Don't Let Politics Trump Science, 2000 Scientists Warn President-Elect
"Signaling great pessimism about the future "role of science in policymaking," more than 2,000 scientists published an open letter to President-elect Donald Trump and the GOP-dominated 115th Congress on Wednesday warning against the dangers of allowing "political or corporate influence" to override scientific fact."
Saturday, December 3, 2016
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Women In Science Pledge To Fight Trump's 'Anti-Knowledge' | Crooks and Liars
Women In Science Pledge To Fight Trump's 'Anti-Knowledge' | Crooks and Liars
"Thousands of female scientists have signed an open letter pledging to fight the “anti-knowledge sentiment” that has emerged since the U.S. presidential election."
"Thousands of female scientists have signed an open letter pledging to fight the “anti-knowledge sentiment” that has emerged since the U.S. presidential election."
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Fracking Special Interests Spent Big in 2016 Elections
http://prwatch.org/news/2016/11/13173/fracking-special-interests-spent-big-2016-elections
"Corporations that profit from fracking funneled millions to PACs for "independent expenditures" in the 2016 election cycle, according to Federal Election Commission filings. For example, the fracking giant Devon Energy gave $500,000 to the "Congressional Leadership Fund," a Super PAC "exclusively dedicated to protecting and strengthening the Republican Majority in the House of Representatives." Devon is notorious for helping to bankroll the fight against citizens in Denton, Texas, who won a bid to ban fracking in 2014 . The Denton ban passed with 59% of the vote, but Texas state legislators and members of the American Legislative Exchange Council nullified that local initiative and pre-empted. Devon spent $195,000 in disclosed spending in the local battle and has spent an untold sum to influence the results local and in the state capitol. Another corporation with a big interest in fracking gave an additional $500,000 to the Congressional Leadership Fund. That half million dollar donation came from Hushang Ansary, the Chairman of Stewart & Stevenson, a manufacturer and distributor of well-stimulation equipment like fracking blenders, fracking pumps, and chemical additive units. Fracking special interests also gave at least $3.35 million to the "Senate Leadership Fund," a Super PAC with "one goal: to protect and expand the Republican Senate Majority." That sum includes $250,000 from Continental Resources, a self-described "leader" in fracking and a $250,000 check from Hushang Ansary, the Chairman of Stewart & Stevenson. The outside spending equivalents that support Democrats--the House Majority PAC and Senate Majority PAC--received no comparable reported donations from the fracking industry. Fracking companies also gave overwhelmingly to the GOP through corporate PACs that include donations from executives and other employees."
"Corporations that profit from fracking funneled millions to PACs for "independent expenditures" in the 2016 election cycle, according to Federal Election Commission filings. For example, the fracking giant Devon Energy gave $500,000 to the "Congressional Leadership Fund," a Super PAC "exclusively dedicated to protecting and strengthening the Republican Majority in the House of Representatives." Devon is notorious for helping to bankroll the fight against citizens in Denton, Texas, who won a bid to ban fracking in 2014 . The Denton ban passed with 59% of the vote, but Texas state legislators and members of the American Legislative Exchange Council nullified that local initiative and pre-empted. Devon spent $195,000 in disclosed spending in the local battle and has spent an untold sum to influence the results local and in the state capitol. Another corporation with a big interest in fracking gave an additional $500,000 to the Congressional Leadership Fund. That half million dollar donation came from Hushang Ansary, the Chairman of Stewart & Stevenson, a manufacturer and distributor of well-stimulation equipment like fracking blenders, fracking pumps, and chemical additive units. Fracking special interests also gave at least $3.35 million to the "Senate Leadership Fund," a Super PAC with "one goal: to protect and expand the Republican Senate Majority." That sum includes $250,000 from Continental Resources, a self-described "leader" in fracking and a $250,000 check from Hushang Ansary, the Chairman of Stewart & Stevenson. The outside spending equivalents that support Democrats--the House Majority PAC and Senate Majority PAC--received no comparable reported donations from the fracking industry. Fracking companies also gave overwhelmingly to the GOP through corporate PACs that include donations from executives and other employees."
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
'Shockingly Stupid' Attack on Science: Trump to Eliminate NASA Climate Research
'Shockingly Stupid' Attack on Science: Trump to Eliminate NASA Climate Research
"The proposal to totally eliminate climate research falls in line with previous GOP efforts to gut NASA's Earth sciences program, and takes those attempts even further."
