::: ENN Daily Newsletter - Tuesday, February 1, 2005 ::: READ ALL TODAY'S NEWS The Short Path to Oil Independence -- An ENN Commentary With the price of oil above $50 a barrel, with political instability in the Middle East on the rise, and with little slack in the world oil economy, we need a new energy strategy. Fortunately, the outline of a new strategy is emerging with two new technologies. Landmarks Since Prehistory, Glaciers are Shrinking in a Warming World CHACALTAYA GLACIER, Bolivia — Up and down the icy spine of South America, the glaciers are melting, the white mantle of the Andes Mountains washing away at an ever faster rate. Special Mouse that Blocked Projects Special No More, Government Says The Preble's meadow jumping mouse, once seen as a costly impediment to development, is now viewed by the government as a critter that never really existed -- and is no longer in need of federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. Loggers Going Into Oregon Old Growth Reserve on Biscuit Fire GRANTS PASS, Ore. — A timber company plans to start logging next week in a burned area that had been reserved as old growth forest, setting up a confrontation with environmentalists who believe leaving the dead trees standing is better for fish, wildlife and the forest. Residents of Tight-Knit River Neighborhood Losing Land, Losing Hope PARKERSBURG, W. Va. — Paul Bartosh's dream of having a home on the river where he could relax and watch the boats go by is slowly crumbling, along with his back yard. Commission Staff Calls Risks of Proposed Plutonium Conversion Plant Minimal WASHINGTON — The government moved a step closer Friday to gaining approval to dispose of 34 tons of weapons-grade plutonium by turning it into a less dangerous fuel for commercial power reactors. Massachusetts Water Authority Officials Investigating Boston's Big Dig Project BOSTON — The state water authority is investigating whether the Big Dig highway project violated its permit by pumping millions of gallons of water into the regional sewer system. EarthTalk: Are There Any Organic Products That Young Children Would Enjoy? A recent study by the Environmental Working Group found that each day more than one million children ages five and under ingest unsafe levels of pesticides from food consumed at home. 'Dangerous' Global Warming Possible by 2026, WWF Says OSLO — World temperatures could surge in just two decades to a threshold likely to trigger dangerous disruptions to the earth's climate, the WWF environmental group said on Sunday. READ ALL NON PROFIT NEWS The Mangrove Action Project News, 149th Edition — By Mangrove Action Project For Earth's Sweetest Valentine Gifts, Check The Green Guide — By The Green Guide California Certified Organic Farmers Names New President — By California Certified Organic Farmers

::: ENN Daily Newsletter - Monday, January 31, 2005 ::: READ ALL TODAY'S NEWS Environmentalists Sue To Stop Logging of Sequoias, Other Trees at California National Monument SAN FRANCISCO — Environmentalists sued the federal government Thursday over plans to log in central California's Giant Sequoia National Monument, home to two-thirds of the world's largest trees. Endangered Condors Return to Andes Skies SIERRA PAILEMAN, Argentina — Timidly taking its first steps in the wild, the young condor perches on a rocky plateau as a hot breeze swirls upward from the barren Patagonian landscape. Environmentalists Sue Feds To Stop Mining Companies from Dumping Mountain Tops into Valleys PIKEVILLE, Ky. — Environmentalists have sued the federal government in an attempt to stop coal mining companies from lopping off the tops of mountains and dumping the rocks and dirt into valleys. Nordic Countries Claim Four of Top Five Spots in Environmental Sustainability Survey DAVOS, Switzerland — The Nordic countries ranked highest in environmental sustainability, a survey released Friday at the World Economic Forum reported. ConocoPhillips Reaches Clean Air Settlement Requiring $525 Million in Pollution Controls WASHINGTON — ConocoPhillips will install $525 million in pollution controls at nine refineries and pay a $4.5 million fine to settle a federal lawsuit alleging Clean Air Act violations, the Bush administration announced Thursday. Bear Hunting Debate Shifts to Outlawing Traps It seems that legislators aren't ready to let go of last fall's failed referendum proposing a ban on bear hunting with bait, dogs and traps, as more than a dozen bills proposing changes to Maine's bear hunt are on tap for the 122nd Legislature. Umbra Schools a Student Who Needs Sturdy, Eco-Friendly Bags An energetic high-school activist tells Umbra he's in desperate need of eco-friendly, reusable bags -- of the large and cheap variety -- so he and his green-leaning peers can collect used paper for their school recycling club. In spite of her New Year's resolution not to answer any more recycling questions, Umbra succumbs to her young supplicant's charm and saves the day with sage advice -- in Ask Umbra , today on the Grist Magazine website. Canada Split over Restrictions on Car Emissions FREDERICTON, New Brunswick — The two Canadian ministers negotiating with car makers over cuts in emissions are split on what to do, with one favoring binding restrictions and the other saying he wants the talks to continue. Yale Study Suggests Chemical Might Cause Hearing Loss in Whales NEW HAVEN, Conn.-- A toxic chemical used to prevent barnacles from clinging to ship hulls may cause deafness in marine mammals and could lead whales to beach themselves, Yale researchers say. READ ALL NON PROFIT NEWS Picking Plastics? The Green Guide Cracks the Codes In a perfect world, the ideal plastic container would be non-petroleum-based, non-leaching, reusable and recyclable or biodegradable. But for the moment, most consumer plastics are made from a variety of petroleum-based resins, which are classified in the seven recycling codes seen in the triangle on the bottom of containers. — By The Green Guide

