Why We Are Blocking the Office of Harvard's President | Common Dreams
"On Wednesday morning we began blocking the main entrance to Massachusetts Hall, which houses the office of Harvard University President Drew Faust and other top administrators. We are here to demand an open and transparent dialogue with the Harvard Corporation--Harvard's main governing body--on fossil fuel divestment."
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
The Looming Threat To Modern Medicine That’s Alarming The World Health Organization
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2014/04/30/3432710/antibiotic-resistance-world-health-organization/
"Drug resistance, which is typically driven by the misuse of antibiotics and bacteria’s ability to mutate into new forms, has been on the rise for years."
"Drug resistance, which is typically driven by the misuse of antibiotics and bacteria’s ability to mutate into new forms, has been on the rise for years."
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Photos: Final Day Of Keystone XL ‘Reject And Protect’ Rally Draws Thousands
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/04/29/3431942/photos-keystone-rally/
"On a weekend where some were expecting rain, the final day of the week-long ‘Reject and Protect‘ rally against the Keystone XL pipeline brought clear skies, warm sun and thousands of people to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The protest was organized by the Sierra Club, 350.org, Bold Nebraska and the Cowboy and Indian Alliance, an organization of cowboys, ranchers, farmers, land owners, and Native Americans from the regions that will be affected by the construction of the pipeline."
"On a weekend where some were expecting rain, the final day of the week-long ‘Reject and Protect‘ rally against the Keystone XL pipeline brought clear skies, warm sun and thousands of people to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The protest was organized by the Sierra Club, 350.org, Bold Nebraska and the Cowboy and Indian Alliance, an organization of cowboys, ranchers, farmers, land owners, and Native Americans from the regions that will be affected by the construction of the pipeline."
Photo Essay: "Cowboys and Indians" Against Keystone XL Bring Newfound Unity to DC
Photo Essay: "Cowboys and Indians" Against Keystone XL Bring Newfound Unity to DC
"Last week, members of the Cowboy Indian Alliance—a coalition of tribal members, ranchers, and landowners from the Great Plains—camped out on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., united in one cause: opposition to the Keystone XL pipeline."
"Last week, members of the Cowboy Indian Alliance—a coalition of tribal members, ranchers, and landowners from the Great Plains—camped out on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., united in one cause: opposition to the Keystone XL pipeline."
What The Supreme Court’s Latest Air Pollution Ruling Means
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/04/29/3432048/scotus-epa-decision-cross-state-air-pollution/
"On Tuesday morning, the Supreme Court issued a strong 6-2 ruling that upheld how the Environmental Protection Agency decided to regulate air pollution that crosses state boundaries under the Clean Air Act. This decision has major consequences for millions across the country who suffer from breathing air pollution."
"On Tuesday morning, the Supreme Court issued a strong 6-2 ruling that upheld how the Environmental Protection Agency decided to regulate air pollution that crosses state boundaries under the Clean Air Act. This decision has major consequences for millions across the country who suffer from breathing air pollution."
Drought Causes Chipotle To Increase Its Steak Prices
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/04/29/3432278/chipotle-ups-beef-prices/
"One of the forces behind Chipotle’s choice to raise its beef prices is drought: dry weather in much of cattle-heavy U.S."
"One of the forces behind Chipotle’s choice to raise its beef prices is drought: dry weather in much of cattle-heavy U.S."
Is Oil Money Turning the NRA Against Hunters?
www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/04/nra-wilderness-clayton-williams-energy-oil
"Two new reports examine how America's "number-one hunter's organization" takes oil money and lobbies for anti-conservationist policies most hunters oppose."
"Two new reports examine how America's "number-one hunter's organization" takes oil money and lobbies for anti-conservationist policies most hunters oppose."
Why Is The Oil Industry Giving Millions To The NRA?
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/04/29/3431955/oil-money-nra-sportsmen/
"The interests of rank-and-file members of prominent U.S. sportsmen’s groups are being steadily undercut by the increasing influence over those organizations by the oil and gas industry as it seeks to push development into protected wildlife habitat and privatize public lands."
"The interests of rank-and-file members of prominent U.S. sportsmen’s groups are being steadily undercut by the increasing influence over those organizations by the oil and gas industry as it seeks to push development into protected wildlife habitat and privatize public lands."
Victory for Millions as High Court Rules Against Cross-State Pollution | Common Dreams
Victory for Millions as High Court Rules Against Cross-State Pollution | Common Dreams
"In what is being hailed as a major victory for public health, the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday affirmed the Environmental Protection Agency's authority to regulate cross-state air emissions from polluting factories and power plants."
"In what is being hailed as a major victory for public health, the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday affirmed the Environmental Protection Agency's authority to regulate cross-state air emissions from polluting factories and power plants."
Greenpeace Readies to Confront First Arctic Oil Shipment | Common Dreams
Greenpeace Readies to Confront First Arctic Oil Shipment | Common Dreams
"The first Arctic oil is making its way towards Europe, and environmental campaign group Greenpeace International announced that it is preparing to confront that shipment as part of its ongoing fight to save the Arctic."
"The first Arctic oil is making its way towards Europe, and environmental campaign group Greenpeace International announced that it is preparing to confront that shipment as part of its ongoing fight to save the Arctic."
