Cool News
Massachusetts Congressman Introduces Sweeping Global Warming Bill
Thursday, May 29th, 2008As the U.S. Senate prepares to take up Sen. Joseph Lieberman’s (I-CT) and Sen. John Warner’s (R-VA) global warming pollution reduction legislation next week, a new bill has been introduced this week. Rep. Edward Markey’s (D-MA) proposed bill would reduce carbon dioxide pollution by 85% by mid-century, making it the most sweeping piece of legislation introduced at the federal level thus far.
First Transportation/Global Warming Forum Begins in Germany
Thursday, May 29th, 2008The transportation sector produces about 33% of global warming pollution, mostly from cars and trucks. Now, at a first-of-its-kind forum in Germany, international transportation experts are discussing ways to change how all of us get from Point A to Point B. Not lost on the participants is the global warming pollution they themselves are creating in traveling to Germany.
Consider Native Landscaping!
Thursday, May 22nd, 2008With spring in full swing, those of us who garden can help reduce global warming pollution by planting species native to the Midwest instead of traditional grass. Native plants require no mowing, so there’s no associated global warming pollution from a lawn mower. In addition, native plants have depeer root systems than grass, permitting greater underground sequestration of carbon dioxide.
Kansas Governor Stands Up Against Coal Plant Expansion
Thursday, May 22nd, 2008For the third time, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius (D) has vetoed legislation that would have permitted an old-technology coal plant in the southwest part of Kansas. The Sebelius Administration identified the carbon dioxide pollution from a larger coal plant as too significant a risk. Kansas is also the only Great Plains state to have joined the Midwestern Governors Association’s working group of six states that currently is drafting a cap-and-trade plan for Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.
Department of Interior Polar Bear Ruling Subject of Lawsuit
Thursday, May 22nd, 2008Last week, the U.S. Department of Interior made news around the world when it agreed to list the polar bear as a “threatened” species. But despite the fact that the main threat is loss of ice shelf habitat because of global warming, Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne said that the federal government would not use global warming pollution reduction as a tool to save the bears. Several environmental groups are now taking the Bush Administration to task because of the Secretary’s position.
Walruses Also Threatened as Ice Melts
Thursday, May 22nd, 2008Media coverage of melting ice caps has largely focused on polar bears, but other species are also in danger. With ice melting three weeks earlier in the spring, and one month later in the fall than it did just 20 years ago, walruses and other ice-dependent creatures are in trouble, too.
ELPC policy advocate describes clean car benefits for Illinois
Tuesday, May 20th, 2008Illinois lawmakers are considering legislation that would adopt California’s standard for fuel efficiency. The clean car legislation would reduce pollution, improve the region’s health and reducing global warming pollution-while also improving the area’s economy. In this video, Environmental Law & Policy Center Senior Policy Advocate Joe Shacter describes the benefits of clean cars for Illinois.
Turn Off Your Lights…Automatically!
Thursday, May 15th, 2008As we emerge from our winter cocoons, the sun is out for several more hours each day. What better time to install motion sensors that automatically turn off the lights when you forget to? Sensors are available as either wall switch plates or as screw-on devices for light bulbs.
Mich. & Wis. Governors Sign Global Warming Agreements with Britain
Thursday, May 15th, 2008Advisory groups appointed by Governors Granholm and Doyle are now formulating recommendations on how Michigan and Wisconsin should reduce global warming pollution in the years ahead. In a further echoing of national frustrations at the lack of federal action on global warming, the governors this week signed separate agreements with the United Kingdom to further accelerate the development of solutions to our global warming problems.
Toyota Prius Becoming Harder to Find as Hybrid Sales Soar
Thursday, May 15th, 2008Last year, the hybrid Prius became the 10th best-selling car in the United States, joining the top ten for the first time. So far this year, as gas prices have soared, Americans have pushed the Prius up to #8. Both availability and price are being affected by the increasing demand, whose fuel efficiency is #1 in the nation. And with the combustion of gasoline producing almost 20 pounds of carbon dioxide pollution per gallon, the Prius also provides great global warming benefits.
