www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/02/19/3306701/coal-ash-arsenic-spill/
"More than two weeks after a stormwater pipe burst caused 82,000 tons of coal ash to spill into a North Carolina river that supplies drinking water, state officials have discovered that a second pipe is leaking water with elevated amounts of arsenic — and they’re not sure how long it has been happening."
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
"Frackgate": Ohio Regulators Planned to Subvert Eco-Groups, Promote Fracking in State Parks
"Frackgate": Ohio Regulators Planned to Subvert Eco-Groups, Promote Fracking in State Parks
"A fracking scandal is unfolding in Ohio. Environmental groups and state lawmakers slammed Republican Gov. John Kasich and state regulators this week over internal documents that they say show the Kasich administration planned to collude with the oil and gas industry to publicly promote fracking in state parks while fending off criticism from a "Nixon-style enemies list" of state lawmakers and environmental groups."
"A fracking scandal is unfolding in Ohio. Environmental groups and state lawmakers slammed Republican Gov. John Kasich and state regulators this week over internal documents that they say show the Kasich administration planned to collude with the oil and gas industry to publicly promote fracking in state parks while fending off criticism from a "Nixon-style enemies list" of state lawmakers and environmental groups."
Vicious Global Warming Feedback Loop Worse Than Feared | Common Dreams
Vicious Global Warming Feedback Loop Worse Than Feared | Common Dreams
"One of nature's key defenses against global warming—the reflection of the sun's rays away from Earth by Arctic sea ice—has fallen victim to... global warming. And according to a study published Monday, the vicious feedback loop is worse than previously thought."
"One of nature's key defenses against global warming—the reflection of the sun's rays away from Earth by Arctic sea ice—has fallen victim to... global warming. And according to a study published Monday, the vicious feedback loop is worse than previously thought."
What’s Causing the Huge Spike in Earthquakes in Oklahoma? | The Nation
What’s Causing the Huge Spike in Earthquakes in Oklahoma? | The Nation
"The US Geological Survey found that from 1975 to 2008, central Oklahoma experienced one to three 3.0-magnitude earthquakes a year, compared with an average of forty per year from 2009 to 2013. And it looks like that number is going to get bigger. It's only February, and the state has already logged more than twenty-five quakes of 3.0-magnitude or larger this year, and more than 150 total quakes in the past week alone."
"The US Geological Survey found that from 1975 to 2008, central Oklahoma experienced one to three 3.0-magnitude earthquakes a year, compared with an average of forty per year from 2009 to 2013. And it looks like that number is going to get bigger. It's only February, and the state has already logged more than twenty-five quakes of 3.0-magnitude or larger this year, and more than 150 total quakes in the past week alone."
Private Equity Predators and the Great American Farm Grab | Common Dreams
Private Equity Predators and the Great American Farm Grab | Common Dreams
"Mirroring a trend being experienced across the globe, this strengthening focus on agriculture-related investment by the private sector is already leading to a spike in U.S. farmland prices. Coupled with relatively weak federal policies, these rising prices are barring many young farmers from continuing or starting up small-scale agricultural operations of their own.
In the long term, critics say, this dynamic could speed up the already fast-consolidating U.S. food industry, with broad ramifications for both human and environmental health."
"Mirroring a trend being experienced across the globe, this strengthening focus on agriculture-related investment by the private sector is already leading to a spike in U.S. farmland prices. Coupled with relatively weak federal policies, these rising prices are barring many young farmers from continuing or starting up small-scale agricultural operations of their own.
In the long term, critics say, this dynamic could speed up the already fast-consolidating U.S. food industry, with broad ramifications for both human and environmental health."
Whistleblower Fired After Voicing Safety Concerns at Nuclear Site | Common Dreams
Whistleblower Fired After Voicing Safety Concerns at Nuclear Site | Common Dreams
"The person responsible for overseeing the cleanup of the former nuclear weapons site in Hanford, Washington—the most contaminated in the United States—was fired on Tuesday after blowing the whistle on the dangerous conditions at the facility."
"The person responsible for overseeing the cleanup of the former nuclear weapons site in Hanford, Washington—the most contaminated in the United States—was fired on Tuesday after blowing the whistle on the dangerous conditions at the facility."
Newly Found Coal Ash Spill Pouring Arsenic Into NC River | Common Dreams
Newly Found Coal Ash Spill Pouring Arsenic Into NC River | Common Dreams
"North Carolina authorities believe that a second storm pipe has burst at the Eden coal ash dumping pond owned by Duke Energy, sending another mass discharge of arsenic and lead-laden waste into the Dan River, which is still severely polluted from a similar spill in early February."
