The Washington Post ran a front-page story about impeaching President Bush, quoting two attorneys from the Center for Constitutional Rights.
You can also click here and send a pre-written letter to your congressperson. Don't you think you should make certain your representative supports the resolution to investigate impeachment? It is your duty as a citizen of this country to tell the President to go fuck himself.
Burn a Bush!
Of course, BLACK BEAR SPEAKS has no affiliation or financial connection with the Center for Constitutional Rights. (Just in case someone from Homeland Security is reading right now.)
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Senator Stabenow on Canadian trash problem
The following is Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow's letter to Black Bear Speaks, received today.
I am writing to update you regarding important developments in our fight to stop the dumping of Canadian trash in our beautiful state.
Homeland Security report confirms security threat
The Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General has finally completed their report on Canadian trash trucks entering Michigan. I requested this report with Senator Levin and Congressman Dingell in October of 2003 because of grave concerns I had regarding threats to our national security created by the influx of Canadian trash trucks. The findings of the report will come as no shock to you or other Michigan citizens -- the current inspection and screening of trash trucks presents a serious risk to our national security and public health. You can read a short summary of this report on the Department's website.
Details of report not made public
To my great disappointment, Homeland Security has refused to release the details of this report to the public even though it is not classified information. I am fighting to make these important facts available to people living in Michigan so that we can all understand the risk to our communities. On March 3, 2006, I joined Senator Levin and Congressman Dingell in demanding that Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff make the full unclassified report available to the public.
Senate budget bill lays groundwork for trash inspection fees
Ultimately, we need to stop these trash trucks altogether. But until that happens, our safety and security depend on the effective screening of their contents. I believe that Canada has an obligation to pay for these inspections. In the recent budget bill, I authored a provision that passed the U.S. Senate, which lays the groundwork for the United States to charge up to $45 million a year in inspection fees to Canadian trash truck companies. These fees equal $420 per truck crossing into Michigan.
This provision would ensure that American taxpayers do not pay the costs of implementing the security recommendations of the Inspector General's report. It would dramatically increase the cost of sending trash into our state (which I hope will eliminate the incentive for them to dump their trash here.)
EPA treaty still not enforced by the Administration
This Administration, through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), continues to have the power to stop the trash today, but has refused to use its authority under an existing treaty with Canada. I continue to pressure top Administration officials to use the legal powers they already have. I met with the new Administrator of the EPA, Steven Johnson, and gave him our petition signed by over 171,000 Michigan citizens demanding a stop to this unprecedented dumping. I will continue to pursue legislation to address this issue and to force the EPA to use their authority to stop the trash.
Inspections and screening critical to national security
Incredibly, even as we fight to prevent Canada from turning Michigan into one big landfill, this month a Canadian trash truck spilled sewage along I-275 in Wayne County, forcing local police to shut the overpass for hours while it was cleaned up. The law I authored in 2003 that requires the use of high tech screening equipment for trash truck inspections was an important safety step, but the Homeland Security report and this most recent trash spill highlight the urgency of this issue and the need for further action.
Inadequate screening of trash trucks makes them attractive targets for criminal and terrorist activity. In recent years, border inspections have found hazardous medical waste, radioactive materials, illegal drugs and counterfeit currency in Canadian trash shipments.
Our online petition is still active. If you know anyone who would like to sign the petition and receive these periodic updates, they can do so by going to www.stabenow.senate.gov/stoptrash.
Thank you so much for your on-going interest and concern. I am offended, as I know you are, that the dumping continues. I will continue to do everything in my power to stop the trash. As always, please feel free to contact my office on this or any other issue of concern to you.
Sincerely,
Debbie Stabenow
United States Senator
Pointing this out again...
If you haven't yet, you should check out the Great Lakes Town Hall and the Biodiversity Project. Nice sites, great information, from Madison, WI.
EPA, Corps of Engineers Move to Improve Wetlands Restoration and Conservation
Here's this morning's press release from the EPA. I'm worried again.
(Washington, D.C. - March 27, 2006) Swamps, bogs, fens, and marshes are as vital to our environment as coral reefs and rain forests. With that in focus, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) are proposing a new rule to ensure more effective wetlands restoration and preservation nationwide. The agencies' rule, being published for public comment, proposes improved science and results-oriented standards to increase the quality and effectiveness of wetlands conservation practices under the Clean Water Act (CWA).
