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DEFENDING ENVIRONMENTAL AGENDA
June 12, 2001
"The President's approach to global warming is like commissioning a study on fire while your house burns down." - Carl Pope, Executive Director of the Sierra Club
[1] WHAT'S FOR LUNCH? New Report Shows Who's in Charge of School Lunches
The Sierra Club's Clean Water campaign released its report, "Spoiled Lunch: Polluters Profiting from Federal Lunch Program," which reveals that major suppliers for the federal School Lunch Program consistently break laws that protect our environmental health. As they run their giant slaughterhouses and processing plants, these companies routinely violate clean air and water regulations and labor safety laws. It seems like a no-brainer that the federal government would inspect suppliers' environmental record before awarding them taxpayers' dollars, but the Bush administration has not honored a Clinton era rule that requires this type of review.
Find out more at https://www.sierraclub.org/factoryfarms/report01/
[2] FIELD NOTES: Nebraska and Oklahoma Activists on the Ball
NEBRASKA: President Bush struck out last week, when Nebraska activists passed out over 20,000 Bush "rookie" baseball cards at the College World Series last week. The cards show Bush's record on the environment and ask, "Is he dropping the ball on the environment?"
OKLAHOMA: Organizers claimed a victory Friday when Gov. Frank Keating vetoed a bill that would have allowed less distance between factory hog operations and recreation areas. The decision came on the heels of an Environmental Protection Agency announcement that groundwater in two Oklahoma counties is contaminated by high levels of nitrates from hog factories contracting with Seaboard Farms.
[3] SPEAK UP! Tell Bush to Take Action to Curb Global Warming!
Despite what the world's leading climate scientists have concluded -- that global warming is real and we must take action immediately -- President Bush called for further study of climate change yesterday. The United States is the world's leading global warming polluter, emitting a whopping 23 percent of the world's global warming pollution. With only 4 percent of the world's people, we clearly have a responsibility to curb global warming. The United States can take practical steps, like raising automotive fuel efficiency standards, constructing efficient power plants and instituting alternative energy sources like wind and solar power.
Tell President Bush to act now to stop global warming! https://whistler.sierraclub.org:8080/takeaction/globalwarming/index.jsp
[4] HIGH PLAINS: Weatherman Draw In the Crossfire
If you thought President Bush's plans to drill our wildlands wouldn't affect anyone directly, think again. One of the most treasured Native American ancient rock art sites and the breeding ground for the rare sage grouse are at stake in a battle over Weatherman Draw, Montana. Along with 10 tribes and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Sierra Club is fighting billionaire Phillip Anschutz and the Anschutz Exploration Corporation, who intend to drill for oil in the area. Anschutz contributed over $300,000 to the Republican party over the last four years, and was swiftly granted a permit to drill in Weatherman Draw just days after Bush's inauguration. The coalition is appealing the permit decision.
Read more about it at https://www.missoulanews.com/News/News.asp?no=1742
[5] YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT? GEOs Cropping Up Everywhere
Some food experts say that the proliferation of genetically engineered organisms (GEOs) is making it almost impossible for consumers to avoid buying foods that contain genetically modified ingredients. Because of wind-blown pollen, black market plantings and failure to keep seeds separated, GEOs are found in the most unlikely places -- even in countries where GEOs have been banned. Scientists are still wrangling over the safety of GE foods, as corporations like Monsanto, Syngenta and Aventis are taking advantage of weak regulations -- leaving us with fewer and fewer choices.
To read more about the issue, go to https://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/10/business/10GENE.html
Find out more about the Club's stance on genetic engineering at https://www.sierraclub.org/biotech/
"George Bush referred to the Florida Everglades as a 'beautiful piece of heaven.' You know what that means, they're getting ready to drill.... I myself am an environmentalist. Most of these jokes are recycled." - David Letterman, on President Bush's trip to Everglades National Park on Monday
[1] GETTING WARMER: Panel of Scientists Confirm Global Warming
A report released by the National Academy of Sciences and requested by the Bush administration reaffirmed that indeed, the planet is growing warmer due to human activities. Last March, world leaders were frustrated by President Bush's decision to scrap the Kyoto Protocol, which would help curtail world-wide emissions of greenhouse gases. Hopefully the report will make Bush feel the heat.
For more on Sierra Club's Global Warming Campaign, go to https://www.sierraclub.org/globalwarming/
[2] UTAH SAVVY: Organizers Work on Energy Issues
While the Bush administration is trying to tout nuclear energy as clean and safe, the truth is that the radioactive waste from nuclear plants is piling up with nowhere to go. Club activists in Utah organized an eighty-mile "Walk Against Nuclear Waste," to protest proposals that include processing out-of-state nuclear waste in Utah.
