State debates legalizing marijuana Oct 29, 2009
But John Standish, president of the California Peace Officers' Association, predicted those revenues would be offset by the cost of drug abuse treatment, the costs of people who drive under the influence of the drug or commit other crimes and other social and environmental impacts. "In 30 years of law enforcement in California, I have seen nothing good come" of marijuana use, Standish said. (San Francisco Chronicle)
EPA's new green parking lot allows scientists to study permeable surfaces that may help the environment Oct 29, 2009
"By evaluating different designs and materials, this study will help us develop strategies to lessen the environmental impacts of parking lots across the country and make our communities more sustainable.". This summer, EPA replaced a 43,000-square-foot section of the parking lot at its Edison facility with three different types of permeable pavement and planted several rain gardens with varying vegetation for the study. (EurekAlert!)
CSR in South African Diamond Mining Oct 27, 2009
Across the three tenets of corporate social responsibility, economic impacts, environmental impacts and social impacts, Benchmark Foundation s researcher found that there was little community support or knowledge of corporate social responsibility practices with average scores on all three dimensions under 2 (out of 5). However, the research report did not disclose the scores of individual communities, so conclusions cannot be drawn as to which of the three companies is performing best. (Suite101.com)
Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Among Healthiest Coral Reefs In Gulf Of Mexico Oct 27, 2009
The report cautions that despite the sanctuary's relatively healthy condition, it may be more susceptible to environmental impacts than previously thought. For example, scientists observed high levels of coral bleaching and corals severely impacted from hurricane activity. (Science Daily)
Vt.'s Energy Future With or Without Yankee: Discussion Tonight Oct 27, 2009
At Vermont Yankee: A Discussion of Our Energy Future, a panel of energy and environmental officials will discuss the social, economic and environmental impacts of the plant's closure or extended operation. The presentation runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Shelburne Town Hall. (WCAX.com, VT)
Environmentalists divided over wind project Oct 23, 2009
Any kind of energy development is going to have environmental impacts that are going to concern somebody, said John Echeverria, a Vermont Law School professor who specializes in environmental law and isn t involved in the lawsuit. This has been an issue for the environmental community. (Boston Globe)
State May Allow ATV Riders Limited Access to Public Lands Oct 23, 2009
"We're not opposed to ATV riding in the state. State lands is a different issue. The public has very strong sentiments about what their public lands are managed for. A lot of those have been purchased with federal funds that don't allow motorized vehicles. There's environmental impacts, there are social impacts, and we feel the public has spoken on this issue. They're 4 to 1 against it." The proposal still needs approval from the Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules, known as LCAR. That... (WCAX.com, VT)
Africa: Pastoralists Face Climate Change Threat Oct 23, 2009
These will be between those that are major energy producers and those that are non-producers, between those that are relatively resilient to the projected impact of climate change and those that are vulnerable to those impacts, and between those with differing attitudes on environmental impacts and the inherent scientific uncertainties. But Copenhagen will also produce new visions and solidarities among the powerless. (allAfrica.com)
Glacial Melting May Release Pollutants Into The Environment Oct 22, 2009
"Considering ongoing global warming and accelerated massive glacial melting predicted for the future, our study indicates the potential for environmental impacts due to pollutants delivered into pristine mountainous areas," Bogdal said. Journal reference. (Science Daily)
Letter: Energy debate should focus on growing in sustainability Oct 22, 2009
One is that there is no future for coal as we will run out of it in about 100 years and it has a lot of negative environmental impacts. We should be comparing nuclear with solar, wind and other renewable energy sources. (Daily Collegian, PA)
Public meeting on Rosemont mine Oct 21, 2009