"The proposal to totally eliminate climate research falls in line with previous GOP efforts to gut NASA's Earth sciences program, and takes those attempts even further."
Donald Trump has promised to deregulate poison and pollution — with a new Supreme Court justice, he probably will
Donald Trump has promised to deregulate poison and pollution — with a new Supreme Court justice, he probably will
"With an executive branch disinclined to enforce the rules, a judiciary that won’t allow anyone to sue and a Congress dominated by corporate interests and climate deniers, the future for our environment is not bright."
"With an executive branch disinclined to enforce the rules, a judiciary that won’t allow anyone to sue and a Congress dominated by corporate interests and climate deniers, the future for our environment is not bright."
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
2016’s marijuana legalization votes, explained
http://www.vox.com/2016/9/14/12064226/marijuana-legalization-election-vote-california-2016
"Legalization won in California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Nevada, although it lost in Arizona, where it was largely considered a long shot. The initiatives that won will soon join Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska among the states, along with Washington, DC, that have already legalized pot for recreational purposes. Medical marijuana measures also won in Arkansas, Florida, and North Dakota. An initiative to expand the medical marijuana program in Montana also passed. Together, the ballot measures' eight-to-one victories mean 2016 was the biggest year for marijuana reform yet."
"Legalization won in California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Nevada, although it lost in Arizona, where it was largely considered a long shot. The initiatives that won will soon join Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska among the states, along with Washington, DC, that have already legalized pot for recreational purposes. Medical marijuana measures also won in Arkansas, Florida, and North Dakota. An initiative to expand the medical marijuana program in Montana also passed. Together, the ballot measures' eight-to-one victories mean 2016 was the biggest year for marijuana reform yet."
Marijuana legalization won big on Election Day. It will keep winning.
http://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2016/11/9/13523384/marijuana-legalization-2016-election
"The key state here: California. There, voters overwhelmingly approved legalization — meaning the country’s most populous state and biggest economy will now move to let people buy marijuana for recreational use and, most importantly, let for-profit companies come into supply all of that pot."
"The key state here: California. There, voters overwhelmingly approved legalization — meaning the country’s most populous state and biggest economy will now move to let people buy marijuana for recreational use and, most importantly, let for-profit companies come into supply all of that pot."
Marijuana Wins Big! @alternet
Marijuana Wins Big! @alternet: In the closest thing ever to a national referendum on pot, the people have spoken.
Friday, November 18, 2016
Thursday, November 17, 2016
Trump's Top Environmental Adviser Says Pesticides Aren't Bad for You
http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2016/11/trump-epa-pesticides
"President-elect Trump has been roundly mocked for running as a crusading reformer, and then tapping a bunch of industry lobbyists and apologists like Ebell to lead his transition. Rather than "draining the swamp" in Washington, Trump seems to want to inject it with agrichemicals."
"President-elect Trump has been roundly mocked for running as a crusading reformer, and then tapping a bunch of industry lobbyists and apologists like Ebell to lead his transition. Rather than "draining the swamp" in Washington, Trump seems to want to inject it with agrichemicals."
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Friday, November 11, 2016
Trump fills the swamp with more lobbyists
https://thinkprogress.org/trump-fills-the-swamp-with-more-lobbyists-32329e155700#.7fuqxqujd
"Those lobbyists include Cindy Hayden of tobacco company Altria; Michael Torrey, owner of a lobbying firm representing the American Beverage Association; Steve Hart, chairman of the Williams & Jensen firm; and Michael McKenna, who lobbies on behalf of Dow Chemical. Trump’s reliance on insiders goes beyond lobbyists. His financial advisory team is full of veteran Wall Streeters such as former Goldman Sachs banker Steven Mnuchin, the Wall Street Journal reports. Both Mnuchin and former JPMorgan chief Jamie Dimon are reportedly in the mix to be Trump’s Treasury Secretary."
"Those lobbyists include Cindy Hayden of tobacco company Altria; Michael Torrey, owner of a lobbying firm representing the American Beverage Association; Steve Hart, chairman of the Williams & Jensen firm; and Michael McKenna, who lobbies on behalf of Dow Chemical. Trump’s reliance on insiders goes beyond lobbyists. His financial advisory team is full of veteran Wall Streeters such as former Goldman Sachs banker Steven Mnuchin, the Wall Street Journal reports. Both Mnuchin and former JPMorgan chief Jamie Dimon are reportedly in the mix to be Trump’s Treasury Secretary."