"We are accelerating the pace of wetlands restoration and conservation," said Benjamin H. Grumbles, U.S. EPA assistant administrator for Water. "Today's action which emphasizes the best available science, promotes innovation, and focuses on results will help our nation meet the President's ambitious wetlands goal, while promoting flexibility and accountability."
"We are focusing on a watershed approach for improving wetlands conservation in this proposed rule," John Paul Woodley Jr., assistant secretary of the Army (Civil Works), said. "This approach helps us fulfill the promise President Bush has made to protect, improve and create new wetlands and other
aquatic resources."
Because wetlands play such a critical role in the environment, a project proposed to be built in wetlands is first subject to review by the Corps and EPA under the CWA. Consistent with the goal of "no net loss of wetlands," this review often requires a developer to restore or create a wetland to replace the one that was impacted by the project.
The proposed rule:
*Responds to recommendations of the National Research Council to improve the success of wetland restoration and replacement projects;
*Sets clear science-based and results-oriented standards nationwide while allowing for regional variations;
*Increases and expands public participation;
*Encourages watershed-based decisions; and
*Affirms the "wetlands mitigation sequence" requiring that proposed projects fully avoid and minimize potential wetland impacts.
By focusing on results and accountability, the proposed standards will improve the quality and effectiveness of wetland replacement projects. Most importantly, the proposal establishes a "level playing field" ensuring that all forms of wetlands conservation satisfy the same high environmental standards.
Increased reliance on innovative, market-based approaches is expected to promote the expansion of wetland banking, which is one of the most reliable and environmentally effective methods of wetland replacement. A wetland bank is a wetland, stream, or other aquatic resource area that has been restored and protected to offset permitted impacts to wetlands or other aquatic resources.
Wetlands provide important environmental functions including protecting and improving water quality and providing habitat to fish and wildlife. Wetlands are also critically important areas for storing floodwaters and can reduce damage from storm surges caused by hurricanes.
For more information regarding compensatory mitigation and how to provide comments on the proposed standards, see: http://www.epa.gov/wetlandsmitigation
Information about the importance of wetlands is available at: http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/ Additional information about the Corps' regulatory program can be found at: http://www.usace.army.mil/inet/functions/cw/cecwo/reg/
(Washington, D.C. - March 27, 2006) Swamps, bogs, fens, and marshes are as vital to our environment as coral reefs and rain forests. With that in focus, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) are proposing a new rule to ensure more effective wetlands restoration and preservation nationwide. The agencies' rule, being published for public comment, proposes improved science and results-oriented standards to increase the quality and effectiveness of wetlands conservation practices under the Clean Water Act (CWA).
"We are accelerating the pace of wetlands restoration and conservation," said Benjamin H. Grumbles, U.S. EPA assistant administrator for Water. "Today's action which emphasizes the best available science, promotes innovation, and focuses on results will help our nation meet the President's ambitious wetlands goal, while promoting flexibility and accountability."
"We are focusing on a watershed approach for improving wetlands conservation in this proposed rule," John Paul Woodley Jr., assistant secretary of the Army (Civil Works), said. "This approach helps us fulfill the promise President Bush has made to protect, improve and create new wetlands and other
aquatic resources."
Because wetlands play such a critical role in the environment, a project proposed to be built in wetlands is first subject to review by the Corps and EPA under the CWA. Consistent with the goal of "no net loss of wetlands," this review often requires a developer to restore or create a wetland to replace the one that was impacted by the project.
The proposed rule:
*Responds to recommendations of the National Research Council to improve the success of wetland restoration and replacement projects;
*Sets clear science-based and results-oriented standards nationwide while allowing for regional variations;
*Increases and expands public participation;
*Encourages watershed-based decisions; and
*Affirms the "wetlands mitigation sequence" requiring that proposed projects fully avoid and minimize potential wetland impacts.
By focusing on results and accountability, the proposed standards will improve the quality and effectiveness of wetland replacement projects. Most importantly, the proposal establishes a "level playing field" ensuring that all forms of wetlands conservation satisfy the same high environmental standards.
Increased reliance on innovative, market-based approaches is expected to promote the expansion of wetland banking, which is one of the most reliable and environmentally effective methods of wetland replacement. A wetland bank is a wetland, stream, or other aquatic resource area that has been restored and protected to offset permitted impacts to wetlands or other aquatic resources.