Dirty Money, Dirty Fuels: Why Money in Politics Matters to the Environment | Common Dreams
Dirty Money, Dirty Fuels: Why Money in Politics Matters to the Environment | Common Dreams
"From the perspective of the fossil fuel industry, political contributions are just another form of investment. The only difference is that, for the millions polluters spend on elections, they see billions in bonus profits."
"From the perspective of the fossil fuel industry, political contributions are just another form of investment. The only difference is that, for the millions polluters spend on elections, they see billions in bonus profits."
Monday, April 28, 2014
Now That Solar Capacity Is Soaring—Koch Brothers Demand Tax on the Sun
www.alternet.org/environment/now-solar-capacity-soaring-koch-brothers-demand-tax-sun?page=0%2C0
"The Kochs have been pushing, through AFP ads, the dishonest meme that rooftop solar owners aren't carrying their fare share of utility system costs. The dishonesty lies in the failure to mention how rooftop solar and distributed power helps reduce the demand for peak power in mid-summer allowing power producers to avoid costs for building new power plants to meet peak demand. Moreover, power distributors not in the generation business are able to avoid paying for the most expensive peak power. But that's not what the utilities are telling the politicians and public. They are lobbying that solar power generators are freeloaders."
"The Kochs have been pushing, through AFP ads, the dishonest meme that rooftop solar owners aren't carrying their fare share of utility system costs. The dishonesty lies in the failure to mention how rooftop solar and distributed power helps reduce the demand for peak power in mid-summer allowing power producers to avoid costs for building new power plants to meet peak demand. Moreover, power distributors not in the generation business are able to avoid paying for the most expensive peak power. But that's not what the utilities are telling the politicians and public. They are lobbying that solar power generators are freeloaders."
Youth Are Taking the Government to Court Over Its Failure to Address Climate Change | The Nation
Youth Are Taking the Government to Court Over Its Failure to Address Climate Change | The Nation
"In an unprecedented federal court case that has made it to the DC Circuit Court of Appeals, young people from California are suing the EPA and Departments of Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, Energy and Defense under the historic public trust doctrine for failing to devise a climate change recovery plan. In their legal brief, they argue, “Failure to rapidly reduce CO2 emissions and protect and restore the balance of the atmosphere is a violation of Youth’s constitutionally protected rights and is redressable by the Courts"."
"In an unprecedented federal court case that has made it to the DC Circuit Court of Appeals, young people from California are suing the EPA and Departments of Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, Energy and Defense under the historic public trust doctrine for failing to devise a climate change recovery plan. In their legal brief, they argue, “Failure to rapidly reduce CO2 emissions and protect and restore the balance of the atmosphere is a violation of Youth’s constitutionally protected rights and is redressable by the Courts"."
Friday, April 25, 2014
Safety Failures Pervasive at Site of Mysterious Nuclear Leak | Common Dreams
Safety Failures Pervasive at Site of Mysterious Nuclear Leak | Common Dreams
"The airborne radiation leak at a federally-owned New Mexico nuclear waste dump that "was never supposed to leak" was caused by poor management, a dismal safety culture, and structural failures, according to the U.S. government's own investigation released Thursday."
"The airborne radiation leak at a federally-owned New Mexico nuclear waste dump that "was never supposed to leak" was caused by poor management, a dismal safety culture, and structural failures, according to the U.S. government's own investigation released Thursday."
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Vermont to pass country’s strictest anti-GMO law
Vermont to pass country’s strictest anti-GMO law
"Gov. Shumlin says he will sign the bill, making Vermont the first state to require the labeling of GM foods"
"Gov. Shumlin says he will sign the bill, making Vermont the first state to require the labeling of GM foods"
Which U.S. Universities Are The Greenest?
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/04/23/3429622/universities-green-princeton-review/
"In a recently released free book by the Princeton Review, three-hundred and thirty universities in the United States and two in Canada are profiled as green four-year higher education institutions."
"In a recently released free book by the Princeton Review, three-hundred and thirty universities in the United States and two in Canada are profiled as green four-year higher education institutions."
Baby Lobsters Are Disappearing, And Warming Oceans May Be To Blame
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/04/24/3430134/bye-bye-baby-lobsters/
"Lobsters may be tough to come by in the coming years, according to a Tuesday report from the Associated Press. That report cited a University of Maine study showing that the number of baby lobsters settling off the state’s coast has declined by more than half from their 2007 levels."
"Lobsters may be tough to come by in the coming years, according to a Tuesday report from the Associated Press. That report cited a University of Maine study showing that the number of baby lobsters settling off the state’s coast has declined by more than half from their 2007 levels."
Six Major Cities Add Their Support To Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Plan
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/04/24/3430261/six-cities-add-their-support-to-the-chesapeake-bay-cleanup-plan/
"Six major U.S. cities — New York, Baltimore, Chicago, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and San Francisco — filed an amicus brief this week in support of the EPA-led Chesapeake Bay cleanup plan, which imposes limits on the level of nutrients that can enter the bay each day."
"Six major U.S. cities — New York, Baltimore, Chicago, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and San Francisco — filed an amicus brief this week in support of the EPA-led Chesapeake Bay cleanup plan, which imposes limits on the level of nutrients that can enter the bay each day."
