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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?"

California climate deal could help Schwarzenegger win reelection

He rose to fame as a cyborg warrior fighting to wipe out life on the planet. Now he’s fighting to save it. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is about to sign into law the most ambitious global-warming legislation in U.S. history — and in a twist worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster, the Republican’s support for mandatory […]

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.

From Vixens to Vodka

If you’re going to starve yourself skinny, why not go vegan? Call us crazy, but maybe a bevy of bone-thin women swaying listlessly on stage is not the best advertisement for a vegan diet (our first thought: woah, somebody needs a hamburger!). Memo to Vegan Vixens: show Americans they can be fat and lazy and […]

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 […]

Unto the Lease of These

Judge halts oil lease sale to protect Alaskan wetlands Ruling that the Bush administration failed to properly consider the impact of oil development on sensitive wetlands, a U.S. district judge has temporarily blocked an upcoming Alaska oil-lease sale of about 1.7 million acres. The Bushies had heard the call of up to 2 billion barrels […]

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 […]