Daily Green

Hello and good afternoon all. It was wonderful to see many of you in Sacramento yesterday, and we’ll have more about the environmental community’s Green California 6^th Annual Summit in tomorrow’s edition. In today’s news:

• Capitol welcomes new, returning legislators;
• Schwarzenegger's last-gasp budget revives previous ideas, is rebuffed;
• Boxer won't pursue comprehensive climate bill without votes;
• And much more.

Top of the Ticket

Sacramento Bee 12/7/10
Capitol welcomes new, returning legislators
http://www.sacbee.com/2010/12/07/3238179/capitol-welcomes-new-returning.html

Multiple sources 12/7/10
Schwarzenegger's last-gasp budget revives previous ideas, is rebuffed
http://www.contracostatimes.com/top-stories/ci_16791928
http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2010/12/06/1397395/schwarzenegger-cuts-unavoidable.html
http://www.sacbee.com/2010/12/07/3238181/schwarzeneggers-last-gasp-budget.html

Press-Enterprise 12/7/10
Boxer won't pursue comprehensive climate bill without votes
http://blogs.pe.com/politics/2010/12/boxer-wont-pursue-comprehensiv.html

Long Beach Post 12/17/10
Plastic Bag Ban On The Long Beach City Council Agenda Tonight
http://www.lbpost.com/news/ryan/10768

San Francisco Chronicle, Fresno Bee 12/7/10
High-speed rail agency urged to rethink planning
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/12/07/BAJ61GMN0B.DTL
http://www.fresnobee.com/2010/12/06/2188014/high-speed-rail-plan-in-doubt.html

Los Angeles Times 12/4/10
Democratic lawmakers will revisit bills—including renewable energy bill—vetoed by Schwarzenegger
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-vetoes-20101204,0,5925621.story

CA Environmental News

San Jose Mercury News 12/7/10
Henry Cord and Pete Kolstad: Keep digging for San Jose's best high-speed rail options
http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_16791987

Multiple sources 12/7/10
Old Altamont Pass turbines to be swapped out by NextEra to save birds, improve efficiency
http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_16791194
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2010/12/old-altamont-pass-turbines-to-be-swapped-out-by-nextera-to-save-birds-and-improve-efficiency.html
http://www.mercurynews.com/science/ci_16790685
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/12/07/MN8H1GML1K.DTL&type=green

Fresno Bee (editorial) 12/6/10
Mono Lake discovery opens new possibilities
http://www.fresnobee.com/2010/12/06/2186985/editorial-mono-lake-discovery.html

Los Angeles Times 12/7/10
E-waste goes overseas as recyclers comply with California ban
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-ewaste-20101206,0,4526320.story

Greenspace (LA Times blog) 12/7/10
California auto insurance goes green
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2010/12/california-auto-insurance-low-mileage.html

Los Angeles Times 12/7/10
Truckers say L.A.'s 'green' port costs them money
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-port-truckers-20101207,0,2645612.story

Press-Enterprise 12/4/10
Concern about adequate infrastructure to handle electric car charging
http://www.pe.com/localnews/stories/PE_News_Local_D_electricars05.1ebbc89.html

Press-Enterprise 12/7/10
Critical habitat designated for Santa Ana River fish
http://www.pe.com/localnews/environment/stories/PE_News_Local_D_habitat05.2505ede.html

San Diego Union-Tribune 12/6/10
Beach activist pens history of region's 'eco wars'
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/dec/06/beach-activist-pens-history-eco-wars-socal/

The Californian 12/4/10
Salinas Valley growers wary of new pesticide
http://www.thecalifornian.com/article/20101204/NEWS01/12040314/New-pesticide-new-dilemma

San Francisco Chronicle 12/5/10
Melanie Nutter wants S.F. as green as it can be
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/12/05/BAUJ1GHA25.DTL&type=green

Associated Press 12/7/10
Pipeline safety bill proposed after NorCal blast
http://www.sacbee.com/2010/12/07/3239085/pipeline-safety-bill-proposed.html

San Diego Union-Tribune 12/7/10
Surfrider San Diego screens eco-film on plastic bags
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/dec/07/surfrider-san-diego-screening-eco-film-plastic-bag/

San Diego Union-Tribune 12/5/10
San Diego nonprofit earns global kudos for school built from trash
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/dec/05/san-diego-nonprofit-earns-global-kudos-school-buil/

Santa Rosa Press Democrat 12/6/10
LETTERS: Readers react to Santa Rosa bike bridge dispute
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20101206/OPINION/101209644/1044/opinion?Title=LETTERS-Readers-react-to-Santa-Rosa-bike-bridge-dispute

Climate Watch 12/4/10
New Google Tool Helps Monitor World's Forests
http://blogs.kqed.org/climatewatch/2010/12/04/new-google-tool-helps-monitor-worlds-forests/

