NEXT PAGE -->
|
|
|---|
Updated Daily!
| * * * IN-HOUSE RESOURCES * * * |
|---|
DEFENDING ENVIRONMENTAL AGENDA
October 30, 2003
"You can withdraw into nature as protection from humanity if you like, but there is no changing the underlying character of nature itself, which, in Southern California, is a harsh wind and October fires." -New York Times editorial, "The October Fires in California"
(1) WILDLANDS: A Park By Any Other Name...
(2) INFO: Fire Wise
(3) TAKE ACTION: Stop the Polluting Bush Energy Plan
1. WILDLANDS: A Park By Any Other Name...
Walden Pond turned Wal-Mart Pond? Recently, some Massachusetts politicians proposed selling naming rights to the state's parks, forests, and recreation areas to the highest bidder in order to cope with their $3-billion deficit. Pressure from Sierra Club members and other outraged citizens reduced the proposal to a study, which was then rejected in conference committee.
Check out Sierra Magazine online for more stories like this: https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/
2. INFO: Fire Wise
The Sierra Club expresses deep concern and sympathy for those who have been put in harms way by the recent fires in Southern California and to the firefighters courageously working to protect homes and lives. We recommend the website below to provide news, resources, and tips on fire prevention for the homeowner and firefighter.
https://www.firewise.org
3. TAKE ACTION: Stop the Polluting Bush Energy Plan
Vice President Dick Cheney was on the Hill this week seeking to breathe new life into the disastrous Bush energy bill. The bill puts our communities at risk to more air and water pollution and increases the country's oil dependence. There is a better way.
Help stop this polluting energy bill by sending a fax to your Senators to request that they reject the Bush energy plan: https://whistler.sierraclub.org/action/?alid=285
To be honest, it's either never been open when I've been there, or I haven't had the time to visit." - Rep. George Radanovich (R-CA) admitting to the Modesto Bee that he has never been to the historic LeConte Memorial Lodge, a nearly 100-year-old Yosemite National Park building which he is proposing to dismantle. The Sierra Club encourages Rep. Radanovich to visit the lodge Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00am - 4:00pm May through September.
(1) NEW: Got Currents?
(2) POLITICS: Bush in 30 Seconds
(3) TRADE: Pedro Balks at Trade Talks
(4) TAKE ACTION: Healthy Forest Initiative - Different Version, Same Bad Deal
1. NEW: Got Currents?
Currents just made it easier for you to tell friends, neighbors and coworkers about the environmental buzz we bring you twice weekly. Click the link below and then "Spread the Word" to, well, spread the word!
https://www.sierraclub.org/pressroom/currents/
2. POLITICS: Bush in 30 Seconds
He's ready for his close-up Mr. DeMille. "Bush in 30 Seconds" is a new political TV ad contest that lets you decide what the public really needs to know about the President. The top rated ads will be voted on by a slew of famous judges including Michael Moore, Michael Stipe, Jack Black, Janeane Garofalo, and Gus Van Sant. The winning ad will be shown on TV during the week of Bush's 2004 State of the Union address.
Submit your 30-second ad by December 5th to this website: https://www.bushin30seconds.org/
3. TRADE: Pedro Balks at Trade Talksv No, not Red Sox Ace Pedro Martinez. Pedro Monteiro, an engineer from Florida and a Sierra Club volunteer, is just one of the many concerned citizens who will be in Miami November 19-20 protesting against new trade rules that will undermine environmental protections and democratic rights in the name of "free trade". Monteiro, who was just profiled in the Florida Sun Sentinel, worries that the "investor rights" provision in the new rules will discourage other countries from passing laws that protect the environment.
For information on how to get involved in the Miami protests visit: https://www.sierraclub.org/trade
4. TAKE ACTION: Healthy Forest Initiative - Different Version, Same Bad Deal
As early as tomorrow the Senate could vote on a slightly altered version of the Bush Administration's misleadingly-named Healthy Forests Initiative. The Cochran-Wyden-Feinstein deal does little to improve upon the original version of the Healthy Forests Initiative, also know as HR 1904. It fundamentally fails to require agencies to prioritize protection of homes and communities in a way that is critical to ensure protection of at-risk communities.
Please call your Senators now at (202) 224-3121 and urge them to oppose the Healthy Forest Initiative.
CLICK ON "SPREAD THE WORD" TO TELL A FRIEND ABOUT CURRENTS - https://www.sierraclub.org/pressroom/currents/
"She has a grandmother's poise, a lover's fire, a spouse's allegiance, a curandera's wariness about Congressional platitudes. When she is gone, the land will break down in tears." - Writer Barry Lopez on Margaret "Mardy" Murie (1902-2003), known to many as the Grandmother of the Conservation Movement
(1) WILDLANDS: Loop-D-Loop
(2) CLEAN AIR: Makeover Madness
(3) TAKE ACTION: Stop the So Called Health Forest Initiative
1. WILDLANDS: Loop-D-Loop
What do Death Valley, Zion and Joshua National Parks have in common? All of these treasured places are susceptible to new roads crisscrossing through them. The Bush administration has breathed life into a 130-year-old loophole, commonly known as RS 2477. The loophole allows special interests to bypass environmental and public review to claim rights-of-way in National Parks and other wildlands.