"North Carolina authorities believe that a second storm pipe has burst at the Eden coal ash dumping pond owned by Duke Energy, sending another mass discharge of arsenic and lead-laden waste into the Dan River, which is still severely polluted from a similar spill in early February."
Monday, February 17, 2014
Toxic Chemicals Linked to 'Global, Silent Pandemic' Striking Children Worldwide | Common Dreams
Toxic Chemicals Linked to 'Global, Silent Pandemic' Striking Children Worldwide | Common Dreams
"Toxic chemicals including some pesticides and solvents may be behind the increasing number of cases of neurodevelopmental disabilities—including autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder—among children, researchers warn."
"Toxic chemicals including some pesticides and solvents may be behind the increasing number of cases of neurodevelopmental disabilities—including autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder—among children, researchers warn."
Suspected Radiation Leak in Military's Nuclear Dumping Ground | Common Dreams
Suspected Radiation Leak in Military's Nuclear Dumping Ground | Common Dreams
"Over the weekend, abnormally high levels of radioactive particles were found underground at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) near Carlsbad in southeastern New Mexico, where radioactive waste, including from nuclear weapons production, is dumped deep beneath the earth's surface and stored in salt formations."
"Over the weekend, abnormally high levels of radioactive particles were found underground at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) near Carlsbad in southeastern New Mexico, where radioactive waste, including from nuclear weapons production, is dumped deep beneath the earth's surface and stored in salt formations."
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Toxins From Oil Spills Are Putting Fish Into Cardiac Arrest, Study Finds
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/02/14/3293611/fish-heartache/
"The study, published in Science Magazine, says chemicals in crude oil — such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) — can be harmful to the hearts of embryonic and developing fish. PAHs are created when products like coal, oil, gas, and garbage are burned but the burning process is not complete, according to the EPA. Even after an oil spill occurs and is cleaned up, PAHs can remain marine habitats for many years, according to the study."
"The study, published in Science Magazine, says chemicals in crude oil — such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) — can be harmful to the hearts of embryonic and developing fish. PAHs are created when products like coal, oil, gas, and garbage are burned but the burning process is not complete, according to the EPA. Even after an oil spill occurs and is cleaned up, PAHs can remain marine habitats for many years, according to the study."
World’s Largest Solar Thermal Plant Uses As Much Water As Two Holes On Nearby Golf Course
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/02/13/3289361/worlds-largest-solar-plant/
"With California struggling through one of the worst droughts on record, and Ivanpah already being located in a high desert climate, water conservation has been a major focus. Solar thermal plants use solar mirrors to heat water in boilers that in turn produce steam to turn the electricity generating turbines, are more water intensive than more common solar photovoltaic panels."
"With California struggling through one of the worst droughts on record, and Ivanpah already being located in a high desert climate, water conservation has been a major focus. Solar thermal plants use solar mirrors to heat water in boilers that in turn produce steam to turn the electricity generating turbines, are more water intensive than more common solar photovoltaic panels."
Denmark Is About To Set Even More Ambitious Climate Goals Than All Of Europe
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/02/14/3296351/denmark-climate-goals/
"Agreement in Denmark’s parliament this week cleared the way for passage of climate targets that would outstrip the recent goals set by the European Union.
The bill would establish a legally binding requirement that Denmark cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent below 1990′s levels by 2020, and that the government return to the question every five years to set new 10-year targets."
"Agreement in Denmark’s parliament this week cleared the way for passage of climate targets that would outstrip the recent goals set by the European Union.
The bill would establish a legally binding requirement that Denmark cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent below 1990′s levels by 2020, and that the government return to the question every five years to set new 10-year targets."
Huge Solar Thermal Plant Opens as Solar Industry Grows (PHOTOS)
www.talkingpointsmemo.com/idealab/huge-thermal-plant-opens-as-solar-industry-grows
"The $2.2 billion complex of three generating units, owned by NRG Energy Inc., Google Inc. and BrightSource Energy, can produce nearly 400 megawatts — enough power for 140,000 homes. It began making electricity last year."
"The $2.2 billion complex of three generating units, owned by NRG Energy Inc., Google Inc. and BrightSource Energy, can produce nearly 400 megawatts — enough power for 140,000 homes. It began making electricity last year."
'Show Bees Some Love' This Valentine's Day | Common Dreams
'Show Bees Some Love' This Valentine's Day | Common Dreams
"The campaign is asking people to stand up for these essential pollinators by sending a "valentine" to the stores that urges them to "show bees some love" by stopping the sale of neonics and plants treated with them."
