AltWeeklies Wire
California Lands Commission Kills Enviro-Supported Oil Dealnew
The California State Lands Commission voted down a potentially historic deal between Plains Exploration and Production (PXP) oil company and a cadre of Santa Barbara environmental leaders that would have granted new oil drilling permits within California state waters for the first time in 40 years.
Santa Barbara Independent |
Ethan Stewart |
02-02-2009 |
Environment
Wind Turbines Generate More Debatenew
Though the Albemarle County Planning Commission has been debating the addition of a wind turbine ordinance for about eight months, it seems close to formulating a resolution.
C-Ville Weekly |
Shea Connelly |
01-28-2009 |
Environment
Despite Tough Times, Energy Conservation Bills Gain Traction in Legislaturenew
"Going green" used to be considered a luxury, especially in a faltering economy. But as the Texas Legislature convened last week amid a budget squeeze, a determined coalition of lawmakers and lobbyists acted on the premise that conserving energy is nothing less than an absolute necessity.
Dallas Observer |
Megan Feldman |
01-26-2009 |
Environment
Plans to Cut Trees in Pasadena Provoke Debatenew
The impending removal of 13 ficus trees and 20 carrotwoods from a stretch of Colorado Boulevard has some business owners cheering, but others argue that a plan to replace the large, bushy trees with dozens of less-verdant ginko and palm trees will harm the very character of Pasadena’s iconic thoroughfare.
Pasadena Weekly |
Joe Piasecki |
01-26-2009 |
Environment
Tactical Change for Restore Hetch Hetchynew
An Oakland nonprofit has a new game plan for convincing Californians to restore the valley called Yosemite's twin.
East Bay Express |
Robert Gammon |
01-23-2009 |
Environment
Local Initiative Strives to Define, Grow Green Jobs in Memphisnew
Last week, Green Jobs Initiative of the Mid-South, a program funded by BioDimensions to grow green jobs in Memphis, held two meetings to discuss what a green job should look like.
The Memphis Flyer |
Mary Cashiola |
01-23-2009 |
Economy
Dust Mights: Digging Up Coal Ash at Problem Sitenew
The San Antonio Housing Authority and partner Franklin Development are excavating a site that was shut down for environmental problems 10 years ago. Neighbors say they’re getting the blowback.
San Antonio Current |
Greg M. Schwartz |
01-21-2009 |
Environment
What Changes Will Obama Bring to the Border?new
As administrations change, many wonder whether a corresponding shift will occur within the Department of Homeland Security. There's plenty of speculation about whether that department's likely new leader, Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, will pursue a change in border policy.
Tucson Weekly |
Tim Vanderpool |
01-15-2009 |
Environment
Preservation Push Off of Mexico's Coastnew
Off the coast of Mexico, government agencies and citizens fight to save an endangered porpoise.
Tucson Weekly |
Irene Messina |
01-15-2009 |
Environment
Getting the Lead Out Causes a Freakout for Toy Retailersnew
Like their counterparts nationwide, Portland toy makers and retailers are raising hell about the vagueness, harsh penalties and cost of adhering to a federal law set to take effect Feb. 10. Estimates for testing range from $40 to $4,000, according to the Handmade Toy Alliance, a national nonprofit.
Willamette Week |
Dan Green |
01-15-2009 |
Business & Labor
Have Our Schools Rushed to Judgment On the Safety of Synthetic Turf?new
Converting grass playing fields to synthetic turf ones has been a growing trend nationwide. But possible health risks have led to debate in many communities. Locally, however, the debate has hardly been fierce.
C-Ville Weekly |
Chiara Canzi |
01-14-2009 |
Environment
Snowstorms Don't Mean Climate Change Threat Has Passednew
Andrew Weaver, a lead author with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, explained that whenever a cold streak hits, some people question accepted theories of climate change and grow skeptical about global warming. But a few days of snow does not mean that the Earth is not getting warmer. "People mix up weather and climate," Weaver says.
The Georgia Straight |
Travis Lupick |
01-13-2009 |
Environment
Prosecution's Case Against W.R. Grace is Dying as Time Drags Onnew
U.S. attorneys intend to prove at an upcoming trial that six W.R. Grace executives conspired to keep the truth about asbestos contamination secret from the federal government for more than a quarter century--contamination that has claimed the lives of hundreds of residents.
Missoula Independent |
Patrick M. Klemz |
01-09-2009 |
Environment
San Fran's Plastic Bag Ban Has Left the City with More Pollution and Costnew
It has become apparent that many of the rationales used to justify the ban -- such as its benefiting the environment and alleviating the city's litter problems -- are not playing out in the real world.
SF Weekly |
Joe Eskenazi |
01-07-2009 |
Environment
Enviros Urge Michigan to Stop New Coal Plantsnew
A coalition of citizens and environmental groups urged Gov. Jennifer Granholm at a press conference this morning to "Stop the Coal Rush" and place a moratorium on the construction of new coal-fired power plants.
City Pulse |
Angela Vasquez-Giroux |
01-07-2009 |
Environment
