The Bush Administration has blocked an effort by California and other states to require higher emissions limits for cars and trucks to improve the air for their citizens. After waiting and hoping that federal courts would side with industry in litigation over the question, the Administration was forced to come up and oppose the environmental effort when the industry lost in court. Continue reading “Bush Administration Blocks Efforts of the States to Improve Clean Quality”
Category: Environment
Fort Thomas, Ky. has a deer problem that may soon be a human problem. The city council is allowing hunting (with bow and arrow) within city limits. Given the number of hunting accidents each year, it seems an invitation for accidents. Continue reading “Kentucky City Allows Deer Hunting Within City Limits”
The Republicans were successful in filibustering the energy bill (including needed increases in fuel efficiency standards for cars) over their opposition to increased taxes for oil companies. Continue reading “GOP Filibusters Energy Bill Over Increased Taxes for Oil Companies — Why Can’t Democrats Be More Like Republicans?”
A federal district court has ruled against the auto industry’s attempt to stop California from requiring cleaner cars. The ruling of U.S. District Court Judge Anthony Ishii now puts pressure on the Bush Administration to either allow the important environmental measure to take effect or, once again, block an effort to combat greenhouse gases. Continue reading “Federal Court Rules Against Car Manufacturers; Pressure Now on Bush Administration”
In different studies, scientists have recently identified two major sources of global warming: Kudzo and Canadian beer drinkers. Continue reading “Scientists Identify Two Emerging Threats to the Planet: Kudzo and Canadian Beer Drinkers”
A case is brewing in California that could revisit controversies over constitutional taking of private property and the common law concerning public easements. Douglas Rigg, a 43-year-old architect, is challenging the property owners of a development called Seadrift near Stinson beach that bans the public from use of their beach. Continue reading “California Development Sued for Denying Public Use of Beach: A New Coastal Takings Case?”
Three people have been killed thus far in Wisconsin’s deer season — after only nine days. Continue reading “Buck Fever: Three Killed in First Nine Days of Deer Season in Wisconsin”
The Bush meat case in New York is moving toward trial with new arguments, including the use of the monkey meat as religious expression and the argument that the amount was too small to have a significant impact on conservation: a type of one monkey limit for chefs. Continue reading ““Bush Meat” Case Moves Toward Trial Amid Claims of One Monkey Exception”
In what is called the ultimate sacrifice for the planet, environmentalist Toni Vernelli announced this week that she not only terminated a pregnancy but had herself sterilized to save the planet from more people. Continue reading “What Ever Happened to a Small Monthly Donation? Environmentalist Sterilizes Self to Save Planet”
As U.S. Parks face cut back and no significant expansion of forested areas, Canada has set aside 25.5 million acres of land in the north for use as two new conservation areas — the equivalent to 11 Yellowstone National Parks. Continue reading “Canada Adds “11 Yellowstones” to its Park System as Over-Taxed U.S. Parks Face Cuts”
For many years, the market for “bushmeat” has been increasing in major cities among immigrants. This is often done through private distributors who sell the meat in secret. Now, a case in Brooklyn will be heard by a jury Continue reading “Bushmeat Prosecution in New York Starts Amid Religious Claims”
With flags showing smiling whales and playing Popeye the Sailor Man, the Japanese fleet set out this week for the first large-scale killing of humpback whales since the 1960s when the world banned the practice. At least 50 whales will be killed. For the full article, click here
A nobel-winning panel issued a report that global change is now so “severe and so sweeping that only urgent, global action” can prevent global disaster. Continue reading “Nobel-Winning Panel Calls for Urgent Action on Global Warming to Avoid Disaster”
Jim Stevenson is facing two years in prison for shooting a cat that he said was stalking an endangered bird in a case that contains a fascinating question of what constitutes a “pet.” Continue reading “Murderous Ornithologist or Just Protective Bird-Lover? Texas Man on Trial for Shooting Cat to Save Bird”
Given the controversy over the use of carbon monoxide in beef, this prior column on the hold of the meat industry over government policy may be of interest: Continue reading “The Beef People: The Creekstone Controversy and the Bush Administration’s Effort to Prevent Private Testing of Meat Products”