::: ENN Daily Newsletter - Friday, January 28, 2005 ::: READ ALL TODAY'S NEWS Bush Air Pollution Plan Up Against Deadlocked Senate Committee WASHINGTON — Supporters of President Bush's air-pollution plan on Wednesday renewed their push to win its enactment but appear to lack the votes to advance it in the Senate. EPA Approves Pollution Control Plan for Everglades The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this week approved the bulk of a controversial state rule designed to curb phosphorus pollution in the Everglades. Notes From Anna: 'Do You Ever Wonder...' E-mail! We're all addicted to e-mail! Especially me. It is not the case that my life off-line is uneventful. But there's a pleasant quality to a conversation, in comparison to a monologue. One Month Later, Picture of Tsunami's Toll on the Environment Emerges JANTHO, Indonesia — Rustling branches betray the likely presence of an orangutan in the distance, while twittering insects and streams provide the soundtrack of the tropical forests of Aceh province, a temple of nature rising above the tsunami-ravaged shores below. Scientists Say Valdez Spill Impacts Slow To Fade ANCHORAGE — Crude oil from the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill still lingers in Alaska's Prince William Sound and nearby areas, with parts of the environment still far from recovery, several scientists said at a three-day conference. Mad Cows a Symptom of a Sick Food System The discovery of yet another Canadian cow infected with BSE, or mad cow disease, has again raised alarm bells about the safety of our beef and has producers worried about extended import bans to the United States. But really, we should be asking ourselves what caused the problem in the first place and how we can make our meat production safe and sustainable. House Members File Bill To Restore Horse, Burro Protection Law Reps. Nick J. Rahall, D-W.Va., and Ed Whitfield, R-Ky., introduced legislation this week to restore the Wild and Free Ranging Horse and Burro Protection Act of 1971, gutted last month by a "stealth" rider inserted into a massive appropriations bill. Small Town in Jungle Creates Dilemma for Authorities RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil — A judge's order to evict the population of a town established illegally in an Amazon forest reserve has left environmental officials scrambling to find a place for its 1,000 residents. Senate Panel OKs Bush's Pick for U.S. Energy Secretary WASHINGTON — Sam Bodman, President Bush's pick to be the next U.S. energy secretary, was approved Wednesday by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. READ ALL NON PROFIT NEWS Cala/Bell Markets Putting Customers at Risk — By Sea Turtle Restoration Project Picking Plastics? The Green Guide Cracks the Codes — By The Green Guide Regional Trading for Ozone Pollution a Model for Greenhouse Gas Markets, Says New WRI Report — By World Resources Institute Bill Introduced to Boost Water Supplies — By WWF-US

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Great Lakes Daily News: 03 February 2005
A collaborative project of the Great Lakes Information Network and the Great
Lakes Radio Consortium.

For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/


Zebra mussels in more Michigan lakes
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Zebra mussels -- perhaps the most recognizable foreign invader in the Great Lakes region -- appeared in a dozen more Michigan lakes in 2004, according to Michigan Sea Grant. Source: Detroit Free Press (2/3)


Plan for ferry from Sandusky to Put-in-Bay floated
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The Jet Express ferry could add a route between Sandusky and Put-in-Bay as soon as this summer, according to a proposal sent to Sandusky's city administration. Source: The Morning Journal (2/3)


Emerald ash borer found on Old Mission Peninsula
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Trees infested with the emerald ash borer have been discovered on Old Mission Peninsula, providing further evidence that the voracious invader has not been confined to southeastern Michigan. Source: Detroit Free Press (2/3)


Indy is put on first-of-its-kind pollution alert
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People with heart and breathing problems should limit outdoor activity in Indianapolis and several other areas of the state this week because of unhealthy levels of microscopic air pollutants, state environmental officials warned Tuesday. Source: Indianapolis Star (2/2)


Minneapolis fears Dutch elm disease emergency
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Conditions exist for a Dutch elm emergency in Minneapolis, with high potential for losing more of the leafy urban canopy, several officials said Tuesday. Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune (2/2)


DNR loosens logjam of air-quality permits
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Wis. Gov. Jim Doyle's administration has cleared a backlog of 342 air operating permits, some of which had been awaiting state action for several years, state officials said Tuesday. Source: Green Bay Press-Gazette (2/2)


Corps keeps river healthy
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To most people it's just dirt, but to scientists and ecologists, the sediment along the Clinton River tells a story of the water's health and that of its many tiny inhabitants. Source: The Detroit News (2/1)


Lawmaker asks 5 cities to prioritize plans for lakefront
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An ambitious plan that calls for recapturing 21 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline for public recreational use could eventually expand from its current focus on northwest Indiana's industrial shoreline. Source: The Wabash Plain Dealer (1/31)


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Zero Point energy - interesting stuff coming down the road:

"Energy from the Vacuum" - Bearden subsidizes new low price

CIRCULATE WIDELY

Having taken no profits from his publishing venture for a year has allowed Tom Bearden to subsidize the reprinting of his ground-breaking book Energy from the Vacuum - Concepts & Principles.

Consequently he is pleased to announce a substantial price reduction of this unique 1000-page volume to $59, including U.S. domestic shipping (USD $69 for global shipping). The student discount price for qualified students has also been slashed. See http://www.cheniere.org/sales/order_by_credit_card.htm

Cartons of 12 Energy from the Vacuum books, also individually shrink-wrapped, are now available for the incredible low price of $350, including U.S. shipping. These make great gifts to politicians, scientists, teachers, libraries etc. Contact us for global shipping price on bulk orders.

These new low prices become effective for orders placed from today.

Energy from the Vacuum is the world's first and only book to correct many of the errors and omissions in today's science, removing theoretical impediments to the extraction of free energy from the vacuum. It also catalogs the pioneering efforts of many of the inventors who have indeed extracted this free energy over the years. Over forty different methodologies are described in detail, some of them replicable at the high school level.

Thanks also to all you supporters and volunteers who have helped make this possible.