"The campaign is asking people to stand up for these essential pollinators by sending a "valentine" to the stores that urges them to "show bees some love" by stopping the sale of neonics and plants treated with them."
GMOs Are Killing the Bees, Butterflies, Birds and... ? | Common Dreams
GMOs Are Killing the Bees, Butterflies, Birds and... ? | Common Dreams
"When the honeybees started dying en masse, the alarm bells went off. Bees are critical to food production. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), more than a quarter of America’s diet relies on pollination by honeybees.
No bees, no food. Or at least, no apples, cherries, onions, celery, cabbage, and a long listof others, including almonds and blueberries which, according to the American Beekeeping Federation, are 90-percent dependent on bees for pollination."
"When the honeybees started dying en masse, the alarm bells went off. Bees are critical to food production. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), more than a quarter of America’s diet relies on pollination by honeybees.
No bees, no food. Or at least, no apples, cherries, onions, celery, cabbage, and a long listof others, including almonds and blueberries which, according to the American Beekeeping Federation, are 90-percent dependent on bees for pollination."
Friday, February 14, 2014
Idaho's "Ag-Gag" Law Latest to Criminalize Defenders of Animals | Common Dreams
Idaho's "Ag-Gag" Law Latest to Criminalize Defenders of Animals | Common Dreams
"Though similar efforts in other states have failed, a bill moving swiftly through the Idaho legislature this week is trying to criminalize the activities of animal rights advocates who expose the mistreatment of farm animals and livestock by documenting abuse by their human handlers."
"Though similar efforts in other states have failed, a bill moving swiftly through the Idaho legislature this week is trying to criminalize the activities of animal rights advocates who expose the mistreatment of farm animals and livestock by documenting abuse by their human handlers."
Thursday, February 13, 2014
US Sailors Sick From Fukushima Radiation File New Suit Against Tokyo Electric Power | Common Dreams
US Sailors Sick From Fukushima Radiation File New Suit Against Tokyo Electric Power | Common Dreams
"The suit includes an infant born with a genetic condition to a sailor who served on the USS Ronald Reagan as radiation poured over it during the Fukushima melt-downs, and an American teenager living near the stricken site. It has also been left open for “up to 70,000 U.S. citizens [who were] potentially affected by the radiation and will be able to join the class action suit.”
"The suit includes an infant born with a genetic condition to a sailor who served on the USS Ronald Reagan as radiation poured over it during the Fukushima melt-downs, and an American teenager living near the stricken site. It has also been left open for “up to 70,000 U.S. citizens [who were] potentially affected by the radiation and will be able to join the class action suit.”
Now docked in San Diego, the USS Reagan’s on-going safety has become a political hot potato. The $4.3 billion carrier is at the core of the U.S. Naval presence in the Pacific. Critics say it’s too radioactive to operate or to scrap, and that it should be sunk, as were a number of U.S. ships contaminated by atmospheric Bomb tests in the South Pacific."
Time to End the Cheney/Halliburton Loophole
Time to End the Cheney/Halliburton Loophole
"Let me explain: Back in 2005. President - excuse me Vice President - Cheney was hard at work doing what he did best: using his power as the second most powerful man in the country to protect his cronies in the oil business.
His former employer, Halliburton, wanted to get more involved in the emerging American fracking industry, but it faced a potential major roadblock in the form of a 1974 law called the Safe Water Drinking Act.
That act, signed into law by Republican President Gerald Ford, requires the Environmental Protection Agency to keep toxic chemicals from getting into Americans’ drinking water.
Cheney didn’t care about public safety but he did care about Halliburton’s bottom-line - after all, he was a big Halliburton stockholder when he became vice president - and so he joined the lobbying efforts to get Congress to carve out an exemption for fracking in the Safe Water Drinking Act.
Thanks to that carve-out - let’s call it the “Halliburton loophole” - the EPA can’t regulate fracking poisons even when they get into our water supply."
"Let me explain: Back in 2005. President - excuse me Vice President - Cheney was hard at work doing what he did best: using his power as the second most powerful man in the country to protect his cronies in the oil business.
His former employer, Halliburton, wanted to get more involved in the emerging American fracking industry, but it faced a potential major roadblock in the form of a 1974 law called the Safe Water Drinking Act.
That act, signed into law by Republican President Gerald Ford, requires the Environmental Protection Agency to keep toxic chemicals from getting into Americans’ drinking water.