State Politics

Capitol Alert, PolitiCal 12/17/10
Jerry Brown makes first appointments
http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2010/12/jerry-brown-names-first-two-ap.html
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/california-politics/2010/12/brown-to-retain-schwarzeneggers-budget-director.html

Capitol Alert 12/17/10
Legislative analyst gives thumbs up to weight-fee swap
http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2010/12/legislative-analyst-gives-thum.html

California Watch 12/7/10
Dozens of politicians already looking to 2014
http://californiawatch.org/dailyreport/dozens-politicians-already-looking-2014-7252

PolitiCal 12/7/10
Senate leader shakes up committees
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/california-politics/2010/12/senate-leader-makes-committee-appointments.html

Associated Press 12/7/10
Lobbyists to host Schwarzenegger farewell party
http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics-government/ci_16790939

Calbuzz 12/6/10
Team eMeg Grabs the Green, Proves They’re Yellow
http://www.calbuzz.com/2010/12/team-emeg-grabs-the-green-proves-theyre-yellow/

Sacramento Bee 12/5/10
Tony Quinn and Garry South: That was then . . . but this is now
http://www.sacbee.com/2010/12/05/3231849/but-this-is-now.html

David Allgood’s Insomnia Corner

FOSSIL FUEL FUNTIME:

Experts challenge safety of fracking.
http://www.propublica.org/article/beyond-fracking-experts-challenge-safety-of-exploratory-wells-vertical-dril

Oil spill panel find's Obama's regulatory overhaul insufficient.
http://www.propublica.org/blog/item/oil-spill-panel-finds-regulatory-overhaul-insufficient-industry-complacent

Who could have imagined? BP to challenge federal estimates of its spilled oil.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/04/science/earth/04bp.html?_r=1&ref=science

Oil spill panel nears end of probe.
http://www.nctimes.com/news/national/govt-and-politics/article_f64beec6-fed2-59a6-b960-3090c9cd4ffe.html

Republican control of House means oil drilling in ANWR back on the table.
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2010/12/07/104829/gop-controlled-house-means-anwr.html

High court to heal coal power plant appeal.
http://www.planetark.com/enviro-news/item/60477

NEWS FROM THE HOMELAND:

Climate scientists stumped on how to convince Americans about global warming since facts don't work.
http://www.npr.org/2010/12/05/131780926/climate-groups-retool-argument-for-global-warming

Debacle over lead in D.C.'s drinking water a blow to the reputation of the EPA and the Center for Disease Control.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/04/AR2010120400223.html

Ethanol subsidies hurt dairy industry.
http://www.mercedsunstar.com/2010/12/04/1679443/dairy-industrys-woes-pinned-on.html

Legal standing for nature's rights gains support around the country.
http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_16780272

Independent experts praise BLM wild horse roundup.
http://www.sacbee.com/2010/12/04/3233401/report-handling-of-wild-horse.html

Urgent action needed to save Great Lakes from alien carp.
http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/111329919.html

Flame retardant found in butter sample.
http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2010/12/07/study-flame-retardant-found-in-small-butter-sample/

Consumer Reports warns about mercury in tuna.
http://healthland.time.com/2010/12/07/consumer-reports-warns-on-mercury-in-canned-tuna/

Study shows cell phone use by pregnant mothers linked to child misbehavior.
http://ca.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idCATRE6B607R20101207

Texas pecan farmers say pollution killing trees.
http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2010/12/06/1757771/texas-pecan-farmers-say-pollution.html

Land Dupont gave to New Jersey to mitigate pollution off limits because of toxic contamination.
http://www.northjersey.com/news/environment/111366374_Dupont_deal_gave_state_more_tainted_soil.html

How clean should Duwamish River be?
http://crosscut.com/2010/12/07/environment/20426/Duwamish-River:-Should-the-cleanup-make-fish-safe-to-eat-regularly-/

LOCAL NEWS FROM THE GOLDEN STATE:

Plan B: Allow high speed rail tracks use by slower trains.
http://www.bakersfield.com/news/local/x716461218/Plan-B-High-speed-track-could-be-used-by-conventional-trains

Monterey County electric vehicle charging stations receive funding.
http://www.thecalifornian.com/article/20101204/NEWS01/12040330/Monterey+County+electric-vehicle+stations+receive+funding

Two more rare red foxes confirmed in Sierra Nevada.
http://www.mercurynews.com/science/ci_16772165

New solar farm planned for Newberry Springs.
http://www.desertdispatch.com/news/springs-9830-newberry-planned.html

Senator-elect Vargas says Salton Sea his top priority.
http://www.mydesert.com/article/20101205/NEWS0301/12050316/Juan+Vargas++Salton+Sea+top+priority

