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Chart Pulled from Spill Commission Counsel's Report Belies Conclusions
Greenwire, 11/24/2010"The companies involved in the Gulf of Mexico oil spill made several risky decisions to save time -- and consequently money -- ahead of the disaster, according to a document that was pulled at the last minute from a presentation of the president's oil spill commission earlier this month."
"Salazar Aims to Streamline Offshore Wind"
Green (NYT), 11/24/2010"Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced a broad-based initiative on Tuesday aimed at accelerating the development of offshore wind power projects on the Outer Continental Shelf along the nation’s Atlantic coast."
GOPers Learn the Perils of Being 'Politically Incorrect' on Climate
ClimateWire, 11/23/2010"Defeat came for Republican Rep. Bob Inglis because he slid to 'Satan's side.'"
Climate Science Critic Responds To Plagiarism Allegations
USA TODAY, 11/23/2010"The author of a report critical of climate scientists defended himself against plagiarism charges Tuesday, and denied he was pressured by Republicans to tilt the report."
Coal Ash Raises Environmental Justice Issues in Rural Maryland
Wash Post, 11/22/2010"The winding Mataponi Creek looks clear in the sunlight, with marsh grasses lining its banks. But some of the coal ash waste from a nearby power plant is also coursing through its waters, and residents are worried it is contaminating their well water."
Pioneering Chicago Climate Exchange Fades into Sunset
Reuters, 11/22/2010"A tough political atmosphere in which Congress backed away from comprehensive clean energy and climate change legislation may have been the nail in the coffin for one of the voluntary carbon market's early pioneers."
"British Beekeepers' Assn. To Stop Endorsing Bee-Killing Pesticides"
Guardian, 11/19/2010"The British Beekeepers' Association hastoday announced plans to end its controversial practice of endorsing pesticides in return for cash from leading chemical manufacturers."
"Fracking Wells Blamed for Polluted Water; Inspectors Overwhelmed"
Scripps Howard, 11/19/2010"A widespread method of extracting natural gas by shooting chemical-laced water underground is a growing threat to water supplies in 28 states, say scientists, landowners and environmentalists." A Scripps Howard investigation finds overwhelmed state inspectors, thousands of violations, regulators paid by drilling royalties, political campaigns flush with gas money, and a system stacked for drillers and against public health.
Canada's Tory Senate Overturns Opposition Bill on Climate Change
Toronto Globe & Mail, 11/18/2010"Federal Conservative senators have defeated a private-member's bill on climate change that was passed by the majority of MPs in the House of Commons, marking the first time Prime Minister Stephen Harper has used the clout he has built in the Upper Chamber to kill a law his minority government does not support."
Pittsburgh City Council Approves Ban on Gas Drilling
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 11/17/2010"After Pittsburgh City Council gave final approval Tuesday to a ban on natural-gas production in the city, industry opponents vowed to press for similar prohibitions at the Allegheny County and state levels."
"Local Food Advocates Target Food Safety Bill"
AP, 11/17/2010"A far-reaching food safety bill that could give the government more power to prevent foodborne illnesses has become a target of advocates for buying food produced locally."
"Spill Commission Defends Its Top Lawyer"
Green (NYT), 11/17/2010"The panel named by President Obama to investigate the BP Deepwater Horizon blowout on Tuesday rejected a call by a consumer activist group for the resignation of its chief counsel, Fred H. Bartlit Jr. The group, Consumer Watchdog, said that the panel should dismiss Mr. Bartlit because his law firm, Bartlit Beck Herman Palenchar & Scott, once represented Halliburton, one of the companies involved in drilling the BP well."
"Feds Understate the Cost of Climate Disruption, Critics Contend"
Daily Climate, 11/17/2010"The Obama Administration has ignored wrenching climate impacts such as ocean acidification in its effort to estimate the cost of carbon emissions, making emissions limits disproportionately expensive, economists say."
"Lame Duck Offers Glimmer of Hope on Energy Issues"
Greenwire, 11/16/2010"At least one energy measure will see congressional action this week, and a handful of hopeful Senate Democrats have lofty plans to cut through the partisan gridlock of recent months to move several climate and energy bills by year's end."
"Record US Ethanol Exports Raise Tax Issue"
Financial Times, 11/15/2010A record amount of US corn-based ethanol is being exported, despite the PR campaign touting ethanol as a domestic alternative to importing foreign oil. The reason: a Congress-passed tax credit for blending ethanol with gasoline. The credit -- a giveaway adding at least $6 billion to the federal deficit -- is scheduled to expire this year.

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