Dear Illinois PIRG supporter,
The Bush administration is continuing to work with polluters on one of the broadest efforts to weaken our clean air protections in the history of the Clean Air Act. We expect that Congress will be making a number of crucial decisions on clean air in September and October.
One such decision is on the New Source Review program of the Clean Air Act. The Bush administration recently issued rules gutting the program, which requires power plants, refineries and other industries to install state-of-the-art pollution controls when they make major, pollution-increasing plant modifications.
The Bush administration's newly issued rules will let as many as 17,000 industrial facilities across the nation keep polluting, which would exacerbate the smog and soot pollution that sends hundreds of thousands of Americans to emergency rooms each year. Even worse, the Bush administration is trying to force every state in the nation to adopt these weaker air pollution programs, even states that prefer more stringent requirements.
In January, Sen. John Edwards (NC) introduced an amendment to block this attack on the Clean Air Act that failed by just a few votes. Sen. Edwards pledged to keep fighting, and the U.S. Senate is scheduled to vote very soon on the similar Edwards-Lieberman clean air amendment, which would allow states to continue to regulate pollution under their own more protective programs.
We're expecting the vote to be close, so your senators need to know that the public supports this clean air amendment.
Please take a moment to call and ask your senators to protect the Clean Air Act. You can reach your senators at 202-224-3121 (just tell the operator which state you're from and they can connect you to your senators - you may have to call twice to reach both senators). Here's a sample message you can leave:
"Hello, my name is _____ and I live in _______. Please vote for the Edwards-Lieberman amendment to stop the Bush administration from forcing states to weaken their air pollution control programs."
Then, please take a moment to let us know you called so that we can keep track of the number of calls we generate.
To report your call, click on this link or paste it into your web browser:
http://pirg.org/alerts/route.asp?id=454&id4=ES
Today, more than 140 million Americans live in areas where ozone smog levels are high enough to cause health problems like asthma attacks. Soot cuts short the lives of 30,000 Americans annually. Other severe environmental impacts from air pollution include acid rain, mercury contamination and haze in our national parks and wilderness areas.
Incredibly, the Bush administration is taking giant steps backward on air pollution. A coalition of oil, coal and utility lobbyists have persuaded the Bush administration to weaken the Clean Air Act, including the New Source Review program that requires power plants, refineries and other industries to install state-of-the-art pollution controls when they make major, pollution-increasing plant modifications. Each year, this program has kept more than a million tons of air pollution out of our skies.
The EPA has approved a set of changes that add up to the largest regulatory weakening of our clean air protections in the 30-year history of the Clean Air Act. These rule changes dramatically weaken the New Source Review program and could allow pollution to increase from over 17,000 facilities across the nation. And other proposed changes would go even further, weakening the New Source Review program to the point of uselessness.
In taking this action, the EPA has ignored more than a dozen requests from Congress for detailed analysis of the rule changes' impact on public health and requests for public hearings to comment on the rule changes.
In January, Sen. John Edwards (NC) introduced an amendment that would have stopped the Bush administration from going forward with their plans to weaken the Clean Air Act's New Source Review program that failed by just a few votes. Sen. Edwards pledged to keep fighting, and the U.S. Senate is scheduled to vote this week on the similar Edwards-Lieberman clean air amendment, which would allow states to continue to regulate pollution under their own more protective programs. This vote was scheduled to occur in July, but was delayed when Congress adjourned for their August recess.
We're expecting the vote to be close, and your senators need to know that the public supports this amendment. Please take a moment to call and ask your senators to protect the Clean Air Act. You can reach your senators at 202-224-3121 (just tell the operator which state you're from and they can connect you to your senators - you may have to call twice to reach both senators). Here's a sample message you can leave:
"Hello, my name is _____ and I live in _______. Please vote for the Edwards-Lieberman amendment to stop the Bush administration from forcing states to weaken their air pollution control programs."
Then, please take a moment to let us know you called so that we can keep track of the number of calls we generate.
To report your call, click on this link or paste it into your web browser:
http://pirg.org/alerts/route.asp?id=454&id4=ES
Sincerely,
Diane E. Brown
Illinois PIRG Executive Director
DianeB@illinoispirg.org
http://www.IllinoisPIRG.org
P.S. Thanks again for your support. Please feel free to share this e-mail with your family and friends.
A personal quest to promote the use of wind energy and hydrogen technology in the Great Lakes area of the United States. The Great Lakes area is in a unique position to become an energy exporting region through these and other renewable energy technologies. *Update 2014: Just do it everywhere - Dan*
Thursday, September 18, 2003
Good news from ENN,
Thursday, September 18, 2003
By H. Josef Hebert, Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Some of the country's major corporations are embracing the idea of thinking green when buying electricity in hopes of spurring the development of renewable energy sources — while in many cases also helping their own bottom line.
The World Resources Institute brought together a dozen major U.S. companies and got them to pledge that by 2010 at least 1,000 megawatts of the power they use will come from renewable sources such as wind, solar, and hydrogen fuel cells.
While still small compared to the total amount of electricity used by many of the companies, that would be equal to the electricity generated by a typical large coal-burning power plant. It's about the same amount of power used to supply 750,000 homes.
In a major step toward achieving the goal, the coalition of companies, known as the Green Power Market Development Group, on Wednesday was announcing...(Read on in: Some companies are attracted to green energy)
Thursday, September 18, 2003
By H. Josef Hebert, Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Some of the country's major corporations are embracing the idea of thinking green when buying electricity in hopes of spurring the development of renewable energy sources — while in many cases also helping their own bottom line.
The World Resources Institute brought together a dozen major U.S. companies and got them to pledge that by 2010 at least 1,000 megawatts of the power they use will come from renewable sources such as wind, solar, and hydrogen fuel cells.
While still small compared to the total amount of electricity used by many of the companies, that would be equal to the electricity generated by a typical large coal-burning power plant. It's about the same amount of power used to supply 750,000 homes.
In a major step toward achieving the goal, the coalition of companies, known as the Green Power Market Development Group, on Wednesday was announcing...(Read on in: Some companies are attracted to green energy)
Wednesday, September 17, 2003
Great Lakes Daily News: 17 September 2003
For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/
Did you miss a day of Daily News? Remember to use our searchable story
archive at http://www.great-lakes.net/news/inthenews.html
Toronto waterfront dominates mayoral debate
----------------------------------------------
Toronto's waterfront is the main issue in the mayoral election, based on the
more than 500 people packed into a gym at the Harbourfront Community Centre
last night to question candidates on their plans for revitalizing the
waterfront. Source: The Toronto Star (9/17)
COMMENTARY: Unclear nuclear policy threatens Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------
The Wolf River Batholith, a geological feature covering more than 1,000
square miles in Northeast Wisconsin, has been proposed by the Department of
Energy as a potential site for large-scale nuclear waste disposal. Source:
The Green Bay News-Chronicle (9/17)
Montreal's drinking water is fine
----------------------------------------------
Montrealers can rest assured that the water running from their tap is safe,
say water conservation activists and city officials. Source: The Montreal
Gazette (9/16)
Dreyer completes stage 5 of Lake Michigan length swim
----------------------------------------------
Endurance swimmer Jim Dreyer has finished the fifth of 16 stages of his
attempt to swim the length of Lake Michigan. Source: Booth Newspapers (9/16)
Divers haul garbage from murky Lake Erie
----------------------------------------------
The sky cleared just in time yesterday for the 11th Put-in-Bay Underwater
Cleanup, allowing volunteer divers to retrieve just about everything in
their quest to rid the bottom of South Bass Island's main harbor of litter.
Source: The Toledo Blade (9/16)
Lake Erie shoreline battle still unresolved
----------------------------------------------
Members of the Ohio Lakefront Group, a grassroots organization started in
Sheffield Lake two years ago, spoke out against what they claim is the Ohio
Department of Natural Resource's recent practice of declaring coastal
property up to the "ordinary high water mark." Source: Port Clinton News
Herald (9/16)
Fast ferry getting closer to reality
----------------------------------------------
Rochester's fast ferry is about eight months away from hitting the water.
