https://thinkprogress.org/pruitt-earthquakes-dbaacffdaec1#.6nzw03piw
"In 2010, the year Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt (R) was elected, the state experienced 43 earthquakes. In 2016, the year Pruitt was nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to run the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Oklahoma registered 518 earthquakes. Sixteen of them were magnitude 4.0 or greater, including the state’s biggest ever, a 5.8 quake that rattled houses from their foundations. There is no question these earthquakes are caused by wastewater injections from oil and gas operations. Over the past decade, the state’s biggest industry has transitioned to hydraulic fracturing technology, which uses massive amounts of chemical and sand-laced water, injected at high pressure into the ground. The industry boomed — but it also was left with significant amounts of unusable water. The cheapest, easiest disposal method is to simply inject the water back into the ground. As state attorney general, Pruitt is responsible for advising and defending state agencies on legal issues. He is also responsible for protecting Oklahoma citizens. But under his watch, earthquakes grew exponentially, in both size and frequency. Oklahoma’s ground literally can’t take the wastewater. The pressure is chipping away at the state’s fault line. And some legal experts say Pruitt could be on the hook for a potentially devastating earthquake."
Friday, January 27, 2017
Friday, January 20, 2017
The Many Times Scott Pruitt Chose Polluters over Children’s Health
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/green/news/2017/01/17/296643/the-many-times-scott-pruitt-chose-polluters-over-childrens-health/
"During his campaign, President-elect Donald Trump railed against so-called pay-to-play politics and started a rallying cry to “drain the swamp” in Washington. Despite this strong rhetoric, journalists and politicians have noted that Trump’s cabinet nominees actually epitomize a system rigged to benefit large corporations at the expense of the public good. His nominee for administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA—Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt—is no exception. During his career, Pruitt has demonstrated that, given a choice, he will side with large, polluting corporations over the environment and public health, including the health of children. Every time."
"During his campaign, President-elect Donald Trump railed against so-called pay-to-play politics and started a rallying cry to “drain the swamp” in Washington. Despite this strong rhetoric, journalists and politicians have noted that Trump’s cabinet nominees actually epitomize a system rigged to benefit large corporations at the expense of the public good. His nominee for administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA—Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt—is no exception. During his career, Pruitt has demonstrated that, given a choice, he will side with large, polluting corporations over the environment and public health, including the health of children. Every time."
Donald Trump’s Plan for Our Water is Just as Bad as You’d Imagine
Donald Trump’s Plan for Our Water is Just as Bad as You’d Imagine
"Trump’s plan for repairing our nation’s water systems would be an absolute disaster for just about everyone—except of course, water corporations and Wall Street investors. In fact, some of the same players that brought down our nation’s housing market are poised to repeat the same mistakes—but this time, with our water. Donald Trump is a business tycoon, not a policy expert. It’s therefore disturbing (though not terribly shocking) that his policy proposals favor Wall Street and private interests. Trump's infrastructure plan was crafted by his Commerce Secretary nominee Wilbur Ross, a billionaire who built his fortune helping companies lay off employees, and Peter Navarro, a conservative professor of business at the University of California Irvine."
"Trump’s plan for repairing our nation’s water systems would be an absolute disaster for just about everyone—except of course, water corporations and Wall Street investors. In fact, some of the same players that brought down our nation’s housing market are poised to repeat the same mistakes—but this time, with our water. Donald Trump is a business tycoon, not a policy expert. It’s therefore disturbing (though not terribly shocking) that his policy proposals favor Wall Street and private interests. Trump's infrastructure plan was crafted by his Commerce Secretary nominee Wilbur Ross, a billionaire who built his fortune helping companies lay off employees, and Peter Navarro, a conservative professor of business at the University of California Irvine."
Scott Pruitt: Trump's Pick for EPA
http://prwatch.org/news/2017/01/13201/scott-pruitt-trump-nominee-epa
"Pruitt was the focus in a Pulitzer Prize winning New York Times investigative series published in 2014, which examined how numerous Republican attorneys general, including Pruitt, had formed secret alliances with energy corporations."
"Pruitt was the focus in a Pulitzer Prize winning New York Times investigative series published in 2014, which examined how numerous Republican attorneys general, including Pruitt, had formed secret alliances with energy corporations."
500+ Groups Urge Senators: 'Use All Your Power' to Block Anti-Environment Pruitt
500+ Groups Urge Senators: 'Use All Your Power' to Block Anti-Environment Pruitt
"More than 500 national, state, and local organizations on Tuesday announced their opposition to Donald Trump's fossil-fuel soaked nominee to run the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Scott Pruitt."
"More than 500 national, state, and local organizations on Tuesday announced their opposition to Donald Trump's fossil-fuel soaked nominee to run the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Scott Pruitt."
