Wednesday, 11 Apr 2007

Will Johnson Stand Firm on Emissions?

EPA finalizes renewable-fuel standard, evaluates emissions ruling

With much fanfare, the Bush administration has finalized a renewable-fuel standard for cars and trucks. The rule, mandated by the Energy Policy Act of 2005, requires 4.7 billion gallons of motor fuel -- a little more than 4 percent of the total produced -- to come from renewable sources this year, increasing to 7.5 billion by 2012. EPA chief Stephen Johnson says the plan "offers the American people a hat trick -- it protects the environment, strengthens our energy security, and supports America's farmers." But critics see it as more of a plain ol' trick, noting that without improving fuel economy -- a move the Big Three automakers have fought -- it don't much matter what you burn. Others point out EPA's refusal to regulate carbon-dioxide emissions, a federal stance the Supreme Court bashed last week. In fact, Johnson commented for the first time on the SCOTUS smackdown, noting that his agency was "evaluating" the ruling: "This isn't the last you've heard from us on this subject." Dum dum dum!


Thanks to the Democratic takeover on Capitol Hill, Washington Rep. Jay Inslee's twin passions -- global warming and clean energy -- have risen to the top of the legislative agenda. With membership on two key committees and a wonk's expertise on the issues, Inslee is well positioned to help educate his colleagues and push for real action. The plain-spoken rep talks to Grist's David Roberts about changes in the political climate, the merits of a carbon cap-and-trade system, and his belief in American can-do ingenuity.

Psst, LNG, We Hear Florida's Easy

Natural-gas projects denied in California, let pass in Maryland

If liquefied natural gas is the beleaguered suitor, California is the popular girl who keeps turning down earnest proposals. Yet another LNG terminal, this one off the coast of Ventura County, is off to the bar to drown its sorrows after a state commission voted Monday to reject its environmental impact report. The project, proposed by energy giant BHP Billiton, was effectively killed by commissioners who raised concerns about emissions and cost-effectiveness. The decision was applauded by greens, LNG-hatin' celebs, and some 900 citizens who showed up to the hearing. "This is the biggest decision on California's energy future in decades," says Mark Massara of the Sierra Club. Meanwhile, Maryland lawmakers ended their legislative session without voting to block an unpopular LNG project that's headed for federal review. Opponents are "frustrated and outraged that something this important didn't even receive the consideration of a full vote," says one legislator, who would not, obviously, have passed gas.


A mom-to-be and self-pronounced tree hugger wonders how to gently tell her gift-bearing relatives and friends that she prefers sustainable or secondhand baby items. Or should she just ask for gift receipts and hope for the best? Advice maven Umbra Fisk offers a soothing lullaby of wisdom on how to approach the subject delicately, and a reminder that there will soon be bigger fish to fry.

Due Deferens

Separate studies show chemicals, cigarettes may affect male birth rate

The percentage of boys born in the U.S. and Japan each year has gradually declined over the last three decades, a new study says -- and pollutants are a possible cause. "Male reproductive health is in trouble," says lead researcher Devra Lee Davis of the University of Pittsburgh, noting that both adult fertility and fetal chances seem to be affected. The study, published in the online journal Environmental Health Perspectives, calls the trend "a serious matter" that could be caused by exposure to chemicals like dioxin and mercury; it also points to factors including stress, obesity, and fertility treatments. The true cause, says Davis, is "something we need to find out and act upon." Because a woman without a man -- well, she'd probably be fine, but still. Meanwhile, a British study says smokers are twice as likely to conceive girls, suggesting that nicotine may affect sperm. Yes, smoke gets in your Y's -- but picking up puffing in an effort to determine your child's gender is not recommended.