Cheney didn’t care about public safety but he did care about Halliburton’s bottom-line - after all, he was a big Halliburton stockholder when he became vice president - and so he joined the lobbying efforts to get Congress to carve out an exemption for fracking in the Safe Water Drinking Act.
Thanks to that carve-out - let’s call it the “Halliburton loophole” - the EPA can’t regulate fracking poisons even when they get into our water supply."
Has Big Oil Hijacked Democracy? | Common Dreams
Has Big Oil Hijacked Democracy? | Common Dreams
"Canada's government spies on and harasses citizens who peacefully question petro-corporate aims."
"Canada's government spies on and harasses citizens who peacefully question petro-corporate aims."
William Rivers Pitt | The Poisoner's Reckoning
William Rivers Pitt | The Poisoner's Reckoning
"What you may already know: Freedom Industries, a coal-industry surrogate in West Virginia, dumped poison into the water supply known as the Elk River, waited 24 hours to tell anyone about it, waited even longer to mention that they had also dumped a second poison into the water supply, and then declared bankruptcy so as to make themselves judgment-proof in civil court against the hundreds of thousands of people who couldn't eat or work or bathe or cook for weeks...and this was all before the stuff they dumped into the river evaporated into formaldehyde, which it does, so everyone who couldn't eat or bathe or cook for weeks was suddenly eating and cooking and bathing in a whole different poison, this one being a known carcinogen...but they're bankrupt now, so screw you and your tumors."
"What you may already know: Freedom Industries, a coal-industry surrogate in West Virginia, dumped poison into the water supply known as the Elk River, waited 24 hours to tell anyone about it, waited even longer to mention that they had also dumped a second poison into the water supply, and then declared bankruptcy so as to make themselves judgment-proof in civil court against the hundreds of thousands of people who couldn't eat or work or bathe or cook for weeks...and this was all before the stuff they dumped into the river evaporated into formaldehyde, which it does, so everyone who couldn't eat or bathe or cook for weeks was suddenly eating and cooking and bathing in a whole different poison, this one being a known carcinogen...but they're bankrupt now, so screw you and your tumors."
Kentucky Gas Explosion Keeps Fossil Fuel Disaster Streak Alive | Common Dreams
Kentucky Gas Explosion Keeps Fossil Fuel Disaster Streak Alive | Common Dreams
"A gas pipeline explosion in Kentucky early Thursday that sent at least two people to the hospital, destroyed three homes, two barns, numerous cars, and left a 60-foot crater in the ground is the fourth significant fossil fuel-related disaster in the U.S. in as many days."
"A gas pipeline explosion in Kentucky early Thursday that sent at least two people to the hospital, destroyed three homes, two barns, numerous cars, and left a 60-foot crater in the ground is the fourth significant fossil fuel-related disaster in the U.S. in as many days."
This Is What It Looks Like When 100,000 Gallons Of Coal Waste Spill Into A West Virginia Stream
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/02/12/3281881/photos-west-virginia-coal-spill/
"A pipe break at a Patriot Coal preparation site spewed more than 100,000 gallons of coal slurry into a waterway near Charleston, WV on Tuesday."
"A pipe break at a Patriot Coal preparation site spewed more than 100,000 gallons of coal slurry into a waterway near Charleston, WV on Tuesday."
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
West Virginia Creek Runs Black After Catastrophic Coal Slurry Spill | Common Dreams
West Virginia Creek Runs Black After Catastrophic Coal Slurry Spill | Common Dreams
"Waters are running black for roughly six miles in West Virginia's Fields Creek after more than 100,000 gallons of toxic coal slurry poured into the waterway from a Patriot Coal processing facility Tuesday."
"Waters are running black for roughly six miles in West Virginia's Fields Creek after more than 100,000 gallons of toxic coal slurry poured into the waterway from a Patriot Coal processing facility Tuesday."
Japan's Nuke Regulator: TEPCO Radiation Readings Were Much Too Low
Japan's Nuke Regulator: TEPCO Radiation Readings Were Much Too Low
"From the Department of The Obvious, Japan's nuclear regulator says TEPCO doesn't understand what they're doing. Duh! They were there to make money, not to do their jobs responsibly"
"From the Department of The Obvious, Japan's nuclear regulator says TEPCO doesn't understand what they're doing. Duh! They were there to make money, not to do their jobs responsibly"
Business Coalition Announces Massive Offensive Against Environmental Protections
Business Coalition Announces Massive Offensive Against Environmental Protections
"The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the American Gas Association, and 74 other big business groups said that they are banding together to fight the administration’s forthcoming power plant standards that will require carbon capture technologies to be in place at all plants. According to The Hill, the groups said that they are planning “everything from lobbying to litigation” in order to fight the administration’s efforts."
