3417175/koch-brothers-are-largest-land-owners-of-canadas-tar-sands/
"A Koch Industries subsidiary holds leases on 1.1 million acres in the northern Alberta oil sands, an area nearly the size of Delaware."

Japanese Government Squelching Efforts To Measure Fukushima Meltdown

Japanese Government Squelching Efforts To Measure Fukushima Meltdown

"Tokyo - In the chaotic, fearful weeks after the Fukushima nuclear crisis began, in March 2011, researchers struggled to measure the radioactive fallout unleashed on the public. Aoyama Michio’s initial findings were more startling than most. As a senior scientist at the Japanese government’s Meteorological Research Institute, he said levels of radioactive cesium 137 in the surface water of the Pacific Ocean could be 10,000 times as high as contamination after Chernobyl, the world’s worst nuclear accident."

Tests still detect remnants of coal ash spill

Activists catch power plant on hidden camera

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Monday, March 17, 2014

Warming Melts Last Stable Edge Of Greenland Icesheet

Warming Melts Last Stable Edge Of Greenland Icesheet

"The last edge of the Greenland ice sheet that had resisted global warming has now become unstable, adding billions of tonnes of meltwater to rising seas, scientists said on Sunday."

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Ten Reasons Why Nukes Are Nuts

Ten Reasons Why Nukes Are Nuts

"A single nuclear weapon can destroy a city. A few nuclear weapons can destroy a country. A relatively small regional nuclear war can cause a nuclear famine, taking 2 billion lives globally. An all-out nuclear war could end civilization and cause the extinction of most complex life on the planet."

Council to ask for more radiation testing - Fairbanks Daily News-Miner: Local News

Council to ask for more radiation testing - Fairbanks Daily News-Miner: Local News

"At the urging of a concerned citizen, the council will consider a resolution tonight that calls on the federal government and United Nations to do more radiation testing in Alaska waters. It asserts that health risks related to nuclear meltdown have been vastly understated and are linked for the deaths of 20,000 Americans in the weeks after the meltdown."

Friday, March 14, 2014

North Carolina Colluded With Duke Energy to Block Green Groups: Internal Docs | Common Dreams

North Carolina Colluded With Duke Energy to Block Green Groups: Internal Docs | Common Dreams

"Internal emails released Thursday by environmental lawyers confirm what activists have long charged: the North Carolina authorities tasked with regulating Duke Energy — the company responsible for the Dan River coal ash disaster — have been colluding with the corporation behind closed doors to undermine concerned environmental groups."

Now You Can Walk Into A Best Buy And Get A Solar System For Your Home

www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/03/12/3395101/best-buy-solar-system-leasing/
"SolarCity and Best Buy have just announced a deal allowing customers to get low-cost and low-hassle solar power for their homes.
It’s what’s called a third party leasing agreement. Rather than purchasing a solar array outright, they lease the system from the provider — SolarCity, in this case. It’s just that the system is installed on the roof of the homeowner. The benefit for the customer is they don’t have to worry about installation and maintenance — the provider handles that — and there are no big upfront costs. The customer just pays the provider a set amount each month for the electricity, and that cost is usually slightly lower than the going market rate."

New Jersey Banned Tesla To Help Out Car Dealers

www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/03/12/3395091/new-jersey-banned-tesla/
"New Jersey regulators caved to pressure from car dealers and decided on Tuesday to ban automakers that want to sell directly to customers from doing so in the state. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission rushed through a rule change and voted 6-0 to adopt this new regulation that mandates that all new car dealers get a franchise agreement if they want a state license to sell cars in New Jersey."

The West's Coming Tragedy of the Commons

The West's Coming Tragedy of the Commons

"The severe droughts now affecting California and the Colorado River basin suggest that we may be at a tipping point in our ability to continue to manage the water systems that are needed to power agriculture and support Western development."

Contaminated Water Supplies, Health Concerns Accumulate With Fracking Boom in Pennsylvania

Contaminated Water Supplies, Health Concerns Accumulate With Fracking Boom in Pennsylvania

"As the first official research is published that confirms water contamination by hydraulic fracturing, an alarming amount and array of hazardous chemicals and compounds - including arsenic, chloride, barium and radium - are found in Pennsylvania groundwater."

