UN Climate
Talks Lean Towards Aiding Poor Nations with Clean Energy
12/8/05 - Leaders meeting at the UN Conference on Climate Change in Montreal
decided to increase investment to help developing nations acquire clean-energy
sources. The plans include various projects ranging from hydroelectric power
in Honduras to wind energy in China. These projects will also help the investing
nations reach their Kyoto targets. Leaders forecast this “Clean Development
Mechanism” will have a long future, well beyond the end of the first phase
of the Kyoto protocol in 2012.
Microsoft
Announces Phasing Out Harmful Packaging
12/8/05 - Microsoft will soon join Apple, Dell, and Hewlett-Packard by eliminating
the corporation's use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC is incredibly detrimental
to the environment and potentially to human health as it releases dangerous
toxins. Microsoft said that since July it has eliminated over 350,000 pounds
of PVC and plans to continue this through the next 2 years.
In
Montreal, US Refuses to Take Stand on Climate Change
12/08/05 - The United States, led by the Bush administration, has made it clear
that it will continue to avoid action on global climate change. At the Summit
on Climate Change in Montreal, the Bush administration’s delegation will
not agree to talks in the next 2 years among the 189 nations who participated
in the Kyoto Protocol to discuss possible post-Kyoto action. Canada and the
European Union have put serious pressure on the United States to take action
on global warming at the conference, but the global leader of green-house gas
emissions has refused to take any action.
Inuit
Indigenous Population Accuses Washington of Violating Human Rights
12/08/05 - The Inuit population, an indigenous tribe of northern Canada and
Alaska, has filed a petition with the Organization of American States claiming
the United States’ inaction on climate change was the equivalent of human
rights abuse. The Inuit’s arctic home is drastically changing due to global
warming. Their hunting and fishing has been drastically damaged by the changing
weather, as it is too warm for some prey to inhabit their traditional areas.
The United States creates about a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions and
the Bush administration refuses to take action on climate change.
Toxic
River Spill in China Makes its Way to Russia
12/07/05 - China’s most recent environmental disaster, a 100 ton, 90 mile
long benzene spill will soon affect Russia. The massive spill was caused by
an explosion at a chemical plant along the Songhua River on November 13, but
Chinese authorities did not confirm it until 10 days later. The toxic river
water will make its way into Russia by the city of Khabarovsk, on the Amur River.
Environmentalists now worry that the pollution could affect the already endangered
Siberian Tiger population in Russia.
24 US Senators Write
to Bush Urging Action on Climate Change in Montreal
12/06/05 - Nearly a quarter of United States Senators, including a few Republicans,
sent an open letter to President Bush urging the administration to participate
in climate negotiations in Montreal. The letter asked the administration to
refrain from blocking discussions by other nations and engage in a constructive
dialogue. They claimed that by failing to do so ”solely because they may
include the topic of future binding emissions reductions requirements, is inconsistent
with the obligations of the United States as set forth in the UNFCCC treaty.”
The Montreal meeting is attempting to set up a plan for regulating future greenhouse
gas emissions and tackling the issue of climate change.
New
York Joins Other States with Measure to Reduce CO2 Emissions from Cars
11/10/05 - Governor George Pataki pushed through a measure aimed at significantly
reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases from cars by requiring all cars registered
or sold in New York to significantly cut emissions beginning in 2009. Focusing
on emissions rather than fuel economy, this legislation will reduce the greenhouse
gases in New York State by an estimated 14.9 million CO2 equivalent tons by
the year 2020. New York joins California and Vermont with this aggressive measure.
Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, and Rhode Island are working on similar measures.
UN
to Increase Efforts and Cooperation to Restore Iraq’s Marshland
11/10/05 - An agreement was reached between the UN Environmental Programme and
various donor countries to effectively plan a restoration of Iraq’s ancient
marshland. The area has shrunk by nearly 90% since the 1990's, when Saddam Hussein
began draining the water between the Tigris and Euphrates in order to punish
inhabitants of the area for their support of a Shiite rebellion. With a coordinated
effort, global leaders hope to restore the marshland as quickly as possible.