Australia’s relentless war on science
Australia’s relentless war on science
Scientists speak out against Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s slashed budgets and "anti-research agenda"
Scientists speak out against Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s slashed budgets and "anti-research agenda"
Vermont Law Makes It Official: GMO Food Must Be Labeled | Common Dreams
Vermont Law Makes It Official: GMO Food Must Be Labeled | Common Dreams
"Vermont is being hailed as a national leader following its passage of a law requiring foods that contain genetically-modified food to be labeled, the first "no-strings-attached" legislation passed in the United States.
The bill, passed by both bodies of the state legislature, was signed into law by Governor Peter Shumlin late Wednesday."
"Vermont is being hailed as a national leader following its passage of a law requiring foods that contain genetically-modified food to be labeled, the first "no-strings-attached" legislation passed in the United States.
The bill, passed by both bodies of the state legislature, was signed into law by Governor Peter Shumlin late Wednesday."
Revealed: ALEC’s 2014 Attacks on the Environment
Revealed: ALEC’s 2014 Attacks on the Environment
"The boom in solar generation is increasingly becoming a threat to the high polluting industries, like the coal companies and oil processors that underwrite ALEC. Longtime ALEC funders includes behemoths like Peabody Energy, Koch Industries (controlled by the infamous Koch Brothers), ExxonMobil, BP, and other global multi-billion dollar corporations."
"The boom in solar generation is increasingly becoming a threat to the high polluting industries, like the coal companies and oil processors that underwrite ALEC. Longtime ALEC funders includes behemoths like Peabody Energy, Koch Industries (controlled by the infamous Koch Brothers), ExxonMobil, BP, and other global multi-billion dollar corporations."
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Family Wins Fracking Suit in Legal Blow to Industry | Common Dreams
Family Wins Fracking Suit in Legal Blow to Industry | Common Dreams
"In what is being called a legal blow to the fracking industry, on Tuesday a Texas family was awarded $3 million in the first ever verdict to be handed down over the negative health impacts of fracking."
"In what is being called a legal blow to the fracking industry, on Tuesday a Texas family was awarded $3 million in the first ever verdict to be handed down over the negative health impacts of fracking."
'Straight from the Horse's Mouth': Former Oil Exec Says Fracking Not Safe | Common Dreams
'Straight from the Horse's Mouth': Former Oil Exec Says Fracking Not Safe | Common Dreams
"In a message "straight from the horse's mouth," a former oil executive on Tuesday urged New York state to pass a ban on the controversial practice of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, saying, 'it is not safe'."
"In a message "straight from the horse's mouth," a former oil executive on Tuesday urged New York state to pass a ban on the controversial practice of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, saying, 'it is not safe'."
All Four Of North Carolina’s GOP Senate Candidates Are Climate Deniers
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/04/23/3429756/north-carolina-gop-senate-candidates-climate-deniers/
"North Carolina’s political culture specifically has long had problems with climate and environmental issues. In 2012, the state legislature banned officials from using sea level rise predictions in designing rules for coastal development. Meanwhile, Governor Pat McCrory worked 28 years for Duke Energy and received hefty financial support from the company during his campaign. Duke runs seven coal-fired power plants in the state, along with over 30 coal ash slurry ponds. Those ponds have been the subject of an ongoing lawsuit, with environmental groups charging that poor safeguards and lax oversight have allowed the coal ash slurry to pollute North Carolina’s drinking water."
"North Carolina’s political culture specifically has long had problems with climate and environmental issues. In 2012, the state legislature banned officials from using sea level rise predictions in designing rules for coastal development. Meanwhile, Governor Pat McCrory worked 28 years for Duke Energy and received hefty financial support from the company during his campaign. Duke runs seven coal-fired power plants in the state, along with over 30 coal ash slurry ponds. Those ponds have been the subject of an ongoing lawsuit, with environmental groups charging that poor safeguards and lax oversight have allowed the coal ash slurry to pollute North Carolina’s drinking water."
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Koch Brothers, ALEC, Grover Norquist Target Solar Energy
Koch Brothers, ALEC, Grover Norquist Target Solar Energy
"The Koch brothers, anti-tax activist Grover Norquist and some of the nation's largest power companies have backed efforts in recent months to roll back state policies that favor green energy. The conservative luminaries have pushed campaigns in Kansas, North Carolina and Arizona, with the battle rapidly spreading to other states."
"The Koch brothers, anti-tax activist Grover Norquist and some of the nation's largest power companies have backed efforts in recent months to roll back state policies that favor green energy. The conservative luminaries have pushed campaigns in Kansas, North Carolina and Arizona, with the battle rapidly spreading to other states."
Monday, April 21, 2014
Monsanto’s Dream Bill is a Nightmare for State GMO Labeling Efforts | Common Dreams
Monsanto’s Dream Bill is a Nightmare for State GMO Labeling Efforts | Common Dreams
"Last week, Representative Mike Pompeo (R-KS) introduced the “Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2014” (HR 4432), a brainchild of the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) that would serve as a real road block to the thousands of people who have been fighting for the right to know what’s in their food. This piece of legislation would make voluntary (not mandatory) labeling for genetically engineered foods the national standard, ensure that GMOs can be ambiguously labeled as “natural,” create its own rules for non-GMO labeling and, most heinously, preempt all state efforts to require labeling of GMO foods."
"Last week, Representative Mike Pompeo (R-KS) introduced the “Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2014” (HR 4432), a brainchild of the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) that would serve as a real road block to the thousands of people who have been fighting for the right to know what’s in their food. This piece of legislation would make voluntary (not mandatory) labeling for genetically engineered foods the national standard, ensure that GMOs can be ambiguously labeled as “natural,” create its own rules for non-GMO labeling and, most heinously, preempt all state efforts to require labeling of GMO foods."
