Republicans (and a few Democrats) may have killed the president’s plan for a comprehensive climate change bill in 2010, but he made clear during his second inaugural speech that we have a moral obligation to deal with climate change:

We, the people, still believe that our obligations as Americans are not just to ourselves, but to all posterity. We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that the failure to do so would betray our children and future generations. Some may still deny the overwhelming judgment of science, but none can avoid the devastating impact of raging fires, and crippling drought, and more powerful storms. The path towards sustainable energy sources will be long and sometimes difficult. But America cannot resist this transition; we must lead it. We cannot cede to other nations the technology that will power new jobs and new industries – we must claim its promise. That’s how we will maintain our economic vitality and our national treasure – our forests and waterways; our croplands and snowcapped peaks. That is how we will preserve our planet, commanded to our care by God. That’s what will lend meaning to the creed our fathers once declared.

During a long and wide-ranging speech today, the president laid out the moral, economic, and scientific case for tackling the problem and the latest steps his administration is taking to address it.

(You can watch the entire speech HERE.)

The major elements of the president’s plan include carbon pollution limits for new and existing power plants, an increase in renewable energy generated on public lands, enhanced fuel efficiency standards for heavy-duty vehicles, a variety of energy efficiency measures, and both domestic and global cuts in super pollutants like HFCs, and an expanded commitment to international leadership on a wide variety of climate-change related issues.

(You can read the entire plan HERE.)

The president took climate deniers and other opponents of action to task:

We don’t have time for a meeting of the Flat Earth Society. Sticking your head in the sand might make you feel safer, but it’s not going to protect you from the coming storm.

As it turns outs, even the Flat Earth Society, which actually believes the Earth is flat, thinks climate change is caused by human activity. This puts the Flat Earth Society ahead of many conservatives when it comes to acknowledging the reality of our warming planet.

The speech concluded with a call to action to all Americans:

What we need in this fight are citizens who will stand up, and speak up, and compel us to do what this moment demands.

Understand this is not just a job for politicians. So I’m going to need all of you to educate your classmates, your colleagues, your parents, your friends. Tell them what’s at stake. Speak up at town halls, church groups, PTA meetings. Push back on misinformation. Speak up for the facts. Broaden the circle of those who are willing to stand up for our future.

Convince those in power to reduce our carbon pollution. Push your own communities to adopt smarter practices. Invest. Divest. Remind folks there’s no contradiction between a sound environment and strong economic growth. And remind everyone who represents you at every level of government that sheltering future generations against the ravages of climate change is a prerequisite for your vote. Make yourself heard on this issue.

BOTTOM LINE: We have an obligation to our children and future generations to tackle climate change and the additional steps the president announced today will put the U.S. in a position of global leadership to solve the climate crisis.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

US catfish industry legend dies

06/26/2013 Nativegrl77

Times are changing for mussels

By Nicki Holmyard

In the past five years, turnover and volume sales of Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group members’ mussels have increased significantly, resulting in a new state-of-the-art production facility.

Read more >

US catfish industry legend dies

Marine Harvest divests Cermaq shares

FIUN fishery gets MSC certification

Though not mandated, processing grows in the Gulf

Tradex gets RFM certified, seeks MSC renewal

New partners to tackle gluten-free market

India’s seafood exports hit record high

Bumble Bee launches SuperFresh retail line

Jail time for Trident embezzler

Tasmanian seafood sector value skyrockets

Wallace joins American Pride Seafoods

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Fracking forum: Secure your spot

06/26/2013 Nativegrl77 1 Comment

Register for the Forum Today!

Register now to secure your spot for the live webcast of our Science, Democracy, and Community Decisions on Fracking Forum on July 25, 2:00 p.m. PDT, at UCLA.

Science, Democracy, and Community Decisions on Fracking A Lewis M. Branscomb Forum

Dear Carmen,
We’re less than a month away from our public forum at the University of California, Los Angeles. Don’t forget to register to secure your spot for the live webcast of this popular event!
Science, Democracy, and Community Decisions on Fracking A Lewis M. Branscomb Forum Date: Thursday, July 25 Time: 2:00-5:00 p.m. PDT/5:00-8:00 p.m. EDT Location: UCLA
Register today!
Featured speakers will include: Felicia Marcus, chair of the California Water Resources Control Board; Tom Wilber, author of Under the Surface: Fracking, Fortunes, and the Fate of the Marcellus Shale and Shale Gas Review blog; Jose Bravo, executive director of Just Transition Alliance; and Todd Platts, former U.S. Representative (R-PA). Click here for the full line-up of speakers and program.
This event will be a unique opportunity to join leading thinkers and key stakeholders for a dynamic discussion about the state of the science around hydraulic fracturing, the state and federal policy landscape, and what citizens and policy makers need to know to make informed decisions oil and gas fracking.
We look forward to you joining us and contributing to the conversation!