Endangered Species Act is now an endangered species as Republicans plan its extinction
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/1/17/1621533/-Endangered-Species-Act-is-now-an-endangered-species-as-Republicans-plan-its-extinction
"Congress reconvened last week with two critics of the law holding key Senate leadership positions — Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso as the incoming chairman of the Committee on Environment and Public Works and Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski as chairwoman of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Pair those two with Scott Pruitt heading up the EPA, and the only species that won’t be endangered is the Republican lobbyist."
"Congress reconvened last week with two critics of the law holding key Senate leadership positions — Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso as the incoming chairman of the Committee on Environment and Public Works and Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski as chairwoman of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Pair those two with Scott Pruitt heading up the EPA, and the only species that won’t be endangered is the Republican lobbyist."
Rex Tillerson Denies Oil & Gas Subsidies Exist, While Company Profits From Them
Rex Tillerson Denies Oil & Gas Subsidies Exist, While Company Profits From Them
"Rex Tillerson on Wednesday, under oath, denied the existence of fossil fuel subsidies. This is dangerously incorrect. In fact, the Oil & Gas Industry receives more than $17 Billion in Subsidies per year, and according to our new analysis ExxonMobil likely gets as much as $1 billion of that. Former ExxonMobil CEO, Rex Tillerson, testified in front of the Senate Foreign Relations committee and may be about to head the State Department – and it’s not looking good for the climate. Under Tillerson and his predecessors, Exxon knew that climate change was happening yet spun a massive disinformation campaign to sow doubt about climate science, and spent hundreds of millions buying influence in Washington to block progress on climate pollution. Today Tillerson was at it again, testifying that the science on climate change, and the impact it might have on the world and our country, is still fuzzy. But he also upheld another proud oil and gas industry tradition: denying that the oil and gas industry receives subsidies. There’s a pattern here. Whenever the oil industry faces a problem that truly threatens their business model, they deny it exists."
"Rex Tillerson on Wednesday, under oath, denied the existence of fossil fuel subsidies. This is dangerously incorrect. In fact, the Oil & Gas Industry receives more than $17 Billion in Subsidies per year, and according to our new analysis ExxonMobil likely gets as much as $1 billion of that. Former ExxonMobil CEO, Rex Tillerson, testified in front of the Senate Foreign Relations committee and may be about to head the State Department – and it’s not looking good for the climate. Under Tillerson and his predecessors, Exxon knew that climate change was happening yet spun a massive disinformation campaign to sow doubt about climate science, and spent hundreds of millions buying influence in Washington to block progress on climate pollution. Today Tillerson was at it again, testifying that the science on climate change, and the impact it might have on the world and our country, is still fuzzy. But he also upheld another proud oil and gas industry tradition: denying that the oil and gas industry receives subsidies. There’s a pattern here. Whenever the oil industry faces a problem that truly threatens their business model, they deny it exists."
Bracing for Trump's Anti-Science Agenda, DOE Announces 'Scientific Integrity Policy'
Bracing for Trump's Anti-Science Agenda, DOE Announces 'Scientific Integrity Policy'
"As President-elect Donald Trump's anti-science administration prepares to swoop into Washington, D.C., outgoing Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Ernest Moniz on Wednesday announced a new "scientific integrity policy" meant to protect workers and policies that may be at risk."
"As President-elect Donald Trump's anti-science administration prepares to swoop into Washington, D.C., outgoing Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Ernest Moniz on Wednesday announced a new "scientific integrity policy" meant to protect workers and policies that may be at risk."
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Sanders Skewers Perry for Whitewashing Climate Crisis
Sanders Skewers Perry for Whitewashing Climate Crisis
"During his confirmation hearing on Thursday, former Texas Governor Rick Perry was able to laugh off having once called for abolishing the Department of Energy, which he is now poised to lead, but Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) refused to let him get away "sounding like a hung over frat boy," as one observer put it, when speaking about the crisis of climate change."
"During his confirmation hearing on Thursday, former Texas Governor Rick Perry was able to laugh off having once called for abolishing the Department of Energy, which he is now poised to lead, but Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) refused to let him get away "sounding like a hung over frat boy," as one observer put it, when speaking about the crisis of climate change."
The Most Dangerous Bill You've Never Heard of Just Passed the House
The Most Dangerous Bill You've Never Heard of Just Passed the House:
"Last, week, under the cover of a media bliss-out except among Koch funded right-wing channels, the House of Representatives passed a bill which would effectively repeal future standard setting under every important environmental, public health, consumer protection, labor standards, occupational safety and civil rights law on the books."
