Saturday, April 16, 2016
Michigan's 1 Percent Just Endorsed the Flint Water Crisis @alternet
Michigan's 1 Percent Just Endorsed the Flint Water Crisis @alternet:
"With that standing ovation, Michigan’s one percent effectively endorsed the poisoning of Flint and closed ranks around its chief perpetrators. Their message is clear: there will be no concessions, no reprieve from lethal austerity measures, not even in the wake of the greatest public health disaster in recent U.S. history."
"With that standing ovation, Michigan’s one percent effectively endorsed the poisoning of Flint and closed ranks around its chief perpetrators. Their message is clear: there will be no concessions, no reprieve from lethal austerity measures, not even in the wake of the greatest public health disaster in recent U.S. history."
Saturday, April 9, 2016
Tesla’s Model 3 Is Already Shattering Expectations
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2016/04/06/3766982/next-apple-tesla-model-3-presales/
"The Model 3 could end up as the best-“selling” vehicle this year — or at least the most ordered."
"The Model 3 could end up as the best-“selling” vehicle this year — or at least the most ordered."
One Fact About Climate Change That’s Worth Repeating
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2016/04/06/3766659/fact-97-percent-climate-scientists-climate-change/
"the ongoing disinformation campaign funded by the fossil fuel industry (together with false balance by the media) has left the public with the impression that there is considerable scientific debate on a subject where there isn’t."
"the ongoing disinformation campaign funded by the fossil fuel industry (together with false balance by the media) has left the public with the impression that there is considerable scientific debate on a subject where there isn’t."
House Republicans Say Oil Spill Prevention Rule Should Be Easier On Oil Companies
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2016/04/04/3766124/offshore-drilling-republican-revision/
"Almost five years after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill sent millions of barrels of oil gushing into the Gulf of Mexico, the Obama administration announced a set of new offshore drilling rules that it hoped would prevent another massive oil spill. Now, as those rules appear to be racing towards finalization, House Republicans are asking the administration to revise the rules to lessen the burden on the oil industry."
"Almost five years after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill sent millions of barrels of oil gushing into the Gulf of Mexico, the Obama administration announced a set of new offshore drilling rules that it hoped would prevent another massive oil spill. Now, as those rules appear to be racing towards finalization, House Republicans are asking the administration to revise the rules to lessen the burden on the oil industry."
Report: Health Impacts from Climate Change a 'New Kind of Threat' (with No Easy Cure)
Report: Health Impacts from Climate Change a 'New Kind of Threat' (with No Easy Cure)
"The report was produced by eight government agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It comes just ahead of the April 22 meeting between world leaders in New York, where they are expected to formally sign the landmark climate agreement finalized in Paris in December."
"The report was produced by eight government agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It comes just ahead of the April 22 meeting between world leaders in New York, where they are expected to formally sign the landmark climate agreement finalized in Paris in December."
Melting ice sheets changing the way the Earth wobbles on its axis, says Nasa
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/apr/09/melting-ice-sheets-changing-the-way-the-earth-wobbles-on-its-axis-says-nasa?utm_source=esp&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=GU+Today+USA+-+Version+CB+header&utm_term=166240&subid=14675834&CMP=ema_565
"Since 2003, Greenland has lost on average more than 272 trillion kilograms of ice a year, and that affects the way the Earth wobbles in a manner similar to a figure skater lifting one leg while spinning, said Nasa scientist Eirk Ivins, the study’s co-author. On top of that, West Antarctica loses 124 trillion kgs of ice and East Antarctica gains about 74 trillion kgs of ice yearly, helping tilt the wobble further, Ivins said."
"Since 2003, Greenland has lost on average more than 272 trillion kilograms of ice a year, and that affects the way the Earth wobbles in a manner similar to a figure skater lifting one leg while spinning, said Nasa scientist Eirk Ivins, the study’s co-author. On top of that, West Antarctica loses 124 trillion kgs of ice and East Antarctica gains about 74 trillion kgs of ice yearly, helping tilt the wobble further, Ivins said."