"The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the American Gas Association, and 74 other big business groups said that they are banding together to fight the administration’s forthcoming power plant standards that will require carbon capture technologies to be in place at all plants. According to The Hill, the groups said that they are planning “everything from lobbying to litigation” in order to fight the administration’s efforts."
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
New Coal Ash Spill In West Virginia
New Coal Ash Spill In West Virginia
"Gosh, West Virginia. Do you suppose it might be time to start regulating those coal companies and stop hailing them as king?"
"Gosh, West Virginia. Do you suppose it might be time to start regulating those coal companies and stop hailing them as king?"
Thursday, February 6, 2014
As Coal Ash Spews Into N.C. River, Other Waterways Face Same 'Ticking Time Bomb' | Common Dreams
As Coal Ash Spews Into N.C. River, Other Waterways Face Same 'Ticking Time Bomb' | Common Dreams
"As a busted pipe at a Duke Energy power plant continues to leak arsenic and lead-laden coal ash into the Dan River that flows through North Carolina and Virginia, residents are demanding that energy giants stop pumping their waterways with poison."
"As a busted pipe at a Duke Energy power plant continues to leak arsenic and lead-laden coal ash into the Dan River that flows through North Carolina and Virginia, residents are demanding that energy giants stop pumping their waterways with poison."
Fracking's Terrifying Water Usage Trends Spell Disaster | Common Dreams
Fracking's Terrifying Water Usage Trends Spell Disaster | Common Dreams
"The irony of fracking: It destroys the natural resource it needs most. The tragedy for those living nearby fracking operations: That natural resource is the fresh—and increasingly scarce—water supply on which they, too, depend."
"The irony of fracking: It destroys the natural resource it needs most. The tragedy for those living nearby fracking operations: That natural resource is the fresh—and increasingly scarce—water supply on which they, too, depend."
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Catastrophe Looming? 'Mega-Drought' Panic Sweeps California | Common Dreams
Catastrophe Looming? 'Mega-Drought' Panic Sweeps California | Common Dreams
"As an 'exceptional' drought continues its assault on California's croplands, new information released this week has put many in a panic over what these historic water lows mean for the ecosytem, agricultural production and people across the state."
"As an 'exceptional' drought continues its assault on California's croplands, new information released this week has put many in a panic over what these historic water lows mean for the ecosytem, agricultural production and people across the state."
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
This Land Was Your Land
This Land Was Your Land
"In Utah and other Western states, the country's most pristine wilderness faces new threats from Big Energy and its powerful allies."
"In Utah and other Western states, the country's most pristine wilderness faces new threats from Big Energy and its powerful allies."
Tens of Thousands of Tons of Coal Ash Spilling Into N.C. River | Common Dreams
Tens of Thousands of Tons of Coal Ash Spilling Into N.C. River | Common Dreams
"Up to 82,000 tons of coal ash and 27 million gallons of polluted water have poured into North Carolina's Dan River after a pipe burst beneath a coal ash pond, Duke Energyannounced Monday."
"Up to 82,000 tons of coal ash and 27 million gallons of polluted water have poured into North Carolina's Dan River after a pipe burst beneath a coal ash pond, Duke Energyannounced Monday."
Scientists to Analyze West Coast Kelp for Fukushima Radioactivity | Common Dreams
Scientists to Analyze West Coast Kelp for Fukushima Radioactivity | Common Dreams
"Researchers are set to embark on a project to gather samples of kelp from the U.S. West Coast and analyze them for potential radioactive contamination caused by the Fukushima nuclear disaster unleashed nearly three years ago."
"Researchers are set to embark on a project to gather samples of kelp from the U.S. West Coast and analyze them for potential radioactive contamination caused by the Fukushima nuclear disaster unleashed nearly three years ago."
Monday, February 3, 2014
Humans Could Really Bring About the End of the World via Climate and Nuclear Disasters
www.alternet.org/environment/humans-could-really-bring-about-end-world-climate-and-nuclear-disasters?page=0%2C0
"Here’s the scoop: When it comes to climate change, there is no “story,” not in the normal news sense anyway.