"Last, week, under the cover of a media bliss-out except among Koch funded right-wing channels, the House of Representatives passed a bill which would effectively repeal future standard setting under every important environmental, public health, consumer protection, labor standards, occupational safety and civil rights law on the books."
Why Oil Is the Glue That Bonds Trump and Putin @alternet
Why Oil Is the Glue That Bonds Trump and Putin @alternet:
"They include the U.S. corporate giant, ExxonMobil, and Russia’s mega-methane firm, Gazprom. Almost everyone, except for much of the media, acknowledges that Russia behaves like a classic petro state. Lindsey Graham, the Republican senator from South Carolina, once described the Russian Federation as “an oil and gas company masquerading as a country.” Putin’s government, for example, gets half its revenue from oil and gas sales to Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Oil accounts for almost 60 per cent of Russia’s exports and a third of its capital investments. The global 2014 oil price crash severely undermined the country’s economy and lowered living standards for ordinary Russians. As a consequence Putin’s oil locomotive is now stagnating and needs foreign investment and higher oil prices. Unlike most Canadian politicians, Putin has studied the politics of oil. He can even talk about theDutch disease and other resource curses. As a young intelligence officer he watched a global oil price collapse in the early 1990s unhinge the Soviet Union and does not want to see that experience repeated. Beginning more than a decade ago, Putin removed the country’s most powerful oligarchs from Russia’s oil and gas companies and nationalized the industry to consolidate his power. He then let in a few western players such as ExxonMobil to help revitalize Russia’s oil patch."
"They include the U.S. corporate giant, ExxonMobil, and Russia’s mega-methane firm, Gazprom. Almost everyone, except for much of the media, acknowledges that Russia behaves like a classic petro state. Lindsey Graham, the Republican senator from South Carolina, once described the Russian Federation as “an oil and gas company masquerading as a country.” Putin’s government, for example, gets half its revenue from oil and gas sales to Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Oil accounts for almost 60 per cent of Russia’s exports and a third of its capital investments. The global 2014 oil price crash severely undermined the country’s economy and lowered living standards for ordinary Russians. As a consequence Putin’s oil locomotive is now stagnating and needs foreign investment and higher oil prices. Unlike most Canadian politicians, Putin has studied the politics of oil. He can even talk about theDutch disease and other resource curses. As a young intelligence officer he watched a global oil price collapse in the early 1990s unhinge the Soviet Union and does not want to see that experience repeated. Beginning more than a decade ago, Putin removed the country’s most powerful oligarchs from Russia’s oil and gas companies and nationalized the industry to consolidate his power. He then let in a few western players such as ExxonMobil to help revitalize Russia’s oil patch."
How Exxon Won the 2016 Election
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/green/news/2017/01/10/296277/how-exxon-won-the-2016-election/
"At no time in recent U.S. history has one company been at the brink of attaining so much power and influence over U.S. policy, both domestic and foreign. If the Senate confirms most or all of the five Cabinet nominees whose backgrounds and positions would most benefit Exxon, the company will have acquired substantial direct and indirect control over the regulatory, law enforcement, lawmaking, and diplomatic powers of the American government. Although the company’s change in fortunes and access to power will undoubtedly boost its bottom line, Exxon’s public policy agenda will come at extraordinary cost to public health, the environment, and taxpayers."
"At no time in recent U.S. history has one company been at the brink of attaining so much power and influence over U.S. policy, both domestic and foreign. If the Senate confirms most or all of the five Cabinet nominees whose backgrounds and positions would most benefit Exxon, the company will have acquired substantial direct and indirect control over the regulatory, law enforcement, lawmaking, and diplomatic powers of the American government. Although the company’s change in fortunes and access to power will undoubtedly boost its bottom line, Exxon’s public policy agenda will come at extraordinary cost to public health, the environment, and taxpayers."
Monday, January 16, 2017
Saturday, January 14, 2017
Did Putin help elect Trump to restore $500 billion Exxon oil deal killed by sanctions
https://thinkprogress.org/putin-helped-trump-exxon-oil-deal-sanctions-6f169c4a4cd0#.ohl4vn3mu
"it appears our democracy and our children have a new axis to worry about: Putin, Trump, and ExxonMobil, whose CEO Rex Tillerson — an extreme Russophile and long-time director of a US-Russian oil company — is Trump’s puzzling choice for Secretary of State. I say “puzzling” because the long-serving Exxon employee (from age 23!) has no qualifications to be secretary of state — other than a history negotiating major oil deals with countries like Putin’s Russia, which in any sane world would actually disqualify him or at least force a recusal from all State Department dealings with Russia. But that puzzle disappears if we follow the famous dictum from the Watergate era for uncovering a tangled web of covert campaign acts: “Follow the money"."
