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If a mock warhead is destroyed in space and there’s no one there to hear it, does it make a sound?

In case you were wondering about the latest potentially world-ending technology, Campus Progress has a great article this week on our Ballistic Missile Defense System, its "successes," and our government's apparent failure to think practically about the future.

Last week, the Pentagon announced they had launched a rocket interceptor that successfully destroyed a mock warhead in space. This was their first successful test run in nearly four years, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

A proposed bill would double fines on certain businesses in the state

Yesterday I got a press release from the Sen. James Inhofe (R-Mongo) Senate Environment Committee Crap Factory© (SJISECCF) touting a new bill Inhofe is pushing that would amend the Clean Air Act "to strengthen penalties on major emission sources in the most polluted areas of the country that fail to meet clean air standards by the attainment deadlines under the current Clean Air Act."

"Hm," I thought, "that actually sounds worthwhile."

"Hm," I then thought, "what am I missing?"

Pumping oil to fight global warming

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology is being discussed as a promising way to stave off emissions from coal-fired plants. I know some environmentalists scorn the idea of pumping CO2 into the ground, but many experts believe that CCS could help keep global warming in check. For better or for worse, they say, coal will remain an important energy source, because it remains cheap and abundant even as oil prices climb.

Agribiz giants compete to create new plants for biofuels

I was waiting for this to happen. One of the major stumbling blocks to efficient production of biofuels is the conversion of bulky biomass into ethanol. GM bacteria that can condense this complex process into a single multi-course meal have been in the works for some time already.

Now the major agricultural biotechs are jumping into the game with plants designed specifically to be energy crops.

A home-built electric bike is working like a champ

I've been putting a lot of miles in on my bike, which has also been enhancing my MPGPP. I continue to use the lead acid batteries that came with the kit because I don't want to see them go to waste. Since they weigh practically nothing, I carry two lithium battery packs as spares for when I over-extend the lead acids. I'll use the lithium packs full time after the lead acids give it up -- the sooner, the better.

Responses to “Environmentalism and animal rights”

Due to the great discussion and responses that this piece elicited, I would like to respond to a number of the comments (sorry that I can't get to everyone's).

Just Around the Blend

EPA proposes Renewable Fuels Standard; biofuel firms get excited The U.S. EPA proposed renewable-fuel rules yesterday to comply with the 2005 energy bill, which requires that U.S. biofuel production nearly double by 2012. The suggested Renewable Fuels Standard (which will be open to public comment) would require that 3.71 percent of all U.S. gasoline sold […]

Mary, Mary, Not Contrary

Enviros give thumbs-up to Bush’s pick for National Park Service director President Bush this week nominated Mary Bomar to serve as director of the National Park Service, and conservationists let out a sigh of relief. Whereas outgoing director Fran Mainella had been accused of being too cozy with commercial interests, Bomar has built up a […]

Searchable database of government expenditures to be created

The Obama-Coburn pork tracking bill, which will create an enormous, searchable database of government spending, passed in the Senate this evening. It was held up for a while by a single mysterious Senator, who finally gave up the ghost today. Now each and every Bridge to Nowhere can be surfed.

I wonder if it has an open API.

A new video about the product that’s sweeping the nation

An amusing new video from the Rainforest Action Network: