Members of Congress release citizens’ pleas to President Obama: Stop new offshore drilling!

Posted on July 12, 2010
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By Brandon Rose

Environment America joined with members of Congress in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, June 29, to release more than 400,000 comments from citizens all around the U.S. asking President Obama to protect our oceans and coasts from the expansion of offshore drilling. The comments were submitted on the president’s next five-year Drilling Plan from 2012 to 2017, a day before the close of the comment period.

interOceana, Sierra Club, Defenders of Wildlife, Greenpeace, MoveOn, League of Conservation Voters and Ocean Champions collected the boxes of citizens’ comments that sat behind the respected speakers. The comments came from emails, door-to-door canvassing in coastal areas, and post cards. Representative Pallone, D-NJ, Representative Castor, D-FL, Representative Garamendi, D-CA, all spoke about the need for our country to stop our oil addiction, new offshore drilling, and move to less risky renewable energy.

Anna Aurillo, Director of the Washington Office of Environment America, said:

This past weekend we saw Hands Across the Sand events held on Saturday at more than 900 beaches around the country and the world – the largest ever public demonstration against offshore drilling. Today, more than 400,000 citizens are sending a loud and clear message to the President that his plan to expand offshore drilling to new coasts is a bad idea. Instead of more drills and spills, we want more windmills and to end our dependence on oil.

Under provisions in the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), the president of the U.S. may administratively withdraw entire planning areas from consideration for easing the nation’s drilling plan. Former presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton have used this power to protect areas of the U.S. coast from drilling.

We need to learn from our mistakes, now! There needs to be oil reform, just like there was reform on Wall Street. BP has been prioritizing profits over safety. Therefore, the government needs to step in and reform before another environmental disaster occurs.

Congressman Garamendi said:

“Do we need any more of a lesson than what we now see in the Gulf of Mexico? Yet in the halls of this Congress, there are many representatives that have not learned,” Congressman Garamendi said. “The Republican Party is still saying ‘drill, baby, drill’ when we know it’s really ’spill, baby, spill.’ Today 400,000 Americans are sending the powerful message that there are better alternatives.”

“It’s time for us to move away from a dependence on oil. As long as we continue to seek that oil fix, we’ll continue the addiction,” Garamendi added. “What if instead of massive oil subsidies and the inevitable cost of spill cleanup, we instead invested in renewable energy and conservation? Where would we be? We’re making choices here, and those choices determine whether we’ll have an ability to break our addiction to oil.”

Rep. Castor explained that this disaster is costing Florida more than $10 billion dollars because of its economic dependence on tourism, clean beaches, and fishing. This is especially tough on Florida since America’s economic recession. BP’s Tony Hayward tells the public that this disaster is 1 in a million. However, there have been 126 blowouts in Mexico since 1971. If BP spent $20 Billion on research in renewable energy like wind turbines and solar energy instead of cleaning up the oil they spilled in the Gulf, we would be getting our energy safer without having to drill deep into our oceans. These operations are proven to be risky and we need to make sure that this BP oil spill is the last great example of why our country needs to move to renewable energy.

For further reading: Congressman Garamendi’s Site

Please share your comments below.

Journalists Banned…Again

Posted on July 12, 2010
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By Lauren Keane-Farrell

A month ago, National Incident Commander Thad Allen issued an order granting the media “uninhibited access” to the areas affected by the oil spill. On July 4th, Daniel Tencer at The Raw Story reported the Coast Guard has banned reporters from the cleanup areas.

Journalists who come too close to the oil spill without permission from the Coast Guard could find themselves facing a $40,000 fine and even one to five years in prison.

This move has outraged journalists and bystanders alike, who see it as an attack on their First Amendment rights.

The Coast Guard order states that “vessels must not come within 20 meters of booming operations, boom, or oil spill response operations under penalty of law.”

Back in June, Allen told ABC News reporters that “media will have uninhibited access anywhere we’re doing operations, except for two things, if it’s a security or safety problem.”

Edward Stanton, the current Coast Guard Captain in New Orleans, told MKRW News that nine out of 10 times the reporter will be granted access.

This isn’t the first time reporters have had to jump through hoops to obtain their story. For weeks they’ve been complaining about BP, the Department of Homeland Security and the Coast Guard.

Anderson Cooper, of CNN, describes the new rules as making it “very easy to hide incompetence or failure.”

Makes you wonder if BP “reporters” will have the same restrictions placed on them.

Swimming for Glaciers

Posted on July 2, 2010
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By Lauren Keane-Farrell

mt-everestWhen it comes to expressing an opinion about global climate change, people engage in a variety of activities. Some make changes at home. Some participate in protests. Others go swimming.

Lewis Gordon Pugh is a British environmental campaigner who has undertaken the task of completing long distance swims around the world to create environmental awareness. On May 22, 2010, he completed a 1k swim at an altitude of 5,300m under the summit of Mt. Everest to bring attention to the impact climate change has on the Himalayan region. The glacial lake was approximately 2 degrees Celsius. Pugh states that this was one of the most difficult swims he has ever undertaken.