Arctic
Drilling Pushed Out of House Budget Bill at the Last Minute
11/09/05 - At least 22 House Republicans forced the leadership to remove provisions
for drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the offshore continental
shelf from the House Budget Reconciliation Bill. This is a huge victory for
environmentalists and a huge defeat for the Republican leadership and the White
House. The moderate Republicans were given assurances from the leadership that
drilling would not return to the bill after House and Senate negotiations; but
there will be a fight as Senators Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) and Pete V. Domenici
(R-NM), members of the House-Senate conference committee on the bill, say they
will not allow a bill that does not include drilling in the Arctic.
Sale
of Biodegradable Socks to Begin in Japan Next Year
11/09/05 - Various United States hosiery companies will begin selling earth
friendly socks in Japan in 2006. The socks, made from corn-derived fiber instead
of cotton, wool or petroleum based fibers, will be biodegradable. The hosiery
companies will begin to sell their products in Japan because of the wide market
for environmental products. They will sell at a price about 20% more than other
socks, but manufacturers expect that price to go down quickly.
Oil Executives Defend
Record Profits at Congressional Hearing
11/09/05 - Executives of the five largest oil companies appeared at a Senate
hearing charged with examining why consumers were forced to bear the brunt of
record high oil prices in the third financial quarter (July-September) while
oil companies raked in a record $25 billion in profits. The executives claim
that the oil companies are not gouging consumers. Critics say the committee
hearings were just a political show, as Energy Committee Chair Senator Ted Stevens
would not require the executives to give testimony under oath and limited the
length of questioning.
New Jersey Voters Take
a Stand on Diesel Pollution
11/09/05 - New Jersey voters overwhelmingly voted for a constitutional amendment
that would require the state to pay for diesel emissions reductions. New Jersey
currently leads the nation in the number of statewide violations of the EPA’s
smog and soot standards. The constitutional amendment will help alleviate this
problem by allocating approximately $160 million over the next 10 years to outfit
state buses, publicly owned trucks, and school buses with pollution control
technology. This is an ambitious measure that will set a standard for other
states to follow.
International Energy
Agency Says the World Must Change Energy Habits
11/08/05 - The International Energy Agency (IEA), the multi-national agency
set up after the 1974 Arab Oil Embargo and charged with overseeing Western energy
needs, made a powerful statement with regard to the world’s future. The IEA
said at this rate of oil and gas consumption, energy demand and greenhouse gas
emissions will more than double by the year 2030. If global consumers continue
to burn oil and gas at this rate, the future is not sustainable. In response
to the IEA’s statement, the Executive Director of the UN Environmental Programme
said, “in order to avoid such a disaster, we must deploy technologies and adopt
economic measures that are already available and feasible."
Trend Points to Green
Energy in Universities Across the Country
11/08/05 - University campuses are the fastest growing market for cleaner energy.
Many utility companies offer the ability for consumers to choose “green-power-only”
accounts, thereby ensuring that their energy comes from renewable and clean
sources; and universities have begun to purchase this type of energy. The trend
is most noticeable in the Pacific Northwest, although Universities across the
country are beginning to invest in clean energy sources. Western Washington
University and Evergreen University have been the most aggressive in pursuing
“green-power-only” accounts from utility companies.
Illinois Senator Barack
Obama Blocks Nomination to EPA
11/07/05 - Senator Obama effectively blocked the nomination of Susan Bodine
as assistant administrator in charge of EPA's Office of Solid Waste and Emergency
Response. The Illinois Senator says he plans on blocking all future EPA nominations
to force the agency to push through long delayed regulations on remodeling houses
with lead paint. Illinois has the nation’s highest childhood death rate from
lead poisoning. The EPA said that it would take action by year’s end.
Researchers
have Developed Organic Pesticide to Control Locust Population
10/27/05 - Researchers have developed an organic pesticide to control deadly
locust swarms in Africa. The new pesticide could eventually eliminate the use
of pesticides that are harmful to the environment. By concentrating pheromones
or scents from adult locusts, the pesticide will prevent large swarms from forming
through a natural mortality.
