Bill Gates: The Private Sector Is Inept @alternet
"It turns out he thinks the private sector is too selfish and inept to tackle the dire climate change situation, and relying on it would be courting disaster."
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Farm Sanctuary Gets Lift from Celebrity Couple Jon and Tracey Stewart
Farm Sanctuary Gets Lift from Celebrity Couple Jon and Tracey Stewart
"Offering a boost to the animal rights movement and farm animals everywhere, former Daily Show host Jon Stewart and his wife, advocate and former veterinary technician Tracey, announced this weekend that their property in Middletown, New Jersey, will be the fourth outpost of the nation's largest and most effective farm rescue and protection organization."
"Offering a boost to the animal rights movement and farm animals everywhere, former Daily Show host Jon Stewart and his wife, advocate and former veterinary technician Tracey, announced this weekend that their property in Middletown, New Jersey, will be the fourth outpost of the nation's largest and most effective farm rescue and protection organization."
A Statewide Attack on Public Health and the Environment Is Underway in North Carolina @alternet
A Statewide Attack on Public Health and the Environment Is Underway in North Carolina @alternet
"The measure was shepherded through the Senate by Sen. Trudy Wade, a Greensboro Republican and veterinarian who was first elected in 2012. The N.C. League of Conservation Voters has given her a lifetime environmental score of 0. Among the top contributors to her campaign are the real estate industry, special trade contractors and the trucking industry, according to the National Institute on Money in State Politics."
"The measure was shepherded through the Senate by Sen. Trudy Wade, a Greensboro Republican and veterinarian who was first elected in 2012. The N.C. League of Conservation Voters has given her a lifetime environmental score of 0. Among the top contributors to her campaign are the real estate industry, special trade contractors and the trucking industry, according to the National Institute on Money in State Politics."
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Exxon's damaging denial on climate change
http://www.latimes.com/opinion/editorials/la-ed-exxon-climate-change-20151015-story.html
"According to reports in the Los Angeles Times and elsewhere, the oil company's scientists concluded in the 1970s, '80s and '90s that climate change was real, would transform the Earth's landscape and was driven by human activity — especially the burning of fossil fuels.
As the debate over climate change began in earnest, however, Exxon didn't use its wealth of scientific findings to issue an alarm to the world, or even to add a supportive, attention-grabbing voice to those of the climatologists who were trying to convince policymakers and the public. Instead, company officials publicly cast doubt on the very existence of global warming, arguing that the science was just too murky to draw a conclusion.
Meanwhile, the company was using that supposedly murky science to sketch out plans to take advantage of global warming by expanding drilling operations in Arctic seas, where there would be reduced ice and longer drilling seasons, and to adapt its activities on the region's land, where the permafrost would certainly thaw and soften."
"According to reports in the Los Angeles Times and elsewhere, the oil company's scientists concluded in the 1970s, '80s and '90s that climate change was real, would transform the Earth's landscape and was driven by human activity — especially the burning of fossil fuels.
As the debate over climate change began in earnest, however, Exxon didn't use its wealth of scientific findings to issue an alarm to the world, or even to add a supportive, attention-grabbing voice to those of the climatologists who were trying to convince policymakers and the public. Instead, company officials publicly cast doubt on the very existence of global warming, arguing that the science was just too murky to draw a conclusion.
Meanwhile, the company was using that supposedly murky science to sketch out plans to take advantage of global warming by expanding drilling operations in Arctic seas, where there would be reduced ice and longer drilling seasons, and to adapt its activities on the region's land, where the permafrost would certainly thaw and soften."
How Exxon went from leader to skeptic on climate change research
http://graphics.latimes.com/exxon-research/
"In 2007, the company, for the first time since the early 1980s, publicly conceded that climate change was occurring and that it was in large part the result of the burning of fossil fuels."
"In 2007, the company, for the first time since the early 1980s, publicly conceded that climate change was occurring and that it was in large part the result of the burning of fossil fuels."
These Bipartisan Security Experts Say Climate Change Is A National Security Threat
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/10/23/3715200/bipartisan-security-experts-climate-change-threat/
"The statement released Thursday directly references a a 2014 Pentagon report released by the U.S. Department of Defense calling climate change a “threat multiplier.” The Partnership for a Secure America, which published the ad, said that the DoD is concerned that the effects of climate change could “prevent access to their workforce, degrade the security of installations, impede training and readiness, and impair force capacity.
Security threats associated with climate change are already being observed in a number of areas of the world. Climate change is considered a contributing factor to the wars in Syria, and climate-related crop failures and droughts in the Middle East and African Sahel are contributing to migration pressures.
Even back in 2013, Admiral Samuel J. Locklear III, commander of the U.S. Pacific Command, answered the question about what the greatest security threat the region faces with two familiar words: climate change."
"The statement released Thursday directly references a a 2014 Pentagon report released by the U.S. Department of Defense calling climate change a “threat multiplier.” The Partnership for a Secure America, which published the ad, said that the DoD is concerned that the effects of climate change could “prevent access to their workforce, degrade the security of installations, impede training and readiness, and impair force capacity.
Security threats associated with climate change are already being observed in a number of areas of the world. Climate change is considered a contributing factor to the wars in Syria, and climate-related crop failures and droughts in the Middle East and African Sahel are contributing to migration pressures.
Even back in 2013, Admiral Samuel J. Locklear III, commander of the U.S. Pacific Command, answered the question about what the greatest security threat the region faces with two familiar words: climate change."