New Report Details Big Oil's $500 Million Annual Climate Obstructionism
New Report Details Big Oil's $500 Million Annual Climate Obstructionism
"The dark channels through which corporations influence legislation are notoriously hard to trace, but a new detailed report estimates that the world's largest fossil fuel companies are spending upwards of $500 million per year to obstruct climate laws"
"The dark channels through which corporations influence legislation are notoriously hard to trace, but a new detailed report estimates that the world's largest fossil fuel companies are spending upwards of $500 million per year to obstruct climate laws"
Toxic Teflon Chemical, C8, Found In Tap Water in Several States @alternet
Toxic Teflon Chemical, C8, Found In Tap Water in Several States @alternet:
"New information emerged last month about toxic contamination from chemicals used to manufacture Teflon pots and pans and many other consumer, military, and industrial products. Water tests in several states have revealed a growing number of sites where the groundwater is polluted by the most well studied of these chemicals — C8 or PFOA — prompting calls from a group of state governors for federal action. Meanwhile there are new indications that another perfluorinated chemical (PFC), heavily promoted by chemical manufacturers as a safer substitute for C8, is also toxic and just as persistent in the environment as C8"
"New information emerged last month about toxic contamination from chemicals used to manufacture Teflon pots and pans and many other consumer, military, and industrial products. Water tests in several states have revealed a growing number of sites where the groundwater is polluted by the most well studied of these chemicals — C8 or PFOA — prompting calls from a group of state governors for federal action. Meanwhile there are new indications that another perfluorinated chemical (PFC), heavily promoted by chemical manufacturers as a safer substitute for C8, is also toxic and just as persistent in the environment as C8"
Last Month Was The Hottest March In The Global Satellite Record, And The Arctic Is Still Sizzling
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2016/04/04/3765965/hottest-march-satellite-record/
"as Arctic warming speeds up, it boosts global greenhouse gas levels, which leads to even more warming of the Arctic and so on."
"as Arctic warming speeds up, it boosts global greenhouse gas levels, which leads to even more warming of the Arctic and so on."
Florida Will Vote This Year On Measure That Would Block Solar Leasing In The State
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2016/04/01/3765695/florida-voters-are-going-to-be-confused/
"Sponsored by utility companies and other groups tied to the Koch brothers, the measure will prevent people from selling their electricity to third parties."
"Sponsored by utility companies and other groups tied to the Koch brothers, the measure will prevent people from selling their electricity to third parties."
British Columbia’s Carbon Tax Has Been So Successful That Businesses Want To Increase It
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2016/03/31/3765312/canadian-business-support-carbon-tax-increase/
"A carbon tax may be a controversial topic in the United States, but in one Canadian province, this eight-year-old policy has been such a success that on Wednesday more than 100 businesses said they support a tax increase."
"A carbon tax may be a controversial topic in the United States, but in one Canadian province, this eight-year-old policy has been such a success that on Wednesday more than 100 businesses said they support a tax increase."
Climate Disruption in Overdrive: Submerged Cities and Melting That "Feeds on Itself"
http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/35398-climate-disruption-in-overdrive-submerged-cities-and-melting-that-feeds-on-itself
"A major study published in Nature Climate Change shows that the planet is warming a stunning 50 times faster than when it comes out of an ice age. The implications of the rapidity of this warming, for those who care to digest it emotionally, are horrifying. The study shows that even if carbon reduction targets are achieved and the planet's temperature is kept below the 2 degree Celsius warming threshold, sea-level rise will still inundate major coastal cities around the world, forcing one-fifth of the total world population of humans to migrate away from the coasts. New York, London, Rio de Janeiro, Jakarta, Cairo, Kolkata and Shanghai will all be underwater. As though to reinforce this point, NASA recently released data confirming that February was the warmest month ever measured globally, at 1.57 degrees Celsius above the preindustrial baseline temperature average. The new record easily smashed the old global temperature record, which was set just one month before, in January. This means that while it took from the advent of the industrial age until October 2015 to warm the planet 1 degree Celsius, humans have managed to warm the planet another .57 degrees Celsius in just the next four months since then. Let that sink in for a moment before reading further. As if that isn't enough, a study recently published in the journal Nature Geoscience revealed that carbon emissions are now the highest they have been since the age of dinosaurs, 66 million years ago. According to the study, the current pace of emissions is even beyond the highest-known natural surge of carbon that exists in fossil records, an event that occurred 56 million years ago that was believed by many to be caused by the release of frozen stores of greenhouse gases from the seabed."
