Sunday, May 31, 2015
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Rand Paul Tries To Fool Students Into Thinking He's A Democrat
Rand Paul Tries To Fool Students Into Thinking He's A Democrat
"Baby Paul's obligatory "I wanna be President so I wrote a book" book is out. Huzzah! In it, he brands himself as a "crunchy treehugger" who says "the Republican party sucks."
He's really hoping that will appeal to college students so he can peel a few away, I suppose, but first he'd like to destroy those campuses they all attend and rid them of stinky liberals before indoctrinating them into the Cult of Koch."
"Baby Paul's obligatory "I wanna be President so I wrote a book" book is out. Huzzah! In it, he brands himself as a "crunchy treehugger" who says "the Republican party sucks."
He's really hoping that will appeal to college students so he can peel a few away, I suppose, but first he'd like to destroy those campuses they all attend and rid them of stinky liberals before indoctrinating them into the Cult of Koch."
Congressional Republicans are outraged that the EPA wants to protect our drinking water
Congressional Republicans are <i>outraged</i> that the EPA wants to protect our drinking water
"Those in favor of the rule, on the other hand? Aside from the usual groups interested in protecting the environment, which are all pretty thrilled, it’s backed, per one poll, by 80 percent of voters and, per McCarthy, 80 percent of small business owners. Craft breweries are also big fans: “Beer is about 90 percent water, making local water supply quality and its characteristics, such as pH and mineral content, critical to brewing,” a coalition of beer companies wrote to the EPA in 2014."
"Those in favor of the rule, on the other hand? Aside from the usual groups interested in protecting the environment, which are all pretty thrilled, it’s backed, per one poll, by 80 percent of voters and, per McCarthy, 80 percent of small business owners. Craft breweries are also big fans: “Beer is about 90 percent water, making local water supply quality and its characteristics, such as pH and mineral content, critical to brewing,” a coalition of beer companies wrote to the EPA in 2014."
Obama Takes Bold Executive Action To Protect America’s Drinking Water From Corporate Polluters
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/05/27/obama-takes-bold-executive-action-protect-americas-drinking-water-corporate-polluters.html
"When Republicans claim that this rule is harming the economy, what they really mean is that these changes aren’t going to allow agribusiness and corporations to destroy the clean water supply for 33% of the country. Republicans are literally advocating for one-third of the country to potentially lose access to clean drinking water."
"When Republicans claim that this rule is harming the economy, what they really mean is that these changes aren’t going to allow agribusiness and corporations to destroy the clean water supply for 33% of the country. Republicans are literally advocating for one-third of the country to potentially lose access to clean drinking water."
Sunday, May 24, 2015
Friday, May 22, 2015
2015 Is Crushing It For Hottest Year On Record
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/05/22/3662117/2015-hottest-year-record-so-far/
"Last week NASA reported that this has been the Earth’s hottest January-April on record. This week, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed that finding with its latest monthly report on global temperatures.
Separately, NOAA released its monthly report on “Global Ocean Heat.” It makes clear that the ocean’s heat content down to 2000 meters (1.24 miles) has been soaring this century — and nearly gone off the charts this year"
"Last week NASA reported that this has been the Earth’s hottest January-April on record. This week, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed that finding with its latest monthly report on global temperatures.
Separately, NOAA released its monthly report on “Global Ocean Heat.” It makes clear that the ocean’s heat content down to 2000 meters (1.24 miles) has been soaring this century — and nearly gone off the charts this year"
Huge Insurance Company Cites Climate Change As Reason For Divesting From Coal
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/05/22/3662053/axa-insurance-coal-divestment/
"Citing climate change as a major threat, one of the world’s largest insurance companies has pledged to drop its remaining investment in coal assets while tripling its investment in green technologies."
"Citing climate change as a major threat, one of the world’s largest insurance companies has pledged to drop its remaining investment in coal assets while tripling its investment in green technologies."
The California Oil Spill Is Even Worse Than We Thought
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/05/22/3661684/the-santa-barbara-oil-spill-is-awful/
"Federal records show that the Plains All American Pipeline has had 175 safety and maintenance infractions since 2006, the Los Angeles Times reported. The Times’ analysis found that “Plains’ rate of incidents per mile of pipe is more than three times the national average"."
"Federal records show that the Plains All American Pipeline has had 175 safety and maintenance infractions since 2006, the Los Angeles Times reported. The Times’ analysis found that “Plains’ rate of incidents per mile of pipe is more than three times the national average"."