Exxon's Climate Cover-Up
http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/33311-exxon-s-climate-cover-up
"Even though the company claims that it accepts climate science today, it's still supporting climate denial as a member of climate denying groups like ALEC. That's because Exxon knows - and has known known for almost 40 years - that the basis of its business model is a threat to humanity. And so the company lied and blew a whole lot of smoke to make the science seem less clear than it is, in order to protect its bottom line.
Fortunately, our legal system has dealt with this sort of corporate deception and corruption before.
In 1999, the Department of Justice (DOJ) decided to investigate and prosecute Big Tobacco for violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. For nearly 50 years, the tobacco industry had promoted phony science and created deceptive labels to make cigarettes attractive and to make them appear "safe" - if not outright "healthy." Twenty-one years ago, tobacco executives were still testifying that nicotine wasn't addictive.
But in 2006, when US District Judge Gladys Kessler finally ruled on the case, she wrote, "In short, defendants have marketed and sold their lethal product with zeal, with deception, with a single-minded focus on their financial success, and without regard for the human tragedy or social costs that success exacted."
And that's exactly what Exxon and the other oil companies have been doing for nearly 40 years.
And that's why Sharon Eubanks, the former US Department of Justice attorney who prosecuted and won the racketeering case against Big Tobacco - is calling for the Department of Justice to look into whether Exxon violated the RICO Act."
"Even though the company claims that it accepts climate science today, it's still supporting climate denial as a member of climate denying groups like ALEC. That's because Exxon knows - and has known known for almost 40 years - that the basis of its business model is a threat to humanity. And so the company lied and blew a whole lot of smoke to make the science seem less clear than it is, in order to protect its bottom line.
Fortunately, our legal system has dealt with this sort of corporate deception and corruption before.
In 1999, the Department of Justice (DOJ) decided to investigate and prosecute Big Tobacco for violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. For nearly 50 years, the tobacco industry had promoted phony science and created deceptive labels to make cigarettes attractive and to make them appear "safe" - if not outright "healthy." Twenty-one years ago, tobacco executives were still testifying that nicotine wasn't addictive.
But in 2006, when US District Judge Gladys Kessler finally ruled on the case, she wrote, "In short, defendants have marketed and sold their lethal product with zeal, with deception, with a single-minded focus on their financial success, and without regard for the human tragedy or social costs that success exacted."
And that's exactly what Exxon and the other oil companies have been doing for nearly 40 years.
And that's why Sharon Eubanks, the former US Department of Justice attorney who prosecuted and won the racketeering case against Big Tobacco - is calling for the Department of Justice to look into whether Exxon violated the RICO Act."
Exxon's Climate Lie: 'No Corporation Has Ever Done Anything This Big or Bad'
Exxon's Climate Lie: 'No Corporation Has Ever Done Anything This Big or Bad'
"They helped organise campaigns designed to instil doubt, borrowing tactics and personnel from the tobacco industry’s similar fight. They funded “institutes” devoted to outright climate denial. And at the highest levels they did all they could to spread their lies."
"They helped organise campaigns designed to instil doubt, borrowing tactics and personnel from the tobacco industry’s similar fight. They funded “institutes” devoted to outright climate denial. And at the highest levels they did all they could to spread their lies."
Sanders Joins Call for DOJ Investigation into Exxon's Climate Coverup
Sanders Joins Call for DOJ Investigation into Exxon's Climate Coverup
"Exxon may have known about climate change and the role of fossil fuels in exacerbating global warming as far back as 1977 and spent millions of dollars funding a misinformation campaign to cast doubt on scientific information as it emerged to the public."
"Exxon may have known about climate change and the role of fossil fuels in exacerbating global warming as far back as 1977 and spent millions of dollars funding a misinformation campaign to cast doubt on scientific information as it emerged to the public."
Sanders wants DOJ Exxon probe, Whitehouse renews call for RICO investigation over climate fraud
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/10/21/1436553/-Sanders-wants-DOJ-Exxon-probe-Whitehouse-renews-call-for-RICO-investigation-over-climate-fraud
"anyone who thinks Exxon or the Journal or the host of Koch-paid shills who have been smearing scientists and ridiculing the truth are going to stop their campaign of lies because of the latest exposé of their evil shenanigans should know better. Big Tobacco didn't stop lying when it was first exposed."
"anyone who thinks Exxon or the Journal or the host of Koch-paid shills who have been smearing scientists and ridiculing the truth are going to stop their campaign of lies because of the latest exposé of their evil shenanigans should know better. Big Tobacco didn't stop lying when it was first exposed."
Exxon Knew Everything There Was to Know About Climate Change by the Mid-1980s—and Denied It
http://www.thenation.com/article/exxon-knew-everything-there-was-to-know-about-climate-change-by-the-mid-1980s-and-denied-it/
"as early as the late 1970s, Exxon scientists were briefing top executives that climate change was real, dangerous, and caused by their product."
"as early as the late 1970s, Exxon scientists were briefing top executives that climate change was real, dangerous, and caused by their product."
Bernie Sanders Calls For Federal Investigation Of Exxon
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/10/20/3714390/bernie-sanders-investigate-exxon-climate-denial/
"ExxonMobil conducted research as far back as 1977 affirming that climate change is caused by carbon emissions from fossil fuels. At the same time, the oil giant gave millions of dollars to politicians and organizations that promote climate science denial, and spent millions more lobbying to prevent regulations to limit carbon emissions.
