Friday, June 28, 2013

Why I'm NOT Excited About "The President's Climate Action Plan" of June 2013 by Erika P. Wolf

**DISCLAIMER** By using my powers of quotation and sarcastic wit, here is a brief look at the President’s 21-page “Climate Action Plan”. I focus on highlighting only the new initiatives, statements or directives and leaving out sections relating to community/agency preparedness for climate change and severe weather events. I do this, a) to focus my critique on what is supposedly Mr. Obama’s new and exciting position on climate change (which it isn’t) and also, b) to focus on the administration’s expression of its understanding and analysis of what is to be done to mitigate the ongoing human impacts on climate change as opposed to how it will lead federal and more local agencies/communities to deal with changing weather patterns. I see emergency planning, funding, and training as a basic function of government and is therefore not worth discussing when we’re talking about the President’s position on human impacts on climate change and how to interrupt the crisis point at which we’ve arrived. You can read the President's Climate Action Plan as a pdf here:http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/image/president27sclimateactionplan.pdf

And now, on with the show...

So the biggest excitement, it seems, comes from these 2 Presidential Memorandums -- one directing the EPA to draft updated carbon emissions standards for existing and new power plants. The other directs federal agencies to streamline the process for energy transmission projects with the goal of making updating the energy grid possible. If you ask me, those are just requests from the President that other people get their butts in gear to do work that he asked them to do 5 years ago when he was elected. If these two memos are in fact the first time he’s given these directives to these agencies which have been reporting directly to him for 5 years, it’s too little too late, IMHO.

But wait, there’s more...