In July 2007, Pugh swan 1km across an open patch of sea in the North Pole to similarly draw attention to the melting of the Arctic sea ice.

Pugh is no newbie to swimming.

In January of 2006, he became the first person to complete the “Holy Grail” of swimming, meaning he had completed a long distance swim in every ocean of the world.

About his most recent swim Pugh states, “This is a plea to every nation, to do everything it can, to put a stop to climate change. We live in a global environment. What happens in one part of the world will impact every other part. And when it comes to cutting carbon emissions, we must stop arguing about whether China, the USA or the EU should act first. Given the urgency of the situation every country needs to put in place every solution at its disposal. There is no time for delay.”

Green Your Ride: Recharge Your Electric Vehicle in Minutes?

Posted on July 1, 2010
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By Brandon Rose

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JFE Engineering Corporation is developing a super-rapid charging system that could take an electric vehicle from empty to 50 percent charged in as little as three minutes.

This super-rapid charging system could change the EV industry forever. Think about it, you could recharge your vehicle just about as fast as you refuel your gasoline vehicle at the gas pump. This new system could finally put an end to the discussion about electric vehicles not being able to go mainstream due to inconvenient charging issues.

JFE Engineering Corporation claims that it’s super-rapid charging system will be ready for field tests before the end of the year. Also, the company claims that it will be ready for production as soon as EVs supporting the rapid charging standard become available. The system utilizes 500-600 amps of current, significantly more than the recharging systems used with the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi i-MiEV, meaning that they are not currently compatible.

We’ll keep updating you with exciting technological advancements in the EV industry. Until then, you can comment below!

“Saved By The Bell” Episode Rings True

Posted on June 30, 2010
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By Lauren Keane-Farrell

Bright and early one Monday morning, I took a plane back to Washington, D.C. after a weekend at home. At 6:30 am, most normal people aren’t awake. But luckily by flying JetBlue I had DirecTV where I could zone out for the short trip.

While channel surfing I came upon TBS and saw that Saved By The Bell was on. Half awake I watched Zack and Screech play with a duck. Then, my attention was grabbed when during a school meeting they discussed oil.

In this episode, called Pipe Dreams, the school has struck oil under their football field so now they’re going to make a ton of money by drilling and build a bigger and better Bayside. Some students aren’t so happy. Lead by Jessie Spano, they try to stage a protest but are ignored by the majority of the students and faculty.

The end of the episode resonates with today’s current crisis when the oil is spilled all over the football field and into the school’s pond. There, Zack discovers his duck covered in oil—dead.

Quickly, he changes his mind about the benefits of oil and joins Jessie in her protest. At the end of the episode the school chooses animals and the planet over the greed of oil and wealth.

Pretty interesting that in 1991 high school students on TV were protesting excessive oil consumption. So 19 years later why haven’t we learn our lesson?

“Accidents happen a lot with oil companies, then they just slip out of being responsible for them.” - Jessie Spano

Princeton Review’s Guide to 286 Green Colleges

Posted on June 29, 2010
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By Brandon Rose

672215_campus_photos_11

If you had the choice, would you rather live in an energy sucking dorm with poor ventilation and little to no natural light or a green dorm with real-time energy feedback and water efficient bathrooms?

Well, apparently there’s a rising interest among students in attending colleges that practice, teach, and support sustainability and the environment. I mean who wouldn’t want to go to a school that decreases their carbon footprint, saves energy, saves water, reduces waste, saves money, and demonstrates leadership in sustainability?

In results of the Princeton Review’s 2009 College Hopes & Worries Survey, 66 percent of respondents said they would value having information about a college’s commitment to the environment. Also, 24 percent said such information would “very much” impact their decision to apply or attend the school (PrincetonReview.com/hopes). I guess this was more than enough reason to create The Princeton Review’s Guide To 286 Green Colleges, presented in partnership with the U.S Green Building Council.

The guide highlights 286 campuses which, based on their survey of their school administrators, demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability. Of course, some of them are in the beginning stages while others have already had a long-term commitment to “going green.” The guide gives insight to future students on things like sustainable living, building guidelines, green academic programs, preparation for sustainable careers, and a willingness to be accountable for their green commitments.

The guide takes both a quantitative and qualitative look at the school’s sustainability efforts in areas that they’ve identified as most important to students:

1. Whether students have a campus quality of life that is both healthy and sustainable.
2. How well a school is preparing students for employment in the green economy.
3. How environmentally responsible a school’s policies are.

This guide is helpful for the next generation of leaders who will ultimately be responsible for carrying out the worlds’ sustainability objectives and actions.

To get your free copy go to Princeton Review.

Are you applying to colleges now? If so, does a sustainable college matter to you? Or maybe you went to college or are enrolled currently. Does a sustainable campus make you feel better about spending your college tuition? Please comment below.