Sanders, like many, compared the allegations against ExxonMobil to the DOJ’s massive and successful lawsuit against the tobacco industry. That action found that a number of big tobacco companies engaged in racketeering by conspiring to hide the harmful impacts of smoking from the public."
"ExxonMobil conducted research as far back as 1977 affirming that climate change is caused by carbon emissions from fossil fuels. At the same time, the oil giant gave millions of dollars to politicians and organizations that promote climate science denial, and spent millions more lobbying to prevent regulations to limit carbon emissions.
Sanders, like many, compared the allegations against ExxonMobil to the DOJ’s massive and successful lawsuit against the tobacco industry. That action found that a number of big tobacco companies engaged in racketeering by conspiring to hide the harmful impacts of smoking from the public."
Saturday, October 24, 2015
America's Greenest Cities: Where Does Your City Rank? @alternet
America's Greenest Cities: Where Does Your City Rank? @alternet
"A strong majority of Americans favor living sustainably. According to a Pew Research poll, 71 percent said the U.S. "should do whatever it takes to protect the environment." And as more than 80 percent of Americans live in urban areas, examining the environmental friendliness of cities is an excellent way to take the nation's overall "sustainability pulse"."
"A strong majority of Americans favor living sustainably. According to a Pew Research poll, 71 percent said the U.S. "should do whatever it takes to protect the environment." And as more than 80 percent of Americans live in urban areas, examining the environmental friendliness of cities is an excellent way to take the nation's overall "sustainability pulse"."
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Why Sale of National Geographic to Fox Signals Perilous Times for Photojournalism
http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/33237-why-sale-of-national-geographic-to-fox-signals-perilous-times-for-photojournalism
"Six corporations own 90 per cent of the media companies in the US, according to a report by Business Insider. What most Americans read, watch, and listen to is filtered through those corporate interests. And media that isn't corporate-owned is often corporate-sponsored. National Public Radio, for example, took funding from America's Natural Gas Alliance, which leads those who oppose fracking to point out how weak NPR's reporting is on the topic.
"Propaganda by omission is something to watch out for," Daymon Hartley, former photographer for the Detroit Free Press, told DeSmog. "Now corporations control what you see and what you don't see. They look through lens of their own ideology and control the message by hiding what it doesn't want you to see."
Ownership of the media dictates the tone of editorial content, as well as the allocation of resources to cover stories. Not reporting on a topic can tell us as much about a news source's stance as the topics it does cover – as do the images we see and don't see."
"Six corporations own 90 per cent of the media companies in the US, according to a report by Business Insider. What most Americans read, watch, and listen to is filtered through those corporate interests. And media that isn't corporate-owned is often corporate-sponsored. National Public Radio, for example, took funding from America's Natural Gas Alliance, which leads those who oppose fracking to point out how weak NPR's reporting is on the topic.
"Propaganda by omission is something to watch out for," Daymon Hartley, former photographer for the Detroit Free Press, told DeSmog. "Now corporations control what you see and what you don't see. They look through lens of their own ideology and control the message by hiding what it doesn't want you to see."
Ownership of the media dictates the tone of editorial content, as well as the allocation of resources to cover stories. Not reporting on a topic can tell us as much about a news source's stance as the topics it does cover – as do the images we see and don't see."
Dirty energy plutocrats are trying to buy the presidential election
http://grist.org/politics/dirty-energy-plutocrats-are-trying-to-buy-the-presidential-election/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=daily-horizon
"Of the 158 mega-donors, the most common industry in which they have made their money is finance and the second biggest is energy, mostly oil and gas. The donors are disproportionately old, white, and male, concentrated in a handful of very rich, non-diverse neighborhoods. Most importantly, their politics are not representative of the country at all: 138 of the 158, or 87 percent, are Republicans."
"Of the 158 mega-donors, the most common industry in which they have made their money is finance and the second biggest is energy, mostly oil and gas. The donors are disproportionately old, white, and male, concentrated in a handful of very rich, non-diverse neighborhoods. Most importantly, their politics are not representative of the country at all: 138 of the 158, or 87 percent, are Republicans."
Recordings Of Massey Energy CEO Introduced As Evidence Could Be His Downfall
Recordings Of Massey Energy CEO Introduced As Evidence Could Be His Downfall
"The tapes offer a peek into the mind of a man seemingly consumed with his own wealth and frustrated with federal regulators and company officials who pushed for more attention to safety."
"The tapes offer a peek into the mind of a man seemingly consumed with his own wealth and frustrated with federal regulators and company officials who pushed for more attention to safety."
Climate change is, as Sanders says, our top nat'l security issue, but most of GOP still in denial
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/10/16/1433421/-Climate-change-is-as-Sanders-says-our-top-nat-l-security-issue-but-most-of-GOP-still-in-denial
"All this caterwauling ignores what the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review and the 2014 Quadrennial Defense Review have to say. The QDR is the nation's key public document laying out U.S. military doctrine. Here's a bit from the 2010 version:
Assessments conducted by the intelligence community indicate that climate change could have significant geopolitical impacts around the world, contributing to poverty, environmental degradation, and the further weakening of fragile governments. Climate change will contribute to food and water scarcity, will increase the spread of disease, and may spur or exacerbate mass migration.