Much of the plan just puts into practice things which any thinking person would have expected the richest country in the world to already have in place, such as:
  • Quandrennial Energy Review: "This first-ever review will focus on infrastructure challenges, and will identify the threats, risks, and opportunities for U.S. energy and climate security, enabling the federal government to translate policy goals into a set of analytically based, clearly articulated, sequenced and integrated actions, and proposed investments over a four-year planning horizon." Well it’s dumb that never happened.
  • "...develop a comprehensive, interagency methane strategy" Seriously? THIS is a new directive?!
  • And goals which may actually make a dent: "the Administration is establishing a new goal: The federal government will consume 20 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020." Meeting this goal is definitely an improvement if it involves cutting energy use and also transitioning to renewables rather than just increasing overall consumption so that renewables are a larger percentage of overall consumption.
  • Information sharing with the public: “...launching a Climate Data Initiative to leverage extensive federal climate-relevant data to stimulate innovation and private-sector entrepreneurship in support of national climate-change preparedness." It’s unfortunate this info-sharing is designed to help some people make money, but it’s pretty alright if those are regular people and not the 1%.
In fact, there many other components which make it clear that the Obama administration will rely on profits as the vehicle driving a transition to renewables, as opposed to the global climate emergency which is a threat to all life on the planet:
  • There’s money for landlords and insurance companies: "Federal Housing Administration will convene representatives of the lending community and other key stakeholders for a mortgage roundtable in July to identify options for factoring energy efficiency into the mortgage underwriting and appraisal process upon sale or refinancing of new or existing homes."
  • And money for anyone who already has a pile of money: "in order to increase access to capital markets for investments in energy efficiency, the Administration will initiate a partnership with the private sector to work towards a standardized contract to finance federal investments in energy efficiency."
  • And a plan to regulate this on the international level with yet another free trade agreement: "...launch negotiations at the World Trade Organization towards global free trade in environmental goods, including clean energy technologies such as solar, wind, hydro and geothermal." Also included in these priorities are “negotiations towards achieving free trade in environmental services."
As far as extraction and the consumption of energy, Obama is still our DRILL BABY DRILL president. On natural gas, the President’s plan has it ALL WRONG.
  • "...when it comes to the oil and gas sector, investments to build and upgrade gas pipelines will not only put more Americans to work, but also reduce emissions and enhance economic productivity. For example, as part of the Administration’s effort to improve federal permitting for infrastructure projects, the interagency Bakken Federal Executive Group is working with industry, as well as state and tribal agencies, to advance the production of oil and gas in the Bakken while helping to reduce venting and flaring."
  • "...encourage the development of a global market for gas. The Obama Administration is partnering with states and private companies to exchange lessons learned with our international partners on responsible development of natural gas resources."
I was hoping to make it through this plan without having to read the dirty “clean coal” myth, but clearly Mr. Obama is still buying that corporate line hook, line, and sinker:
  • “President calls for an end to U.S. government support for public financing of new coal plants overseas, except for(a)the most efficient coal technology available in the world’s poorest countries in cases where no other economically feasible alternative exists, or(b)facilities deploying carbon capture and sequestration technologies. As part of this new commitment, we will work actively to secure the agreement of other countries and the multilateral development banks to adopt similar policies as soon as possible.”
  • "advance the development and deployment of clean coal technologies."
And excited about the increased risk of radiation exposure, anyone?!
  • “The United States will continue to promote the safe and secure use of nuclear power worldwide through a variety of bilateral and multilateral engagements."
It’s wild to see how other countries are factored into this plan. Painting the US as a leader and a negotiator for preservation of the planet and interrupting climate change is inconsistent with how we run our economy, how we live our lives, and what our culture considers appropriate behavior.
  • For example, take "...the Tropical Forest Alliance 2020, which brings together governments, the private sector, and civil society to reduce tropical deforestation related to key agricultural commodities." So the US (and other imperialist countries) ravage the world and force other countries into desperate poverty and starvation. Now that it’s politically inconvenient to be seen as connected to this environmental degradation, we’re now going to essentially blame them for the practice of deforestation and goad people to stop farming because it’s hurting the earth. Riiiiiight...
The Obama administration is definitely playing a game of do-what-I-say-not-what-I-do on the international level, working to negotiate agreements that involve emerging nations regulate and cut consumption across the board while only making commitments which apply to the federal government’s consumption in the United States. These commitments, while they are the most powerful proclamations and directives in the Plan, are the ones with the least clarity on how they’ll be implemented or whether they are even within the power of the President to deliver.
  • "President Obama is calling for the elimination of U.S. fossil fuel tax subsidies in his Fiscal Year(FY) 2014 budget." Is is possible that this will happen, considering he and most of the decision makers at the table are in the pocket of the fossil fuel industry?
  • Is this gonna be another loophole for the 1% to pay their way outta accountability? Looks like it: “...the Environmental Protection Agency will use its authority through the Significant New Alternatives Policy Program to encourage private sector investment in low-emissions technology by identifying and approving climate-friendly chemicals while prohibiting certain uses of the most harmful chemical alternatives.”
  • “In addition, the President has directed his Administration to purchase cleaner alternatives to HFCs whenever feasible and transition overtime to equipment that uses safer and more sustainable alternatives." ‘Wherever possible’ seems like it’s open to discretion and a loose interpretation of ‘cleaner.’
To be brief in summation, the President's plan doesn't actually do much to TAKE ACTION on the climate. It's a recommitment to planning and strategizing, to helping the rich continue to be rich by moving their money from coal to natural gas and/or renewable technologies, and to bluffing his way into a "leadership" position internationally without tackling the problems caused by the United States. While I can hope that this plan is less than satisfactory because the Administration is being politically cautious (though I don't know why it would have any reason to be), it really doesn't address what I see as the most pressing practices escalating climate change.

A plan which addresses the following few criteria would be a START towards a REAL climate action plan:
  • An end to all extreme energy, specifically fracking, tar sands, mountaintop removal, and deepwater drilling.
  • Closing all loopholes for polluters to pay their way out of accountability for intentionally violating human and civil rights, as well as knowingly causing massive environmental "accidents". These people deserve civil and criminal charges with personal and financial consequences.
  • Public divestment of all fossil fuels, including a real end to all fossil fuel subsidies made by the US globally.
  • Defense of the right to food, shelter, water, and air for all people globally, and especially living in the US. This means taking immediate action which not only open access to foreclosed-yet-vacant homes and unused public land and private lots but also demands preventative and enforcement action be taken to protect all natural spaces and block private and public interests alike from further development impacts on or pollution of natural resources.
  • Banning inherently toxic processes like nuclear power and reliance on unstable and unstudied chemicals to maintain our energy grid, food system, waste management, water treatment, transportation system, reclamation/remediation processes, and building construction.
  • Increased public scrutiny to the point of directly democratic, intergenerational structures which involve communities directly affected by existing and new projects which pose an environmental or health risk of any kind. 