Richard Dawkins and Other Prominent Scientists React to Trump’s Win
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/richard-dawkins-and-other-prominent-scientists-react-to-trump-rsquo-s-win/
"As Scientific American has reported in the run-up to the election, Trump's views on science, health and medicine appear unformed at best, ignorant and destructive at worst."
"As Scientific American has reported in the run-up to the election, Trump's views on science, health and medicine appear unformed at best, ignorant and destructive at worst."
As president, Trump will shape the future of science. And scientists are worried.
http://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2016/11/10/13573094/president-trump-science-policy
"But it’s not the policy shifts that most worry some scientists — it’s Trump’s generally unscientific pattern of thinking."
"But it’s not the policy shifts that most worry some scientists — it’s Trump’s generally unscientific pattern of thinking."
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Will Trump go down in history as the man who pulled the plug on a livable climate?
https://thinkprogress.org/trump-victory-climate-a0c595572299#.w30q65rlm
"The fate of humanity is in the hands of a denier who pledged to kill domestic and global climate action and all clean energy research."
"The fate of humanity is in the hands of a denier who pledged to kill domestic and global climate action and all clean energy research."
There’s no way around it: Donald Trump is going to be a disaster for the planet
http://www.vox.com/2016/11/9/13571318/donald-trump-disaster-climate
"Trump has also hinted he wants to get rid of the EPA entirely. “What they do is a disgrace,” he has said. Again, if Congress agrees, he’d have the power to scrap other regulations on mercury pollution, on smog, on coal ash, and more."
"Trump has also hinted he wants to get rid of the EPA entirely. “What they do is a disgrace,” he has said. Again, if Congress agrees, he’d have the power to scrap other regulations on mercury pollution, on smog, on coal ash, and more."
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
This Colorado amendment would take power away from voters
https://thinkprogress.org/amendment-71-colorado-raise-the-bar-too-high-e684113ede32#.vki9frf4w
"The amendment is being backed primarily by business interests, including a massive cash infusion from the oil and gas industry."
"The amendment is being backed primarily by business interests, including a massive cash infusion from the oil and gas industry."
Here Are the Races to Watch if You Care About Global Warming
http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2016/11/climate-election-results-guide
"there are a number of state races that will play a key role in determining US climate policy, along with a handful of ballot initiatives covering everything thing from rooftop solar to a proposed carbon tax. The situation in each state is unique."
"there are a number of state races that will play a key role in determining US climate policy, along with a handful of ballot initiatives covering everything thing from rooftop solar to a proposed carbon tax. The situation in each state is unique."
Monday, November 7, 2016
Sanders Says Donald Trump Simply Too Dangerous 'To Sit This One Out'
Sanders Says Donald Trump Simply Too Dangerous 'To Sit This One Out'
"Trump's position on global warming and how starkly it contrasts with Clinton's, says Sanders, should be of special significance to young people and future generations. "Donald Trump's view is that climate change is a hoax created in China. Now if you think that is not important and you think you can sit this one out—that's fine. But I've got seven grandchildren. I've got four kids. I worry about the future of this planet. I'm not sitting it out. And I hope that my fellow American will not sit it out"."
"Trump's position on global warming and how starkly it contrasts with Clinton's, says Sanders, should be of special significance to young people and future generations. "Donald Trump's view is that climate change is a hoax created in China. Now if you think that is not important and you think you can sit this one out—that's fine. But I've got seven grandchildren. I've got four kids. I worry about the future of this planet. I'm not sitting it out. And I hope that my fellow American will not sit it out"."
Hillary Clinton Vows To Do What Obama Hasn’t — Reschedule Marijuana
https://thinkprogress.org/hillary-clinton-vows-to-do-what-obama-hasnt-reschedule-marijuana-fa58a833717b#.sj0q3nelf
"the good news for supporters of marijuana reform is the strong support Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton continues to express for rescheduling marijuana."
"the good news for supporters of marijuana reform is the strong support Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton continues to express for rescheduling marijuana."