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Oklahoma Will Charge Customers Who Install Their Own Solar Panels
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/04/16/3427392/oklahoma-fee-solar-wind/
"Oklahoma residents who produce their own energy through solar panels or small wind turbines on their property will now be charged an additional fee, the result of a new bill passed by the state legislature and expected to be signed into law by Gov. Mary Fallin (R)."
"Oklahoma residents who produce their own energy through solar panels or small wind turbines on their property will now be charged an additional fee, the result of a new bill passed by the state legislature and expected to be signed into law by Gov. Mary Fallin (R)."
Friday, April 18, 2014
Monsanto and Big Food Losing the GMO and "Natural" Food Fight
Monsanto and Big Food Losing the GMO and "Natural" Food Fight
"After 20 years of battling Monsanto and corporate agribusiness, food and farm activists in Vermont, backed by a growing Movement across the country, are on the verge of a monumental victory—mandatory labels on genetically engineered foods and a ban on the routine industry practice of labeling GMO-tainted foods as “natural.”
On April 16, 2014, the Vermont Senate passed H.112 by a vote of 28-2, following up on the passage of a similar bill in the Vermont House last year. The legislation, which requires all GMO foods sold in Vermont to be labeled by July 1, 2016, will now pass through a House/Senate conference committee before landing on Governor Peter Shumlin’s desk, for final approval."
"After 20 years of battling Monsanto and corporate agribusiness, food and farm activists in Vermont, backed by a growing Movement across the country, are on the verge of a monumental victory—mandatory labels on genetically engineered foods and a ban on the routine industry practice of labeling GMO-tainted foods as “natural.”
On April 16, 2014, the Vermont Senate passed H.112 by a vote of 28-2, following up on the passage of a similar bill in the Vermont House last year. The legislation, which requires all GMO foods sold in Vermont to be labeled by July 1, 2016, will now pass through a House/Senate conference committee before landing on Governor Peter Shumlin’s desk, for final approval."
Why Are 20 Far-Away States Trying To Block The Cleanup Of The Chesapeake Bay?
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/04/16/3363281/states-block-chesapeake-cleanup/
"To understand why the 21 state AGs care about a cleanup plan that is, for the most part, outside of their boundaries, you first have to understand why outside groups are suing to strike down the cleanup plan in the first place. That comes down to the interests of one powerful entity: the U.S. agriculture industry.
When the EPA enacted its latest cleanup plan, the Chesapeake Bay Clean Water Blueprint, in December 2010, major agriculture groups were quick to sue, arguing the agency didn’t have the power to restrict the amount of pollutants that enter the bay. Their response came as no surprise, considering agriculture is the largest contributor of nutrient and sediment pollution to the Chesapeake Bay, accounting for 42 percent of the nitrogen, 58 percent of the phosphorous and 58 percent of the sediment that entered the bay in 2012. The EPA’s new cleanup plan established a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for how much nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment can enter the bay each year, potentially cutting pollution by 20-25 percent."
"To understand why the 21 state AGs care about a cleanup plan that is, for the most part, outside of their boundaries, you first have to understand why outside groups are suing to strike down the cleanup plan in the first place. That comes down to the interests of one powerful entity: the U.S. agriculture industry.
When the EPA enacted its latest cleanup plan, the Chesapeake Bay Clean Water Blueprint, in December 2010, major agriculture groups were quick to sue, arguing the agency didn’t have the power to restrict the amount of pollutants that enter the bay. Their response came as no surprise, considering agriculture is the largest contributor of nutrient and sediment pollution to the Chesapeake Bay, accounting for 42 percent of the nitrogen, 58 percent of the phosphorous and 58 percent of the sediment that entered the bay in 2012. The EPA’s new cleanup plan established a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for how much nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment can enter the bay each year, potentially cutting pollution by 20-25 percent."
High Levels Of Mercury Found In Fish In Remote National Parks
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/04/18/3428394/mercury-fish-remote-national-parks/
"Researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey and National Park Service released a report Thursday that found 5 percent of the freshwater fish sampled in 21 western national parks had levels of mercury that were high enough to trigger toxic responses from the fish themselves, potentially endangering their health and lives. In addition, 35 percent of the fish sampled had enough mercury in them to impact the health of some predatory birds, and 68 percent of fish had mercury levels above the recommended amount for “unlimited consumption” by humans."
"Researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey and National Park Service released a report Thursday that found 5 percent of the freshwater fish sampled in 21 western national parks had levels of mercury that were high enough to trigger toxic responses from the fish themselves, potentially endangering their health and lives. In addition, 35 percent of the fish sampled had enough mercury in them to impact the health of some predatory birds, and 68 percent of fish had mercury levels above the recommended amount for “unlimited consumption” by humans."
Each One of Us Is a Toxic Superfund Site
Each One of Us Is a Toxic Superfund Site
"Countries all over the world follow the precautionary principle, to ensure that their citizens are safe and that dangerous products don't make it to market.
In fact, the precautionary principle is so important in the European Union that it's been made a law, and even has its own website.
But here in America, when giant corporations hear "precautionary principle," they think about money, and the millions of dollars they would have to "waste" on testing products before throwing them into our food, putting them into our homes, or pouring them over our bodies.
