PennFuture Press Releases
PennFuture Press Releases
PennFuture withdraws petition as PUC leadership pledges to begin process to extend energy savings law
(Harrisburg, PA – January 26, 2012) –The PennFuture Energy Center for Enterprise and the Environment today withdrew its petition asking the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) to begin the process of extending the energy savings law requirements (Act 129), rather than waiting for the legal deadline of November 30, 2013. Today’s decision came after PennFuture met with PUC leadership and staff during which PUC Chair Robert Powelson expressed his strong commitment to begin s
Source: PennFuture Press Releases |
PennFuture heralds State House passage of green buildings legislation
Bill will save taxpayers money, cut pollution, and make public employees more productive
(Harrisburg, PA – January 25, 2012) – Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture) commended the Pennsylvania State House for Wednesday’s passage by 170 – 18 of House Bill 193, sponsored by Rep. Kate Harper, R- Montgomery, which will provide clear high-performance building standards for most construction projects involving buildings owned or substanti
Source: PennFuture Press Releases |
PennFuture details legislature’s unfinished business on Marcellus Shale drilling
Current omnibus bill creates more problems than it solves
(Harrisburg, PA – January 17, 2012) Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture) today released a report detailing the problems with both drilling bills currently before the General Assembly and called for passage of new stand alone bills that will provide for new regulations to protect the environment; a fair drilling fee or tax; protection for Pennsylvania’s State Parks and Forests; and e
Source: PennFuture Press Releases |
PennFuture urges PUC to begin process to extend energy savings law
Program is unqualified success – with Pennsylvania’s families and businesses saving $278 million each year– but will be harmed if decision delayed
(Harrisburg, PA – January 11, 2012) –The PennFuture Energy Center for Enterprise and the Environment filed a petition before the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) yesterday asking the agency to begin the process to extend the energy savings law requirements (Act 129), rather than
Source: PennFuture Press Releases |
PennFuture calls for state to release analysis of Guaranteed Energy Savings Program
Corbett Administration claimed program not working properly but offered no proof
(Pittsburgh and Philadelphia – January 5, 2012) Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture) today filed a Right to Know Request with the Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS), requesting any and all records pertaining to the claims made by the DGS Secretary Sheri Philips that the Guaranteed Energy Savings Act (GESA) program was flawed and not returning
Source: PennFuture Press Releases |
PennFuture praises EPA’s plan to protect babies by cutting toxic mercury and other deadly pollution
(Pittsburgh, PA – December 21, 2011) – Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture) praised the announcement today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of new rules that will significantly cut toxic pollution of mercury, arsenic, acid gases, and others from outdated coal-fired power plants across the nation.
“This is a great holiday present for the children of the nation and their families,” said Heather Sage, vice president of Pen
Source: PennFuture Press Releases |
PennFuture report shows utility energy savings law working wonders
Pennsylvania’s families and businesses saving $278 million each year while law adds new jobs, reduces pollution, enhances energy security
(Philadelphia, PA — December 20, 2011) — The PennFuture Energy Center for Enterprise and the Environment released a new study today by Optimal Energy detailing the impact of Act 129, the energy savings law, on Pennsylvania’s families and businesses, environment, and economy.
"The energy savings law is an unqualified
Source: PennFuture Press Releases |
DOE grant to PennFuture, western Pennsylvania coalition will grow solar market, green jobs
Western Pennsylvania plan only Keystone State application approved by DOE
(Pittsburgh – December 7, 2011) – Declaring “this is a great day for the Pittsburgh region’s economy and environment,” Heather Sage, vice president of Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture), announced that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded PennFuture a grant of $315,697 to advance the use of solar power in western Pennsylvania.
Source: PennFuture Press Releases |
PennFuture report shows dirty fuels get $2.9 billion per year in subsidies in Pennsylvania
(Philadelphia, PA – December 6, 2011) – The PennFuture Energy Center for Enterprise and the Environment released a new study today detailing current subsidies for fossil fuels in Pennsylvania, which, including tax exemptions, tax credits, and grants, total $2.9 billion per year.
“Despite all the woe and consternation by some about incentives for new clean energy technology, like solar and wind power, the big dirty secret is that the highly profitable, fully mature fo
Source: PennFuture Press Releases |
House Marcellus bill warms drillers’ hearts & fills their pockets
HB 1950 leaves Pennsylvania’s families, communities, and businesses out in the cold
(Harrisburg, PA – November 17, 2011) – Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture) called today’s action by the Pennsylvania House passing HB 1950 a major gift to the multi-national drilling industry. The impact fee with an effective tax rate of only 1 percent is a slap in the face to Pennsylvania taxpayers. The bill, authored in the governor’s office an
Source: PennFuture Press Releases |
Marketplace – Sustainability
Marketplace – Sustainability
Better, faster, more efficient — and gas-powered 10 Nov 2011, 9:08 pm
Automakers look in a new direction for increased mileage: The good ole gas engine.
Source: Marketplace – Sustainability |
The future of energy research and development 2 Nov 2011, 5:20 am
After the Solyndra scandal, the energy R&D industry finds itself in a tough spot.
Source: Marketplace – Sustainability |
With seven billion people comes economic opportunity 31 Oct 2011, 9:35 am
According to the United Nations, the global population hit seven billion today. That is a good thing for some countries, and not such a good thing for others.