Study
Shows Green Buildings Provide Better Educational Environment
10/26/05 - A study conducted by Turner Construction Company studied the effects
of Green Educational Facilities in schools, both k-12 and higher education.
Green buildings significantly reduce or eliminate negative effects on the environment
and building occupants. The study found that green buildings lead to higher
retention rates for teachers and a better learning environment for students.
Senator
Hillary Clinton Proposes Fund from Oil Companies
10/26/05 - Senator Clinton proposed that oil companies give billions to a new
fund to develop energy research. The fund would help ease consumers painful
expenditure at the pump while oil companies rake in record profits. Clinton
said energy companies should “reinvest [their enormous profits] in our energy
future to reduce our dependence on oil or to contribute to a strategic energy
fund that will provide incentives for companies and consumers who want to be
part of an energy solution."
Texas
to Build Huge Wind-Energy Farm
10/25/05 - The state of Texas has announced plans to build a massive wind-energy
farm 7 miles offshore of Galveston. The state will build 50 wind turbines within
5 years. The project will be the first offshore wind-energy facility in the
nation. The plan is intended to keep Texas in the forefront of the energy business
by shifting towards the creation of renewable forms of energy in state.
Oil
Companies Collect Record Profits
10/25/05 - The five largest oil companies report earning a total of $28 billion
in profits this quarter, a record for the industry. Exxon-Mobil is expecting
an astonishing $8.7 billion profits this quarter, which is more than other huge
companies including Coca-Cola, Intel and Time Warner profit in an entire year.
These record profits come at a time when the American consumer is struggling
with higher than ever energy costs. The discrepancy has caused even usual allies
of oil companies, the Republican delegation in Congress, to call on oil companies
to use the profits to help reduce costs for consumers.
University of Oregon
Receives EPA’s Recycling Award
10/25/05 - The University of Oregon has been awarded the EPA’s title of College/University
Partner of the Year because of its efforts in recycling.
The University has made great strides with regards to recycling mostly due to
a huge student involvement. Key programs in University of Oregon’s recycling
program include a furniture exchange and reusable office supply exchange that
saves an estimated $20,000 annually in office supply costs.
This
Year’s Hurricane Season Currently Tied For Busiest on Record
10/18/05 - With the formation of the tropical storm, now hurricane Wilma, the
2005 Atlantic Hurricane season is officially tied as the most active ever recorded.
It is the busiest season in the last 72 years. The Hurricane season continues
through November 30. This season has produced many rarities including Hurricane
Katrina, the costliest storm in United States history, as well as Vince, the
first tropical cyclone to ever strike Spain’s Iberian Peninsula.
2005
Will Be Second or Third Warmest Year Ever
10/17/05 - Britain’s national weather service reported that 2005 will rank either
2nd or 3rd with regards to warmest calendar year on record globally. 1998 is
currently the hottest year on record followed by the last 4 years. It is clear
that warmer temperatures are becoming a global trend and create severe weather.
The very active hurricane season this year, unusual amounts of flooding in North
and Central America, as well as horrible droughts in Europe and South America,
have been linked to the warming.
Japanese
Auto Show Reveals Emphasis on Cleaner and Greener Cars
10/17/05 - The 2005 Tokyo Auto Show previewed the future of the Japanese auto
industry. Various automakers including Honda, Toyota, and Mercedes will all
display various models of hybrid cars as well as new hydrogen fueled vehicles.
Solid
Waste Covers New Orleans
10/16/05 - Officials estimate that over 22 million tons of waste must be collected
from the streets of New Orleans. This is more trash than any city in the United
States makes in a full year. Everything from refrigerators to cars to household
chemicals line the streets of the devastated city. The Army Corps of Engineers
has been placed in charge of cleaning up the trash, which is sometimes very
toxic. It is clear that the huge amounts of trash continue to add to the major
environmental problems following hurricane Katrina.