Regards

Tony Craddock
Director
Cheniere Press/ The Tom Bearden Website
www.cheniere.org

In This Issue February 2, 2005 2nd Annual National Biodiesel Conference a Showcase of Success John Deere’s Diesel Propelled Products to be Fueled with B2 Biodiesel Awards Recognize Neil Young, Industry Leaders Washington Update 2005 Biodiesel Technical Workshop Summary World Energy and Dow Chemical Sign Biodiesel Production Agreement Governors Support Growth of States’ Biodiesel Industries, Renewable Fuels Use ALCOA Switches 550 Vehicles to Biodiesel
		2nd Annual National Biodiesel Conference a Showcase of Success The 2nd Annual National Biodiesel Conference and Expo welcomed over 1000 guests to Ft. Lauderdale Jan. 31-Feb. 2, to seminars and biodiesel networking. The conference also featured a full trade show, which had doubled in size from the 2004 conference, to give attendees the opportunity to learn about the latest products, services and advances in the field. Conference sessions and activities, held at the Broward County Convention Center and Marina Marriott, focused on new, cleaner diesel technology mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), but the conference also included a variety of technical, marketing, regulatory and user topics of interest to the likes of distributors, marketers, consumers, technology providers and feedstock managers. Feasibility and investment, oil company acceptance, cold flow, state and federal legislation, and an all-star user panel were just a small sampling of conference topics. Special conference events included: Representatives from the IRS on hand presented new forms pertaining to the tax credit, explained how the program will work and answered questions. An appearance by Pete Bethune, former oil exploration engineer, who will lead the EarthRace expedition. The biodiesel powered wave piercing vessel intends to set a new record circumnavigating the globe. A Ride-and-Drive of the much anticipated DaimlerChrysler Jeep Liberty CRD (diesel). Every new CRD off the production line will have a B5 (five percent biodiesel) factory fill. The University of Idaho hosted a workshop for school districts interested in using biodiesel in school buses to reduce kids’ exposure to fumes. NBB hosted a free workshop for local boaters with the support of the South Florida Regional Planning Council, Coastal Fuels Marketing and the Gold Coast Clean Cities Coalition. This demonstrated increased availability of biodiesel in South Florida, as well as the marine benefits of the fuel. Generous sponsorships made the conference larger and more inviting to attendees, from (as of January 28) The Department of Energy, National Renewable Energy Laboratory; West Central and Renewable Energy Group; World Energy Alternatives; GATX Rail; IFQC Biofuels; John Deere; U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service; USDA Biodiesel Fuel Education Program; Ag Energy Work Group; Ag Environmental; BiofuelsMarketplace.com; Dallas Group; Fitzsimmons; M&W Contractors, Inc.; MARC-IV Consulting, Inc. and Schaeffer Manufacturing Co. back to top John Deere’s Diesel Propelled Products to be Fueled with B2 John Deere announced Feb. 1 that it plans to use B2, a blend of two percent biodiesel fuel, as the preferred factory-fill in all its diesel propelled machines made in the United States. John Deere representatives shared the announcement with more than 1,000 biodiesel enthusiasts from across the country gathered for the 2005 National Biodiesel Conference & Expo. “This a big step forward in confirming our commitment for the use of biodiesel fuel,” says Don Borgman, manager market planning and customer integration, John Deere Ag Marketing Center. “Our manufacturing plants in the U.S. will use B2 biodiesel for fueling tractors, combines, self-propelled sprayers, and other diesel powered machines.” “Working with the National Biodiesel Board (NBB), we are promoting the use of B2 fuel because it is readily available and meets the high quality fuel standards that we have set for our engines, and it is a positive step toward adoption of renewable fuels,” says Borgman. “If B2 were used in all diesel engines in the U.S., the United States could displace the equivalent of about 1 billion gallons of foreign oil per year. That could, in turn, translate to some very significant increases in the demand for crops from which biodiesel is made, like soybeans and other natural fats and oils grown right here in the United States.” John Deere plans to transition the B2 biodiesel fuel into its U.S. plants before the end of 2005. The John Deere tractor assembly plant, Waterloo Works, in Waterloo, IA and its combine manufacturing plant, Harvester Works, in East Moline, IL will be the first to begin using the B2 fuel with implementation by March 1, 2005. John Deere also plans to publicize its fuel specs and actively encourage its customers to continue to use the B2 formula in their own operations as well. “John Deere is an international leader in agriculture and technology. For John Deere to embrace biodiesel in this way is a powerful step that will help raise awareness and increase use of biodiesel,” said Joe Jobe, executive director of NBB. “This decision is a demonstration of John Deere’s commitment to improving America’s energy situation, environmental impact, and economic growth through renewable agricultural fuels like biodiesel.” back to top Biodiesel Awards Recognize Neil Young, Industry Leaders The second annual “Eye on Biodiesel” awards ceremony honored those who significantly advanced the board’s mission of public education and industry growth in the last year, at the 2005 Biodiesel Conference & Expo. The award categories and winners are: Innovation – DaimlerChrysler. DaimlerChrysler has taken the important initiative of fueling its new diesel Jeep Liberty (CRD) with a B5 biodiesel blend at the Jeep factory. filling them up with the blended fuel at the factory. DaimlerChrysler is the first automaker to factory fill with a biodiesel blend. Impact – American Soybean Association (ASA). The ASA is a membership-driven, grassroots policy organization that represents U.S. soybean farmers, and a top priority is educating and training producers to represent U.S. agriculture in Washington, D.C. and around the world, about biodiesel. ASA was instrumental in leading the campaign to pass the biodiesel tax incentive. Inspiration – Joe Biluck, Jr. The Director of Operations and Technology at New Jersey’s Medford School District recognized the benefits of biodiesel seven years ago, when he led Medford to become the first school district to use biodiesel. Since then, he has used B20 in his fleet of 65 buses and trucks. Biluck spends his personal time educating other fleet managers about biodiesel and champions the fuel to all. Industry Partnership – Clean Cities. The Department of Energy's (DOE) National Clean Cities Program has taken the word of biodiesel to energy decision-makers and promoted it in its network of over 80 volunteer coalitions. It is unlike any other government program in its ability to disseminate biodiesel information in local communities, increasing biodiesel use and generating publicity for the fuel. The highly driven Clean Cities staff and coordinators develop public/private partnerships to promote alternative fuels and vehicles, including biodiesel, with an overriding goal of reducing petroleum consumption in the U.S. Shelley Launey, who has provided strong leadership for the organization for almost five years, accepted the award. Influencer – Neil Young. The legendary singer/songwriter has shown outspoken support for biodiesel and the family farm, articulately sharing his knowledge of the benefits of biodiesel with millions of Americans. Young used biodiesel during his Greenville tour and was instrumental in Farm Aid using the fuel in 2004, where he and Willie Nelson told thousands in attendance that “It's clean, it's American grown fuel, it doesn't damage anything. This is so obvious.” Young accepted the award by videotape. Last year’s Influencer award winner, actress Daryl Hannah, announced this year’s winner and introduced the video in person at the conference. NBB also presented Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), with the National Energy Leadership Award for her commitment to renewable energy and domestic energy security. Rep. Kaptur played a key role in opening doors that have led to the increased use of biodiesel, including her support of DaimlerChrysler’s decision to factory fill every new 2005 Jeep® Liberty Common Rail Diesel (CRD) B5. back to top Washington Update The 109th Congress Begins Last week the 109th Congress began with swearing in of new members, the passage of organization resolution and new committee assignments. The new Congress will feature many high profile issues such as Social Security reform, budget battles, and foreign policy issues, but one other issue that will be front and center will be the formation of a new energy bill. This energy bill will feature a renewable fuels standard (RFS) and likely a tax title where the biodiesel industry may look to see the extension of the biodiesel tax incentive beyond 2006. The Congress will also likely set forward a new transportation bill, and other legislation that will boost the usage of biodiesel in the marketplace. It is expected that early this year hearings will begin to look forward to reauthorizing the farm bill. The farm bill includes many key biodiesel provisions in the energy title including the CCC Bioenergy Program, and the Biodiesel Education program. Renewable Fuel Standard Quickly Becoming Congressional Topic Of significant note is also the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) legislation, which would most likely be introduced in an energy bill. It has been drawn a lot of attention and discussion on Capitol Hill already in this session. The RFS would refer mostly to ethanol. NBB, ASA Discuss Biodiesel Tax Incentive Regulations With Treasury, IRS On January 13, American Soybean Association (ASA) Washington staff participated in a meeting with John Parcell from the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Tax Policy and Frank Boland and Susan Athey from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Chief Counsel regarding