Obama: After Tuesday, Federal Marijuana Prohibition Is Likely On the Way Out @alternet
Obama: After Tuesday, Federal Marijuana Prohibition Is Likely On the Way Out @alternet:
"According to the President, the enforcement of federal marijuana prohibitions will likely no longer be possible after the general election on Tuesday. On Friday, President Barack Obama sat down with Bill Maher and discussed a litany of topics, including the growing legalization of marijuana across the country."
"According to the President, the enforcement of federal marijuana prohibitions will likely no longer be possible after the general election on Tuesday. On Friday, President Barack Obama sat down with Bill Maher and discussed a litany of topics, including the growing legalization of marijuana across the country."
Colorado's Marijuana Industry Is Becoming an Economic Steamroller @alternet
Colorado's Marijuana Industry Is Becoming an Economic Steamroller @alternet:
"Each dollar spent on retail cannabis generates $2.40 in state output, while cannabis manufacturing follows with $2.34 and cannabis cultivation comes in at a close $2.13. Combining the three, cannabis is generating far more than any other entity, including federal government spending. Much of this has to do with the fact that the Colorado cannabis industry operates almost entirely within the state, due to continuing prohibition in other states. There is equally impressive news in the jobs sector, where legal cannabis created more than 18,000 jobs in a year."
"Each dollar spent on retail cannabis generates $2.40 in state output, while cannabis manufacturing follows with $2.34 and cannabis cultivation comes in at a close $2.13. Combining the three, cannabis is generating far more than any other entity, including federal government spending. Much of this has to do with the fact that the Colorado cannabis industry operates almost entirely within the state, due to continuing prohibition in other states. There is equally impressive news in the jobs sector, where legal cannabis created more than 18,000 jobs in a year."
Kochs Invest in Corpus Christi City Council as New Refinery Is Built
http://prwatch.org/news/2016/11/13165/koch-cash-corpus-christi-city-council
"An October 20, 2016, Federal Elections Committee (FEC) filing from the Koch Industries, Inc., Political Action Committee (KochPAC) shows that the Kochs are backing seven candidates at different levels of government in the city: a candidate for Mayor, five candidates for City Council, and one for the Nueces County Commissioner Court. In 2000, a federal grand jury issued a 97-count indictment of Koch Industries, subsidiaries, and employees for an array of environmental crimes. After the Kochs backed George W. Bush in the presidential election that year, Bush's U.S. Department of Justice allowed a Koch subsidiary to plead guilty to a single count of concealing violations of wastewater testing laws at the Kochs' Corpus Christi refinery. Koch paid $20 million in fines despite evidence the corporation had released more than 90 metric tons of the cancer-causing toxic benzene into the city's water and air. Now, the Kochs have a refinery expansion, called Project Eagle Ford, underway to process more oil. The project will cost around $600 million, according to the Kochs' Flint Hills operation. The Kochs' backing of so many local candidates in a single city is noteworthy because the right-wing billionaire brothers are better known for massive spending in state and federal races via KochPAC, David Koch's Americans for Prosperity, and large donations to other political committees, such as the Republican Governor's Association. This year, the Kochs' made news with their decision to stay out of the presidential race, sending Koch cash down ballot. There is no other city in the U.S. where the Kochs, through KochPAC, are spending to try to win as many seats as Corpus Christi."
"An October 20, 2016, Federal Elections Committee (FEC) filing from the Koch Industries, Inc., Political Action Committee (KochPAC) shows that the Kochs are backing seven candidates at different levels of government in the city: a candidate for Mayor, five candidates for City Council, and one for the Nueces County Commissioner Court. In 2000, a federal grand jury issued a 97-count indictment of Koch Industries, subsidiaries, and employees for an array of environmental crimes. After the Kochs backed George W. Bush in the presidential election that year, Bush's U.S. Department of Justice allowed a Koch subsidiary to plead guilty to a single count of concealing violations of wastewater testing laws at the Kochs' Corpus Christi refinery. Koch paid $20 million in fines despite evidence the corporation had released more than 90 metric tons of the cancer-causing toxic benzene into the city's water and air. Now, the Kochs have a refinery expansion, called Project Eagle Ford, underway to process more oil. The project will cost around $600 million, according to the Kochs' Flint Hills operation. The Kochs' backing of so many local candidates in a single city is noteworthy because the right-wing billionaire brothers are better known for massive spending in state and federal races via KochPAC, David Koch's Americans for Prosperity, and large donations to other political committees, such as the Republican Governor's Association. This year, the Kochs' made news with their decision to stay out of the presidential race, sending Koch cash down ballot. There is no other city in the U.S. where the Kochs, through KochPAC, are spending to try to win as many seats as Corpus Christi."