Wetlands provide important environmental functions including protecting and improving water quality and providing habitat to fish and wildlife. Wetlands are also critically important areas for storing floodwaters and can reduce damage from storm surges caused by hurricanes.
For more information regarding compensatory mitigation and how to provide comments on the proposed standards, see: http://www.epa.gov/wetlandsmitigation
Information about the importance of wetlands is available at: http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/ Additional information about the Corps' regulatory program can be found at: http://www.usace.army.mil/inet/functions/cw/cecwo/reg/
Monday, March 27, 2006
DEQ Project Creates Prime Redevelopment Possibilities in Downtown Detroit
Detroiter? You might be interested in what has been going on downtown.
DEQ Project Creates Prime Redevelopment Possibilities in Downtown Detroit
DEQ Project Creates Prime Redevelopment Possibilities in Downtown Detroit
Rivers Indicate Earlier Snowmelt in East
Scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) have found evidence in eastern North America that the snow is melting and running off into rivers earlier than it did in the first half of the 20th century. According to a USGS study published in the most recent issue of Geophysical Research Letters, winter-spring flows in many rivers in the northern United States and Canada are occurring earlier by 5-10 days.
"We studied rural, unregulated rivers with more than 50 years of USGS and Environment Canada river flow data", explained Glenn Hodgkins, lead author and hydrologist at the USGS Maine Water Science Center. "Some 179 rivers in eastern North America met the criteria of our study with 147 in the United States from the Dakotas to New England and 32 in Canada from Manitoba to Newfoundland. These rivers are sensitive to changes in precipitation and temperature," added Robert Dudley, study co-author.
The scientists compared the dates by which half of the total volume of winter-spring runoff has flowed past a river gaging station in each year. Most rivers north of 44° north latitude—roughly from southern Minnesota and Michigan through northern New York and southern Maine—showed earlier winter-spring streamflows. In contrast, many stations south of this line in Iowa, southern Wisconsin, and northern Illinois had later streamflows. Changes in average monthly flows support these results—there are high percentages of rivers north of 44° north latitude with increases in January, February, and March streamflows and relatively high percentages of rivers with decreases in May and June.
In 2005, researchers from Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the USGS found earlier streamflow across large portions of western North America in rivers with significant snowmelt runoff.
The documented changes in the timing of winter-spring streamflows in eastern North America may be important to aquatic ecosystems but the impacts of these changes are not well understood. One possible impact may be on the survival rate of Atlantic salmon.
Source: USGS
"We studied rural, unregulated rivers with more than 50 years of USGS and Environment Canada river flow data", explained Glenn Hodgkins, lead author and hydrologist at the USGS Maine Water Science Center. "Some 179 rivers in eastern North America met the criteria of our study with 147 in the United States from the Dakotas to New England and 32 in Canada from Manitoba to Newfoundland. These rivers are sensitive to changes in precipitation and temperature," added Robert Dudley, study co-author.
The scientists compared the dates by which half of the total volume of winter-spring runoff has flowed past a river gaging station in each year. Most rivers north of 44° north latitude—roughly from southern Minnesota and Michigan through northern New York and southern Maine—showed earlier winter-spring streamflows. In contrast, many stations south of this line in Iowa, southern Wisconsin, and northern Illinois had later streamflows. Changes in average monthly flows support these results—there are high percentages of rivers north of 44° north latitude with increases in January, February, and March streamflows and relatively high percentages of rivers with decreases in May and June.
In 2005, researchers from Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the USGS found earlier streamflow across large portions of western North America in rivers with significant snowmelt runoff.
The documented changes in the timing of winter-spring streamflows in eastern North America may be important to aquatic ecosystems but the impacts of these changes are not well understood. One possible impact may be on the survival rate of Atlantic salmon.
Source: USGS
Friday, March 24, 2006
FUH2!
Hats off to Bruce the Cat in Holland, MI who sent me a link to FUH2.com yesterday. Apparently folks all over the world are flipping off people in Hummers! Wheee! This site has nearly 3000 pics of people giving the finger to Hummer drivers, and there's room to add yours.
Alright! These gas-guzzling, atmosphere-destroying morons need to know that they are indeed morons. Let those fingers fly people! Let's make sure that Hummer drivers know what we think of them! It's Paradigm-shift in action, one Hummer driver at a time.