Is it Truly Safe to Swim in the Gulf of Mexico in Florida?



What do YOU think?

Wise Women Media for 6/28/13--OPEN MIC CHECK!


Show is on FRIDAY NIGHT, June 28th, 2013 at 10PM EDT!

Another OPEN MIC CHECK this week so feel free to call in or join us in the CHAT ROOM if you have a cause to promote, an event that you want to tell us about or need a platform to air your views. This show is available forever through the archives for listeners who cannot join us for the LIVE BROADCAST and want to listen in later when it is convenient for them. Lots of news happening, so we will run down a few of the items that have been under-reported and will go right into some audio feeds and interviews, call ins and Q and A.

CALL IN NUMBER: (213) 816-0357

CLICK ON the following LINK to get to the SHOW or to join us in the CHAT ROOM:

See you on the radio!

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Tar Sands Safety Issues All Mucked Up by Julie Dermansky

A key federal regulatory body is disregarding citizen concerns about transporting tar sands via the Keystone XL Pipeline.
This indifference was on display both at a conference in Dallas on June 19-20, and in a report the agency released on June 25.
The regulatory body in question is the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. Its conference in Dallas on pipeline safety public awareness was for "stakeholders" -- industry executives, pipeline operators, emergency responders, local public officials, and excavators.
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration provided an overview of its safety program.
See more at the following link:

TransCanada's Keystone XL, the Safest Pipeline Ever - Says Who?

Tuesday, 18 June 2013 16:00By Julie DermanskyTruthout | News Analysis

Photo of Eleanor Fairchild in a hole that opened up on her land due to erosion caused by the KXL pipeline installation. (Photo: ©Cathy DaSilva, January 16, 2013)Photo of Eleanor Fairchild in a hole that opened up on her land due to erosion caused by the KXL pipeline installation. (Photo: ©Cathy DaSilva, January 16, 2013)

Friday, June 21, 2013

Wise Women Media for June 21, 2013-OPEN MIC CHECK-SUN, MOON and NEWS!

Show for 10PM EDT on Friday, June 21, 2013 at 10PM EDT.

We have an OPEN MIC CHECK and we will discuss the Summer Solstice, the Supermoon and news happening around the world!

If you have an issue you would like to discuss or an event or cause to promote, this is your chance to CALL IN and tell our listeners about it! 

You can also join us in the CHAT ROOM. The archives are available to listen to after the live broadcast of this show.

We broadcast from the Green Swamp north of Tampa! See you on the radio!

To get to the LIVE BROADCAST of the show and the archive later, CLICK on the link below:

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

MASSIVE DIE-OFF IN INDIAN RIVER LAGOON, FLORIDA








http://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/die-off-in-indian-river-lagoon-killing-dolphins-manatees/2127017

http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/site/?pageid=event_desc&edis_id=BH-20130617-39639-USA




PETITION TO STOP FRACKING IN NAPLES, FLORIDA! SIGN AND FORWARD!


Residents of Collier County have put together a petition to stop new oil exploration a stone's throw from the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge - and just upstream from other critically important public lands. Southwest Florida - the only home of the panther - is being destroyed by a thousand cuts. PLEASE take a moment to sign this petition - and pass it along to friends. Thanks!

http://www.change.org/petitions/florida-department-of-environmental-protection-do-not-approve-the-permit-sought-for-oil-drilling-in-collier-county

My Declaration by Trisha Springstead, RN, MS

Photo by Anita Stewart

To Whom it may Concern, 


I have been up and down the coast of Florida, Alabama, worked with Louisiana and Mississippi and we have a huge problem. We have fish die offs, people who are ill from the effects of the incessant leaking of the gulf floor and the Dispersants.