Source: WHEC-TV Rochester (9/16)
COMMENTARY: Restoring the Great Lakes
----------------------------------------------
According to Sen. Carl Levin, we must ensure that the federal government
meets its ongoing obligation to protect and restore the Great Lakes. Source:
The White Lake Beacon (9/15)
States say feds falling short on invasives
----------------------------------------------
State officials say the federal government is failing to do enough to stop
invasive species of plants and animals from damaging the environment and
economy. Source: Great Lakes Radio Consortium (9/15)
Coast Guard and auxilliary patrol 3,000 miles of shoreline
----------------------------------------------
As the lead agency in maritime homeland security, the U.S. Coast Guard in
Michigan keeps busy protecting more than 3,000 miles of shoreline and
waterways and patrolling borders. Source: The Macomb Daily (9/15)
Ohio ranks high nationwide in hazardous material spills
----------------------------------------------
Ohio ranked second last year in the number of hazardous-material spills on
highways, railways and in the air - the 10th consecutive year that it has
either had the highest or second highest number of spills, according to the
U.S. Department of Transportation. Source: Dayton Daily News (9/14)
For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Great Lakes Daily News is a collaborative project of the Great Lakes
Information Network (www.glin.net) and the Great Lakes Radio
Consortium (www.glrc.org), both based in Ann Arbor, Mich.
TO SUBSCRIBE and receive this Great Lakes news compendium daily, see
www.glin.net/forms/dailynews_form.html or send an e-mail message to
majordomo@great-lakes.net with the command 'subscribe dailynews' (minus
the quotes) in the body of the message.
For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/
Did you miss a day of Daily News? Remember to use our searchable story
archive at http://www.great-lakes.net/news/inthenews.html
Toronto waterfront dominates mayoral debate
----------------------------------------------
Toronto's waterfront is the main issue in the mayoral election, based on the
more than 500 people packed into a gym at the Harbourfront Community Centre
last night to question candidates on their plans for revitalizing the
waterfront. Source: The Toronto Star (9/17)
COMMENTARY: Unclear nuclear policy threatens Wisconsin
----------------------------------------------
The Wolf River Batholith, a geological feature covering more than 1,000
square miles in Northeast Wisconsin, has been proposed by the Department of
Energy as a potential site for large-scale nuclear waste disposal. Source:
The Green Bay News-Chronicle (9/17)
Montreal's drinking water is fine
----------------------------------------------
Montrealers can rest assured that the water running from their tap is safe,
say water conservation activists and city officials. Source: The Montreal
Gazette (9/16)
Dreyer completes stage 5 of Lake Michigan length swim
----------------------------------------------
Endurance swimmer Jim Dreyer has finished the fifth of 16 stages of his
attempt to swim the length of Lake Michigan. Source: Booth Newspapers (9/16)
Divers haul garbage from murky Lake Erie
----------------------------------------------
The sky cleared just in time yesterday for the 11th Put-in-Bay Underwater
Cleanup, allowing volunteer divers to retrieve just about everything in
their quest to rid the bottom of South Bass Island's main harbor of litter.
Source: The Toledo Blade (9/16)
Lake Erie shoreline battle still unresolved
----------------------------------------------
Members of the Ohio Lakefront Group, a grassroots organization started in
Sheffield Lake two years ago, spoke out against what they claim is the Ohio
Department of Natural Resource's recent practice of declaring coastal
property up to the "ordinary high water mark." Source: Port Clinton News
Herald (9/16)
Fast ferry getting closer to reality
----------------------------------------------
Rochester's fast ferry is about eight months away from hitting the water.
Source: WHEC-TV Rochester (9/16)
COMMENTARY: Restoring the Great Lakes
----------------------------------------------
According to Sen. Carl Levin, we must ensure that the federal government
meets its ongoing obligation to protect and restore the Great Lakes. Source:
The White Lake Beacon (9/15)
States say feds falling short on invasives
----------------------------------------------
State officials say the federal government is failing to do enough to stop
invasive species of plants and animals from damaging the environment and
economy. Source: Great Lakes Radio Consortium (9/15)
Coast Guard and auxilliary patrol 3,000 miles of shoreline
----------------------------------------------
As the lead agency in maritime homeland security, the U.S. Coast Guard in
Michigan keeps busy protecting more than 3,000 miles of shoreline and
waterways and patrolling borders. Source: The Macomb Daily (9/15)
Ohio ranks high nationwide in hazardous material spills
----------------------------------------------
Ohio ranked second last year in the number of hazardous-material spills on
highways, railways and in the air - the 10th consecutive year that it has
either had the highest or second highest number of spills, according to the
U.S. Department of Transportation. Source: Dayton Daily News (9/14)
For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Great Lakes Daily News is a collaborative project of the Great Lakes
Information Network (www.glin.net) and the Great Lakes Radio
Consortium (www.glrc.org), both based in Ann Arbor, Mich.
TO SUBSCRIBE and receive this Great Lakes news compendium daily, see
www.glin.net/forms/dailynews_form.html or send an e-mail message to
majordomo@great-lakes.net with the command 'subscribe dailynews' (minus
the quotes) in the body of the message.
Tuesday, September 16, 2003
And last for today but not least from ENN,
Tuesday, September 16, 2003
By Associated Press
PARIS — The French government is looking to get on the cutting edge of environmental correctness, boosting funding by euro38.5 million euros (US$43.3 million) for research into cars that limit pollution.
Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin and Ecology Minister Roselyne Bachelot introduced a plan on Monday to move ahead with cleaner cars.
There are few such vehicles currently on the road. Of the 35 million vehicles in France, only 220,000 light vehicles are considered "clean," using energy sources that drastically limit pollution — unlike gasoline or diesel fuel.
The center-right prime minister wants to change that...(Read on in: France pushes program for 'clean' cars)
Tuesday, September 16, 2003
By Associated Press
PARIS — The French government is looking to get on the cutting edge of environmental correctness, boosting funding by euro38.5 million euros (US$43.3 million) for research into cars that limit pollution.
Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin and Ecology Minister Roselyne Bachelot introduced a plan on Monday to move ahead with cleaner cars.
There are few such vehicles currently on the road. Of the 35 million vehicles in France, only 220,000 light vehicles are considered "clean," using energy sources that drastically limit pollution — unlike gasoline or diesel fuel.
The center-right prime minister wants to change that...(Read on in: France pushes program for 'clean' cars)
Also from ENN,
Tuesday, September 16, 2003
By Robert Evans, Reuters
GENEVA — "It certainly looks like the end of the World Trade Organization as we know it," a Geneva-based diplomatic analyst said Monday after the collapse of talks in Cancun, Mexico, on a new international free trade pact.
His shared widespread gloom in the wake of the failure of what was supposed to be a mid-term review of the Doha round of global trade negotiations launched in November 2001.
The plan had been to end the Round in 15 months with agreements on slashing tariffs, allowing service firms like banks and insurance companies to operate globally and moving toward removal of rich countries' farm subsidies.
The World Bank, always enthusiastic about the role of trade in driving the global economy, had estimated that a good pact would...(Read on in: WTO faces an uncertain future with torn-up map)
Tuesday, September 16, 2003
By Robert Evans, Reuters
GENEVA — "It certainly looks like the end of the World Trade Organization as we know it," a Geneva-based diplomatic analyst said Monday after the collapse of talks in Cancun, Mexico, on a new international free trade pact.
His shared widespread gloom in the wake of the failure of what was supposed to be a mid-term review of the Doha round of global trade negotiations launched in November 2001.
The plan had been to end the Round in 15 months with agreements on slashing tariffs, allowing service firms like banks and insurance companies to operate globally and moving toward removal of rich countries' farm subsidies.
The World Bank, always enthusiastic about the role of trade in driving the global economy, had estimated that a good pact would...(Read on in: WTO faces an uncertain future with torn-up map)
Interesting news from ENN,
Tuesday, September 16, 2003
By David Suzuki
This month, millions of children around North America went back to school. But most didn't walk or ride their bikes. Most of those kids were driven. And it's making them fat.
In fact, our suburban, car-centric society is partly responsible for the near-epidemic levels of obesity for all age groups in North America, according to recent reports in the American Journal of Public Health and the American Journal of Health Promotion.
Researchers developed a "sprawl index" to measure patterns of development in communities across the United States. Then they compared the levels of suburban sprawl with the health of 200,000 people living in those communities...(Read on in: Suburban sprawl is bad for people and the planet)
Tuesday, September 16, 2003
By David Suzuki
This month, millions of children around North America went back to school. But most didn't walk or ride their bikes. Most of those kids were driven. And it's making them fat.
In fact, our suburban, car-centric society is partly responsible for the near-epidemic levels of obesity for all age groups in North America, according to recent reports in the American Journal of Public Health and the American Journal of Health Promotion.
