Tag Archives: United States Environmental Protection Agency

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Save money and energy with these Earth-friendly tips


Eco-friendly Tips for Your Computer

Keeping your PC Green

 These days, many of us are looking for ways to conserve energy, both to help the environment and to save some cash: buying energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances, adjusting the thermostat, and trying to “reduce, reuse and recycle” where we can.

But we may be overlooking one thing that can be a huge energy drain, increasing our monthly utility bills and needlessly filling up landfills—our computers.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Western Sustainability and Pollution Prevention Network (WSPPN), Americans:

•Generate more than five billion pounds of computer waste. (EPA)

•Dump 82 percent of computers in landfills instead of recycling them; in 2007 alone, more than 40 million computers were dumped. (EPA)

•On average, discard their PC after only 30 months of use. (WSPPN)

Here are some easy steps you can take to keep your PC green and energy-efficient: you can help protect the environment and save yourself some money at the same time.

Turn off your monitor

A monitor uses a lot of energy, more than you may realize—it accounts for roughly a third of the electrical usage of your entire computer.

Configure your monitor’s sleep feature to automatically power down when you’re away from the computer (look for “Power Options” in the Control Panel). This sleep mode still uses some energy, so at the end of the day or if you’ll be away from your computer for awhile, turn off the monitor.

NOTE: You also may want to consider lowering the brightness of your monitor; the brighter your display, the more energy it uses. And there may be an added bonus: some people have reported that a dimmer display reduces eye strain.

Turn off your screensaver

Screensavers were originally designed to protect older monochromatic monitors, a type of monitor that’s rarely seen anymore. Newer monitors, such as those that use LCD or LED technology, don’t need screensavers at all.

Animated screensavers can be fun but they consume as much energy as a monitor in use, not to mention wasting CPU and memory power and unnecessarily heating up your PC, which in turn requires more fan power to keep it cool: it’s a domino effect that all adds up to a needless drain of energy.

Turn off the screensaver. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), turning off the screensaver can save you from $25 to $75 a year on energy costs. This may not seem like a lot, but think of it a different way: it’s like getting a $50 check for your birthday every year just by turning off something you don’t need—your screensaver.

Use energy-saving modes

Many people leave their computers powered on around-the-clock—often, this is to avoid a lengthy boot-up process, but sometimes we want to leave our PCs on so we can access them remotely or so that automated maintenance processes can run.

TIP: If you find yourself frustrated with how long it takes your computer to boot up, it may be time to clean it out: your PC’s startup process can easily become clogged with a lot of programs you don’t really need. Read more about how you can speed up your PC’s start-up time.

One way to combine energy conservation with the convenience of an “always-on” PC is to enable standby or hibernate mode (also one of the “Power Options” in Windows). With these energy-saving modes, you can set your PC to ‘sleep’ after it’s been idle a certain amount of time, and the computer will only ‘wake up’ when you return or when it’s running maintenance tasks.

So what’s the difference between standby and hibernate?

•Standby: With standby mode, your PC uses very little power; some is still used, but the power to items such as your monitor and hard drive is cut. When you come back to your PC, you’ll be up and running quickly, but your computer will be using more energy than the hibernate mode.

•Hibernate: With hibernate mode, your PC is not using any power at all. Of the two, this mode definitely saves the most energy, but the time it takes for everything to power up will be a bit longer.

TIP: An always-on PC not only uses energy; it can also take a big hit on performance. This is because a PC that’s always powered on saves data into memory—and when your PC is low on memory, everything suffers.

To avoid this memory overload, restart your computer every few days and defragment the memory about once a month. Defragmentation reclaims valuable memory and improves PC efficiency, stability, and speed: performance goes up, energy usage goes down. Read more about how memory defragmentation improves performance. Keep your PC tuned

For any of your appliances, proper maintenance reduces waste, and the same holds true for computers. Much like a car, a properly tuned computer can run more efficiently: a lean PC uses less electricity and performs much better.

Over time, PCs get bloated and inefficient: settings become outdated as you add and remove programs, clutter is left behind from web surfing, resource-hogging startup commands are needlessly running. This PC detritus that builds up through daily use acts like “friction” on your computer—and the end result is that everything your computer does requires more effort, takes more time, generates more heat, and wastes more power.

TIP: The common problems that can overtax your computer’s resources and waste energy can be easily resolved with a good PC tune-up software program. Read more about how PC tune-ups can reverse performance problems.

And an added benefit: by keeping your current PC in good running condition, you’ll also be able to hold on to it longer, saving you the costly expense of a new computer.