Black Bear Speaks joins the Green Blogosphere
I'm proud to say that I've been listed as a member of the Green Blogosphere. Thanks to Jeff at Sustainablog for adding me to this list. I am honored. There are dozens of great site listed, and it's awesome to be considered when there are so many excellent blogs and so many cool greens out there writing/working for change...
Jeff's site is by far one of the best written and incredibly well organized blogs out there. He is a diligent and prolific writer who teaches me something new everytime I visit his site. I highly recommended Sustainablog.
Jeff's site is by far one of the best written and incredibly well organized blogs out there. He is a diligent and prolific writer who teaches me something new everytime I visit his site. I highly recommended Sustainablog.
EPA Finally goes green
EPA just announced 100 percent of its power consumption at its Washington, D.C. headquarters will be supplied by green, renewable power, and the majority of energy at over 30 regional and laboratory facilities will come from sustainable sources.
EPA has contracted to purchase nearly 260 million kilowatt hours of green power each year for 10 of the agency's offices and 21 laboratories, which places them among the top three green-power consumers in the country. Only the U.S. Air Force and Whole Foods Markets buy more green power.
I know, you'd think they would have done this 30 years ago. It's about damn time.
EPA has contracted to purchase nearly 260 million kilowatt hours of green power each year for 10 of the agency's offices and 21 laboratories, which places them among the top three green-power consumers in the country. Only the U.S. Air Force and Whole Foods Markets buy more green power.
I know, you'd think they would have done this 30 years ago. It's about damn time.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Governor Granholm's comments to me regarding the Kennecott sulfide mining operation in the Upper Peninsula
March 16, 2006
Jerome Alicki
xxx xxxxxxxxxx St.
Grand Rapids, MI. xxxxx
Dear Mr. Alicki:
Thank you for taking the time to contact my office about the possibility that mining will take place on the Yellow Dog Plains.
Kennecott Minerals Company has expressed interest in applying for a permit to create a sulfide mine in the Big Bay area. You have raised important questions about the impact this development might have on the quality of life in this beautiful part of Michigan. I appreciate and share your concerns for the Upper Peninsula's pristine environment and your desire for it to remain protected for future generations.
As you know, the DEQ formed a workgroup in 2004 to review the regulation of metallic mineral exploration and other related issues within the mining industry. The workgroup, comprised of concerned citizens, members of conservation and environmental groups, local government officials, scientists, tribes, EPA officials and mining industry representatives, held numerous public meetings and solicited and received comments on the appropriate scope of regulation of nonferrous mining in general. While the workgroup did not review any specific proposed mining operation, it recognized that nonferrous mining would be proposed in areas of extraordinary natural beauty and sensitivity, and that rigorous environmental protections must be fully incorporated in the regulatory framework.
The workgroup made recommendations that were incorporated into Part 632 - Nonferrous Metallic Mineral Mining - of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protections Act, enacted in December 2004. This law gives the DEQ the authority to administer and regulate nonferrous metallic mineral mining in Michigan. The workgroup and the DEQ had until Feb 15, 2006 to create rules regarding standards of construction, operation, closure, monitoring, reclamation and remediation of these mines. During the rules process, The DEQ received numerous comments regarding the content of the rules and held three public hearings. I considered and formally responded to all substantive comments. In February, Keenecott applied for a permit under this law.
On February 23, 2006, I sent a letter to DEQ Director Steven Chester regarding the permit applications they received from Kennecott. In that letter, I asked the DEQ to carefully review these applications to ensure that Kennecott can meet our new and rigorous mining standards. DEQ will not approve the permit unless it meets the standards in the law and rules that ensure its mining will not pollute, impair, or destroy the air, water, and other natural resources, and that the mining area will be restored to a self-sustaining ecosystem that does not require perpetual care. I have enclosed a copy of my correspondence to Director Chester. (Um, no actually you didn't Governor, but I'll let that slide.)
I am confident that strong, effective enforcement of the law can allow new mining to go forward without threatening the natural beauty and environmental quality of this area.
Again, thank you for contacting my office. Your opinion is helpful to me as I make decisions about environmental issues that affect Michigan's future.