"it appears our democracy and our children have a new axis to worry about: Putin, Trump, and ExxonMobil, whose CEO Rex Tillerson — an extreme Russophile and long-time director of a US-Russian oil company — is Trump’s puzzling choice for Secretary of State. I say “puzzling” because the long-serving Exxon employee (from age 23!) has no qualifications to be secretary of state — other than a history negotiating major oil deals with countries like Putin’s Russia, which in any sane world would actually disqualify him or at least force a recusal from all State Department dealings with Russia. But that puzzle disappears if we follow the famous dictum from the Watergate era for uncovering a tangled web of covert campaign acts: “Follow the money"."
Trump to cede millions of high-wage jobs to China
https://thinkprogress.org/trump-to-abandon-millions-of-high-wage-jobs-to-china-3554a04796b1#.31nm4uq98
"China is preparing to go big on the only major new source of sustainable high-wage employment in the coming decades. Beijing’s newest 5-year energy development plan invests a stunning 2.5 trillion yuan ($360 billion) in renewable generation by 2020. Of that, $144 billion will go to solar, about $100 billion to wind, $70 billion to hydropower, and the rest to sources like tidal and geothermal power."
"China is preparing to go big on the only major new source of sustainable high-wage employment in the coming decades. Beijing’s newest 5-year energy development plan invests a stunning 2.5 trillion yuan ($360 billion) in renewable generation by 2020. Of that, $144 billion will go to solar, about $100 billion to wind, $70 billion to hydropower, and the rest to sources like tidal and geothermal power."
Monday, January 9, 2017
#DayAgainstDenial Calls on Senate to Reject Trump's Anti-Science Cabinet
#DayAgainstDenial Calls on Senate to Reject Trump's Anti-Science Cabinet
"More than 70 rallies and other events are slated to take place at lawmakers' offices around the country on Monday."
"More than 70 rallies and other events are slated to take place at lawmakers' offices around the country on Monday."
New Resource Exposes 'Corporate Chieftains' Filling Trump Cabinet
New Resource Exposes 'Corporate Chieftains' Filling Trump Cabinet
"For those who want to keep tabs on the corporate influences President-elect Donald Trump's uber-wealthy and "horrifying" cabinet picks will be bringing with them, advocacy organization Public Citizen just unveiled a new resource. Trump, whose own conflicts of interest continue to mount, "ran against corruption, cronyism, and insider dealmaking," said Robert Weissman, president of Public Citizen, on Friday. Yet, he "is handing control of the government over to corporate chieftains." The new site, CorporateCabinet.org, so far profiles 14 picks including Rex Tillerson for Secretary of State, Steven Mnuchin for Treasury Secretary, Betsy DeVos for Education Secretary, and well as Vice President-elect Mike Pence. It is slated to be updated as further top officials become known."
"For those who want to keep tabs on the corporate influences President-elect Donald Trump's uber-wealthy and "horrifying" cabinet picks will be bringing with them, advocacy organization Public Citizen just unveiled a new resource. Trump, whose own conflicts of interest continue to mount, "ran against corruption, cronyism, and insider dealmaking," said Robert Weissman, president of Public Citizen, on Friday. Yet, he "is handing control of the government over to corporate chieftains." The new site, CorporateCabinet.org, so far profiles 14 picks including Rex Tillerson for Secretary of State, Steven Mnuchin for Treasury Secretary, Betsy DeVos for Education Secretary, and well as Vice President-elect Mike Pence. It is slated to be updated as further top officials become known."
Friday, January 6, 2017
How You Can Automatically Fact-Check Donald Trump's Lies @alternet
How You Can Automatically Fact-Check Donald Trump's Lies @alternet:
"Since his tiny hands first signed up for the site, President-elect Donald Trump’s Twitter account has been spewing misleading, flat-out inaccurate rants with no end in sight. Before the election, he was slinging racist and plain false statistics about African-American crime rates and his imaginary opposition to the Iraq War; after the election, his so-called “landslide” electoral victory. The bottomline, in case you’re brand-f*cking-new to the internet: Trump tells a lot of lies on Twitter. Seeing through the lies is pretty easy, but with dishonest tweet after dishonest tweet, the laborious task of fact-checking the madman sure adds up, so treat yourself to this delightful new Chrome extension that fact-checks Trump’s tweets for you."
"Since his tiny hands first signed up for the site, President-elect Donald Trump’s Twitter account has been spewing misleading, flat-out inaccurate rants with no end in sight. Before the election, he was slinging racist and plain false statistics about African-American crime rates and his imaginary opposition to the Iraq War; after the election, his so-called “landslide” electoral victory. The bottomline, in case you’re brand-f*cking-new to the internet: Trump tells a lot of lies on Twitter. Seeing through the lies is pretty easy, but with dishonest tweet after dishonest tweet, the laborious task of fact-checking the madman sure adds up, so treat yourself to this delightful new Chrome extension that fact-checks Trump’s tweets for you."