Jensen is responsible for Natural Resources and Environment and has oversight of the Forest Service, the agency now analyzing the mine s potential environmental impacts. The meeting will be from 2:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. at the Desert Hills Social Center, 2980 S. Camino del Sol in Green Valley and will follow one from 10:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Elgin Elementary School, 23 Elgin Road, Elgin. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Carthage Board Asks State to Defer Bypass Oct 21, 2009
Johnson had cited three concerns prompting deferral: significant public opposition to all three corridors, low traffic volume to warrant such a freeway facility, and significant environmental impacts if a southern corridor is chosen and pursued, requiring sizable cost of mitigation. Livengood said Johnson told her in a phone conversation that deferring the project does not mean those corridors will be redrawn. (The Pilot Newspaper)
Baylor's Highers Athletics Complex Earns LEED Silver Rating for New Construction Oct 20, 2009
19, 2009)--For the second time in four months, Baylor University has achieved a major environmental rating this time for new construction for satisfying rigorous standards that address environmental impacts in the design, construction, operations and management of a building ... Regional material selection, which supported local businesses and reduced environmental impacts from transportation. (KWTX.com, TX)
Exxaro reaches out to locals of Lephalale Oct 19, 2009
There have been increasing concerns from locals, who are agitated about traffic congestion, the influx of foreigners and environmental impacts resulting from the partnership project between one of Africa's largest coal producers and Eskom. Joe Meyer, Exxaro's general manager of the Grootgeluk Medupi expansion project, told a meeting of the Lephalale Chamber of Business to seek opportunities in the project. (Business Report, South Africa)
Agribusiness readies technology to fight hunger Oct 17, 2009
Carl Hausmann, chief executive of global agribusiness giant Bunge's North American operations, said agriculture will need to double food production in 40 years even as it reduces its big environmental impacts on a changing climate. "We have doubled production before but in ways that use more , more land, more fertilizer," Hausmann said, adding that it "hasn't always been as soft on the environment as we will need to be in the future. Doubling again while using less water, less land, less crop... (Scientific American)
Impacts of Global Biofuel Boom Remain Murky Oct 17, 2009
The scope of environmental impacts from biofuels, such as ethanol from corn, remain unclear. iStockphoto. (Scientific American)
Coal mining backers fight federal plan Oct 16, 2009
"The national permit is a tool to evaluate surface mining impacts and other tools can be used that provide greater analysis to evaluate the social and environmental impacts," Col. Crall said. The Corps' hearing in Pittsburgh was one of three last night. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Carthage Bypass Dropped Oct 14, 2009
"The southern alternatives have significant environmental impacts that will have to be mitigated at a sizable cost if a southern route is chosen and pursued," he said. Both southern routes would split Carthage between its historic center and its growing Little River area to the south. (The Pilot Newspaper)
Red Dog poised to dig for another two decades Oct 14, 2009
That proposal to regulators touched off a two-year federal study of the mine's environmental impacts over the past 20 years and what those impacts could be if the new pit were built. A few days ago, the federal Environmental Protection Agency published its study, after wading through hundreds of pages of public comments on a draft version of the document, filed by mine employees, village leaders, environmentalists and many others. (Anchorage Daily News)
Hawaii rail transit faces tight schedule Oct 12, 2009
If the project receives needed federal approvals, it would indicate that the Federal Transit Administration has no major qualms about the project's environmental impacts. However, the project could face a lawsuit from environmental/cultural groups, private landowners or other special interests. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Williams to head sustainability coalition Oct 10, 2009
Trends indicate that purchases from local suppliers will increase as large businesses seek to reduce their environmental impacts in the areas of transportation and social responsibility, Williams said in a news release. Small and diverse enterprise need to be prepared when the national recession lifts and the economy rebounds. (Cincinnati Business Courier, OH)
Workshop on International Cyanide Management Code opens Oct 9, 2009