While Utah Rep. Jim Hansen (R) touted the Bush energy plan at a news conference in Washington, DC, Utah environmentalists held a media event of their own near a wind-power generating station in Bluffdale, Utah. As Hansen emphasized easing environmental regulations for power-plant construction and drilling for oil and gas on public lands, Club activists focused on the benefits of energy conservation and renewable energy development. "There are quicker, cleaner, safer solutions to our energy problems today," said Club organizer Marc Heileson.
Find out more about the energy debate at https://www.sierraclub.org/energy/
For information from the Sierra Club's Nuclear Waste Task Force, go to https://www.sierraclub.org/nuclearwaste/index.asp
[3] COFFEE TALK: A Sustainable Brew
Over the last decade, as our demand for a cup o' joe has risen, coffee farmers in Central America have been slashing rainforests to plant more coffee. This not only destroys shady canopies, which help protect coffee plants, but also reduces critical habitat for migrating songbirds and other wildlife. Wednesday, a coalition of organizations released guidelines for growing environmentally-friendly coffee, and Starbucks has purchased its largest order of sustainably-grown coffee to date. Look for "shade-grown" coffee -- the birds will thank you for it.
To read more about shade-grown coffee, go to https://www.enn.com/news/enn-stories/2001/06/06042001/birdcoffee_43836.asp
[4] ACT LOCALLY: Keep the Endangered Species Act Strong
At a news conference Wednesday, the Nevada Chapter released its report "Conservation in Action: Safeguarding Citizen Rights Under the Endangered Species Act," which emphasizes the importance of citizen action in the ESA. On the scene was a desert tortoise which was finally listed as endangered in 1989, following two petitions and a legal battle. The Bush administration has slashed wildlife protection funding for the Fish and Wildlife Service and is attempting to reduce citizen participation to protect endangered or threatened species with an anti-environmental rider. You can help, by going to our Take Action site.
Tell the Bush administration to support the ESA! https://whistler.sierraclub.org:8080/takeaction/endangeredspecies/index.jsp
[5] PHOTO STOP: Celebrating Ansel Adams
To commemorate the centennial year of Ansel Adams' birth, an exhibition of Ansel Adams' photography will tour museums throughout the United States and Europe. Adams captured images of national treasures and spurred the conservation of natural wonders such as Yosemite and Kings Canyon. As a Sierra Club board member for 37 years, Adams helped grow the Club into a powerful national organization.
Find out more about Ansel Adams at https://www.sierraclub.org/ansel_adams/about.asp
Check out the slideshow at https://www.sierraclub.org/ansel_adams/slideshow.asp
"The Bush Administration's new energy plan, designed largely by Vice President Dick Cheney, has somehow united the libertarian Cato Institute and the Sierra Club in protest." - from Fortune Magazine, June 11, 2001
[1] FIRED UP: Sierra Club Activists Charging Ahead
FLORIDA: Waving signs bearing "Bush oil and our water don't mix," dozens of Florida Chapter members gathered at practically a moment's notice at Everglades National Park yesterday to demonstrate against President Bush's plan to drill for oil off Florida's coast. Bush spoke at the park in order to play up his greener, more environmental side, but Sierra Club activists know his true colors. NEW MEXICO: The Santa Fe Sprawl Committee is reveling in a sprawl-busting victory! To protect open space along the Highway 599 corridor, volunteers activated phone trees, urged members to phone or emailed county commissioners, wrote letters to the editor, and rallied at a hearing last week. At the hearing, county commissioners voted three to one to create an open space buffer around Santa Fe's urban core and to keep development within the urban center.
To find out what's happening in your area, go to "My Backyard" on the Sierra Club Web site at https://www.sierraclub.org
[2] GET ACTIVE!
The link between population growth and environmental degradation is clear, yet President Bush's budget, announced in April, eliminates a requirement that the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) Program must cover contraceptive drugs and related services. FEHB is the largest employer-sponsored health insurance plan in the world, providing coverage to 1.2 million women of reproductive age.
Urge your representative to include this coverage in the budget, as it has been since October 1998.
To take action, go to https://whistler.sierraclub.org:8080/takeaction/population/index2.jsp
For more on the impact of population growth on the environment, check out https://www.sierraclub.org/population/reports/families.asp
[3] FACE OFF: Sierra Club Meets Bush Administration
The Sierra Club discussed energy policy with Vice President Cheney today, in the first meeting between environmentalists and the Bush administration. The gathering signals a growing awareness at the White House that anti-environmental policies are driving down Bush's approval ratings. Although Cheney found common ground with environmentalists, agreeing to support more renewable energy policies, there are many other issues that were not even addressed. But at least they're talking to us.