Report: Fossil Fuels Receive $5.3 Trillion A Year In Subsidies Worldwide
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/05/22/3662148/we-pay-what-for-fossil-fuels/
"The world pays $5.3 trillion a year in hidden costs to keep burning fossil fuels, according to a new report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This is in addition to the $492 billion in direct subsidies offered by governments around the world — write-offs and write-downs and land-use loopholes."
"The world pays $5.3 trillion a year in hidden costs to keep burning fossil fuels, according to a new report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This is in addition to the $492 billion in direct subsidies offered by governments around the world — write-offs and write-downs and land-use loopholes."
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Washington State Is In A Drought ‘Unlike Any We’ve Ever Experienced’
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/05/18/3659911/washington-drought-emergency-declared/
"Sectors that rely heavily on melting snowpack, like agriculture and wildlife, are expected to be hit hardest by the drought, with the Washington Department of Agriculture anticipating $1.2 billion in crop losses this year.
Statewide, snowpack levels are currently 16 percent of normal, ten percent lower than the last time a statewide drought emergency was declared in 2005. Of 98 snow sites measured at the beginning of the month by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), 66 were snow free — 11 of them for the first time in history. Along with record low snowpack, the NRCS found that 17 of 34 long-term measuring sites recorded their earliest peak on record, occurring on average 48 days earlier than normal."
"Sectors that rely heavily on melting snowpack, like agriculture and wildlife, are expected to be hit hardest by the drought, with the Washington Department of Agriculture anticipating $1.2 billion in crop losses this year.
Statewide, snowpack levels are currently 16 percent of normal, ten percent lower than the last time a statewide drought emergency was declared in 2005. Of 98 snow sites measured at the beginning of the month by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), 66 were snow free — 11 of them for the first time in history. Along with record low snowpack, the NRCS found that 17 of 34 long-term measuring sites recorded their earliest peak on record, occurring on average 48 days earlier than normal."
Fox Attacks Obama For Calling Climate Change An Immediate National Security Threat
http://mediamatters.org/research/2015/05/20/fox-attacks-obama-for-calling-climate-change-an/203722
"But Military Professionals Agree That Climate Change Poses A Significant National Security Threat
Center For Naval Analyses (CNA): Climate Change Poses "Severe Risks [To] Our National Security." In May 2014, the Center for Naval Analyses published a report titled National Security and the Accelerating Risk Of Climate Change. The report detailed the effects of global climate change on national and international security"
"But Military Professionals Agree That Climate Change Poses A Significant National Security Threat
Center For Naval Analyses (CNA): Climate Change Poses "Severe Risks [To] Our National Security." In May 2014, the Center for Naval Analyses published a report titled National Security and the Accelerating Risk Of Climate Change. The report detailed the effects of global climate change on national and international security"
4 Reasons Climate Change Affects National Security | Alternet
4 Reasons Climate Change Affects National Security | Alternet
"The report argues that climate change will affect the various missions of the Department of Defense, including overseas disaster and humanitarian relief, Arctic response and instability within and between foreign nations."
"The report argues that climate change will affect the various missions of the Department of Defense, including overseas disaster and humanitarian relief, Arctic response and instability within and between foreign nations."
As Chipotle Goes GMO-free, Monsanto's Worst Fear Is Coming True | Alternet
As Chipotle Goes GMO-free, Monsanto's Worst Fear Is Coming True | Alternet
"The decision of the Chipotle restaurant chain to make its product lines GMO-free is not most people's idea of a world-historic event. Especially since Chipotle, by US standards, is not a huge operation.
A clear sign that the move is significant, however, is that Chipotle's decision was met with a tidal-wave of establishment media abuse."
"The decision of the Chipotle restaurant chain to make its product lines GMO-free is not most people's idea of a world-historic event. Especially since Chipotle, by US standards, is not a huge operation.
A clear sign that the move is significant, however, is that Chipotle's decision was met with a tidal-wave of establishment media abuse."
Kayaktivists Vs. A Massive Oil Rig: Inside Seattle’s Fight Against Shell’s Arctic Drilling Plans
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/05/21/3660630/kayaktivists-seattle-shell-continued-action/
"On Saturday, they came by sea: hundreds of “kayaktivists” gathering around a newly-arrived, massive offshore oil drilling rig in Seattle’s Elliot Bay."