New
Poll Shows Most Americans Concerned About Environmental Issues 10/14/05 - Almost 75% of Americans surveyed believe that environmental protection
is extremely important. Almost half of those polled believe that there isn’t
enough governmental regulation of environmental protection. Although the poll
shows that many American citizens are concerned about the environment and environmental
regulation, only 12% described themselves as environmentalists.
Supreme Court to Hear
Cases on Wetland Protection
10/13/05 - A few cases concerning the Clean Water Act and its provisions protecting
wetlands will be argued in the Supreme Court in the upcoming term. In each of
these cases, the issue of private property rights will be pinned against environmental
protection. The court will decide whether the government has been too protective
of waterways at the detriment of the property owner. These cases will have profound
implications on environmental law.
Exxon-Mobil to Clean
Up Refineries
10/12/05 - The world’s largest publicly traded oil company, Exxon-Mobil, announced
it will spend $571 million in order to reduce emissions in its refineries. In
a legal settlement, the company agreed to the new plan, which will reduce emissions
of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide up to 75% in the coming years.
Governors Around the
Country Stop Using SUVs in Motorcades
10/12/05 - Many state Governors have decided to stop using gas-guzzling SUVs
to travel around. New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and Florida Governor Jeb
Bush have decided to switch from large SUVs to Ford Escape Hybrids. Other Governors
have switched from SUVs to sedans while others have decided to power their motorcade
with ethanol or biodiesel.
Florida Governor Changes
Position on Off-Shore Oil Drilling
10/11/05 - Governor Jeb Bush announced that he supports a bill in the House
of Representatives that would allow new drilling for oil off the coast of Florida.
The Florida Governor’s announcement reverses the anti-drilling position that
has been the consensus throughout the state for the last several years. Traditionally,
the state has supported a ban on such drilling because many tourist beaches
could potentially be affected by environmental problems. There continues to
be opposition to the bill by Congressional members from Florida.
Coke Claims Better Environmental
Practices
10/7/05 - In response to critics, Coca-Cola has released a report to show the
company’s improved practices. Coke has been criticized for over-using natural
resources, especially water in Asia, as well as underutilizing recycled material
in its bottles. The report shows that Coke has made minor improvements in all
these areas.
Nestle to Sell Fair-Trade
Coffee in Britain
10/7/05 - In the next two weeks Nestle, the world’s largest food group, plans
to start selling Fair Trade coffee in the United Kingdom. The product will be
made partially from the coffee of small farmers from El Salvador and Ethiopia.
Although this is seen as a turning point for the Fair-Trade movement, many people
are still skeptical of Nestle because of its past practices.
“Naked Chef” to Host
Reality Show Promoting Green School Lunches
10/6/05 - Jamie Oliver, the well-known British chef known as the Naked Chef,
will host a new reality television show in the United States to promote healthy,
green cafeteria lunches. After significant success with this project in Britain,
Oliver will begin his project in the U.S. He is concerned with the health issues
associated with poor quality school lunches. He plans on touring school cafeteria
kitchens, teaching better practices, and linking schools with local farms.
GE Will Finally Begin
Hudson River Clean-Up
10/7/05 - General Electric, the world’s second largest company by market value,
announced its plan to begin cleaning up the Hudson River after dumping millions
of pounds of PCBs before the substance’s federal ban in 1977. After years of
negotiation, GE will begin dredging contaminated sediment in 2007. The first
phase will remove 10% of the contaminated area for a cost of approximately $150
million. GE says other phases will follow.
Government Urges Citizens
to Switch to More Energy Efficient Lighting
10/06/05 - With electricity bills expected to soar in the wake of higher prices
for gas and crude oil prices, the government is urging people to switch to more
energy efficient light bulbs. It is estimated that if each house replaced one
traditional light bulb with an energy star label bulb, it would save America
$600 million in energy bills or enough energy to light 7 million homes.
Canada Feeling the Effects
of Unusually High Heat
10/06/05 - Eastern Canada continues to have record setting heat. In Ottawa,
the second largest city in Canada, the temperature is an average 12 degrees
Celsius higher than the average for this time of year. With record heat in most
of the eastern parts and smog alerts in parts of Canada, scientists insist that
it is clear that Canada’s climate is changing and the rest of the world will
most likely follow.