Source: Marketplace – Sustainability |
For Niman Ranch, two definitions of "sustainable" 27 Oct 2011, 6:43 pm
As companies grow, sustainable business models can come into tension with social and environmental goals.
Source: Marketplace – Sustainability |
EPA announces plans to regulate "fracking" 21 Oct 2011, 8:05 pm
The natural gas drilling technique has usher in a market revolution with controversial environmental consequences.
Source: Marketplace – Sustainability |
The next wave: Re-using wastewater 20 Oct 2011, 5:51 am
Water experts are saying that the wastewater industry is more important than ever.
Source: Marketplace – Sustainability |
Electric cars creating buzz 17 Oct 2011, 7:53 pm
There’s a new must have for business travelers in the rental car market: electric vehicles.
Source: Marketplace – Sustainability |
New record for global renewable energy investments 13 Oct 2011, 6:51 pm
Then why’s it so hard to be a renewable energy company?
Source: Marketplace – Sustainability |
And the Innovation Award goes to… 12 Oct 2011, 8:18 pm
After the successes of the X Prize (just awarded — oil spill clean up!), innovation awards proliferate.
Source: Marketplace – Sustainability |
Rough economy for environmental regulators 5 Oct 2011, 7:50 pm
With “jobs” dominating all political calculations, environmental regulators struggle to add up.
Source: Marketplace – Sustainability |
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Latest Items from TreeHugger
The most recent 30 items from TreeHugger
A NYC School Teams Up with Columbia to Build a Rooftop Garden and Classroom 26 Jan 2012, 9:30 pm
A public school in New York City is doing amazing things to promote a love for gardening and local food, and is working with Columbia students to build a garden on its roof.
Source: Latest Items from TreeHugger | Alex Davies
Getting Veterans and Their Families Outdoors 26 Jan 2012, 9:10 pm
“When you’re outside you can just focus on what’s around you. You’re reminded: This America; this is what I fought for.” – Iraq veteran Stacy Bare
Source: Latest Items from TreeHugger | Sarah Hodgdon
President Obama’s Stance On Mercury Emission Reduction Protects Cities, Suburbs, & Song Birds 26 Jan 2012, 8:45 pm
“I will not back down from protecting our kids from mercury poison,” President Obama said.
Source: Latest Items from TreeHugger | John Laumer
Weekday Vegetarian: Braised Coconut Spinach with Chickpeas and Lemon 26 Jan 2012, 8:40 pm
A wonderful mid-week dinner treat.
Source: Latest Items from TreeHugger | Kelly Rossiter
Awesome House Raises 20 Ft. to Interact with Trees in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest 26 Jan 2012, 7:50 pm
With an open lower level that lets plants grow and animals circulate freely, architect George Mills’ summer house is as dreamy as is gets.
Source: Latest Items from TreeHugger | Paula Alvarado
A New Form of Subsidized Housing and Urban Intensification: Living in a Bilboard 26 Jan 2012, 7:11 pm
It makes sense; They have great views, lots of exposure to wind and sun, and think of all the exercise you’ll get climbing up.
Source: Latest Items from TreeHugger | Lloyd Alter
The Youth Bike Summit 2012: Forming the Next Generation of Bike Activists 26 Jan 2012, 6:48 pm
More than 275 people from 20 states and three countries came to the second annual Youth Bike Summit in New York City.
Source: Latest Items from TreeHugger | Michael Graham Richard
Tesla Motors to Unveil Model X on February 9th 26 Jan 2012, 6:24 pm
Electric car maker Tesla will reveal more details about its next vehicle, the Model X, in two weeks. It claims its new model will have the utility of a minivan but the styling of a SUV.
Source: Latest Items from TreeHugger | Michael Graham Richard
North Carolina Find Excess Toxic Metals In Water Near Coal Plants 26 Jan 2012, 6:00 pm
State regulators have found boron, arsenic, selenium and other toxic metals near 14 power plants, all in excess of state health standards.
Source: Latest Items from TreeHugger | Rachel Cernansky
Energy New Recap: Tunisia Plans 2 GW Solar Power Plant in Sahara, ConocoPhillips’ Massive Profits, More 26 Jan 2012, 5:50 pm
Some really great solar news leads today: Tunisia shifts into high gear the massive Desertec project; and the increasing amount of solar power-generated electricity in Japan. Then there’s another example of massive oil industry profits, and more.
Source: Latest Items from TreeHugger | Mat McDermott
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Non-profit Internet Strategy – Environmental Defense
The Internet staff of Environmental Defense share their thoughts and strategies on how to best put the Internet to work for the environment.
Get a Badge to Save a Friend and the Ocean 28 Jan 2008, 10:40 pm
We've updated our seafood selector to make choosing fish that is both good for you AND the ocean even easier! Help us spread the word and stop a friend from consuming sushi that has high mercury levels. Share this wealth of knowledge and help a family member choose seafood that was caught using the best [...]
Source: Non-profit Internet Strategy – Environmental Defense | Lauren Guite
Governors Take the Lead on Climate Change 14 Nov 2007, 3:23 pm
[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/E30ml3QvvJ0" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /] Now it's time for Congress to do the same.
Source: Non-profit Internet Strategy – Environmental Defense | EDF Web Team
Thank You 13 Nov 2007, 8:46 pm
[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/9IdulWdL7O0" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /] A thank you to all of Environmental Defense's online activists and donors. Become an activist by visiting http://environmentaldefense.org/page.cfm?tagID=820. Become a donor by visiting https://donate.environmentaldefense.org/01/aaw00aa001.