It is aimed at enhancing the protection of human health, and reduce the potential for negative environmental impacts. Mr Jurgen Eijgendaal, President of GCM, in an address read on his behalf, said environmental management was a key corporate priority, adding that there was the need for the subject to be integrated into the mining operations of companies. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Highway 65 realignment plan resurfaces Oct 9, 2009
The route, which would have included the additional cost of constructing an overpass at Spruce and Myer Road, was disregarded because there were too many environmental impacts, such as cultural artifacts of Native American tribes. The other two routes remain relatively the same as they were in 2001. (The Exeter Sun, CA)
Comment on this article Oct 7, 2009
Certainly many of the debates over the regulation and control of environmental impacts also have had a significant component of conflict of fuel selection choices: oil vs. other hydrocarbons, coal vs. nuclear, natural gas vs. coal, renewables vs. hydrocarbons. These debates have become harsher as costs are de facto legally assigned to the negative "externalities" of different fuels' utilization, thus modifying the economic comparison among them. (Energy Pulse, CO)
Motorized plan adds access routes Oct 7, 2009
"In making my decision, I considered the purpose and need, environmental and social issues, consistency with the forest plan and the requirements of other laws, regulations and policies. "I carefully evaluated the environmental impacts. focusing on the issues to help balance trade-offs between beneficial and adverse effects and the preferences of diverse publics. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Origin of Komodo dragon revealed Oct 7, 2009
"It's a perfect place to see how life adapts and evolves in response to major environmental impacts, like sea level change, climatic changes, catastrophes plus each island has received modern humans at one time or another," he explained. "What were their impacts and how did species cope? This will be our Rosetta Stone when understanding how species will respond to future climate change.". (MSNBC -- Environment)
Funds boost van pool efforts Oct 5, 2009
"But that covers the fuel, oil changes, tires, and replacement costs for the car. When you factor in the replacement costs of your own car, you're probably paying more." The BTPO also has a free program, Ride-Link, that compiles a list of car-poolers, allowing those commuters with similar destinations to cut costs, limit environmental impacts and enjoy some company on their trip. FYI For more information about Bannock Transportation Planning Organization's van pool program, contact Connie Doerr... (Pocatello Idaho State Journal, ID)
Cyber Security for a Smarter Grid Oct 1, 2009
Additional factors contributing to the severe danger of cyber incidents on utilities include the fact that cyber attacks are often not easily recognized, and can therefore be difficult to identify and remediate, as well as the fact that utilities like water and electricity are vital to our daily lives, and their disruption can cause significant equipment and environmental impacts including death. In addition to dealing with evolving threats, utilities are now forced to take a closer look at... (Energy Pulse, CO)
$34.5 billion gold discovery made in Yakutat Sep 30, 2009
Larry Powell, chairman of the Yakutat Salmon Board and the town's mayor from 1971 to 1992, said he was unsure how mining operations of this scope could not have environmental impacts. "It's hard for me to see how water systems and fish in particular, but other types of water fowl, can possibly coexist with a huge open pit mine right in the middle of some of the most prolific drainages for fisheries habitat, fisheries production, anywhere that I know of," he said. (Juneau Empire)
Mittal Dismisses Pollution Claims In South Africa Sep 26, 2009
Luxembourg-based ArcelorMittal is the target of a global campaign by environmental 00004000 groups to ensure European multinationals are liable for the social and environmental impacts of their subsidiaries. On Thursday about 20 former residents of the valley gathered in a makeshift shed on Matsepe's property to recount their experiences to a group of international journalists and environmental activists. (CBS News -- World)
Jatropha - Finding Alternatives to Fossil Fuel Sep 26, 2009