And in 2014:
Climate change poses another significant challenge for the United States and the world at large. As greenhouse gas emissions increase, sea levels are rising, average global temperatures are increasing, and severe weather patterns are accelerating. These changes, coupled with other global dynamics, including growing, urbanizing, more affluent populations, and substantial economic growth in India, China, Brazil, and other nations, will devastate homes, land, and infrastructure. Climate change may exacerbate water scarcity and lead to sharp increases in food costs. The pressures caused by climate change will influence resource competition while placing additional burdens on economies, societies, and governance institutions around the world. These effects are threat multipliers that will aggravate stressors abroad such as poverty,environmental degradation, political instability, and social tensions—conditions that can enable terrorist activity and other forms of violence."
"All this caterwauling ignores what the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review and the 2014 Quadrennial Defense Review have to say. The QDR is the nation's key public document laying out U.S. military doctrine. Here's a bit from the 2010 version:
Assessments conducted by the intelligence community indicate that climate change could have significant geopolitical impacts around the world, contributing to poverty, environmental degradation, and the further weakening of fragile governments. Climate change will contribute to food and water scarcity, will increase the spread of disease, and may spur or exacerbate mass migration.
And in 2014:
Climate change poses another significant challenge for the United States and the world at large. As greenhouse gas emissions increase, sea levels are rising, average global temperatures are increasing, and severe weather patterns are accelerating. These changes, coupled with other global dynamics, including growing, urbanizing, more affluent populations, and substantial economic growth in India, China, Brazil, and other nations, will devastate homes, land, and infrastructure. Climate change may exacerbate water scarcity and lead to sharp increases in food costs. The pressures caused by climate change will influence resource competition while placing additional burdens on economies, societies, and governance institutions around the world. These effects are threat multipliers that will aggravate stressors abroad such as poverty,environmental degradation, political instability, and social tensions—conditions that can enable terrorist activity and other forms of violence."
Exxon-Mobil Lands In Hot Water Over Climate Change Report
Exxon-Mobil Lands In Hot Water Over Climate Change Report
"Exxon-Mobil is in a high puddle of hot water over reports that they knew about climate change and their contribution to it as early as the 1970s, but buried the evidence so they could keep on making the billionaire bucks."
"Exxon-Mobil is in a high puddle of hot water over reports that they knew about climate change and their contribution to it as early as the 1970s, but buried the evidence so they could keep on making the billionaire bucks."
Even Fossil Fuel Companies Support An International Climate Agreement
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/10/15/3712719/fossil-fuel-companies-climate-statement/
"In a joint statement released Wednesday by the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, 14 major Fortune 500 companies voiced their support for a strong global agreement on climate change.
The 14-company coalition represents a broad set of business interests, from technology giants like Intel and HP to the electronics manufacturer Siemens Corporation. But the letter also includes supporters that might not seem like the most natural allies to a global climate agreement, including coal mining companies like BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto, oil and gas companies like BP and Shell, and industrial manufacturers like Alcoa and LafargeHolcim. Together, the companies have a combined revenues of $1.1 trillion and employ more than 1.5 million people, according to the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions."
"In a joint statement released Wednesday by the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, 14 major Fortune 500 companies voiced their support for a strong global agreement on climate change.
The 14-company coalition represents a broad set of business interests, from technology giants like Intel and HP to the electronics manufacturer Siemens Corporation. But the letter also includes supporters that might not seem like the most natural allies to a global climate agreement, including coal mining companies like BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto, oil and gas companies like BP and Shell, and industrial manufacturers like Alcoa and LafargeHolcim. Together, the companies have a combined revenues of $1.1 trillion and employ more than 1.5 million people, according to the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions."
What Exxon knew about the Earth's melting Arctic
http://graphics.latimes.com/exxon-arctic/
"Back in 1990, as the debate over climate change was heating up, a dissident shareholder petitioned the board of Exxon, one of the world’s largest oil companies, imploring it to develop a plan to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from its production plants and facilities.
The board’s response: Exxon had studied the science of global warming and concluded it was too murky to warrant action. The company’s “examination of the issue supports the conclusions that the facts today and the projection of future effects are very unclear.”
Yet in the far northern regions of Canada’s Arctic frontier, researchers and engineers at Exxon and Imperial Oil were quietly incorporating climate change projections into the company’s planning and closely studying how to adapt the company’s Arctic operations to a warming planet."
"Back in 1990, as the debate over climate change was heating up, a dissident shareholder petitioned the board of Exxon, one of the world’s largest oil companies, imploring it to develop a plan to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from its production plants and facilities.
The board’s response: Exxon had studied the science of global warming and concluded it was too murky to warrant action. The company’s “examination of the issue supports the conclusions that the facts today and the projection of future effects are very unclear.”
Yet in the far northern regions of Canada’s Arctic frontier, researchers and engineers at Exxon and Imperial Oil were quietly incorporating climate change projections into the company’s planning and closely studying how to adapt the company’s Arctic operations to a warming planet."
Exxon Arctic Drilling Benefitting From Global Warming: Oil Company Denied Climate Change Science While Factoring It Into Arctic Operations, Report Shows
http://www.ibtimes.com/exxon-arctic-drilling-benefitting-global-warming-oil-company-denied-climate-change-2136118
"For the more than 20 years oil company Exxon has sought to cast doubt on the science of climate change, it also quietly has factored climate change calculations into its planning for oil operations in the Arctic, the Los Angeles Times reported after analyzing hundreds of internal documents and published materials. Melting sea ice due to warmer ocean temperatures, one of the effects of climate change, makes searching for oil and gas easier.