Source: Non-profit Internet Strategy – Environmental Defense | EDF Web Team
Elizabeth Thompson on Getting a Climate Vote in Congress 3 Oct 2007, 4:06 pm
[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/oLFT5cp-hxI" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /] Elizabeth Thompson, Legislative Director at Environmental Defense, talks about the possiblity of a bill on global warming in Congress this year.
Source: Non-profit Internet Strategy – Environmental Defense | EDF Web Team
Steve Cochran on Getting a Climate Vote in Congress 3 Oct 2007, 4:01 pm
[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/GpBfibvsHcs" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /] Steve Cochran, the Director of the National Climate Campaign at Environmental Defense, talks about getting Congress to vote for a bill on global warming.
Source: Non-profit Internet Strategy – Environmental Defense | EDF Web Team
Grab a Transportation Transformation Badge 11 Sep 2007, 3:21 pm
So you've taken action in our Transportation Transformation campaign. You've pledged to do your part in transforming your state's public transportation, you've added points to your state's total, yet you still feel you need to do more. We understand. Now it's time to spread the word using your blog or MySpace page. Just copy and [...]
Source: Non-profit Internet Strategy – Environmental Defense | Sharon Kasper
Friday Fun: Help organize our Web site! 27 Jul 2007, 9:56 pm
We're improving how we organize all our online resources, and we could use your help! If you have 10 minutes, click on the link below and show us how YOU would organize the items on the list. We need about 30 people to do this, so feel free to pass on to friends. Thanks for [...]
Source: Non-profit Internet Strategy – Environmental Defense | Kira Marchenese
Cleaner air for New York City? 11 Jul 2007, 5:45 pm
Will New York implement congestion pricing and reap the benefits of cleaner air and reduced traffic? If you live in New York, you can help make it happen! Email your state legislators today. And spread the word! Join our Facebook group, "I love New York, but the traffic is killing me", or add this video [...]
Source: Non-profit Internet Strategy – Environmental Defense | Jessica Bosanko
Environmental Defense on Care2 and Facebook 27 Jun 2007, 7:47 pm
We've got more treats for all you social networkers out there! Use Care2? Be sure to: Friend Environmental Defense Join our group For all the Facebook fans, add the causes application and support us: Smart ways to stop global warming GREEN
Source: Non-profit Internet Strategy – Environmental Defense | Jessica Bosanko
Got a write in entry? 13 Jun 2007, 7:23 pm
Did we leave your first choice off the list in our "most influential environmental book" poll? Make your pitch here! Add your entry to the comments and make your case.
Source: Non-profit Internet Strategy – Environmental Defense | Jessica Bosanko
Main Feed – Environmental Defense
Environmental Defense partners with businesses, governments and citizens to find practical environmental solutions using science and economics. This feed contains all news articles and press releases from our website.
Sustainability Boosts Returns for Private Equity Funds 3 Feb 2012, 7:27 pm
By Guest Author
By Andrew Malk, Founder and Managing Partner of Malk Sustainability Partners (MSP)
Part I: Introduction to Environmentally-Driven Value Creation for General Partners
With the recent presidential campaign attention paid to Bain Capital, it seems likely that 2012 will be the year that Americans become better acquainted with the private equity sector. Despite managing hundreds of billions of dollars of capital, the practices and often the very existence of fund managers such as TPG and the Carlyle Group are largely unknown to the general public. However, as election buzz ramps up in a year where the economy is the primary focus we can expect this to change. As Charles Riley of CNNMoney noted, “…The new hot-button campaign issue is private equity.”
As private equity fund managers or general partners (often referred to as GPs) become better known to the public, now is an opportune time for these investment professionals to consider sustainability initiatives as a driver of value creation. But while private equity sustainability strategies will improve the public image for the sector, more importantly these actions drive returns for GPs and have the potential to accelerate deployment of sustainability practices.
Click here to read the full article on Environmental Leader.
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Source: Main Feed – Environmental Defense |
Brazil’s president and Congress could avoid backslide for Amazon protection 3 Feb 2012, 6:15 pm
Whether Brazil continues to reduce its deforestation could depend on the outcome of a vote on its forest protection law in Brazil's lower house in March and sign-off from the president. Above: the home of Brazil's Congress, Congresso Nacional do Brasil (Photo credit and thanks to Flickr user JorgeBRAZIL)
Brazil has made great strides in reducing Amazon deforestation in recent years, bringing rates down about 80% over the last six years. But President Dilma Rousseff is already showing signs of backsliding on her environmental commitments in just her first year in office.
It’s a trend environmental groups have been following since Rousseff was sworn in last January, and one New York Times reporter Alexei Barrionuevo captures well in his recent story, "In Brazil, Fears of a Slide Back for Amazon Protection."
With global emissions from deforestation contributing about 15% of greenhouse gas emissions – as much as all the world’s cars, trucks, ships and airplanes combined – a lot is at stake in next month’s vote on a forest protection law in Brazil’s House of Representatives.
Whether Brazil, home to about 40% of the world’s remaining tropical forests, continues to reduce deforestation or not could depend on the outcome of the vote, and President Rousseff’s sign-off.