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Just say ‘no’ to Keystone XL

Fracking Chemicals May Not Stay Secret For Much Longer | Common Dreams

Fracking Chemicals May Not Stay Secret For Much Longer | Common Dreams

"The concoction of chemicals used in the oil and gas drilling process known as 'fracking' may not be kept a "trade secret" for much longer, following a ruling by the Wyoming Supreme Court on Wednesday."

The Pesticide Industry vs. Consumers: Not a Fair Fight | The Nation

The Pesticide Industry vs. Consumers: Not a Fair Fight | The Nation

"By pouring money into politics, pesticide companies have beat back attempts to protect the public."

Former NRC Head: Fukushima a Call to Phase Out Nukes | Common Dreams

Former NRC Head: Fukushima a Call to Phase Out Nukes | Common Dreams

"Former U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission chief Gregory Jaczko is stressing that the only way to prevent nuclear accidents is to phase out nuclear power completely."

Oil companies dumping radioactive waste in ND

Blowing the whistle on TransCanada’s story

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Canadian Company won’t back down on KXL

Fukushima 2014: Don't Forget | Common Dreams

Fukushima 2014: Don't Forget | Common Dreams

"Three years after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear catastrophe, the Japanese government insists everything is under control. But the real story is very different."

U.S. Nuclear Agency Hid Concerns, Hailed Safety Record as Fukushima Melted

www.nbcnews.com/storyline/fukushima-anniversary/u-s-nuclear-agency-hid-concerns-hailed-safety-record-fukushima-n48561
"In the tense days after a powerful earthquake and tsunami crippled the Fukushima Daiichi power plant in Japan on March 11, 2011, staff at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission made a concerted effort to play down the risk of earthquakes and tsunamis to America’s aging nuclear plants, according to thousands of internal emails reviewed by NBC News."

Fukushima Nuclear Disaster Three Years Later, Who is Responsible? | Common Dreams

Fukushima Nuclear Disaster Three Years Later, Who is Responsible? | Common Dreams

"Nuclear power engineer Arnie Gunderson and journalist Chiho Kaneko discuss a lawsuit to hold General Electric and other reactor manufacturing companies responsible and the Japanese public's attitude toward nuclear energy"

Study: Nuclear Reactors Are Toxic to Surrounding Areas, Especially With Age

Study: Nuclear Reactors Are Toxic to Surrounding Areas, Especially With Age

"A study released this week shows that public health in the communities surrounding California's Diablo Canyon power plant in San Luis Obispo County declined dramatically after the plant was built. The findings also document the presence of Strontium-90 in baby teeth."

Deadly Fukushima Crisis Further Corrodes Viability of Nuclear Energy

Deadly Fukushima Crisis Further Corrodes Viability of Nuclear Energy

"At the three-year anniversary of the Fukushima Dai'ichi nuclear power plant reactor meltdowns, the disaster's consequences continue to unfold. One should be a global switch from nuclear power to renewable energy sources."

ALEC Launches New Effort To Influence Local Government Policy

www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/03/10/3383411/alec-infiltrate-cities-towns/
"The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), an organization known for helping to advance corporate interests by writing and then pushing to pass conservative legislation at the state level, has created a new initiative with the goal to expand its influence in cities, towns, villages, and other local municipalities throughout the country. ALEC has actively pursued an anti-clean energy and anti-climate agenda in states across the country and its vast network of donors include the notorious petrochemical billionaires Charles and David Koch."

Was Your Senator #Up4Climate or In Bed with Oil Industry? | Common Dreams

Was Your Senator #Up4Climate or In Bed with Oil Industry? | Common Dreams

"28 Democrats participate in overnight talkathon designed to wake up Congress over global warming"

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Three Years After Fukushima: 'No Nukes! Go Renewable!' | Common Dreams

Three Years After Fukushima: 'No Nukes! Go Renewable!' | Common Dreams

"Tens of thousands marched and rallied in Tokyo and other Japanese cities on Sunday to mark this week's anniversary of the initial Fukushima nuclear disaster and delivering a message to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and parliament that they will not tolerate a restart of the nation's reactors, calling for a future of renewable energy instead."

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Europe's Nuclear Plants Threaten Millions with 'New Era of Risk': Report | Common Dreams

Europe's Nuclear Plants Threaten Millions with 'New Era of Risk': Report | Common Dreams

"Many nuclear power plants in Europe have passed their expiration date and pose a threat to millions of people, yet they continue to be heavily integrated into energy programs across the continent, a new study commissioned by Greenpeace warns."