"A major study published in Nature Climate Change shows that the planet is warming a stunning 50 times faster than when it comes out of an ice age. The implications of the rapidity of this warming, for those who care to digest it emotionally, are horrifying. The study shows that even if carbon reduction targets are achieved and the planet's temperature is kept below the 2 degree Celsius warming threshold, sea-level rise will still inundate major coastal cities around the world, forcing one-fifth of the total world population of humans to migrate away from the coasts. New York, London, Rio de Janeiro, Jakarta, Cairo, Kolkata and Shanghai will all be underwater. As though to reinforce this point, NASA recently released data confirming that February was the warmest month ever measured globally, at 1.57 degrees Celsius above the preindustrial baseline temperature average. The new record easily smashed the old global temperature record, which was set just one month before, in January. This means that while it took from the advent of the industrial age until October 2015 to warm the planet 1 degree Celsius, humans have managed to warm the planet another .57 degrees Celsius in just the next four months since then. Let that sink in for a moment before reading further. As if that isn't enough, a study recently published in the journal Nature Geoscience revealed that carbon emissions are now the highest they have been since the age of dinosaurs, 66 million years ago. According to the study, the current pace of emissions is even beyond the highest-known natural surge of carbon that exists in fossil records, an event that occurred 56 million years ago that was believed by many to be caused by the release of frozen stores of greenhouse gases from the seabed."
Saturday, March 26, 2016
GOPers Chaffetz And Walberg Lied During House Hearing On Flint
GOPers Chaffetz And Walberg Lied During House Hearing On Flint
"Everybody knows these Chaffetz hearings are same as they were with Planned Parenthood and Benghazi. They are not fact-finding. They are not interested in solutions. They exist merely to fling political poo and enhance the wingnut cred of the tea party Congressman from Utah."
"Everybody knows these Chaffetz hearings are same as they were with Planned Parenthood and Benghazi. They are not fact-finding. They are not interested in solutions. They exist merely to fling political poo and enhance the wingnut cred of the tea party Congressman from Utah."
Saturday, March 19, 2016
The Lewis Powell Memo - Corporate Blueprint to Dominate Democracy
The Lewis Powell Memo - Corporate Blueprint to Dominate Democracy
Older article on the Powell Memo "Justice Lewis F. Powell, Jr., an attorney from Richmond, Virginia, drafted a confidential memorandum for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that describes a strategy for the corporate takeover of the dominant public institutions of American society. Powell and his friend Eugene Sydnor, then-chairman of the Chamber’s education committee, believed the Chamber had to transform itself from a passive business group into a powerful political force capable of taking on what Powell described as a major ongoing “attack on the American free enterprise system.” An astute observer of the business community and broader social trends, Powell was a former president of the American Bar Association and a board member of tobacco giant Philip Morris and other companies. In his memo, he detailed a series of possible “avenues of action” that the Chamber and the broader business community should take in response to fierce criticism in the media, campus-based protests, and new consumer and environmental laws."
Older article on the Powell Memo "Justice Lewis F. Powell, Jr., an attorney from Richmond, Virginia, drafted a confidential memorandum for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that describes a strategy for the corporate takeover of the dominant public institutions of American society. Powell and his friend Eugene Sydnor, then-chairman of the Chamber’s education committee, believed the Chamber had to transform itself from a passive business group into a powerful political force capable of taking on what Powell described as a major ongoing “attack on the American free enterprise system.” An astute observer of the business community and broader social trends, Powell was a former president of the American Bar Association and a board member of tobacco giant Philip Morris and other companies. In his memo, he detailed a series of possible “avenues of action” that the Chamber and the broader business community should take in response to fierce criticism in the media, campus-based protests, and new consumer and environmental laws."