Forest Code enforcement and new protected areas slashed deforestation in 2000s under Marina Silva
Brazil’s law regulating deforestation on private land, the Forest Code, has been around since 1965; until relatively recently, it was hardly enforced and rarely obeyed.
That changed under former Environment Minister Silva. In 2003 she launched a national Plan for the Prevention and Control of Amazon Deforestation that ramped up law enforcement and established 600,000 square kilometers – an area the size of France – of new protected areas. These indigenous lands, parks, and forest-land reserves were located in the areas most affected by the expansion of agriculture.
Coupled with a temporary decline in agriculture commodity prices, the Plan brought deforestation way down, and persuaded policy makers that Brazil could commit not only to a national deforestation target, but to an overall national emissions reduction target as well.
Brazil made just such a commitment at the 2009 Copenhagen climate conference, pledging to reduce its emissions 36–39% below business-as-usual emissions by 2020 — the first emissions reductions target taken by any major developing country. And Brazil is ahead of schedule to meet this 2020 target, having already reduced about 1 billion tons of carbon dioxide below its 1996–2005 baseline – on the order of what the EU has pledged to do by 2020.
However, while the deforestation plan was supposed to have a carrot (positive incentives for conservation) in addition to the stick (cracking down on illegal deforestation), so far it’s pretty much been all stick and no carrot: lots of law enforcement, but no incentives to keep the forests standing.
Farmers lash back
Many large-scale farmers in Brazil historically had railed against the Forest Code as being too restrictive, but were too busy cutting down trees to plant cattle pasture and soybeans to do much about it. Since the Code was rarely enforced, they didn’t much care.
An aerial view of Mato Grosso shows the stark distinctions between protected forests and land that has been cleared for cattle pasture or agriculture.
But they started to take notice when government, under Minister Marina Silva, began enforcing the Code and fining them for violations.
They also noticed when the environmental group Greenpeace mobilized big European soy importers to declare a moratorium on soy imports from land deforested after 2006, and when national supermarket chains, prodded by Brazil’s Attorney General, called for deforestation-free beef in 2009. Most people in urban Brazil agree that Amazon deforestation should stop, and support such measures.
For many of the large-scale farmers in Brazil and their powerful block of congressional representatives – the “ruralistas” – the solution to their not being in compliance with the law when government started enforcing it was to weaken the law.
So for the past two years, the ruralistas have been making a concerted push to radically weaken the Forest Code.
Last June, the ruralistas pushed a revised Forest Code through the lower house of Congress that amounted to a license to deforest. The bill, sponsored by a ruralista-friendly member of the Communist party, would fix the ruralistas’ problem by giving an amnesty for past illegal deforestation, and could open up new land for clearance.
Environmentalists and the Brazilian scientific community strongly contested the House bill. President Rousseff had promised during the presidential campaign to veto a new Forest Code that would increase deforestation or amnesty past illegal deforestation, but her administration was a belated and ineffective participant in the House debate.
In December, the Senate passed somewhat improved amendments to the Code, which, however, still includes an amnesty for some past illegal deforestation.
This bill now returns to the House for a final vote in March.
The amnesty for deforestation that has plagued these bills is unfair to the few farmers who made the effort to comply with the law, and could give all farmers the bad idea that if one new law granting amnesty for illegal deforestation is good, two – or more – are better. If farmers think that an amnesty now means that future illegal deforestation will eventually be amnestied too, they will take the new Code as a license to deforest. Penalties for scofflaws, and a clear pathway to legality with positive incentives, especially for small famers, would be much better.
Environmentalists are calling on Dilma to keep her campaign promise and veto the amnesty.
Deforestation: the price of progress? Not really.
For years, the ruralistas have insisted with increasing vehemence that the current Forest Code is an enormous, unfair obstacle to the growth of Brazilian agriculture. (They also often claim that environmentalists who support the Forest Code are no more than a front for foreign agriculture interests trying to protect themselves against Brazilian competition).
But there is solid evidence that while deforestation rates were falling to the lowest levels on record, Brazil and Amazon states were getting richer and agriculture production was growing to record levels.
A vivid example is Brazil’s biggest agricultural state, Mato Grosso.
Deforestation (red line in Fig. 1 above) in Brazil's state of Mato Grosso plummeted as production of soybeans (green) and cattle (blue) increased substantially from 2001-2010. (PNAS)
The state had the highest deforestation rate in the Amazon from 2000–2005, but over the next five years (2006-2010) saw deforestation fall more than 70% below historic levels. At the same time, agriculture production reached an all-time high, according to a recent article in the leading scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. In “Decoupling of deforestation and soy production in the southern Amazon during the late 2000s,” Marcia Macedo, Ruth DeFries and others also show in great detail that in recent years, while soy prices and production picked up substantially, deforestation kept going down.
Ruralista rhetoric to the contrary, Brazil and Amazon states have shown decisively that, so far, they have the wherewithal to reduce deforestation substantially while they grow their economies and their agriculture sectors.
Brazil should encourage – not undercut – global action against climate change
However, as the Times story correctly notes, Forest Code amendments threaten to usher in open season on forests. The government has watered down environmental licensing for big infrastructure projects like dams and roads and has rolled back protected areas in the Amazon by a form of executive fiat. Brazil’s Congress is also considering a bill that would give it a veto over recognizing new indigenous lands.