"On Saturday, they came by sea: hundreds of “kayaktivists” gathering around a newly-arrived, massive offshore oil drilling rig in Seattle’s Elliot Bay."
Texas Governor Signs Bill That Makes Local Fracking Bans Illegal
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/05/19/3660369/texas-prohibits-local-fracking-bans/
"On Monday, Texas governor Greg Abbott signed legislation that prohibits cities across Texas from banning hydraulic fracturing from their home turf. In what was a major agenda item for Texas lawmakers this session, towns like Denton, Texas — which passed the state’s first local fracking ban last November — will no longer be able to exercise local control over the oil and gas industry when it comes to nearby extraction."
"On Monday, Texas governor Greg Abbott signed legislation that prohibits cities across Texas from banning hydraulic fracturing from their home turf. In what was a major agenda item for Texas lawmakers this session, towns like Denton, Texas — which passed the state’s first local fracking ban last November — will no longer be able to exercise local control over the oil and gas industry when it comes to nearby extraction."
By Banning Fracking Bans, Texas Picks Gas Drillers over Local Democracy
By Banning Fracking Bans, Texas Picks Gas Drillers over Local Democracy
"In what environmental campaigners and the people of the small town of Denton, Texas are calling a clear example of fossil fuel interests trumping the will of local residents, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday signed HB 40 into law thereby undermining a local ordinance, approved overwhelmingly by voters during last year's election, which banned fracking in the community."
"In what environmental campaigners and the people of the small town of Denton, Texas are calling a clear example of fossil fuel interests trumping the will of local residents, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday signed HB 40 into law thereby undermining a local ordinance, approved overwhelmingly by voters during last year's election, which banned fracking in the community."
Governments Giving Fossil Fuel Companies $10 Million a Minute: IMF
Governments Giving Fossil Fuel Companies $10 Million a Minute: IMF
"Energy companies receive $5.3 trillion a year in funding from governments worldwide"
"Energy companies receive $5.3 trillion a year in funding from governments worldwide"
Oil Billionaire Demands University of Oklahoma Fire Scientists for Exposing Fracking Risks
Oil Billionaire Demands University of Oklahoma Fire Scientists for Exposing Fracking Risks
"In today’s world we’re literally at a point where scientific experts are under attack because the facts they’re finding via the scientific process by which scientific facts are determined aren’t exactly revelations that big oil wants the public to know about. Especially when it comes to fracking."
"In today’s world we’re literally at a point where scientific experts are under attack because the facts they’re finding via the scientific process by which scientific facts are determined aren’t exactly revelations that big oil wants the public to know about. Especially when it comes to fracking."
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Taxpayer Subsidies for Fossil Fuels on a Warming Planet in One Word: 'Absurd'
Taxpayer Subsidies for Fossil Fuels on a Warming Planet in One Word: 'Absurd'
"Last month, along with Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), Sanders introduced a bicameral bill in Congress that would effectively put an end to large-scale subsidies for the fossil fuel industry. Called the End Polluter Welfare Act, the measure would end tax breaks for fossil-fuel industries, recoup taxpayer-owed royalties for fossil-fuel related practices on public lands and waters, and prioritize federally-supported research for clean energy projects. Further, the measures would also prevent companies from escaping liability for spills or deducting clean-up costs from their taxes."
"Last month, along with Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), Sanders introduced a bicameral bill in Congress that would effectively put an end to large-scale subsidies for the fossil fuel industry. Called the End Polluter Welfare Act, the measure would end tax breaks for fossil-fuel industries, recoup taxpayer-owed royalties for fossil-fuel related practices on public lands and waters, and prioritize federally-supported research for clean energy projects. Further, the measures would also prevent companies from escaping liability for spills or deducting clean-up costs from their taxes."
Koch Brothers Claim Another State in War on Renewables
http://ecowatch.com/2015/05/16/koch-brothers-war-on-renewables/?utm_source=EcoWatch+List&utm_campaign=db4a3ecd78-Top_News_5_16_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_49c7d43dc9-db4a3ecd78-85986361
"Throughout the last two decades state after state has passed renewable energy standards, often with big bipartisan majorities, as investment in technologies like wind and solar held great promise for economic growth and job creation in addition to cutting greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change and decreasing air pollution.
But in the last few years, pressed by fossil fuel businesses such as Koch Industries and advocacy groups funded by the Koch brothers, including Americans for Prosperity and the American Legislative Exchange Counsel (ALEC), bills have been introduced in state after state to repeal these standards. And in a few states, such as Ohio and West Virginia, they’ve succeeded."