But the reality is that biofuel developments are firmly controlled by giant trans-national companies which are taking over lands at an incredible pace, and are bringing about serious socio-economic and environmental impacts on communities, food security, forests and water resources. The paradigm shift to turn food crops like maize, wheat, sugar, palm oil into fuel for cars, without first examining the impact on global hunger, might be a recipe for disaster. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Pipeline sparks debate, concerns for environment Sep 25, 2009
They really need to be studied, and the environmental impacts really need to be determined ahead of time, Wheeler said. It s very important that all alternatives are considered. (The Daily Targum, NJ)
Acton furniture maker turns old to new Sep 25, 2009
To fulfill that objective, Raye, a longtime woodworker who worked for about 15 years at various furniture-making companies, last year established Kenneth Raye Workshops to create custom furniture that is green not in terms of color, but rather for its environmental impacts. Using reclaimed lumber, with some pieces dating back to about the 1860s, he constructs custom tables that boast high-end and earth-friendly finishes. (Acton Beacon, MA)
Senate OKs Money for NV Landfill Study Sep 24, 2009
Harry Reid to study the environmental impacts of a proposed landfill near Winnemucca and tons of imported trash from California. An amendment to the Interior Department's appropriation bill approved Tuesday night funds a study by the U.S. Geological Survey on seepage from trash at the site. (KLAS-TV.com, NV)
Optimism, concern prevail in US aquaculture boom Sep 22, 2009
Jane Lubchenco, who used to write about aquaculture's environmental impacts as an academic before taking the helm of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, announced this month her agency will come up with a national policy to address fish farming. "It's important that aquaculture be done in a way that's sustainable," she said in an interview. (Juneau Empire)
Light rail on track Sep 22, 2009
After a route is chosen, the focus will be on how the line will fit in with the communities it passes through by studying environmental impacts, station design and mitigation. Work on preliminary design and an environmental impact statement could stretch from 2010-12. (Minnetonka Lakeshore Weekly News, MN)
Green River water & pipeline Sep 21, 2009
He has said that he would cancel the project if its environmental impacts couldn't be mitigated. Although Million is seeking to draw water in Wyoming, the water itself would come from the state of Colorado's share under the Colorado River Compacts -- formal agreements among Western states over how to allocate water on the river system. (Pocatello Idaho State Journal, ID)
Impact Of Renewable Energy On Our Oceans Must Be Investigated, Say Scientists Sep 21, 2009
The study also points out that such devices could have negative environmental impacts, resulting from habitat loss, collision risks, noise and electromagnetic fields. The study highlights the gaps in our understanding of the effects of marine renewable energy devices on the health of our oceans. (Science Daily)
Denver gets $10M from stimulus for housing Sep 20, 2009
"This Recovery Act funding will not only reduce energy costs for public housing authorities and mitigate negative environmental impacts, but will also create much-needed 'green' jobs right here in Denver and across the country.". Three Cabinet members -- Donovan, along with Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson-- were joined by Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, U.S. Rep. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
New York State Energy Planners Briefed by Atlantic Sea Island Group on the Benefits of an LNG Transfer Station Far Off Shore But Close to Demand Sep 19, 2009
"Even assuming gas supply from shale formations prove to be as abundant and economical as some seem to suggest, a postulation that is unproven especially with respect to development costs, decline rates and environmental impacts, a tremendous amount of delivery infra structure would still need to be built to bring gas to the companies, homes and factories that comprise our economy. Developing new sources of supply alone without developing the infra structure to bring it to customers, or vice... (PR Newswire)
Plastic bags shelved at supermarkets Sep 18, 2009
One group, , even launched a lawsuit against the city, arguing that Palo Alto didn't sufficiently review the environmental impacts of its new policy. The city settled the suit out of court. (Palo Alto Online, CA)
Fears of slick treatment in oil spill investigation Sep 18, 2009
