…but Big Oil wins again.

FYI: Grist has a number of interesting pieces on the policking of the Energy Bill, including:

* ‘Right now, the president’s got the upper hand’; Sen. John Kerry defends Dem decision not to force a filibuster on the energy bill

* Glass Half Full?; Senate OKs fuel-economy increase, but drops more ambitious parts of energy bill

* Celebrate good times, come on! No, seriously.; Greens need to learn how to celebrate their friends and their movement

* Energy bill back on track?; Pelosi says bill up for vote next week will contain CAFE, RFS, and RES

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Union of Concerned Scientists Action Network - action [at] ucsusa.org
Date: Dec 14, 2007 4:22 PM
Subject: Historic moment on fuel economy!

Last night, the Senate overwhelmingly passed an Energy Bill that will significantly strengthen fuel economy standards for vehicles for the first time in more than a generation. Read more about the bill at ucsaction.org/ct/1pMUMAY1yYLm/.

This historic victory was not a complete one, however. The Senate removed the renewable electricity standard and clean energy tax incentives from the bill–both of which would have increased our nation’s use of clean, renewable energy. The House of Representatives is expected to pass this version of the bill next week, and move it to the president’s desk where he has already said he will sign it into law.

This bill represents years of work and is a significant step forward. The bill will boost Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards to a fleetwide average of at least 35 miles per gallon by 2020–saving 1.1 million barrels of oil per day in 2020 (about half of what the United States currently imports from the Persian Gulf). This will significantly reduce America’s oil consumption, save consumers billions at the gas pump each year, and is a meaningful step forward as we seek to reduce our nation’s global warming pollution.

(more…)

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Union of Concerned Scientists Action Network - action [at] ucsusa.org
Date: Nov 13, 2007 1:42 PM
Subject: Your turn to question the candidates

Over the next year, presidential candidates will be crisscrossing the country to try to gain your support. But how will you know where they stand on the issues that are most important to you? As president, will they protect our health, safety, and environment? You won;t know unless you ask.

The 2008 presidential election provides a great opportunity to ask the candidates questions about global warming, nuclear weapons, censorship of government science–anything that you’re concerned about. This is your chance to educate and engage the candidates and other voters on the issues you care about most!

There are many ways to express your views. You can attend candidate events, advocate for policy solutions to be included in the party platforms, ask convention delegates or other local elected officials to communicate your views to the candidates, let candidate staff and volunteers know your views when they contact you, or you can write letters to your local paper.

Entering the dialogue is easier than you think. Click any of the links below to access the online resources we have developed to
help you along the way.

(more…)

Action Alerts

Defenders of Wildlife: Don’t Let Great Cats & Rare Canines Vanish Forever
Tell Congress to do its part — and join in the effort to protect these creatures world-wide.

Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF): Stop the Spying!
Tell the government to stop surveillance of Americans’ communications without a warrant.

People for the American Way (PFAW): Tell Congress: End Warrantless Spying on Americans!
Tell your members of Congress how you feel about the Bush administration’s warrantless spying on Americans.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): ‘Bambi Butchers’ Horror
On August 26, 2007, a PETA investigator filmed the slaughter of deer at Musicon, Inc., a deer farm and venison sales company in Goshen, New York.

Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS): Urge Congress to Hold Strong on a Clean Energy Bill!
Please tell your senators and representative that America’s new Energy Bill must include a 35 mile per gallon fuel economy standard AND a 15 percent renewable electricity standard.

(more…)

Action Alerts

DawnWatch glamour-fun alert: Farm Sanctuary Gala, Beverly Hills, Saturday September 8, 2007
The Farm Sanctuary Gala is at the classic Beverly Hills Hotel on Saturday, September 8.

Ecological Internet / The Rainforest Portal: Stop Ocean City, New Jersey from Using Ancient Rainforest Timbers for Boardwalk Decking
An important precedent must be set that industrial logging of ancient forests, even if FSC “certified”, must end

The Sierra Club: Support Legislation to Stop Global Warming
Urge your Representative to support the Sanders-Boxer Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act!

The Sierra Club: Fight Logging Road Subsidies!
We need Congress to stand firm and oppose logging road subsidies in the Tongass National Forest.