As Gas Prices Rise, SUV
Sales Fall
10/05/05 - Following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the jump in gas prices
that follow, sales of gas-guzzling sports utility vehicles plunged. General
Motors reported a 24 percent drop compared with last year at this time. Ford
reported that sales of the extra large SUVs fell a record 55 percent while pick-up
truck sales fell 30 percent in the last month.
Bush Administration Launches
New Energy Conservation Media Campaign
10/04/05 - A new cartoon mascot, the Energy Hog, will lead a new campaign to
inform citizens how to reduce energy usage. The campaign will include radio,
television, and billboard spots for the Hog, which will act as the visual mascot
for the new campaign. Aimed at children, a new website energyhog.org is also
an important part of the campaign. The Hog will wear blue jeans and a leather
jacket and be promoted in the same ways as former cartoon mascots such as Smokey
the Bear.
Minnesota Passes Law
Requiring Biodiesel
9/30/05 - Minnesota became the first state to require all diesel fuel to contain
a portion of biodiesel, which represents a sustainable alternative to traditional
diesel fuel. It is a clean burning fuel made primarily from soybeans. The measure
is intended to reduce dependence on foreign oil and improve the rural farming
economy.
Alaska’s Landscape Showing
Obvious Changes Due to Global Warming
9/29/05 - Over the last fifty years, atmospheric temperatures in Alaska have
risen between 3.6 to 5.4 degrees Fahrenheit. This has led to increased insect
populations, melting sea ice, and entire towns sinking due to melting of permafrost.
The Executive Director of the Alaska Native Science Commission said what is
happening in Alaska is the, ” harbinger of what is yet to come for the rest
of the world”.
Arctic Ice Cap Reduced
to Smallest Size in at least 100 Years
9/29/05 - A new study finds that the arctic ice cap is shrinking in the summertime
at unprecedented rates to its smallest size in a century. If the shrinking continues
at this rate, scientists predict that the summer cap may disappear altogether
by the year 2060. It is clear that the increased melting of the Arctic ice cap
furthers global warming in a positive feedback cycle. Moreover, scientists fear
the higher sea levels may increase disease around the world.
St. Lawrence University
Begins Bike Checkout Program
9/29/05 - Modeled after programs that are common in Europe, St. Lawrence University
in Canton, New York initiated a bicycle loaning program this week. The Green
Bikes program allows any student entitled to library check out privileges to
also check out a bike. The program will help reduce the number of cars used
on campus and thereby create a more sustainable and pleasant campus environment.
Originally started and encouraged by a campus environmental group, the University
has now taken over the program.
Republicans
Propose Cutting Environmental Protection to Pay for Hurricane Relief
9/28/05 - In an outlandish proposal to raise money to help the oil and gas industry
recover from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Republican members of the House of
Representative have proposed loosening environmental protection laws. The proposed
legislation would lift bans on drilling offshore in Florida, allowing production
companies more leeway with regards to pollution, and even selling national parks.
Representatives hope this crisis will lead to drilling in the Arctic National
Wildlife Refuge.
Study
Finds Higher Risk of Death by Air Pollution
9/28/05 - A study conducted in Los Angeles found that chronic health problems
are linked more closely to air pollution than earlier expected. The study found
that the risk for death causing illness rose 6 percentage points from the cleanest
areas in Los Angeles to the most polluted. The risk of heart disease rose from
29 to 35 percent as the amount of particulate matter in the air increased 10
micrograms per cubic meter of air.
The
U.N. Declares Mexico’s Sea of Cortez a Protected Area
9/28/05 - The 244 islands and beaches in the Sea of Cortez were declared World
Heritage sites by the United Nations. This area is an important breeding ground
for various whale populations. The U.N. helped to ensure its survival by transferring
the responsibility of protection to the international community.