Oil and Gas Interests Spend Big to Make it Harder to Amend Colorado Constitution
http://prwatch.org/news/2016/11/13167/oil-gas-industry-spends-big-harder-amend-colorado-constitution
"In Colorado, oil and gas companies are spending tens of millions of dollars to pass ballot Amendment 71 to make it harder for average citizens to use the ballot to amend the constitution."
"In Colorado, oil and gas companies are spending tens of millions of dollars to pass ballot Amendment 71 to make it harder for average citizens to use the ballot to amend the constitution."
Sunday, November 6, 2016
Trump just proposed ending all federal clean energy development
https://thinkprogress.org/trump-zero-out-federal-clean-energy-56cca794790#.sknx6y91r
"He’d end all research on solar, wind, efficiency, batteries, clean cars, and climate science, too."
"He’d end all research on solar, wind, efficiency, batteries, clean cars, and climate science, too."
Friday, November 4, 2016
This Avalanche of Nonsense From Donald Trump Will Leave You Absolutely Speechless
http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2016/10/donald-trump-energy-false-false-false-false-false-false-false
"We fact-checked Donald Trump's latest comments on renewable energy. Turns out, they're not all true."
"We fact-checked Donald Trump's latest comments on renewable energy. Turns out, they're not all true."
Saturday, October 15, 2016
A Trump presidency is a clean energy nightmare
https://thinkprogress.org/trump-stop-clean-energy-4c3bab42f73#.k9x1dhlrj
"Shockingly, Trump has put a climate science denier in charge of his EPA transition. And he is reportedly considering oil executives to run both the Departments of Energy and Interior."
"Shockingly, Trump has put a climate science denier in charge of his EPA transition. And he is reportedly considering oil executives to run both the Departments of Energy and Interior."
Saturday, October 8, 2016
Humane Society Warns: Trump Presidency is a 'Threat to Animals Everywhere'
Humane Society Warns: Trump Presidency is a 'Threat to Animals Everywhere'
"Among them are oil tycoon Forrest Lucas, rumored front-runner for Interior Secretary, whose organization Protect the Harvest specifically opposes measures meant to protect animals involved with farming, ranching, or exhibitions, like rodeos and circuses. The new campaign also features Iowa factory farmer Bruce Rastetter, reportedly the top contender for Trump's Agriculture Secretary. According to the Post's Kathleen Parker, Rastetter's brother "is the chief executive of a company that builds large-scale hog facilities as well as gestation crates for breeding sows"."
"Among them are oil tycoon Forrest Lucas, rumored front-runner for Interior Secretary, whose organization Protect the Harvest specifically opposes measures meant to protect animals involved with farming, ranching, or exhibitions, like rodeos and circuses. The new campaign also features Iowa factory farmer Bruce Rastetter, reportedly the top contender for Trump's Agriculture Secretary. According to the Post's Kathleen Parker, Rastetter's brother "is the chief executive of a company that builds large-scale hog facilities as well as gestation crates for breeding sows"."
Saturday, October 1, 2016
Friday, September 30, 2016
Thursday, September 22, 2016
Trump might appoint an oil executive and anti-animal rights activist to head Interior Department
Trump might appoint an oil executive and anti-animal rights activist to head Interior Department
"Lucas would, however, be a natural complement to Trump’s rumored top choice for energy secretary: oil and gas tycoon Harold Hamm."
"Lucas would, however, be a natural complement to Trump’s rumored top choice for energy secretary: oil and gas tycoon Harold Hamm."
Heinz Ketchup proves that Donald Trump is out of his mind
https://thinkprogress.org/heinz-ketchup-proves-that-donald-trump-is-out-of-his-mind-95c8a838a0d0#.gw4kvqw0k
"America has already tested the idea that we can have safe foods without adequate regulation, in other words. As it turns out, the invisible hand of the market delivered moldy, rancid ketchup that used vinegar and spice to cover up the flavor of decay. It took regulation, the very kind of regulation that Trump now seems to be out to get, to enable Americans to trust their food."
