We applaud reforms outlined in Senator Sanders' plans for combating detriment to our ecosystem; however, there is one immensely destructive industry not addressed. Animal-agriculture is a major cause of climate-change pollution, water pollution, drought, water shortage, deforestation, land degradation, species extinction, and contributes to world hunger. We are calling to end animal-agriculture subsidies. The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) found animal-agriculture responsible for 14.5% - 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions - more than the entire transportation sector. Climate scientists published a report detailing missing data from the FAO's calculations, and pegged the real figure at a whopping 51%. In the 2000 National Water Quality Inventory conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency, agricultural activity was identified as a source of pollution for 48% of stream and river water, and for 41% of lake water. The top source of this pollution is the storage and disposal of animal waste. First, storage tanks often leak, rupture, or overflow. Second, the way the industry disposes of the waste is by spraying it onto farms as fertilizer; however, the farms produce far more waste than is needed for this application, so the (excessive) excess runs off into surrounding water systems. High levels of nitrogen and phosphorous, an effect of fertilizer runoff, is the most common form of water pollution in the United States. In addition, there are toxic substances in the animals’ excretions, such as pharmaceuticals and bacteria, which cause damage to the environment, wildlife, and human health. The amount of water used to raise animals for human consumption dwarfs the amount used for growing plants for us to consume. A hundred billion gallons of water is being exported from California each year - in the form of alfalfa, to feed livestock. That’s enough to provide for the yearly water usage of a million families. The UN estimates that by 2025, 1.8 billion people will be living in countries or regions with absolute water scarcity, and two-thirds of the world's population could be living under water stressed conditions. Occupying over half of Earth’s arable land; animal-agriculture is behind the majority of deforestation, land degradation, and species extinction. Despite these intensive impacts, it has been estimated that one in eight people still suffer from food scarcity - and it's only getting worse. According to the FAO, "the number of hungry is currently climbing at the rate of some four million a year." Animal-agriculture is in fact a contributor to world hunger. For example they use land in Africa to grow soybeans to feed to cattle in the United States instead of feeding soybeans to starving people in Africa. Even those still consuming products of animal-agriculture ought to end taxpayer money propping up this destructive industry, as many in the scientific and health communities have warned us of the need to curb consumption. Also, there are no two ways about it: animal-agriculture is unconscionably cruel to the individuals who are its commodities. In contrast; fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds build health and prevent and reverse disease affordably with healthy carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. Fruit trees and plants actually sequester carbon in the soil where it belongs. In light of all we know about industrialized animal-agriculture's devastating impacts on the health of the planet and people, as well as its inherently inhumane exploitation of sentient beings, it does not make sense for us to be subsidizing it. This is a case of the profits of a few taking precedence over the benefit of the many. Bringing an end to all funding, both direct and indirect, of animal-agriculture by the U.S. government would be a huge step with many positive effects, not the least of which is helping to reverse catastrophic environmental deterioration.

British corporation Oxitec has been working since 2011 to release genetically engineered (GMO) mosquitoes in Florida. These GMO mosquitoes would kill off one species of mosquito, but pave the way for possibly more-dangerous mosquitoes to move in, carrying harmful diseases like West Nile virus and dengue fever. Why release these biotech insects if they could cause the introduction of something worse? 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an initial finding of "no significant impact" for allowing these mosquitoes to be released in the Florida Keys. Public comments on this finding are being accepted until May 13. Join us in telling the FDA that it's too risky to allow the release of GMO mosquitoes in Florida — or elsewhere.

Ever hear the classic conman expression “If you believe that, I’ve got a bridge to sell you”? Well, that’s exactly what Hawaii Gas is trying to do to the people of Hawai'i. They have a bridge to sell us called Liquefied Natural Gas or “LNG.” They tout LNG as a clean ‘bridge fuel’ to help save us money as it gets us to our clean energy future. Despite the deceptive propaganda from the Fossil Fuel Industry, LNG is neither clean nor will it save Hawai'i money. The truth is LNG is still a dirty fossil fuel that makes no economic sense for Hawai'i. The Hawai'i State Legislature has mandated that Hawai'i must be converted to 100% renewable energy sources by 2045. Then why would we want to invest millions of dollars to construct offshore docking facilities for huge LNG tankers, a pipeline system to bring in this volatile fuel onshore, and convert Oahu’s power plant to run on natural gas for something that's supposed to be temporary? Governor Ige has already declared this to be a pointless diversion and strongly opposes it. He knows it will waste time, energy and resources that are needed to meet the clean-energy mandate and address Climate Change in a meaningful way. If that weren’t enough, there’s also the issue that LNG comes from fracking. Fracking leaks methane gas, which turns out to be much worse at trapping heat in our atmosphere than carbon. The process of fracking also pollutes drinking water, damages the land, and causes earthquakes. Families living near fracking sites have high rates of birth defects, and fracking kills fish and wildlife. The people of Hawai'i want no part in this type of devastation. Bottom-line, the science is clear. If we are to keep below the tipping point for Climate Chaos and protect our ‘life support system’ i.e. the planet, scientists have confirmed we must take bold action now to stop burning fossil fuels. The reality is that the proposed LNG plans by Hawaii Gas will exacerbate the Climate Crisis by supporting the burning of fossil fuels for decades, and overlooks the costs Hawai'i is already paying the price for with our loss of coastline, coral reefs, and trades winds, not to mention the destruction caused to communities where fracking occurs. While Hawai'i is already feeling the effects of Climate Change, experts warn that as the climate further destabilizes, we can expect more and stronger hurricanes; severe damage to our economy; beach loss; more disease; closed hotels and lost jobs; water shortages; dying coral reefs; damaged infrastructure; higher average temperatures; decreased trade winds; periods of drought and heavy rain with flooding; sea water mixing with drinking water; endangered fisheries; stressed native animals and plants; increased spread of invasive species; and declining crop production. Hawaii Gas: This is not the future we wish to pass on to our keiki! We refuse to stand idly by and let short-sighted companies wreak havoc on us. We Say No To LNG!

