GOP, Dems, and Energy Policy
I took a look at the Democratic and Republican parties to see what they had to say about the issues. Given that the Republicans are set to gain ground in the upcoming election, this could help see where potential exists for policy changes. Republicans: Stress goal of energy independence. In addition to renewables, favor nuclear, natural gas, clean coal, and offshore drilling . Oppose "so-called cap and trade legislation." Democrats: Would fast-track investmen...
CONTINUE READINGNational Conversation on Chemical Exposure Drafts Available
I previously wrote about the National Conversation on Public Health and Chemical Exposures, the effort by the CDC and ATSDR to develop recommendations for action regarding chemical exposures. The National Conversation formed a series of work groups to focus on a set of specific areas, and develop draft recommendations. Today through September 20th, the draft work group reports are available for public comment at www.resolv.org/nationalconversation. They are worth...
CONTINUE READINGGood News from the Amazon
Recent satellite studies indicate a major decrease in the rate of deforestation in the Amazon. The journal Science reports: The Brazilian government says that a preliminary survey by a low-resolution satellite shows that deforestation in the Amazon declined by 47.5% over the past 12 months. The figure is the largest decline since measurements began in 1988 and, if confirmed by data from a second set of satellites due out later this year, would amount to nearly a 90% dr...
CONTINUE READINGNew million-dollar donation from out-of-state oil company helps the attack on California’s climate change law
According to a story in today's Los Angeles Times, a new $1 million cash infusion from Kansas-based oil company Koch Industries --the second-largest private company in the U.S. -- is buoying the campaign in favor of Proposition 23, which would block implementation of California's landmark law to limit greenhouse gas emissions. The company is owned by billionaire brothers who also happen to back the tea party movement. [Update/correction: the contribution was actuall...
CONTINUE READINGFollow-up on refrigeration: the history of the idea of food “freshness”
My colleague Jonathan Zasloff's recent post on refrigeration reminded me of a fascinating book published last year: Fresh, by Susanne Freidberg. This book -- authored by a college classmate of mine who teaches geography at Dartmouth -- chronicles the evolution of the culturally-constructed concept of "freshness" in 19th and 20th-century America, and the development of modern food storage technology, through the lens of six common household food products. Among other...
CONTINUE READINGEPA proposes fuel economy letter grade labels for cars
New labels proposed by the federal government would give new cars letter grades reflecting their fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions. Electric cars and plug-in hybrids are expected to get the highest grades. The rule isn't final yet; the public can comment and make suggestions on the label design. Most of us are familiar with the fuel economy labels that our federal government requires for all new cars. These labels estimate the miles a car owner can expec...
CONTINUE READINGThe Not-So-Skeptical Environmentalist
Bjorn Lomborg (a/k/a the "Skeptical Environmentalist") has apparently had a change of heart regarding climate change. According to the Guardian: The world's most high-profile climate change sceptic is to declare that global warming is "undoubtedly one of the chief concerns facing the world today" and "a challenge humanity must confront", in an apparent U-turn that will give a huge boost to the embattled environmental lobby. Bjørn Lomborg, the self-styled "s...
CONTINUE READINGGumby and the Mad Hatter Meet US Energy Policy
As Dan notes, the Coast Guard is reporting the explosion of a nonoperating oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico. The last I heard, there were no fatalities, and several workers there were able to escape using flotation clothing, better known as "Gumby Suits." Obviously, had the oil rig been functional, there is a strong probability (although not certainty) that there would have been another devastating oil leak. Of course, this makes the prospects of US clean energy legi...
CONTINUE READINGBreaking News: Oil Rig Explosion
The Washington Post reports that a non-producing rig in 2500 feet of water has exploded off the Louisiana Coast. More details at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/02/AR2010090202590.html?wpisrc=nl_natlalert...
CONTINUE READINGOn the Lack of a Refrigerator
So my family just moved into a new house the other day, but the refrigerator won't arrive from the factory for another few days. This condition has vast environmental implications. Really. My headache for the past few days has been: how to store food? Even I have the basic competence to prepare a meal without refrigerated products, but how does one keep the food around overnight and later? What do I pack for my 6-year-old daughter's lunch for the next day? (An...
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