Brazil is home to about 40% of the world's tropical forests and a pioneer in policies to Reduce Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+), which could provide the positive economic incentives needed to maintain Brazil's progress in continuing to curb deforestation.
Perhaps most critically, there has been little progress on providing the carrot – positive economic incentives to keep deforestation going down and to restore degraded forests – that Brazil needs in order to sustain the progress it made during the last decade into the future.
One candidate for the carrot is Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) – the concept that reducing deforestation is good for the atmosphere and needs international compensation. Brazil was one of the pioneers of this idea in the international climate talks, and consequently created the Amazon Fund, to which Norway has committed $1 billion if the country continues to meet its 2020 target.
Brazil’s National Climate Change Policy also calls for the creation of a Brazilian emissions reductions market. But the federal government has made little headway on creating its own carbon market and has been reluctant to look at linking up with international carbon markets to pay for reducing deforestation. Both could go a long way to creating the incentives needed to grow the economy and sustainably expand agriculture and forestry, while stopping deforestation and restoring degraded forests.
What all of this means is that Brazil still leads the world in reducing carbon emissions because of its success in reducing Amazon deforestation – but risks reversing the trend if it approves a general amnesty for illegal deforestation. President Rousseff should listen carefully to Brazil’s world-class scientific community on how to balance environmental protection and development priorities, in the Forest Code and more broadly.
As Brazil prepares to host the Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development, it will find no lack of major developed countries to criticize for foot-dragging, omission, or outright obstruction on global environmental issues. Ambitious new commitments on environment and development are unlikely under the specter of economic crisis in the EU and anemic growth in the U.S. Blaming richer countries for tepid results is one possible outcome.
But if President Rousseff musters the political will to kill the deforestation amnesty and save the Forest Code, Brazil could do much better in Rio+ 20. It might find ways to use its world-leading achievement in reducing emissions from deforestation to chart the way to both more ambitious commitments and effective actions from other major economies going forward, and for funding for a sustainable low-carbon development strategy.
Source: Main Feed – Environmental Defense |
Thank Obama for Clean Air & Fuel Efficiency Rules 3 Feb 2012, 5:30 pm
President Obama & his administration have stood up for our kids and our communities with stronger clean air and fuel economy rules. C4. Regional.
Source: Main Feed – Environmental Defense |
Mercury and Air Toxics Rule 2 Feb 2012, 10:16 pm
For the first time, EPA has proposed a new Mercury and Air Toxics rule that would limit mercury and other hazardous air emissions from America’s coal-fired power plants. Please take action to support this life-saving rule.
Source: Main Feed – Environmental Defense |
Creating Energy Champions 2 Feb 2012, 9:01 pm
This commentary was originally posted on Duke Energy's Shedding A Light Blog.
In late January, I had the great pleasure of joining a group of Charlotte, N.C. city employees at an "Energy Champions" training hosted by Duke Energy and Charlotte Center City Partners. The city workers were bursting with enthusiasm, inventing creative ideas on the spot about how to motivate people to reduce energy use in the workplace. Many involved "friendly" competitions, around things like turning off monitors and lights: I for one would not want to be the recipient of the “Dim Bulb Award.”
Participants were excited to help Charlotte shine as a leader in innovation and to be part of Envision Charlotte, an initiative to make their city the most sustainable urban core in the country. Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is pleased to be part of this innovative public-private partnership, along with Duke Energy, Charlotte Center City Partners, Bank of America and others.
One goal of Envision Charlotte is to reduce energy use in more than 60 large commercial and government buildings in Uptown Charlotte by 20 percent within a five-year timeframe. Why target buildings? Because buildings account for more than 30 percent of total energy use, and 65 percent of electricity consumption. Reducing energy use in buildings, especially the large buildings participating in Envision Charlotte (more than 10,000 square feet each), can have a huge impact and presents an enormous opportunity to cut costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
One of the ways Envision Charlotte will accomplish this goal is through Duke’s Smart Energy Now program. Duke and its partners Cisco Systems and Verizon Wireless have already installed smart meters and information kiosks in participating buildings. These displays show in real-time how much energy is being used in the city’s center every day, and provide tips on how to reduce that use. Information is also available through a secure portal, accessible to building owners and managers, which shows how much energy each individual building is using. This information will help employees, building owners and facilities managers make smart decisions about how they use energy every day of the week.
As a smart grid expert, I’m particularly interested to see what role smart technologies will play in making these buildings more efficient, and in shifting demand away from times of peak electricity use, when energy is most expensive and most polluting, and (ideally) to times when renewable energy is available on the grid.
Duke and its partners will host more Energy Champions trainings over the next few months, targeted specifically to different segments of building users: executives, workers and facilities managers. There is already palpable excitement in the city with the Democratic National Convention coming in the fall, which will place Charlotte in national, and even international, spotlights. Only these spotlights will be energy efficient. And please turn them off when you’re done.
Source: Main Feed – Environmental Defense |
Where You’ll Find Us in February 2 Feb 2012, 8:01 pm
By Monica Michaan
Punxsutawney Phil called for more winter this morning, and we are calling for more conferences this month. Here is where you can find us in February:
Namrita Kapur is attending a conference at her alma mater, Yale School of Management, titled “Beyond Best Practices: Financing and Implementing Social Change” on February 3.
Lee Coker is attending Columbia Business School’s 18th Annual Private Equity & Venture Capital Conference on February 3.
