Green Politics
Other Stories
Planning for our Future
I'm happy to have collaborated on this post with Nick Nigro of the Pew Center on Global Climate Change, who has also posted it on Pew's blog.
PA State Legislator Taking Steps to Save Energy
Warren Kampf, a Republican representing the 157th district in Pennsylvania, is one of the first state legislators to upgrade their district office to LED lighting. A local company, LED Saving Solutions, manufactured the tubes in their Boyertown, PA facility. It is estimated that the upgrade will decrease the per-fixture wattage from 55 to 11 watts.
California Leads the Way with New Efficiency Regulations on Incandescent Bulbs
Effective January 1, 2011, California, a long time energy efficiency leader, became the first state to set new energy standards for incandescent screw-base light bulbs. These new regulations are aimed at making standard incandescent bulbs more efficient.
World Toilet Day is Pretty Funny: Except for People Dying from Lack of Access to Toilets
This Friday November 19th is World Toilet Day, a time to celebrate the Toilet!
Why the U.S. Desperately needs a Vast High Speed Rail System
High-speed rail is one of the greenest ways to travel. It uses 1/3 the energy flying uses (per passenger) and 1/5 the energy driving uses (per passenger). It is also super cool, in my humble opinion.
Gulf Oil Plume Gone, Eaten By Newly Discovered Microbes
In what seems a deus ex machina or perhaps deus ex gaia moment, scientists from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory report that the miles-long deep sea oil plume which resulted from the BP oil spill has essentially vanished, apparently eaten by microbes previously unknown to science.
Presidential Power and Climate Policy Action
Congress is having a hard time passing new laws to limit greenhouse gas pollution and spur clean energy innovation. Congressional legislation, however, is not the US government's only option.
Senate Goes on Vacation without Addressing BP Oil Spill
Yesterday it became clear the Senate will go home for the August recess without responding to the BP oil spill. Obstruction among Republican Senate leadership and a handful of recalcitrant Democrats has grown so strong that not even an environmental disaster lasting more than 100 days can spur action.
Congress Considering Basic Reforms For Onshore Oil And Gas Operations
Last week, the House Natural Resource Committee passed legislation called the Consolidated Land, Energy and Aquatic Resources Act, known as the CLEAR Act.
Senate Obstructionism Leads to Abject Failure on Energy and Climate
A minority of Senators has blocked the United States Senate from protecting our children’s and our country’s future. Because of their denial and obstructionism, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said yesterday that the Senate cannot take up comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation at this time.
This is an abject failure, one that rests in the hands of the Senate Republican Leadership and a small cluster of Democratic Senators.