And, since corporations are running things these days in Washington thanks to the Roberts Supreme Court, our lawmakers are afraid of the precautionary principle too."
"Countries all over the world follow the precautionary principle, to ensure that their citizens are safe and that dangerous products don't make it to market.
In fact, the precautionary principle is so important in the European Union that it's been made a law, and even has its own website.
But here in America, when giant corporations hear "precautionary principle," they think about money, and the millions of dollars they would have to "waste" on testing products before throwing them into our food, putting them into our homes, or pouring them over our bodies.
And, since corporations are running things these days in Washington thanks to the Roberts Supreme Court, our lawmakers are afraid of the precautionary principle too."
Meet The Surprising Star Of Showtime’s New Climate Change Series
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/04/14/3425256/meet-star-showtime-series/
"An evangelical Christian, married to a pastor, living in conservative West Texas, and widely regarded as a top-notch climate scientist, Dr. Katharine Hayhoe is a rare breed on paper — in person, she’s even rarer. Deftly moving between topics like science, religion, and gender with equal parts insight and levity, Hayhoe is an unassuming force of nature."
"An evangelical Christian, married to a pastor, living in conservative West Texas, and widely regarded as a top-notch climate scientist, Dr. Katharine Hayhoe is a rare breed on paper — in person, she’s even rarer. Deftly moving between topics like science, religion, and gender with equal parts insight and levity, Hayhoe is an unassuming force of nature."
GMO Labeling Update: State Efforts Pick Up Momentum, Big Ag Doubles Down | Common Dreams
GMO Labeling Update: State Efforts Pick Up Momentum, Big Ag Doubles Down | Common Dreams
"Congressman Mike Pompeo (R-Kansas) just introduced a bill titled the “Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2014,” which would block the state-level initiatives. Not surprisingly, the Congressman and his co-signers are sympathetic to the Coalition’s goals. After all, Pompeo is the political candidate who has received the most funding from the Koch Brothers this year and the Koch Brothers own Georgia-Pacific, a member of the GMA."
"Congressman Mike Pompeo (R-Kansas) just introduced a bill titled the “Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2014,” which would block the state-level initiatives. Not surprisingly, the Congressman and his co-signers are sympathetic to the Coalition’s goals. After all, Pompeo is the political candidate who has received the most funding from the Koch Brothers this year and the Koch Brothers own Georgia-Pacific, a member of the GMA."
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
US Fracking Boom Creating Crisis of Illegal Toxic Dumping | Common Dreams
US Fracking Boom Creating Crisis of Illegal Toxic Dumping | Common Dreams
"Industrial waste from fracking sites is leaving a "legacy of radioactivity" across the country as the drilling boom churns out more and more toxic byproducts with little to no oversight of the disposal process, critics warn."
"Industrial waste from fracking sites is leaving a "legacy of radioactivity" across the country as the drilling boom churns out more and more toxic byproducts with little to no oversight of the disposal process, critics warn."
Nation's Boldest GMO Label Law Nears Passage in Vermont | Common Dreams
Nation's Boldest GMO Label Law Nears Passage in Vermont | Common Dreams
"After a groundswell of support from state residents fueled by grassroots activism, Vermont is on track to become the first state to require the labeling of food that contains genetically modified organisms (GMOs)."
"After a groundswell of support from state residents fueled by grassroots activism, Vermont is on track to become the first state to require the labeling of food that contains genetically modified organisms (GMOs)."
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
A Reporters' Guide to the Koch-funded Rich States, Poor States ALEC Report
A Reporters' Guide to the Koch-funded Rich States, Poor States ALEC Report
"ALEC brings together corporate lobbyists and state legislators to vote on "model" legislation behind closed doors which are then introduced by ALEC legislators across the country. ALEC is almost entirely funded by industry, including Koch Industries, which has long served on the ALEC board along with Altria/Phllip Morris and Exxon Mobil."
"ALEC brings together corporate lobbyists and state legislators to vote on "model" legislation behind closed doors which are then introduced by ALEC legislators across the country. ALEC is almost entirely funded by industry, including Koch Industries, which has long served on the ALEC board along with Altria/Phllip Morris and Exxon Mobil."
Monday, April 14, 2014
The revolution starts here: Why the fight against climate change needs to begin where we live
The revolution starts here: Why the fight against climate change needs to begin where we live
"A new report on climate change demonstrates the urgent need to change how we think about cities"
"A new report on climate change demonstrates the urgent need to change how we think about cities"
In Small Canadian Town Democracy Wins, Tar Sands Loses | Common Dreams
In Small Canadian Town Democracy Wins, Tar Sands Loses | Common Dreams
"In a vote cheered as a victory for democracy, one community in British Columbia has given a flat rejection to a proposed tar sands pipeline."
"In a vote cheered as a victory for democracy, one community in British Columbia has given a flat rejection to a proposed tar sands pipeline."
'Years of Living Dangerously': The most important television series ever
www.dailykos.com/story/2014/04/13/1290606/--Years-of-Living-Dangerously-The-most-important-television-series-ever
"The complete episode one is at the top of this post. Episode two will air tonight, and 350.org suggests hosting or attending screening parties. If such a thing as "must-see" television exists, this is it."
"The complete episode one is at the top of this post. Episode two will air tonight, and 350.org suggests hosting or attending screening parties. If such a thing as "must-see" television exists, this is it."