True Majority: Sign the American Freedom Petition
Tell Congress to take back their permission for warrantless spying on Americans

(more…)

Action Alerts

Animal Protection Institute (API): Urge Congress to End the Trade in Bear Parts
The Bear Protection Act, H.R. 3029 would protect bears by prohibiting the import, export, and interstate commerce of bear gallbladders and bile

Greenpeace: Project Hot Seat: August 27-31: Week of Local Action
We need to deliver Project Hot Seat lobby packets in local offices across the country during the last week of August. And we need YOUR help to make it happen.

National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS): Federal: Animal Protection Measures included in House Farm Bill
Please call your U.S. Senators today in support of keeping animal protection provisions in the final version of the bill!

People for the American Way (PFAW): Tell Congress: End Warrantless Spying on Americans!
Tell your Representative and Senators to stand up to White House fear mongering and abuse of power!

Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS): Hold the Antibiotics!
Sign our petition to the nation’s top fast-food companies urging them to help end this dangerous practice.

(more…)

Action Alerts

Amnesty International: Demand safety for environmental activists in Ecuador

DawnWatch: Outstanding veggie coverage on DC NBC affiliate 7/31/07

National Wildlife Federation: Pass a Wildlife-Friendly “Energy Independence Package”

Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC): Urge Your Representative to Vote YES on a Stronger Energy Bill!

Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS): Who will your representative listen to? You or corporate interests? [Talking points]

United Poultry Concerns (UPC): Protest Orthodox Union Event

Newsletters

VegCooking.com: Recipe of the Week: Crepes With ‘Cream’ Filling and Tart Cherry Sauce

(more…)

UPDATE, 7/10/07:

See also: Urge Your Representative to Support Meaningful Energy Legislation, from The Sierra Club.

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Via the Union of Concerned Scientists:

Tell The House to Green Up The Energy Bill

The Energy Bill, passed by the Senate last month, made important progress toward addressing America’s oil and environmental security—but it needs to be stronger. While the Senate did increase fuel economy standards for the first time in more than 30 years, they unfortunately included unnecessary loopholes that could undermine the new 35 mile per gallon standard. The bill also lacked a renewable energy standard requiring utilities to produce a percentage of our electricity from clean, renewable sources like the wind and sun. And the increase in biofuels production included in the bill needs stronger safeguards against global warming pollution to protect our air, soil, and water.

Thankfully, we still have a chance to strengthen this critical bill now that action moves to the House. Please let your representative know that you want an Energy Bill that locks in strong fuel economy standards, guarantees more clean energy for consumers, and ensures that biofuels are part of the global warming solution, not part of the problem.

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Tagged: environment environmental environmentalism environmentalist action alerts ucs Union of Concerned Scientists climate change global warming energy clean energy gas oil energy bill fuel fuel efficiency congress the sierra club CAFE

Via the Union of Concerned Scientists:

It’s Time to Vote - Choose Your Science Idol!

Recent investigations and surveys show that the censorship, manipulation, and suppression of federal government science has become pervasive in recent years. Political interference in science has hurt our air quality, allowed FDA approval of harmful drugs, and prevented the public from hearing the truth about global warming.

This spring, creative minds throughout America took the opportunity to show off their artistic and comedic talents in support of independent science by entering the 2nd annual Science Idol: the Scientific Integrity Editorial Cartoon Contest. We received hundreds of compelling cartoons and our panel of celebrity judges helped narrow those entries to 12 great finalists.

Vote for your Science Idol today and win great prizes—while helping UCS spread awareness about the importance of independent science to our health, safety, and environment.

Not explicitly animal rights, no, but some of the entries do focus on environmental issues, and one in particular (my personal favorite, by the by) illustrates the Bush admin’s attitude towards all species not rich, white, male, and human. So go vote already.

You can read more about the contest here, and register your vote here.

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare environment environmental environmentalism environmentalist action alerts ucs Union of Concerned Scientists contest science politics science idol political cartoon climate change wildlife conservation george w. bush gw bush corruption war on terra

As promised, a roundup of recent green legislative alerts. So many bills, so little time. Even a link dump feels like heavy lifting.

Audubon: Better Fuel Standards for a Clean Future

The U.S. Senate is debating America’s energy policy, and we need to make sure that any energy legislation includes at least some increase in corporate average fuel economy standards (CAFE), which have not been improved in over 25 years. Raising the fuel economy of cars and trucks reduces our addiction to oil, helps to clear our skies and reduces global warming pollution. This is off-the-shelf technology we have right now, but we need Congress to act.