To get more detailed information on RS 2477 visit: https://www.highway-robbery.org
2. CLEAN AIR: Makeover Madness
Move over Queer Eye for the Straight Guy... New Flyer Industries is giving Seattle bus transit a major makeover. The regional transit agencies are buying 235 buses powered by hybrid diesel-electric engines. The new buses will reduce air pollution and cut fuel and maintenance costs. The buses will make back the $200,000 cost difference for hybrid engines after only seven years of their estimated twelve-year life.
Read more about why ditching diesel is a good thing: https://www.sierraclub.org/cleanair/factsheets/diesel.asp
3. TAKE ACTION: Stop the Bush Administration's Free Pass for Loggers
The Bush administration's Healthy Forests Initiative (H.R. 1904) is as misleadingly named as it is detrimental to our public lands. This Initiative would allow the timber industries to expedite logging efforts in our treasured forests, weaken protection for old growth trees and leave communities at risk of forest fires.
Call the Capitol Hill switchboard at (202) 224-3121 or https://www.senate.gov and urge your Senators to oppose this Initiative.
"Bush told his senior aides Tuesday that he 'didn't want to see any stories' quoting unnamed administration officials in the media anymore, and that if he did, there would be consequences, said a senior administration official who asked that his name not be used." Article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, October 16, 2003
(1) TOXICS: Poo Poo Platter
(2) TRANSIT: Wheels Then Meals
(3) TAKE ACTION: Reject the Dirty and Dangerous Bush Energy Bill
1. TOXICS: Poo Poo Platter
The Bush administration flushed out a new policy recently on sewage sludge containing dioxins. Despite research showing these highly toxic compounds are linked to cancer, the Bush administration will not allow EPA to regulate dioxins in sludge applied as crop fertilizers and claim the fertilizers would not be harmful to humans or the environment.
Read more the Sierra Club dioxins factsheet: https://www.sierraclub.org/toxics/factsheets/dioxins.asp
2. TRANSIT: Wheels Then Meals
What has Americans opening their wallets most frequently? The majority of U.S. families spend more on transportation than on health care, education, or food. The poorest fifth of American households spend over one third of their income on transportation, mainly automobiles, according to the Boulder Transportation Division.
Read about challenges faced by transit systems in the U.S. and how to solve them here: https://www.sierraclub.org/sprawl/reports/transit_factsheet.pdf
3. TAKE ACTION: Reject the Dirty and Dangerous Bush Energy Bill
Congress is poised to vote next week on the Bush energy bill. This backwards bill opens up our public lands to oil and gas drilling, puts our communities at risk from more air and water pollution, and funnels billions of dollars in giveaways to polluting industries.
Tell Congress to scrap this destructive bill: https://www.sierraclub.org/action/?alid=285&st=curr
"If you ever despair that the U.S. auto industry is whirling, slowly but with gathering momentum, down the tubes of history, the second-generation Toyota Prius will give you no comfort. This is a car Detroit assures us cannot be built. No way. No how. A spacious, safe and well-appointed mid-size four-door with practical performance while returning more than 60 miles per gallon? For $20,000? Are you, like, high?" - Dan Neil, Los Angeles Times automotive critic
(1) SUSTAINABLE LIVING: Organicraze
(2) POLITICS: Off the Mark
(3) TAKE ACTION: Tell Ford Motor Company to Build Cleaner Cars!
1. SUSTAINABLE LIVING: Organicraze
Will trail mix and "not" dogs be replacing snack cakes and footlongs at your local convenience store? It may happen sooner than you think. 7-Eleven has plans to include 40 natural food products, some organic, in their stores and other chains are following suit. The annual growth rate for organic food is around 20% (Organic Trade Association) which may explain why school cafeterias, ballparks and even Wal-Mart are all making room for healthier products.
Find out more about food consumption and its impacts on the environment: https://www.sierraclub.org/sustainable_consumption/food_factsheet.asp
2. POLITICS: Off the Mark
School may be in but President Bush sure isn't making the grade! Grist Magazine reports that only 9% of the population believes Bush is strengthening environmental protection policies. The President also received a resounding "F" on the League of Conservation Voters environmental report card. Looks like this administration won't be moving to the head of the class.
Read the whole Grist "Whatever Floats Your Vote" story here: https://www.gristmagazine.com/counter/counter101503.asp
3. TAKE ACTION: Tell Ford Motor Company to Build Cleaner Cars!
Each year, Ford's cars and trucks release more global warming pollution than the entire country of Mexico. Ford could cut its emissions in half by using existing technology to make all Ford's cars, trucks, and SUVs go farther on a gallon of gas. Yet, instead of taking responsible action, Ford continues to undermine attempts to raise the fuel economy of its fleet. Tell Ford Motor Company CEO, Bill Ford, Jr. that business as usual is no longer acceptable.
