Rep. Mindy Fee is pushing a bill that will gut protections for endangered species in Pennsylvania – taking the decision about which species are endangered away from scientists and handing it directly to politicians. Her bill has the support of the oil, gas, and coal industry lobbyists. If those guys are on your side, it’s pretty clear that this bill is bad news for endangered species. Fee’s bill, HB 1576, is opposed by the scientists on the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Many fisherman and hunters have also expressed strong opposition. In spite of this strong, evidence based opposition, HB 1576 already sailed though its first committee and is headed for the floor. We must stop HB 1576 from gutting the endangered species act before it gets any further.

SCE seeks to construct a new Moorpark-Newbury 66 kV sub-transmission line in a right-of-way (ROW) that has served for decades exclusively as a 220 kV transmission corridor (providing power from Ormond Beach to the Moorpark substation). An existing Moorpark-Newbury 66 kV sub-transmission line runs parallel to it through a 2-mile wide green belt, approximately 1800 feet to the west. We are writing to protest this plan and request that any enhancement of the Moorpark-Newbury line be contained within the existing sub-transmission corridor. This may entail some additional expense to enhance the east-west run from the substation. However, it is reasonable and prudent in order to keep the potential hazards and burden of the new sub-transmission lines from compounding the burden already born by homeowners adjacent the existing 220 kV facilities. SCE admits it has studied no alternative site. Background: The ROW in question abuts the residentially zoned communities of Santa Rosa Valley and Moorpark (to its east). It also forms the eastern boundary of a 2-mile wide swath of Open Space (O-S) and Agricultural (A-E) zoning. (The existing 66 kV ROW lies entirely within this swath.) Discussion: The proposed project addresses no immediate need, but rather an anticipated possible future overload of the existing 66 kV line. According to SCE, the existing line has never lost power. Even in the “worst case” scenario projected by SCE (i.e., heat storm peak loading), “de-energized distribution” is admittedly a mere possibility. Further, this “need” assessment was made in 2005, based on the 2003-04 housing boom and prior to our dire economic crisis. It also predated the explosion of private solar electrical systems. Reassessment may reveal that projected growth and “need” have not occurred. Thus, at best, this is a preventative, possibly unnecessary, “rainy day” measure. The project is not entitled to Exemption G status. Constructing a sub-transmission power line facility in the shadow of a 220 kV transmission line creates hazards (see below) not contemplated in the granting of exemption under Section III.B.1. Rather, for public and environmental protection, this proposal should undergo the scrutiny required for permits under General Order 131-D, Section III.B. Several environmental concerns mitigate in favor of relocating the project to the existing 66 kV easement approximately 1800 feet west of the proposed site: 1. Brush Fire Hazard The easement traverses an extremely fire sensitive rural residential region. As evidence by last week’s wind-driven Porter Ranch fire, it is long past time to get serious about this hazard and its proximity to populated areas. Each year, our annual “red flag” wind season downs power lines, some of which ignite brush fires. Last year, the season began in September and did not relent until late-Spring 2008, with winds sometimes gusting at near-hurricane force. As reported in the LA Times, 10/18/08, Section A, page 20, electrical lines ignited four of the State’s 20 worst fires. The loss of life and property attributable to electrically ignited brush fires is staggering. The proposed project moves this ignition point 40 feet nearer to populated residential areas; whereas enhancing the existing Moorpark-Newbury-Pharmacy would bury it deep within the buffer of the 2-mile wide green belt. 2. Earthquake Hazard SCE has explained that, because earthquakes are considered “unpredictable,” it has no earthquake structural fortification requirements. SCE proposes to erect new TSPs in Section 2 of the project right on top of the Simi-Santa Rosa fault line. It is a very active fault line. The 220 kV towers have withstood numerous earthquakes. On one occasion, the force caused the 220 kV lines to slap together, creating sparks. Given their proposed proximity, the new TSPs could topple into the 220 kV wires, or perhaps worse, onto our homes and properties. 3. Compound EMF Exposure Another potential hazard is EMF exposure. While acknowledging its inability to verify a relationship between EMFs and negative health consequences, the CPUC affirmed its cautious policy of prudent avoidance of EMF exposure (D.06-01-042). In doing so, it implicitly acknowledged the existence of scientific evidence correlating illness with EMF exposure. Prudence mitigates in favor of locating the new 66 kV lines in the existing sub-transmission line deep within the green belt. This would avoid compounding EMF exposure at the 220 kV line, which flanks so many residential properties. 4. Other Environmental Concerns The ancient native chaparral that blankets our hilltop to the east of the 150’ tower is sensitive habitat for several endangered species of birds as well as native plants. By locating the new TSP within the 100’ buffer that currently separates the towers from our property lines, SCE will create a brush clearing burden over our hillside, jeopardizing this important habitat. (This is probably true of any number of neighboring properties along the easement.) Additionally, the new TSP at the dead-end of Presilla Road will require the removal of a “Heritage Tree” (protected by the Ventura County Tree Protection Ordinance). This tree has a 12-½ foot trunk girth and is approximately 80 feet tall. This tree also visually softens the “industrial” impact of the existing transmission facilities. While it does not hide the towers, its position in the foreground serves as visual mitigation for all who travel Presilla Road. There may be a number of such protected trees doomed by this proposal. Pubic Hearing: A public hearing may not be necessary if the CPUC honors this request for relocation of the project to the existing 66 kV easement within the green belt. In the event this request is denied, we hereby lodge our protest to the project, request an evidentiary hearing and an Environmental Impact Report, as well as compliance with the permit process of General Order 131-D, Section III.B.