Sincerely yours,
Jennifer M. Granholm
Governor
Well, what can I say other than "Jennifer, you are dead wrong." Kennecott has one of the worst environmental records of any company in the U.S. Just because there is a new law in place does not mean that they will adhere to the law. And to even suggest that an ecosystem can be restored and made "self-sustaining" after such a destructive practice as sulfide mining is positively ludicrous. The question is not whether Kennecott can "meet rigorous mining standards," the question is whether this type of mining should occur in Michigan at all. This Bear gives a firm thumbs down to Kennecott and the Granholm administration. Although many steps were taken to mitigate damage, Granholm's Republican opponent in the next election - he who is evil and shall remain nameless - could use this as an example of Granholm's poor environmental stewardship.
Jerome Alicki
xxx xxxxxxxxxx St.
Grand Rapids, MI. xxxxx
Dear Mr. Alicki:
Thank you for taking the time to contact my office about the possibility that mining will take place on the Yellow Dog Plains.
Kennecott Minerals Company has expressed interest in applying for a permit to create a sulfide mine in the Big Bay area. You have raised important questions about the impact this development might have on the quality of life in this beautiful part of Michigan. I appreciate and share your concerns for the Upper Peninsula's pristine environment and your desire for it to remain protected for future generations.
As you know, the DEQ formed a workgroup in 2004 to review the regulation of metallic mineral exploration and other related issues within the mining industry. The workgroup, comprised of concerned citizens, members of conservation and environmental groups, local government officials, scientists, tribes, EPA officials and mining industry representatives, held numerous public meetings and solicited and received comments on the appropriate scope of regulation of nonferrous mining in general. While the workgroup did not review any specific proposed mining operation, it recognized that nonferrous mining would be proposed in areas of extraordinary natural beauty and sensitivity, and that rigorous environmental protections must be fully incorporated in the regulatory framework.
The workgroup made recommendations that were incorporated into Part 632 - Nonferrous Metallic Mineral Mining - of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protections Act, enacted in December 2004. This law gives the DEQ the authority to administer and regulate nonferrous metallic mineral mining in Michigan. The workgroup and the DEQ had until Feb 15, 2006 to create rules regarding standards of construction, operation, closure, monitoring, reclamation and remediation of these mines. During the rules process, The DEQ received numerous comments regarding the content of the rules and held three public hearings. I considered and formally responded to all substantive comments. In February, Keenecott applied for a permit under this law.
On February 23, 2006, I sent a letter to DEQ Director Steven Chester regarding the permit applications they received from Kennecott. In that letter, I asked the DEQ to carefully review these applications to ensure that Kennecott can meet our new and rigorous mining standards. DEQ will not approve the permit unless it meets the standards in the law and rules that ensure its mining will not pollute, impair, or destroy the air, water, and other natural resources, and that the mining area will be restored to a self-sustaining ecosystem that does not require perpetual care. I have enclosed a copy of my correspondence to Director Chester. (Um, no actually you didn't Governor, but I'll let that slide.)
I am confident that strong, effective enforcement of the law can allow new mining to go forward without threatening the natural beauty and environmental quality of this area.
Again, thank you for contacting my office. Your opinion is helpful to me as I make decisions about environmental issues that affect Michigan's future.
Sincerely yours,
Jennifer M. Granholm
Governor
Well, what can I say other than "Jennifer, you are dead wrong." Kennecott has one of the worst environmental records of any company in the U.S. Just because there is a new law in place does not mean that they will adhere to the law. And to even suggest that an ecosystem can be restored and made "self-sustaining" after such a destructive practice as sulfide mining is positively ludicrous. The question is not whether Kennecott can "meet rigorous mining standards," the question is whether this type of mining should occur in Michigan at all. This Bear gives a firm thumbs down to Kennecott and the Granholm administration. Although many steps were taken to mitigate damage, Granholm's Republican opponent in the next election - he who is evil and shall remain nameless - could use this as an example of Granholm's poor environmental stewardship.
What is a SLAPP suit?
Activists, here's something you need to know about. Let me boost your legal knowledge a bit. What is a SLAPP suit? According to nolo.com it's:
What to do if SLAPPed? The Anti-SLAPP Resource Center has some answers.
Here's a couple examples of SLAPP suits from Headwaters Preserve.
Corporate SLAPP suits Against Forest Protesters Begin, Maxxam/PL Has Filed Numerous Lawsuits to Quell Protests
Yes, this is something to watch out for. It's why the word 'satire' appears in the title of this page.