The fact that 97% of scientists who have weighed in on the issue believe that climate change is a human-caused phenomenon is not a story. That only one of 9,137 peer-reviewed papers on climate change published between November 2012 and December 2013 rejected human causation is not a story either, nor is the fact that only 24 out of 13,950 such articles did so over 21 years. That the anything-but-extreme Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) offers an at least 95% guarantee of human causation for global warming is not a story, nor is the recent revelation that IPCC experts believe we only have 15 years left to rein in carbon emissions or we’ll need new technologies not yet in existence which may never be effective. Nor is the recent poll showing that only 47% of Americans believe climate change is human-caused (a drop of 7% since 2012) or that the percentage who believe climate change is occurring for any reason has also declined since 2012 from 70% to 63%. Nor is the fact that, as the effects of climate change came ever closer to home, media coverage of the subject dropped between 2010 and 2012 and, though rising in 2013, was still well below coverage levels for 2007 to 2009."
"Here’s the scoop: When it comes to climate change, there is no “story,” not in the normal news sense anyway.
The fact that 97% of scientists who have weighed in on the issue believe that climate change is a human-caused phenomenon is not a story. That only one of 9,137 peer-reviewed papers on climate change published between November 2012 and December 2013 rejected human causation is not a story either, nor is the fact that only 24 out of 13,950 such articles did so over 21 years. That the anything-but-extreme Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) offers an at least 95% guarantee of human causation for global warming is not a story, nor is the recent revelation that IPCC experts believe we only have 15 years left to rein in carbon emissions or we’ll need new technologies not yet in existence which may never be effective. Nor is the recent poll showing that only 47% of Americans believe climate change is human-caused (a drop of 7% since 2012) or that the percentage who believe climate change is occurring for any reason has also declined since 2012 from 70% to 63%. Nor is the fact that, as the effects of climate change came ever closer to home, media coverage of the subject dropped between 2010 and 2012 and, though rising in 2013, was still well below coverage levels for 2007 to 2009."
50 Reasons We Should Fear the Worst from Fukushima | Common Dreams
50 Reasons We Should Fear the Worst from Fukushima | Common Dreams
"Japan’s harsh dictatorial censorship has been matched by a global corporate media blackout aimed—successfully—at keeping Fukushima out of the public eye.
But that doesn’t keep the actual radiation out of our ecosystem, our markets … or our bodies.
Speculation on the ultimate impact ranges from the utterly harmless to the intensely apocalyptic .
But the basic reality is simple: for seven decades, government Bomb factories and privately-owned reactors have spewed massive quantities of unmonitored radiation into the biosphere.
The impacts of these emissions on human and ecological health are unknown primarily because the nuclear industry has resolutely refused to study them.
Indeed, the official presumption has always been that showing proof of damage from nuclear Bomb tests and commercial reactors falls to the victims, not the perpetrators.
And that in any case, the industry will be held virtually harmless.
This “see no evil, pay no damages” mindset dates from the Bombing of Hiroshima to Fukushima to the disaster coming next … which could be happening as you read this."
"Japan’s harsh dictatorial censorship has been matched by a global corporate media blackout aimed—successfully—at keeping Fukushima out of the public eye.
But that doesn’t keep the actual radiation out of our ecosystem, our markets … or our bodies.
Speculation on the ultimate impact ranges from the utterly harmless to the intensely apocalyptic .
But the basic reality is simple: for seven decades, government Bomb factories and privately-owned reactors have spewed massive quantities of unmonitored radiation into the biosphere.
The impacts of these emissions on human and ecological health are unknown primarily because the nuclear industry has resolutely refused to study them.
Indeed, the official presumption has always been that showing proof of damage from nuclear Bomb tests and commercial reactors falls to the victims, not the perpetrators.
And that in any case, the industry will be held virtually harmless.
This “see no evil, pay no damages” mindset dates from the Bombing of Hiroshima to Fukushima to the disaster coming next … which could be happening as you read this."
Groups: This is an 'All Hands On Deck' Moment to Stop KXL | Common Dreams
Groups: This is an 'All Hands On Deck' Moment to Stop KXL | Common Dreams
"Following controversial Environmental Impact Statement, indigenous communities and environmental groups prepare to mobilize"
"Following controversial Environmental Impact Statement, indigenous communities and environmental groups prepare to mobilize"
Sunday, February 2, 2014
The More We Learn About Nuclear Past, The More an 'Accident' Seems Likely | Common Dreams
The More We Learn About Nuclear Past, The More an 'Accident' Seems Likely | Common Dreams
"It is hard to maintain much faith in the long-term safety of our nuclear deterrent with each glimpse of the all-too human flaws of those with their finger on the button. Thirty-four Air Force officers in charge of launching nuclear missiles have been suspended over accusations that they cheated in proficiency tests about their knowledge of how to operate the weapons. The cheating, uncovered during a probe into the use of drugs by nuclear launch officers, betrays the complacency and boredom of men and women whose job is to refrain from doing the one thing they are trained to do."