China
Considers Re-Opening The Sale of Tiger Parts
9/27/05 - China may allow the sale of tiger parts from farm-bred or captive
tigers. Although a ban on the tiger trade was enacted in 1993, it may be lifted
in the near future. This proposal would legally still protect the wild populations,
but wildlife experts fear it would encourage people to kill still-endangered
tigers more frequently in both legal and illegal settings.
College
Chooses “Sustainability” as Theme for Academic Year
9/26/05 - St. Olaf College in Minnesota decided to weave the concept of sustainability
and environmental responsibility into all academic and other activities in the
upcoming academic year. The program will allow environmental issues to be addressed
in all types of classes and will focus on the college’s achievements and plans
for the future. St. Olaf recently unveiled its new composter and plans to display
new wind turbines in the fall.
Study Finds Snow Melting
in Arctic Earlier
9/26/05 - A new study finds that the snow in the Alaskan Arctic region is melting
an average of 2.5 days earlier per decade. This is clearly a result of a general
warming in the climate of the region. Moreover, the early melting not only raises
sea levels more rapidly but participates in a positive feedback cycle which
in itself increases the rate of warming. Warming and early snowmelt will affect
the local vegetation and migration patterns of animals as well as human activities
that depend on the presence of snow.
Ford Plans to Drastically
Increase Productions of Hybrid Cars
9/22/05 - Ford announced plans to multiply the production of hybrid cars by
ten within the next five years. By the year 2010, Ford expects to offer over
half of their cars with hybrid capabilities. The production of hybrids is expected
to increase from 24,000 to 250,000 annually in the same time period. Ford is
the second largest U.S. automaker and is the target of a campaign by Free The
Planet! and other groups to increase the fuel economy of its vehicles.
EPA to Ease Pollution
Controls on Industry
9/22/05 - The United States Environmental Protection Agency proposed allowing
companies to report chemical emissions and releases less frequently. Although
the current law requires a company to report if they release 500 pounds of a
given chemical, the proposal would increase that number to 5,000 pounds. Moreover,
the EPA’s proposal would only require accounting every other year rather than
annually as it is now. James Jeffords (I-VT) the ranking member on the Senate’s
Environment and Public Works Committee said of the proposal, “EPA is launching
a frontal assault on the Toxic Release Inventory program”.
California State University
Launches Monumental Renewable Energy Plan
9/22/05 - In response to a two-year student campaign, Cal State has announced
a new plan to reduce energy dependence and increase the use of renewable energy.
The 23 Cal State campuses throughout California will feature various sources
of renewable energy within the next few years.
100 Million Participate
in Car-Free-Day 9/22/05 - On September 22, 2005 over 100 million people from around the
globe celebrated the annual Car-Free-Day. Participants proved that cars are
not necessary in urban environments. The day is designed to highlight the ways
in which individuals can get around with out automobiles and therefore reduce
the world’s reliance on cars.
Rally Protests Drilling
in the Arctic Wildlife Refuge 9/21/05 - Thousands of opponents of proposed drilling in Alaska’s Wildlife
Refuge traveled to Washington this week to protest the plan. Influential Democratic
leaders joined the protestors, including Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton (NY)
and John Kerry (MA). The drilling would disrupt the Refuge’s ecosystem including
the migration patters of a vulnerable porcupine caribou population. In addition,
the amount of oil that will be gained from the drilling could only fulfill America’s
needs for six months.
Student Teams From All
Over the Globe to Compete in Annual Solar Decathalon 9/21/05 - By early October, the National Mall in Washington will be home
to 18 solar-powered homes. These houses are powered entirely by solar power.
They are designed by teams from around the globe and then transported by both
land and water to Washington D.C. for a competition in innovation. Teams from
Spain, Puerto Rico, and California are competing among others. The houses are
judged on appearance, efficiency, and their ability to integrate a fully-solar
powered house with modern conveniences.
Hole in the Ozone Layer
is Getting Bigger
9/19/05 - The hole in the ozone layer will hit near record levels in the week
ahead. Currently the size of the whole is a whopping 27 million square kilometers,
but it is expected to grow at least another million kilometers in the next week.