regulations for the biodiesel tax incentive. One issue attracting much attention is the treatment of the activity, or transactions, taking place between the biodiesel producer and the ultimate blender (i.e., "intermediaries"). Another issue that has been on the top of the list is the treatment of home heating, feedstocks, B100, and kerosene. At the meeting, the Treasury indicated it wants the biodiesel industry to submit specific written comments by February 14. NBB will be developing comments and encourages all biodiesel stakeholders to submit comments as well. The ASA and National Biodiesel Board (NBB) will continue to work with Treasury and the IRS to make sure the regulations for the biodiesel tax incentive run smoothly. NBB has released an industry Issue Brief on the tax credit. This document is aimed at clarifying several basic issues related to the tax credit. Click here to view document. Biodiesel Producers Included in Bill To Expand Ethanol Tax Credit With the beginning of the 109th Congress, Representative Steve King (R-IA) introduced legislation expanding the small ethanol producer tax credit to biodiesel producers. The bill would give more small ethanol producers in the US a tax credit and expand the tax credit to biodiesel producers. "Extending the tax credit to biodiesel producers boosts biodiesel production," King said. "This advances our rural economies and our nation's energy security." ASA's Washington office reports that this is an important piece of legislation that underscores the need for biodiesel expansion nationally, while complementing the federal biodiesel tax incentive passed just a couple months ago. Preferred Procurement for Biobased Products Rule Finalized NBB Applauds Finalization of Preferred Procurement for Biobased Products, and ASA applauds the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for publication of a final rule to implement a program of preferred procurement of biobased products by federal agencies. This final rule establishes provisions for the Federal Biobased Products Preferred Procurement Program, which requires all federal agencies to preferentially purchase biobased products, like biodiesel, that have been designated by USDA as eligible under this program. back to top 2005 Biodiesel Technical Workshop Summary The 2005 Biodiesel Technical Workshop drew over 70 experts on biodiesel and vehicles, such as scientists and engineers, to Chicago January 12-13 to discuss the growth of the biodiesel industry. Developments at this National Biodiesel Board (NBB), National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), United Soybean Board (USB) and United States Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) annual meeting centered on feedstocks and production technology, handling, emissions, engine compatibility & testing, field experience, American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) specifications & test methods, biodiesel and biodiesel blend stability, and industry research priorities. Joe Jobe, executive director of NBB, provided a kick-off industry brief. Speakers and topics included Bob McCormick, U.S. Dept. of Energy NREL, advances in research; Steve Howell, MARC-IV Consulting, technical overview; Don Erbach, USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS); Mike Haas and Tom Foglia, USDA ARS Eastern Regional Research Center (ERRC), production from oil-bearing materials and production costs; Paul Nazzaro, Alternative Fuel Solutions, bioheat; Steve Blashka, Lubrizol, diesel lubricity; Paul Hinkle, ASI Engineering, Cold Flow Consortium update; David Forester, Power Service Products, additives; Melissa Hess, USDA ARS ERRC, antioxidants to reduce NOx; A.S. Cheng, San Francisco State University; Greg Rideout, Environment Canada, emissions; Rodica Baranescu, Int’l Truck & Engine Corp., future emissions standards; Harold Martin, Fleetguard, thermal stability and filtration; Dan Humburg, South Dakota State University, state departments of transportation; Al Kuehn, ASG Renaissance, B20 Fleet Evaluation Team; Robb Barnitt, NREL, NREL fleet; Rod Lawrence, Magellan Midstream Partners, B100 and B20 fuel surveys; Stuart Porter, Suncor Energy Products, simulated distillation; Leo Stavinoha, Stavinoha Enterprises, stability and analytical method; Howard Fang, Cummins; Joerg Ullman, Bosch; and ultra low sulfur diesel. A few specific highlights included studies showing exhaust emissions that were cut by up to 25 percent, and new studies that will be done on fish oil from Canada entities. back to top World Energy and Dow Chemical Sign Biodiesel Production Agreement World Energy and Dow Haltermann Custom Processing (DHCP) have joined into a production agreement that should enhance World Energy’s Biodiesel production and distribution capabilities and DHCP’s - a Dow business unit comprised of operations within The Dow Chemical Co. and Johann Haltermann, Ltd. -… DHCP will produce biodiesel at its Houston location exclusively for World Energy in North America, sourcing the raw materials and production to World Energy’s specifications. “We are very enthusiastic about our collaboration with Dow,” said Gene Gebolys, founder and president of World Energy. “Dow’s global reputation for manufacturing excellence coupled with our rigorous attention to high-quality biodiesel production results in a win for both companies, as well as for consumers and the environment,” he said. “Manufacturing Biodiesel for World Energy is yet another example of how Dow is using its capabilities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency through a variety of means, including the advancement of alternative forms of energy, ranging from fuel cell technology to renewable feedstocks,” said Simon Upfill-Brown, general manager of Dow Haltermann Custom Processing. “We are, therefore, pleased to leverage the operations expertise of our custom processing division to provide World Energ with the world-class production necessary to enable the continued growth of the biodiesel market,” he said. back to top Governors Support Growth of States’ Biodiesel Industries, Renewable Fuels Use On January 5, New York Governor George Pataki pledged support of renewable fuels, including biodiesel, in his State of the State address given to state legislators. “Last year, I announced that we were going to make New York State a leader in promoting renewable biofuels,” he said. “At Clarkson University, they’re already building refineries to make biodiesel from agricultural products.” "I support full funding for the biodiesel and ethanol incentive funds, which will help position Missouri as a national leader in the fast-growing renewable fuels industry," said Missouri Governor Matt Blunt in his State of the State address January 26. "This action will create new jobs in rural Missouri and lead to improved air quality for every Missourian." The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) praises Pataki and Blunt for showing their support for cleaner air for their states, support to soybean and corn farmers in New York and Missouri, and greater dependence from foreign oil. Governor Pataki went on to say, “In order to assist this growing industry and farmers across New York State, I will sign an Executive Order requiring our state agencies to begin phasing in the use of biofuels to heat our state buildings and power our trucks,” he said. The renewable initiatives proposed by Governor Pataki are consistent with the objectives of New York State's Renewable Portfolio Standard which sets a target of 25 percent renewable energy by 2012, according to industry officials. Members of the governor's staff are working on the details of the executive order and hope to begin initial implementation within a period of months. back to top ALCOA Switches 550 Vehicles to Biodiesel The world's largest aluminum-can recycling facility is now a leader in biodiesel consumption in East Tennessee. On November 1st, the Alcoa, Tenn., branch of the Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA) switched 550 of its diesel-powered commercial vehicles and industrial equipment to the alternative fuel biodiesel as a B20 blend (20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum diesel). A team of five ALCOA employees spent over six months identifying B20 as its alternative fuel blend of choice. “The first things that we had to review were the availability of the fuels and the potential to use the fuel in the vehicles we had, and also to determine whether or not there would be warranty issues,” Craig West, one of the project planners, said. Currently, the only three vehicles that are not running on biodiesel are three locomotives scheduled for upgrade. West cited employee well-being as a major motivation for the project. “We have a lot of vehicles and machinery operating inside the plants. We want that air to be as clean as possible.” Biodiesel use as a B20 blend reduces basically all major pollutants by about 10-20%. The larger reductions are seen in sulfur compounds, particulates, air toxics, and cancer-causing compounds. West said that economically, the switch has been an invisible one for the company. Where expenditures are concerned, he said that the company is breaking even. back to top Upcoming Events Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Conference 2005: Linking Energy Efficiency, Emissions and National Security February 22-24, 2005 La Quinta Resort & Club, La Quinta, CA www.calstart.org Power Gen Renewable Energy March 1-3 Las Vegas, Nevada http://pgre05.events.pennnet.com 6th Annual Environmentally Preferable and Recycled Products Trade Show April 6-7 Ontario Convention Center Ontario, California www.ciwmb.ca.gov/BuyRecycled/Events/TradeShow/ 27th Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals May 1-4, 2005, (Call for papers due Nov 30) Denver, CO www.eere.energy.gov/biomass/biotech_symposium Solar Energy International Biodiesel Workshop June 27-July 1 Boulder, CO www.solarenergy.org/workshops/workshop.php?id=18 back to top Contact Us Jenna Higgins, Director of Communications jhiggins@biodiesel.org Bev Thessen, Information Coordinator bthessen@biodiesel.org This bulletin is also available in PDF format online at http://www.biodiesel.org/news/bulletin/ back to top
2003 National Biodiesel Board - www.biodiesel.org