There is no reason to ever build another coal plant in the United States
https://thinkprogress.org/renewable-cheaper-than-coal-589e43113faf#.9lwxa1m4k
"For the second year in a row, wind and solar accounted for roughly two-thirds of new U.S. generating capacity, while natural gas and nuclear made up most of the rest. That’s because right now, in much of the United States, wind and solar are the cheapest form of power available, according to a new report from investment bank Lazard. Analysts found that new solar or wind installations are cheaper than a new coal-fired power installation just about everywhere — even without subsidies — while the cost of renewables continues to fall rapidly."
"For the second year in a row, wind and solar accounted for roughly two-thirds of new U.S. generating capacity, while natural gas and nuclear made up most of the rest. That’s because right now, in much of the United States, wind and solar are the cheapest form of power available, according to a new report from investment bank Lazard. Analysts found that new solar or wind installations are cheaper than a new coal-fired power installation just about everywhere — even without subsidies — while the cost of renewables continues to fall rapidly."
New rule protecting waterways from coal mining will be early target of Trump administration
https://thinkprogress.org/interior-department-finalizes-rule-to-protect-streams-from-coal-mining-pollution-1d159d079fc9#.sqbu8vrb7
"The rule would protect thousands of miles of streams, and Trump has vowed to undo it."
"The rule would protect thousands of miles of streams, and Trump has vowed to undo it."
It's Always About The Oil: Rex Tillerson Edition | Crooks and Liars
It's Always About The Oil: Rex Tillerson Edition | Crooks and Liars
"It would be a mistake to ignore what Trump is trying to do here. When we speak of a coup, we're really talking about how oil billionaires banded together to put a man in office who would let them have their way with energy and foreign policy."
"It would be a mistake to ignore what Trump is trying to do here. When we speak of a coup, we're really talking about how oil billionaires banded together to put a man in office who would let them have their way with energy and foreign policy."
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
From Climate Change to Coal Mining, Donald Trump's Reality Is Pure Science Fiction @alternet
From Climate Change to Coal Mining, Donald Trump's Reality Is Pure Science Fiction @alternet: Since Trump announced his presidential bid, about 70 percent of his assertions have been lies.
Why the Fur Industry Is Very Pleased With Trump in the White House @alternet
Why the Fur Industry Is Very Pleased With Trump in the White House @alternet: The Trump sons are trying to rebrand fur as 'animal agriculture,' but consumers aren't falling for it.
Monday, December 19, 2016
Trump's Energy Policy Will Darken the Future With Disastrous Pollution and Dirty Air @alternet
Trump's Energy Policy Will Darken the Future With Disastrous Pollution and Dirty Air @alternet:
"He seems firmly convinced that the accelerated extraction of oil and other carbon-based fuels will “make America great again.” This is delusional, but as president he will undoubtedly be able to make enough of his energy program happen to achieve both short term and long term energy mayhem. He won’t actually be able to reverse the global shift to renewable energy now under way or leverage increased American fossil fuel production to achieve significant foreign policy advantages. What his efforts are, however, likely to ensure is the surrender of American technological leadership in green energy to countries like China and Germany, already racing ahead in the development of renewable systems. And in the process, he will also guarantee that all of us are going to experience yet more extreme climate events. He will never recreate the dreamy America of his memory or return us to the steamy economic cauldron of the post-World War II period, but he may succeed in restoring the smoggy skies and poisoned rivers that so characterized that era and, as an added bonus, bring planetary climate disaster in his wake. His slogan should be: Make America Smoggy Again."
"He seems firmly convinced that the accelerated extraction of oil and other carbon-based fuels will “make America great again.” This is delusional, but as president he will undoubtedly be able to make enough of his energy program happen to achieve both short term and long term energy mayhem. He won’t actually be able to reverse the global shift to renewable energy now under way or leverage increased American fossil fuel production to achieve significant foreign policy advantages. What his efforts are, however, likely to ensure is the surrender of American technological leadership in green energy to countries like China and Germany, already racing ahead in the development of renewable systems. And in the process, he will also guarantee that all of us are going to experience yet more extreme climate events. He will never recreate the dreamy America of his memory or return us to the steamy economic cauldron of the post-World War II period, but he may succeed in restoring the smoggy skies and poisoned rivers that so characterized that era and, as an added bonus, bring planetary climate disaster in his wake. His slogan should be: Make America Smoggy Again."