First off, the following 8 steps are suggested by Paul Stamets as a viable solution to diffusing, containing, & securing the radioactive elements of the disaster: 1. Evacuate the region around the reactors. 2. Establish a high-level, diversified remediation team including foresters, mycologists, nuclear and radiation experts, government officials, and citizens. 3. Establish a fenced off Nuclear Forest Recovery Zone. 4. Chip the wood debris from the destroyed buildings and trees and spread throughout areas suffering from high levels of radioactive contamination. 5. Mulch the landscape with the chipped wood debris to a minimum depth of 12-24 inches. 6. Plant native deciduous and conifer trees, along with hyper-accumulating mycorrhizal mushrooms, particularly Gomphidius glutinosus, Craterellus tubaeformis, and Laccaria amethystina (all native to pines). G. glutinosus has been reported to absorb – via the mycelium – and concentrate radioactive Cesium 137 more than 10,000-fold over ambient background levels. Many other mycorrhizal mushroom species also hyper-accumulate. 7. Wait until mushrooms form and then harvest them under Radioactive HAZMAT protocols. 8. Continuously remove the mushrooms, which have now concentrated the radioactivity, particularly Cesium 137, to an incinerator. Burning the mushroom will result in radioactive ash. This ash can be further refined and the resulting concentrates vitrified (placed into glass) or stored using other state-of-the-art storage technologies. By sampling other mushroom-forming fungi for their selective ability to hyper-accumulate radioactivity, we can learn a great deal while helping the ecosystem recover. Not only will some mushroom species hyper-accumulate radioactive compounds, but research has also shown that some mycorrhizal fungi bind and sequester radioactive elements so they remain immobilized for extended periods of time. Surprisingly, we learned from the Chernobyl disaster that many species of melanin-producing fungi have their growth stimulated by radiation. The knowledge gained through this collaborative process would not only benefit the areas affected by the current crisis, but would also help with preparedness and future remediation responses. SOURCE: http://punkrockpermaculture.wordpress.com/2011/03/28/paul-stamets-on-radiation-contamination-around-fukushima/

We are washing away because of the dredging on both ends of our island and the government tells us we have to let nature take its course. They are destroying the habitats of countless animals as well as destroying an entire communities livelihood. We can stabilize the coastline with natural reefs providing marine life with a place to flourish as well as building a beach for the land animals to live and grow. All of this will protect the humans that have lived here for thousands of years as well!

I feel we really need to look at other options for weed control. I've heard that Australia simply uses a machine that sprays very hot steam! We could improve our economy by taking the millions we spend on herbicide and paying the road workers to weed wack instead. This way we will protect our health, the health of the Aina and at the same time stop the support of Monsanto. The Round Up doesn't stop nature. When I drive our highways I still see all the grass and all the trees. The damage doesn't disappear or look cut, manicured or cared for. It just looks brown and sick. I Can't help but wonder what kind of impressions this makes on our valued tourists as they drive our poisoned pathways? What do you think this continuous exposure will do to our health and the delicate ecosystem of the land and ocean? I read an article in my state medical insurance magazine that said they expected a rise in a certain kind of cancer that they know is caused by herbicides. I also read that when our ground water was tested it was contaminated with glyphosate (an ingredient in Round Up). I think we need to search for natural alternatives to Round Up before we suffer anymore of the consequences. Mahalo, Kelly Brownell

Please....help us to stop a vote for $300,00,000 for a Fracking refinery by the City of Phoenix and mayor for North Dakota ! Time is of the essence, please...let them know in a friendly manner that to vote for this huge sum of money is not only financially risky but...immoral because it is a crime against to humanity to poison the water of another state so that children and adults will become sick from it ! Thank you, Leonard Clark :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebhcGdr_BtE

As a citizen of Calvert County who lives about 6 miles south of this plant, I'm concerned that this area will become the target of terrorists. This LNG plant is just 3 miles south of the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant, and if a disaster occurs at the LNG plant, it could cause a serious problem at the CCNPP.

I believe that the health epidemics that our country is facing are related to and influenced by the contents and nutritional value of our foods. It is the right of the consumer to know the contents of the foods he/she consumes and the responsibility of the companies that manufacture those foods to communicate those contents through transparent labeling of the products they sell.

Energy production in the USA is critical to support our commerce and economic systems. It has become a matter of national security as well. It is imperative that we catch up to the advancement in green electrical production by other countries - like Germany among others - which are successfully generating a large percentage of their electricity this way. Not only is this a necessary economic solution but it is also a much needed advancement in the reduction of pollutants that aggravate Global Warming. It is also necessary in order to reduce the danger that nuclear power plants pose to the survival of the species.

We are angry at the hubris of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and the misery they have wrought on the communities that live along the NJ Garden State Parkway. This huge construction project they are conducting coined as a "Safety Project" has destroyed hundreds of trees exposing communities to the nonstop heavy traffic that travels the Parkway. This has exposed the adjacent communities to excessive levels of noise and fumes that endangers their health, destroys their sleep, the value of their homes, and their very quality of life.

I have started this petition because I am a scientist and a mother who cares about my family and other families. The objective science clearly demonstrates the significant harm GMOs and the associated 200 fold increase in herbicide/pesticide use has caused. Everyone has been touched by cancers... Celiac.... Type 2 diabetes... All things that our get grandparents never knew at these rates. Cancer is now the number one killer of our precious children. It is no coincidence that the health crisis associated with the increase of these life stealing diseases, coincides perfectly with the introduction and proliferation of GMOs in our food supply.

The federal government continues to throw money at oil companies that are making record profits. We need to bring down the debt and reign down on irresponsible oil companies that fail to invest in the future of energy.