Researchers developed a "sprawl index" to measure patterns of development in communities across the United States. Then they compared the levels of suburban sprawl with the health of 200,000 people living in those communities...(Read on in: Suburban sprawl is bad for people and the planet)
Great Lakes Daily News: 16 September 2003
For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/
Did you miss a day of Daily News? Remember to use our searchable story
archive at http://www.great-lakes.net/news/inthenews.html
Bush touts emissions plan at Monroe plant
----------------------------------------
President Bush came to a Michigan power plant on Monday to promote his Clear
Skies Initiative and New Source Review proposals, which opponents say will
do little to curb pollution. Source: Detroit Free Press (9/16)
State lawmakers form Great Lakes Caucus
----------------------------------------
Lawmakers from eight states and two provinces have launched the Great Lakes
Legislative Caucus to help coordinate laws and policies on issues facing the
region as a whole. Source: Stateline.org (9/16)
Land rights needed to finish North Country Trail
----------------------------------------
Organizers of the 4,600-mile North Country National Scenic Trail hope that
Congress will pass a bill that will enable the National Park Service to
purchase land to finally complete the trail. Source: Great Lakes Radio
Consortium (9/15)
Harmful algae bloom puzzles scientists
----------------------------------------
A mysterious bloom of algae in Lake Erie is puzzling scientists and
threatening a Great Lakes fishery. Source: Great Lakes Radio Consortium
(9/15)
Meeting's focus is Great Lakes
----------------------------------------
On Friday and Saturday, hundreds of scientists and policymakers will descend
on Ann Arbor, Mich., for the International Joint Commission's biennial
conference on the Great Lakes. Source: The Ann Arbor News (9/15)
EDITORIAL: Local pressure needed for action on invasive species
----------------------------------------
The U.S. EPA's recent decision not to require permits for ships discharging
ballast water provides strong evidence of why it's important for local
officials to keep the pressure on for federal action against invasive
species. Source: The Port Clinton News Herald (9/15)
Thousands of volunteers to clean up waterfront
----------------------------------------
Environmental and community groups are looking for volunteers to help with
the 13th annual Muskegon County Coastal Cleanup this Saturday, part of an
international beach-cleaning endeavor. Source: The Muskegon Chronicle (9/15)
EDITORIAL: Pollutants, invaders threaten Great Lakes
----------------------------------------
The proposed $4 billion Great Lakes Restoration Fund is not just a good
idea, it's a necessity for the lakes and for Wisconsin's future. Source:
Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune (9/14)
EDITORIAL: Water pressures
----------------------------------------
Though a 10-month dry spell and other factors have led to increased
pressures on underground water tables in Waukesha County, Wis., there's good
reason not to tap Lake Michigan for relief. Source: Milwaukee Journal
Sentinel (9/13)
Filmmakers in Port Huron for help with Edmund Fitzgerald project
----------------------------------------
A native Michigan screenwriter and a film production company are meeting
with ship captains who went through the same storm that sank the Edmund
Fitzgerald to gather information for a movie. Source: Port Huron
Times-Herald (9/13)
For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Great Lakes Daily News is a collaborative project of the Great Lakes
Information Network (www.glin.net) and the Great Lakes Radio
Consortium (www.glrc.org), both based in Ann Arbor, Mich.
TO SUBSCRIBE and receive this Great Lakes news compendium daily, see
www.glin.net/forms/dailynews_form.html or send an e-mail message to
majordomo@great-lakes.net with the command 'subscribe dailynews' (minus the quotes) in the body of the message.
For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/
Did you miss a day of Daily News? Remember to use our searchable story
archive at http://www.great-lakes.net/news/inthenews.html
Bush touts emissions plan at Monroe plant
----------------------------------------
President Bush came to a Michigan power plant on Monday to promote his Clear
Skies Initiative and New Source Review proposals, which opponents say will
do little to curb pollution. Source: Detroit Free Press (9/16)
State lawmakers form Great Lakes Caucus
----------------------------------------
Lawmakers from eight states and two provinces have launched the Great Lakes
Legislative Caucus to help coordinate laws and policies on issues facing the
region as a whole. Source: Stateline.org (9/16)
Land rights needed to finish North Country Trail
----------------------------------------
Organizers of the 4,600-mile North Country National Scenic Trail hope that
Congress will pass a bill that will enable the National Park Service to
purchase land to finally complete the trail. Source: Great Lakes Radio
Consortium (9/15)
Harmful algae bloom puzzles scientists
----------------------------------------
A mysterious bloom of algae in Lake Erie is puzzling scientists and
threatening a Great Lakes fishery. Source: Great Lakes Radio Consortium
(9/15)
Meeting's focus is Great Lakes
----------------------------------------
On Friday and Saturday, hundreds of scientists and policymakers will descend
on Ann Arbor, Mich., for the International Joint Commission's biennial
conference on the Great Lakes. Source: The Ann Arbor News (9/15)
EDITORIAL: Local pressure needed for action on invasive species
----------------------------------------
The U.S. EPA's recent decision not to require permits for ships discharging
ballast water provides strong evidence of why it's important for local
officials to keep the pressure on for federal action against invasive
species. Source: The Port Clinton News Herald (9/15)
Thousands of volunteers to clean up waterfront
----------------------------------------
Environmental and community groups are looking for volunteers to help with
the 13th annual Muskegon County Coastal Cleanup this Saturday, part of an
international beach-cleaning endeavor. Source: The Muskegon Chronicle (9/15)
EDITORIAL: Pollutants, invaders threaten Great Lakes
----------------------------------------
The proposed $4 billion Great Lakes Restoration Fund is not just a good
idea, it's a necessity for the lakes and for Wisconsin's future. Source:
Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune (9/14)
EDITORIAL: Water pressures
----------------------------------------
Though a 10-month dry spell and other factors have led to increased
pressures on underground water tables in Waukesha County, Wis., there's good
reason not to tap Lake Michigan for relief. Source: Milwaukee Journal
Sentinel (9/13)
Filmmakers in Port Huron for help with Edmund Fitzgerald project
----------------------------------------
A native Michigan screenwriter and a film production company are meeting
with ship captains who went through the same storm that sank the Edmund
Fitzgerald to gather information for a movie. Source: Port Huron
Times-Herald (9/13)
For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Great Lakes Daily News is a collaborative project of the Great Lakes
Information Network (www.glin.net) and the Great Lakes Radio
Consortium (www.glrc.org), both based in Ann Arbor, Mich.
TO SUBSCRIBE and receive this Great Lakes news compendium daily, see
www.glin.net/forms/dailynews_form.html or send an e-mail message to
majordomo@great-lakes.net with the command 'subscribe dailynews' (minus the quotes) in the body of the message.
Dozens of renewable fuel advocates, including actor Woody Harrelson, stopped in Boulder Sept. 12 to celebrate the opening of Colorado’s first retail pump to offer biodiesel to the public.
Click on Biodiesel Pump Opens in Boulder, Colo. for more details.
You can help support biodiesel and a healthier environment by clicking here to forward this communication to others who might be interested.
Thanks for your interest and support.
Jenna Higgins
Director of Communications
National Biodiesel Board
(800) 841-5849
# Click here to join Biodiesel Alliance-Backers. It's Free!
Click on Biodiesel Pump Opens in Boulder, Colo. for more details.
You can help support biodiesel and a healthier environment by clicking here to forward this communication to others who might be interested.
Thanks for your interest and support.
Jenna Higgins
Director of Communications
National Biodiesel Board
(800) 841-5849
# Click here to join Biodiesel Alliance-Backers. It's Free!
Deadline to register is today!!!
IJC 2003 Great Lakes Conference and Biennial Meeting
To be held in Ann Arbor, Mich., Sept. 18-20
Register online at https://www.glc.org/2003biennial/
Healing Our Watershed Lakewide Summit 2003
http://www.lakemichigan.org/lmcc/summit_2003_agenda.asp
Source: Lake Michigan Federation (2003-09-10)
2001-2003 priorities and progress under the Great Lakes Water Quality
Agreement now available
http://www.ijc.org/news/030910.html
Source: International Joint Commission (2003-09-10)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Access the Great Lakes Press Room archive and sponsorship opportunities
at http://www.great-lakes.net/news/pressroom/
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Great Lakes Daily News is a collaborative project of the Great Lakes
Information Network (www.glin.net) and the Great Lakes Radio
Consortium (www.glrc.org), both based in Ann Arbor, Mich.
TO SUBSCRIBE and receive this Great Lakes news compendium daily, see
www.glin.net/forms/dailynews_form.html or send an e-mail message to
majordomo@great-lakes.net with the command 'subscribe dailynews' (minus
the quotes) in the body of the message.
IJC 2003 Great Lakes Conference and Biennial Meeting
To be held in Ann Arbor, Mich., Sept. 18-20
Register online at https://www.glc.org/2003biennial/
Healing Our Watershed Lakewide Summit 2003
http://www.lakemichigan.org/lmcc/summit_2003_agenda.asp
Source: Lake Michigan Federation (2003-09-10)
2001-2003 priorities and progress under the Great Lakes Water Quality
Agreement now available
http://www.ijc.org/news/030910.html
Source: International Joint Commission (2003-09-10)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Access the Great Lakes Press Room archive and sponsorship opportunities
at http://www.great-lakes.net/news/pressroom/
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Great Lakes Daily News is a collaborative project of the Great Lakes
Information Network (www.glin.net) and the Great Lakes Radio
Consortium (www.glrc.org), both based in Ann Arbor, Mich.
