Author: Arin Spanner

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Wildlife and Habitat Conservation News: Obama Rejects Keystone XL Pipeline

Wildlife and Habitat Conservation News: Obama Rejects Keystone XL Pipeline. (2015, November 9). Retrieved November 23, 2015, from http://www.enn.com/wildlife/article/49141

Obama rejected the Keystone XL Pipeline on November 9, 2015, stating that the oil pipeline was not in America’s best interests. There has been a fierce debate between business and environmentalists, with 2 million comments submitted to the State Department and thousands of rallies against the Keystone Pipeline throughout the nation. Obama believed that the environmental cost of the pipeline was too much. He stated that the cost to people and wildlife would be enormous, and that it would trump the potential profit. Environmentalists hope that his decision will mark a turning point in American history, where we start using sustainable energy sources instead of fossil fuels.

This article focuses on the political science aspect of environmental science. The debate about this pipeline has raged for years, and culminated with a win for the climate. However, the fossil fuel lobby isn’t done yet. In the coming years, they will attempt to impede substantial alternative energy legislation. While this is a major win, environmental advocacy groups may not fully grasp the fight ahead of them. Fossil fuels are deeply engrained in American society. It powers our cars, and provides billions of dollars in revenue every year. While our dependency on fossil fuels has been stopped from increasing, it will be an entirely different matter altogether to substitute alternative energy for already existing fossil fuel sources.

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). Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability News: Food industry focuses on sustainable sourcing to mitigate climate change

Michalopolous, S. (2015, November 20). Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability News: Food industry focuses on sustainable sourcing to mitigate climate change. Retrieved November 23, 2015, from http://www.enn.com/business/article/49169

The global population is expected to rise to 9.7 billion in 2050 according to the UN. This rise will necessitate a 60% increase in the food supply, as well as a 30% increase in the global agricultural demand for water. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change was stated that global warming affects “all aspects of the food security”, and warns of the threat CO2 emissions pose to the future of food. These dangers have led some in the food industry to set up partnerships with farmers who farm sustainably. American food and drink manufacturers are taking other steps towards sustainability as well. They are encouraging their agricultural suppliers to farm sustainably, as well as using recyclable raw materials. Kellogg has said they will support 15,000 small rice farms by 2020, while Pepsico has promised to increase the use of organic fertilizers.

This relates to environmental science because it shows how the interests of the market can align with the interests of the environment. These companies want to continue functioning effectively, and know they cannot do so without sustainable methods of acquiring their raw materials. In order to remain in business and be able to supply coming demand, these companies must find alternative methods. Sustainability is not something that needs to be forced on companies; it is a foregone conclusion that almost all will eventually realize. We have overshot our global carrying capacity, and if these giant companies are successful in obtaining low-cost sustainability, there is hope that the entire United States can as well.

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Genetically Engineered Salmon Approved for Consumption

Pollack, A. (2015, November 19). Genetically Engineered Salmon Approved for Consumption. Retrieved November 22, 2015, from http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/20/business/genetically-engineered-salmon-approved-for-consumption.html?rref=collection/sectioncollection/science&action=click&contentCollection=science®ion=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=2&pg

Federal regulators from the FDA approved a genetically engineered salmon from Aquabounty Tech for consumption on Thursday. The approval was aggressively opposed by environmental activists who argued that studies were inadequate and that the genes from genetically modified salmon could contaminate wild salmon populations. FDA officials say that the approval process took so long because it was the first approval of its kind. The fish will not have to be labeled as genetically engineered, a precedent set when the FDA approved genetically engineered crops. However, companies can voluntarily label salmon as genetically or not genetically engineered. The approval could aid in other’s efforts to gain approval for genetically modified animals.

This article relates to the biological aspect of environmental science, since the fish are being genetically modified. It will be incredibly interesting to see the long term effects (and perhaps ramifications) of this decision. On one hand, the fish alleviate the environmental concern of overfishing by providing a fish that grows to market weight within 18 months (it typically takes 3 years). However, the consequences could be dire. If only a few of the genetically modified salmon mix with wild salmon populations, they could outcompete and pollute the gene pool. The consequences would be astronomical. The FDA didn’t incorporate this risk into their analysis, and it could cost the United States in the long term.