The Greens senator Rachel Siewert said she was concerned the Government's terms of reference for the West Atlas inquiry would not adequately cover all aspects of the response by authorities, environmental impacts of the spill and actions of the operator, the Thai-owned company, PTTEP. ... The Environment Minister, Peter Garrett, said yesterday he had developed a wildlife response plan and was working with authorities to ''prepare for and deal with environmental impacts of this spill. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Report criticizes drilling exclusions Sep 17, 2009
But industry officials believe the law was intended to limit redundant environmental analysis, and to limit environmental impacts by drilling on existing well sites. The GAO report said the BLM's use of categorical exclusions during 2006-08 was frequently out of compliance, both with the law and the agency's own guidelines. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Governing from the cloud Sep 17, 2009
(09-15) 18:45 PDT -- The Obama administration embraced cloud computing on Tuesday, arguing that a shift to online applications, data storage and processing power is critical to reduce government waste and ease environmental impacts. Get Quote. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Canadian Malartic Monitoring Committee: Osisko Plans to Deliver on its Commitment Sep 17, 2009
"About OsiskoOsisko Mining Corporation is currently developing the Canadian Malartic gold deposit and evaluating adjacent areas for a large-scale open pit, bulk-tonnage mining operation. The Canadian Malartic deposit currently represents one the biggest gold reserves in Canada for a single deposit, and is still growing through ongoing drilling on new mineralized zones. Current reserves for the Canadian Malartic property are 6.28 million ounces, plus (including the Barnat deposit) a measured and... (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
AMB Property Corporation(R) Launches Corporate Sustainability Report and Website Sep 16, 2009
"In addition, we offer our customers a significant opportunity to reduce their carbon footprints by minimizing transportation costs. Our infill focus is about locating our customers closer to their customers, ultimately reducing environmental impacts while increasing efficiencies.". AMB adhered to the guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), an international, multi-stakeholder network through which a recognized sustainability reporting framework has been developed. (PR Newswire)
Butte College Earns National EPA Award Sep 16, 2009
EPA's Green Power Partnership works with more than 1,100 partner organizations to voluntarily purchase green power to reduce the environmental impacts of conventional electricity use. Green power is generated from renewable resources such as solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, biomass, and low-impact hydro. (PR Newswire)
Silver lining for cloud computing Sep 16, 2009
(09-15) 18:45 PDT -- The Obama administration embraced cloud computing on Tuesday, arguing that a shift to online applications, data storage and processing power is critical to reduce government waste and ease environmental impacts ... Governing from the cloud Articles The Obama administration embraced cloud computing on Tuesday, arguing that a shift to online applications, data storage and processing power is critical to reduce government waste and ease environmental impacts. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
Cloud seeding helps area farmers Sep 15, 2009
He said opponents of cloud seeding claim that it could have environmental impacts due to the use of silver iodide and that science shouldn't interfere with nature. Langerud said he disagrees with those sentiments. (Williston Daily Herald, ND)
Clean coal consortium tackles impact Sep 14, 2009
Clean coal consortium tackles environmental impacts. Clean coal consortium tackles environmental impacts ... Since its formation last December, the Consortium for Clean Coal Utilization at Washington University has been working on several projects aimed at mitigating the environmental impacts of coal usage, which generates half of the electricity in the United States. (Washington University Student Life, MO)
Georgia high-speed rail plan lands federal grant Sep 12, 2009
Most of the grant, requested in a joint application by Georgia and Tennessee transportation officials, will be used to explore the environmental impacts of potential routes and station locations. We re real excited, spokesman David Spear said. (Atlanta Business Chronicle, GA)
Energy consumption makes Spanish forestry unsustainable Sep 12, 2009
"Environmental impacts of forest production and supply of pulpwood: Spanish and Swedish case studies" International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment 14(4): 340-353 junio 2009. . (EurekAlert!)