"Throughout the last two decades state after state has passed renewable energy standards, often with big bipartisan majorities, as investment in technologies like wind and solar held great promise for economic growth and job creation in addition to cutting greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change and decreasing air pollution.
But in the last few years, pressed by fossil fuel businesses such as Koch Industries and advocacy groups funded by the Koch brothers, including Americans for Prosperity and the American Legislative Exchange Counsel (ALEC), bills have been introduced in state after state to repeal these standards. And in a few states, such as Ohio and West Virginia, they’ve succeeded."
Carbon Pollution’s Harm To Sea Life Coming Faster Than Expected
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/05/12/3657571/carbon-pollution-sea-life/
"as carbon dioxide is absorbed in water it causes chemical reactions that reduce “saturation states of biologically important calcium carbonate [CaCO3] minerals,” which “are the building blocks for the skeletons and shells of many marine organisms,” as NOAA explains. In the parts of the ocean teeming with life, the seawater has an overabundance (supersaturation) of these calcium carbonate minerals used by so-called “calcifying organisms,” which include corals and algae and mollusks and some plankton.
As the ocean absorbs more carbon dioxide, more and more places are becoming undersaturated with these minerals, thereby threatening calcifying organisms. Besides a decline in calcification, the World Meteorological Organization explained in 2014, “Other impacts of acidification on marine biota include reduced survival, development and growth rates, as well as changes in physiological functions and reduced biodiversity"."
"as carbon dioxide is absorbed in water it causes chemical reactions that reduce “saturation states of biologically important calcium carbonate [CaCO3] minerals,” which “are the building blocks for the skeletons and shells of many marine organisms,” as NOAA explains. In the parts of the ocean teeming with life, the seawater has an overabundance (supersaturation) of these calcium carbonate minerals used by so-called “calcifying organisms,” which include corals and algae and mollusks and some plankton.
As the ocean absorbs more carbon dioxide, more and more places are becoming undersaturated with these minerals, thereby threatening calcifying organisms. Besides a decline in calcification, the World Meteorological Organization explained in 2014, “Other impacts of acidification on marine biota include reduced survival, development and growth rates, as well as changes in physiological functions and reduced biodiversity"."
Fox's Stephen Moore Preemptively Debunked On Clean Energy By Video Affixed To His Column
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2015/05/12/foxs-stephen-moore-preemptively-debunked-on-cle/203626
"Moore has a long history of misinforming on energy and the environment, along with a whole host of other issues."
"Moore has a long history of misinforming on energy and the environment, along with a whole host of other issues."
Pope Francis Warns The Rich And Powerful To Protect The Planet Or Suffer God’s Wrath
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/05/12/pope-francis-warns-the-rich-and-powerful-to-protect-the-planet-or-suffer-gods-wrath/
"And it’s not the first time Pope Francis has knocked conservatives. Since becoming the leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis has slammed conservatives for waging a vicious war against the poor and their support of vulture capitalism as the driving force of the economy. He has also referred to ideologically obsessed Christians as an “illness.” As we all know, conservative “Christians” are completely obsessed with religious fundamentalism, but often ignore the parts of the Bible that go against their philosophy of hating poor people and being good planetary stewards."
"And it’s not the first time Pope Francis has knocked conservatives. Since becoming the leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis has slammed conservatives for waging a vicious war against the poor and their support of vulture capitalism as the driving force of the economy. He has also referred to ideologically obsessed Christians as an “illness.” As we all know, conservative “Christians” are completely obsessed with religious fundamentalism, but often ignore the parts of the Bible that go against their philosophy of hating poor people and being good planetary stewards."
This Billionaire Tried To Get University Scientists Fired For Doing Their Job
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/05/16/3659750/oil-billionaire-fracking-earthquakes/
"Despite a growing body of scientific research connecting oil and gas activity to a dramatic spike in earthquakes across several U.S. states, some industry leaders are fighting this characterization. Harold Hamm, billionaire CEO of Oklahoma City-based Continental Resources, told a dean at the University of Oklahoma last year that he was so displeased by the university’s research on the topic that he wanted certain scientists dismissed, Bloomberg News reported."
"Despite a growing body of scientific research connecting oil and gas activity to a dramatic spike in earthquakes across several U.S. states, some industry leaders are fighting this characterization. Harold Hamm, billionaire CEO of Oklahoma City-based Continental Resources, told a dean at the University of Oklahoma last year that he was so displeased by the university’s research on the topic that he wanted certain scientists dismissed, Bloomberg News reported."