"America has already tested the idea that we can have safe foods without adequate regulation, in other words. As it turns out, the invisible hand of the market delivered moldy, rancid ketchup that used vinegar and spice to cover up the flavor of decay. It took regulation, the very kind of regulation that Trump now seems to be out to get, to enable Americans to trust their food."
Maker of Deadly Fentanyl Kicks in Half a Million to Defeat Pot Legalization in Arizona @alternet
Maker of Deadly Fentanyl Kicks in Half a Million to Defeat Pot Legalization in Arizona @alternet:
"Big Pharma has long been accused of trying to block marijuana legalization."
"Big Pharma has long been accused of trying to block marijuana legalization."
Trump's "Dumpster Fire" of an Energy Policy a Roadmap to Climate Calamity
Trump's "Dumpster Fire" of an Energy Policy a Roadmap to Climate Calamity
"His plan includes: slashing corporate tax rates; scrapping regulations, such as the Waters of the U.S. Rule (pdf) and the Clean Power Plan"
"His plan includes: slashing corporate tax rates; scrapping regulations, such as the Waters of the U.S. Rule (pdf) and the Clean Power Plan"
Marijuana May Help Veterans Suffering From PTSD @alternet
Marijuana May Help Veterans Suffering From PTSD @alternet:
"A new study from the state of Colorado has been tasked with researching whether weed is an acceptable treatment for PTSD, Stars and Stripes reported Monday."
"A new study from the state of Colorado has been tasked with researching whether weed is an acceptable treatment for PTSD, Stars and Stripes reported Monday."
What the ‘sixth extinction’ will look like in the oceans: The largest species die off first
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2016/09/14/what-the-sixth-extinction-will-look-like-in-the-oceans-the-largest-species-die-off-first/?utm_term=.83f803416880&wpisrc=nl_green&wpmm=1
"We mostly can’t see it around us, and too few of us seem to care — but nonetheless, scientists are increasingly convinced that the world is barreling towards what has been called a “sixth mass extinction” event. Simply put, species are going extinct at a rate that far exceeds what you would expect to see naturally, as a result of a major perturbation to the system."
"We mostly can’t see it around us, and too few of us seem to care — but nonetheless, scientists are increasingly convinced that the world is barreling towards what has been called a “sixth mass extinction” event. Simply put, species are going extinct at a rate that far exceeds what you would expect to see naturally, as a result of a major perturbation to the system."
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
As Trump Visits Flint, Media Should Remember His Anti-Clean Water Agenda
http://mediamatters.org/research/2016/09/14/trump-visits-flint-media-should-remember-his-anti-clean-water-agenda/213075
"given his plans to dismantle the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and rescind the EPA’s Clean Water Rule, as well as his energy adviser’s reported statement that the Clean Water Act would likely be “rolled back" by a Trump administration."
"given his plans to dismantle the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and rescind the EPA’s Clean Water Rule, as well as his energy adviser’s reported statement that the Clean Water Act would likely be “rolled back" by a Trump administration."
Friday, September 16, 2016
Donald Trump’s new economic policy plan would be devastating to the climate
https://thinkprogress.org/trump-economic-plan-climate-dangers-4b685b8bb576#.dpxbu3bie
"It includes things like completely eliminating the Clean Power Plan, the United States’ most robust attempt at curbing dangerous greenhouse gas emissions from power sources. It would also eliminate the Waters of the United States rule, a rule that would protect millions of Americans from water pollution. Trump would also slash the EPA’s new standards for ground-level ozone, meant to combat public health issues like asthma"
"It includes things like completely eliminating the Clean Power Plan, the United States’ most robust attempt at curbing dangerous greenhouse gas emissions from power sources. It would also eliminate the Waters of the United States rule, a rule that would protect millions of Americans from water pollution. Trump would also slash the EPA’s new standards for ground-level ozone, meant to combat public health issues like asthma"
Donald Trump filled out a survey about science and it is amazing
https://thinkprogress.org/trump-science-survey-fe56662669ea#.3r7svn16b
"Science is hard. At least, it seems to be for Donald Trump, who this week gave contradictory, off-topic, and sometimes garbled answers to a science questionnaire distributed by Science Debate, a non-profit that urges scientific literacy and accountability from political candidates."
