Friday, May 18, 2007

Off-grid living, spotted owls, highway perks for hybrids, and more

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Friday, May 18, 2007

News of Note

Although no longer deemed vulnerable enough for ESA protection, gray wolves and grizzlies in parts of the Northern Rockies could benefit from a trust fund currently being conceived by officials as a means of sustaining the animals in tough times. More here.


Today's News

Americans Discover the Allure of Off-Grid Living
A growing number of Americans are shunning power lines, choosing to live "off the grid," without commercial power -- and still enjoying their computers and large-screen televisions.

Scientists Advise Capturing Spotted Owls
A team of Pacific Northwest scientists has recommended capturing many or all of British Columbia's remaining northern spotted owls and breeding them at zoos throughout the region in an effort to prevent their extinction.

Environmental Protection Agency Proposes Rules for Hybrids in Car Pool Lanes
The government proposed new criteria Thursday for certifying vehicles as clean and energy efficient -- standards for states that let hybrid drivers travel without passengers in the special lanes to avoid rush-hour traffic.

Study Shows Southern Ocean Saturated with Carbon Dioxide
The Southern Ocean around Antarctica is so loaded with carbon dioxide that it can barely absorb any more, so more of the gas will stay in the atmosphere to warm up the planet, scientists reported Thursday.

Mexican Baby Killer Whale in Tug of Love
A newborn killer whale found bleeding on a Mexican beach has become the center of an international controversy over whether she should stay in Mexico or be sent to a U.S. marine theme park.

Can Americans Get Charged on Electric Cars?
While others hammer away at battery technology to make all-electric cars go further and cost less, ZAP (as in zero air pollution) believes it has the formula in its tiny Xebra cars made in China: Plug it in at home and go up to 40 miles per hour for up to 25 miles).


>>>More articles at ENN.com


Member Press Releases

Hotel Planned for Big Bear Lake Rejected by Court : Wetlands, Endangered Plants at Issue
By: the Center for Biological Diversity
A San Bernardino Superior Court judge sided May 16th with a coalition of environmental organizations and struck down the approval of the Big Bear Lake Hilton Garden Inn, planned near the lakeshore in the city of Big Bear Lake.


The Road to Recovery : 100 Success Stories for Endangered Species Day 2007
By: the Center for Biological Diversity
For the second year in a row, the U.S. Senate declared an "Endangered Species Day" on May 18, 2007, to "encourage the people of the United States to become educated about, and aware of, threats to species, success stories in species recovery, and the opportunity to promote species conservation worldwide."


West Nile Virus Threatens Backyard Birds
By: Wildlife Trust
Scientists at the Consortium for Conservation Medicine (CCM), based at Wildlife Trust, New York, and the Smithsonian Institution's Migratory Bird Center report in an article appearing today in Nature that many species of birds, including backyard favorites such as tufted titmice and chickadees, are suffering serious declines from West Nile virus.


Official Mexican Norm 029 on Shark and Ray Fishing is a Watershed for the Conservation of Marine Organisms
By: International Fund for Animal Welfare
When Official Mexican Norm (known as NOM in Spanish) 029 on shark and ray fishing goes into effect today, it will make it possible to regulate one of the fisheries with the greatest impact on endangered marine species such as sea turtles, whales and sea lions. The populations of many shark species are decreasing, making it imperative to regulate their capture in order to stop the depletion of these populations, according to the following environmentalist organizations: Centro Mexicano de Derecho Ambiental, COMARINO (Conservation of Marine Mammals of Mexico), Defenders of Wildlife México, International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and Greenpeace México.


Zoos Help Save Threatened Rainforest
By: World Land Trust
The Annual Conference and AGM of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) is the launchpad for a ground breaking partnership that will save some of the most endangered rainforest in the World.


Lawsuit to Be Filed to Protect Montana Fluvial Arctic Grayling
By: Center for Biological Diversity
The Center for Biological Diversity, Western Watersheds Project, Dr. Pat Munday and former Montana fishing guide George Wuerthner officially notified the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service May 15th that they will sue over an April 24, 2007 decision that the Montana fluvial arctic grayling no longer warrants protection as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. Rather than concluding Montana grayling are recovered and secure, the agency instead decided that extinction of the Montana population, which is the last in the lower 48 states, is insignificant.


Rehabilitated Manatee - A Success Story
By: Wildlife Trust
Wildlife Trust scientists and their colleagues in the Manatee Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP) are proud to announce that Mo, the much-loved manatee, having proven his ability to stay healthy and out of trouble, is no longer in need of monitoring. Wildlife Trust scientist, Lucy Keith removed Mo's tracking tags while he fed on a grassflat near the TECO power plant in Tampa Bay, thus ending a lengthy and enlightening relationship with the manatee that couldn't seem to find his way home.