No Nuke Waste on Native Lands!

Contact NRC Right Away:

No Nuke Waste on Native Lands!



For more info, contact:

Kevin Kamps, NIRS 202-328-0002



A Nuclear Regulatory Commission Licensing Board is expected to soon issue its final rulings on the proposed Private Fuel Storage (PFS) "interim storage site" for a huge high-level radioactive waste dump targeted at the tiny Skull Valley Goshutes Indian Reservation in Utah.



No matter how the Board decides, the issue likely will be appealed to the NRC Commissioners. Contact them today and urge them to disapprove this environmentally racist dump that would launch 4,000 Mobile Chernobyls onto the rails as soon as 2007!



Call them at the following numbers and urge them to reject PFS's license application, or write them directly (simply by signing and sending in the sample letter that follows, or else composing your own based on the background information available at http://www.nirs.org/ejustice/nativelands/pfsbg.htm and on your own knowledge and concerns). Thanks for your help!



For more information, contact: Kevin Kamps, kevin@nirs.org



NRC Chairman Nils J. Diaz, 301.415.1759 NRC

Commissioner Edward McGaffigan, Jr., 301.415.1800

NRC Commissioner Jeffrey S. Merrified, 301.415.1855

NRC Commissioner Gregory B. Jaczko, 301.415.1820

NRC Commissioner Peter B. Lyons nominee 301.415.8421





SAMPLE LETTER TO NRC COMMISSIONERS



Either fax your letter to 301.415.1101, email it to SECY@nrc.gov, or mail it to the address on the sample letter below:



January 31, 2005



Nils Diaz, Chairman

Edward McGaffigan, Jeffrey Merrifield, Gregory Jaczko, Peter Lyons, Commissioners c/o Annette L. Vietti-Cook

Secretary of the Commission

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Washington, D.C. 20555-0001



Dear Commissioners Diaz, McGaffigan, Merrifield, Jaczko, and Lyons,



I urge you to disapprove the license application by Private Fuel Storage, LLC (PFS) to open an "interim storage site" for irradiated nuclear fuel at the Skull Valley Goshutes Indian Reservation in Utah. On its face, the storage or disposal of highly radioactive waste on a tiny, poverty-stricken Native American community that did not even benefit from the nuclear generated electricity raises significant environmental justice concerns. But the crisis at Skull Valley exacerbates such concerns. There is a long-running dispute over the legitimacy of the tribal leadership that supports PFS. In fact, disputed Tribal Chairman Leon Bear, the primary proponent for PFS, has been indicted on federal charges of embezzlement of tribal funds as well as tax evasion. Tribal members who oppose PFS claim they have been severely intimidated and harassed, and allege irregularities such as bribery and extortion have been used to secure support within the tribe for PFS. These are very shaky founda!

tions upon which to build dry cask

storage for 44,000 tons of commercial irradiated nuclear fuel, nearly 80% of what currently exists in the U.S.