"A Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation, in which a corporation or developer sues an organization in an attempt to scare it into dropping protests against a corporate initiative. SLAPP suits typically involve the environment--for example, local residents who are petitioning to change zoning laws to prevent a real estate development might be sued in a SLAPP suit for interference with the developer's business interests. Many states have "anti-SLAPP suit" statutes that protect citizens' rights to free speech and to petition the government."
What to do if SLAPPed? The Anti-SLAPP Resource Center has some answers.
Here's a couple examples of SLAPP suits from Headwaters Preserve.
Corporate SLAPP suits Against Forest Protesters Begin, Maxxam/PL Has Filed Numerous Lawsuits to Quell Protests
The trial of Pacific Lumber (PL) and Scotia Pacific (ScoPac) Corporations versus Kim Starr (Verbena) began with opening statements last Thursday (see below) in Judge Watson's Superior Court in Humboldt county. It took an astounding 8 days to seat a jury in a jury selection process that weeded out anyone who seemed passionate about the earth and people unhappy
with 'corporate personhood'.
This is the first of three civil lawsuits, known as S.L.A.P.P suits, filed by the timber company against forest activists. "S.L.A.P.P" stands for Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation and are a strategy employed by corporations, usually those in the extractive industries, to quell opposition against their practices. Verbena, a well known local forest activist, is representing herself against the harassment lawsuit for alleged civil trespass related to a protest at PL headquarters in Scotia in 2002, to call attention to damaging logging in the Mattole River watershed. The case number is DR020478, Pacific Lumber et al v. Jonathan Laine, Kimberly Starr et al.
A second SLAPP suit filed against people involved in forest protests that took place in the Mattole area itself in 2001 is in discovery phase. The third SLAPP suit is focused on the Freshwater watershed protests of March 2003, when treesitter Remedy and others were removed from high up in ancient redwoods they had occupied for up to a year alongside Greenwood Heights Road. Over forty people were arrested at that time during intense public protests. Large crowds turned out to witness and protest the cutting of the ancient trees as well as the sometimes brutal and always reckless extractions performed by Eric Schatz of Schatz Tree Service and his employees, under contract to PL.
Maxxam/PL has filed at least six of these SLAPP harassment lawsuits against critics of their liquidation logging practices, the first in 1987. The suits currently in court were filed between 2001 and 2003.
Yes, this is something to watch out for. It's why the word 'satire' appears in the title of this page.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Illinois waters will get cleaner... someday
I'll just quote tonite:
Source: Environmental Law and Policy Center of the Midwest
"On January 19 the Illinois Pollution Control Board adopted a stringent new rule limiting the acceptable concentration of phosphorus in wastewater from most new or expanding city wastewater and industrial plants. Since algae thrives on phosphorus, this new rule will help to curb excessive amounts of harmful algae in Illinois waters. After years of legislative wrangling, Illinois environmental groups have succeeded once again, with the help of Governor Blagojevich, in protecting waterways from substances known to harm them. In addition to the immediate benefits of having clean lakes and streams, this rule will serve as a precedent for future phosphorus pollution laws in the entire Mississippi watershed. The rule came as the result of years of efforts by the Environmental Law & Policy Center, Sierra Club-Illinois Chapter, Prairie Rivers Network and other environmental organizations."
Source: Environmental Law and Policy Center of the Midwest
Saturday, March 18, 2006
We Energies' Wind Project
Blue Sky Green Field Wind Project will be capable of powering 45,000 homes
Note the We Energies is also building the largest coal burning power plant ever, just north of Chicago on the lakeshore.
We Energies filed a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity application today with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin for authorization to construct the Blue Sky Green Field Wind Project.
The proposed wind project will be located in the towns of Calumet and Marshfield in northeast Fond du Lac County. The wind project is being designed to generate up to 203 megawatts of electricity, enough energy to power approximately 45,000 residential homes. The project will consist of approximately 88 wind turbines with an installed cost of up to $346 million, which includes allowance for funds used during construction.
Note the We Energies is also building the largest coal burning power plant ever, just north of Chicago on the lakeshore.
Senator Jeffords Comments during Great Lakes hearings
Senator Jeffords supports the $20billion plan for Great Lakes clean-up, while Lord Asshole, -oops, excuse me - Senator Imhoff, the ignorant prick who is head of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, says the program is to expensive.
The following are Senator Jefford's comments during the hearing on March 16th:
U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works
The following are Senator Jefford's comments during the hearing on March 16th:
The Great Lakes are the nation's largest fresh water reservoir. This is a resource we need to protect.