The Republican Party Has Abandoned Science for Temporary Profit
http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/news/a51419/trump-epa/
"The Republican Party—the party of Theodore Roosevelt and Gifford Pinchot, of national parks and the EPA—has abandoned science for temporary profit. It has gone completely mad and we will pay that price for it."
"The Republican Party—the party of Theodore Roosevelt and Gifford Pinchot, of national parks and the EPA—has abandoned science for temporary profit. It has gone completely mad and we will pay that price for it."
Friday, December 16, 2016
The Weather Channel to Breitbart: 'Earth Is Not Cooling, Climate Change Is Real' (Video) @alternet
The Weather Channel to Breitbart: 'Earth Is Not Cooling, Climate Change Is Real' (Video) @alternet: A bluntly titled blog post takes Breitbart to task for using a Weather.com video to deny global warming.
Trump's Secretary of State Pick Is Exxon CEO With Close Ties to Putin @alternet
Trump's Secretary of State Pick Is Exxon CEO With Close Ties to Putin @alternet:
"ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson has close personal and company ties to Russia and President Vladimir Putin."
"ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson has close personal and company ties to Russia and President Vladimir Putin."
Sun Solution Rises as Solar Fast Becoming World's Cheapest Electricity Source
Sun Solution Rises as Solar Fast Becoming World's Cheapest Electricity Source
"For the first time, solar power is becoming the cheapest form of electricity production in the world, according to new statistics from Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) released Thursday."
"For the first time, solar power is becoming the cheapest form of electricity production in the world, according to new statistics from Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) released Thursday."
Rex Tillerson and Exxon Spent Big on Climate Change Denial while Misleading Public, Evidence Shows
http://prwatch.org/news/2016/12/13188/rex-tillerson-and-exxon-spent-big-climate-change-denial-while-misleading-public
"With Tillerson at the helm of Exxon, the company has paid ALEC to have a leadership role in its operations, both on the its corporate board and on its task forces, where corporations vote as equals with legislators on "model" bills that are then pushed into law in state legislatures and Congress."
"With Tillerson at the helm of Exxon, the company has paid ALEC to have a leadership role in its operations, both on the its corporate board and on its task forces, where corporations vote as equals with legislators on "model" bills that are then pushed into law in state legislatures and Congress."
NOAA Issues 'Jaw-Dropping' Assessment on 'Unprecedented' Arctic Warming
NOAA Issues 'Jaw-Dropping' Assessment on 'Unprecedented' Arctic Warming
"The annual assessment, released Wednesday, finds that "persistent warming" is driving "extensive changes" to the region. In fact, the average air temperatures were "unprecendented"—the highest on observational record—and "Arctic temperatures continue to increase at double the rate of the global temperature increase," NOAA states."
"The annual assessment, released Wednesday, finds that "persistent warming" is driving "extensive changes" to the region. In fact, the average air temperatures were "unprecendented"—the highest on observational record—and "Arctic temperatures continue to increase at double the rate of the global temperature increase," NOAA states."
Scientists Racing to Archive Climate Data Before Denier-in-Chief Trump Takes Office
Scientists Racing to Archive Climate Data Before Denier-in-Chief Trump Takes Office
"Anticipating the worst under the incoming administration, a group of scientists are frantically trying to archive government climate data before President-elect Donald Trump's "band of climate conspiracy theorists...storm the castle," as one put it."
"Anticipating the worst under the incoming administration, a group of scientists are frantically trying to archive government climate data before President-elect Donald Trump's "band of climate conspiracy theorists...storm the castle," as one put it."
Trump, aided by fake news, wages a war on science and your children’s future
https://thinkprogress.org/the-war-on-science-by-trump-86418d7d0d35#.z92x7d65w
"The stakes in the renewed war on science are existential and irreversible. So it’s time the media picked the side of facts — and not lies."
"The stakes in the renewed war on science are existential and irreversible. So it’s time the media picked the side of facts — and not lies."
Leaked Audio: Dakota Access Pipeline Executive Says "Election Night Changed Everything" and DAPL "Is Going Through"
Leaked Audio: Dakota Access Pipeline Executive Says "Election Night Changed Everything" and DAPL "Is Going Through"
"Energy Transfer Partners' Chief Operating Officer saying that “election night changed everything” for the company as it relates to its embattled Dakota Access Pipeline."
"Energy Transfer Partners' Chief Operating Officer saying that “election night changed everything” for the company as it relates to its embattled Dakota Access Pipeline."