Earth Report 'Blast' Airing on BBC World May 19, 2007
By: the Institute for Governance & Sustainable Development
BBC World presents "Blast," an Earth Report documentary that chronicles the ongoing battle between blast fishers in the Philippines and the brave individuals risking their lives to stop them.


Hawaiian Monk Seals Monitored for Infectious Diseases
By: Wildlife Trust
Dr. Alonso Aguirre, Vice President of Conservation Medicine at Wildlife Trust, and a team of researchers report in an article published in the Journal of Wildlife Diseases that infectious diseases could pose a serious threat to the Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi). The Hawaiian monk seal is one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world and their numbers have declined in recent years. In addition to the threat posed by starvation, predation by sharks, and net entanglement, monk seals may be affected by biotoxins and infectious diseases.


Bush Touts Proposal for New Federal Alternative-Fuel Standards That Would Weaken Existing Law
By: the Center for Biological Diversity
In a Rose Garden appearance Monday, President Bush cynically portrayed his "20-in-10" alternative-fuel standard as improving current federal fuel-economy standards. In fact, the proposal is considerably weaker than current targets signed into law in 1992 by the first Bush president.


Editor's Note : 'Network News' features press releases submitted directly by organizations in ENN's member network. This content is not specifically endorsed or supported by ENN and is not subject to ENN's editorial process.














ENN is a Registered Trademark of the Environmental News Network, Inc.
Copyright © 2006 Environmental News Network, Inc.
Contact ENN

CNET Tech SpecialsCNET Tech Specials
May 18, 2007

Green tech
Green tech
CNET editors have assembled the most useful and relevant tech resources so you can go green and save money.

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The green mile: biodiesel, electric, and hybrid cars
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CNET Reviews
The 12 greenest cars of 2007
Editors' round up of this year's least dirty dozen.
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It's a lot easier than it used to be.
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Thursday, May 17, 2007

ENN: Greening world cities, Australia's water crisis, ecotourism, and more -

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Wednesday, May 16, 2007

News of Note

The U.S. Senate fell just nine votes short of approving an amendment to a water projects bill that would have required the Army Corps of Engineers to factor climate change issues into the design of its water resources projects. More here.


Today's News

Sixteen Cities To Go Green Under Clinton Plan
Sixteen cities around the world will begin cutting carbon emissions by renovating city-owned buildings with green technology under a program spearheaded by former President Clinton's foundation.

Australian Water Crisis Could Be Worse Than Thought
Water shortages facing Australia's drought-hit prime agricultural area might be worse than expected, the government was told on Wednesday, as river towns braced for unprecedented restrictions on water use.

Travel Experts See Worrisome Downside to Ecotourism
Ecotourism may be just as environmentally damaging as traditional travel because of the greenhouse gases vacationers help create when they journey to remote, pristine areas, industry experts warned Tuesday.

Scientists Predict Asian Dust Plume Might Sway U.S. Climate
Asian desert dust and city pollution is swirling in vast plumes across the Pacific to North America, interacting with storms and possibly spurring climate change, an airborne scientist said Tuesday.

Bald Eagles in Wyoming Soar to 185 Pairs
The number of bald eagles in Wyoming has grown to 185 breeding pairs, a population recovery that has exceeded expectations from ornithologists who predicted much lower recovery rates when the birds were first granted federal protection in 1967.

Arctic Islands Invite Tourists To See Climate Woes
A remote chain of Arctic islands is advertising itself as a showcase of bad things to come from global warming. Visitors to Svalbard can see reindeer, seals or polar bears in the Arctic, where U.N. scientists say warming is happening twice as fast as on the rest of the planet in what may be a portent of changes further south.


>>>More articles at ENN.com


Member Press Releases

Lawsuit to Be Filed to Protect Montana Fluvial Arctic Grayling
By: Center for Biological Diversity
The Center for Biological Diversity, Western Watersheds Project, Dr. Pat Munday and former Montana fishing guide George Wuerthner officially notified the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service May 15th that they will sue over an April 24, 2007 decision that the Montana fluvial arctic grayling no longer warrants protection as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. Rather than concluding Montana grayling are recovered and secure, the agency instead decided that extinction of the Montana population, which is the last in the lower 48 states, is insignificant.


Rehabilitated Manatee - A Success Story
By: Wildlife Trust
Wildlife Trust scientists and their colleagues in the Manatee Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP) are proud to announce that Mo, the much-loved manatee, having proven his ability to stay healthy and out of trouble, is no longer in need of monitoring. Wildlife Trust scientist, Lucy Keith removed Mo's tracking tags while he fed on a grassflat near the TECO power plant in Tampa Bay, thus ending a lengthy and enlightening relationship with the manatee that couldn't seem to find his way home.