Friday, May 15, 2015
U.S. Taxpayers Subsidizing World's Biggest Fossil Fuel Companies | Alternet
U.S. Taxpayers Subsidizing World's Biggest Fossil Fuel Companies | Alternet
"Sanders, with representative Keith Ellison, recently proposed an End Polluter Welfare Act, which they say would cut $135bn of US subsidies for fossil fuel companies over the next decade. “Between 2010 and 2014, the oil, coal, gas, utility, and natural resource extraction industries spent $1.8bn on lobbying, much of it in defense of these giveaways,” according to Sanders and Ellison"
"Sanders, with representative Keith Ellison, recently proposed an End Polluter Welfare Act, which they say would cut $135bn of US subsidies for fossil fuel companies over the next decade. “Between 2010 and 2014, the oil, coal, gas, utility, and natural resource extraction industries spent $1.8bn on lobbying, much of it in defense of these giveaways,” according to Sanders and Ellison"
5 Easy Actions You Can Take to Help Animals on Endangered Species Day | Alternet
5 Easy Actions You Can Take to Help Animals on Endangered Species Day | Alternet
"There are so many species that need increased protection from poaching, habitat destruction and other threats from humans. Here are five that could use your support"
"There are so many species that need increased protection from poaching, habitat destruction and other threats from humans. Here are five that could use your support"
Massive Antarctic Ice Shelf Will Disappear Completely In A Few Years, According To NASA
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/05/15/3659338/antarctic-larsen-b-nasa-study/
"An Antarctic ice shelf roughly half the size of Rhode Island will disintegrate completely within the next few years, according to a NASA study released Thursday.
In 2002, two-thirds of the Larsen B Ice Shelf — which had been intact for more than 10,000 years — broke up in less than six weeks. The remaining portion of the ice shelf covers about 625 square miles along the Antarctic Peninsula, extending toward the southern tip of South America."
"An Antarctic ice shelf roughly half the size of Rhode Island will disintegrate completely within the next few years, according to a NASA study released Thursday.
In 2002, two-thirds of the Larsen B Ice Shelf — which had been intact for more than 10,000 years — broke up in less than six weeks. The remaining portion of the ice shelf covers about 625 square miles along the Antarctic Peninsula, extending toward the southern tip of South America."
Largest Public University Yet Dumps Coal
Largest Public University Yet Dumps Coal
"The University of Washington (UW) will divest roughly $2 million of its endowment from coal companies, citing "the seriousness of the climate change problem," after a vote by the school's board of regents Thursday night."
"The University of Washington (UW) will divest roughly $2 million of its endowment from coal companies, citing "the seriousness of the climate change problem," after a vote by the school's board of regents Thursday night."
You Just Lived Through The Earth’s Hottest January-April Since We Started Keeping Records
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/05/14/3658741/hottest-4-month-record/
"NASA reported Wednesday that this was the hottest four-month start (January to April) of any year on record. This was also the second-warmest April on record in NASA’s dataset."
"NASA reported Wednesday that this was the hottest four-month start (January to April) of any year on record. This was also the second-warmest April on record in NASA’s dataset."
House Passes Bill To Block EPA Proposal That Would Protect Millions Of Miles Of Streams
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/05/14/3658290/house-bill-blocks-waters-of-us-rule/
"The Republican-led House of Representatives passed a bill this week that would block a proposal by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to clarify what streams, tributaries and wetlands can be protected under the Clean Water Act."
"The Republican-led House of Representatives passed a bill this week that would block a proposal by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to clarify what streams, tributaries and wetlands can be protected under the Clean Water Act."
Enbridge Agrees To Pay $75 Million For Massive Kalamazoo River Tar Sands Spill
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/05/14/3658797/enbridge-kalamazoo-river-settlement/
"Canadian oil company Enbridge has agreed to pay $75 million for its role in a 2010 pipeline rupture that resulted in the largest inland oil spill in U.S. history."
"Canadian oil company Enbridge has agreed to pay $75 million for its role in a 2010 pipeline rupture that resulted in the largest inland oil spill in U.S. history."
Guilty as Charged: Duke Energy to Pay Record Fine for Coal Ash Crimes
Guilty as Charged: Duke Energy to Pay Record Fine for Coal Ash Crimes
"Duke Energy pleaded guilty on Thursday to environmental crimes and has agreed to pay a record $102 million in fines and restitution for years of illegal pollution, ignored warnings, and poorly maintained infrastructure."