Sincerely, Andy Rosenberg signature.jpg Andrew A. Rosenberg, Ph.D. Director, Center for Science and Democracy Union of Concerned Scientists
P.S. You can also check out our new video, The Curious Case of Fracking: Questions from the Road, to get a flavor of the types of questions that arise when people are faced with making decisions on fracking in their communities.

Black History

the Senate S.744 Congress the House

06/26/2013 Nativegrl77

The Senate will convene at 9:30am on Wednesday, June 25, 2013.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act with the time until 11:30am equally divided and controlled between the two Managers or their designees.
During Monday’s session of the Senate cloture was filed on the committee-reported substitute and S.744. As a result, the filing deadline for all 2^nd degree amendments to the committee-reported substitute and the bill is 10:30am Wednesday.
At 11:30am, there will be 3 roll call votes in relation to the following:
- Leahy motion to waive all applicable points of order with respect to the Immigration bill
- Adoption of the Leahy amendment #1183, as modified (with the Corker-Hoeven language regarding border security) and
- Motion to invoke cloture on the committee-reported substitute amendment, as amended, if amended, to S.744.
If cloture is invoked on the committee-reported substitute amendment, post-cloture time will run as if cloture were invoked at 1:00am on Wednesday, June 26^th.
10:36am The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on Leahy motion to waive points of order with respect to the Immigration bill.
10:36am The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on Leahy motion to waive points of order with respect to the Immigration bill;Waived: 68-30
12:16pm The Senate began a 10 minute roll call vote on adoption of the Leahy amendment #1183, as modified (with the Corker-Hoeven language regarding border security)Adopted: 69-29
12:35pm The Senate began a 10 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the committee-reported substitute amendment, as amended, if amended, to S.744.Invoked: 67-31
This afternoon and for the 15^th time (Senator Murray has asked 7 times and other Democrats have asked 8 times) since March 23^rd when Senate passed a budget resolution, Senator Murray asked unanimous consent the Senate proceed to the consideration of Calendar #33, H.Con.Res.25; the amendment at the desk, which is the text of S.Con.Res.8, the budget resolution passed by the Senate, be inserted in lieu thereof; and that H.Con.Res.25, as amended, be agreed to. Further, that the Senate insist on its amendment, request a conference with the House on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses; and the Chair be authorized to appoint conferees on the part of the Senate; and that following the authorization, two motions to instruct conferees be in order from each side:- Motion to instruct relative to the debt limit; and- Motion to instruct relative to taxes/revenue;That there be two hours of debate equally divided between the two Leaders, or their designees, prior to votes in relation to the motions; further, that no amendments be in order to either of the motions prior to the votes; all of the above occurring with no intervening action or debate.Senator Cruz asked that the request be modified so that it not be in order for the Senate to consider a conference report that includes reconciliation instructions to raise the debt limit. Senator Murray objected to Senator Cruz’s modification because she offered the senator a vote on a motion to instruct conferees on the debt limit. Finally, Senator Cruz objected to Senator Murray’s original request.
Senator Vitter asked unanimous consent to set aside the pending amendments in order to call up Vitter amendment #1330 (domestic violence). Senator Bennet, the acting manager, objected. We are still working on an agreement to consider additional amendments to the bill, but thus far no agreement has been reached.
10:36am The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on Leahy motion to waive points of order with respect to the Immigration bill;Waived: 68-30
Senator Reid asked unanimous consent that a manager’s package of amendments, which is at the desk, be in order and considered, en bloc; that the Senate proceed to vote on adoption of the amendments in this package, en bloc; that upon disposition of the manager’s package, the following amendments be in order to be called up and the clerks be authorized to modify the instruction lines to fit the committee-reported amendment, as amended, where necessary:-          Sessions #1334;
–          Hirono #1718;

–          Fischer #1594;

–          Blumenthal #1636;

–          Vitter #1445;