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Roberts Disappoints Conservatives Again, Upholds Obama's EPA Rule On Mercury
Roberts Disappoints Conservatives Again, Upholds Obama's EPA Rule On Mercury
"You would think a state like Michigan would have more pressing concerns than making sure coal fired power plants could continue to spew mercury into the air, but the state is actually paying attorneys to take the EPA to court to delay and deter rulings on this horrible poison. The Mercury and Air Toxics rule or Mercury MACT rule, sets national emission standards for mercury and other hazardous air pollution from coal-fired power plants. Michigan and 20 other states sued to block the regulation's enforcement."
"You would think a state like Michigan would have more pressing concerns than making sure coal fired power plants could continue to spew mercury into the air, but the state is actually paying attorneys to take the EPA to court to delay and deter rulings on this horrible poison. The Mercury and Air Toxics rule or Mercury MACT rule, sets national emission standards for mercury and other hazardous air pollution from coal-fired power plants. Michigan and 20 other states sued to block the regulation's enforcement."
Monday, March 7, 2016
Fossil Fuel Tycoons Spending Millions to Elect GOP President
Fossil Fuel Tycoons Spending Millions to Elect GOP President
"The analysis of Federal Election Commission data found that 124 "megadonors," all of whom have financial or professional ties to the industry, donated about $107 million to right-leaning Super PACs in 2015—before a single vote was even cast in the GOP primary season. Super PACs are allowed to take in unlimited campaign donations."
"The analysis of Federal Election Commission data found that 124 "megadonors," all of whom have financial or professional ties to the industry, donated about $107 million to right-leaning Super PACs in 2015—before a single vote was even cast in the GOP primary season. Super PACs are allowed to take in unlimited campaign donations."
Sunday, March 6, 2016
Five Years After Fukushima, 'No End in Sight' to Ecological Fallout
Five Years After Fukushima, 'No End in Sight' to Ecological Fallout
"The report warns that these impacts—which include mutations in trees, DNA-damaged worms, and radiation-contaminated mountain watersheds—will last "decades to centuries." The conclusion is culled from a large body of independent scientific research on impacted areas in the Fukushima region, as well as investigations by Greenpeace radiation specialists over the past five years."
"The report warns that these impacts—which include mutations in trees, DNA-damaged worms, and radiation-contaminated mountain watersheds—will last "decades to centuries." The conclusion is culled from a large body of independent scientific research on impacted areas in the Fukushima region, as well as investigations by Greenpeace radiation specialists over the past five years."
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Rubio And Cruz Took Anti-Environmental Stances On 100 Percent Of Key Votes In 2015
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2016/02/25/3753742/national-environmental-scorecard/
"Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) both got scores of zero, as they issued what the report calls the “anti-environment vote” every time throughout 2015."
"Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) both got scores of zero, as they issued what the report calls the “anti-environment vote” every time throughout 2015."
Florida Officials Drain Lake Full Of ‘Toilet’ Water To Coast
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2016/02/25/3753365/okeechobee-beach-water-pollution/
"With tourist season just around the corner, Florida’s beach communities would normally be preparing for a happy, healthy summer. Instead, they’re reeling from polluted water that is likely to inflict severe damage to the local economy and environment. Lake Okeechobee, a large inland lake in southern Florida, is experiencing its highest water levels in nearly a century due to heavy rains that fell during the month of January. This should not be suprising, because heavy rainfall events are increasing as the planet warms. But after water levels reached a foot above normal, public officials began to worry that the excess water was putting too much stress on the lake’s aging dike. Officials then made the decision to drain the lake out toward Florida’s coasts. There was one problem: Lake Okeechobee’s waters are toxic. Local industry has long been using Okeechobee’s waters as a dumping ground for an assortment of chemicals, fertilizers, and cattle manure. David Guest, managing attorney of the Florida branch of the environmental law group Earthjustice, called the lake a “toilet.” While the pollution was once confined to the lake, it now flows toward Florida’s coastal communities via local rivers. The water, which is flowing out of the lake at 70,000 gallons per second, will soon pollute the ocean waters in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. This pollution has immediate consequences for southern Florida’s environment and economy. The untreated water contains toxic chemicals and fertilizers that are harmful to local flora and fauna, and the fertilizers and chemicals found in the water are known to cause algal blooms, which are known to poison shellfish and make life difficult for the marine food chain. Dawn Shirreffs, a senior policy adviser at the Everglades Foundation, told ThinkProgress that there have been reports of dead fish being found along the coastline. This is especially concerning since many species will migrate to Florida to seek comfortable water temperatures this time of year."