The company, which in 1999 became Exxon Mobil, helped found the Global Climate Coalition, which from 1989 to 2002 argued the role "of greenhouse gases in climate change is not well understood," the New York Times reported Friday. Yet as early as 1992, researchers for the company were analyzing the impact climate change could have on its operations."
"For the more than 20 years oil company Exxon has sought to cast doubt on the science of climate change, it also quietly has factored climate change calculations into its planning for oil operations in the Arctic, the Los Angeles Times reported after analyzing hundreds of internal documents and published materials. Melting sea ice due to warmer ocean temperatures, one of the effects of climate change, makes searching for oil and gas easier.
The company, which in 1999 became Exxon Mobil, helped found the Global Climate Coalition, which from 1989 to 2002 argued the role "of greenhouse gases in climate change is not well understood," the New York Times reported Friday. Yet as early as 1992, researchers for the company were analyzing the impact climate change could have on its operations."
People's Climate Returns as Communities Converge for Actions Nationwide
People's Climate Returns as Communities Converge for Actions Nationwide
"Wednesday's actions seek to build on the momentum of last year's historic People's Climate March, which drew over 400,000 people to New York City on September 21 to demand global environmental action."
"Wednesday's actions seek to build on the momentum of last year's historic People's Climate March, which drew over 400,000 people to New York City on September 21 to demand global environmental action."
Thursday, October 15, 2015
The Gulf Between Democrats And Republicans On Climate Change And National Security
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/10/14/3712153/democratic-debate-national-security-climate/
"For years, military researchers have singled out climate change as a national security risk, acting not just as a “threat multiplier” but a “catalyst for conflict” that can be a driving force to start conflicts."
"For years, military researchers have singled out climate change as a national security risk, acting not just as a “threat multiplier” but a “catalyst for conflict” that can be a driving force to start conflicts."
Saturday, October 10, 2015
Nearly 90 Percent Of Americans Think Political Candidates Should Understand Science
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/10/09/3711122/americans-want-politicians-to-understand-science-poll/
"Several current Republican presidential candidates have been known to trot out the “I’m not a scientist” trope to defend their contrarian views on climate change."
"Several current Republican presidential candidates have been known to trot out the “I’m not a scientist” trope to defend their contrarian views on climate change."
Proving Commitment to Climate Chaos, GOP Votes to Lift Oil Export Ban
Proving Commitment to Climate Chaos, GOP Votes to Lift Oil Export Ban
"Despite warnings from environmental groups and President Barack Obama's explicit pledge to veto any such measure, the Republican-led House of Representatives on Friday passed a bill lifting the nation's 40-year oil export ban."
"Despite warnings from environmental groups and President Barack Obama's explicit pledge to veto any such measure, the Republican-led House of Representatives on Friday passed a bill lifting the nation's 40-year oil export ban."
Sick Of Ignorance: 87% Of Americans Demand Politicians Understand Basic Science
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/sick-of-ignorance-87-of-americans-demand-politicians-understand-basic-science/
"The poll also revealed that Americans want the presidential candidates to participate in debates where science-based problems are discussed, such as healthcare, climate change, energy, education, innovation and the economy."
"The poll also revealed that Americans want the presidential candidates to participate in debates where science-based problems are discussed, such as healthcare, climate change, energy, education, innovation and the economy."
Friday, October 9, 2015
GOP Governor Finally Admits His Hand-Picked Emergency Manager Poisoned Children (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/10/09/emergency-manager-lead-poisoning-flint-water-rick-snyder-video/
"Governor Snyder’s emergency managers are hand-selected by the governor himself. Once any town, city or school is targeted for a Snyder emergency manager, all elected officials are rendered powerless. Since Snyder’s emergency managers are not elected but appointed, they do not answer to the public. They cannot be recalled or voted out. The state’s appointed emergency managers are not even subject to oversight by the state legislature. The only person a Michigan emergency manager answers to is the Rick Snyder."
"Governor Snyder’s emergency managers are hand-selected by the governor himself. Once any town, city or school is targeted for a Snyder emergency manager, all elected officials are rendered powerless. Since Snyder’s emergency managers are not elected but appointed, they do not answer to the public. They cannot be recalled or voted out. The state’s appointed emergency managers are not even subject to oversight by the state legislature. The only person a Michigan emergency manager answers to is the Rick Snyder."
Lead Poisoning Fears Finally Stir Action, But Does It Come Too Late for People of Flint?
Lead Poisoning Fears Finally Stir Action, But Does It Come Too Late for People of Flint?
"Since the emergency manager switched the city's drinking water to the Flint River in April 2014, "it increased the amount of chemicals used to treat the water and failed to put in place the proper corrosion controls, resulting in water that contains high levels of TTHMs [total trihalomethanes], lead, copper and other heavy metals," explained Lynna Kaucheck, senior organizer for the Food & Water Watch, in a statement released Thursday."
"Since the emergency manager switched the city's drinking water to the Flint River in April 2014, "it increased the amount of chemicals used to treat the water and failed to put in place the proper corrosion controls, resulting in water that contains high levels of TTHMs [total trihalomethanes], lead, copper and other heavy metals," explained Lynna Kaucheck, senior organizer for the Food & Water Watch, in a statement released Thursday."
Congress Lets Sun Set on Land and Water Conservation Fund
http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/33109-congress-lets-sun-set-on-land-and-water-conservation-fund
"In July, Montanans celebrated the addition of 8,200 acres, known as Tenderfoot Creek, to the Lewis and Clark National Forest. Most of the $10.7 million cost was paid for by the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, which uses oil and gas royalties for conservation and recreation projects.