TO SUBSCRIBE and receive this Great Lakes news compendium daily, see
www.glin.net/forms/dailynews_form.html or send an e-mail message to
majordomo@great-lakes.net with the command 'subscribe dailynews' (minus
the quotes) in the body of the message.
Friday, September 12, 2003
Great Lakes Daily News: 12 September 2003
For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/
Did you miss a day of Daily News? Remember to use our searchable story
archive at http://www.great-lakes.net/news/inthenews.html
Dip in Great Lakes water levels continues
----------------------------------------
Already-low Great Lakes water levels have continued to decline this year,
according to the International Lake Superior Board of Control. Source:
Green Bay Press-Gazette (9/12)
EPA won't require permits for ballast water
----------------------------------------
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says it won't require permits for
ships discharging ballast water despite complaints that the discharges are
introducing invasive species in the Great Lakes and elsewhere. Source: The
Associated Press (9/12)
New paving material puts PCBs, river sediment to use on road
----------------------------------------
Officials demonstrated Thursday that PCB-contaminated river sediments can be
melted into a glass aggregate, mixed with asphalt and used to pave roads -
an option in the federally mandated cleanup plan for the Fox River. Source:
The Appleton Post-Crescent (9/12)
Montreal waterfront cleanup gets kudos
----------------------------------------
Delegates to an international conference on waterfront development got a
taste yesterday of how Montreal has been faring. Source: The Montreal
Gazette (9/12)
Architects hired to plot canal course
----------------------------------------
The federal commission that oversees the Erie Canal began charting a course
for the historic waterway's future this week by hiring a New York City firm
to draw up a master plan for preserving the canal's historic nature while
promoting development. Source: The Syracuse Post-Standard (9/12)
EPA recommends that Michigan reject wetlands permit for road project
----------------------------------------
Federal regulators have recommended that Michigan reject wetlands permits
for a long-debated plan to build a four-lane road across the scenic Boardman
River valley. Source: Detroit Free Press (9/12)
Ohio pushes clean marinas
----------------------------------------
The Clean Marina program will first focus on the approximately 225 to 250
marinas on Lake Erie. Source: The Toledo Blade (9/12)
Endurance swimmer on second stage of Lake Michigan swim
----------------------------------------
As of Thursday afternoon, Jim Dreyer was about 7 miles from completing stage
two in swimming the length of Lake Michigan. Source: The Associated Press
(9/11)
All aboard the freedom ship Amistad
----------------------------------------
During two tours of the East Coast, one of the Gulf of Mexico and this
summer's Great Lakes visit, the Freedom Schooner Amistad has never had a
reception like the one it got in New York on Wednesday. Source: The Buffalo
News (9/11)
For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Great Lakes Daily News is a collaborative project of the Great Lakes
Information Network (www.glin.net) and the Great Lakes Radio
Consortium (www.glrc.org), both based in Ann Arbor, Mich.
TO SUBSCRIBE and receive this Great Lakes news compendium daily, see
www.glin.net/forms/dailynews_form.html or send an e-mail message to
majordomo@great-lakes.net with the command 'subscribe dailynews' (minus
the quotes) in the body of the message.
For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/
Did you miss a day of Daily News? Remember to use our searchable story
archive at http://www.great-lakes.net/news/inthenews.html
Dip in Great Lakes water levels continues
----------------------------------------
Already-low Great Lakes water levels have continued to decline this year,
according to the International Lake Superior Board of Control. Source:
Green Bay Press-Gazette (9/12)
EPA won't require permits for ballast water
----------------------------------------
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says it won't require permits for
ships discharging ballast water despite complaints that the discharges are
introducing invasive species in the Great Lakes and elsewhere. Source: The
Associated Press (9/12)
New paving material puts PCBs, river sediment to use on road
----------------------------------------
Officials demonstrated Thursday that PCB-contaminated river sediments can be
melted into a glass aggregate, mixed with asphalt and used to pave roads -
an option in the federally mandated cleanup plan for the Fox River. Source:
The Appleton Post-Crescent (9/12)
Montreal waterfront cleanup gets kudos
----------------------------------------
Delegates to an international conference on waterfront development got a
taste yesterday of how Montreal has been faring. Source: The Montreal
Gazette (9/12)
Architects hired to plot canal course
----------------------------------------
The federal commission that oversees the Erie Canal began charting a course
for the historic waterway's future this week by hiring a New York City firm
to draw up a master plan for preserving the canal's historic nature while
promoting development. Source: The Syracuse Post-Standard (9/12)
EPA recommends that Michigan reject wetlands permit for road project
----------------------------------------
Federal regulators have recommended that Michigan reject wetlands permits
for a long-debated plan to build a four-lane road across the scenic Boardman
River valley. Source: Detroit Free Press (9/12)
Ohio pushes clean marinas
----------------------------------------
The Clean Marina program will first focus on the approximately 225 to 250
marinas on Lake Erie. Source: The Toledo Blade (9/12)
Endurance swimmer on second stage of Lake Michigan swim
----------------------------------------
As of Thursday afternoon, Jim Dreyer was about 7 miles from completing stage
two in swimming the length of Lake Michigan. Source: The Associated Press
(9/11)
All aboard the freedom ship Amistad
----------------------------------------
During two tours of the East Coast, one of the Gulf of Mexico and this
summer's Great Lakes visit, the Freedom Schooner Amistad has never had a
reception like the one it got in New York on Wednesday. Source: The Buffalo
News (9/11)
For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Great Lakes Daily News is a collaborative project of the Great Lakes
Information Network (www.glin.net) and the Great Lakes Radio
Consortium (www.glrc.org), both based in Ann Arbor, Mich.
TO SUBSCRIBE and receive this Great Lakes news compendium daily, see
www.glin.net/forms/dailynews_form.html or send an e-mail message to
majordomo@great-lakes.net with the command 'subscribe dailynews' (minus
the quotes) in the body of the message.
New from ENN,
Friday, September 12, 2003
By Alexandra Amonette
It's January in central Mississippi's Yazoo Basin. Clambering along the eroding banks of a stream, members of a team of field workers and scientists from a small Montana company carefully plant willow and sycamore cuttings.
The dormant cuttings are harvested from a nearby sandbar and planted before the spring rains raise the stream's water level. Some of the cuttings are bundled together and anchored near the water's edge. Farther downstream, the team positions reinforced-fiber mats over the fine, crumbling soil and then anchors the mats with more live stakes.
The half-mile project is an effort to demonstrate new eco-friendly techniques for bank stabilization and river restoration instead of using rock and concrete, or "hard armor.
Trout Headwaters Inc. (THI), based in Livingston, Mont., has partnered with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to demonstrate the effectiveness of these new techniques across highly varied river systems before they are applied nationally and internationally. With plenty of streams in need of restoration, the backyard research area for the Corps' Waterways Experiment Station in the Yazoo Basin is...(Read on in: River restoration gets greener)
Friday, September 12, 2003
By Alexandra Amonette
It's January in central Mississippi's Yazoo Basin. Clambering along the eroding banks of a stream, members of a team of field workers and scientists from a small Montana company carefully plant willow and sycamore cuttings.
The dormant cuttings are harvested from a nearby sandbar and planted before the spring rains raise the stream's water level. Some of the cuttings are bundled together and anchored near the water's edge. Farther downstream, the team positions reinforced-fiber mats over the fine, crumbling soil and then anchors the mats with more live stakes.
The half-mile project is an effort to demonstrate new eco-friendly techniques for bank stabilization and river restoration instead of using rock and concrete, or "hard armor.
Trout Headwaters Inc. (THI), based in Livingston, Mont., has partnered with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to demonstrate the effectiveness of these new techniques across highly varied river systems before they are applied nationally and internationally. With plenty of streams in need of restoration, the backyard research area for the Corps' Waterways Experiment Station in the Yazoo Basin is...(Read on in: River restoration gets greener)
Thursday, September 11, 2003
0
Great Lakes Daily News: 11 September 2003
For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/
Did you miss a day of Daily News? Remember to use our searchable story
archive at http://www.great-lakes.net/news/inthenews.html
Power transferred to Kernan
----------------------------------------
While a still-critically ill Gov. Frank O'Bannon showed "small but
significant" signs of improvement Wednesday, the Indiana Supreme Court
formally transferred the power to run the state to Lt. Gov. Joe Kernan.