Last October, U.S. Energy Dept. Yucca Mountain Project transport director Gary Lanthrum was quoted in the Salt Lake press as saying that the Yucca Mountain Project would simply not accept irradiated nuclear fuel from PFS, as that would violate the terms of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act which requires DOE to accept only freshly packaged fuel directly from nuclear utilities at reactor sites. PFS would lack the capability to perform such repackaging. This DOE statement contradicts assurances by PFS (and NRC staff in the proposal's Environmental Impact Statement) that irradiated fuel would remain at Skull Valley for no more than 40 years before transfer to Nevada for permanent burial. Thus, PFS could very well lead to de facto permanent "disposal" of 4,000 casks of high-level radioactive waste, out in the open, exposed to the elements, and vulnerable to accidental crashes of military aircraft from the U.S. Air Force bombing range next door. The Genesis satellite crash into the Ut!

ah Test and Training Range last Sep

tember should be proof enough that accidents do happen.



Lastly, I am concerned by allegations raised by ComEd/Exelon whistleblower Oscar Shirani. Citing numerous major quality assurance violations in the manufacture of the storage/transport containers proposed for use at PFS, he questions their structural integrity. This not only raises the risk of irradiated fuel degradation and increased container vulnerability during storage at Skull Valley, but also of potentially catastrophic radioactivity release during transport due to a severe accident or terrorist attack.



Please deny PFS's license request. The Skull Valley Goshute Reservation is neither a safe nor just solution!



Sincerely,



Your Name, Address, City, State, and Zip Code





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Mad Cow Madness

At the end of December, the USDA decided to reopen the border to live

imports of Canadian cattle under the age of 30 months on March 7th,

ending the 19-month old ban that was instituted after the first native

case of mad cow disease (or BSE) was found in Canada. They justified

this decision by stating that Canada was a "minimal-risk" country and

could be designated so with up to 11 cases of BSE in its herd!  However,

just hours after the USDA's announcement, another case of mad cow

disease was detected in Canada. The USDA said that would not affect

their decision to re-open the border, even as some cattle producers'

groups and consumers' groups protested the decision.



However, on January 11th, yet another infected cow was located in

Canada, and this one was born after Canada's feed-ban rules, intended to

stop the spread of BSE, went into effect in 1997. Obviously, this calls

into question the implementation of those rules! Canadian officials are

suggesting that the cow was infected through contaminated feed still in

use shortly after the ban. However, Canadian government tests in 2004

revealed that 59% of feed labeled vegetarian actually contained animal

parts (cattle consumption of infected cattle or sheep parts is a main

avenue of BSE transmission), which reveals their ineffective regulation

of feed.  Mad cow disease is believed to cause a fatal brain-wasting

disease in humans who consume infected tissue.



Will it take 7 more cases for the USDA to back off this plan? Political

pressure, by both cattle producers' groups and politicians, are upping

the heat on the USDA to end the border re-opening, which will hurt

prices for American ranchers and leave American consumers- who still

don't have country of origin labeling- wondering where their beef

originated and whether it is safe.



1.      Send an email Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman and

urge her to back off the premature and unsafe plan to re-open the border

to Canadian cattle!

http://www.citizen.org/cmep/foodsafety/articles.cfm?ID=12795



2.      Write a letter to the editor of your local paper, to emphasize

the importance of keeping our food supply safe from mad cow disease.

Point out that:



*       The border should remain closed to imports of Canadian cattle.



*       Consumers deserve to know where their food comes from.



*       Congress delayed until 2006 a provision in the Farm Bill that

would have mandated country-of-origin labeling for meat, fresh and

frozen fruits, and vegetables.  We need this labeling NOW, not in two

more years.



With new cases of mad cow disease continuing to surface, mandatory

labeling on all meat will help consumers make informed decisions on the

food they buy to protect themselves and their families.





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www.gracepublicfund.org

Don't let the FDA increase irradiation x-ray levels!

A few days before Christmas, the Food and Drug Administration quietly

announced that they were granting an industry petition to increase the

permitted energy level of X-rays used to irradiate food.  At this higher

energy level, it is possible for the components of the food to become

"activated" (become radioactive).  The industry claims that any

radioactivity will be short-lived.  But we think it is unacceptable that

consumers should be asked to accept any technology that creates

radioactivity, no matter what the level.  Additionally, the FDA has not

required adequate studies of the changes, chemical or otherwise, that

this increased dose could cause in food.



The higher doses will allow large portions of food to be irradiated in

one blast - such as shipping containers from overseas. This could

increase the already enormous amount of imported meat and produce that

floods U.S. markets, a growing trend that has forced tens of thousands

of American farmers and ranchers out of business.



The FDA has a long history of ignoring the well-documented health

problems associated with irradiated foods, which can be exposed to the

equivalent of up to 1 billion chest X-rays. Numerous health problems

have been observed in lab animals fed irradiated foods, including

premature death, stillbirths, mutations, tumors, organ damage and

stunted growth. And, chemicals formed in irradiated foods called 2-ACBs

have been linked to colon cancer promotion in rats and genetic damage in

human cells.



Send the FDA an email to object to their decision to increase the dose of

X-rays used to irradiate food! The email should be sent to

fdadockets@oc.fda.gov, and the subject line MUST be Docket No.

2003F-0088.



-------



Sample letter



Re:  Docket No. 2003F-0088 - "Irradiation in the Production,

Processing, and Handling of Food"

To Whom It May Concern:



I am writing to object to your decision to amend the food additive

regulations to establish a new maximum permitted energy level for x-rays

used to irradiate food.  Specifically, I urge the FDA to conduct the

necessary studies to determine what chemical, physical, and other

changes such a change in energy level will cause in food.



I also object to the agency's decision to allow this change knowing

that some amount of radioactivity could be created in food treated with

7.5 MeV.  It is unacceptable for consumers to be asked to tolerate any

amount of radioactivity caused by a food treatment such as irradiation.





A public hearing should be conducted on this matter, so that the public

can raise concerns about this change with the agency.



Sincerely,







***

Audrey Hill

Organizer

Public Citizen

215 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE

Washington, DC 20003

(202) 454-5185



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Great Lakes Daily News: 02 February 2005
A collaborative project of the Great Lakes Information Network and the Great
Lakes Radio Consortium.