"Science is hard. At least, it seems to be for Donald Trump, who this week gave contradictory, off-topic, and sometimes garbled answers to a science questionnaire distributed by Science Debate, a non-profit that urges scientific literacy and accountability from political candidates."
Republican State AGs Met With Coal, Electricity Companies Before Filing Against The EPA’s Carbon Rule
https://thinkprogress.org/republican-ags-coal-companies-epas-carbon-rule-de76ac047edf#.v6o44siik
"Coal and electricity companies paid to meet with Republican state attorneys general just weeks before those top law enforcement officials joined in suing the federal government over the EPA’s Clean Power Plan, new documents show."
"Coal and electricity companies paid to meet with Republican state attorneys general just weeks before those top law enforcement officials joined in suing the federal government over the EPA’s Clean Power Plan, new documents show."
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Donald Trump’s Lack of Respect for Science Is Alarming
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/donald-trump-s-lack-of-respect-for-science-is-alarming/
"one of the two major party candidates for the highest office in the land has repeatedly and resoundingly demonstrated a disregard, if not outright contempt, for science. Donald Trump also has shown an authoritarian tendency to base policy arguments on questionable assertions of fact and a cult of personality."
"one of the two major party candidates for the highest office in the land has repeatedly and resoundingly demonstrated a disregard, if not outright contempt, for science. Donald Trump also has shown an authoritarian tendency to base policy arguments on questionable assertions of fact and a cult of personality."
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Scientific American sounds alarm on Trump: He ‘takes antiscience to previously unexplored terrain’
Scientific American sounds alarm on Trump: He ‘takes antiscience to previously unexplored terrain’
"Scientific American broke with tradition and spoke out against the Republican Party’s presidential nominee over concerns that he is violating “the nation’s founding principles of truth and evidence"."
"Scientific American broke with tradition and spoke out against the Republican Party’s presidential nominee over concerns that he is violating “the nation’s founding principles of truth and evidence"."
Friday, August 19, 2016
Chief NC scientist resigns, accuses GOP administration of misleading the public about water quality
Chief NC scientist resigns, accuses GOP administration of misleading the public about water quality
"Megan Davies, North Carolina’s chief epidemiologist, resigned this week in the latest bit of drama over drinking water safety — drama that involves the state’s biggest utility and the administration of Republican Gov. Pat McCrory. Davies, who accused state officials of deliberately misleading residents, gives up her post of seven years and an $188,000 annual salary. The story begins in 2014, when a Duke Energy power plant spilled 40,000 tons of toxic coal ash and 27 million gallons of wastewater into the Dan River. The ash is a byproduct of burning coal, and it’s harmful to people and ecosystems, containing silica, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic. In the aftermath of the spill, public concern grew over Duke’s 32 coal ash storage sites around the state. Many of them were revealed to be unprotected, sitting in unlined basins — just heaps of coal ash in giant pits, leaching toxic elements and a carcinogen called hexavalent chromium into the water table. Soon after, hundreds of households near the storage sites were told by state officials not to drink from their wells due to concerns over water quality. In April 2015, Duke Energy began providing bottled water to those homes. The do-not-drink order, however, didn’t last. A year after warning residents that their well water wasn’t safe, representatives from the state’s Department of Environmental Quality and the Department of Health and Human Services changed their minds, writing to the impacted households that their water was actually fine. Testing, however, showed that well water near the coal ash sites still had levels of hexavalent chromium higher than in the municipal water supply. And Duke Energy, it turned out, had lobbied the state to reverse the do-not-drink order, even though nothing about most of the storage sites had changed. There were still unlined coal ash sites dotting the state, and there were still toxins in the water."
"Megan Davies, North Carolina’s chief epidemiologist, resigned this week in the latest bit of drama over drinking water safety — drama that involves the state’s biggest utility and the administration of Republican Gov. Pat McCrory. Davies, who accused state officials of deliberately misleading residents, gives up her post of seven years and an $188,000 annual salary. The story begins in 2014, when a Duke Energy power plant spilled 40,000 tons of toxic coal ash and 27 million gallons of wastewater into the Dan River. The ash is a byproduct of burning coal, and it’s harmful to people and ecosystems, containing silica, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic. In the aftermath of the spill, public concern grew over Duke’s 32 coal ash storage sites around the state. Many of them were revealed to be unprotected, sitting in unlined basins — just heaps of coal ash in giant pits, leaching toxic elements and a carcinogen called hexavalent chromium into the water table. Soon after, hundreds of households near the storage sites were told by state officials not to drink from their wells due to concerns over water quality. In April 2015, Duke Energy began providing bottled water to those homes. The do-not-drink order, however, didn’t last. A year after warning residents that their well water wasn’t safe, representatives from the state’s Department of Environmental Quality and the Department of Health and Human Services changed their minds, writing to the impacted households that their water was actually fine. Testing, however, showed that well water near the coal ash sites still had levels of hexavalent chromium higher than in the municipal water supply. And Duke Energy, it turned out, had lobbied the state to reverse the do-not-drink order, even though nothing about most of the storage sites had changed. There were still unlined coal ash sites dotting the state, and there were still toxins in the water."