Recycle your old PC

Eventually the day will come when you’re ready to say goodbye to your old computer. When that happens, rather than throwing your PC away and adding to the world’s growing waste problem, why not recycle it? Research by the EPA found that in 2007 only 15% of discarded computers were recycled. And many of the computers that ended up in landfills could have benefited our community by being donated to charities, schools, or other non-profit groups.

If you’re not sure where you can recycle or donate your computer, the non-profit organization TechSoup provides links to recycling and refurbishing resources that accept computer donations: www.techsoup.org/recycle/donate

NOTE: Before you give your computer away, it’s critical that you securely delete all your personal information. Just deleting files, or even formatting the drive, isn’t enough—someone using easily available software can still recover the files. (Read more about why deleting files doesn’t permanently erase them.) To securely delete your information, use data wiping software, which uses overwrite technologies that prevent data from being recovered. Buy green

If you’re in the market for a new PC, do some research before you buy: many computer manufacturers, including Dell, HP, Acer, and others, now offer “green” models that use less energy, have more reusable/rechargeable components, or use recycled material.

And your best bet may be to choose a laptop over a desktop. In order to optimize battery usage, most laptops have energy-efficient features built-in: a laptop can use up to 50% less electricity than a desktop machine.

TIP: If you only use your computer at home, you could consider setting up your laptop like a desktop, with a “full size” monitor, mouse, and keyboard attached.

 

UpToSpeed™ is iolo’s ongoing article series written by PC experts for everyday computer users. Each article is packed with easy tips and practical advice on the latest issues affecting computers to help you get the most out of your PC.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

The True Cost of Coal Delivered …Kyle Ash, Greenpeace


I recently delivered your petition signature along with a copy of the latest Harvard study that shows the true cost of coal to both of your Senators.

You and 50,000 other activists signed our petition urging the Senate to defend the EPA’s ability under the Clean Air Act to protect Americans from the true cost of coal. The Senate got your message.

During our delivery, we made sure to prioritize the offices of Senators whose states have been devastated by coal mining such as John Rockefeller (D-WV) and Mitch McConnell (R-KY). Also, those who take their cues from the polluter companies that paid for their election campaigns such as Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Jim Inhofe (R-OK).

We then dropped off the petition and the Harvard study to Senators like Sherrod Brown (D-OH) who have been on the fence about whether carbon pollution from coal is dangerous enough to restrict now.

Thank you for your support. With these petitions, you and activists across the country made it clear to the Senate that the 34,000 Americans who die each year from coal and the extra half a trillion dollars it costs our economy is a price too high.

The fight for clean energy continues. In Washington, coal industry lobbyists are pressuring lawmakers to strip the Environmental Protection Agency of its power to regulate the dirty emissions of coal fired power plants. Our campaign is just getting started and we are going to need you every step of the way. Thanks for taking action and I look forward to working with you in the future.

Thank you,

Kyle Ash

Greenpeace Senior Legislative Representative

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Assault on the EPA …Kathleen Rogers, Earth Day Network


The Environmental Protection Agency is under attack. As early as today, the House is scheduled to vote on a bill that would strip the EPA of its life-saving ability to regulate the greenhouse gases that are cooking our planet.

Sponsored by Rep. Fred Upton, this bill is a free pass for polluters and would allow them to fill our skies with limitless carbon emissions. Upton’s bill poses a serious danger to public health and to our economy. Yet, amazingly this legislation is almost certain to pass in the House.

We need to act now before this bill hits the floor tomorrow. Join us today and let Congress know we stand united against this radical legislation.

URGENT: tell your member of Congress to reject Rep. Upton’s bill and VOTE NO on HR 910!              http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=BpGLHXyxRgWd6V4loTjGQaVCDO5Dx%2BX0 

The EPA’s stance on greenhouse gases is critical to improving our economy, safeguarding national security and maintaining public health. Undercutting the EPA’s regulatory power is not the way forward. Our future lies in a new green economy, powered by clean energy innovation.

Please contact your member of Congress today to oppose any efforts to restrict the EPA’s ability to regulate pollution, protect the health of the American people and build a new green economy. http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=3H4q9tUxVISnQ1QV%2F%2FuD%2FaVCDO5Dx%2BX0

Thank you for taking action,

Kathleen Rogers

President, Earth Day Network

P.S. There are only two weeks until Earth Day! We hope you can take part – visit www.EarthDay.org/events.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Congress: – the Republican led House – the Senate


The Senate Convenes at 9:30amET April 6, 2011

Following any leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 11am with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each, with the time until 10:40am equally divided and controlled between the two leaders or their designees, with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half and and at 10:40am Senator Ayotte be recognized to deliver her maiden speech to the Senate.

Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.493, the Small Business Jobs bill. Senator Reid or his designee will be recognized to call up the following amendments:

– Baucus #236;

– Stabenow #277;

– Rockefeller #215;

– Coburn #217;

– Coburn #223;

– Coburn #273;

– Inouye #286;

The pending Sanders amendment #207 will be modified with the changes that are at the desk; the Senate will then debate the amendments concurrently until 4pm with the time equally divided between the two Leaders, or their designees, prior to votes in relation to the following amendments in the order listed below:

– Baucus #236;

– Stabenow #277;

– Rockefeller #215;

– McConnell #183;

– Coburn #223;

– Inouye #286; and

– Coburn #273;

There will be two minutes equally divided in between the votes; and all after the first vote will 10 minutes in duration; and the amendments will be subject to a 60 vote threshold.

Upon the disposition of the Coburn amendment #273, amendment #s 184 and 217 offered by Senator Coburn will be agreed to.

Therefore, Senators should expect up to 7 roll call votes at approximately 4pm in relation to amendments to the Small Business Jobs bill.

The following amendments are pending to S.493, SBIR and STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011:

– McConnell amendment #183 (Prohibits the EPA from regulating carbon pollution)

– Vitter amendment #178 (require Federal government to sell unused Federal real property).

– Johanns amendment #161 (1099 repeal)

– Cornyn amendment #186 (bipartisan commission)

– Paul amendment #199 (spending cuts)

– Sanders amendment #207, as modified (Social Security)

– Hutchison amendment #197 (Delay health care reform)

– Coburn amendment #184 (GAO Study)

– Pryor amendment #229 (Patriot Express Loan program)

– Landrieu amendment #244 to amendment #244 (effective date)

– Baucus #236 (EPA)

– Stabenow amendment #277 (EPA)

– Rockefeller amendment #215 (EPA)

– Coburn amendment #217 (covered bridge preservation)

– Coburn amendment #281 (UI for millionaires and billionaires)

– Coburn amendment #273 (duplicative programs)

– Inouye amendment #286 (duplicative programs)

Votes:

51: Baucus amendment #236: (greenhouse gas related exemptions from permitting process); Not Agreed to: 7-93

52: Stabenow amendment #277: (suspension of stationary source greenhouse gas regulations);

Not Agreed to, 7-93

53: Rockefeller amendment #215: (suspend any EPA action with respect to carbon dioxide or methane);

Not Agreed to: 12-88

54: McConnell amendment #183: (prohibits EPA from regulating greenhouse gas emissions);

Not Agreed to, 50-50

55: Coburn amendment #223: (end federal unemployment payments to jobless millionaires and billionaires);

Agreed To: 100-0

56: Inouye amendment #286: (consolidating unnecessary duplicative and overlapping government programs);

Not Agreed To: 57-42

57: Coburn amendment #273: (consolidating unnecessary duplicative and overlapping government programs);

Agreed To: 64-36.

This is the last vote of the day.

))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((

The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on April 6, 2011.

 CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF APRIL 6, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

7:24 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

7:20 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded further with one minute speeches.

Mr. Crenshaw asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 10:00 a.m. on April 7. Agreed to without objection.

H.R. 910:

to amend the Clean Air Act to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from promulgating any regulation concerning, taking action relating to, or taking into consideration the emission of a greenhouse gas to address climate change, and for other purposes

7:18 P.M. –

The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.

7:17 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 910.

7:16 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Kind amendment Failed by recorded vote: 160 – 264 (Roll no. 241).

7:11 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Doyle amendment Failed by recorded vote: 173 – 250 (Roll no. 240).

7:08 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Rush amendment Failed by recorded vote: 165 – 260 (Roll no. 239).

7:04 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Markey amendment Failed by recorded vote: 156 – 266 (Roll no. 238).

7:01 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Polis amendment Failed by recorded vote: 168 – 257 (Roll no. 237).

6:56 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Waxman amendment Failed by recorded vote: 184 – 240 (Roll no. 236).

6:50 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Murphy (CT) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 182 – 240 (Roll no. 235).

6:46 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 157 – 266 (Roll no. 234).

6:42 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 161 – 259 (Roll no. 233).

6:17 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

6:15 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Kind amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Kind demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

6:03 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 203, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Kind amendment in the nature of a substitute number 12.