For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/


COMMENTARY: Don't turn back on clean Great Lakes water
----------------------------------------
As a source of drinking water for nearly 33 million people and a provider of our recreation and tourism, the Great Lakes are our most precious resource and must be protected. Source: The Detroit News (2/2)


Midwest lawmakers to push for environmental protections for kids
----------------------------------------
Legislators from six Midwestern states Tuesday announced a regional effort to advocate for tougher laws to protect children from environmental dangers. Source: Duluth News Tribune (2/2)


Au Sable-area drilling approved
----------------------------------------
Natural gas drilling in some of the Lower Peninsula's last true wilderness was approved by federal regulators late Tuesday, prompting immediate opposition from conservation groups. Source: Detroit Free Press (2/2)


Group banks on riverfront to change image of Detroit
----------------------------------------
According to leaders of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, $80 million of a $110 million target has been pledged to create five miles of green space on Detroit's riverfront. Source: The Detroit News (2/2)


Iron ore prices to jump again
----------------------------------------
For the second consecutive year, iron ore pellet prices are likely to increase significantly, a sign of worldwide demand for the raw material used to make steel. Source: Duluth News Tribune (2/2)


Canadian hovercraft promoter feeling dissed by Rochester
----------------------------------------
A Canadian businessman who wants to bring a hovercraft to Lake Ontario says Rochester officials are ignoring his proposal as they pursue plans to start their own high-speed ferry service. Source: Rochester Democrat and Chronicle (2/2)


Wind energy a goal in Illinois
----------------------------------------
Less than a month after Gov. Rod Blagojevich's administration approved a controversial coal-fired power plant, the governor plans to call for more of the Illinois's electricity to come from wind turbines and other renewable sources. Source: Chicago Tribune (2/2)


Judge restores wolf protection
----------------------------------------
A federal judge has effectively restored most wolves to their endangered status under the federal Endangered Species Act, ending the killing of problem wolves in Wisconsin and Michigan, and postponing state management in Minnesota. Source: Duluth News Tribune (2/2)


Cities urged to get involved in Great Lakes protection efforts
----------------------------------------
Mayors and other city officials are demanding a bigger voice on Great Lakes water policies that can affect their budgets and economy. Source: Booth Newspapers (2/1)


Green Bay leaders to create plan for waterfront
----------------------------------------
Keeping the Fox River and port of Green Bay viable for commerce and recreation is the goal of a countywide waterfront strategic planning effort announced Monday. Source: Green Bay Press-Gazette (2/1)


Invasive plants face upcoming battle
----------------------------------------
Michigan officials plan to attack an invasive species of phragmites, which has taken over much of the Saginaw Bay shoreline in recent years, with chemicals and fire this summer. Source: The Saginaw News (2/1)


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Great Lakes Daily News: 01 February 2005
A collaborative project of the Great Lakes Information Network and the Great
Lakes Radio Consortium.

For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/


Farm group denounces greenbelt plan
----------------------------------------
Ontario's proposed greenbelt plan is "the most draconian" legislation the province's farmers have ever faced, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture is charging. Source: The Toronto Star (2/1)


Power lobby set to challenge OPG
----------------------------------------
A coalition of Ontario's biggest industrial groups is pushing the provincial government to break up Ontario Power Generation Inc. and forge ahead with creating a competitive electricity market. Source: The Toronto Star (2/1)


A fight to save ancient forest
----------------------------------------
Hemlocks are not supposed to grow on sand dunes, but at least two centuries ago, a stand of the tall evergreens took root on a high dune overlooking Lake Erie, where it remains one of only two such old-growth forests on the planet. Source: The Buffalo News (1/31)


Parking lots bad for crops
----------------------------------------
Canada's cities grew during the past generation by gobbling up thousands of square kilometres of good land and pushing farmers into more marginal areas, a new report shows. Source: The Globe and Mail (1/31)


SEWRPC dives into region's water supply challenges
----------------------------------------
The Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission will spend nearly $1 million on a two-year water supply study to consider what options exist for the region in the face of dropping water tables and radium contamination of deep wells. Source: Greater Milwaukee Today (1/31)


Scientists keep tabs on exoptic crabs
----------------------------------------
The finding of a Chinese mitten crab in the St. Lawrence River last fall has some scientists concerned that it will become an invasive species. Source: Great Lakes Radio Consortium (1/31)


Better catches on Lake Erie linked to tougher rules
----------------------------------------
The Ohio Division of Wildlife forecasts that conservative fishing regulations on popular Lake Erie species should start paying off with prospects of good catches this year. Source: The Toledo Blade (1/30)


Environmentalists remain greenway project supporters
----------------------------------------
Fifteen months ago, the Marquette Greenway Plan for Indiana's Lake Michigan shoreline was lauded as a major victory for environmentalists, and today reaction remains unchanged. Source: The Northwest Indiana Times (1/30)


EDITORIAL: Public must keep eye on dioxin cleanup
----------------------------------------
The settlement framework devised by the state Department of Environmental Quality and Dow Chemical Co. this month is long on studies and short on actions beyond immediate cleanup for some of the most affected residents. Source:
Detroit Free Press (1/29)


Fair or foul? Cormorants may be threat to fishery
----------------------------------------
Early results of a state-funded study to determine if cormorants are contributing to the decline of yellow perch in Green Bay show that the birds eat a lot of perch, but other fish as well. Source: The Racine Journal Times (1/28)


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Great Lakes Daily News: 31 January 2005
A collaborative project of the Great Lakes Information Network and the Great
Lakes Radio Consortium.

For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/


How far will Dow Chemical cleanup go?
----------------------------------------
Dow Chemical has agreed to clean the area contaminated with dioxin, though it's not clear how thorough the restoration will be. Source: Great Lakes Radio Consortium (1/31)


New agreement with large-animal farms
----------------------------------------
Environmentalists don't like a new agreement between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the livestock industry, which provides limited immunity from environmental laws to some livestock farms while the EPA measures pollution on their farms. Source: Great Lakes Radio Consortium (1/31)


Truck ferry between Erie and Canada a go
----------------------------------------
A ferry from Erie to Canada could begin carrying tractor-trailers across Lake Erie as soon as next year, according to the head of the Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority. Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (1/31)


Freighter food still a draw, sailors say
----------------------------------------
Even as cutbacks reduce staffing and sometimes require long hours, crewmen still say the food is one of the top benefits of working aboard a Great Lakes freighter. Source: Detroit Free Press (1/31)


