Tuesday, 05 Dec 2006

Listen up, masses! As part of Grist's foray into the wide world of audio, we're launching a Weekly Grist podcast -- an audio version of the week's top environmental news. This shiny new podcast is an easily accessible, free, quality audio file you can listen to on our website or download to your device of choice. Did we mention it's free? Just think, now you can bring us with you on the bus, out hiking, or wherever the world takes you. Visit us for new content each week or subscribe to our RSS feed and let the sweet sounds of Grist come to you.

One Last Stab

U.S. House of Representatives will vote on offshore-drilling bill today

The U.S. House will vote today on a measure to open 8.3 million acres in the Gulf of Mexico to offshore drilling, as Republican leaders try to get in as much mischief as they can before being demoted. The bill is being pushed through under special rules that require a two-thirds majority to pass; many Republicans think enough Democrats are on board to move the legislation to the eager pen of President Bush. The Senate approved the bill earlier this year, while GOP leaders in the House opposed it, hoping instead to win passage of a much broader bill that would have allowed offshore drilling in many other areas around the country. But now House Republicans have scaled back their ambitions, recognizing that limited offshore drilling is better than none! Meanwhile, Bush is also considering lifting a drilling moratorium off of Alaska's Bristol Bay. Because really, why stop at stupidity when you can have total madness?


As our series on biofuels continues (or, as we like to call them, Tickle-Me Wii Fuels), we look at the impacts of increased corn, soy, and palm production on farmland in the U.S. and around the world. Is an eco-fuel still eco if it causes erosion and pollution along the way? We check in with the experts to see how they measure the energy balance of ethanol. And we've compiled some handy resources for you too! If you're wondering whether your car can run on biofuels, you can find out today. We also point you to all the maps, books, and organizations you'll need to get on your way. Say it with us: I never knew biofuels could be this much fun.

In Sickness and in Wealth

Bush administration apparently tried to limit payments to ailing nuclear workers

You know you're in trouble when America's bubblegum newspaper nails you. According to a memo obtained by USA Today, the Bush administration has tried to avoid compensating Cold War-era nuclear workers sickened by radiation. Under a federal program created in 2000 to pay claims to workers with cancer and other ills, nearly 98,000 cases were filed, and some 24,000 approved. But a memo prepared for House Judiciary subcommittee chair John Hostettler (R-Ind.) summarizes records that reflect "a continuous stream of [administration] communications ... strategizing on minimizing payouts." Probably because nuclear is perfectly safe! And clean! So shut up! "This program was supposed to assure workers ... [that] their government was finally going to do right by them," said Hostettler at a November hearing. "Those tasked with implementing [it] have failed that purpose miserably and they need to be exposed." Hostettler lost re-election, but is encouraging his cronies to pursue the investigation.

Selecting Dion

Environmental advocate elected leader of Canada's Liberal Party

We bring you news from a faraway land called "Canada" (pronounced Can-uh-duh). Reports translated from Canadian reveal that the country's out-of-power Liberal Party has elected as its new leader the greener-than-green Stephane Dion, an academic-turned-politician who served most recently as Canada's Environment Minister. Dion's victory was what hockey fans call a "stunning upset," leaving several more favored opponents seething inside but, you know, smiling politely. In his campaign, Dion promised to unite the "three pillars" of environment, social justice, and economy into a cohesive focus on sustainable development. Also, he loves the Kyoto treaty so much he named his dog after it. Speaking of dogs, conservative Canadian PM Stephen Harper is expected to be put down in the coming federal election. Dion's only likely impediment on the road to victory is in Quebec, where he's made foes of the province's fervent separatists. Good luck, Other Canadian Dion. May your heart go on and on.

A Royal Al-ly

Gore lends heft to sustainable-business campaign launched by Prince Charles

We were so excited when we saw that Prince was recruiting Al Gore for a green campaign. We loved thinking about the velveteen rocker and the ex-veep partying like it was 1999 again. But alas, it was gently pointed out to us that it's Prince Charles who's brought Gore on board, convincing him to join a project called Accounting for Sustainability that will encourage businesses to assess their eco-impacts. Launching Wednesday, the effort also involves BP head Lord John Browne. Prince Charles is apparently eager to be a model with his line of household products, Duchy Originals, which will bear labels divulging the emissions caused by their manufacture. The dutiful prince is also offsetting his personal emissions and adding energy-saving measures to his home, including using rainwater to flush the lav. (Not that he goes.) Why all the fuss? "I happen to believe climate change is the greatest challenge facing us all," he said, before clapping a raspberry beret on his head and strutting away.