Trump shows that he has absolutely no understanding of energy
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/8/11/1558498/-Trump-shows-that-he-has-absolutely-no-understanding-of-energy
"Asked about the nation’s energy situation, Donald Trump got it wrong on almost every point."
"Asked about the nation’s energy situation, Donald Trump got it wrong on almost every point."
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Trump’s New Agriculture Adviser Has Some Very Backwards Ideas
https://thinkprogress.org/trumps-new-agriculture-adviser-has-some-very-backwards-ideas-1892085378af#.hmliv1ray
"Miller has engaged in some eyebrowing-raising conduct during his tenures as commissioner and as a former state representative. He defended suggesting that the United States nuke the Muslim world and compared refugees to snakes. Asked at a conservative policy forum about what keeps him up at night, Miller responded that he was concerned that the country would turn into a “Muslim country.” He has been accused of using state funds to take a trip to Oklahoma to get a “Jesus shot,” a medical cure-all for his chronic pain (he later reimbursed the funds to the state). And Miller also allegedly used state funds to compete in a rodeo. Other odd behaviors included granting “amnesty” to cupcakes and lifting a ban on deep fryers and soda machines in Texas public schools."
"Miller has engaged in some eyebrowing-raising conduct during his tenures as commissioner and as a former state representative. He defended suggesting that the United States nuke the Muslim world and compared refugees to snakes. Asked at a conservative policy forum about what keeps him up at night, Miller responded that he was concerned that the country would turn into a “Muslim country.” He has been accused of using state funds to take a trip to Oklahoma to get a “Jesus shot,” a medical cure-all for his chronic pain (he later reimbursed the funds to the state). And Miller also allegedly used state funds to compete in a rodeo. Other odd behaviors included granting “amnesty” to cupcakes and lifting a ban on deep fryers and soda machines in Texas public schools."
Saturday, August 6, 2016
The Kochs, Big Oil Are Taking Their War With The EPA To The Ballot Box
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2016/08/04/3803911/who-is-behind-pro-fossil-fuel-ags/
"So where did RAGA get its money? More than $2.4 million — about 13 percent — came from Koch Industries, Murray Energy, the American Petroleum Institute, Exxon Mobil, the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity, and other fossil fuel interests. Another nearly $1.4 million came from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which receives a significant amount of its funds from fossil fuel companies and Koch-backed nonprofits. Attorney general elections don’t garner big headlines. Most Americans likely can’t even name their state attorney general. But these people play a major role in enforcing — or fighting — environmental laws."
"So where did RAGA get its money? More than $2.4 million — about 13 percent — came from Koch Industries, Murray Energy, the American Petroleum Institute, Exxon Mobil, the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity, and other fossil fuel interests. Another nearly $1.4 million came from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which receives a significant amount of its funds from fossil fuel companies and Koch-backed nonprofits. Attorney general elections don’t garner big headlines. Most Americans likely can’t even name their state attorney general. But these people play a major role in enforcing — or fighting — environmental laws."
The Koch Brothers Are Behind a Plot to Open Up the Grand Canyon Watershed to Toxic Uranium Mining @alternet
The Koch Brothers Are Behind a Plot to Open Up the Grand Canyon Watershed to Toxic Uranium Mining @alternet:
"Unsurprisingly, the issue at hand involves revenue, big power brokers, ramifications of Citizens United, and a familiar actor in the anti-environmental space—the Koch brothers."
"Unsurprisingly, the issue at hand involves revenue, big power brokers, ramifications of Citizens United, and a familiar actor in the anti-environmental space—the Koch brothers."
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