Source: The Indianapolis Star (9/11)
Upping Great Lakes traffic is trouble, group warns
----------------------------------------
Opening the Great Lakes to oceangoing container ships won't result in a wave
of new commercial shipping and billions in additional revenues for the
region, according to a new report. Source: Booth Newspapers (9/11)
Mercury taints rain in Minnesota
----------------------------------------
A report released this week by the National Wildlife Federation says
rainfall on parts of Minnesota contains levels of mercury seven times higher
than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers safe for the Great
Lakes environment. Source: Duluth News Tribune (9/11)
First of three unique vessels visits Windsor
----------------------------------------
The Puffin, first of three new vessels designed specifically for Great
Lakes/seaway trade, made its inaugural visit to the Port of Windsor, Ont.,
Wednesday. Source: The Windsor Star (9/11)
COMMENTARY: Great Lakes issues deserve federal attention
----------------------------------------
When you consider the Great Lakes form Earth's largest freshwater system,
you realize they're almost impossible to ignore. Yet, their immense size
makes it difficult to create programs and set state, national and
international priorities for dealing with the system's more than 140
invasive species and 25 major pollutants. Source: Green Bay Press-Gazette
(9/11)
Mich officials: Ontario failed to report 3 chemical spills in St. Clair
River
----------------------------------------
Canadian agencies failed to report to Michigan authorities three spills that
contaminated the St. Clair River earlier this year, according to Macomb
County officials. Source: Canoe News (9/11)
Volunteer divers needed for underwater cleanup at island
----------------------------------------
The cleanup on South Bass Island is just one of dozens of activities along
the Lake Erie coast during the 12th annual Coastweeks celebration, which
started in late August and continues through Sept. 21. Source: Port Clinton
News Herald (9/10)
John Ball Zoo worker helps endangered coastal birds in Michigan
----------------------------------------
Zookeeper Merrie Pieri-Clark spent a week of July near Pellston, Mich.,
helping hatch and rear seven piping plover chicks, endangered in the Great
Lakes. Source: Advance Newspapers (9/9)
3 area projects funded
----------------------------------------
Nine grants totaling $375,000 were announced late last week at the Ohio Lake
Erie Commission's meeting in Cleveland. Source: The Port Clinton News
Herald (9/8)
Keeping Mac in the black
----------------------------------------
There's no bridge on the horizon for differences between Republican
legislators and Mackinac Bridge officials over the span's long-term
financial health. Source: Traverse City Record-Eagle (9/7)
For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Great Lakes Daily News is a collaborative project of the Great Lakes
Information Network (www.glin.net) and the Great Lakes Radio
Consortium (www.glrc.org), both based in Ann Arbor, Mich.
TO SUBSCRIBE and receive this Great Lakes news compendium daily, see
www.glin.net/forms/dailynews_form.html or send an e-mail message to
majordomo@great-lakes.net with the command 'subscribe dailynews' (minus
the quotes) in the body of the message.
For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/
Did you miss a day of Daily News? Remember to use our searchable story
archive at http://www.great-lakes.net/news/inthenews.html
Power transferred to Kernan
----------------------------------------
While a still-critically ill Gov. Frank O'Bannon showed "small but
significant" signs of improvement Wednesday, the Indiana Supreme Court
formally transferred the power to run the state to Lt. Gov. Joe Kernan.
Source: The Indianapolis Star (9/11)
Upping Great Lakes traffic is trouble, group warns
----------------------------------------
Opening the Great Lakes to oceangoing container ships won't result in a wave
of new commercial shipping and billions in additional revenues for the
region, according to a new report. Source: Booth Newspapers (9/11)
Mercury taints rain in Minnesota
----------------------------------------
A report released this week by the National Wildlife Federation says
rainfall on parts of Minnesota contains levels of mercury seven times higher
than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers safe for the Great
Lakes environment. Source: Duluth News Tribune (9/11)
First of three unique vessels visits Windsor
----------------------------------------
The Puffin, first of three new vessels designed specifically for Great
Lakes/seaway trade, made its inaugural visit to the Port of Windsor, Ont.,
Wednesday. Source: The Windsor Star (9/11)
COMMENTARY: Great Lakes issues deserve federal attention
----------------------------------------
When you consider the Great Lakes form Earth's largest freshwater system,
you realize they're almost impossible to ignore. Yet, their immense size
makes it difficult to create programs and set state, national and
international priorities for dealing with the system's more than 140
invasive species and 25 major pollutants. Source: Green Bay Press-Gazette
(9/11)
Mich officials: Ontario failed to report 3 chemical spills in St. Clair
River
----------------------------------------
Canadian agencies failed to report to Michigan authorities three spills that
contaminated the St. Clair River earlier this year, according to Macomb
County officials. Source: Canoe News (9/11)
Volunteer divers needed for underwater cleanup at island
----------------------------------------
The cleanup on South Bass Island is just one of dozens of activities along
the Lake Erie coast during the 12th annual Coastweeks celebration, which
started in late August and continues through Sept. 21. Source: Port Clinton
News Herald (9/10)
John Ball Zoo worker helps endangered coastal birds in Michigan
----------------------------------------
Zookeeper Merrie Pieri-Clark spent a week of July near Pellston, Mich.,
helping hatch and rear seven piping plover chicks, endangered in the Great
Lakes. Source: Advance Newspapers (9/9)
3 area projects funded
----------------------------------------
Nine grants totaling $375,000 were announced late last week at the Ohio Lake
Erie Commission's meeting in Cleveland. Source: The Port Clinton News
Herald (9/8)
Keeping Mac in the black
----------------------------------------
There's no bridge on the horizon for differences between Republican
legislators and Mackinac Bridge officials over the span's long-term
financial health. Source: Traverse City Record-Eagle (9/7)
For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Great Lakes Daily News is a collaborative project of the Great Lakes
Information Network (www.glin.net) and the Great Lakes Radio
Consortium (www.glrc.org), both based in Ann Arbor, Mich.
TO SUBSCRIBE and receive this Great Lakes news compendium daily, see
www.glin.net/forms/dailynews_form.html or send an e-mail message to
majordomo@great-lakes.net with the command 'subscribe dailynews' (minus
the quotes) in the body of the message.
Wednesday, September 10, 2003
New from ENN,
Wednesday, September 10, 2003
By Ellen Komp, E/The Environmental Magazine
"If you want to see what environmental terrorism looks like, just drive up Greenwood Heights road," said Sparrow, a diminutive elderly woman who has been supporting tree-sitters in her neighborhood, called Freshwater, nearly 300 miles north of San Francisco on Highway 101. "You will see beautiful, 1,600-year-old trees that have been cut down to feed one man's greed."
On the other side of the fray, a public relations campaign from Maxxam/Pacific Lumber was calling Michigan Earth First! activist Rodney Coronado a "convicted ecoterrorist" because he served a federal prison term for arson-related animal rights activities. While visiting California, Coronado allegedly confronted a climber hired by Maxxam/PL to remove tree sitters and warned that he was...(Read on in: The old-growth timber battle heats up
Wednesday, September 10, 2003
By Ellen Komp, E/The Environmental Magazine
"If you want to see what environmental terrorism looks like, just drive up Greenwood Heights road," said Sparrow, a diminutive elderly woman who has been supporting tree-sitters in her neighborhood, called Freshwater, nearly 300 miles north of San Francisco on Highway 101. "You will see beautiful, 1,600-year-old trees that have been cut down to feed one man's greed."
On the other side of the fray, a public relations campaign from Maxxam/Pacific Lumber was calling Michigan Earth First! activist Rodney Coronado a "convicted ecoterrorist" because he served a federal prison term for arson-related animal rights activities. While visiting California, Coronado allegedly confronted a climber hired by Maxxam/PL to remove tree sitters and warned that he was...(Read on in: The old-growth timber battle heats up
Tuesday, September 09, 2003
And on the good news side from ENN,
New National Study Shows Efficiency and Renewables Can Provide Immediate Relief from High Natural Gas Prices
From American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Tuesday, September 09, 2003
New investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy generation could begin lowering natural gas prices immediately and help retain manufacturing jobs, a study prepared by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) released today shows. The Energy Foundation (EF) commissioned ACEEE to prepare the study, Impacts of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy on Natural Gas Markets, to determine whether efficiency and renewables would produce significant price reductions and cost savings by reducing demand for natural gas.
"This study shows that we can quickly reduce wholesale natural gas prices 10-20 percent and save consumers over $75 billion in the next five years, " stated David Wooley, Vice President of the Energy Foundation. "The fastest, surest way to give gas and electricity consumers relief from spiking energy prices is to enact state and federal policies to expand renewable power generation and to help consumers install more efficient electric and gas appliances, and heating and cooling systems."