Amendment in the nature of a substitute offered by Mr. Kind.

An amendment in the nature of a substitute numbered 12 printed in House Report 112-54 to codify the Environmental Protection Agency’s Tailoring Rule in order to protect farms, small businesses, and small- and medium-sized stationary sources from greenhouse gas regulation.

6:02 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Doyle amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Doyle demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

5:50 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 203, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Doyle amendment number 11.

Amendment offered by Mr. Doyle.

An amendment numbered 11 printed in House Report 112-54 to include a study to determine whether regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Air Act to address climate change, if not repealed or otherwise made unauthorized by section 2 of the bill, would cause greenhouse gas leakage and reduce the international competitiveness of United States producers of energy-intensive products.

5:49 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Rush amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Rush demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

5:37 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 203, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Rush amendment number 10.

Amendment offered by Mr. Rush.

An amendment numbered 10 printed in House Report 112-54 to prevent the provisions of this act from going into effect until the EPA Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, certifies that the consequences of not regulating greenhouse gas emissions, and its subsequent impact on climate change, including the potential to create sustained natural and humanitarian disasters and the ability to likely foster political instability where societal demands exceed the capacity of governments to cope, do not jeopardize American security interests at home or abroad.

5:36 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Markey amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Markey demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

5:24 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 203, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Markey amendment number 9.

Amendment offered by Mr. Markey.

An amendment numbered 9 printed in House Report 112-54 to ensure that any prohibition on or limitation to EPA’s Clean Air Act authority contained in the bill would not apply to any action EPA could take to reduce demand for oil.

5:23 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Polis (CO) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Polis (CO) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

5:10 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 203, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Polis (CO) amendment number 8.

Amendment offered by Mr. Polis.

An amendment numbered 8 printed in House Report 112-54 to ensure the EPA Administrator can protect the public health in case of public health emergency.

5:09 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Quigley amendment Failed by voice vote.

5:00 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 203, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Quigley amendment number 7.

Amendment offered by Mr. Quigley.

An amendment numbered 7 printed in House Report 112-54 to require GAO to report to Congress the results of a study of health care costs in the U.S. as affected by the elimination of EPA regulation under this Act, as compared to health care costs in the U.S. as would be affected by the EPA proceeding under their regulating authority as determined in Massachusetts v. EPA.

4:59 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Waxman amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Waxman demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

4:49 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Waxman.

An amendment numbered 6 printed in House Report 112-54 to add a new section with respect to Congressional Acceptance of Scientific Findings: Congress accepts the scientific findings of the Environmental Protection Agency that climate changes is occurring, is caused largely by human activities, and poses significant risks for public health and welfare.

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 203, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Waxman amendment number 6.

4:48 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Murphy (CT) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Murphy (CT) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

4:45 P.M. –

ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Mr. Upton asked unanimous consent to extend debate time by 1 minute on each side on the amendment. Agreed to without objection.

4:32 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 203, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Murphy (CT) amendment number 5.

Amendment offered by Mr. Murphy (CT).

An amendment numbered 5 printed in House Report 112-54 to clarify that the Agency can continue to provide technical assistance to states taking action to limit greenhouse gas emissions.

4:31 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Cuellar amendment Failed by voice vote.

4:22 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 203, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Cuellar amendment number 4.

Amendment offered by Mr. Cuellar.

An amendment numbered 4 printed in House Report 112-54 to amend the definition of greenhouse gas, to remove water vapor as a part of the definition, amend the act by striking the removal of existing EPA findings and rules, and exempt all auto standards from the legislation.

4:21 P.M. –

On agreeing to the McNerney amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

4:20 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 203, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the McNerney amendment number 3.

Amendment offered by Mr. McNerney.

An amendment numbered 3 printed in House Report 112-54 to clarify that voluntary programs addressing climate change classify as exceptions to the bill’s prohibitions.

4:19 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Jackson Lee (TX) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

4:07 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 203, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment number 2.

Amendment offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX).

An amendment numbered 2 printed in House Report 112-54 to insert a new section to provide considerations and procedures in finalizing greenhouse gas regulations.

4:06 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Jackson Lee (TX) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:54 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 203, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment number 1.

Amendment offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX).

An amendment numbered 1 printed in House Report 112-54 to require an EPA study to determine the long term impact of a complete ban on their authority to regulate greenhouse gases.

2:40 P.M. –

GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 910.

2:39 P.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Steve Womack to act as Chairman of the Committee.