Lake Champlain has two hydrologic connections with the Great Lakes ecosystem. The first is along the Canadian border through the St. Lawrence into Lake Ontario. The second is along the southern part of the lake where it connects to the Great Lakes through the canal system.
These lakes are all part of the same ecosystem, and face many of the same problems. For example, there are 48 invasive aquatic species in the Lake Champlain Basin, and 13 of them have come from the Great Lakes. It is imperative that we enact legislation to comprehensively address invasive species in this Congress.
As we move forward on Great Lakes restoration, we must incorporate Lake Champlain into the process. We do not want to make large investments in the Great Lakes or Lake Champlain, only to find that a failure to comprehensively address a particular issue limited our success.
We know that water quality problems do not respect state or national boundaries. No program knows this better than the Great Lakes. I urge the witnesses here today and the members of the Committee to keep Lake Champlain, the eastern end of the Great Lakes ecosystem, in mind as we move forward.
Mr. Chairman, I want to take a minute to identify something else these two ecosystems have in common: They are both starved for money. In the face of EPA's own study showing a spending shortfall of $270 billion for water infrastructure needs, this Administration continues to cut spending. This year's proposed budget would cut the Clean Water State Revolving Fund by almost 50 percent from what annual appropriations were when President Bush took office.
At our Committee's hearing on the EPA budget, I said that this budget is like an ostrich sticking its head in the sand. We cannot resolve the problems in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain by ignoring them. We must turn the corner on clean water funding.
U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works
Friday, March 17, 2006
Whew! I'm calling it a success!
Black Bear Speaks had nearly 4000 visitors over the past year! 3,919 from March 15, 2005 to March 15, 2006. I've been counting unique visits to this site, there is a record of how many individual computers checked out the Bear. If you scroll down, you'll note that the 4000 mark will be reached today.
Daily hits on this site have grown, averaging about 25 per day(that doesn't include me). That means that there are a number of repeat repeat readers, the Bear has gotten over 3800 hits since mid November.
Anyway, the message is getting out there. Thanks to everyone who has come to the site and read, responded, emailed me cool stuff, and linked their blog to this one. You've kept my spirits up for the past year with lots of positive comments, I really appreciate it. I also really appreciate it when folks tell me I've made a mistake or I'm just "fuuuuuullll of Shit!" Those are the funniest emails. I get pretty worked up about them. Now if I could just get those folks to start giving me job offers...
Daily hits on this site have grown, averaging about 25 per day(that doesn't include me). That means that there are a number of repeat repeat readers, the Bear has gotten over 3800 hits since mid November.
Anyway, the message is getting out there. Thanks to everyone who has come to the site and read, responded, emailed me cool stuff, and linked their blog to this one. You've kept my spirits up for the past year with lots of positive comments, I really appreciate it. I also really appreciate it when folks tell me I've made a mistake or I'm just "fuuuuuullll of Shit!" Those are the funniest emails. I get pretty worked up about them. Now if I could just get those folks to start giving me job offers...
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Dude, the evidence is overwhelming
World Resources Institute has just released a review of last year's major climate research. The studies indicate how changes due to human-induced climate change are already having quantifiable effects on the environment. The review comes to three critical conclusions:
1. Taken collectively, the studies suggest that the world may well have moved past a key physical tipping point.
2. The science tells us the effects of climate change are at a scale that adds enormous urgency not only to the efforts to prevent additional change, but equally important, to efforts to adapt to the impacts already occurring.
3. The science makes it clear that additional climate impacts will result even if emissions of greenhouse gases are halted immediately.
Dude, read this: World Resources Institute climate science page
Any legislator who does not believe that climate change is occuring should be removed from office immediately. No recall, no elections, just yank them out of their office and tell them they're done working for you.
1. Taken collectively, the studies suggest that the world may well have moved past a key physical tipping point.
2. The science tells us the effects of climate change are at a scale that adds enormous urgency not only to the efforts to prevent additional change, but equally important, to efforts to adapt to the impacts already occurring.
3. The science makes it clear that additional climate impacts will result even if emissions of greenhouse gases are halted immediately.
Dude, read this: World Resources Institute climate science page
Any legislator who does not believe that climate change is occuring should be removed from office immediately. No recall, no elections, just yank them out of their office and tell them they're done working for you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)