Specific policy solutions outlined in the study include: update state and federal appliance efficiency standards; require electric utilities to use more renewable power generation; expand rebates and grants to consumers to improve equipment efficiency and install clean on-site power generation; expand federal research and development support for emerging efficiency and renewable generation technologies; and establish tax credits for efficiency and renewable energy investments.
"The study, which is based on a scientific analysis of natural gas markets, outlines the specific benefits that energy efficiency and renewables would provide to our economy by reducing the high energy costs borne by consumers and industry," explained Dr. Neal Elliott, Industry Program Director at ACEEE and co-author of the study. "Contrary to what many are saying, there is something we can do about natural gas prices right now. Increased efficiency and renewable energy can reduce natural gas prices quickly and affordably."
According to the study, lower natural gas prices and consumption would save consumers $15 billion/year nationally from 2004 to 2008 for cumulative savings of over $75 billion over the next five years. This translates into an average residential household savings of $96 per year on natural gas bills. Additional savings would occur from lower electricity bills.
"Along with a robust and diverse supply of energy, increased efficiency is clearly a critically important component of our response to the natural gas crisis," said Peter Molinaro, Dow's Vice President of Government Affairs. "Affordable and available natural gas is critical to the health of American industry, our economy, and the environment. Leaders in the public and private sector need to do everything they can to spur investment in more efficient insulation, appliances, motors, heating and cooling systems, lighting, and clean on-site generation."
An increasing share of the electricity generated in the U.S., particularly in the Northeast, South, and on the West Coast, comes from natural gas-fired power plants. The analysis shows that natural gas expenditures by electric power generators would decrease by $6.2 billion in 2004 and by as much as $10.4 billion by 2008. This reduction in natural gas expenditures would reduce electricity rates in these regions, an additional benefit for electric power consumers.
ACEEE's Elliott noted that rapidly rising gas prices are forcing industries to close or move production to other countries. The study shows that higher levels of energy efficiency and renewable energy would stem this decline. He added, "Energy efficiency and renewable energy investments help employment in the manufacturing sector because they reduce natural gas prices and help preserve U.S.-based jobs that rely on natural gas as a manufacturing feedstock. They also create substantial numbers of jobs in construction, installation, and component manufacturing." Natural gas is used as a fuel and raw material for a wide range of products including fertilizer, plastics, chemicals, and steel.
In the wake of the northeastern blackout in August, Wooley of the Energy Foundation said that the policies that help reduce energy prices are consistent with steps needed to avoid future electric system failures. "Energy efficiency and distributed renewable generation lower peak demand on the electric transmission system and reduce the risk of system failures. They make our electric supply more secure without increasing our dependence on fossil fuel imports."
A copy of the summary report can be downloaded at http://aceee.org/energy/EFnatgas-study.htm. The ACEEE Web site also includes the following supplementary material: a resource contact list, a summary of the study's results, and a technical white paper on the methodology.
The Energy Foundation is a partnership of major foundations interested in sustainable energy. It was launched in 1991 by The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, The Pew Charitable Trusts, and The Rockefeller Foundation. The Joyce Mertz-Gilmore Foundation joined as a funding partner in 1996, and The McKnight Foundation joined in 1998. In 1999, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation joined to support two programs: the U.S. Clean Energy Program (now the Climate Program) and the China Sustainable Energy Program. In 2002, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation joined to support advanced technology transportation and clean energy for the West. For more information about the Energy Foundation, contact 1012 Torney Avenue #1, San Francisco, CA 94129 or visit http://ef.org.
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of promoting both economic prosperity and environmental protection. For information about ACEEE and its programs and publications, contact ACEEE, 1001 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 801, Washington, DC 20036-5525 or visit http://www.aceee.org.
For more information, contact:
Neal Elliott
Industry Program Director
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
RNElliott@aceee.org
Web site:
http://www.aceee.org
New National Study Shows Efficiency and Renewables Can Provide Immediate Relief from High Natural Gas Prices
From American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Tuesday, September 09, 2003
New investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy generation could begin lowering natural gas prices immediately and help retain manufacturing jobs, a study prepared by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) released today shows. The Energy Foundation (EF) commissioned ACEEE to prepare the study, Impacts of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy on Natural Gas Markets, to determine whether efficiency and renewables would produce significant price reductions and cost savings by reducing demand for natural gas.
"This study shows that we can quickly reduce wholesale natural gas prices 10-20 percent and save consumers over $75 billion in the next five years, " stated David Wooley, Vice President of the Energy Foundation. "The fastest, surest way to give gas and electricity consumers relief from spiking energy prices is to enact state and federal policies to expand renewable power generation and to help consumers install more efficient electric and gas appliances, and heating and cooling systems."
Specific policy solutions outlined in the study include: update state and federal appliance efficiency standards; require electric utilities to use more renewable power generation; expand rebates and grants to consumers to improve equipment efficiency and install clean on-site power generation; expand federal research and development support for emerging efficiency and renewable generation technologies; and establish tax credits for efficiency and renewable energy investments.
"The study, which is based on a scientific analysis of natural gas markets, outlines the specific benefits that energy efficiency and renewables would provide to our economy by reducing the high energy costs borne by consumers and industry," explained Dr. Neal Elliott, Industry Program Director at ACEEE and co-author of the study. "Contrary to what many are saying, there is something we can do about natural gas prices right now. Increased efficiency and renewable energy can reduce natural gas prices quickly and affordably."
According to the study, lower natural gas prices and consumption would save consumers $15 billion/year nationally from 2004 to 2008 for cumulative savings of over $75 billion over the next five years. This translates into an average residential household savings of $96 per year on natural gas bills. Additional savings would occur from lower electricity bills.
"Along with a robust and diverse supply of energy, increased efficiency is clearly a critically important component of our response to the natural gas crisis," said Peter Molinaro, Dow's Vice President of Government Affairs. "Affordable and available natural gas is critical to the health of American industry, our economy, and the environment. Leaders in the public and private sector need to do everything they can to spur investment in more efficient insulation, appliances, motors, heating and cooling systems, lighting, and clean on-site generation."
An increasing share of the electricity generated in the U.S., particularly in the Northeast, South, and on the West Coast, comes from natural gas-fired power plants. The analysis shows that natural gas expenditures by electric power generators would decrease by $6.2 billion in 2004 and by as much as $10.4 billion by 2008. This reduction in natural gas expenditures would reduce electricity rates in these regions, an additional benefit for electric power consumers.
ACEEE's Elliott noted that rapidly rising gas prices are forcing industries to close or move production to other countries. The study shows that higher levels of energy efficiency and renewable energy would stem this decline. He added, "Energy efficiency and renewable energy investments help employment in the manufacturing sector because they reduce natural gas prices and help preserve U.S.-based jobs that rely on natural gas as a manufacturing feedstock. They also create substantial numbers of jobs in construction, installation, and component manufacturing." Natural gas is used as a fuel and raw material for a wide range of products including fertilizer, plastics, chemicals, and steel.
In the wake of the northeastern blackout in August, Wooley of the Energy Foundation said that the policies that help reduce energy prices are consistent with steps needed to avoid future electric system failures. "Energy efficiency and distributed renewable generation lower peak demand on the electric transmission system and reduce the risk of system failures. They make our electric supply more secure without increasing our dependence on fossil fuel imports."
A copy of the summary report can be downloaded at http://aceee.org/energy/EFnatgas-study.htm. The ACEEE Web site also includes the following supplementary material: a resource contact list, a summary of the study's results, and a technical white paper on the methodology.
The Energy Foundation is a partnership of major foundations interested in sustainable energy. It was launched in 1991 by The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, The Pew Charitable Trusts, and The Rockefeller Foundation. The Joyce Mertz-Gilmore Foundation joined as a funding partner in 1996, and The McKnight Foundation joined in 1998. In 1999, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation joined to support two programs: the U.S. Clean Energy Program (now the Climate Program) and the China Sustainable Energy Program. In 2002, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation joined to support advanced technology transportation and clean energy for the West. For more information about the Energy Foundation, contact 1012 Torney Avenue #1, San Francisco, CA 94129 or visit http://ef.org.
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of promoting both economic prosperity and environmental protection. For information about ACEEE and its programs and publications, contact ACEEE, 1001 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 801, Washington, DC 20036-5525 or visit http://www.aceee.org.
For more information, contact:
Neal Elliott
Industry Program Director
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
RNElliott@aceee.org
Web site:
http://www.aceee.org
Also from ENN,
Tuesday, September 09, 2003
By Charles Abbott, Reuters
WASHINGTON — The biggest American farmers received 71 percent of U.S. farm subsidies since 1995, environmentalists said Tuesday in a report that could fuel the fight in Congress for tighter limits on farm supports.