This recent growth shows that pollution controls haven’t been effective. The
increase size of the hole will lead to greater exposure to UV rays increasing
the risk of health problems including skin cancer and cataracts.
Students
Take Part in Solar-Powered Car Race 7/19/05 - High
school students successfully completed a 1,600 mile solar-powered car race from
Texas to California last weekend. The winner in the “new technology” category
had an average speed of 29 MPH with a maximum speed of 51 MPH.
Methane
Plays Larger Role in Climate Change 7/19/05 - Studies
by NASA researcher Drew Shindell show that methane, a principle component of
natural gas, could be accountable for 1/3 of all greenhouse gas emissions caused
by human activities. Current EPA estimations are half that amount at 16%, but
the discrepancy is likely due to the fact that methane often mixes with other
gases after being released into the atmosphere. The countries of China, Russia,
the United States, Brazil and India are responsible for approximately half of
the world’s methane emissions.
Eco-tourism
Growing in U.S. 7/19/05 - With the eco-tourism industry growing at a rate of 20-30% per
year, many U.S. states are looking to become destinations for environmentally
conscious vacationers. States including Kentucky, Vermont, Hawaii, Maine and
West Virginia are looking to become popular destinations for eco-tourism.
Proposed
Act Could Protect Public from Unsafe Chemicals 7/18/05 - Senators Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Jim Jeffords (I-VT) are
challenging the safety of chemicals used in household products by coauthoring
the Child, Worker and Consumer Safe Chemicals Act. If passed, manufacturers
would be required to provide health and safety information about chemicals used
in consumer products. Senator Jeffords explained the significance of the bill
saying, “It is time to hold the chemicals in our consumer goods and household
products to a higher standard, and fully understand their effect on our bodies."
Judges
Rule EPA Not Responsible for Regulating Greenhouse Gas Emissions 7/18/05 - A panel of judges from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District
of Columbia has ruled in favor of the EPA’s decision to not regulate greenhouse
gas emissions. Twelve states and many large cities came to the defense of a
nonprofit group after the EPA rejected its petition encouraging the agency to
control greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. State representatives will
likely ask the full appeals court to examine the case.
UN
Says India Will Be Unprepared For Kyoto 7/15/05 - The
UN says it will be impossible for India to meet the necessary requirements to
comply with the Kyoto Treaty even after the first phase of the agreement ends
in 2012. President Bush has cited the lack of participation by nations like
India and China as one of the reasons he doesn’t support the Kyoto Treaty.
EU Chief
Pushes for Better Air Quality 7/14/05 - The European Union’s environment chief is encouraging the adoption
of $14.6 billion dollar plan that would improve air quality in European states.
Although implementing the plan would be expensive, proponents say it would be
end up being worth four times its cost in terms of health benefits.
Environmental
Groups “Exxpose” Exxon Mobil 7/12/05 - 12 environmental
and public interest groups launched the “Exxpose Exxon” campaign yesterday by
holding press conferences and events throughout the country. The coalition demanded
Exxon Mobil change its stance on global warming and oil drilling in Alaska,
with advocates vowing to boycott the company until changes are made. Despite
record-breaking profits in 2004, Exxon Mobil has still not paid $4 billion in
punitive damages to victims of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill.
Wells-Fargo
Establishes Environmental Lending Standards 7/11/05 - The
San Francisco-based bank Wells Fargo & Co. has announced that it will be joining
Citigroup Inc., Bank of America Corp. and JPMorgan Chase & Co. in adjusting
lending standards to address environmental concerns. The bank will also provide
$1 billion in financing for environmentally sound business opportunities over
the next 5 years. Rainforest Action Network advocates are critical of the new
policy, saying it does not do enough to encourage environmentally sound businesses.
Learn
What Went On During G8 Global Warming Talks 7/11/05 - Although
the G8 talks failed to set benchmarks to monitor global warming, Planet Ark
has created a “Factbox” listing major points made in the meetings relating to
climate change.
Learn more about the G8
Climate Declaration and Action Plan at the Planet
Ark website.