"With tourist season just around the corner, Florida’s beach communities would normally be preparing for a happy, healthy summer. Instead, they’re reeling from polluted water that is likely to inflict severe damage to the local economy and environment. Lake Okeechobee, a large inland lake in southern Florida, is experiencing its highest water levels in nearly a century due to heavy rains that fell during the month of January. This should not be suprising, because heavy rainfall events are increasing as the planet warms. But after water levels reached a foot above normal, public officials began to worry that the excess water was putting too much stress on the lake’s aging dike. Officials then made the decision to drain the lake out toward Florida’s coasts. There was one problem: Lake Okeechobee’s waters are toxic. Local industry has long been using Okeechobee’s waters as a dumping ground for an assortment of chemicals, fertilizers, and cattle manure. David Guest, managing attorney of the Florida branch of the environmental law group Earthjustice, called the lake a “toilet.” While the pollution was once confined to the lake, it now flows toward Florida’s coastal communities via local rivers. The water, which is flowing out of the lake at 70,000 gallons per second, will soon pollute the ocean waters in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. This pollution has immediate consequences for southern Florida’s environment and economy. The untreated water contains toxic chemicals and fertilizers that are harmful to local flora and fauna, and the fertilizers and chemicals found in the water are known to cause algal blooms, which are known to poison shellfish and make life difficult for the marine food chain. Dawn Shirreffs, a senior policy adviser at the Everglades Foundation, told ThinkProgress that there have been reports of dead fish being found along the coastline. This is especially concerning since many species will migrate to Florida to seek comfortable water temperatures this time of year."
Michigan Officials Decided Not To Test Flint’s Water For Deadly Bacteria
http://thinkprogress.org/health/2016/02/25/3753425/flint-legionnaires-untested/
"Lead-contaminated water isn’t the only toxin sickening residents of Flint, Michigan. Since the city switched its water source from Detroit’s water system to the local Flint River in April 2014 — a water source left dangerously untreated for corrosive elements — the city has seen a sizable uptick in cases of Legionnaires disease. The waterborne bacterial infection, which usually afflicts around 13 people a year in Flint’s Genessee County, has infected at least 87 residents — and left ten dead — since June 2014. However, no state or federal agency has decided to test the water for the deadly bacteria. Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder (R) announced this spike in Legionnaires cases last month, but refused to directly connect the outbreak to the water crisis. “There’s investigations still going on to try and make that determination,” Snyder said at the January 13 press conference. “But from a scientific or medical point of view, I don’t believe that determination can be made today.” According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, these cases cannot be conclusively linked to Flint’s water because the agency lacks bacteria samples from the patients. This claim was quickly negated by Detroit News reporters, who discovered that the agency in fact has 12 samples from Flint patients."
"Lead-contaminated water isn’t the only toxin sickening residents of Flint, Michigan. Since the city switched its water source from Detroit’s water system to the local Flint River in April 2014 — a water source left dangerously untreated for corrosive elements — the city has seen a sizable uptick in cases of Legionnaires disease. The waterborne bacterial infection, which usually afflicts around 13 people a year in Flint’s Genessee County, has infected at least 87 residents — and left ten dead — since June 2014. However, no state or federal agency has decided to test the water for the deadly bacteria. Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder (R) announced this spike in Legionnaires cases last month, but refused to directly connect the outbreak to the water crisis. “There’s investigations still going on to try and make that determination,” Snyder said at the January 13 press conference. “But from a scientific or medical point of view, I don’t believe that determination can be made today.” According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, these cases cannot be conclusively linked to Flint’s water because the agency lacks bacteria samples from the patients. This claim was quickly negated by Detroit News reporters, who discovered that the agency in fact has 12 samples from Flint patients."
Snyder's Advisers Knew Flint Water Was Toxic
Snyder's Advisers Knew Flint Water Was Toxic
"Reigniting calls for Rick Snyder's resignation, emails released Friday reveal that advisers to the Michigan governor knew that Flint's water was toxic as far back as October 2014."