Activists say mammoth payments to large operators gives them the cash to out-bid their smaller neighbors for land and equipment. The result is higher operating costs but no improvement in farm income.
According to the Environmental Working Group, the top 10 percent of U.S. growers collected an average $278,932 a year. Their share of payments steadily grew from...(Read on in: Biggest growers pocket 71 percent of U.S. farm subsidies)
Tuesday, September 09, 2003
By Charles Abbott, Reuters
WASHINGTON — The biggest American farmers received 71 percent of U.S. farm subsidies since 1995, environmentalists said Tuesday in a report that could fuel the fight in Congress for tighter limits on farm supports.
Activists say mammoth payments to large operators gives them the cash to out-bid their smaller neighbors for land and equipment. The result is higher operating costs but no improvement in farm income.
According to the Environmental Working Group, the top 10 percent of U.S. growers collected an average $278,932 a year. Their share of payments steadily grew from...(Read on in: Biggest growers pocket 71 percent of U.S. farm subsidies)
New from ENN,
Tuesday, September 09, 2003
By David Goodman, Associated Press
DETROIT — Stepped up antiterrorism measures at the U.S.-Canada border are regularly uncovering radioactive material and other illegal medical waste in Ontario trash bound for a Michigan landfill.
While the checks have found no known terrorists, they have found many shipments containing medical waste, including some with radioactive material, Robert Prause, the department's port director at the bridge, said Monday.
Steve Whitter, Toronto's waste services director, said...(Read on in: New U.S. border checks find radioactive Canadian trash)
Tuesday, September 09, 2003
By David Goodman, Associated Press
DETROIT — Stepped up antiterrorism measures at the U.S.-Canada border are regularly uncovering radioactive material and other illegal medical waste in Ontario trash bound for a Michigan landfill.
While the checks have found no known terrorists, they have found many shipments containing medical waste, including some with radioactive material, Robert Prause, the department's port director at the bridge, said Monday.
Steve Whitter, Toronto's waste services director, said...(Read on in: New U.S. border checks find radioactive Canadian trash)
Great Lakes Daily News: 08 September 2003
For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/
Did you miss a day of Daily News? Remember to use our searchable story
archive at http://www.great-lakes.net/news/inthenews.html
Legislators form Great Lakes caucus
----------------------------------------
State lawmakers from the eight states and two Canadian provinces that
surround the Great Lakes have formed a caucus to coordinate legislative
action on Great Lakes issues. Source: Great Lakes Radio Consortium (9/8)
Fighting West Nile virus with native fish
----------------------------------------
One community is trying a different approach to preventing the West Nile
virus: increasing stocks of mosquito-eating fish. Source: Great Lakes Radio
Consortium (9/8)
Water break
----------------------------------------
The dramatic increase in the use of irrigation and the effects of suburban
sprawl over the last 50 years have strained groundwater supplies, even in
the Great Lakes region. Source: Earthwatch Radio (9/8)
Seven firms could 'cash out' of Fox River cleanup
----------------------------------------
Seven paper companies on the hook for cleanup of the PCB-contaminated Fox
River could write a check for cleanup costs and walk away from the
multi-year project under a so-called "cash-out" provision of the Superfund
law that guides the cleanup. Source: The Appleton Post-Crescent (9/8)
Plunging into Ohio's heart
----------------------------------------
More travelers are visiting the Ohio and Erie Canal Scenic Byway, a 110-mile
highway of history that plunges into the heart of Ohio. Source: The
Cleveland Plain Dealer (9/7)
Michigan weeding out invasive species
----------------------------------------
St. John's Marsh is just one among dozens of sites where state agencies and
nonprofit groups such as The Nature Conservancy are working to root out
invasive weeds and replace them with plants native to Michigan. Source:
Booth Newspapers (9/7)
Park on Whiskey Island mapped out
----------------------------------------
The Whiskey Island park is a key piece of Cleveland's plan to redevelop the
shores of Lake Erie. Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer (9/7)
Stemming the sewer overflow
----------------------------------------
Combined sewer overflows during rainstorms are one of the most challenging
environmental issues facing the Niagara region today and are regarded as one
of the biggest threats to the safety and health of the community. Source:
The St. Catharines Standard (9/6)
Lake Michigan swim attempt starts today
----------------------------------------
An endurance swimmer who failed to make a direct crossing of Lake Superior
last month will start swimming the length of Lake Michigan today. Source:
South Bend Tribune (9/6)
Water levels in lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron remain well below average
----------------------------------------
The August water supply for Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron were well
below average for the month. Source: The Sault Star (9/5)
For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Great Lakes Daily News is a collaborative project of the Great Lakes
Information Network (www.glin.net) and the Great Lakes Radio
Consortium (www.glrc.org), both based in Ann Arbor, Mich.
TO SUBSCRIBE and receive this Great Lakes news compendium daily, see
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the quotes) in the body of the message.
For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/
Did you miss a day of Daily News? Remember to use our searchable story
archive at http://www.great-lakes.net/news/inthenews.html
Legislators form Great Lakes caucus
----------------------------------------
State lawmakers from the eight states and two Canadian provinces that
surround the Great Lakes have formed a caucus to coordinate legislative
action on Great Lakes issues. Source: Great Lakes Radio Consortium (9/8)
Fighting West Nile virus with native fish
----------------------------------------
One community is trying a different approach to preventing the West Nile
virus: increasing stocks of mosquito-eating fish. Source: Great Lakes Radio
Consortium (9/8)
Water break
----------------------------------------
The dramatic increase in the use of irrigation and the effects of suburban
sprawl over the last 50 years have strained groundwater supplies, even in
the Great Lakes region. Source: Earthwatch Radio (9/8)
Seven firms could 'cash out' of Fox River cleanup
----------------------------------------
Seven paper companies on the hook for cleanup of the PCB-contaminated Fox
River could write a check for cleanup costs and walk away from the
multi-year project under a so-called "cash-out" provision of the Superfund
law that guides the cleanup. Source: The Appleton Post-Crescent (9/8)
Plunging into Ohio's heart
----------------------------------------
More travelers are visiting the Ohio and Erie Canal Scenic Byway, a 110-mile
highway of history that plunges into the heart of Ohio. Source: The
Cleveland Plain Dealer (9/7)
Michigan weeding out invasive species
----------------------------------------
St. John's Marsh is just one among dozens of sites where state agencies and
nonprofit groups such as The Nature Conservancy are working to root out
invasive weeds and replace them with plants native to Michigan. Source:
Booth Newspapers (9/7)
Park on Whiskey Island mapped out
----------------------------------------
The Whiskey Island park is a key piece of Cleveland's plan to redevelop the
shores of Lake Erie. Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer (9/7)
Stemming the sewer overflow
----------------------------------------
Combined sewer overflows during rainstorms are one of the most challenging
environmental issues facing the Niagara region today and are regarded as one
of the biggest threats to the safety and health of the community. Source:
The St. Catharines Standard (9/6)
Lake Michigan swim attempt starts today
----------------------------------------
An endurance swimmer who failed to make a direct crossing of Lake Superior
last month will start swimming the length of Lake Michigan today. Source:
South Bend Tribune (9/6)
Water levels in lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron remain well below average
----------------------------------------
The August water supply for Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron were well
below average for the month. Source: The Sault Star (9/5)
For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Great Lakes Daily News is a collaborative project of the Great Lakes
Information Network (www.glin.net) and the Great Lakes Radio
Consortium (www.glrc.org), both based in Ann Arbor, Mich.
TO SUBSCRIBE and receive this Great Lakes news compendium daily, see
www.glin.net/forms/dailynews_form.html or send an e-mail message to
majordomo@great-lakes.net with the command 'subscribe dailynews' (minus
the quotes) in the body of the message.
US Conressman Bernie Sanders, the Bernie Buzz:
September 8, 2003
bernie@mail.house.gov
Dear aquarianm@whizzyrds.com :
Sanders Exposes the Truth About the Bush Administration’s Environmental Record
September 8, 2003
bernie@mail.house.gov
Dear aquarianm@whizzyrds.com :
Sanders Exposes the Truth About the Bush Administration’s Environmental Record
The Bush Administration’s environmental record may be the most reactionary in the last hundred years of American history. Its anti-environmental agenda is being carried out on two fronts. First, the Administration is aggressively moving to stop any pro-environmental reforms. For instance, their policies encourage increased use of fossil fuels and nuclear power, oppose meaningful increases in CAFÉ standards, ignore international environmental treaties and underfund the ability of the Environmental Protection Agency to do its job.