Privatizing our water is a mistake. It'll enable a corporation to price-gouge us on our utility bills, and worse, if they cut corners -- which most private water utilities do -- they could cause devastating environmental disasters. Providence's water system serves most of the state of Rhode Island, so it's not just one city that would be in trouble. Cutting costs for short-term money is how Flint began its water crisis. Water is too important to risk. We all need it to live and we need it to be safe and clean for everyone. Source: http://wpri.com/2016/04/25/12-ways-providence-could-solve-its-money-problems/

Going green saves our Intuit Plano office thousands of dollars a year. And everyday choices you make can improve our impact even more. This is why we’re asking you to join us in reducing our collective impact by taking this pledge. Plus, when you sign this pledge, you'll be entered to win some fun Intuit swag. Will you join us? (Deadline: Friday, April 29th at 5 PM). THE PLEDGE: • I pledge to use my desk recycling bin properly. Recyclables go in the large blue bin. Waste goes in the smaller black bin. • I pledge to use a plate (not a compostable tray) when I eat in the cafeteria. • I pledge to compost all of my food waste using the compost bins in the cafeteria and in the breakrooms on my floor. • I pledge to turn off the lights when I leave a conference room. • I pledge to only put EMPTY containers (plastic and glass) and paper products in the recycling bin; plasticware, food wrappers, and soiled paper goes in the trash; and food and compostable containers go in the compost bin.

Don't like a court ruling? Then change the law! That's what A&B did with HB2501 water rights holdover bill. A&B is the ONLY entity with a fictional "holdover" permit, and this is a special interest bill illegally helping a single company. Don't fall for the A&B PR. It affects nobody but A&B. Nobody else wants it passed. The Court considered this carefully, but the Legislator was inundated with false talking points and most members don't even understand the issue or the bill itself. It is never a good idea to try and overrule a Court decision like this. Protect water users like those in Huelo whose stream is dry and who will face another 3 years of no water if this bill goes into effect.

Fracking is directly responsible for water contamination and other serious health and environmental problems. West Virginians can no longer afford allowing big fuel corporations to make record profits while poisoning our residents. Some are surrounded by gas wells to the extent that the land itself is unusable, some have experienced combustible tap water, and many more are suffering ill health as a result of the fracking industry. It is totally unacceptable for residents to bear this burden, especially when we see virtually none of industry profits. We deserve clean water, air, and soil, as well as safe job sites. West Virginia needs our elected officials to act by banning fracking now.

The wolf was nearly massacred into extinction, and the Mexican gray wolf is one of the most endangered of the species. The health of the Mexican wolf depends on healthy pack numbers, and the governor and certain representatives of Arizona are allowing special interests to stall and destroy the recovery program.

We are starting this petition because we care about the earth and maintaining enough fish to keep the ecosystem balanced.

The Wolf administration is working on a Clean Power Plan for Pennsylvania, but the plan is anything but clean. • The Clean Power Plan puts natural gas in the “clean” column • The Clean Power Plan guarantees reliance on natural gas • The Clean Power Plan doesn’t limit how much a state can rely on gas to meet its target • The Clean Power Plan institutionalizes and enables pollution • The Clean Power Plan means we can kiss a fracking moratorium or ban goodbye Pennsylvanians Against Fracking is asking for your support in telling Governor Wolf, DEP Secretary John Quigley, and Wolf’s energy advisor, David Sweet, that Pennsylvania urgently needs a real clean power plan. Learn more by reading Pennsylvanians Against Fracking’s statement on the CPP, available online at bit.ly/pafcpp

In mid-April, 2016, Inky the Octopus masterfully escaped from his tank in the National Aquarium of New Zealand; however, another octopus, named Blotchy, stayed behind. As Inky's escape demonstrates, and as scientists have known for some time [http://www.nature.com/news/octopus-genome-holds-clues-to-uncanny-intelligence-1.18177], octopi are highly intelligent creatures. Our goal is to release Blotchy, and all octopi, one at a time.

The FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation) is made up of mostly hunters, ranchers, and land developers. Some of the same FWC members who voted for the Bear Hunt in 2015 reportedly bought a Bear Hunting Permit. Thousands of Citizens' Voices were raised in opposition, including avid hunters against the 2015 Hunt, that were ignored. On October 24 and 25th, 2015, in the Two-Day Hunt, 298+ of the Quota of 320 Bears were killed; 38 were lactating mother bears leaving young orphaned cubs behind, too young to be left alone in the woods. One Hunter reportedly bragged about kicking a cub off of its dead Mother. Cubs never drift far from their mother. These cubs stood and watched mom slain and carried off like garbage. Cubs bawling for Mom, filled our woods with horrific sadness; with grief and loss they couldn't understand. Cubs need Mom for food, guidance and protection as they learn from her, for a full 2 years. The bears were protected for 21 years, until 2012, as Endangered Species; after De-listing, it was quick to get them on the 2015 Hunt. The hunt was scheduled to go on for 7 days but closed after 2 days. There were 3,700 permits sold--we only had an estimated 3,000 bears in the entire state. There was corn still in the mouths of some of the bears, which would indicate baiting. They were planning another Bear Hunt in 2016. Because of you- it was stopped! About 100 of us went to the FWC Meeting at Eastpoint, Florida where they made their final decision. We spoke from 8am to 8pm, the fate of our bears was decided on June 22, 2016. We Won! No Florida Black Bear Hunt will take place in 2016! Our Bears are safe for this one year. We must continue to be ready for their decision in 2017. The NRA and Hunters Groups are furious that the FWC ruled in our favor. They will be stronger next year- and we must be as well! The usual- FWC Commissioners-Leisa Priddy and Nick Wiley voted for having another Bear Hunt. After Signing Petition. Please one more request. Write to FWC Commissioners personally. Let them know you are against a 2017 Florida Black Bear Recreational Hunt. That you will not Travel to a State that sponsors Trophy Hunts. Commissioners Ron Bergeron, Bo Rivard, Robert A. Spottswood and Chairman Brian Yablonski. Voted against 2016 Hunt Thank them for allowing our Bears to Live. AlieseP. “Liesa” Priddy, Nick Wiley, Charles W. Roberts 111 voted to have another Bear Hunt. Thank God- they were stopped and there will be No 2016 Bear Hunt! http://myfwc.com/about/commission/commissioners/ The US Forestry is carrying out controlled burns year round, with hundreds of thousands of acres of our Florida's National Forest burned. Bear cubs are born in late winter and early spring. The bears have infant cubs too little to escape these fires. The palmetto berries and oak trees, food for the bears, are being wiped out. The small game, which is food for bears and panthers, are all on Florida's hunt list. Stop the killing of all these forest creatures, they are not consumed as food for any humans. Florida has a hunt list with unlimited year round, no bag limits of raccoon, opossum, coyote, beaver, skunk, nutria, otter, and seasonally unlimited kill of even bobcats. Thank you for signing-and sharing! Click the petition after signing--you can view your comments and others'. It is powerful to see all the citizens from so many countries standing up for our bears. Citizens Against Bear Hunts in Florida, as of July 20th, 2016, 46 countries have signed! Thank you all!! United States, Belgium, Namibia, Montenegro, United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, Philippines, Canada, France, Denmark, Germany, Japan, Romania, Netherlands, Italy, India, Finland, Mexico, Cyprus, Sweden, Ireland, Spain, Peru, Argentina, Czech Republic, Brazil, Iraq, Mauritius, Bulgaria, Norway, New Zealand, Croatia, Tahiti French Polynesia, Macau, Bermuda, Luxembourg. Syria, Portugal, Turkey, Malaysia, Austria, Dominican Republic, United Arab Emirate, Zimbabwe, and Hungary Together- It was A Great Day for Our Bears in 2016... Thank you for your help! Please continue sharing. Lets make this a Great Day for our Bears in 2017 and every year until the Trophy Bear Hunts in Florida and Trophy Hunts everywhere are stopped! Help Us to continue Sharing this Petition! Email- Tweet and Share on Facebook. Every Earth, Conservation, Animal site you can think of. Our Bears were counting on you in 2016 and you came through- They will Live!! Thank you!!! The Bears will be counting on you again in 2017, we must be twice as prepared, the Bears are counting on us! Florida Residents- please send me an email or fb note. Tell me you will help me in your specific County. We must get Resolutions signed by every one of the 67 Counties in the State of Florida before the 2017 Bear Hunt is called!