Trump's Energy Policy Will Darken the Future with Disastrous Pollution and Dirty Air @alternet
Trump's Energy Policy Will Darken the Future with Disastrous Pollution and Dirty Air @alternet:
"He seems firmly convinced that the accelerated extraction of oil and other carbon-based fuels will “make America great again.” This is delusional, but as president he will undoubtedly be able to make enough of his energy program happen to achieve both short term and long term energy mayhem. He won’t actually be able to reverse the global shift to renewable energy now under way or leverage increased American fossil fuel production to achieve significant foreign policy advantages. What his efforts are, however, likely to ensure is the surrender of American technological leadership in green energy to countries like China and Germany, already racing ahead in the development of renewable systems. And in the process, he will also guarantee that all of us are going to experience yet more extreme climate events. He will never recreate the dreamy America of his memory or return us to the steamy economic cauldron of the post-World War II period, but he may succeed in restoring the smoggy skies and poisoned rivers that so characterized that era and, as an added bonus, bring planetary climate disaster in his wake. His slogan should be: Make America Smoggy Again."
"He seems firmly convinced that the accelerated extraction of oil and other carbon-based fuels will “make America great again.” This is delusional, but as president he will undoubtedly be able to make enough of his energy program happen to achieve both short term and long term energy mayhem. He won’t actually be able to reverse the global shift to renewable energy now under way or leverage increased American fossil fuel production to achieve significant foreign policy advantages. What his efforts are, however, likely to ensure is the surrender of American technological leadership in green energy to countries like China and Germany, already racing ahead in the development of renewable systems. And in the process, he will also guarantee that all of us are going to experience yet more extreme climate events. He will never recreate the dreamy America of his memory or return us to the steamy economic cauldron of the post-World War II period, but he may succeed in restoring the smoggy skies and poisoned rivers that so characterized that era and, as an added bonus, bring planetary climate disaster in his wake. His slogan should be: Make America Smoggy Again."
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Rex Tillerson: 'A Christmas gift to the Russian people'
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/12/14/1610998/-Rex-Tillerson-A-Christmas-gift-to-the-Russian-people
"Rex Tillerson is facing a massive conflict of interest that he can't avoid. That conflict has to do with with the Scrooge McDuck-ish pile of Exxon stock options that he has accumulated in his 41 years at the fossil fuel giant. While Tillerson could sell off about half his $345 million haul, the other half isn’t quite so easy. 1.9 million shares held by Tillerson, worth over $177 million, were not vested at the end of 2015. And they’re not scheduled to vest for years. As a result, Tillerson will have his future tied irrevocably to that of ExxonMobil while serving as secretary of state. Which might be considered a cause for concern, and is certainly a unprecedented conflict of interest. But in some quarters, it’s also a cause for celebration. The incoming secretary of state will have his own wealth connected directly to the future of ExxonMobil. A future that, in turn, is strongly connected to whether or not the US continues sanctions on Russia."
"Rex Tillerson is facing a massive conflict of interest that he can't avoid. That conflict has to do with with the Scrooge McDuck-ish pile of Exxon stock options that he has accumulated in his 41 years at the fossil fuel giant. While Tillerson could sell off about half his $345 million haul, the other half isn’t quite so easy. 1.9 million shares held by Tillerson, worth over $177 million, were not vested at the end of 2015. And they’re not scheduled to vest for years. As a result, Tillerson will have his future tied irrevocably to that of ExxonMobil while serving as secretary of state. Which might be considered a cause for concern, and is certainly a unprecedented conflict of interest. But in some quarters, it’s also a cause for celebration. The incoming secretary of state will have his own wealth connected directly to the future of ExxonMobil. A future that, in turn, is strongly connected to whether or not the US continues sanctions on Russia."
Here’s What’s At Stake For The Russia Sanctions Under President Donald Trump
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/russia-sanctions-donald-trump_us_58503829e4b04c8e2bb221b7?pczraz3gtn9afw29
"Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for secretary of state, has expressed skepticism over the United States’ sanctions against Russia, as his company stands to reap enormous profits if they are lifted."
"Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for secretary of state, has expressed skepticism over the United States’ sanctions against Russia, as his company stands to reap enormous profits if they are lifted."
It’s the Russian arctic shelf, stupid.
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/12/11/1609989/-It-s-the-Russian-arctic-shelf-stupid
"And surprise of all surprises (not really) trump owns stock in Exxon Mobil, and evidently a lot of it. According to Politico: “To do business in Russia—both for Exxon Mobil and for Tillerson’s own massive retirement fund, whose fortunes would rise significantly if a Trump White House lifted sanctions—you have to dance to Putin’s tune, and take whatever favors and humiliations he sends your way.” Lifting OFAC sanctions against Russia would obviously result in a net gain for trump’s fortunes, Tillerson’s fortunes and Exxon Mobil’s fortunes at the risk of national security and our American democracy. If trump sells any of his stocks in Exxon Mobil and affiliates; Kinder Morgan and the Canadian oil sands project, we won’t know about it until his next Federal Election Commission (FEC) filing in May 2017 or unless he announces it to the public in general, which is unlikely given that he shuns the American people unless it’s to endanger private individual citizens via twitter."
