All posts by Nativegrl77

On Tuesday, January 28th, President Obama will deliver his fifth State of the Union address from the Capitol. Here at the White House, we’ll be hosting our third State of the Union Social event — and we want you to join.

This event is an opportunity for our followers on social media to watch President Obama’s State of the Union address live from the White House, and then participate in a panel with senior staff to discuss the vision and policies laid out in the speech.

Find out how you can join us here.

Get Ready: President Obama’s 2014 State of the Union Address

This year there will be more ways than ever to take part in the State of the Union, including a new way to watch the speech and share exclusive graphics with your social networks — and opportunities to discuss President Obama’s remarks with White House officials immediately following the address.

For the first time, as part of the HHS’s regular reporting on enrollment in private health care plans through the Affordable Care Act marketplaces, the department released demographic information on the enrollees, including breakdowns by age.

Yesterday, as part of the Administration’s ongoing efforts to carry out that pledge, and in recognition of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the White House released the first-ever Federal Strategic Action Plan on Services for Victims of Human Trafficking in the United States.

Official Google Blog … Wind

01/16/2014 Nativegrl77

A new wind investment in Texas

It sure is windy in Texas. So windy, in fact, that we’ve made another wind energy investment there. In late December we finalized an agreement to invest $75 million in the Panhandle 2 wind farm in Carson County, outside of Amarillo. The 182MW facility, developed by leading wind developer Pattern Energy Group LP, has the capacity to generate enough renewable energy to power 56,000 U.S. homes. We expect the facility to be operational by the end of 2014.

The future site of Pattern’s Panhandle 2 wind farm

Panhandle 2 is our 15th renewable energy investment overall, and our second in Texas—last year around this time we announced an approximately $200 million investment in the Spinning Spur wind farm. In addition to these two projects, we’re also buying Texas wind from the Happy Hereford wind farm as part of our goal of operating on 100 percent renewable energy. These efforts reflect our long-standing commitment to renewable energy as both an investor and a consumer.

Sunset at another Pattern facility, Gulf Wind

Let that Texas wind blow!
Posted by Nick Coons, Principal, Renewable Energy

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Children need help

01/16/2014 Nativegrl77

TELL US WHAT INSPIRES YOU

Photo: Cassandra Nelson / Mercy Corps

TAKE THE SURVEY ▸

Have you thought about how far your kindness can travel?
In recent months, the kindness of Mercy Corps supporters has traveled to the world’s toughest places. In the Philippines, they are helping families rebuild houses that Typhoon Haiyan swept away. In Syrian refugee camps, they are providing warm clothes and blankets for children who are facing the winter cold. And in South Sudan, they are delivering lifesaving aid and supplies to families fleeing violence.
Your kindness can go to places where you may never set foot — but where you’ll have a lasting impact.
Dear friend, you’ve been a dedicated partner and friend. Your opinion matters. That’s why I hope you’ll take a few minutes to answer our short survey — just 5 questions — to let us know what you think.
Isn’t it amazing to realize that compassion can have global reach? Whether it’s helping women and children in the Central African Republic get medical attention and legal protection after assault, or ensuring that a starving baby in Ethiopia gets the food and health care she needs to survive, our donors are there.
We haven’t heard from you in a while, and we want to know what you think. Please take our short 5-question survey now ▸
Sincerely,
Dan O'Neill, Mercy Corps Founder
Dan O’Neill Mercy Corps Founder

Black History

the Senate CONGRESS 1/16 the House

01/16/2014 Nativegrl77

The Senate stands adjourned until 10:00am on Thursday, January 16, 2014. Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the House message to accompany H.R.3547, the legislative vehicle for the omnibus appropriations bill.

During Wednesday’s session of the Senate, cloture was filed on the House message to accompany H.R.3547. The filing deadline for first degree amendments to the message to accompany H.R.3547 is 1:00pm on Thursday. Under the rule, the cloture vote would occur Friday morning. Senator Reid announced his hope to have the vote sooner.

After the Senate convened this morning, Senator Reid moved to proceed to the consideration of S.1926, Flood Insurance. Negotiations continue on an agreement to consider the Flood Insurance bill.

Upon completion of the Leaders’ remarks, the Senate resumed consideration of the House Message to accompany H.R.3547, the Omnibus Appropriations bill. Yesterday, Senator Reid filed cloture on the motion to concur in the House message to accompany H.R.3547. We will continue to work towards an agreement to vote on cloture and then on the motion to concur (passage of the bill) earlier than tomorrow, which is when cloture would ripen under Rule 22. Without an agreement and if cloture is invoked, there would be up to 30 hours for debate prior to a vote on the motion to concur (passage). The filing deadline for first degree amendments to the message to accompany H.R.3547 is 1:00pm today, Thursday, January 16.

Another message will be sent when agreements are reached or votes scheduled.

The Senate has reached an agreement to vote on cloture and passage of the Omnibus appropriations bill beginning at 5:30pm tonight.

Under the agreement, the time until 4:45pm will be equally divided between Senators Reed (RI) and Durbin. The Republicans will control the time from 4:45pm until 5:15pm.

At 5:15pm, there will be 15 minutes equally divided between Senators Mikulski and Shelby, or their designees.