Green Grad Gifts

Posted on June 29, 2010
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By Lauren Keane-Farrell

grads1As many students bid farewell to high school or college, family and friends struggle with the difficult task of finding the perfect present for their favorite grad. Money is the old standby, but if you want to be really unique (and the favorite!) consider some of these green gifts.

1. Is your grad going moving to a city? Consider getting them a bike or putting some money on a Metro Card for them. They’ll thank you for giving them a cheap way to explore their new city and go green.

2. A reusable coffee mug with their college’s logo on it will definitely come in handy for those long nights and early mornings. You can even throw in a variety of Fair Trade or organic coffee or tea to fill up the mug.

3. Reusable shopping bags are the way to go now. A few of these will go a long way at the grocery store. Sturdy and durable, your grad will appreciate saving the Earth and not dealing with plastic bags falling apart as they walk or take public transportation home from the grocery store.

4. The ultimate gift for a grad is a new laptop. But you don’t have to sacrifice going green for a stylish, new model. EPEAT is a system that helps buyers evaluate, compare and select electronic products based on how environmentally friendly they are. You can search by manufacturer or criteria.

You can spend a lot or a little, but these green grad gifts are great for anyone moving off into a new phase of life.

On Coal River

Posted on June 25, 2010
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By Erin Molon

West Virginia is, in my opinion, one of America’s most overlooked treasures. With its majestic mountains, raging rivers, and miles of forests, it’s hard to beat when it comes to natural beauty.

In fact, West Virginia is one of my favorite places to be. Growing up, I spent a lot of time wandering land that seemed untouched, exploring the majesty of nature and all that West Virginia has to offer. My Grandpa, a lifetime resident, drove me around the mountains and into the valleys, giving me an appreciation for the nature, telling me stories of his childhood and sharing the details of his life in the coal mines.

This was a main reason for my interested in attending the special screening of “On Coal River,” a documentary that shines a light on the dangers of mountaintop removal mining practices and their effects on the surrounding communities.

The documentary focuses on a few members of a coal community, Marsh Fork, who are seeing the effects of the coal on the elementary school childrens’ and others’ health.

The local coal company, Massey, has been mining coal using a method called mountain top removal. Basically, they blow off the tops of mountains to harvest 100% of the coal, clean it using toxic chemicals, and dump any waste into local rivers and streams. These practices pollute local drinking water, spreading diseases through the communities and spreading toxic dust that is being breathed by children at their elementary school.

To solve this serious (and seriously overlooked) problem, they embark on a mission to have the school moved to a safer location. Eventually, after being turned down repeatedly by their local government, they decide to take this issue to the top and walk all the way to DC to make their point.

The documentary is moving to say the least and really shows its viewers the tragedy that their community and others like them have been through. If you aren’t familiar with mountain top removal and its effects, I encourage you to check out mountainpledge.org and see what is happening surrounding this issue. You can also view the documentary at the Silver Docs film festival. This is a problem that faces the entire nation and needs to be addressed.

Wedding Industry Hit by Oil Spill

Posted on June 25, 2010
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By Lauren Keane-Farrell

beach-wedding

It seems like a dream wedding location: glistening blue waters, soft waves lapping against a pristine beach and … tar balls?

The beach wedding industry in Pensacola, Florida, sometimes referred to as the “Las Vegas of beach weddings,” has taken a serious hit since the April 20 oil spill.

As oil covers the water and tar balls litter the beach more and more, couples are opting to avoid beach weddings this summer. This puts a serious damper of the usually prosperous Florida wedding industry.

Millions of dollars could be lost. According to a Huffington Post article, wedding planner Darrin Land said, “It’s not just me hurting: it’s the DJs, caterers, photographers, everyone involved.” He says he has lost $12,000 since the oil spill.

Some couples are still willing to go forward with their beach wedding and risk a oil filled beach or Hazmat crews in the backgrounds of their photos.

Sounds like picturesque beach weddings are yet another victim of the ongoing oil catastrophe in the Gulf.

Green Your Closet

Posted on June 24, 2010
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By Lauren Keane-Farrell

Going green is the latest trend to hit the runways.

clothes Gucci has recently announced that they are taking the initiative to become more eco-friendly. The fashion company plans to use packaging that is made out of 100% FSC Certified recyclable paper, in addition to reducing their overall paper consumption. Even Gucci’s in-store mannequins are getting a “green-over.”

But, if you’re like most people Gucci may be out of your price range. But you don’t need to sacrifice your eco-friendly ways to be fashionable!

Look for clothes made out of natural-fibers, such as cotton. With a caveat: cotton production can have a negative impact on the environment due to the use of fungicides and pesticides. So look for products made from organic cotton.

Bamboo is another natural fiber that retailers use in clothing production. And because retailers who sell bamboo clothes say it’s naturally anti-microbial (no chemicals required!) it is an even better choice.

Recycle previously worn clothes! Check out your local vintage or thrift shop to donate or sell your old things. While you’re there, pick up some new items. You’ll be surprised what you can find.

From Gucci to the thrift shop, greening your wardrobe is getting more and more simple. For more tips check out Plant Green.

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