"Reigniting calls for Rick Snyder's resignation, emails released Friday reveal that advisers to the Michigan governor knew that Flint's water was toxic as far back as October 2014."
Friday, February 26, 2016
We're Getting Fleeced: Privatized Water Is 58% More Expensive Than Tap Water, Major New Study Finds @alternet
We're Getting Fleeced: Privatized Water Is 58% More Expensive Than Tap Water, Major New Study Finds @alternet:
"The most affordable water systems in the U.S. are publicly owned and operated by the government, an exhaustive study reveals. At the same time, for-profit private water companies charge 58 percent more than publicly owned ones."
"The most affordable water systems in the U.S. are publicly owned and operated by the government, an exhaustive study reveals. At the same time, for-profit private water companies charge 58 percent more than publicly owned ones."
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Emails Indicate Flint Lead Tests Withheld from Public at Snyder's Command
Emails Indicate Flint Lead Tests Withheld from Public at Snyder's Command
"redacted emails released last month by the governor indicate that his administration was informed of problems with Flint's water many months before, as early as Feb. 2015"
"redacted emails released last month by the governor indicate that his administration was informed of problems with Flint's water many months before, as early as Feb. 2015"
The Koch Brothers' Dirty War on Solar Power
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/the-koch-brothers-dirty-war-on-solar-power-20160211
"investor-owned utilities, together with Koch-brothers-funded front groups like American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), are mounting a fierce, rear-guard resistance at the state level – pushing rate hikes and punishing fees for homeowners who turn to solar power. Their efforts have darkened green-energy prospects in could-be solar superpowers like Arizona and Nevada. But nowhere has the solar industry been more eclipsed than in Florida, where the utilities' powers of obstruction are unrivaled.
"investor-owned utilities, together with Koch-brothers-funded front groups like American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), are mounting a fierce, rear-guard resistance at the state level – pushing rate hikes and punishing fees for homeowners who turn to solar power. Their efforts have darkened green-energy prospects in could-be solar superpowers like Arizona and Nevada. But nowhere has the solar industry been more eclipsed than in Florida, where the utilities' powers of obstruction are unrivaled.
Maine Joins the Growing List of States to Vote on Marijuana Legalization This Year @alternet
Maine Joins the Growing List of States to Vote on Marijuana Legalization This Year @alternet:
"It looks like Mainers will be voting on legalization in November."
"It looks like Mainers will be voting on legalization in November."
5 New Discoveries That Will Shake Up Our Understanding of Marijuana @alternet
5 New Discoveries That Will Shake Up Our Understanding of Marijuana @alternet:
"New research shows marijuana may have more uses (and benefits) than we thought."
"New research shows marijuana may have more uses (and benefits) than we thought."
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
The ExxonMobil Climate Scandal Reveals the Deadly Evil of Corporatism
http://www.politicususa.com/2016/02/05/exxon-climate-scandal-reveals-deadly-evil-corporatism.html
"The Republican Party and its voter drones are always advocating for corporations, as though corporatism is the answer to federalism, as though corporations run by people we don’t get to vote for is a healthier choice for Americans than a government we do. To understand how very wrong this is, you need only to look at the ExxonMobil climate scandal. Like the tobacco companies of a generation ago, ExxonMobil knew all about the dangers of fossil fuels – and sold them anyway. Now the oil giant is being investigated by New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris has followed suit. Others may join them. And the fossil fuel industry is outraged. Corporate America is outraged. How dare anyone call their practices into question!"
"The Republican Party and its voter drones are always advocating for corporations, as though corporatism is the answer to federalism, as though corporations run by people we don’t get to vote for is a healthier choice for Americans than a government we do. To understand how very wrong this is, you need only to look at the ExxonMobil climate scandal. Like the tobacco companies of a generation ago, ExxonMobil knew all about the dangers of fossil fuels – and sold them anyway. Now the oil giant is being investigated by New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris has followed suit. Others may join them. And the fossil fuel industry is outraged. Corporate America is outraged. How dare anyone call their practices into question!"
The GOP's Flint disaster: Will they help fix the mess made by a 'fiscally responsible' GOP governor?
