Did you notice the protest signs? Ban & Make ALL abortions illegal ~~Nativegrl77
Power of Wind
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Happy 4th of July, from all of us at the American Wind Energy Association!
On this holiday, we take a moment to appreciate our freedom here in the U.S. – and we wanted to highlight the ways in which our growing supply of wind power is improving our national energy security.
When we use wind to generate electricity, we are:
- Free from water use. Wind power conserves water supplies, because it uses virtually no water. When we use wind power, we often displace electricity generation from fossil fuel power plants (often coal- and natural gas-fired facilities), and as a direct result, reduce or avoid consumption of water, which is heavily relied on to cool thermal plants. More here.
- Free from pollution. Generating electricity from wind emits zero greenhouse gases and none of the other air pollutants that are harmful to human health, such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and mercury. Those pollutants can cause respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, and developmental problems, in vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. More here.
- Free from importing fuel. Wind turns the blades of the turbine, and the gears inside the turbine transform the mechanical energy into electrical energy. Wind power’s fuel is free, and its supply is infinite. On top of that, it’s grown right here in the USA – wind turbines are often installed on farmers’ and ranchers’ land, which helps them to maintain their livelihoods and attracts millions of dollars of private investment to rural economies. Take a look at a day in the life of a wind farm and its caretakers here.
Thanks, as always, for your support for American wind power! We appreciate it! And we hope that you and your family and friends have a wonderful Independence Day!
Sincerely,
Aaron
Aaron Severn
Director, Grassroots and Legislative Affairs
American Wind Energy Association
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Jobs Report “Too Good”?
 Some other things I’ve read this week: Martha Plimpton on women’s rights being denied, Jessica Roy on attending a men’s rights conference, Marguerite Ward on Canada’s immigration policy, and Andy Warner and Lauren Sommer on the perils of ocean acidification.
John Whitehouse What’s Wrong With Hobby Lobby
Standing Up To George Will’s Bullying
Jobs Report “Too Good”?
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FEATURED VIDEO
LIMBAUGH’S ADVICE FOR THE LADIES
THE NYT CAN DO BETTER
IMAGE OF THE WEEK |
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States of Denial
More Than Half Of Republican Governors Are Climate Deniers
Here’s what we knew: Scientists are as sure of man-made climate change as they are that cigarettes kill. These changes already cause an increasing likelihood of extreme weather, pose dangerous health risks, and carry steep economic costs to taxpayers.
Here’s what we now know: Far too many governors, the people who see the impacts of climate change first hand and should be playing a leading role in their state, deny the climate science and refuse to believe that humans play a role in climate change. A CAP Action news analysis finds that of the 29 current Republican governors in the United States, fifteen — more than half — are climate change deniers. A number of others have made no public statement on climate science, have not taken action to address the issue, or have openly objected to federal safeguards that help blunt the impacts of climate change.
The map below lays this out in plain view (click here to view the interactive version). It categorizes governors into four groups: green for those who both accept climate science and are taking action to fight climate change; orange for those who either accept or haven’t openly denied climate science, but also have yet to take serious action to address climate change; red for those who have failed to take action or openly rejected to federal safeguards to address climate change; and red with stripes for climate deniers.
Here are just a few examples of some of the most backward comments and actions from governors around the country:
- Indiana: Governor Mike Pence (R). When asked if he accepts climate change science, Pence responded, “I don’t know that that is a resolved issue in science today…just a few years ago we were talking about global warming. We haven’t seen a lot of warming lately. I remember back in the 70’s we were talking about the coming ice age.” Pence also let Indiana’s state-wide energy efficiency program die by refusing to either sign or veto a bill that would end it (by default, the bill to end it became law).
- Maine: Governor Paul LePage (R). LePage is one of the most outspoken climate deniers, and has said that “scientists are divided on the subject.” He has argued that Maine could potentially benefit from the effects of climate change, vetoed legislation that would help the state prepare for extreme weather, blocked a bipartisan bill to expand solar power, and has attempted to dramatically reduce the state’s renewable energy standards to benefit large corporations.
- Texas: Governor Rick Perry (R). Perry has repeatedly questioned the science behind climate change — “I think we’re seeing almost weekly, or even daily, scientists that are coming forward and questioning the original idea that man-made global warming is what is causing the climate to change.” Perry, along with energy companies, industry front groups, and other conservative politicians, sued the EPA in an attempt to block the agency from regulating climate pollution. Their argument was that climate science is a hoax.
Instead of cutting carbon pollution and investing in clean energy, the fifteen Republican governors currently ignoring science have taken more than $15 million in campaign contributions from big polluters over the course of the careers. While their governors count the campaign cash, local communities are suffering.
BOTTOM LINE: Despite the overwhelming scientific consensus and the devastating impacts of climate change, more than half of America’s Republican governors are standing with the anti-science members of Congress. These officials, and the others who are dragging their feet on the issue, need to face the facts. The EPA’s Clean Power Plan to reduce carbon pollution from power plants requires state leadership, and the American people — who broadly support the new rules — want them to action.
Like CAP Action on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!
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50 Years Later
In the latest installment of our audio series Being Biden, the Vice President reflects on the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, and shares a photo of himself with Representative John Lewis, Jesse Jackson, and other leaders of the civil rights movement.
Vice President Biden reminds us that, as we celebrate the Fourth of July, we must also celebrate and remember the struggles of a generation that pushed to make the Declaration of Independence’s inalienable rights — of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” — a reality for all Americans.
Take a listen to the latest episode, “50 Years Later.”
Twenty-four states have not yet expanded Medicaid — and if they don’t change course, 5.7 million people won’t have access to health insurance coverage in 2016. Check out our new resource center, featuring an interactive map that shows how Medicaid expansion will help people in each state — from access to affordable health insurance and preventive care, to new jobs created.
The President Heads to D.C.’s Key Bridge to Talk Infrastructure and the Economy
Yesterday afternoon, President Obama talked about infrastructure and the economy, with Washington, D.C.’s Francis Scott Key Bridge serving as the backdrop.
President Obama Speaks on Immigration Reform
In the Rose Garden on Monday, President Obama reiterated his commitment to immigration reform and reproached House Republicans for their unwillingness to confront this important issue.
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