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Bush says he’d repeal signature Obama environmental regulations

Feldscher, K. (2015, November 21). Bush says he’d repeal signature Obama environmental regulations. Retrieved November 22, 2015, from http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/bush-says-hed-repeal-power-plant-water-rules/article/2576075

Former Florida Governor Jeb bush stated during the fourth Republican presidential primary debate that he would repeal both the Clean Power Plan and the Waters of the United States regulations. The Clean Power Plan limited the amount of carbon dioxide emissions that power plants could produce. The Waters of the United States protects streams and wetlands that contribute to overall water quality and more precisely defines waters protected by the Clean Water Act. Critics of both plans state that they impede business by imposing bureaucracy and unneeded costs and fees on utilities. They call both laws an unconstitutional overreach by Obama and the EPA. Other Republicans have made similar promises to repeal Obama’s environmental legislation.

This is yet another example of the modern regulation conflict that is faced by environmentalists in the United States. There is a certain sect of American politicians that will refuse to vote for any environmental regulation. They believe that any regulation is an impediment to business, and therefore to the American economy. Many of them don’t believe in or are undecided about the existence of global warming. While they have a point that the United States must balance the interests of business with the health of the environment, these are common-sense regulations. Cutting carbon emissions and maintaining stream water quality are sensible goals. The Waters of the United States also makes it easier to define what is water, making the Clean Water Act easier to enforce. The effect on industry is minimal at best, and the effect on jobs is negligible. The United States should keep these laws on the books in order to preserve our environment and prevent pollution.

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‘Doomsday’ for superyacht owners as US brings in laws to slash toxic gas pollution from their multi-million dollar boats.

Gillman, O. (2015, October 25). ‘Doomsday’ for superyacht owners as US brings in laws to slash toxic gas pollution from their multi-million dollar boats. Retrieved November 17, 2015, from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3288305/Doomsday-superyacht-industry-brings-environmental-laws-slash-toxic-gas-emissions-multi-million-dollar-boats-owned-rich-famous.html

New United States regulation is forcing yacht owners to cut nitrogen oxide emissions from their vessels. It will require a device to be placed on superyachts that converts nitrogen oxide emissions into nitrogen and water. This is a victory for environmental activists who have lobbied for stricter laws on yachts for years. Owners warn that that the regulation will be doomsday for the yacht industry, claiming that their yachts aren’t large enough to hold the devices. All large yachts must have the equipment by the year 2021. The law is expected to affect such well known yacht-goers as Steven Spielberg and Bono.

This article displays some of the regulation problems environmental advocates are faced with. While the President has favored environmental protection, Congress has not. These small victories are important, but overall they won’t have a large effect on water pollution. Only a very small percentage of Americans own large yachts, a fact which likely lead to the passage of this legislation. Wider reaching laws are required in order to significantly reduce pollution.

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Senate Votes to Block Obama’s Climate Change Rules.

Davenport, C. (2015, November 17). Senate Votes to Block Obama’s Climate Change Rules. Retrieved November 18, 2015, from http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/18/us/politics/senate-blocks-obamas-climate-change-rules.html?_r=0

The Senate voted Tuesday to block new environmental legislation that was supported by President Obama. They passed two resolutions: one to remove a rule that would cut carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants, and one to remove a rule halting construction of more coal-fired power plants. Both passed 52-46. Three Democrats from states with a strong coal industry broke party lines to vote for the resolutions. However, two Republicans voted for them. Obama has promised to veto the bills, citing environmental concerns. This move by the Senate weakens Obama’s negotiating power in Paris on November 30, where he will attempt to broker a historic climate change agreement between all nations. The President hopes to get all countries to commit to policies that would reduce global warming.

This article relates to the political aspect of environmental science. Scientists can identify all the environmental problems they want, but a strong political presence is needed in order to achieve solutions. Unfortunately, the coal industry has strong lobbying power and holds a lot of influence in Congress. Republicans don’t want an agreement to be reached, because if it is, the Republicans would look like they are behind the times. If all countries agree to stop climate change, that would validate its existence in the minds of the American public. The Republicans would probably be forced to validate the treaty, since they would look un-American if they didn’t. The American voter values patriotism in their politicians, and would be less inclined to vote Republican if the Party doesn’t support the President in an international agreement. While these current shenanigans are largely underreported, refusing to support the President internationally would make America look weak to the world, and a strong America is a key plank on the Republican platform.