House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 203 and Rule XVIII.

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 910 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. The bill shall be considered for amendment under the five-minute rule. It shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. All points of order againist the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute are waived.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 203.

2:38 P.M. –

On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 321 – 98, 1 Present (Roll no. 232).

2:31 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of adoption of the Speaker’s approval of the Journal.

H. Res. 203:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 910) to amend the Clean Air Act to prohibit to Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from promulgating any regulation concerning, taking action relating to, or taking into consideration the emission of a greenhouse gas to address climate change, and for other purposes

2:30 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 250 – 172 (Roll no. 231).

2:22 P.M. –

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 266 – 158 (Roll no. 230).

12:56 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 203.

12:54 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

12:53 P.M. –

On motion to adjourn Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 36 – 367 (Roll no. 229).

12:29 P.M. –

Mr. Jackson (IL) moved that the House do now adjourn.

12:04 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.

12:03 P.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mrs. Hartzler to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Poe demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Poe objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of the Speaker’s approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day.

12:01 P.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by Bishop Henry Fernandez, The Faith Center, Sunrise, Florida

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of April 6.

10:50 A.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

10:00 A.M. –

MORNING-HOUR DEBATES – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debates. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Renee L. Ellmers to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Congress: is in Session …the Republican led House -the Senate


The Senate Convened at 9:30amET March 30, 2011

Following any leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 4:00pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.493, the Small Business Jobs bill.

The following amendments are pending to S.493, SBIR and STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011:

– McConnell amendment #183 (Prohibits the EPA from regulating carbon pollution)

– Vitter amendment #178 (require Federal government to sell unused Federal real property).

– Johanns amendment #161 (1099 repeal)

– Cornyn amendment #186 (bipartisan committion)

– Paul amendment #199 (spending cuts)

– Sanders amendment #207 (Social Security)

– Hutchison amendment #197 (Delay health care reform)

– Coburn amendment #184 (GAO Study)

– Pryor amendment #229 (Patriot Express Loan program)

– landrieu amendment #244 to amendment #244 (effective date)

Paul motion to commit S.493 to report back forthwith amendment #276 (military force)

Unanimous Consent:

Adopted S. Res.112, congratulating the Pennsylvania State University IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (“THON”) on its continued success in support of the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital.

Adopted S.Res.118, designating April 2011 as “National 9-1-1 Education Month”.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 30, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

to reauthorize the DC opportunity scholarship program, and for other purposes

5:01 P.M. –

On passage Roll Call 204 – Recorded vote pending.

On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 203).

4:43 P.M. –

The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

4:34 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Cummings motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment which strikes all after the enacting clause and inserts two sections. Section 1 is entitled “FUNDING FOR DC PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND DC PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS”. Section 2 is entitled “AUTHORIZATION FOR APPROPRIATIONS”.

4:33 P.M. –

Mr. Cummings moved to recommit with instructions to Oversight and Government.

4:30 P.M. –

Point of order raised by Mr. Weiner on the content of the measure. Mr. Weiner stated that the provisions of bill violates clause 10(a) of Rule XXI. The Chair stated that the point of order was not timely.

4:28 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Norton amendment Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (Roll No. 202).

3:20 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 186, the House proceeded with 40 minutes of debate on the Norton substitute amendment.

3:19 P.M. –

Amendment in the nature of a substitute offered by Ms. Norton.

An amendment printed in House Report 112-45 to redirect the religious and other private school voucher funding to District of Columbia public schools and District of Columbia public charter schools.

2:08 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 471.

2:07 P.M. –

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 471 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. A specified amendment is in order. The amendment recommended by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform now printed in the bill shall be considered as adopted. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 186.

On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 309 – 107, 1 Present (Roll no. 201).

H. Res. 186:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 471) to reauthorize the DC opportunity scholarship program, and for other purposes

1:59 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 235 – 178 (Roll no. 200).

1:52 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of H.Res. 186 and the Speaker’s approval of the Journal, all of which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Res. 186:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 471) to reauthorize the DC opportunity scholarship program, and for other purposes

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 237 – 182 (Roll no. 199).

12:26 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 186.

12:25 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

12:04 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Cicilline to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

12:03 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mrs. Miller (MI) demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mrs. Miller (MI) demanded the Yeas and Nays and the Chair announced that further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal would be postponed until later in the legislative day.

12:02 P.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 30.

10:59 A.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

10:01 A.M. –

MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debates. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.

10:00 A.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Robert Hurt to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.