Articles by Grist staff

Drilling Team

Speaking of which, advocates of opening up Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas drilling say they are just one vote shy of getting their wish. As a result, they’re upping the pressure on four senators seen as potential swing voters: Norm Coleman (R-Minn.), Gordon Smith (R-Ore.), and Mark Pryor and Blanche Lincoln, […]

Bye-bayou?

Louisiana’s wetlands problem is the country’s wetlands problem, according to Karen Gautreaux, chair of the state’s wetlands restoration panel and executive assistant to Gov. Mike Foster (R). Speaking before the Louisiana House and Senate Natural Resources committees, Gautreaux said the state’s coastline can never be returned to its original condition and can only be restored […]

Howell of Protest

Under federal regulations, private developers have to pay market rates to lease land bordering the 456 lakes owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. But last month, Ronald Howell signed a 50-year rent-free lease on 280 along Oklahoma’s Skiatook Lake, which is owned by the corps, to build a $10 million resort, complete with […]

Buhl-dozed

After weeks of intense controversy, the Maryland Senate yesterday rejected Lynn Buhl as secretary of the environment, marking the first time in the state’s history that a governor’s cabinet nominee has been turned down. The 26-21 vote was a major blow to Maryland Republicans and Gov. Robert Ehrlich, Jr. (R), who had championed Buhl, a […]