Visit https://www.sierraclub.org/fordaction to join the Ford Day of Action to curb global warming!
Quote of the Day: "It appears that the Department of the Interior is trying to expunge the word 'wilderness' from the dictionary." - Jim Dipeso, policy director of the nonprofit Republicans for Environmental Protection
(1) ENERGY: It's On the House
(2) POLITICS: Not So Hot Seat
(3) CURRENTS FOLLOW-UP: Pulling the Plug - 10/7/03 Edition
(3) TAKE ACTION: Support the Capps Motion to Instruct for America's Coasts
1. ENERGY: It's On the House
If you build it, they will come. Habitat for Humanity recently constructed a Tennessee home that's getting some attention. The house is full of energy-conserving extras like solar panels, specially insulated walls, a system that captures the heat from shower water after it goes down the drain and a feature that traps and reuses the warmth from refrigerator coils.
Read here for more on the house that Habitat built: https://www.workingforchange.com/article.cfm?itemid=15787
2. POLITICS: Not So Hot Seat
Golden Gate University's Law School had some pretty big chairs to fill at their recent symposium titled "Wild Ideas: George W. Bush on Wilderness and Wildlife". The school tried to get speakers from agencies like the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service but the invites went unaccepted. California Attorney General Bill Lockyer joked about the difficulty of defending an environmental record that is virtually indefensible.
Read more about the symposium in Salon.com: https://www.salon.com/tech/feature/2003/10/14/symposium/index_np.html
3. CURRENTS FOLLOW-UP: Pulling the Plug - 10/7/03 Edition
Our recent item on computer recycling generated a lot of response. Check out the site https://www.earth911.org for computer recycling locations nationwide.
4. TAKE ACTION: Support the Capps Motion to Instruct for America's Coasts
The 2003 version of the national energy bill has a disastrous provision that threatens to overturn a decades-old bipartisan ban on exploring for oil and gas off our coasts. This bill, which could cost up to $50 billion (Minerals Management Service analysis), will allow damaging exploratory techniques off our beaches and in marine sanctuaries.
Fortunately California Representative Lois Capps will offer a 'motion to instruct' the negotiators of this bill to drop the idea. Find your Representative at https://www.house.gov/writerep and ask them to support the Capps Motion to Instruct.
"President Bush has chosen Utah Governor Mike Leavitt as the new head of the Environmental Protection Agency. Leavitt's toughest job - protecting the environment from President Bush." - Jay Leno
(1) WASTE: Our Cups Runneth Over
(2) ANWR: A Lost Art
(3) TAKE ACTION: Courting Disaster
1. WASTE: Our Cups Runneth Over
They just won't go away! Before you order your next cup 'o joe, take a look at what it's served in. The Styrofoam cups Americans use each year could form a chain that would circle the Earth 436 times (National Toxics Campaign). Styrofoam is completely non-biodegradable so the same cup you drink from this morning will still be sitting in a landfill a thousand years from now.
Get the full foam report here: https://www.earthresource.org/styrofoamreport.htm
2. ANWR: A Lost Art
Artist Subhankar Banerjee's photos are underexposed. His photos of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) were scheduled to be shown in the Smithsonian's grand rotunda but were relocated to the basement after the museum rationalized that the captions "contained statements that might have been construed as advocacy for a particular position on ANWR."
Read the article in the latest Sierra Magazine: https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/200309/lol.asp
3. TAKE ACTION: Courting Disaster
Americans rely on a balanced court system to protect them from irresponsible corporate polluters and to make sure government agencies enforce the laws that protect our health and heritage. But the Bush Administration is trying to pack the courts with extreme ideologues who seek to unravel the very framework of the laws that protect the environment, workers' rights and civil rights. You can take action: Write a letter to the editor!
Here's a sample:
Dear Editor,
I am deeply concerned by the Bush Administration's attempts to pack our country's courts with extreme ideologues who threaten to undermine many of the laws that we often take for granted. As Americans we have come to rely on our courts to protect us from polluting corporations and from attempts to undermine our basic civil rights, workers' rights and reproductive freedom. Although debates about these important issues will continue, in a civil society, we expect the courts to enforce the laws of this land.
But in a powerful bid to jerk the courts to the far right of the political spectrum, this administration insists on nominating a slate of judges who question the very framework of the laws that protect our rights as Americans. Many have long records of actively working to unravel environmental and civil rights laws. As citizens, we had better start paying attention to this dangerous trend. If the Bush Administration refuses to take a more balanced approach, I think it's time to change the system and require a non-partisan nominating commission to identify judges who will enforce the laws, whether they agree with them personally or not.
NEXT PAGE -->
|
|
|---|
| * * * IN-HOUSE RESOURCES * * * |
|---|