Then, Lee is headed to Bard College for a Sustainable Business Series on February 13 called “Is Sustainable More Productive?”
Look for us at these conferences – and let us know if you’ll be there so we can watch for you as well!
You can always see where we’re going to be – and what other conferences we know about– on the EDF Biz Calendar
Subscribe to receive our blog updates by email, like our page on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Source: Main Feed – Environmental Defense |
California Follows Smart Meter Best Practice: Proactively Address Public Concerns 2 Feb 2012, 7:29 pm
This commentary was originally posted on the EDF California Dream 2.0 Blog.
Energy powers our economy. But our outdated energy system is wasteful, expensive and a major source of pollution, leading to the deaths of approximately 60,000 Americans per year. Utilities in California and across the country are now investing billions of dollars to modernize that infrastructure, making use of the information technologies that have revolutionized so many other realms of our lives. The smart grid they're building will improve air quality and the health of millions of Americans affected by air so dirty it is often dangerous to breathe.
Smart meters are a key component of the smart grid. They unlock air quality, climate pollution and public health benefits by enabling two-way, real-time communication that gives households, small businesses, manufacturers and farmers (and the utilities that serve them) the data they need to cut energy use and electricity costs. These devices help ensure that every day energy users reap the many benefits of the smart grid.
Yesterday, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved a proposal by Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) that allows customers to keep their analog meters and opt out of using the new wireless smart meters. This decision is designed to address concerns of individuals who describe themselves as having electromagnetic hypersensitivity to radio frequencies (RF), and report getting headaches, fatigue, nausea and insomnia from exposure.
The radio frequencies used by smart meters are now pervasive in our lives, emitted by our cell phones, microwaves, baby monitors, and numerous other devices we use daily. To understand the potential health risks associated with use of these devices, EDF has completed a thorough review of the scientific literature on the potential effects of electromagnetic and radio frequencies (EMF/RF) on human health. We have reviewed reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the California Council of Science and Technology (CCST). We also consulted with outside experts, including Dr. Leeka Kheifets, a Professor in Residence at UCLA who sits on the Standing Committee on Epidemiology for the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection.
The WHO review states that “in the area of biological effects and medical applications of non-ionizing radiation, approximately 25,000 articles have been published over the past 30 years. Scientific knowledge in this area is now more extensive than for most chemicals.” These studies, it concludes, find that “current evidence does not confirm the existence of any health consequences from exposure to low level electromagnetic fields.”
The WHO assessment spotlights the importance of conducting rigorous scientific research to evaluate environmental and health problems, a core principle of EDF. Our policies are based on the best available science and are altered as necessary when new evidence comes to light.
This research helped inform EDF’s position that the limited RF exposure levels associated with smart meters should not result in reduced support for the smart grid, especially in light of the significant health benefits it will deliver by enabling far less use of fossil fuels and far greater reliance on clean, renewable energy, including small, community-based generation like rooftop solar PV.
Today’s ruling strikes the proper balance: sustaining progress toward a smart grid with its multiple public health benefits while addressing individuals’ concerns. It gives consumers the same type of choice about what technologies to use in their everyday life.
We support the PUC's decision and continuing research on the possible health effects of radio frequencies.
For more information on this topic, please see EDF President Fred Krupp’s memo on “Health and the smart grid.”
Source: Main Feed – Environmental Defense |
MD Blue Crab Design Team Exhibits at Recent Watermen Expo, Shares Plans for Pilot Accountability System 2 Feb 2012, 6:41 pm
Every year, the Maryland Watermen’s Association hosts a commercial fishermen and aquaculture trade expo attracting hundreds of fishermen and watermen from along the east coast. This year’s recent 38th annual Expo in Ocean City, MD included an exhibit from the Maryland Blue Crab Design Team. The Design Team, an industry-led task force EDF helped organize, participated in the expo for the opportunity to keep the larger watermen community informed and gain feedback on the collective process to develop long-term solutions for Maryland’s blue crab industry.
Source: Main Feed – Environmental Defense |
Our Newest Clean Air Ally – Actress Julianne Moore 2 Feb 2012, 12:06 am
By Sharyn Stein
Those of us following the debate over clean air regulations are used to hearing frequent comments from key players – power plant executives, politicians, environmentalists, doctors.
But every once in a while, we get a truly original point of view.
Like today – in this animated video from actress Julianne Moore.
Moore taped the video for Moms Clean Air Force (MCAF), a nonpartisan group of moms (and dads, and grandparents, and others) who want cleaner and healthier air for their kids.
Moore is a well-known actress, children’s book author, and activist for a variety of children’s causes. She narrates the new video with the help of the cartoon-character stars of her Freckleface Strawberry books.
In a blog post on the MCAF website, Moore writes:
Sometimes being a good mom means being an active citizen. That’s why I joined Moms Clean Air Force. Moms are banding together. We are making our voices stronger. We are fighting for our children. Together, we are telling politicians to protect our right to clean air.
Moms Clean Air Force was launched last summer and now has almost 50,000 members. (EDF has worked with them from the beginning).
Since the launch, MCAF has gotten other celebrities – including Blythe Danner, Laila Ali, and Jessica Capshaw – to join. Danner and actresses Maya Rudolph and Christina Applegate have also taped video for the group.