–          Brown #1311;

–          Toomey #1599;

–          Hagan #1386;

–          Coats #1563;

–          McCaskill #1457;

–          Johnson (WI) #1380;

–          Boxer #1260;

–          Cruz #1580;

–          Feinstein #1250;

–          Lee #1214;

–          Udall (NM) #1218;

–          Vitter #1577;

–          Tester #1459;

–          Vitter #1474;

–          Heitkamp #1593;

–          Lee #1207;

–          Whitehouse #1419;

–          Cruz #1579;

–          Udall (NM) #1691;

–          Cruz #1583;

–          Heinrich #1342;

–          Cruz #1585;

–          Reed (RI) #1608;

–          Cruz #1586;

–          Nelson-Wicker #1253;

–          McCain-Cardin #1469; and

–          Portman-Tester #1634.

That at 9am, Thursday, June 27^th, the Senate proceed to votes in relation to the amendments in the order listed; that the amendments be subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold; that there be two minutes equally divided prior to each vote; and all after the first vote be ten minute votes; that upon disposition of the Portman-Tester amendment #1634, the pending amendments to the underlying bill be withdrawn; the Majority Leader then be recognized for the purpose of raising points of order against the remaining pending amendments to the substitute amendment; that after the amendments fall, the substitute amendment, as amended, be agreed to; the cloture motion with respect to the S.744 be withdrawn; the bill, as amended, be read a third time, and the Senate proceed to vote on passage of the bill, as amended.

Senator Grassley objected.
Senator Tester asked unanimous consent that it be in order to call up the Portman-Tester #1634 (e-verify). Senator Grassley objected.
There will be a series of 3 roll call votes at 11:30am tomorrow:-          Confirmation of Executive Calendar #179, the nomination of Anthony Renard Foxx, of North Carolina, to be Secretary of Transportation.
–          Adoption of committee-reported substitute amendment, as amended, to S.744; and

–          Cloture on the motion to invoke cloture on S.744, as amended, Comprehensive Immigration Reform.

Under the agreement, if cloture is invoke, the 30 hour clock will run as if cloture had been invoked at 7:00am tomorrow. If all time is used, the time would expire at 1:00pm on Friday. After cloture has been invoked, we will work towards an agreement to yield back some of the post-cloture debate time and vote at a reasonable time tomorrow afternoon. Senator Reid encourages senators to be on the floor during the closing remarks on the Immigration Reform bill.

Agreement on Foxx nomination

I ask unanimous consent that notwithstanding Rule XXII, at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, June 27^th, the Senate proceed to Executive Session to consider Cal # 179, Anthony Renard Foxx – to be Secretary of Transportation, that there be 2 minutes for debate equally divided in the usual form; that following the use or yielding back of time, the Senate proceed to vote without intervening action or debate on the nomination; the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate; that no further motions be in order; that any related statements be printed in the Record; that the President be immediately notified of the Senate’s action and the Senate then resume legislative session.

Agreement on Immigration bill:

I ask unanimous consent that on Thursday, June 27^th upon disposition of the Foxx nomination and the resumption of Legislative session, all post-cloture time be considered expired with respect to the committee-reported amendment, as amended; that the pending amendments to the underlying bill be withdrawn; the Majority Leader then be recognized for the purpose of raising points of order against the remaining pending amendments to the substitute amendment; that after the amendments fall, the Senate proceed to vote on the adoption of the committee-reported substitute amendment, as amended; that upon disposition of the committee-reported substitute amendment, the Senate proceed to vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S.744, as amended; finally, if cloture is invoked it be considered as if cloture had been invoked at 7am, Thursday, June 27^th.
WRAP UP FOR WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 2013ROLL CALL VOTES
1)      Leahy motion to waive applicable points of order with respect to S.744; Waived: 68-30

2)      Leahy amendment #1183, as modified (with the Corker-Hoeven language regarding border security); Agreed to: 69-29

3)      Motion to invoke cloture on the committee-reported substitute amendment, as amended to S.744; Invoked: 67-31

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.144, Resolution concerning the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the need for international efforts supporting long-term peace, stability, and observance of human rights.

Adopted S.Res.166, Resolution commemorating the 50^th anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and commending its successor, the African Union.

Adopted S.Res.187, Congratulating the Chicago Blackhawks on winning the 2013 Stanley Cup.