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/2/3/1479353/-The-GOP-s-Flint-disaster-Will-they-help-fix-the-mess-made-by-a-fiscally-responsible-GOP-governor#read-more
"Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder committed one of the worst sins imaginable for a public servant: He poisoned his own people. Why? To pinch a penny. Now he's got to turn to his GOP-led state government and the Republican Congress to help foot the $767 million bill to fix Flint's water infrastructure. It seems government's always the problem until you've got a problem—even if you engineered that problem yourself."
"Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder committed one of the worst sins imaginable for a public servant: He poisoned his own people. Why? To pinch a penny. Now he's got to turn to his GOP-led state government and the Republican Congress to help foot the $767 million bill to fix Flint's water infrastructure. It seems government's always the problem until you've got a problem—even if you engineered that problem yourself."
Thursday, February 4, 2016
Saturday, January 30, 2016
Radioactive Water From Fukushima Is Leaking Into the Pacific
http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/34565-radioactive-water-from-fukushima-is-leaking-into-the-pacific
"TEPCO detected levels of radioactive cesium (a material which has a half-life of 30 years) in water samples that were 4,000 times higher than data taken the same month one year earlier. The samples also contained levels of a beta-ray-emitting radioactive substance that were 4,100 times higher than they were from the same period a year earlier."
"TEPCO detected levels of radioactive cesium (a material which has a half-life of 30 years) in water samples that were 4,000 times higher than data taken the same month one year earlier. The samples also contained levels of a beta-ray-emitting radioactive substance that were 4,100 times higher than they were from the same period a year earlier."
The 5 Worst Fracking Moments of 2015 @alternet
The 5 Worst Fracking Moments of 2015 @alternet:
"Once again, in 2015 the oil and gas industry showed us the ludicrous lengths they will go to in order to frack more communities."
"Once again, in 2015 the oil and gas industry showed us the ludicrous lengths they will go to in order to frack more communities."
Can't Hide From Reality: Florida Mayors Request Climate Change Meeting With Senator Marco Rubio @alternet
Can't Hide From Reality: Florida Mayors Request Climate Change Meeting With Senator Marco Rubio @alternet:
"Fifteen South Florida mayors released a letter Tuesday that was sent to Senator Marco Rubio requesting a meeting with the presidential candidate to talk about the climate change risk facing the state’s communities."
"Fifteen South Florida mayors released a letter Tuesday that was sent to Senator Marco Rubio requesting a meeting with the presidential candidate to talk about the climate change risk facing the state’s communities."
Study: Most Large Herbivores Now Face Extinction @alternet
Study: Most Large Herbivores Now Face Extinction @alternet:
"These include well-known species such as elephants, hippos and all species of rhino."
"These include well-known species such as elephants, hippos and all species of rhino."
Incredible Infographic Shows How We Have Ruined Our Oceans — and Ourselves as a Result @alternet
Incredible Infographic Shows How We Have Ruined Our Oceans — and Ourselves as a Result @alternet:
"From plastic trash and discarded fishing gear to oil spills and pesticide runoff, human beings have treated the oceans as a vast dumping ground."
"From plastic trash and discarded fishing gear to oil spills and pesticide runoff, human beings have treated the oceans as a vast dumping ground."
Tests Reveal A New Problem With Treating Flint’s Lead-Tainted Water
http://thinkprogress.org/health/2016/01/30/3744566/flint-water-lead-exceeds-filters/
"Results of recently-tested water samples, released Friday out of Flint, Michigan, show levels of lead so high in some locations that government-issued filtration systems are unable to effectively treat the water. Water problems began in Flint as early as April 2014, when state-appointed emergency managers made the decision to switch the city’s water supply from Detroit’s system to the Flint River."
"Results of recently-tested water samples, released Friday out of Flint, Michigan, show levels of lead so high in some locations that government-issued filtration systems are unable to effectively treat the water. Water problems began in Flint as early as April 2014, when state-appointed emergency managers made the decision to switch the city’s water supply from Detroit’s system to the Flint River."