Climate Panel Stunner: Avoiding Climate Catastrophe Is Super Cheap — But Only If We Act Now | Common Dreams
Climate Panel Stunner: Avoiding Climate Catastrophe Is Super Cheap — But Only If We Act Now | Common Dreams
"The world has emitted more than twice the industrial CO2 emissions since 1970 as we did from the start of the Industrial Revolution through 1970. That is especially sobering because lags in the climate system mean we’re only now experiencing the temperature and climate changes from CO2 levels of a couple decades ago. The time to act is now."
"The world has emitted more than twice the industrial CO2 emissions since 1970 as we did from the start of the Industrial Revolution through 1970. That is especially sobering because lags in the climate system mean we’re only now experiencing the temperature and climate changes from CO2 levels of a couple decades ago. The time to act is now."
Dear Fossil Fuel Industry - It's Over | Common Dreams
Dear Fossil Fuel Industry - It's Over | Common Dreams
"Clean, renewable energy is getting bigger, better and cheaper every day and can now provide the solutions the world needs. Renewables are the most economical solution for new power capacity in an ever increasing number of countries.
The "age of renewables" has arrived."
"Clean, renewable energy is getting bigger, better and cheaper every day and can now provide the solutions the world needs. Renewables are the most economical solution for new power capacity in an ever increasing number of countries.
The "age of renewables" has arrived."
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Ohio Announces Stricter Fracking Permits After Link Between Extraction and Seismic Activity is Found
www.alternet.org/fracking/ohio-announces-stricter-fracking-permits
"Geologists working for the State of Ohio have confirmed a direct link between hydraulic fracturing and a recent spate of seismic activity in region. The scientists' findings have prompted the state to issue new permit conditions for fracking that are among the nation's strictest.
Ohio has been investigating recent tremors near Youngstown, in the northwestern part of the state. The geologists found that the high-pressure injection of water and fracking compounds into the underground rock formation known as the Utica Shale have likely stressed a previously unknown fault."
"Geologists working for the State of Ohio have confirmed a direct link between hydraulic fracturing and a recent spate of seismic activity in region. The scientists' findings have prompted the state to issue new permit conditions for fracking that are among the nation's strictest.
Ohio has been investigating recent tremors near Youngstown, in the northwestern part of the state. The geologists found that the high-pressure injection of water and fracking compounds into the underground rock formation known as the Utica Shale have likely stressed a previously unknown fault."
Saturday, April 12, 2014
The Economic Case for Restoring Coastal Ecosystems
www.americanprogress.org/issues/green/report/2014/04/09/87386/the-economic-case-for-restoring-coastal-ecosystems/
"Investing in coastal restoration is good policy. It is not just the right thing to do for the environment; it is the right thing to do for coastal communities, vulnerable coastal populations, and the U.S. economy."
"Investing in coastal restoration is good policy. It is not just the right thing to do for the environment; it is the right thing to do for coastal communities, vulnerable coastal populations, and the U.S. economy."
The Economic Benefits of Restoring Coastal Ecosystems Fact Sheet
www.americanprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/CoastalRestoration-factsheet.pdf
"Averaging the benefit-cost ratios across the three restoration projects studied, each dollar invested by taxpayers returns more than $15 in net economic benefits."
"Averaging the benefit-cost ratios across the three restoration projects studied, each dollar invested by taxpayers returns more than $15 in net economic benefits."
GMO Lobby Works Tirelessly Against Mandatory Labeling
GMO Lobby Works Tirelessly Against Mandatory Labeling
"Pompeo is not well known for passing bills in Congress. He is known for being the single largest recipient of campaign funding from Koch Industries' PACs and employees in 2010. And h has introduced several bills friendly to the Koch brothers' interests, according to the Washington Post. The Huffington Post recently called him "the Koch brothers' point man in the House." Pompeo is Koch Industries' top recipient again in the current election cycle, according to OpenSecrets.org."
"Pompeo is not well known for passing bills in Congress. He is known for being the single largest recipient of campaign funding from Koch Industries' PACs and employees in 2010. And h has introduced several bills friendly to the Koch brothers' interests, according to the Washington Post. The Huffington Post recently called him "the Koch brothers' point man in the House." Pompeo is Koch Industries' top recipient again in the current election cycle, according to OpenSecrets.org."
The U.S. Navy Just Announced The End Of Big Oil And No One Noticed
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/04/12/navy-ends-big-oil/
"Curiously, this doesn’t seem to be making much of a splash (no pun intended) on the evening news. Let’s repeat this: The United States Navy has figured out how to turn seawater into fuel and it will cost about the same as gasoline."
"Curiously, this doesn’t seem to be making much of a splash (no pun intended) on the evening news. Let’s repeat this: The United States Navy has figured out how to turn seawater into fuel and it will cost about the same as gasoline."
New Study Confirms Likely Link Between Fracking And Earthquakes
New Study Confirms Likely Link Between Fracking And Earthquakes
"Seismologists have determined that fracking can be linked to seismic activity in Ohio."
"Seismologists have determined that fracking can be linked to seismic activity in Ohio."
Friday, April 11, 2014
Dahr Jamail | Evidence of Acceleration of Anthropogenic Climate Disruption on All Fronts
Dahr Jamail | Evidence of Acceleration of Anthropogenic Climate Disruption on All Fronts
"NASA released the results of a study showing that long-term planetary warming is continuing along the higher end of many projections."