EPA will review 79 mountaintop coal mining permits Sep 12, 2009
"We look forward to working closely with the Army Corps of Engineers, with the involvement of the mining companies, to achieve a resolution of EPA's concerns that avoids harmful environmental impacts and meets our energy and economic needs.". Environmental groups cheered the administration, which they've been criticizing for not banning mountaintop mining altogether. (USA Today -- Money)
Marathon effort to save waters of the Jordan Sep 12, 2009
Not only would that change the Dead Sea's unique mineral composition, says Bromberg, the reason millions of people visit it every year, but it could have several other catastrophic environmental impacts. Friends of the Earth Middle East have demanded that the World Bank and the governments of this region consider other alternatives that we believe can partially rehabilitate the Dead Sea, the Jordan River and the Sea of Galilee. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Is Mountaintop Removal Mining a Threat to Watersheds? Sep 12, 2009
The identified permits span four states -- Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee and West Virginia -- where surface coal mining is widespread but has been repeatedly criticized for its environmental impacts ... As part of that initiative, EPA identified 108 pending corps permits for mountaintop mining that it had concerns with and would review to determine whether they should be revised to minimize their environmental impacts ... Opponents of the practice said today that they are cautiously optimistic about... (Scientific American)
Chesapeake Bay Foundation files suit against DEP Sep 11, 2009
The DEP is not doing its job to make sure our State Forests and other stream and wetland resources are protected from the environmental impacts of drilling, Matthew Royer, the Foundation s attorney, wrote in a press release this afternoon. Jan Jarrett, president and CEO of PennFuture, added: The industry is selling the line that leasing will bring in $280 million a year over the next 3 years if it gets access to 390,000 acres of public land. (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
• Agrium sues US over Idaho mine cleanup Sep 9, 2009
"The United States' defective cross valley fill designs have particularly harmful environmental impacts.". Agrium hasn't actively worked the four historic mines near Soda Springs, but holds leases at sites previously operated by other companies. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
Osisko Sets Up the Monitoring Committee for the Canadian Malartic Project Sep 9, 2009
Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include gold prices, access to skilled consultants, mining development and mill production personnel, results of exploration and development activities, the Corporation's limited experience with production and development stage mining operations, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment, timeliness of government approvals,... (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
Bay Area builders fight land use policy Sep 9, 2009
The Home Builders Association of Northern California filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the Association of Bay Area Governments alleging that a land-use policy called Projections 2009 fails to address environmental impacts. Damien Schiff, an attorney with the Pacific Legal Foundation, filed the suit in Alameda County Superior Court on behalf of the Home Builders Association of Northern California. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
Challenges, future of oil join Duquesne with Ghana Sep 8, 2009
"This is an opportunity for us to learn from each other about the environmental impacts of mineral extraction," Dr. Bassett said. She said the Ghana students' research projects here will be coordinated through the school's Center for Environmental Research and Education. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Recreational trail to Rushmore being studied Sep 6, 2009
Then, the Forest Service and Park Service would review the routes for their potential environmental impacts -- a study that could take a year. Finally, officials would have to come up with the money for the project. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
No comments posted. Sep 6, 2009
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority continues to analyze the potential environmental impacts of a two-mile Downtown transit link, said project manager Dolores Roybal. The Regional Connector would unite four light-rail lines through Downtown: the existing Blue and Gold lines, the Gold Line Eastside Extension opening this summer and the under-construction Expo Line. (Los Angeles Downtown News, CA)
Maui residents criticize planned state ag layoffs Sep 6, 2009
"So to have 30 years learning skills and developing my unique business, and surviving one of the worst economic downturns of our lifetimes, and then have a single blind ideologue, who refuses to examine the economic and environmental impacts of her cuts and refuses to look at other options, unilaterally say 'You are out of business' is outrageous," Parker said. "Her management of the state is so irresponsible; she should be removed from office.". (Honolulu Advertiser)
Loving Your Lawn This Fall Sep 5, 2009
Moss also suggested using natural and organic-certified products to reduce negative environmental impacts. But how do you get rid of grubs. (CBS News -- Early Show)
Residents Take Expolosive Gas Concerns To Councilman Sep 5, 2009
Normally trucking hazardous materials isn't allowed in populated areas, but in 2007 the city authorized it based on information like this from an application for an environmental exemption: "no historical, biological or other environmental impacts would result from this activity.". Residents have said that's not true. (TheSanDiegoChannel.com, CA)