Earth Report 'Blast' Airing on BBC World May 19, 2007
By: the Institute for Governance & Sustainable Development
BBC World presents "Blast," an Earth Report documentary that chronicles the ongoing battle between blast fishers in the Philippines and the brave individuals risking their lives to stop them.


Hawaiian Monk Seals Monitored for Infectious Diseases
By: Wildlife Trust
Dr. Alonso Aguirre, Vice President of Conservation Medicine at Wildlife Trust, and a team of researchers report in an article published in the Journal of Wildlife Diseases that infectious diseases could pose a serious threat to the Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi). The Hawaiian monk seal is one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world and their numbers have declined in recent years. In addition to the threat posed by starvation, predation by sharks, and net entanglement, monk seals may be affected by biotoxins and infectious diseases.


Bush Touts Proposal for New Federal Alternative-Fuel Standards That Would Weaken Existing Law
By: the Center for Biological Diversity
In a Rose Garden appearance Monday, President Bush cynically portrayed his "20-in-10" alternative-fuel standard as improving current federal fuel-economy standards. In fact, the proposal is considerably weaker than current targets signed into law in 1992 by the first Bush president.


Rainforest Alliance to Laud Business Leaders for Environmental and Social Responsibility at Organization's 20th Anniversary Gala
By: the Rainforest Alliance
The Rainforest Alliance, a nonprofit international conservation organization, is pleased to announce the 2007 co-chairs and honorees that will be recognized at our 20th anniversary gala on May 16 in New York City. Receiving awards are companies and individuals that have significantly advanced the goals set forth by the Rainforest Alliance and have integrated environmental and social sustainability into their work.


A David Among Goliaths, Green Lodging News is Growing Like a Sequoia
By: Green Lodging News
Ten months after launching Green Lodging News, a website and weekly e-mail newsletter, Glenn Hasek, publisher and editor, is proving that one person teamed with a lot of talent can match up with the giants of trade magazine publishing.


Travel Organization Urges Tough Measures On Galapagos
By: the International Galapagos Tour Operators Association
The International Galapagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA), in its annual meeting last week in Guayaquil, Ecuador, expressed alarm over the future of the Galapagos Islands and called for strict controls on development. The meeting included representatives from the travel industry, Galapagos National Park, Charles Darwin Foundation, and other conservation organizations.


Conservationists Request Suspension of Mexican Wolf-Killing Policy
By: the Center for Biological Diversity
Twenty-nine conservation, animal protection and educational organizations, including participants in the Mexican Wolf Species Survival Plan, sent a letter to the southwestern regional director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service May 9th requesting suspension of the Mexican gray wolf predator-control protocol known as "SOP 13." The 29 signatories to the letter range from the Upper Gila Watershed Alliance of Gila, New Mexico, a local group in the Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area, to the 10-million-strong Humane Society of the United States, as well as prominent scientists from both sides of the United States-Mexico border and facilities that breed the endangered wolves.


Growers Can Access Information on New Tomato Disease
By: UC Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program
In March 2007, the virus that causes tomato yellow leaf curl popped up in greenhouse tomatoes being grown by a high school science class in Imperial County. Because this disease is new to California and potentially devastating for tomato production, agencies have produced an informational brochure to help curtail its spread.


Editor's Note : 'Network News' features press releases submitted directly by organizations in ENN's member network. This content is not specifically endorsed or supported by ENN and is not subject to ENN's editorial process.














ENN is a Registered Trademark of the Environmental News Network, Inc.
Copyright © 2006 Environmental News Network, Inc.
Contact ENN

USDA Poised to Approve Risky Field Trial of GE Trees?


USDA Poised to Approve Risky Field Trial of GE Trees

Dear sharon,

The biotechnology firm ArborGen has asked the USDA for permission to extend, and allow to flower, an experimental field trial of genetically engineered cloned eucalyptus trees in Alabama. The trees have been genetically engineered for cold tolerance and for delayed or reduced flowering. The trees have also been engineered with an unknown "confidential" marker gene.

As it did with GE alfalfa USDA failed to conduct and prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to comprehensively address all the relevant issues related to the proposed eucalyptus field trials. ArborGen's Baldwin County, Alabama field trial site is prone to severe storms, including tornadoes and hurricanes that could blow GE eucalyptus seeds miles farther than the 100 meters USDA assumed possible. USDA failed to evaluate these severe storms when it reviewed the proposed field trials. The agency should have performed a complete EIS to fully evaluate the high risk of genetic contamination of natural trees due to the regional weather phenomena on the field trial location.

Contamination of natural trees by GE eucalyptus could pose a severe environmental threat. Eucalyptus grow well in warm climates, so engineering them to tolerate cold temperatures removes the only barrier to their unrestricted spread. In some places where eucalyptus have been introduced, they are well known for escaping and colonizing native ecosystems. For example, eucalyptus is listed as an invasive species and a costly plant pest in California.