G8
Decisions Weak On Global Warming 7/8/05 - While
leaders at the G8 summit all agreed that global warming requires urgent action,
they took none, failing to set up any concrete targets or goals to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions. The summit was seen by many as a missed opportunity by the world’s
most powerful countries to make headway in the fight against global warming.
Meetings to further discuss issues relating to global warming have been planned
for November.
Lawsuit
By States Against Power Generator Starts 7/7/05 - The U.S. government and eight states are charging the country’s
largest power generator with clean air violations. The case brought against
the Columbus-based American Electric Power alleges that the company failed to
install emissions-cutting equipment at nine coal-burning plants. AEP could face
billion dollar fines if found in violation of the Clean Air Act.
U.K.
Green Party Calls For 2012 “Eco Games” 7/6/05 - Shortly after Wednesday’s announcement that London will host the
2012 summer Olympics, British Green Party Chair Hugo Charlton called that the
Olympics be “Eco Games.” Charlton urged developers to create environmentally
conscious building projects committed to sustainable development. The British
branch of environmental group Friends of the Earth plans on monitoring the construction
of Olympic sites.
Father
of Earth Day Dies 7/4/05 - The founder
of Earth Day, Gaylord Nelson, died on Sunday at the age of 89. Nelson served
three terms as a Democratic Senator of Wisconsin and received the Presidential
Medal of Freedom in 1995. He had a crucial role in the passage of the 1964 Wilderness
Act and also helped to create a national hiking trail network in the U.S.
UNC-Charlotte
Hosting International Energy Conference 7/1/05 - The Global
Institute for Energy and Environmental Systems at UNC-Charlotte will host the
International Conference on Energy, Environment and Disasters from July 24-30.
Over 1,000 people are expected to attend the conference, which will focus on
international sustainable development issues.
G8 Summit
Will Address Environmental Issues 7/1/05 - Tens of thousands of people are expected to protest in the streets
of Edinburgh next week as leaders from the world’s richest countries convene
in Scotland for the Group of Eight Summit. Demonstrators will urge leaders to
take action against global warming and to increase aid to Africa. Tony Blair
describes climate change as one of the most serious issues faced by the modern
world and has promised to make the topic a priority at the Summit.
No
Pesticide Testing To Be Conducted on Humans 6/30/05 - On Wednesday the Senate voted to accept an amendment proposed
by Senator Barbara Boxer which bars the Agency from considering permits for
human-tested pesticides.
Energy
Bill Passes Through Senate 6/29/05 - The Senate energy bill easily passed on Tuesday (6/28) with a
vote of 85-12. One good measure in the bill calls for utilities to produce 10%
of our energy from renewable sources by 2020. Unfortunately, the bill also has
a number of terrible provisions, like the one that gives near exclusive authority
to the federal government, instead of states, for determine sites for offshore
liquefied natural gas terminals. The House and Senate will meet later this summer
to reconcile their energy proposals before sending a final bill to President
Bush.
Teflon
Contains “Likely Carcinogen” 6/29/05 - The
EPA’s 17-member scientific advisory panel has determined that perfluorooctanoic
acid (PFOA), a chemical used to make Teflon, is a “likely carcinogen.” Teflon
is used to make stain-resistant surfaces and non-stick pans among other things.
The EPA is currently studying the potential health risks involved with PFOA
once it is present in the bloodstream.
Study
Shows Growing Demand For Hybrid Vehicles In U.S. 6/29/05 - The
high price of gasoline is encouraging many Americans to invest in cars with
higher fuel economy. Sales of gas-electric hybrid vehicles are booming and the
number of “green” cars on the market is likely to quadruple by 2012.
EPA
May Allow Pesticide Testing On Humans 6/28/05 - New
EPA rules would allow manufacturers to bypass “ethical safeguards” and test
pesticides on human subjects in efforts to gain government approval on the chemicals.
If allowed, the rules would go against suggestions made by the National Academy
of Sciences last year encouraging stricter regulations on such studies. Democratic
Senator Barbara Boxer (CA) is expected to propose an amendment this week that
would prevent the EPA from allowing such testing.