Please write to your U.S. Senators and tell them to oppose the Levin-Stabenow amendment to weaken the modest CAFE standards in HR 6.

Greenpeace: Put Congressional Leaders in the Hot Seat

When the Democrats took over they promised bold action on global warming. Now halfway through the year and two weeks before the 4th of July recess, it appears that the first major action on energy in the House of Representatives will take us in the wrong direction. Instead of creating an energy bill that solves global warming, the legislation that has emerged thus far protects the auto and coal industry.

Chairmen John Dingell and Rick Boucher are proving to be poor leaders in the important fight to create sensible energy policies and to stop global warming. The chairmen of the House Energy and Commerce Committee are doing just the opposite of what the Democratic majority said they would do—push for smart energy policies and attack global warming head on.

America needs real leadership on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, not more of the same.

Take Action>>Tell Speaker Pelosi to use her power as Speaker of the House and get Congress back on track.

True Majority: Tell Congress - “You’re in the Hot Seat”

It’s now or never for Congress to get serious about global warming. Scientists tell us that if we don’t put a cap on global warming pollution and reduce emissions 80% by 2050 that the situation could become completely out of control. So we’re turning up the heat on Congress and demanding that they support strong action to solve global warming. Help us reach our goal of 50,000 signatures nationally by August by adding your name to the list. Let your Rep. know that “We’re counting on you: You’re in the Hot Seat.”

Union of Concerned Scientists: Our Chance to Raise Fuel Economy Standards is Here!

The average fuel economy of American automobiles hasn’t changed in decades, despite steady advances in vehicle technology. More fuel-efficient cars would give American drivers much-needed savings at the pump while helping to reduce our oil dependence and global warming pollution. Now is our chance to lock-in stronger fuel economy standards for all vehicles! As early as tomorrow, the Senate will vote on an Energy Bill provision that would raise Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards to 35 miles per gallon by 2020.

Please call your senators and tell them to support CAFE reform of at least 35 miles per gallon for cars and light trucks by 2020 with no loopholes. Any attempts to weaken this long overdue reform will be a vote for higher gas prices and continued oil dependence.

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Tagged: environment environmental environmentalism environmentalist action alerts greenpeace audubon true majority ucs union of concerned scientists global warming climate change cafe congress 110th congress fuel fuel standards fuel economy corporate average fuel economy standards Levin-Stabenow amendment coal energy energy bill John Dingell Rick Boucher Speaker Pelosi Nancy Pelosi

UPDATE, 6/12/07:

…and the Sierra Club weighs in….

Take Action: Support Energy Efficiency Standards!

Incandescent Light BulbIn order to achieve energy independence and curb global warming we must increase energy efficiency. We need an energy efficiency standard that will move America toward the 80% reductions in greenhouse gases that scientists say are necessary to avoid the worst consequences of global warming. By making better use of the electricity we already produce, we can not only save 300 million metric tons of global warming causing carbon dioxide by 2020, but consumers can also save a total of $26 billion.

Urge your Senators to support Energy Efficiency Standards!

——————–

I’m running late, so I though I might take a shortcut and consolidate all of today’s climate change/fuel efficiency/general enviro alerts into one big link farm post.

(In fact, climate change is such a “hot” topic* right now that I may even do a link roundup post every day or two.)

So, yeehaw.

(more…)

UPDATE, 6/8/07:

This was one of a slew of climate change action alerts to grace my inbox today. Rather than post ‘em all separately, here are a few more. Enjoy.

Audubon: Renewable Electricity for a Clean Future

The debate on America’s energy policy is expected to hit the floor of the U.S. Senate in the coming weeks, and we need to make sure that any energy legislation includes a strong nationwide renewable electricity standard (RES). Twenty-three states already have renewable electricity standards, which require utility companies to generate a certain percentage of electricity from clean, renewable sources like wind and solar. Establishing a nationwide renewable electricity standard is one of the biggest steps we can take to reduce global warming pollution; we have the technology to do this right now, but we need Congress to lead the way.

SaveOurEnvironment.org: Tell the Senate: 15% Clean Energy By 2020!

The Senate is about to begin debating a crucial bill that would require at least 15% of our electricity to come from clean, renewable energy sources like wind and solar by 2020. Increasing our use of renewable energy sources will help slow global warming, create jobs, save consumers money, and increase our energy independence.