Habitat designated for endangered Santa Ana sucker fish.
http://www.pe.com/localnews/stories/PE_News_Local_D_habitat05.2505ede.html

Red tape, opposition slow desalination projects.
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-desalination-20101204,0,4922065.story

Renaissance of San Francisco Bay continues.
http://www.mercurynews.com/science/ci_16772728

Moratorium sought on clearing pristine Arcadia oak woodland.
http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_16770515

CA Dept. of Fish and Game calls North Coast marine reserve proposal inadequate.
http://www.times-standard.com/localnews/ci_16783064

Regulators ready to assess Bay Delta's biggest sewer plant.
http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_16779342

NEWS OF THE WORLD:

Cancun climate summit can look to California for progress on climate change.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2010/dec/06/cancun-climate-change-conference-2010-deforestation

Chu tones it down for Cancun.
http://blogs.kqed.org/climatewatch/2010/12/07/chu-tones-it-down-for-cancun/

Cancun climate talks: Island states plead for survival.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2010/12/cancun-climate-cop-16-small-island-states.html

UN delays carbon deal for forests.
http://www.planetark.com/enviro-news/item/60493

World running out of places to fish.
http://www.planetark.com/enviro-news/item/60489

Climate threat to tropical forests greater than suspected.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/dec/06/climate-change-tropical-forest-greater

Charges would fight carbon emissions from shipping.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11931883

Climate talks in danger of collapse over Kyoto extension.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/dec/04/cancun-climate-talks-kyoto-latin-america

Climate talks on knife edge over Chinese demands.
http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/climate-talks-on-knife-edge-over-chinese-demands-2151710.html

Poorer nations need critical carbon cuts.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11912566

Canada joins Russia, Japan in rejecting Kyoto protocols.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/rejecting-kyoto-extension-threatens-climate-talks-developing-nations/article1825499/

NEWS FROM THE EU:

Europe to develop offshore energy grid.
http://www.enn.com/energy/article/42089

Half of Europeans are not fat.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11935525

NEWS FROM THE LAND OF 1.4 BILLION PEOPLE:

Chemical blast kills six in internet cafe.
http://www.insidebayarea.com/news/ci_16779806

Scientists wear dumb disguises to fool stupid animals.
http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/if-you-go-into-the-woods-today-scientists-are-in-disguise-2153029.html

NEWS FROM THE DAMP ISLES:

A different Transocean rig suffers blowout in North Sea.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/dec/07/transocean-oil-rig-north-sea-deepwater-horizon

Mistletoe could vanish in 20 years.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/dec/07/mistletoe-vanish-20-years-national-trust

Fear of regulatory rollbacks grow as former junk food purveyor settles in as Health Secretary for Conservative government. 
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/nudge-or-fudge-public-health-fears-as-lansley-retreats-from-regulation-2151049.html

UK remains committed to zero carbon homes.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/cif-green/2010/dec/06/zero-carbon-homes-grant-shapps

NEWS FROM THE LAND OF THE 4 O’CLOCK SUN:

Manitoba falling short of Kyoto targets.
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/greenpage/environment/manitoba-falling-short-of-kyoto-target-needs-better-business-loan-rules-auditor-111406139.html

Quebec Premier says climate changes should be national election issue.
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/greenpage/environment/

Global survey says Canada sucks on climate change fight.
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/greenpage/environment/global-survey-ranks-canada-very-poor-on-climate-change-fight-111390409.html

Lancaster Sound to become marine preserve.
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/greenpage/environment/government-ready-to-make-lancaster-sound-a-marine-sanctuary-111384214.html

Niagara Parks scandal revealed in 2001.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/tim-hudak-told-of-possible-niagara-parks-scandal-in-2001/article1822270/

Canada's easily accessible, politically easy, oilsands reserves already used up.
http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2010/12/the_sands_of_canada_oil_supply.html

NEWS FROM THE REST OF THE WORLD:

Fur seals clubbed to death in New Zealand.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/dec/06/fur-seals-killed-breeding-colony

Nile water use tensions may lead to water war between Egypt, Ethiopia.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/dec/05/nile-egypt-water-war-ethiopia

Nightmarish blanket of brown smog chokes Teheran.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/babylonbeyond/2010/12/iran-nightmarish-blanket-of-brown-smog-continues-to-choke-tehran.html

Giant carnivorous bird discovered on “hobbit” island.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_9261000/9261713.stm

FROGS IN THE NEWS:

Wood frogs freeze nearly solid to cope with winter.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/06/AR2010120606179.html

BEST HEADLINES EVER:

National hog group a sweepstakes winner at Christmas parade.
http://www.redding.com/news/2010/dec/04/national-hog-group-among-sweepstakes-winners-annua/

• Next Weekly Green
•  
• Previous Weekly Green