At 5:30pm today, the mandatory quorum required under rule 22 will be waived and the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur. If cloture is invoked, the motion to concur with an amendment will be withdrawn; all post-cloture time yielded back; and the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to concur. If the motion to concur is agreed to, the Senate will agree to H.Con.Res.74 (to amend the title)

Senator Cruz asked unanimous consent the Senate take up and adopt the following amendments to the House Message on H.R.3547, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 (Omnibus)):

– Cruz amendment #2685 (prohibit funding of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act so long as the Act is harming the healthcare of Americans)

– Cruz amendment #2686 (prohibit funding of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and fulfill our nation’s promise to our military retirees)

Senator Mikulski objected to both requests.

5:27pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R.3547, the Omnibus Appropriations bill;

Invoked: 72-26

The next vote will be on the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R.3547, the Omnibus Appropriations bill (passage).

5:54pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R.3547, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 (passage of the Omnibus Appropriations bill);

Agreed to: 72-26

Senator Reid filed cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1926, Flood Insurance. The cloture vote will occur at 5:30pm on Monday, January 27^th.

WRAP UP

Roll Call Votes

1) Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House message to accompany H.R.3547, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014; Invoked: 72-26

2) Motion to concur in the House message to accompany H.R.3547, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014; Agreed to: 72-26

Legislative items

Adopted S.Res.335, designating January 2014 as “National Mentoring Month”.

Adopted S.Res.336, designating the first week of April 2014 as “National Asbestos Awareness Week”.

Began the Rule 14 process of S.1950, the Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014. (Sanders)

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.1931, the Responsible Unemployment Compensation Extension Act. (Heller)

No Executive items

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Last Floor Action:
10:02:27 A.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 5 per side of the aisle.

10:00:16 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:21 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Kevin Yoder to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:42 A.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
10:02:04 A.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
10:02:08 A.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Kilmer to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
10:02:27 A.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 5 per side of the aisle.

10:13:11 A.M.	H.R. 3362	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 455. H.R. 3362 — “To amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to require transparency in the operation of American Health Benefit Exchanges.”
10:13:16 A.M.	H.R. 3362	The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 2279, H.R. 3362, and H.R. 3811. In each case, general debate shall be confined to one hour and one motion to recommit is allowed. The resolution specifies certain amendments are in order for H.R. 2279. Further amendments to H.R. 3362 and H.R. 3811 are not in order.
10:13:53 A.M.	H.R. 3362	Amendment reported by the House Committee on Rules, Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 455, the amendment printed in Part B of House Report 113-322 is considered as adopted.
10:13:55 A.M.	H.R. 3362	On agreeing to the Rules amendment; Agreed to without objection.
10:14:06 A.M.	H.R. 3362	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 3362.
11:17:08 A.M.	H.R. 3362	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
11:17:26 A.M.	H.R. 3362	Ms. Clark (MA) moved to recommit with instructions to Energy and Commerce.
11:17:55 A.M.	H.R. 3362	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Clark(MA) motion to recommit with instructions pending reservation of a point of order. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment inserting a new section on Disclosure of Lower Costs and Additional Health Benefits Provided to Individuals and Families. Subsequently, the reservation was removed.
11:25:33 A.M.	H.R. 3362	The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
11:52:58 A.M.	H.R. 3362	On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 186 – 226 (Roll no. 22).
12:01:40 P.M.	H.R. 3362	On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 259 – 154 (Roll no. 23).
12:01:40 P.M.	H.R. 3362	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:02:11 P.M.		BOARD OF VISITORS TO THE UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY – Pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 6968(a), and the order of the House of January 3, 2013, the Speaker appointed the following member of the House to the BOARD OF VISITORS TO THE UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY: Mr. Rogers of MI.
12:03:12 P.M.	H. Res. 460	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 460 — “Electing a Member to a certain standing committee of the House of Representatives.”
12:03:22 P.M.	H. Res. 460	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.
12:03:32 P.M.	H. Res. 460	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:04:00 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 75	Considered as privileged matter. H. Con. Res. 75 — “Providing for a joint session of Congress to receive a message from the President.”
12:04:10 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 75	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.
12:04:16 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 75	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:04:28 P.M.		Mr. Cantor asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 1:00 p.m. on January 17. Agreed to without objection.
12:04:52 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
12:20:53 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

1:44:25 P.M.		Mr. Gohmert moved that the House do now adjourn.
1:44:38 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
1:44:39 P.M.		The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on January 17, 2014.

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~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Rights Versus Resources in the Amazon

01/15/2014 Nativegrl77

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Rights Versus Resources in the Amazon

Tar sands, hydraulic fracking, deep water drilling. All are examples that we are living in the age of extreme oil. With most major reserves of traditional crude found or tapped, the industry is encroaching into some of the most geologically-complicated, environmentally-risky and socially-conflictive terrain than ever before. As the price of crude hovers at $100, companies are eager to get at what was once impossible crude, much to the peril of people and the planet.

In some cases, this means pursuing non-conventional sources of oil, once technologically or financially out of reach, but now lucrative, despite being more energy intensive to extract than the final crude produced. In other cases, this means attempting to access “shut in” reserves – oil fields trapped by local resistance or above-ground ecological importance.

There is no greater example of this clash than what is playing out in the forests of Ecuador’s Amazon. There is a new oil boom underway, fuelled by the country’s rising debt, China’s energy demands, Ecuador’s leftist government’s plans to finance its “citizen’s revolution”, and the massive increase in public spending with expanded drilling.

Read the rest on Eye on the Amazon »