Click here to check out Bernie's environmental report card for the Bush Administration: http://www.house.gov/bernie/publications/newsletters/2003-1-environment.pdf
Congressional Town Meeting on the Environment at UVM
Please join Congressman Sanders at his Congressional Town Meeting on the Environment on Monday, September 15, 2003, at 7:00 p.m. at University of Vermont’s Ira Allen Chapel. The meeting, which is being held in conjunction with the University of Vermont School of Natural Resources, the National Wildlife Federation, the Vermont Sierra Club, the Vermont Natural Resources Council and Forest Watch, will focus on the current state of the environment and the anti-environmental polices of the Administration. Participating at Bernie’s Town Meeting will be John Passacantando, the national Executive Director of Greenpeace. John is also the founder of Ozone Action, an organization dedicated to stopping global warming.
For an invitation to the event click here: http://bernie.house.gov/calendar.asp?ID=12
Great Lakes Daily News: 09 September 2003
For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/
Did you miss a day of Daily News? Remember to use our searchable story
archive at http://www.great-lakes.net/news/inthenews.html
Gov. O'Bannon gravely ill after massive stroke
----------------------------------------
Indiana Gov. Frank O'Bannon was in critical condition today in a Chicago
hospital after suffering a massive stroke, leaving the state in the hands of
Lt. Gov. Joe Kernan. Source: The Indianapolis Star (9/9)
Carcinogen spilled into river during the blackout
----------------------------------------
A faulty tube in a Canadian manufacturing plant accidently dumped a
potentially dangerous amount of chemicals into the St. Clair River during
the mid-August outage. Source: Detroit Free Press (9/9)
Yachting club volunteers push to preserve lighthouses
----------------------------------------
The Grassy Island Range Lights have gotten a reprieve from the scrap heap
twice in the past half-century thanks to years of restoration work by
members of the Green Bay Yachting Club. Source: Green Bay Press-Gazette
(9/9)
Endurance swimmer completes first stage of Lake Michigan swim
----------------------------------------
Jim Dreyer, the endurance swimmer, completed the first stage of his attempt
to swim the length of Lake Michigan early Tuesday morning. Source: Duluth
News Tribune (9/9)
Amistad visit recalls city's liberating past
----------------------------------------
The Amistad will grace the Buffalo, N.Y., waterfront all this week, nestling
like a jewel of American history in the crown of a city that once built a
reputation for guiding enslaved people to freedom. Source: The Buffalo News
(9/9)
Great Lakes shipping hits slump
----------------------------------------
Less cargo has passed over the docks of Pennsylvania's port of Erie this
year than in 2002, and the immediate future doesn't look much brighter.
Source: Erie Times-News (9/8)
Battle for recognition
----------------------------------------
The historic Battle of Lake Erie, considered a pivotal event in the War of
1812, will be remembered Wednesday on its 190th anniversary with a
wreath-laying ceremony at Perry Monument in Presque Isle State Park. Source:
Erie Times-News (9/8)
Earliest-known description of city is part of history display
----------------------------------------
A report by a Jesuit missionary priest that may be the earliest-known
written descriptions of the Fort Wayne, Ind., area, is now a part of an
exhibit on Fort Wayne's heritage as a crossroads for travel. Source: Fort
Wayne News-Sentinel (9/8)
To find earliest North Americans, scientist follows ice
----------------------------------------
Newly discovered archaeological sites in Door County, Wis., provide evidence
that people lived at the margins of retreating glaciers between 11,500 to
14,000 years ago, confounding some long-held views of New World archeology.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (9/6)
For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Great Lakes Daily News is a collaborative project of the Great Lakes
Information Network (www.glin.net) and the Great Lakes Radio
Consortium (www.glrc.org), both based in Ann Arbor, Mich.
TO SUBSCRIBE and receive this Great Lakes news compendium daily, see
www.glin.net/forms/dailynews_form.html or send an e-mail message to
majordomo@great-lakes.net with the command 'subscribe dailynews' (minus
the quotes) in the body of the message.
For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/
Did you miss a day of Daily News? Remember to use our searchable story
archive at http://www.great-lakes.net/news/inthenews.html
Gov. O'Bannon gravely ill after massive stroke
----------------------------------------
Indiana Gov. Frank O'Bannon was in critical condition today in a Chicago
hospital after suffering a massive stroke, leaving the state in the hands of
Lt. Gov. Joe Kernan. Source: The Indianapolis Star (9/9)
Carcinogen spilled into river during the blackout
----------------------------------------
A faulty tube in a Canadian manufacturing plant accidently dumped a
potentially dangerous amount of chemicals into the St. Clair River during
the mid-August outage. Source: Detroit Free Press (9/9)
Yachting club volunteers push to preserve lighthouses
----------------------------------------
The Grassy Island Range Lights have gotten a reprieve from the scrap heap
twice in the past half-century thanks to years of restoration work by
members of the Green Bay Yachting Club. Source: Green Bay Press-Gazette
(9/9)
Endurance swimmer completes first stage of Lake Michigan swim
----------------------------------------
Jim Dreyer, the endurance swimmer, completed the first stage of his attempt
to swim the length of Lake Michigan early Tuesday morning. Source: Duluth
News Tribune (9/9)
Amistad visit recalls city's liberating past
----------------------------------------
The Amistad will grace the Buffalo, N.Y., waterfront all this week, nestling
like a jewel of American history in the crown of a city that once built a
reputation for guiding enslaved people to freedom. Source: The Buffalo News
(9/9)
Great Lakes shipping hits slump
----------------------------------------
Less cargo has passed over the docks of Pennsylvania's port of Erie this
year than in 2002, and the immediate future doesn't look much brighter.
Source: Erie Times-News (9/8)
Battle for recognition
----------------------------------------
The historic Battle of Lake Erie, considered a pivotal event in the War of
1812, will be remembered Wednesday on its 190th anniversary with a
wreath-laying ceremony at Perry Monument in Presque Isle State Park. Source:
Erie Times-News (9/8)
Earliest-known description of city is part of history display
----------------------------------------
A report by a Jesuit missionary priest that may be the earliest-known
written descriptions of the Fort Wayne, Ind., area, is now a part of an
exhibit on Fort Wayne's heritage as a crossroads for travel. Source: Fort
Wayne News-Sentinel (9/8)
To find earliest North Americans, scientist follows ice
----------------------------------------
Newly discovered archaeological sites in Door County, Wis., provide evidence
that people lived at the margins of retreating glaciers between 11,500 to
14,000 years ago, confounding some long-held views of New World archeology.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (9/6)
For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Great Lakes Daily News is a collaborative project of the Great Lakes
Information Network (www.glin.net) and the Great Lakes Radio
Consortium (www.glrc.org), both based in Ann Arbor, Mich.
TO SUBSCRIBE and receive this Great Lakes news compendium daily, see
www.glin.net/forms/dailynews_form.html or send an e-mail message to
majordomo@great-lakes.net with the command 'subscribe dailynews' (minus
the quotes) in the body of the message.
Wednesday, September 03, 2003
New from ENN,
Wednesday, September 03, 2003
By Anthony Boadle, Reuters
HAVANA — Leaders from Africa and the Caribbean agreed Tuesday on financing for their efforts to stop the alarming loss of fertile lands that threaten to turn farmlands into deserts and cause famines.
Heads of governments from 10 nations attending a meeting of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) agreed to adopt the Global Environment Facility as its main source of funding.
The GEF, set up in 1991 to preserve biodiversity, reduce risks of climate change, and clean up international waters, has $500 million available for grants over the next three years to pay for projects to arrest land degradation.
The facility funded by 34 donors, mainly industrialized nations, will provide grants, but the projects are chosen and executed by the World Bank, the U.N. Development Program, and the Food and Agriculture Organization.
Drought and desertification resulting from deforestation and overgrazing have reached alarming levels and threaten the food security of more than 1 billion people around the world who depend on the land for a living...(REad on in: Poor nations agree on financing to stop deserts
Wednesday, September 03, 2003
By Anthony Boadle, Reuters
HAVANA — Leaders from Africa and the Caribbean agreed Tuesday on financing for their efforts to stop the alarming loss of fertile lands that threaten to turn farmlands into deserts and cause famines.
Heads of governments from 10 nations attending a meeting of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) agreed to adopt the Global Environment Facility as its main source of funding.
The GEF, set up in 1991 to preserve biodiversity, reduce risks of climate change, and clean up international waters, has $500 million available for grants over the next three years to pay for projects to arrest land degradation.
The facility funded by 34 donors, mainly industrialized nations, will provide grants, but the projects are chosen and executed by the World Bank, the U.N. Development Program, and the Food and Agriculture Organization.
Drought and desertification resulting from deforestation and overgrazing have reached alarming levels and threaten the food security of more than 1 billion people around the world who depend on the land for a living...(REad on in: Poor nations agree on financing to stop deserts
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