"It is hard to maintain much faith in the long-term safety of our nuclear deterrent with each glimpse of the all-too human flaws of those with their finger on the button. Thirty-four Air Force officers in charge of launching nuclear missiles have been suspended over accusations that they cheated in proficiency tests about their knowledge of how to operate the weapons. The cheating, uncovered during a probe into the use of drugs by nuclear launch officers, betrays the complacency and boredom of men and women whose job is to refrain from doing the one thing they are trained to do."
Largest Air Pollution Rally in US History Goes Down on Utah's Capitol Hill
Largest Air Pollution Rally in US History Goes Down on Utah's Capitol Hill
"The crisis has been so severe in fact, that it drew a crowd of approximately 5,000 motivated, and downright outraged citizens to the State Capitol on Jan. 25th in what has now gone down in the books as the largest air-pollution-specific protest in U.S. history."
"The crisis has been so severe in fact, that it drew a crowd of approximately 5,000 motivated, and downright outraged citizens to the State Capitol on Jan. 25th in what has now gone down in the books as the largest air-pollution-specific protest in U.S. history."
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Dolphins in 'bad shape' after BP oil spill
Dolphins in 'bad shape' after BP oil spill
"Bottlenose dolphins with missing teeth, lung disease, and abnormal hormone levels were found swimming in the Gulf of Mexico a year after the BP oil spill, US researchers say.
Pneumonia, liver disease and a pregnant female carrying a dead fetus were also reported in the first major study of dolphin health after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion that spilled 4.9 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico.
Half of the 32 dolphins studied off the coast of Louisiana in August 2011 -- a year and four months after the worst oil spill in US history began -- were judged to be seriously ill or in danger of dying.
"I've never seen such a high prevalence of very sick animals," said lead author Lori Schwacke, a researcher with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)."
"Bottlenose dolphins with missing teeth, lung disease, and abnormal hormone levels were found swimming in the Gulf of Mexico a year after the BP oil spill, US researchers say.
Pneumonia, liver disease and a pregnant female carrying a dead fetus were also reported in the first major study of dolphin health after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion that spilled 4.9 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico.
Half of the 32 dolphins studied off the coast of Louisiana in August 2011 -- a year and four months after the worst oil spill in US history began -- were judged to be seriously ill or in danger of dying.
"I've never seen such a high prevalence of very sick animals," said lead author Lori Schwacke, a researcher with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)."
Occupy Monsanto Protesters Push Labeling Resolution at Annual Shareholder Meeting
Occupy Monsanto Protesters Push Labeling Resolution at Annual Shareholder Meeting
"Protests occurred both inside and outside the Monsanto shareholder meeting in St. Louis on Tuesday as local activists, shareholders and citizens from across the country joined in 20-degree weather to demand the biotech giant label genetically-modified organisms, or GMOs."
"Protests occurred both inside and outside the Monsanto shareholder meeting in St. Louis on Tuesday as local activists, shareholders and citizens from across the country joined in 20-degree weather to demand the biotech giant label genetically-modified organisms, or GMOs."
Friday, January 31, 2014
Fracked Up: New Study Links Birth Defects To Living Near Fracking Site
Fracked Up: New Study Links Birth Defects To Living Near Fracking Site
"The report by the Colorado School of Public Health, released Jan. 28, gathered evidence from heavily drilled rural Colorado, which has among the highest densities of oil and gas wells in the U.S."
"The report by the Colorado School of Public Health, released Jan. 28, gathered evidence from heavily drilled rural Colorado, which has among the highest densities of oil and gas wells in the U.S."
Corporations' 'Trade Secrets' Trump Public Health | Common Dreams
Corporations' 'Trade Secrets' Trump Public Health | Common Dreams
"Corporate power seems to be thwarting the public's right to know if the personal care products they use contain potentially harmful ingredients."
"Corporate power seems to be thwarting the public's right to know if the personal care products they use contain potentially harmful ingredients."
Approval Given to Make Great Barrier Reef Dump Site for Coal Terminal Project | Common Dreams
Approval Given to Make Great Barrier Reef Dump Site for Coal Terminal Project | Common Dreams
"The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park could now become the dumping site for three million cubic meters of mud and ocean sediment drudged up in order to expand the world's biggest coal port, following official approval of the project by Australia's Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority on Friday."