"And surprise of all surprises (not really) trump owns stock in Exxon Mobil, and evidently a lot of it. According to Politico: “To do business in Russia—both for Exxon Mobil and for Tillerson’s own massive retirement fund, whose fortunes would rise significantly if a Trump White House lifted sanctions—you have to dance to Putin’s tune, and take whatever favors and humiliations he sends your way.” Lifting OFAC sanctions against Russia would obviously result in a net gain for trump’s fortunes, Tillerson’s fortunes and Exxon Mobil’s fortunes at the risk of national security and our American democracy. If trump sells any of his stocks in Exxon Mobil and affiliates; Kinder Morgan and the Canadian oil sands project, we won’t know about it until his next Federal Election Commission (FEC) filing in May 2017 or unless he announces it to the public in general, which is unlikely given that he shuns the American people unless it’s to endanger private individual citizens via twitter."
Trump, Putin, and ExxonMobil team up to destroy the planet
https://thinkprogress.org/trump-putin-and-exxonmobil-team-up-to-destroy-the-planet-fb88650acfa1#.ml94oobzh
"Pick of Exxon CEO for Secretary of State clarifies why Putin wanted Trump elected: a $500 billion oil deal killed by sanctions"
"Pick of Exxon CEO for Secretary of State clarifies why Putin wanted Trump elected: a $500 billion oil deal killed by sanctions"
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
‘Dancing with the Stars’ contestant nominated to oversee the U.S. nuclear program
https://thinkprogress.org/rick-perry-dances-into-the-trump-cabinet-f583f118f0a0#.eusouwre8
"The major role of the Energy Department is to oversee the country’s nuclear arsenals. For next year, the department has requested $12.9 billion for the National Nuclear Security Administration. Another $6.8 billion was requested for “departmental management and performance programs, including environmental cleanup programs to meet the nation’s Manhattan Project and Cold War legacy responsibilities.” That means that well over half of the agency’s $32.5 billion budget will go to nuclear safety, management, and clean up. As governor and later as a candidate, Perry has been closely tied to a Texas-based radioactive waste disposal company. He was criticized for allowing the company to go forward with plans without a full environmental review. The current head of the department, Ernest Moniz, is a theoretical physicist. (In contrast, President-elect Donald Trump has said Perry “wears glasses to seem smart.”)"
"The major role of the Energy Department is to oversee the country’s nuclear arsenals. For next year, the department has requested $12.9 billion for the National Nuclear Security Administration. Another $6.8 billion was requested for “departmental management and performance programs, including environmental cleanup programs to meet the nation’s Manhattan Project and Cold War legacy responsibilities.” That means that well over half of the agency’s $32.5 billion budget will go to nuclear safety, management, and clean up. As governor and later as a candidate, Perry has been closely tied to a Texas-based radioactive waste disposal company. He was criticized for allowing the company to go forward with plans without a full environmental review. The current head of the department, Ernest Moniz, is a theoretical physicist. (In contrast, President-elect Donald Trump has said Perry “wears glasses to seem smart.”)"
Trump shuns scientists, taps 'Dancing with the Stars' contestant to oversee nuclear weapons
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/12/13/1610587/-Trump-shuns-scientists-taps-Dancing-with-the-Stars-contestant-to-oversee-nuclear-weapons
"The current head of the Department of Energy is Dr. Ernest Moniz, a former Professor of Physics and Engineering Systems at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In fact, four out of the last five heads of the Department of Energy were world-renowned and/or Nobel Prize-winning scientists with a deep understanding of physics and nuclear weapons. Rick Perry’s last job was as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars."
"The current head of the Department of Energy is Dr. Ernest Moniz, a former Professor of Physics and Engineering Systems at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In fact, four out of the last five heads of the Department of Energy were world-renowned and/or Nobel Prize-winning scientists with a deep understanding of physics and nuclear weapons. Rick Perry’s last job was as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars."
Trump’s pick for Interior Secretary wants to sell off public lands
https://thinkprogress.org/cathy-mcmorris-interior-111c30319780#.b31qmzbmd
"McMorris Rodgers is the author of a bill that would have directed the Department of the Interior to sell off federal lands in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming. The selection is not surprising, in what is shaping up to be the most anti-environmental administration — Republican or Democrat — in modern times."
"McMorris Rodgers is the author of a bill that would have directed the Department of the Interior to sell off federal lands in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming. The selection is not surprising, in what is shaping up to be the most anti-environmental administration — Republican or Democrat — in modern times."
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