Despite recent federal court decisions that USDA failed to address the risk of contamination and other environmental risks from genetically engineered plants, like GE bentgrass and alfalfa, USDA seems poised to push ahead with this dangerous proposal.

A public comment period is open until May 21, 2007 - please sign the petition to USDA APHIS opposing this risky proposal today!



Sign this petition

Sign this petition :

USDA/ APHIS Docket No. APHIS-2007-0027

I oppose ArborGen's field trial of genetically engineered (GE) Eucalyptus Trees in Alabama (APHIS-2007-0027).

ArborGen petitioned the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 2006 for permission to extend their GE Eucalyptus field trials to allow flowering and seed production in 355 trees grown on 1.1 acres in Baldwin County, Alabama.

USDA originally approved the 3-year experimental trial in the fall of 2005 under the condition that the trees not be allowed to flower. Now, less than 2 years later, the agency seems to have forgotten the logic behind that condition, and has once again conducted a cursory and inadequate Environmental Assessment (EA) in which they recommend approval to extend the GE Eucalyptus field trials and allow this unprecedented flowering and seed formation.

Eucalyptus species are introduced organisms into the US and grow well in certain warm climates such as the southern and southeast US regions. The main barrier to Eucalyptus becoming established in this region is that the varieties planted often die in cold temperatures. Genetically engineering them to tolerate those cold temperatures removes that barrier. In other regions, where eucalyptus have been introduced, they are well known for escaping and colonizing native ecosystems. Eucalyptus has become so established in California that it is now listed as an invasive species and a plant pest in the state.

USDA also failed to conduct and prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to comprehensively address all the relevant issues related to the proposed field trial. The Baldwin County, Alabama field trial site is prone to severe storm events such as tornadoes and hurricanes that could blow GE eucalyptus seeds miles farther than the 100 meters USDA assumed possible. USDA failed to evaluate these severe storm events in the EA and should have performed an EIS to fully review regional weather phenomena on the field trial location to evaluate the higher potential f or escape.

By the agency's own admission, there are several varieties of eucalyptus that are naturally cold-tolerant, at least eight of which could be grown in Southern U.S. states like Alabama. This field trial is not only risky, it is completely unnecessary.

Please deny the permit extension and insure that the trees currently planted are not allowed to flower.

Sign this petition

Sign this Petition!

Instructions:
Sign this petition


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Great Lakes Daily News: 16 May 2007
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For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news


Binational group details river monitoring plan
----------------------------------------
Canada and the U.S. are initiating a study to identify bacteria-laden solid
material in the St. Mary's River that is responsible for beach closures on
Sugar Island. Source: The Sault Star (5/16)


COMMENTARY: Mine not worth risk to Lakes
----------------------------------------
The environmental threats of a proposed nickel mine in the Upper Peninsula,
including water and air pollution, far outweigh the benefits the mine would
bring to the area. Source: Detroit Free Press (5/16)


Tourism secretary touts 'ecotourism'
----------------------------------------
Wisconsin's Department of Tourism secretary is advocating the protection of
natural resources as a way to increase tourism. Source: Manitowac Herald Times
Reporter (5/16)


Great Lakes Commission pushes for ballast water legislation
----------------------------------------
The Great Lakes Commission is asking the region's lawmakers to make effective
ballast water legislation a top priority this year. Source: WOOD-TV8 Grand
Rapids (5/15)


Officials didn't intentionally hide mine documents, report says
----------------------------------------
Initial approval for an Upper Peninsula mine was revoked after it was found that
documents questioning the mine's stability were not made properly available.
Source: Traverse City Record-Eagle (5/15)


Timing of opening Fox locks is questioned
----------------------------------------
The discovery of the deadly fish disease VHS in some Wisconsin inland lakes is
creating concern about plans to restore a series of locks along the Fox River.
Source: WBAY-TV Green Bay (5/15)


Piping plovers plop down nest at park
----------------------------------------
A pair of endangered Great Lakes birds that raised three hatchlings last year is
back and officials hope their return signals area population improvement.
Source: Ludington Daily News (5/15)


Muskegon Lake environment has remained a big story
----------------------------------------
Muskegon Lake's transformation from an industrial cesspool to a recreational
haven over the past three decades has been nothing short of remarkable. Source:
Muskegon Chronicle (5/15)


Don't give up the ship
----------------------------------------
Toledo's budget problems may affect the future of the Willis B. Boyer, an
historic ship and floating maritime museum, which may close after this season.
Source: WTVG-TV Toledo (5/15)


Good deer herd news: Average winter means larger EUP deer herd
----------------------------------------
The Michigan DNR predicts a large deer herd for hunting next fall, based on
strong fawn survival following the average temperatures last winter. Source:
The Sault Ste. Marie Evening News (5/15)


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