Read all about it at https://lists.sierraclub.org/SCRIPTS/WA.EXE?A2=ind0106&L=ce-scnews-releases&D=1&T=0&H=1&O=D&F &S=&P=516
[4] BACKSTAGE WITH BACKSTREET BOYS: Sierra Club On Tour
Rock star and teen idol Kevin Richardson of the Backstreet Boys recently started an environmental foundation called "Just within Reach," whose mission is to provide environmental education to the public, especially young people. As part of their efforts to educate their audience, Sierra Club volunteers will be handing out information and collecting postcard signatures at concerts across the country.
To find out concert details and how you can get involved, go to https://www.sierraclub.org/pressroom/backstreetboys.asp
[5] BOOKS ON-LINE: Sierra Club Book Sale
This month, all Sierra Club Books are 10 percent off. With a purchase of $50 or more on-line of books and/or merchandise, you'll receive a free Sierra Cub cap. A portion of all sales proceeds goes directly to Sierra Club's campaigns and programs.
Check out what's on our bookshelf at https://www.sierraclub.org/books
"Nobody is really going to want a well-paved road to a well-maintained restroom overlooking a strip mine." -Carl Pope, Sierra Club Executive Director, in the San Jose Mercury News, on President Bush's plan to increase drilling and mining on public lands adjacent to national parks
1. SUMMER ACTION ON CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM: Write a Letter to the Editor
The House of Representatives is set to begin debate on campaign finance reform in July, according to Rep. Christopher Shays (R-Conn.), a co-sponsor of the House version of the McCain-Feingold bill.
The Shays-Meehan Campaign Finance Reform Bill, H.R. 380, includes a ban on "soft money" -- the unregulated and unlimited contributions to political parties -- and would be a strong first step towards real reform.
Now is the time to write a letter to the editor of your local newspapers urging your representative to support the bill. Every representative's vote is crucial.
To find a list of co-sponsors, go to: https://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d107:HR00380:@@@P
For a sample letter, go to: https://www.sierraclub.org/politics/clean_elections/actions.asp
2. TREE-HUGGING GEORGE: President Praises Trees, But Will He Protect Them?
Standing in front of the biggest trees on Earth in California's Sequioa National Park, President Bush gave his first environmental speech -- 12 minutes on his committment to repairing and restoring national parks.
Sierra Club members from the Tehipite and Kern-Kaweah chapters lined Highway 180 outside the park, calling on Bush to stop his attacks on America's wildlands. Protestors cited recent proposal by Interior Secretary Gale Norton to weaken protections and shrink boundaries in new national monuments, like the adjacent Giant Sequoia National Monument.
For the Club's statement on Bush's visit and his attacks on wildlands, go to: https://www.sierraclub.org/pressroom/sequoia.asp
3. BUSH BUDGET CHOPS SCIENCE: Less for Water Resources, USGS
While the president is talking more about the environment, his budget proposes spending less -- specifically for the environmental science programs in the Department of the Interior and Forest Service. According to the National Council for Science and the Environment, the U.S. Geological Service is slated for an 8 percent cut in overall funding, with the Water Resources Division to be cut by 21 percent. NCSE is urging Congress to reverse the proposed cuts.
To read the letter from Reps. William Pascrell (D-N.J.) and Ron Kind (D-Wis.) in support of restoring these and other science programs to current levels, go to: https://www.cnie.org/Updates/101pascrell.htm
4. HUNGER STRIKE: Protest Against Toxic Ponds in Canada
After more than three weeks on a liquid-only diet, Sierra Club of Canada Executive Director Elizabeth May ended a hunger strike on May 18. She held the strike to draw attention to the plight of residents living near toxic tar ponds in her hometown of Sydney, in Nova Scotia, and to demand that the government relocate those who wish to leave the area. The government has agreed to test residents and relocate those with chronic health risks.
"Victory isn't the right word, I think the right word is deliverance," she told the Canadian Broadcasting System.
To learn more about the Sydney tar ponds, which May called the most toxic site in Canada, and "much bigger than Love Canal," go to the Sierra Club of Canada's Web site at: https://www.sierraclub.ca/national/media/sydney-tar-ponds-01-05-18.html
You can read the Toronto Star story at: https://navigation.helper.realnames.com/framer/1/112/default.asp?realname=Toronto+Star&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ethestar%2Ecom%2F&frameid=1&providerid=112&uid=30003358
5. TEXAS TURNAROUND: With Bush Gone, New Progress on Pollution
"Definitely better with Bush gone." That's how Ken Kramer, director of the Club's Lone Star Chapter, characterized the environmental fight in Texas since George W. left Austin for Washington.
This year, he said, environmentalists persuaded the legislature to close "grandfather" loopholes that allowed old factories to exceed clean air standards. As governor, Bush favored voluntary incentives, which few industries adopted.
Kramer gives Bush credit in a backhand sort of way. "His presidential candidacy meant that Texas environmental problems were made much more visible to the rest of the nation. That helped."
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