Friday, January 29, 2016
How Rick Snyder doomed Flint from the start: Tax cuts for the ultra-rich, poison for the poor
How Rick Snyder doomed Flint from the start: Tax cuts for the ultra-rich, poison for the poor
"Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder doesn’t want you to know which corporations are paying to salvage his reputation in the wake of the lead poisoning of Flint’s children under his watch. In fact, when he was asked about it at a press conference in Flint on Wednesday, he walked out. At issue are two dark money non-.profits, Moving Michigan Forward and Celebrating the Power of Michigan, that Snyder uses to accept corporate donations to fund various projects, including paying out-of-state P.R. firm Mercury to manage public relations related to Flint."
"Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder doesn’t want you to know which corporations are paying to salvage his reputation in the wake of the lead poisoning of Flint’s children under his watch. In fact, when he was asked about it at a press conference in Flint on Wednesday, he walked out. At issue are two dark money non-.profits, Moving Michigan Forward and Celebrating the Power of Michigan, that Snyder uses to accept corporate donations to fund various projects, including paying out-of-state P.R. firm Mercury to manage public relations related to Flint."
Thursday, January 28, 2016
Government Run Like a Business Poisons Kids @alternet
Government Run Like a Business Poisons Kids @alternet:
"The people of Michigan hired themselves a GOP businessman to be governor in 2011. And what they got was children poisoned by public water in Flint. That is, what they got was a government run based on GOP business values. To line the pockets of CEOs and shareholders, corporations cut corners in ways that frequently end up injuring workers and the public. Think of the Upper Big Branch mine disaster where safety violations killed 29 workers or the Takata airbag fatalities that occurred despite workers voicing safety concerns or the nine deaths and 714 illnesses caused by salmonella-contaminated peanut butter knowingly sold by Peanut Corporation of America. So, really, the lead poisoning of Flint children by a government based on Republican business values is no surprise."
"The people of Michigan hired themselves a GOP businessman to be governor in 2011. And what they got was children poisoned by public water in Flint. That is, what they got was a government run based on GOP business values. To line the pockets of CEOs and shareholders, corporations cut corners in ways that frequently end up injuring workers and the public. Think of the Upper Big Branch mine disaster where safety violations killed 29 workers or the Takata airbag fatalities that occurred despite workers voicing safety concerns or the nine deaths and 714 illnesses caused by salmonella-contaminated peanut butter knowingly sold by Peanut Corporation of America. So, really, the lead poisoning of Flint children by a government based on Republican business values is no surprise."
Michigan Rep. Troubled That Gov. Snyder Is Hiring PR Firms With Dark Money
http://samuel-warde.com/2016/01/michigan-rep-troubled-gov-snyder-hiring-pr-firms-dark-money/
"We keep seeing familiar patterns when it comes to GOP governance. That even when it costs more to outsource, they still choose to outsource and privatize. Private companies aren’t in the business of caring about people, and government needs to stop handing over precious resources and basic human rights, like clean water, to corporations in the name of Capitalism."
"We keep seeing familiar patterns when it comes to GOP governance. That even when it costs more to outsource, they still choose to outsource and privatize. Private companies aren’t in the business of caring about people, and government needs to stop handing over precious resources and basic human rights, like clean water, to corporations in the name of Capitalism."
Flint Residents Told That Their Children Could Be Taken Away If They Don’t Pay For City’s Poison Water @alternet
Flint Residents Told That Their Children Could Be Taken Away If They Don’t Pay For City’s Poison Water @alternet:
"Not only is the Michigan government poisoning residents, but now they are threatening to take their children for not paying for it."
"Not only is the Michigan government poisoning residents, but now they are threatening to take their children for not paying for it."
Matt Damon Slams Michigan Governor Over Flint Water Crisis: ‘At the Very Least He Should Resign! @alternet
Matt Damon Slams Michigan Governor Over Flint Water Crisis: ‘At the Very Least He Should Resign! @alternet:
"Matt Damon has joined the escalating outrage over Gov. Rick Snyder’s handling of the water crisis in Flint, Michigan and has called on embattled governor to step down from his post."
"Matt Damon has joined the escalating outrage over Gov. Rick Snyder’s handling of the water crisis in Flint, Michigan and has called on embattled governor to step down from his post."
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