"NASA released the results of a study showing that long-term planetary warming is continuing along the higher end of many projections."
Scientists Use Solar Power To Make More Solar Panels
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/04/10/3425126/scientists-use-solar-power-to-make-more-solar-panels/
"Solar power could soon be used directly in the manufacturing of new solar cells, making production of a key chemical require zero energy."
"Solar power could soon be used directly in the manufacturing of new solar cells, making production of a key chemical require zero energy."
Climate Change Drying Out Southwest Now, With Worse To Come For A Third Of The Planet
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/04/11/3424247/climate-change-drying-out-southwest/
"Two new studies confirm that warming-driven climate change is already drying the U.S. Southwest and other parts of the globe. More worrisome, nearly a third of the world’s land faces drying from rising greenhouse gases — including two of the world’s greatest agricultural centers, “the U.S. Great Plains and a swath of southeastern China"."
"Two new studies confirm that warming-driven climate change is already drying the U.S. Southwest and other parts of the globe. More worrisome, nearly a third of the world’s land faces drying from rising greenhouse gases — including two of the world’s greatest agricultural centers, “the U.S. Great Plains and a swath of southeastern China"."
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Tutu: Climate Crisis Demands 'Anti-Apartheid-Style Boycott' of Fossil Fuel Industry | Common Dreams
Tutu: Climate Crisis Demands 'Anti-Apartheid-Style Boycott' of Fossil Fuel Industry | Common Dreams
"Archbishop of South Africa and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Desmond Tutu is saying their is no longer any excuse for not doing everything humanly possible to fight climate change and called on Thursday for an international "anti-apartheid-style boycott" against the fossil fuel industry."
"Archbishop of South Africa and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Desmond Tutu is saying their is no longer any excuse for not doing everything humanly possible to fight climate change and called on Thursday for an international "anti-apartheid-style boycott" against the fossil fuel industry."
'Monsanto, Koch Alliance'? GOP Congressman Pushes Bill to Block GMO Labling | Common Dreams
'Monsanto, Koch Alliance'? GOP Congressman Pushes Bill to Block GMO Labling | Common Dreams
"In a move slammed as sealing "an unholy alliance between Monsanto and Koch Industries," a Kansas congressman has submitted legislation that would ban state-level GMO labeling laws."
"In a move slammed as sealing "an unholy alliance between Monsanto and Koch Industries," a Kansas congressman has submitted legislation that would ban state-level GMO labeling laws."
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
'This Is Not Over': Gulf Life Still Reeling From Toxic BP Spill | Common Dreams
'This Is Not Over': Gulf Life Still Reeling From Toxic BP Spill | Common Dreams
"Nearly four years after BP's Deepwater Horizon oil catastrophe, plants, animals, and fish in the Gulf of Mexico are still reeling from the toxic spill, according to a report released Tuesday by the National Wildlife Federation."
"Nearly four years after BP's Deepwater Horizon oil catastrophe, plants, animals, and fish in the Gulf of Mexico are still reeling from the toxic spill, according to a report released Tuesday by the National Wildlife Federation."
Monday, April 7, 2014
Nuclear Subsidy Deal ‘Will Kill Renewables’ - Truthdig
Nuclear Subsidy Deal ‘Will Kill Renewables’ - Truthdig
"The United Kingdom’s plans to build heavily subsidised nuclear power stations have come under withering attack from a coalition of Members of Parliament, academics, energy industry experts and environmental groups."
"The United Kingdom’s plans to build heavily subsidised nuclear power stations have come under withering attack from a coalition of Members of Parliament, academics, energy industry experts and environmental groups."
CNN and Fox Can't Keep Their Climate Facts Straight: Study | Common Dreams
CNN and Fox Can't Keep Their Climate Facts Straight: Study | Common Dreams
"Of the three—not surprisingly—Fox News was the least accurate in its coverage of global warming and climate change issues during 2013, in which 72 percent of the segments contained misleading statements."
"Of the three—not surprisingly—Fox News was the least accurate in its coverage of global warming and climate change issues during 2013, in which 72 percent of the segments contained misleading statements."
Solartopia! Winning the Green Energy Revolution | Common Dreams
Solartopia! Winning the Green Energy Revolution | Common Dreams
"But it’s under extreme attack from the billionaire Koch Brothers, utilities like First Energy (FE), and a fossil/nuke industry that threatens our existence on this planet."
"But it’s under extreme attack from the billionaire Koch Brothers, utilities like First Energy (FE), and a fossil/nuke industry that threatens our existence on this planet."
Dear Humanity, Time Is Running Out | Common Dreams
Dear Humanity, Time Is Running Out | Common Dreams
"The next chapter of the UN climate panel's scientific report on global warming is due out next week in Berlin, but a draft of the document seen by the Reuters news agency reveals that the main message for humanity and society is simply this: time is running out."
"The next chapter of the UN climate panel's scientific report on global warming is due out next week in Berlin, but a draft of the document seen by the Reuters news agency reveals that the main message for humanity and society is simply this: time is running out."
NEW STUDY: Only 28 Percent of Fox News Climate Segments Are Accurate
www.motherjones.com/environment/2014/04/cable-news-fox-climate-science-accuracy
"The study found that last year, 30 percent of CNN's climate-related segments were misleading, compared with 72 percent for Fox News and just 8 percent for MSNBC. The study methodology was quite strict: segments that contained "any inaccurate or misleading representations of climate science" were classified as misleading."