I am an RN and a Biologist. I have spoken independently before the Pensacola task force. We need clinics for these people and the water needs Bioremediated. This can only be achieved by working in Unison. 

I work with Sustainable Agriculture, Water Bioremediation and with the people of the Gulf. If we do not acknowledge that there is a problem and do something about this problem then it is only going to get worse with each passing day. 

Now the state of Florida wants to Frack and drill some more and the Indigenous Tribes and our Country is being destroyed. When is this insanity going to stop? It is only going to stop if we Move to Amend, Change Campaign finance laws and term limits and know that Corporations, are not working for the best interests of the People and our Fragile Ecosystem. 

There are solutions and I intend to be part of that solution. I would not be writing this letter if there were not. 

How many Oyster Colony Collapses, Fish Die offs, Humans and Animals dying are we going to have for people to wake up and realize that we have hit a tipping point. 

I would suggest that you refer to my to my friends in the Gulf and Speak to the Indigenous Tribes of this country. We must finally listen to what they have to say. We are the people and we know our terrain and the disconnect between our Elected Officials is palpable. 

I would respectfully submit that you listen to we the people, for if you do not have we the people, the activists and our input then your are missing out on some very incredible discourses. 

We have a chance to support alcohol based fuel, Wind, Solar power, cisterns for Potable water. This could create far more jobs and far more Green jobs which potentially could change the world. 

Let us be part of that change. It is not a Republican issue, a Democratic issue it is a Humanitarian issue. I ask you to help us put the "Kind" , back into Man Kind. 

Lastly GMO's are making people sick and it is GMO's, Our Polluted waters, seas, air and sky that is in trouble. Chemicals are destroying people's lives, Let us get them well and recognize that when you do the right thing you have the loyalty of the people.

As a Resident of Florida, for 24 years I ask you with all gratitude to let us help the people and Save this Gulf, our waters and our lives.

Please stop the spraying of Harmful Dispersants and Fracking. I do not have another planet to go to, Do You? 

Sincerely and Respectfully Submitted, 
Patricia R Springstead RN MS

Friday, June 14, 2013

WISE WOMEN MEDIA FOR 6/14/13--OPEN MIC CHECK!


SHOW STARTS AT 10PM EDT!

We might have guests, we might play music and/or cover a bit of news. Whatever we decide to do, this show belongs to you! If you have a cause or need a platform to voice an opinion or tell us about an event, here is your chance. Call in or join us in the Chat Room.

Call in # is: (213) 816-0357

CLICK ON THIS LINK TO GET TO THE SHOW, CHAT ROOM OR ARCHIVE (IF YOU CAN’T JOIN US FOR THE LIVE BROADCAST): CLICK HERE!

FLOW - For Love Of Water - Full Length (VIDEO)

JUNE 18TH--NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION TO BAN TOXIC DISPERSANTS


Friday, June 7, 2013

Wise Women Media for 6/7/13--BIG OIL Comes to the Everglades, Big News Stories and OPEN MIC CHECK!





Show begins at 10PM EDT!

CLICK HERE to get to the show! 

Call in to speak with the host (213) 816-0357


Big news week with just a few of the stories being the Bradley Manning trial, Internet and Phone Monitoring and Spying, Governor Rick Scott signing the HB 87 Foreclosure Bill earlier today, and Big Oil prowling around near the Everglades, the main topic of our show tonight. 

Citizens are mobilizing as they do not want the wells near their homes. But it is the little communities against the major corporate conglomerates and who do we think will win in the long run? 

Listen in, chat, or call us! 

Pam Duran and Karen Dwyer, longtime residents and activists from the Naples, Florida area join me for a portion of the show to fill us in on the situation there and to entertain your questions.

DON'T MISS THIS SHOW!

