Environment

Chihota, Zimbabwe -- 01 September 2008 -- In Zimbabwe, residents of Chihota - about 50 kilometers southeast of Harare - have expressed concern about authorities' seeming lack of interest in establishing solar energy projects in their area. They say politicians should avoid making empty promises while campaigning.

Instead, the residents want office-bearers to work with them to resolve the energy crisis. Chihota is one of the country's districts hardest hit by deforestation and environmental degradation. Only a few indigenous trees remain, while the vegetation includes mostly scattered thorn bushes and short grass. Erosion has set in and gulleys dot the landscape.    » read more »

Douala, Cameroon -- 25 August 2008 -- Oil palms are grown throughout West and Central Africa, but the development of the palm oil industry has been slow, despite a thriving market. A project sponsored by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization is about to change the palm oil industry in Cameroon and Nigeria.

A palm oil plantation: Photo by Angela Sevin (CC)

Palm oil is a common ingredient in traditional dishes in West and Central Africa. It is cheaper than vegetable oil and can also be used to make soap and pomade.    » read more »

Fighting Gas Prices, Nearly A Third of Americans Age 50+ Hang Up Their Keys To Walk But Find Streets Inhospitable, Public Transportation Inaccessible

August 13, 2008 -- A new poll by AARP finds that while many Americans ages 50+ are trying to move away from car transportation as a result of high gas prices, their attempt to go “green” is challenged by inadequate sidewalks and bike lanes, as well as insufficient public transportation options.

Subway entrance in Brooklyn, New York: Photo by ian crowther (CC)    » read more »

August 14, 2008 -- Washington, D.C.—The average person today is inundated with messages about saving energy. Unfortunately too many messages perpetuate long-standing myths, making it difficult to sort out good advice from bad. ACEEE has compiled a list of myth-busters to help separate energy savings fact from energy wasting fiction.

Compact flourescent lamp (CFL): Photo by Jayaprakash R (CC)

MYTHBUSTING FACT #1: Turning off lights, even for short periods of time, really saves energy, with little impact on the lifespan of the bulb. Turn off the lights even when you’re leaving a room for just a few minutes.    » read more »

August 12, 2008 -- UC Davis' annual Lake Tahoe health report finds that the long-term warming trend first described by UC Davis last year continues, that 2007 was the 14th driest year on record, and that clarity improved over 2006.

Issued today, the "Tahoe: State of the Lake Report 2008" says that the impact of smoke and ash from last summer's Angora Fire on the lake's clarity was small, though measurable. However, it cautions that it is too early to say what the impact from pollutants carried to the lake by streams and urban runoff in the burn area will be. A consortium of researchers is monitoring the long-term effects of the fire, which burned 3,100 acres at Lake Tahoe; the report says the fire's impact will not be known for several years.    » read more »

Aug. 12, 2008 -- WASHINGTON -- NASA awarded a total of $97,000 in prizes at the 2008 General Aviation Technology Challenge. The challenge asked competitors to demonstrate innovations that would lead to aircraft that are safer, more affordable, easier to fly and also have less of a negative impact on the environment and on the communities that surround airports.

The challenge was managed by the Comparative Aircraft Flight Efficiency, or CAFE, Foundation at the Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa, Calif., from Aug. 4 through Aug. 10. All competitors had experimental licenses, as required by the Federal Aviation Administration, since aircraft were modified with new innovations for this competition.    » read more »

White House -- 12 August 2008 -- U.S. President George Bush wants Congress to allow more offshore oil drilling. High energy prices are a big part of this year's presidential campaign. President Bush says a lot of Americans are wondering why their government is not doing something about the supply of crude oil.

Following a meeting with business leaders, Mr. Bush said opposition Democrats in Congress are to blame for blocking efforts to expand domestic offshore drilling that has been restricted since the early 1980s.    » read more »

Ashland, Bayfield, and Washburn Join Renewable Energy Partnership

August 12, 2008 -- WASHBURN – Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle announced today that Ashland, Bayfield and Washburn are joining the Wisconsin Energy Independent Community (WEIC) Partnership.

“State and local government must lead by example, and I am proud Northwoods communities will join as partners and adopt the state’s energy goals,” Governor Doyle said. “Energy Independent Communities strengthen Wisconsin’s commitment to renewable energy leadership, and move forward energy policies that will clean our air and water, create jobs and save us money.”    » read more »

With $5 Million State Aid Package, Company Could be the First Pulp and Paper Mill to Operate without Fossil Fuels

August 13, 2008 -- PARK FALLS – Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle today visited the Flambeau River Papers mill and announced $5 million to help the company achieve its goal of being the first integrated pulp and paper mill in the nation to operate without the use of fossil fuels.    » read more »

Announces $478,000 to 78 Organizations to Stimulate Life-Long Learning

Aug. 13, 2008 -- HARRISBURG – With environmental issues gaining a greater share of the public’s attention, Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell today said the commonwealth is supporting educational efforts to ensure that present and future generations of Pennsylvanians understand these issues and are prepared to address the related challenges.

“More and more, people are coming to understand that our actions have consequences for the natural world around us and they’re wondering how they can reduce their impact on the planet,” said Governor Rendell as he announced more than $478,000 in environmental education investments to schools and environmental groups across the state.    » read more »

Representatives from Government and Industry, Including Top Climate Change Scientists, Gather at City Hall to Chart Response to Effects of Changing Climate

August 12, 2008 -- New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today launched the Climate Change Adaptation Task Force and the New York City Panel on Climate Change through to develop adaptation strategies to secure the City's infrastructure from the effects of climate change.    » read more »

August 8, 2008 -- TRENTON – New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine today expressed disappointment over the U.S Environmental Protection Agency’s refusal to lower the nationwide Renewable Fuels Standard that calls for the production of nine billion gallons of ethanol and biodiesel this year and an even greater quantity during 2009.

“Corn belongs on the tables of our hard-working families, not in the gas tank,” Governor Corzine said. “The EPA’s decision is regrettable because food-to-fuel mandates drive up food prices and may do more to harm the environment than good.”    » read more »

First New Coal Mine in MT in Three Decades

(HELENA) – Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer today joined tribal leaders of the Crow Nation as well as executives from Australian-American Energy Company (AAEC) in announcing that the tribe and company have formed a partnership to move forward on a coal-to-liquid facility and a new mine to be located on the Crow Reservation.

“Montana is on the move,” said Governor Schweitzer. “This project means supplying American energy produced by American workers to the country. This is the first new coal mine in Montana in 30 years and will be a significant contributor to our nation’s energy security.”    » read more »

Construction set for four State E-85 facilities across Maryland

ANNAPOLIS, MD (August, 2008) – Just weeks after announcing plans to transition 500 MTA buses to hybrid, and days following the award of the highest grade ever for environmental initiatives from the Maryland League of Conservation Voters, Governor O’Malley was joined by Lt. Governor Anthony Brown and administration officials to present roadmap for a more sustainable transportation fuel system in Maryland, beginning with the construction of four new E-85 fuel pumps throughout Maryland.

To promote Maryland’s energy independence, Governor O’Malley outlined a plan that will combine consumer education, new technologies, and the development of an infrastructure such as the new facilities announced today.    » read more »

Tour Highlights Local Economic & Environmental Benefits of Shellfish Aquaculture in Coastal Bays

OCEAN CITY, MD (August 13, 2008) – Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley today, joined by Bay Cabinet members and Worcester County official, toured Chincoteague Bay, visiting a local oyster aquaculture business to explore and discuss the potential economic and environmental benefits of expanding Maryland’s aquaculture industry.    » read more »