But last month, the 50-year-old fund, widely viewed as one of the nation's most popular and most successful land conservation programs, was allowed to expire completely. Despite broad bipartisan support, and despite a deadline that was no surprise to anyone, Congress failed to take action to reauthorize it. That means that offshore oil and gas producers will no longer be paying into the chest that funds the program - and now that the funding connection has been broken, reinstating it will be very difficult, especially given the tone of this Congress."
"In July, Montanans celebrated the addition of 8,200 acres, known as Tenderfoot Creek, to the Lewis and Clark National Forest. Most of the $10.7 million cost was paid for by the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, which uses oil and gas royalties for conservation and recreation projects.
But last month, the 50-year-old fund, widely viewed as one of the nation's most popular and most successful land conservation programs, was allowed to expire completely. Despite broad bipartisan support, and despite a deadline that was no surprise to anyone, Congress failed to take action to reauthorize it. That means that offshore oil and gas producers will no longer be paying into the chest that funds the program - and now that the funding connection has been broken, reinstating it will be very difficult, especially given the tone of this Congress."
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Congress Is Trying To Lift The Oil Export Ban. This Is Why They Will Fail.
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/10/06/3709456/oil-export-ban-considered/
"A poll from last year found that more than 80 percent of Americans thought we should use our oil here, not export it"
"A poll from last year found that more than 80 percent of Americans thought we should use our oil here, not export it"
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Elizabeth Warren torches Big Oil in a signature Elizabeth Warren moment: “We weren’t sent here to work for them”
Elizabeth Warren torches Big Oil in a signature Elizabeth Warren moment: “We weren’t sent here to work for them”
"Big Oil would like to export unlimited amounts of crude oil outside of the U.S. to increase their profits, but there is a longstanding ban on crude oil exports standing in the way. What’s a Big Oil executive to do? Spend millions to lobby Congress to change the rules, of course."
"Big Oil would like to export unlimited amounts of crude oil outside of the U.S. to increase their profits, but there is a longstanding ban on crude oil exports standing in the way. What’s a Big Oil executive to do? Spend millions to lobby Congress to change the rules, of course."
This is how batsh*t the GOP has become: Climate change denialism perfectly sums up why it’s the party of stupid
This is how batsh*t the GOP has become: Climate change denialism perfectly sums up why it’s the party of stupid
"The Republican Party, as Bobby Jindal (ironically) warned in 2013, is the “stupid party.” GOP candidates have to pretend not to be smart in order to appease the stupid people who dominate their party. This is a terrible problem, for the Republican Party and the country. There isn’t another mainstream party in the western world that’s even remotely comparable to the GOP."
"The Republican Party, as Bobby Jindal (ironically) warned in 2013, is the “stupid party.” GOP candidates have to pretend not to be smart in order to appease the stupid people who dominate their party. This is a terrible problem, for the Republican Party and the country. There isn’t another mainstream party in the western world that’s even remotely comparable to the GOP."
Monday, October 5, 2015
Climate Hawks Vote: Obama Should Sue Exxon Under RICO
Climate Hawks Vote: Obama Should Sue Exxon Under RICO
"This is a brief follow-up to the blockbuster Exxon story, about how the company knew as far back as 1977 that burning fossil fuel was a big cause of climate change, that they studied the problem for ten years, then abandoned all that good work and started funding the climate denier campaign — all based on a treasure trove of internal documents."
"This is a brief follow-up to the blockbuster Exxon story, about how the company knew as far back as 1977 that burning fossil fuel was a big cause of climate change, that they studied the problem for ten years, then abandoned all that good work and started funding the climate denier campaign — all based on a treasure trove of internal documents."
How Close Do You Live to a Toxic Waste Site? This New Map Will Tell You @alternet
How Close Do You Live to a Toxic Waste Site? This New Map Will Tell You @alternet
"More than 1,300 Superfund sites are littered across the United States."
"More than 1,300 Superfund sites are littered across the United States."
Secrets of the GOP Science War: How Spin-Masters and Pundits Confuse Conservatives About Facts @alternet
Secrets of the GOP Science War: How Spin-Masters and Pundits Confuse Conservatives About Facts @alternet
"Conservatives have become much less trusting of science. A cynical right-wing campaign is behind that"
"Conservatives have become much less trusting of science. A cynical right-wing campaign is behind that"
Krugman: Today's GOP Is Further to the Right than Cheney—Yikes! @alternet
Krugman: Today's GOP Is Further to the Right than Cheney—Yikes! @alternet
"When it comes to energy policy, Republicans are wed to Big Oil."
"When it comes to energy policy, Republicans are wed to Big Oil."
Drillers Welcome: NC Lawmakers Quietly Pass Ban on Anti-Fracking Ordinances
Drillers Welcome: NC Lawmakers Quietly Pass Ban on Anti-Fracking Ordinances
"After a a number of local governments enacted temporary moratoriums on oil and natural gas development, including fracking, the Republican-led North Carolina government issued a resounding response: Drillers welcome!"
"After a a number of local governments enacted temporary moratoriums on oil and natural gas development, including fracking, the Republican-led North Carolina government issued a resounding response: Drillers welcome!"
Food Industry To Congress: We Need You To Act On Climate Change
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/10/01/3708023/food-industry-climate-change-congress/
"In a letter published in both the Washington Post and Financial Times, the chief executives from Mars, General Mills, Unilever, Kellogg, Nestle, New Belgium Brewing, Ben & Jerry’s, Clif Bar, Stonyfield Farm, and Dannon asked U.S. and global leaders to “meaningfully address the reality of climate change"."