"Duke Energy pleaded guilty on Thursday to environmental crimes and has agreed to pay a record $102 million in fines and restitution for years of illegal pollution, ignored warnings, and poorly maintained infrastructure."
Monday, May 11, 2015
Looting Louisiana: How the Jindal administration is helping Big Oil rip off a cash-strapped state
http://www.southernstudies.org/2015/05/looting-louisiana-how-the-jindal-administration-is.html
"Louisiana is in the throes of a budget crisis, with the state facing a $1.6 billion deficit for the upcoming fiscal year that begins July 1.
Gov. Bobby Jindal (R) has proposed cutting more than $200 million from higher education, leading Louisiana State University to begin drafting paperwork for what is essentially a form of academic bankruptcy. State leaders are also considering cutting health care services for the poor, elderly and disabled. Meanwhile, Moody's Investors Service and Standard and Poor's have said they may lower the state's credit rating if it doesn't come up with a solution.
As the state grapples with how to respond to the shortfall, new details have emerged about a scheme that has helped bring it to this desperate point."
"Louisiana is in the throes of a budget crisis, with the state facing a $1.6 billion deficit for the upcoming fiscal year that begins July 1.
Gov. Bobby Jindal (R) has proposed cutting more than $200 million from higher education, leading Louisiana State University to begin drafting paperwork for what is essentially a form of academic bankruptcy. State leaders are also considering cutting health care services for the poor, elderly and disabled. Meanwhile, Moody's Investors Service and Standard and Poor's have said they may lower the state's credit rating if it doesn't come up with a solution.
As the state grapples with how to respond to the shortfall, new details have emerged about a scheme that has helped bring it to this desperate point."
Saturday, May 9, 2015
The G.O.P.’s War on Science Gets Worse
http://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/gop-war-on-science-gets-worse?intcid=mod-most-popular
"The vote on the NASA bill came just a week after the same House committee approved major funding cuts to the National Science Foundation’s geosciences program, as well as cuts to Department of Energy programs that support research into new energy sources."
"The vote on the NASA bill came just a week after the same House committee approved major funding cuts to the National Science Foundation’s geosciences program, as well as cuts to Department of Energy programs that support research into new energy sources."
8 Dangerous Side Effects of Fracking That the Industry Doesn't Want You to Hear About | Alternet
8 Dangerous Side Effects of Fracking That the Industry Doesn't Want You to Hear About | Alternet
"With the recent confirmation by the U.S. government that the fracking process causes earthquakes, the list of fracking's deadly byproducts is growing longer and more worrisome. And while the process produces jobs and natural gas, the host of environmental, health and safety hazards continues to make fracking a hot-button issue that evenly divides Americans."
"With the recent confirmation by the U.S. government that the fracking process causes earthquakes, the list of fracking's deadly byproducts is growing longer and more worrisome. And while the process produces jobs and natural gas, the host of environmental, health and safety hazards continues to make fracking a hot-button issue that evenly divides Americans."
Global Carbon Dioxide Concentration Hit Record High in March | Alternet
Global Carbon Dioxide Concentration Hit Record High in March | Alternet
"Recorded levels have not been seen at least since monitoring began—and likely in all of human history."
"Recorded levels have not been seen at least since monitoring began—and likely in all of human history."
Republicans Aim to Preempt Local Democracy, Target Fracking Bans
http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/30670-republicans-aim-to-preempt-local-democracy-targeting-fracking-bans
"The Texas Senate - in lockstep with the oil and gas industry, despite the continued protests of their own constituents - approved legislation this week that would make the city of Denton's fracking ban unenforceable and preempt the ability of local communities to regulate oil and gas operations within their city limits."
"The Texas Senate - in lockstep with the oil and gas industry, despite the continued protests of their own constituents - approved legislation this week that would make the city of Denton's fracking ban unenforceable and preempt the ability of local communities to regulate oil and gas operations within their city limits."
Why Food Companies Aren’t Prepared To Deal With Water Scarcity
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/05/09/3657089/ceres-water-report-food-companies/
"Leading global food companies are failing to account for impending water scarcity in their business plans, new report finds."
"Leading global food companies are failing to account for impending water scarcity in their business plans, new report finds."