Adopted S.Res.188, recognizing June 30, 2013, as the centennial of the Lincoln Highway.

Adopted S.Res.189, relative to the death of the Honorable William Dodd Hathaway, former United States Senator for the State of Maine.

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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June 2013
S	M	T	W	T	F	S
						1
2	3	4	5	6	7	8
9	10	11	12	13	14	15
16	17	18	19	20	21	22
23	24	25	26	27	28	29
30

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Last Floor Action: 6/26
9:20:17 P.M. – The House adjourned.

The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on June 26, 2013

10:00:00 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:06 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Reid J. Ribble to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:38 A.M.		MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.
10:34:22 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

12:00:38 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of June 26.
12:00:50 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Michael Rucker, Bible Baptist Church, Wichita Falls, Texas.
12:02:07 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:02:12 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Thompson of PA to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:02:33 P.M.		The Speaker recognized Mr. Thornberry for the purpose of introducing the guest Chaplain.
12:03:52 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches, which by direction of the Chair would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.

12:33:05 P.M.	H. Res. 274	<action_description>Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 274 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1613) to amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to provide for the proper Federal management and oversight of transboundary hydrocarbon reservoirs, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2231) to amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to increase energy exploration and production on the Outer Continental Shelf, provide for equitable revenue sharing for all coastal States, implement the reorganization of the functions of the former Minerals Management Service into distinct and separate agencies, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2410) making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014, and for other purposes; providing for proceedings during the period from June 29, 2013, through July 5, 2013; and for other purposes.”
12:40:23 P.M.	H. Res. 274	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 274.
1:47:37 P.M.	H. Res. 274	On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (Roll no. 289).
2:10:51 P.M.	H. Res. 274	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (Roll no. 290).
2:10:52 P.M.	H. Res. 274	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:12:48 P.M.	H. Res. 270	Mrs. Miller (MI) asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.
2:12:48 P.M.	H. Res. 270	Considered by unanimous consent. H. Res. 270 — “Permitting official photographs of the House of Representatives to be taken while the House is in actual session on a date designated by the Speaker.”
2:13:15 P.M.	H. Res. 270	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
2:13:17 P.M.	H. Res. 270	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:13:27 P.M.		Mrs. Miller (MI) filed a report from the Committee on House Administration on H. Res. 277.
2:13:57 P.M.	H. Res. 277	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 277 — “The title of this measure is not available.”
2:14:08 P.M.	H. Res. 277	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
2:14:15 P.M.	H. Res. 277	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:14:21 P.M.		Mrs. Miller (MI) filed a report from the Committee on House Administration on H. Res. 278.
2:14:43 P.M.	H. Res. 278	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 278 — “The title of this measure is not available.”
2:14:55 P.M.	H. Res. 278	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
2:15:12 P.M.	H. Res. 278	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:15:25 P.M.		The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
2:15:41 P.M.	H.R. 1864	Mrs. Walorski moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 1864 — “To amend title 10, United States Code, to require an Inspector General investigation of allegations of retaliatory personnel actions taken in response to making protected communications regarding sexual assault.”
2:16:30 P.M.	H.R. 1864	Considered under suspension of the rules.

2:16:32 P.M.	H.R. 1864	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1864.
2:47:29 P.M.	H.R. 1864	At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
2:48:18 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
2:48:58 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

5:19:27 P.M.		Mr. Ryan (OH) moved that the House do now adjourn.
5:19:36 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
5:19:37 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on June 27, 2013.

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~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

NMAAHC — SI folklife Festival 2013 starts June 26

06/25/2013 Nativegrl77

SI folklife Festival 2013 starts June 26

THE WILL TO ADORN: African American Diversity, Style, and Identity

Congregants from the Alfred Street Baptist church enjoy a Mother’s Day hat fashion show in Washington, D.C., 2012. Photo by Sharon Farmer, courtesy of National Museum of African American History and Culture

What is African American about African American dress and body art and why does it matter?

African American traditions of dress and body adornment are creative expressions grounded in the history of African-descended populations in the United States. Visit the Smithsonian Folklife Festival to learn more!

Smithsonian Folklife Festival June 26 — 30, 2013 & July 03 — 07, 2013 National Mall, Washington DC

To view the full festival program, please visit http://www.festival.si.edu/

The Will to Adorn: African American Diversity, Style, and Identity festival program is produced by the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage in partnership with the National Museum of African American History and Culture.