Lake Michigan greenway plan a step closer
----------------------------------------
The proposed Marquette Greenway Plan seeks to recapture at least 75 percent of the Lake Michigan shoreline in Indiana to create an area for public use, including a beachfront and riverwalk. Source: The Northwest Indiana Times (1/30)


Dumped sewage risks health
----------------------------------------
Metro Detroit wastewater treatment plants have released more than 40 billion gallons of raw or only partially treated sewage into area waterways over the past three years, a volume so large that it surprised some environmentalists. Source: The Detroit News (1/30)


Sites get green light from Ontario MNR
----------------------------------------
The Ministry of Natural Resources has approved proposals for possible wind power development on 21 Crown land sites including four in Northwestern Ontario. Source: The Chronicle-Journal (1/30)


EDITORIAL: Great Lakes are ours to save
----------------------------------------
No matter what special interests drive use and abuse of the Great Lakes, the overriding goal must be to restore, preserve and protect the largest freshwater system on earth. Source: Green Bay Press-Gazette (1/30)


Mohawks, New York foresee land deal
----------------------------------------
The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe and Gov. George Pataki will sign a formal land claim settlement as early as Tuesday, allowing the Mohawks to buy more land for their Akwesasne Reservation along the St. Lawrence River at the Canadian border. Source: The Albany Times Union (1/30)


'Seiche' phenomenon hits often, sometimes kills
----------------------------------------
Created by high winds or squall lines that exert intense downward pressure, seiches can make the Great Lakes slosh back and forth, sending powerful waves racing to the shorelines. Source: Muskegon Chronicle (1/30)


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Great Lakes Daily News: 27 January 2005
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Lakes Radio Consortium.

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Chlorine makers' mercury output criticized
----------------------------------------
Chlorine manufacturers that still use a 19th-century technology have been largely overlooked in the national debate over whether the Bush administration has become aggressive enough in combating mercury emissions, an international group said yesterday. Source: The Toledo Blade (1/27)


EDITORIAL: Lakes depend on tougher action from Coast Guard
----------------------------------------
The Coast Guard finally seems to recognize that it has to do more to halt the arrival of invasive species into the Great Lakes after announcing it will look into the most common way these invaders now arrive. Source: Detroit Free Press (1/27)


Bald eagle population on the rise, state says
----------------------------------------
Ohio's bald eagle-recovery efforts remain strong, with protected western Lake Erie's wetland marshes continuing to show their ecological value to America's once-endangered national symbol. Source: The Toledo Blade (1/27)


EDITORIAL: Spin can't fix sewage woes
----------------------------------------
Critics who think the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage System should be able to avoid the record dumpings that occurred last May need to answer whether they are willing to spend the money to upgrade the system. Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (1/27)


Ferry company says city damaged name
----------------------------------------
Canadian American Transportation Systems has notified Rochester that it may sue the city, arguing that city officials have damaged its high-speed ferry business and reputation. Source: Rochester Democrat and Chronicle (1/27)


Study to examine regional water supply
----------------------------------------
A first-ever regional water supply study promises to lead communities located away from Lake Michigan to reliable sources of water for their growing populations over the next 30 years. Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (1/27)


Nature lovers help create atlas of life
----------------------------------------
Thousands of schools in southeast Michigan and southwest Ontario have received the new Biodiversity Atlas of the Lake Huron to Lake Erie Corridor. Source: The Port Huron Times-Herald (1/27)


Park officials worried over foreign species
----------------------------------------
Visitors to Isle Royale National Park should take extra precautions before leaving to ensure they don't bring invasive species to the island. Source: Marquette Mining Journal (1/26)


Ice buildup damages the liner of plant tower
----------------------------------------
Just as FirstEnergy Corp. was getting encouraging reports about the first-year performance of the replacement reactor head at its Davis-Besse nuclear plant, the utility encountered another problem: ice. Source: The Toledo Blade (1/26)


Tough wetlands law falling short
----------------------------------------
While there are now state and federal laws in place to preserve wetlands, these habitats are still on the decline. Source: Great Lakes Radio Consortium (1/24)


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Great Lakes Daily News: 25 January 2005
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Lakes Radio Consortium.

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Gypsy moth stronghold discovered near Tower
----------------------------------------
Today, state and federal authorities announced the leaf-eating moths have taken hold in the Minnesota Superior National Forest near Tower. Source: Duluth News Tribune (1/25)


Invasive species studied
----------------------------------------
Visitors to Isle Royale should take extra precautions before leaving to ensure they don't bring invasive species to the island, said people associated with the park. Source: The Daily Mining Gazette (1/25)


EDITORIAL: No to Great Lakes sewage
----------------------------------------
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency next month will consider a proposal to allow untreated sewage to be blended with other water flowing into Great Lakes waterways during heavy rainfalls. Source: The Toledo Blade (1/25)


Canadian American Transportation Systems agrees to ticket refunds
----------------------------------------
Canadian American Transportation Systems has agreed to pay at least $150,000 in refunds to unhappy consumers who bought tickets for the Spirit of Ontario and never got a chance to use them. Source: Rochester Democrat and Chronicle (1/25)


Drain in Great Lakes is open, report says
----------------------------------------
A conservation group released a study Monday that claims a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredging project has punched an expanding "hole" in the upper Great Lakes that has plunged Lake Michigan's long-term average water level by about a foot. Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (1/25)


Tribal commission rules commercial fisherman made illegal catch
----------------------------------------
A panel with the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians has ruled against a tribal fisherman accused of illegally harvesting 3,857 pounds of fish from Lake Michigan last fall. Source: Detroit Free Press (1/25)


Buffalo Lakefront tabbed by NFTA for waterfront
----------------------------------------
After years of delays and false starts, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority has passed a major milestone in its efforts to develop 120 acres of prime waterfront land along the shores of Lake Erie. Source: Buffalo Business First (1/24)


MMSD seizing on positive report about it
----------------------------------------
Despite the record dumping if 4.6 billion gallons of raw sewage last May, effluent released into Lake Michigan from MMSD's two treatment plants was far cleaner than state standards require, commissioners were told. Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (1/24)


Ferry's bucking tide of history
----------------------------------------
Many people, ranging from regular residents to those in the ferry industry, question whether city leaders are too consumed with the romantic notion of saving the ferry service to Toronto and ignoring the significant financial risks involved. Source: Rochester Democrat and Chronicle (1/23)


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