Heartland Institute's President Denies They're Climate Science Deniers...Then Spouts More Denial
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2015/05/04/heartland-institutes-president-denies-theyre-cl/203522
"Here is a side-by-side comparison of what Heartland says about climate science juxtaposed with statements from some of the world's leading scientific bodies"
"Here is a side-by-side comparison of what Heartland says about climate science juxtaposed with statements from some of the world's leading scientific bodies"
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Watch GOP Environment Committee Head Argue Carbon Pollution Is Good With Straight Face (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/05/07/watch-gop-environment-committee-head-argue-carbon-pollution-is-good-with-straight-face-video/
"While Inhofe held his carbon dioxide lovefest in the Senate, House Republicans have been busy working on a bill that would roll back a massive number of regulations that have kept oil companies in check, while at the same time killing funding for green energy. Fittingly, it has been dubbed the “Pollute at Will” bill. Republicans are falling head over heels for it.
It’s hard to view what Republican lawmakers are doing as anything other than sabotage."
"While Inhofe held his carbon dioxide lovefest in the Senate, House Republicans have been busy working on a bill that would roll back a massive number of regulations that have kept oil companies in check, while at the same time killing funding for green energy. Fittingly, it has been dubbed the “Pollute at Will” bill. Republicans are falling head over heels for it.
It’s hard to view what Republican lawmakers are doing as anything other than sabotage."
Despite Republican Obstruction Tesla Sales Are Going Strong
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/05/07/tesla-sales/
"Republicans tend to tout the party line of how government regulations strangle innovation, all the while continuing a legacy of using regulations to hinder those who are not in their pocket. Hence, why the subsidies to the fossil fuel industry are fine, but those that subsidize clean energy are merely the works of the devil trying to institute Sharia Law in the United States for some reason."
"Republicans tend to tout the party line of how government regulations strangle innovation, all the while continuing a legacy of using regulations to hinder those who are not in their pocket. Hence, why the subsidies to the fossil fuel industry are fine, but those that subsidize clean energy are merely the works of the devil trying to institute Sharia Law in the United States for some reason."
The Buildings of Tomorrow Are Here Today
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/green/report/2015/04/30/112212/the-buildings-of-tomorrow-are-here-today/
"Net-zero energy buildings are technically and financially viable today and are delivering benefits to their owners and users. Throughout the United States, private citizens and businesses are already demonstrating this by building and retrofitting spaces of the future that are highly efficient and renewable energy powered"
"Net-zero energy buildings are technically and financially viable today and are delivering benefits to their owners and users. Throughout the United States, private citizens and businesses are already demonstrating this by building and retrofitting spaces of the future that are highly efficient and renewable energy powered"
ALEC-Tied Politicians Push North Carolina To Gut Its Environmental Protection Act
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/04/30/3653236/nc-environmental-act-threatened/
"It only took two weeks for the Republican-led House in North Carolina to introduce and pass a bill gutting the state’s environmental law."
"It only took two weeks for the Republican-led House in North Carolina to introduce and pass a bill gutting the state’s environmental law."
Global Carbon Dioxide Levels Just Hit A Disturbing New Threshold
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/05/06/3655775/carbon-dioxide-new-threshold/
"Four hundred: it’s a number that will go down in climate history while also continuing to rise.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 400.83 parts per million (ppm) was the average concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide in March."
"Four hundred: it’s a number that will go down in climate history while also continuing to rise.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 400.83 parts per million (ppm) was the average concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide in March."
Republicans Who Cut Science Budgets Are Not Stupid — They're Malicious — And Their Goal is Ignorance | Alternet
Republicans Who Cut Science Budgets Are Not Stupid — They're Malicious — And Their Goal is Ignorance | Alternet
"It's meant to bolster the goals and, most importantly, the bottom line of the corporations whose products are the driving force behind the global warming that is steadily making Earth less humanly habitable."
"It's meant to bolster the goals and, most importantly, the bottom line of the corporations whose products are the driving force behind the global warming that is steadily making Earth less humanly habitable."
Right-Wing Media Desperately Smear Scientists To Defend Climate Deniers' Virtue
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2015/05/01/right-wing-media-desperately-smear-scientists-t/203489
"It should come as no surprise that Michaels himself works for an organization funded by the fossil fuel industry. The Cato Institute was co-founded by the oil billionaire Koch brothers and has received millions from the Koch family, while also receiving funding from ExxonMobil and the American Petroleum Institute."
