Sierra Club Currents - Big Oil's Last Gasp
Quote of Note: - North Carolina Governor Mike Easley (D)
(1) Offshore Drilling: Big Oil's Last Gasp
(1) Offshore Drilling: Big Oil's Last Gasp In a sign that drilling proponents did not have enough votes to secure passage, a last ditch effort to open up the Gulf Coast to oil and gas drilling was pulled from the calendar today. The bill would have jeopardized precious coastal areas that currently contribute $300 million to local economies through commercial and sport fishing. As the lame duck session of Congress comes to an end, it's time to make a fresh start that will end outrageous subsidies to Big Oil and jump-start investments in energy efficiency and clean, renewable energy. Learn more about smart energy solutions. Photo courtesy USFWS. (2) Climate Pact: Spokane Becomes Next Cool City Find out if your city is a Cool City.
(3) Take Action: Stand Up for Public Lands! In a lame attempt to sneak bad legislation through the lame-duck Congress, Senator Bob Bennett (R-UT) and Representative Jim Matheson (D-UT) have introduced a bill which would sell off nearly 40 square miles of public lands to fund millions in pork projects that will accelerate sprawl in southwestern Utah. The bill, the Washington County Growth and Conservation Act (S.3636-HR 5769) threatens to destroy vast wilderness lands in the Zion-Mojave region, landscapes of towering sandstone cliffs, high desert mountains, and untrammeled stretches of the Mojave Desert. This is the last week of the 109th Congress and our last stand to protect public lands. Photo courtesy Betsy Goll/Sierra Club Collection
(4) Take Action: Have a Greener Holiday! Why not add the planet to your gift list this year? By making eco-friendly choices, like buying LED lights, you can celebrate the season in style while protecting the environment and saving money. The energy saving LED lights use 90% less energy than regular bulbs and can save you up to $50 on your holiday energy bills. |
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Currents is the Sierra Club's weekly e-mail update providing you with facts, stories, quotes, and "take action" features. |