Don’t wait - NOW is the time to show your support for a cleaner energy future! Your Senators need to know that you want clean, renewable energy without further delays.

————————-

Via the Union of Concerned Scientists:

Urge Congress to Support Cool Cars and Clean Energy

This summer, as millions of Americans are turning on their air conditioners and hitting the highways, the new leadership in Congress has an opportunity to protect our families’ pocketbooks and begin to curb global warming. A package of energy and climate proposals will come before Congress in the next few weeks that could offer significant savings on the cost of gasoline and electricity, as well as reduce America’s global warming pollution. Now is the time to tell Congress that they must reduce our dependence on oil and other polluting fossil fuels by increasing fuel economy, energy efficiency, and our use of clean, renewable energy. Please contact your legislators and urge them to protect American families, help resolve our energy problems, and reduce global warming pollution today.

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Tagged: environment environmental environmentalism environmentalist action alerts ucs Union of Concerned Scientists climate change global warming energy clean energy gas oil congress 110th congress bills vote SaveOurEnvironment.org audubon

Via the Union of Concerned Scientists:

Take the pledge - Don’t transport firewood!

In a few days, Memorial Day weekend will kick off the start of summer. Like thousands of Americans, your summer plans might include a picnic or camping trip in one of the many beautiful state or national parks, national forests, or private campgrounds around the country; or you may be headed for your own cabin.

You probably already know that to protect the beauty of these special places you should remove your trash and put out your campfire before you head home. But did you know that you also should not transport firewood?

America’s forests are threatened by non-native forest pests—highly destructive insects and diseases that threaten our forests and the clean water, recreation, and other resources they provide. Since these forest pests survive inside wood where you can’t see them, they can be transported long distances by accident. You can help protect America’s forests with a simple action—Don’t transport firewood!

This summer, spread the message, not the pest. Take the Firewood Pledge today and then tell your family and friends.

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Tagged: environment environmental environmentalism environmentalist action alerts ucs Union of Concerned Scientists firewood wood forests pests invasive species non-native species

Via the Union of Concerned Scientists:

Keep Antibiotics Working!

An estimated 70 percent of all antibiotics used in the United States are regularly added to the feed of livestock and poultry that are not sick—a practice with serious consequences for our health. Bacteria that are constantly exposed to antibiotics develop antibiotic resistance. This means that when humans get sick from resistant bacteria, the antibiotics prescribed by doctors don’t work.

Please write to your representatives today and ask them to support the Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act. With members of Congress who have long supported curbs on antibiotic overuse now heading key congressional committees, the time has never been better to pass this critical legislation.

FYI: While no Tiny Violin alert is necessary for the UCS’s sample letter, please consider including the plight of farm animals in your letter. While the misuse of antibiotics by factory farmers does indeed present a threat to public (human) health, it also allows big agribusiness to grossly mistreat and neglect their “livestock” - and in an economically beneficial manner, to boot. If corporations were prohibited from using antibiotics as a preventative, then they’d be forced to provide for their animals’ basic medical, nutritional, and perhaps even social needs in order to turn a profit.

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts UCS Union of Concerned Scientists factory farming agribusiness agriculture antibiotics resistance bacterial resistance livestock poultry bacteria Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act public safety public health

Via the Union of Concerned Scientists:

Urge ExxonMobil to Take the Next Step

For years, ExxonMobil has been undermining science and casting doubt on the facts about global warming—just like the tobacco industry tried to mislead the public about the dangers of smoking.

Earlier this year, the Union of Concerned Scientists released a report documenting how ExxonMobil funneled millions of dollars to climate contrarian groups and worked to delay meaningful action on global warming.

Our report received widespread media coverage, prompted Congress to hold a hearing about ExxonMobil’s actions, and has generated new pressure on the corporation. Faced with public outrage, ExxonMobil launched a campaign aimed at softening its image and recently agreed to stop funding several of the 43 climate contrarian groups highlighted in the UCS report.

But this is not enough! By withholding funding from just a handful of groups and continuing to support the rest, ExxonMobil is simply trying to improve its image while it continues to deceive the public and undermine legislation to reduce global warming pollution.

Send the letter [here] to ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson and VP of Public Affairs Ken Cohen urging them to take real action to address global warming.

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Tagged: environment environmental environmentalism environmentalist action alerts UCS Union of Concerned Scientists global warming climate change energy oil exxon exxonmobile pollution