Source: Main Feed – Environmental Defense |
Revenge of the Climate Scientists: 38 Experts Set the WSJ Straight 1 Feb 2012, 11:26 pm
Two days ago, I wrote about a flawed global warming analysis in the Wall Street Journal.
The paper published an opinion piece, No Need to Panic About Global Warming, written by a small group of scientists and engineers who are global warming skeptics.
Today, the other side was heard from.
The Wall Street Journal published a sharp rebuttal from 38 experts – all of them respected climatologists — who call the authors of the first piece:
[T]he climate-science equivalent of dentists practicing cardiology.
Today's piece points out that most of the authors of the first analysis have no expertise in climate science, although they are accomplished in their own respective fields.
But, as the large group of climate scientists writes today:
The National Academy of Sciences of the U.S. (set up by President Abraham Lincoln to advise on scientific issues), as well as major national academies of science around the world and every other authoritative body of scientists active in climate research have stated that the science is clear: The world is heating up and humans are primarily responsible … Research shows that more than 97% of scientists actively publishing in the field agree that climate change is real and human caused. It would be an act of recklessness for any political leader to disregard the weight of evidence and ignore the enormous risks that climate change clearly poses.
I couldn’t agree more.
Source: Main Feed – Environmental Defense |
Global Issues
Announcement of new and updated content on the globalissues.org web site. GlobalIssues.org is a web site attempting to look at various global issues to show they are inter-related.
Media and advertising: manipulating photos of people; going too far? 29 Jan 2012, 11:09 pm
It has long been known that advertisers will “photoshop” (slang for editing photos to touch up or airbrush out imperfections) photos to make the subject more attractive. But many have pointed out that this subtle manipulation often goes too far. Young people, girls in particular, are bombarded with images of how they are supposed to look, contributing to many social and health problems as a result.
The American National Advertising Division (the US advertising industry’s self-regulating watchdog) for example, recently moved to ban the misleading use of photoshopping and enhanced post-production in cosmetics adverts as it could be too misleading. In the UK some adverts have been banned because the effects of airbrushing has resulted in very misleading cosmetic adverts. France has even considered legislation to explicitly identify retouched images.
Some will claim it is up to parents to teach their children how to recognize these things, but parents cannot often win against an army of professional psychologists, marketers and others all focused on pushing their own images onto children, when studies also say that children are not old enough tell the difference between commercial and other content.
This page has been updated to add a section about this issue with further links, videos and examples.
Read full article: Media and Advertising
Source: Global Issues |
Media in the US: lax campaign financing bad for democracy but good for media companies 29 Jan 2012, 2:48 am
US campaign financing rules have been relaxed even further in recent years, making a worrying problem about the state of American democracy worse (because those with money have even more ability to try and buy votes or influence policy).
Media coverage of this issue, though it may pop up from time to time, seems quite limited. Perhaps because it is estimated that television stations this year could make as much as eight billion dollars from political campaigns.
The state of US mainstream media has unfortunately been lamentable for many years, and after the issues around hurricane Katrina, it was thought that the media would be rejuvenated. Unfortunately it does not seem that way.
This page has been updated with further information about campaign financing issues and how limits in the US have been lifted making the problem worse. Also added were notes on US press freedom, and an info graphic on media ownership concentration.
Read full article: Media in the United States
Source: Global Issues |
Climate change: historic emissions still matter 8 Jan 2012, 3:03 am
China, India and other emerging economies are often the focus points for climate change negotiations. Many rich nation politicians and their media often point to their rising emissions as proof that they urgently need to be bound to emission reduction targets in the same way rich nations are.
But what is often easily forgotten or omitted is that greenhouse gases can stay in the atmosphere for a very long time. In other words, historic emissions matter.
Historical data show that the majority of greenhouse emissions have been by rich nations, known as “Annex I” countries in climate negotiation speak:
Apart from China and India, the remainder of the top 10 historical greenhouse gas emitters have been from Annex I countries.
This is why 2 decades ago the climate negotiations started by understanding there were “common but differentiated principles” and why “Annex I” countries were initially given target emissions while the rest were to be given space to grow given the urgent need for poverty alleviation and development.
Furthermore, climate negotiations frameworks have always said developing nations need to avoid a polluting path to industrialization, so they can’t just use historic emissions injustice as an excuse not to do anything. At the same time, the dirty path to development was also the cheap and easy path which developing countries need to avoid, so it was also agreed that the Annex I countries should help developing countries in various ways. Needless to say much of this has not really happened.
These and additional charts have been added based on updated data up to 2008 on historical carbon emissions plus estimated emissions for 2009 and 2010.
Read full article: Climate Justice and Equity
Source: Global Issues |
COP17 – Durban Climate Conference 4 Jan 2012, 3:35 am
An overview of the Climate Change Conference (also known as COP 17), held in Durban, South Africa in December 2011.
Predictably and sadly, the same issues have resurfaced: lack of media coverage, West stalling on doing anything trying to blame India and China instead, lack of funding, disagreement on how to address it, etc.
Geopolitical threats (real and imaginary) quickly focus a lot of political will and money is easily found to mobilize military forces when needed.
The economy also takes center stage as the current pressing issue, while climate change is easily deferred, in the hopes that the West can let China and India pick up the burden of addressing emissions even though they have not contributed to the historical build up of emissions that have started the recent changes in the climate.
This page is an overview of the Durban conference.