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Well Water Metering? Not on My Land, Says California Landowners

Wee, H. (2015, May 13). Well Water Metering? Not on My Land, Say California Landowners. Retrieved August 24, 2015, from http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/california-drought/well-water-metering-not-my-land-say-california-landowners-n358296

Dry years have led to an increase in groundwater pumping. Unfortunately, groundwater is a nonrenewable resource. Gov. Jerry Brown signed in a law requiring local districts to measure the amount of groundwater in their vicinity. This is seen as the first step to requiring private landowners to report the amount of water they’re pumping. Many view the groundwater under their land as theirs, and many are angry at the prospect of being forced to report the amount of water they’re pumping. However, decades of groundwater extraction has lead large amounts of land sinking. As the drought worsens, more and more people are applying for water and drilling permits. Meanwhile, those who already own pumping mechanisms are pumping deeper and deeper. Limits on groundwater pumping are expected to come sometime in the future.

This issue involves a variety of topics relevant to environmental science. Private landowners think that the groundwater is theirs, and therefore they may pump as much as they want to. In reality however, groundwater flows, meaning that one water pumper is most likely “stealing” groundwater from another person’s land. Pumping is also collapsing land, affecting everyone. The question is, does the government have the right to regulate groundwater pumping? The groundwater is, after all, on private property. I believe that they do, since groundwater is a nonrenewable and easily exploitable resource. Private landowners fail to understand Tragedy of the Commons and that groundwater is a community resource. Without intervention, groundwater will be used up and land will sink severely.

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As Drought Worsens, Restrictions on Pools Rise in California.

Daniels, J. (2015, March 31). As Drought Worsens, Restrictions on Pools Rise in California. Retrieved August 2, 2015, from http://www.nbcnews.com/business/consumer/drought-worsens-restrictions-pools-rise-california-n333111

Some cities and water district have begun regulating swimming pools due to the drought. In some places, a moratorium has been instituted on swimming pool construction, while other places have limited draining and refilling. The regulations in these areas has spurred pool development in other places, where people fear they have only a limited window before a ban is placed on pool creation altogether. New water regulation requires pool owners to use pool covers in order to cut water loss from evaporation. “Water neutral pools” that refill themselves with rainwater are also being heavily discussed in the Californian pool industry.

This relates to environmental science because it shows the ways humans have to adapt to a changing environment. The severe drought has forced Californians to make their water-consumption habits more sustainable. This drought has proven that humans are versatile, and can make due with less. It’s still possible for change to be made world-wide. Other native species however, don’t have the resources or technology that humans have on their side. Several species of fish (especially salmon) could go extinct very soon if the current trajectory continues unabated.

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Criminal Charges Possible After California Oil Spill

Brumfield, B. (2015, June 4). Criminal charges possible after California oil spill – CNN.com. Retrieved August 1, 2015, from http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/04/us/california-corroded-oil-pipeline-santa-barbara/index.html

100,000 gallons of crude oil spilled into the Pacific Ocean. Preliminary findings show that the oil pipe was badly corroded before the rupture. Plains All American Pipeline, the company that owns the pipeline, had knowledge of intense corrosion at least two weeks before the spill. Plains All American is one of the worst violators of safety regulations in the world, with 175 safety and maintenance violations since 2006. Back in 2010, Plains was forced to pay $40 million for spilling 273,000 gallons of oil between 2004 and 2007.

This is another Tragedy of the Commons case. No one owns the oceans, so no one is especially motivated to protect them. The cost of polluting the ocean is of little consequence to Plains All American, because the EPA fines are not high enough to justify any real change. The pipeline moves approximately 35,00 barrels of oil per hour, which sold at between $50 and $105 between 2004 and 2007. The pipeline would most likely have to be shut down for a prolonged period of time in order for repairs to take place. The lost profit would be many times greater than the cost of paying the EPA fine. Until oil spills cost companies a lot more, oil companies will continue down a profit-driven, polluting path.

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Drought-Stricken California Ramps Up Water Restrictions

Drought-Stricken California Ramps Up Water Restrictions. (2015, March 15). Retrieved July 26, 2015, from http://www.nbcnews.com/science/environment/drought-stricken-california-ramps-water-restrictions-n325731

The State Water Resources Control Board has expanded water restrictions. These newly implemented regulations are forcing California residents to turn off their sprinklers, and restaurants won’t give customers water unless asked to. Environmental activists are advocating for even more aggressive water-slashing measures, such as rationing. The agency admits that it is pursing easier measures first, that immediately curb water usage.

This relates to environmental science because the severity of the drought is most likely caused by global warming. It is estimated that global warming has intensified the drought by up to 20%. This is just one example of the way global warming has impacted humans. The increased heat has resulted in more natural disasters, more deaths from heat, and devastated ecosystems around the world. If Environmental Scientists’ warnings are not heeded, these problems will only intensify.