"The study found that last year, 30 percent of CNN's climate-related segments were misleading, compared with 72 percent for Fox News and just 8 percent for MSNBC. The study methodology was quite strict: segments that contained "any inaccurate or misleading representations of climate science" were classified as misleading."
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Scientific Proof Of Fukushima Radiation In North America
www.radiationprevention.com/proof-fukushima-radiation-in-canada-usa/
"We wrote this post to satisfy the need for more scientific evidence that Fukushima Daiichi fallout has reached North America, in a clear and concise way. Here we present 8 examples of scientific proof this is, and continues to occur."
"We wrote this post to satisfy the need for more scientific evidence that Fukushima Daiichi fallout has reached North America, in a clear and concise way. Here we present 8 examples of scientific proof this is, and continues to occur."
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Solar, Hydrogen, And Aluminum: A Guide To The Latest In Advanced Vehicle Technology
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/04/05/3422885/cars-of-the-future-solar-hydrogen-aluminum/
"Here is a look at some of the highlights of what’s coming next in the world of efficient vehicles"
"Here is a look at some of the highlights of what’s coming next in the world of efficient vehicles"
Friday, April 4, 2014
Cleanup Company Warns Parts Of North Dakota Could Soon Become Radioactive Waste Sites
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/04/02/3422092/north-dakota-superfund/
"An official at a national radioactive waste cleanup company has put out a warning for North Dakota oil producers: Clean up your act, or risk turning parts of the state into Superfund sites."
"An official at a national radioactive waste cleanup company has put out a warning for North Dakota oil producers: Clean up your act, or risk turning parts of the state into Superfund sites."
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Duke Energy Attempts to Block Citizens' Groups in Coal Ash Case | Common Dreams
Duke Energy Attempts to Block Citizens' Groups in Coal Ash Case | Common Dreams
"Duke Energy is attempting to block citizens' groups from taking part in regulatory action against the company's 14 polluting coal ash dumps across North Carolina."
"Duke Energy is attempting to block citizens' groups from taking part in regulatory action against the company's 14 polluting coal ash dumps across North Carolina."
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Contamination Even More Widespread After Nuclear Dump Site Leak | Common Dreams
Contamination Even More Widespread After Nuclear Dump Site Leak | Common Dreams
"Four more workers have now tested positive for radiation after being exposed to a February leak from an underground nuclear waste dump near Carlsbad, New Mexico, the U.S. Department of Energy announced Monday, bringing the total number of contaminated workers to 21."
"Four more workers have now tested positive for radiation after being exposed to a February leak from an underground nuclear waste dump near Carlsbad, New Mexico, the U.S. Department of Energy announced Monday, bringing the total number of contaminated workers to 21."
Koch brothers vs. a bus: Why two billionaires hate a transit project in Nashville
Koch brothers vs. a bus: Why two billionaires hate a transit project in Nashville
"A bus rapid transit project is imperiled because a couple of rich guys love meddling"
"A bus rapid transit project is imperiled because a couple of rich guys love meddling"
'Unprecedented' Ocean Temperatures on Track to Bring Death to Coral Ecosystems | Common Dreams
'Unprecedented' Ocean Temperatures on Track to Bring Death to Coral Ecosystems | Common Dreams
"An effect of this warming is an event known as coral bleaching, which often leads to the death of coral ecosystems."
"An effect of this warming is an event known as coral bleaching, which often leads to the death of coral ecosystems."
Student #WalkOut4Climate Demands Ban on Fossil Fuels | Common Dreams
Student #WalkOut4Climate Demands Ban on Fossil Fuels | Common Dreams
"Roughly 200 students from universities across Massachusetts walked out of class on Monday before rallying in front of the State House to demand that the governor commit to a "clean energy future"."
"Roughly 200 students from universities across Massachusetts walked out of class on Monday before rallying in front of the State House to demand that the governor commit to a "clean energy future"."
Ohio Senate Republicans Launch Attack On State’s Renewable Energy Law
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/03/31/3420880/ohio-republicans-attack-renewable-law/
"After multiple failed attempts to roll back Ohio’s clean energy and energy efficiency standards, Republicans in the state senate aren’t giving up, releasing another bill on Friday that takes aim at the law. The measure stems from a previous bill pushed by Sen. Bill Seitz (R-Cincinnati), member of the corporate-funded, anti-clean energy group the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)."
"After multiple failed attempts to roll back Ohio’s clean energy and energy efficiency standards, Republicans in the state senate aren’t giving up, releasing another bill on Friday that takes aim at the law. The measure stems from a previous bill pushed by Sen. Bill Seitz (R-Cincinnati), member of the corporate-funded, anti-clean energy group the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)."
Why Are The Koch Brothers Getting Involved In Tennessee’s Bus Lines?
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/04/01/3421088/koch-brothers-tennessee/
"The Tennessee Senate passed a bill last week that, if approved, would broadly ban mass transit projects in the region, an anti-transit effort that’s gotten some help in the state from Charles and David Koch."
"The Tennessee Senate passed a bill last week that, if approved, would broadly ban mass transit projects in the region, an anti-transit effort that’s gotten some help in the state from Charles and David Koch."
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