Climate Politics
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Dems block anti-enviro Bush judicial nominee, and the conservatives are lovin’ it
When Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) fell seven votes short on Tuesday of forcing a confirmation vote on Bush judicial nominee William G. Myers III — widely considered the most anti-environment judicial candidate Bush has ever put forward — it might have seemed like a big blow to the GOP. But Frist and his […]
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Ray Vaughan, an environmental lawyer, answers questions
Ray Vaughan. With what environmental organization are you affiliated? I am executive director of WildLaw. What does your organization do? What, in a perfect world, would constitute “mission accomplished”? WildLaw is a nonprofit environmental law firm that represents hundreds of community, environmental, and conservation organizations around the country. We work mainly in the Southeast, but […]
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How does John Edwards stack up on the environment?
Edwards and Kerry hit the campaign trail. Photo: Kerry for President. When John Edwards was tapped to be John Kerry‘s veep last week, everyone interested in ousting Bush erupted into convulsions of praise — and the enviros were no exception. “An excellent choice that sends a clear message about the need for change and renewed […]
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Bush administration plans to scrap roadless-rule forest protections
Many political observers thought President Bush would lay off the environment during the election season. After all, he faces an opponent with a well-burnished rep as an environmental good boy. Seems they’ve misunderestimated Dubya yet again. Ann Veneman. Photo: USDA. On Monday, Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman announced a Bush administration plan to scrap the hard-won […]
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EPA chief Mike Leavitt hits the swing states
Leavitt, alone. Photo: U.S. EPA. Have a look at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Mike Leavitt‘s calendar over the last several months and you’ll notice that it appears to be in lockstep with the Karl Rove playbook. “I’d hardly call it coincidence,” said Beth Viola, a leading environmental strategist for the Kerry campaign, “that after […]
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Frist sides with right-wingers to stymie widely supported sea treaty
How’s this for a once-in-a-blue-moon scenario? Six major environmental groups endorse a sweeping international treaty strongly supported by the American Petroleum Institute and other industry groups. Do you sea what I sea? Photo: NOAA. On May 12, top dogs from the Natural Resources Defense Council, National Environmental Trust, Ocean Conservancy, and three other green organizations […]
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House to repass energy bill to vex Democrats
Our House is a very, very, very fine House. If at first you succeed, well, try again anyway. That’s how GOP leaders in the House are reinterpreting the old elementary-school bromide as they attempt to create the illusion of hope for the doomed, pork-laden energy bill — and to deflect the political heat over high […]
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A look back at Reagan’s environmental record
Where’s the white hat? Photo: Eisenhower Library. The news of President Reagan‘s passing has sent waves of emotion and rapturous eulogizing through the Republican Party and beyond. Amidst all the heartfelt tributes, it’s clear that the 40th president of the United States is regarded as the true political father figure of George W. Bush — […]
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Umbra on strategic voting and writing to legislators
Dear Umbra, I’m a dislocated Texas resident living in Georgia, and I frequently send action emails to congressional leaders on environmental issues. Which leaders should I be sending my emails to: those I vote for in Texas or the Georgia ones? I’m afraid that when I email the Texas leaders they’ll see my present Georgia […]
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A rabble-rousing conservationist answers questions
With what environmental organization are you affiliated? I currently spend 30 hours a week directing the National Public Lands Grazing Campaign (NPLGC), 5 hours a week advising Alternatives to Growth Oregon (AGO), and 15 hours as senior counselor for the Oregon Natural Resources Council (ONRC). I fill the remaining 10 hours of my 60-hour workweek […]