"The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park could now become the dumping site for three million cubic meters of mud and ocean sediment drudged up in order to expand the world's biggest coal port, following official approval of the project by Australia's Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority on Friday."
Thursday, January 30, 2014
To Break Fossil Fuel Industry's Grip, Foundations Divest Nearly $2 Billion | Common Dreams
To Break Fossil Fuel Industry's Grip, Foundations Divest Nearly $2 Billion | Common Dreams
"Seventeen philanthropic foundations controlling nearly $2 billion in assets on Thursday put their money where their ethics are, announcing they will be divesting all their holdings in the fossil fuel industry and reinvesting in the clean energy sector."
"Seventeen philanthropic foundations controlling nearly $2 billion in assets on Thursday put their money where their ethics are, announcing they will be divesting all their holdings in the fossil fuel industry and reinvesting in the clean energy sector."
Right-Wingers In Hot Water Over Defamation Claims
Right-Wingers In Hot Water Over Defamation Claims
"Mark Steyn may discover he stepped over acceptable limits when he disparaged climate researcher Michael Mann."
"Mark Steyn may discover he stepped over acceptable limits when he disparaged climate researcher Michael Mann."
Pete Seeger's Greatest Legacy? Saving New York's Hudson River | Common Dreams
Pete Seeger's Greatest Legacy? Saving New York's Hudson River | Common Dreams
"Pete Seeger's greatest legacy after a long life filled with music and activism may have been saving the Hudson river, according to those who worked with him to save the waterway."
"Pete Seeger's greatest legacy after a long life filled with music and activism may have been saving the Hudson river, according to those who worked with him to save the waterway."
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Monarch Butterfly in 'Grave Danger' | Common Dreams
Monarch Butterfly in 'Grave Danger' | Common Dreams
"Herbicides, deforestation and climate conditions putting the monarch in free fall"
"Herbicides, deforestation and climate conditions putting the monarch in free fall"
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Renewable Energy Is ‘Stalinist’ Mandate, Says Ohio Legislator
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/01/24/3197321/renewable-energy-stalinism/
"Senator Kris Jordan (R-Ostrander), the sponsor of the bill, and Seitz are both members of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), an organization funded by fossil fuel companies, corporate interests, and the ultra-conservative Koch brothers that pushes controversial far-right policies at the local level, including Stand Your Ground laws, attacks on minimum wage laws, and school privatization.
ALEC spent much of 2013 trying to repeal state clean energy laws like Ohio’s, and failed miserably. But they’re still at it. Seitz sponsored a bill that would have only weakened Ohio’s renewable requirement in 2013, but it didn’t get enough support to move forward. So he’s shifted support to full repeal."
"Senator Kris Jordan (R-Ostrander), the sponsor of the bill, and Seitz are both members of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), an organization funded by fossil fuel companies, corporate interests, and the ultra-conservative Koch brothers that pushes controversial far-right policies at the local level, including Stand Your Ground laws, attacks on minimum wage laws, and school privatization.
ALEC spent much of 2013 trying to repeal state clean energy laws like Ohio’s, and failed miserably. But they’re still at it. Seitz sponsored a bill that would have only weakened Ohio’s renewable requirement in 2013, but it didn’t get enough support to move forward. So he’s shifted support to full repeal."
NASA Graphic Shows Six Terrifying Decades Of Global Warming (VIDEO)
www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/25/nasa-global-warming-graphic-six-decades_n_4666447.html
"Despite the recent polar vortex and the efforts of some to suggest otherwise, global warming is happening. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and NASA have both said that the 10 warmest years in history happened since 2000. 97 percent of working climate scientists believe climate change is due to the actions of humans. And the risk to the planet is even greater than some scientists thought."
"Despite the recent polar vortex and the efforts of some to suggest otherwise, global warming is happening. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and NASA have both said that the 10 warmest years in history happened since 2000. 97 percent of working climate scientists believe climate change is due to the actions of humans. And the risk to the planet is even greater than some scientists thought."
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Powering Phones, PCs Using Sugar
Powering Phones, PCs Using Sugar
"A team of researchers at Virginia Tech University have developed a battery with energy density an order of magnitude higher than lithium-ion batteries while being almost endlessly rechargeable and biodegradable as well – because it’s made of sugar."
"A team of researchers at Virginia Tech University have developed a battery with energy density an order of magnitude higher than lithium-ion batteries while being almost endlessly rechargeable and biodegradable as well – because it’s made of sugar."
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