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Of Pikas and Cuteness
A victory came Wednesday in the case of the pika. This tiny, threatened alpine creature now has a shot at endangered species protections. The pika is eligible because its habitat is warming, and it is the first mammal in the lower forty-eight to be considered for that reason. But if you know only one thing…
Read MoreFlying With Air Google Over Toxic Hot Spots
As part of our campaign to clean up sources of toxic mercury pollution, we experimented with Google Earth to tell the story of how pollution from cement kilns is hurting local communities. Below is a video we produced that features two cement kilns right along the water in Seattle, WA. Let’s get a quick show of…
Read MoreStunning Flip-Flop in Kansas: New Governor Chooses Coal
Spinning faster than a Kansas twister, the state’s new governor has done what he led us to believe he wouldn’t: approved massive expansion of the Sunflower coal-fired power plant. This is a totally unexpected setback for those who took Gov. Mark Parkinson at his earlier word, believing that he would support the clean-energy policies of…
Read MoreThe Old and the New, Wildlife-Wise
Grist, the most valuable daily green news and comment ezine, published a very interesting piece May 4, talking about "old" environmentalism and "new" environmentalism as exemplified by campaigns to protect wolves (that’s the old part) and polar bears (new). Both efforts have news hooks just now, and one, at least, does not display the Obama administration,…
Read MoreFlying in Place: Videoconferencing
As an information technology director whose livelihood depends pretty heavily on the use of electricity, I’m constantly looking for meaningful ways that the technology I’m immersed in can contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases. The saying "If you aren’t part of the solution you’re part of the problem" doesn’t even suffice — technology is…
Read MoreLove Letters to the Coal Industry
A few weeks ago, I wrote about a must-read LA Times articlethat explores the dramatic effects of climate disruption on Australia. In response to these worsening conditions, seven Australian climate scientists sent a letter to the owners of every coal-fired power plant in Australia. The letter carries a blunt message: no new coal-fired power plants,…
Read MoreUSGS Study Links Mercury, Fish
We’ve told you about the dangers of eating mercury-contaminated fish. Today, the US Geological Survey released a comprehensive study linking the mercury emissions from smokestacks here in the US and abroad, and the contamination of fish like tuna and other marine life in the Pacific Ocean. According to the NY Times and Greenwire: The study…
Read MoreOtero Ruling Could Help Save Roan Plateau
A major victory for Earthjustice and its allies, who’ve been fighting the plan in court since 2005
Read MoreStill Gasping for Clean Air in San Joaquin Valley
Growing up in California’s San Joaquin Valley, we spent our summer days at the community swimming pool and on the soccer field. Playing outside was one of the joys of growing up in a region where the days are warm, the grass is green and the sky is clear. These days, elementary schools in the…
Read MoreIs Florida Drill Bill Dead, Baby, Dead?
We’re breathing a cautious sigh of relief here in Florida on the issue of offshore drilling. A dangerous bill that would have lifted the state’s offshore drilling ban appears to be dead. We’re keeping our fingers crossed. Our state Senate President told reporters today that the Legislature has run out of time to hear the…
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