"In a letter published in both the Washington Post and Financial Times, the chief executives from Mars, General Mills, Unilever, Kellogg, Nestle, New Belgium Brewing, Ben & Jerry’s, Clif Bar, Stonyfield Farm, and Dannon asked U.S. and global leaders to “meaningfully address the reality of climate change"."
Utah Republican Introduces Koch Legislation To Begin Eliminating National Parks
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/10/02/utah-republican-introduces-koch-legislation-eliminating-national-parks.html
"LWCF is now, and has been, highly regarded as world’s best parks program and like anything considered good in America, Republicans and the Kochs want it either destroyed, or handed over to the Kochs for exploitation and ruination free of environmental and safety regulations."
"LWCF is now, and has been, highly regarded as world’s best parks program and like anything considered good in America, Republicans and the Kochs want it either destroyed, or handed over to the Kochs for exploitation and ruination free of environmental and safety regulations."
More Shocking Testimony in DuPont Cancer Trial – DuPont Witness Admits Discharged Chemical VERY Toxic
http://ringoffireradio.com/2015/09/30/more-shocking-testimony-in-teflon-trial-duponts-own-witness-admits-discharged-chemical-very-toxic/
"His admission to the toxicity of C8 highlighted the bio-persistence of the chemical, in the environment and in living organisms. Even more shocking, Dr. Playtis admitted that he knew for more than a decade that the plant drinking water supply had been contaminated with C8, but he had not told anyone. Moreover, he acknowledged under oath that numerous epidemiological studies had been proposed by a company doctor, studies that would have specifically looked to address kidney cancer among Washington Works workers from exposure to C8, but DuPont never conducted those studies.
Dr. Playtis is not unknown to the history of C8 related problems from the plant located in Parkersburg, West Virginia. In 2004, it was reported that DuPont was continuing to make their same old excuses to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about their violations of federal law regarding the release and toxicity of C8, a chemical DuPont used in the production of Teflon. DuPont’s 2003 response to the EPA’s original inquiry about C8 was still in effect and their defenses to the EPA’s charges had not changed, even after the EPA announced it would take formal action against DuPont for violating the Toxic Substances Control Act. The violations involved the withholding of key studies for a period of more than 20 years."
"His admission to the toxicity of C8 highlighted the bio-persistence of the chemical, in the environment and in living organisms. Even more shocking, Dr. Playtis admitted that he knew for more than a decade that the plant drinking water supply had been contaminated with C8, but he had not told anyone. Moreover, he acknowledged under oath that numerous epidemiological studies had been proposed by a company doctor, studies that would have specifically looked to address kidney cancer among Washington Works workers from exposure to C8, but DuPont never conducted those studies.
Dr. Playtis is not unknown to the history of C8 related problems from the plant located in Parkersburg, West Virginia. In 2004, it was reported that DuPont was continuing to make their same old excuses to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about their violations of federal law regarding the release and toxicity of C8, a chemical DuPont used in the production of Teflon. DuPont’s 2003 response to the EPA’s original inquiry about C8 was still in effect and their defenses to the EPA’s charges had not changed, even after the EPA announced it would take formal action against DuPont for violating the Toxic Substances Control Act. The violations involved the withholding of key studies for a period of more than 20 years."
After Taking Bribes From Oil & Gas Polluters, GOP Congressman Vows To Sell Off National Parks
http://www.occupydemocrats.com/after-taking-bribes-from-oil-gas-polluters-gop-congressman-vows-to-sell-off-national-parks/
"Representative Rob Bishop (R-UT), the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, has announced his intention to kill the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), a federal initiative that has helped protect more than seven million acres of parkland – an area larger than Massachusetts – at no cost to the government. Commonly referred to as “America’s best parks program,” the LWCF takes $900 million in annual royalties from oil and gas drilling and reinvests it into the purchase, protection, and enhancement of everything from National Parks to historic sites to small neighborhood parks. The current iteration of the program, however, expires tomorrow, and without the support of the Natural Resources Committee it will be defunded, leaving tens of thousands of acres of vulnerable and irreplaceable natural habitat ripe for commercial destruction."
"Representative Rob Bishop (R-UT), the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, has announced his intention to kill the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), a federal initiative that has helped protect more than seven million acres of parkland – an area larger than Massachusetts – at no cost to the government. Commonly referred to as “America’s best parks program,” the LWCF takes $900 million in annual royalties from oil and gas drilling and reinvests it into the purchase, protection, and enhancement of everything from National Parks to historic sites to small neighborhood parks. The current iteration of the program, however, expires tomorrow, and without the support of the Natural Resources Committee it will be defunded, leaving tens of thousands of acres of vulnerable and irreplaceable natural habitat ripe for commercial destruction."
Koch Brothers Backing Misleading Anti-Solar Campaign in Florida
Koch Brothers Backing Misleading Anti-Solar Campaign in Florida
"The Koch brothers and utility giants are bankrolling a ballot initiative in Florida to block the development of home solar and to protect the utilities' continuing oligopoly on energy generation in the Sunshine State.
Solar is booming in the U.S., with a thirty percent increase in generation in 2014, but surprisingly it’s facing an uphill battle in Florida. The state Public Service Commission--stacked with appointees hand-picked by Republican Governor Rick Scott for their current terms--have gutted energy Florida's efficiency goals and ended a solar power rebate program for homeowners. State law even prevents homeowners from installing solar panels by restricting the leasing of equipment by consumers."