Hours Left for KXL Public Comment | Common Dreams

Hours Left for KXL Public Comment | Common Dreams

"With just hours left in the public comment period on the proposed construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, green groups are calling on all concerned citizens to contact the Obama administration and make their opposition known."

Climate buffoons’ real motives: 5 reasons they still spout debunked garbage

Climate buffoons’ <em>real</em> motives: 5 reasons they still spout debunked garbage

"From greed to idiocy, here's the true agenda of deniers who still claim climate change isn't happening"

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Enbridge Announces $7B Line 3 Rebuild, Largest Project in Company History | Common Dreams

Enbridge Announces $7B Line 3 Rebuild, Largest Project in Company History | Common Dreams

"In its largest capital project in history, Enbridge plans to do what Transcanada so far can't — ship more than half a million barrels of heavy oil across the U.S. border without President Barack Obama's direct approval."

Dump Closure Leaves Nuclear Waste Stranded... In Parking Lot | Common Dreams

Dump Closure Leaves Nuclear Waste Stranded... In Parking Lot | Common Dreams

"The federally-owned Waste Isolation Pilot Project, located in southeastern New Mexico, has been closed to underground waste dumping since early February as a result of a series of accidents, including an airborne radiation leak that contaminated at least 13 workers."

GOP claims US energy can stop Putin

GOP + Ukraine = Drill Baby Drill!

Coal Giant Slapped With Record Fine for Years of Toxic Water Pollution | Common Dreams

Coal Giant Slapped With Record Fine for Years of Toxic Water Pollution | Common Dreams

"Coal giant Alpha Natural Resources Inc. has been hit with a record $27.5 million fine for violating water pollution permits thousands of times, discharging toxic contaminants into Appalachian waterways for years, the Associated Press is reporting."

19 More Reasons to Be Worried About the Hanford Nuclear Site | Common Dreams

19 More Reasons to Be Worried About the Hanford Nuclear Site | Common Dreams

"Problems at the most contaminated nuclear site in the nation continue to unfold."

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

First Electric School Bus Hits The Road In California

www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/03/04/3359551/electric-school-bus/
"The first-ever electric school bus, introduced in November, started picking up students in Central California’s Kings Canyon Unified school district this week. And three more should be operating soon, according to a press release from developers Trans Tech and Motiv Power Systems."

The Fracking Industry's Contempt for the Public Is Finally Coming to Light

www.alternet.org/environment/fracking-industry-loses-trust-public
"This past week a leak, a report and a lawsuit have given a rare glimpse of what the gas industry really thinks about the public (easily manipulated), environmentalists (extremely effective) and fracking (not in my backyard)."

Monday, March 3, 2014

Organic Farmers Pay the Price of GMO Contamination | Common Dreams

Organic Farmers Pay the Price of GMO Contamination | Common Dreams

"Organic farmers and others who do not use GMOs are increasingly under assault by GMO contamination and often left holding the bag, a survey released Monday reveals."

Saturday, March 1, 2014

How to survive a future without water

How to survive a future without water

"As history-defying droughts become more common, Americans will be forced to cope with the reality of water scarcity"

Why Are the Advocates Trying to Save the Planet Prosecuted While the Plunderers Walk Free?

Why Are the Advocates Trying to Save the Planet Prosecuted While the Plunderers Walk Free?

"Three Michigan women - Lisa Leggio, Barbara Carter, and Vicci Hamlin - chained themselves to an excavator in the little town of Mason. They were polite in that Midwestern way throughout their protest of Enbridge, the Canadian firm that leaked 800,000 gallons of oil in their community, and can't seem to clean it up. After the conviction was read, Judge William Collette, a Republican and former bomber pilot, marched the ladies - one of them a great-grandmother - straight to jail from their defense table, despite their intentions to appeal."

While Duke Energy dodges taxes, its pollution costs the public dearly

www.southernstudies.org/2014/02/while-duke-energy-dodges-taxes-its-pollution-costs.html
"In fact, Duke -- the nation's largest electric utility -- had a negative effective tax rate of -3.3 percent during the five-year period. The investor-owned company earned over $9 billion in profits during those years but received tax rebates totaling $299 million."