"It should come as no surprise that Michaels himself works for an organization funded by the fossil fuel industry. The Cato Institute was co-founded by the oil billionaire Koch brothers and has received millions from the Koch family, while also receiving funding from ExxonMobil and the American Petroleum Institute."
Anti-Science GOP 'Eviscerates' NASA Spending on Climate Change Research
Anti-Science GOP 'Eviscerates' NASA Spending on Climate Change Research
"Astronomer and journalist Phil Plait, writing at Slate, agreed that "the evisceration of Earth sciences means this bill is seriously, critically flawed." But, Plait said, U.S. voters only have themselves to blame for such short-sighted policy decisions"
"Astronomer and journalist Phil Plait, writing at Slate, agreed that "the evisceration of Earth sciences means this bill is seriously, critically flawed." But, Plait said, U.S. voters only have themselves to blame for such short-sighted policy decisions"
Fracking Titans Bankrolling Right-Wing Indoctrination Effort in Schools: Investigation
Fracking Titans Bankrolling Right-Wing Indoctrination Effort in Schools: Investigation
"Prager University, an online institution founded in 2011 by conservative radio host Dennis Prager to create right-wing educational resources, is directing its religious politics directly at students and teachers, while receiving financial support from two fracking industry titans."
"Prager University, an online institution founded in 2011 by conservative radio host Dennis Prager to create right-wing educational resources, is directing its religious politics directly at students and teachers, while receiving financial support from two fracking industry titans."
Saturday, May 2, 2015
Water Industry Launches Attack on Water Democracy, Promotes Privatization | Alternet
Water Industry Launches Attack on Water Democracy, Promotes Privatization | Alternet
"What’s not so transparent is how the water industry lobbies to secure their interests. Comprised of large U.S. water companies and the U.S. subsidiaries of multinational corporations like Suez, the NAWC has been a member of the controversial American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), alongside Koch Industries and ExxonMobil. ALEC works to ensure that state legislation is modeled to support its industry-friendly policy goals, including deregulation and privatization. One of its bolder resolutions has been one to dissolve the Environmental Protection Agency. ALEC has even backed restrictions on voting.
Some companies, such as Amazon, Coca-Cola and more recently, Google, have backed out of ALEC because of its reactionary agenda. But in 2012 NAWC publicly defended its membership in ALEC, and, as journalist Sarah Pavlus noted, it’s not the industry’s only dubious association: American Water’s Pennsylvania subsidiary and Aqua America have partnered with the oil and gas industry on a lobbying effort to expand fracking (water companies sell the industry water used in fracking operations, and also recognize that the treatment of wastewater from fracking is a lucrative business opportunity.)
Instead of promoting private involvement in municipal water systems in the form of public private partnerships, the federal government should adequately fund water infrastructure projects."
"What’s not so transparent is how the water industry lobbies to secure their interests. Comprised of large U.S. water companies and the U.S. subsidiaries of multinational corporations like Suez, the NAWC has been a member of the controversial American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), alongside Koch Industries and ExxonMobil. ALEC works to ensure that state legislation is modeled to support its industry-friendly policy goals, including deregulation and privatization. One of its bolder resolutions has been one to dissolve the Environmental Protection Agency. ALEC has even backed restrictions on voting.
Some companies, such as Amazon, Coca-Cola and more recently, Google, have backed out of ALEC because of its reactionary agenda. But in 2012 NAWC publicly defended its membership in ALEC, and, as journalist Sarah Pavlus noted, it’s not the industry’s only dubious association: American Water’s Pennsylvania subsidiary and Aqua America have partnered with the oil and gas industry on a lobbying effort to expand fracking (water companies sell the industry water used in fracking operations, and also recognize that the treatment of wastewater from fracking is a lucrative business opportunity.)
Instead of promoting private involvement in municipal water systems in the form of public private partnerships, the federal government should adequately fund water infrastructure projects."
Friday, May 1, 2015
GOP House Leaders Create ‘Action Group’ To Seize And Sell America’s Public Lands
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/05/01/3653883/gop-action-group-seize-public-lands/
"Thanks to support from the Koch-backed American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and front groups for the oil industry’s PR giant, Richard Berman, as well as increasing lobbying by the Utah-based American Lands Council, these proposals have now gained prominence at the national level."
"Thanks to support from the Koch-backed American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and front groups for the oil industry’s PR giant, Richard Berman, as well as increasing lobbying by the Utah-based American Lands Council, these proposals have now gained prominence at the national level."
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