"The Koch brothers and utility giants are bankrolling a ballot initiative in Florida to block the development of home solar and to protect the utilities' continuing oligopoly on energy generation in the Sunshine State.
Solar is booming in the U.S., with a thirty percent increase in generation in 2014, but surprisingly it’s facing an uphill battle in Florida. The state Public Service Commission--stacked with appointees hand-picked by Republican Governor Rick Scott for their current terms--have gutted energy Florida's efficiency goals and ended a solar power rebate program for homeowners. State law even prevents homeowners from installing solar panels by restricting the leasing of equipment by consumers."
Jeb Bush’s Energy Plan Doesn’t Even Mention Renewables
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/09/29/3706874/jeb-energy-plan/
"Bush’s plan makes no mention of renewable energy of any kind, even though renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydro now account for half the new electricity generation in the United States. In more economic terms, solar accounted for one out of every 78 new jobs created nationwide last year."
"Bush’s plan makes no mention of renewable energy of any kind, even though renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydro now account for half the new electricity generation in the United States. In more economic terms, solar accounted for one out of every 78 new jobs created nationwide last year."
Following Exxon Revelations, The Guardian Highlights Need To Investigate Corporate Climate Deception
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2015/09/29/following-exxon-revelations-the-guardian-highli/205856
"Exxon's own scientific research confirmed human-caused global warming as far back as the late 1970s."
"Exxon's own scientific research confirmed human-caused global warming as far back as the late 1970s."
Why Are Republicans the Only Climate-Science-Denying Party in the World?
http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2015/09/whys-gop-only-science-denying-party-on-earth.html#
"Rabid opposition is not the only quality that sets the GOP apart from other major conservative parties. The fervent commitment to supply-side economics is also an almost uniquely American idea. The GOP is the only major democratic party in the world that opposes the principle of universal health insurance. The virulence of anti-government ideology in the United States has no parallel anywhere in the world."
"Rabid opposition is not the only quality that sets the GOP apart from other major conservative parties. The fervent commitment to supply-side economics is also an almost uniquely American idea. The GOP is the only major democratic party in the world that opposes the principle of universal health insurance. The virulence of anti-government ideology in the United States has no parallel anywhere in the world."
Utah Congressman Vows To Kill America’s Top Parks Program
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/09/29/3706756/rob-bishop-lwcf-reauthorization/
"Barely 24 hours after Pope Francis appealed to U.S. lawmakers to help protect “our common home,” Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT) announced that he intends this week to kill the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which is known as America’s best parks program. The move — which is expected to succeed — places dozens of U.S. national parks at heightened risk of commercial development, including Grand Teton National Park and Gettysburg National Military Park.
The LWCF is a budget-neutral program that uses fees from offshore oil and gas development to fund national, state, and local conservation projects. Although the program enjoys widespread bipartisan support, it is scheduled to expire on Wednesday, September 30."
"Barely 24 hours after Pope Francis appealed to U.S. lawmakers to help protect “our common home,” Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT) announced that he intends this week to kill the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which is known as America’s best parks program. The move — which is expected to succeed — places dozens of U.S. national parks at heightened risk of commercial development, including Grand Teton National Park and Gettysburg National Military Park.
The LWCF is a budget-neutral program that uses fees from offshore oil and gas development to fund national, state, and local conservation projects. Although the program enjoys widespread bipartisan support, it is scheduled to expire on Wednesday, September 30."
Shocking Trial Testimony in the DuPont Teflon C8 Chemical Cancer Case
http://ringoffireradio.com/2015/09/28/shocking-trial-testimony-in-the-dupont-teflon-c8-chemical-cancer-cas/
"In 2005, DuPont settled a class-action lawsuit regarding the presence of the chemical C8 in drinking water that had been contaminated by DuPont’s waste discharge. At the time, DuPont maintained publicly that the chemical was safe, contrary to evidence that has now been produced in the trial showing DuPont’s concerns about the safety of C8 going back for decades."
"In 2005, DuPont settled a class-action lawsuit regarding the presence of the chemical C8 in drinking water that had been contaminated by DuPont’s waste discharge. At the time, DuPont maintained publicly that the chemical was safe, contrary to evidence that has now been produced in the trial showing DuPont’s concerns about the safety of C8 going back for decades."
The GOP Is The Only Elected Political Party in the World That Denies Climate Change: There is a Reason
http://ringoffireradio.com/2015/09/28/the-gop-is-the-only-elected-political-party-in-the-world-that-denies-climate-change-there-is-a-reaso/
"A recent study has found evidence that the American Republican Party is unique in the world for its denial of climate change science. No other major political party is able to so staunchly refuse to acknowledge scientific consensus and remain in any form of authority."
"A recent study has found evidence that the American Republican Party is unique in the world for its denial of climate change science. No other major political party is able to so staunchly refuse to acknowledge scientific consensus and remain in any form of authority."
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Inhofe Responds To Pope's Call To Protect 'Our Common Home'
Inhofe Responds To Pope's Call To Protect 'Our Common Home'
"He ignores proven science in favor of the profitability of big oil. Inhofe is another selfish Republican who cares nothing for future generations, his own family included. He really missed the point of what Pope Francis so eloquently stated."
"He ignores proven science in favor of the profitability of big oil. Inhofe is another selfish Republican who cares nothing for future generations, his own family included. He really missed the point of what Pope Francis so eloquently stated."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)