(If you do not see the chatbox, refresh your screen and it will pop up. You might have to scroll down to see it.)

http://www.preserveourparadise.org



Thursday, June 6, 2013

OIL DRILLING in NAPLES, FL? Don't want it? BETTER GET TO THIS MEETING and SPEAK UP!


  • SOUTH REGIONAL LIBRARY 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway, Naples 34113
  • EMERGENCY TOWN HALL MEETING

    OIL DRILLING IN NAPLES?

    TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 5PM

    SOUTH REGIONAL LIBRARY

    8065 Lely Cultural Parkway, Naples 34113

    The Dan A. Hughes Petroleum Geological Company of Texas (which recently sold 20 wells for fracking) is seeking Florida Department of Environmental Protection permits to set up exploratory oil/gas wells in Naples. Barron Collier, Co. owns the land. Hundreds attended an informational meeting, May 30, organized by Commissioner Nance, on the proposed drilling. This is a follow-up and extension of that meeting. Permits are expected to be approved as early as July, hence the urgency.

    Still have questions and concerns about oil/gas drilling in Naples? This is your chance to share them. Everyone will be given time to speak. How? ROUND ONE. Sign up to speak for two minutes. If you need more than two minutes, return a second time, after everyone has spoken. ROUND TWO. Come with your remarks written on a single page; include your name and address; after you speak, hand them in. ROUND THREE. Join us the following day as we deliver them to the Department of Environmental Protection, 4PM, Rookery Bay, 300 Tower Road, Naples, FL.

    Representatives of the Department of Environmental Protection, Hughes Oil, Barron Collier, Collier County Commissioners Office, Fire Department, Southwest Florida Water Management, and Conservancy are invited to participate.

    contact@preserveourparadise.org or 850-329-5987

    FB EVENT PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/events/466547183427640/


    CLICK HERE for more info! 

Sunday, June 2, 2013

PRESS RELEASE: HB 87 MEANS DISASTER FOR FLORIDA HOMEOWNERS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
HB 87 Puts Florida Homeowners in Trouble and at the Mercy of the Banks
Tampa, Florida, USA
June 2, 2013

“This is deliberate, organized theft,” stated the Green Party of Florida’s Co-chair Anita Stewart, in response to the Banker’s Home Foreclosure Bill HB 87.  The measure, passed by the Florida state legislature and now awaiting the signature of Governor Rick Scott, would virtually eliminate the ability to depose the banks, and challenge the banks' allegations of ownership and mortgage status.  It would stand due process on its head by switching the burden of proof from plaintiff bankers to the homeowners being sued.

Foreclosure fraud has become a national scandal, and Florida has become the foreclosure capitol of the nation, with 103,000 foreclosures from April 2012 through March 2013 (CoreLogic), yet HB 87 would shield the banks from having to prove whether the bank even owns a loan, whether a loan has already been paid off, whether the homeowner actually owns anything, and whether the bank fraudulently inflated the payments due.

Floridians must demand that Governor Scott veto HB 87 by signing this petition, which states:  “The Foreclosure Act just passed on May 3rd was passed illegally and unconstitutionally. The House Civil Justice Committee passed the bill on Feb. 7th, before the Legislature was in session, contrary to Article III, Section 3 of Florida's Constitution.”

According to the platform of the Green Party of the United States, “We stand with consumers, who have been injured or defrauded by corporations and others, and support their efforts to redress the wrongs done to them.”  The platform also states:  “Greens believe the legal structure of the corporation is obsolete. At present, corporations are designed solely to generate profit. This legal imperative — profit above all else — is damaging our country and our planet in countless ways. We must change the legal design of corporations so that they generate profits, but not at the expense of the environment, human rights, public health, workers, or the communities in which the corporation operates.”

For more information, listen to the May 31, 2013 archived audio feed from WMNF-FM’s Radioactivity Program where Rob Lorei interviews special guest, Glenda Chauncy, a Home Foreclosure Activist and Paralegal:

Or check out the independent press:

West Coast Greens of Florida
http://www.flwestcoastgreens.org

Anita Stewart
Co-Chair of the Green Party of Florida
anitastewart@gmail.com
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