Read full article: COP17 – Durban Climate Conference
Source: Global Issues |
Iran nuclear report: Regurgitating old stories as new information to justify sanctions? 6 Dec 2011, 5:20 am
A recent IAEA report on Iran’s nuclear program was portrayed by most Western mainstream media and politicians as new proof Iran is close to building nuclear weapons. The US Senate passed sanctions on Iran targeting its central bank in response.
However, the report does not say what the mainstream media and politicians claim. It has been much more guarded and much of it is about the state of Iran’s program up to 2003. After that period, the report is much more uncertain. Furthermore, many experts contend that the speculations (not definitive proof) that are in the report are misguided, too, leaning on unreliable sources, for example.
This update to the page on Iran has more information about this. Although the page is long, look for the new section about half way down under the heading of Regurgitating old stories as new information to justify sanctions?
Source: Global Issues |
Inequality in the US; the top 0.1% gaining even more than top 1% 12 Nov 2011, 3:06 am
In the US the protest movement is symbolically against the top 1%. Income data from the US Congressional Budget Office, however, shows that it isn’t just the top 1% benefiting far more than the rest of American society, but the top 0.1% in particular.
High levels of inequality is generally believed to affect social cohesion. Some findings suggest that once nations are industrialized, more equal societies almost always do better in terms of health, well-being and social cohesion and that large income inequalities within societies destroys the social fabric and quality of life for everyone.
This update to the poverty page adds a section on inequality in the US, as well as adding some additional information about research showing globally some 147 multinational companies having core global influence and power.
Read full article: Poverty Around the World
Source: Global Issues |
Protests on the economic situation are global 7 Nov 2011, 3:50 am
The global financial crisis has spawned a global protest movement campaigning against things like inequality, corporate greed, lack of jobs, etc. Although these protests have occurred for decades, they have typically been in the developing countries, or about the situation in developing countries. As such, many Western nations, who have strongly influenced the conditions in developing countries, have typically not paid much attention to such protests, no matter how large. However, this time, the global financial crisis has hit the ordinary citizens of Western nations quite hard, and inspired by the Arab Spring and protests in Spain, a global movement seems to have sprung up.
The global protests page had not been updated since the end of 2003, but has not included a brief overview of more recent protests such as the so-called Occupy Movement. The older content remains because it is interesting to note some of the parallels too, and it is perhaps important to note that these protests are unfortunately not new. Whether this time it can make a difference is too early to tell but a lot of people in wealthy countries this time are also participating.
Read full article: Public Protests Around the World
Source: Global Issues |
Today, around 21,000 Children Died Around The World 25 Sep 2011, 5:48 pm
Around 21,000 children die every day around the world.
That is equivalent to:
- 1 child dying every 4 seconds
- 14 children dying every minute
- A 2011 Libya conflict-scale death toll every day
- A 2010 Haiti earthquake occurring every 10 days
- A 2004 Asian Tsunami occurring every 11 days
- An Iraq-scale death toll every 19–46 days
- Just under 7.6 million children dying every year
- Some 92 million children dying between 2000 and 2010
The silent killers are poverty, easily preventable diseases and illnesses, and other related causes.
Despite the scale of this daily/ongoing catastrophe, it rarely manages to achieve, much less sustain, prime-time, headline coverage.
This update includes updated numbers, charts and graphs. It shows that there is steady progress each year in reducing the number of children that die each year, but clearly the number is still high.
Read full article: Today, almost 21,000 children died around the world
Source: Global Issues |
War on Terror: 10 years on 24 Sep 2011, 2:53 pm
A quick look back over the decade since the 9-11 attacks finds that the neo-conservatives have achieved the opposite of what they set out to do: rather than winning a war on terror and expanding their power even further, they have over-stretched their own nation, militarily and economically. The Bush Administration preferred to concentrate on Iraq rather than Bin Laden and the trillions of dollars spent on this (directly and indirectly) has contributed to the recent economic problems the country now faces. All terribly costly given there were opportunities to get Bin Laden a lot earlier.
Media coverage and public attitudes have also shifted in the past decade, now almost reflecting partisan lines. Rights groups around the world have long voiced concerns that the war on terror is also an excuse for governments to wage a war on freedoms. Bin Laden may be dead but are the terrorists winning?
Read full article: War on Terror
Source: Global Issues |
Health and poverty; a vicious cycle 22 Sep 2011, 7:21 pm
The relationship between health and poverty is reasonably well known; one can exacerbate and contribute to the other in a vicious cycle.
This update, as well as including a few health stats updates, provides further information on noncommunicable diseases (which cause some two-thirds of all deaths each year) and more details on the relationship with poverty.
Read full article: Global Health Overview
Source: Global Issues |
Sierra Club’s Daily Ray of Hope Pool
Welcome!We need your help to add images to the inspirational stories and quotes that the Sierra Club sends out every day in our e-newsletter, the Daily Ray of Hope.How it works: Submit your best examples of original photos that you think will remind people why we all work so hard to protect the natural environment, and that will give people a little extra pep in their step! We will select a photo each weekday to appear alongside our Daily Ray of Hope for the day. If you are not signed up for the Daily Ray of Hope, you can sign up here to watch for your photo to appear. We will give you proper credit if your photo is selected.If you have any questions, post them here, or email community.manager@sierraclub.org.Thanks for your help in making the Daily Ray of Hope even Hope-ier!
E-Seal (Mirounga angustirostris) 5 Feb 2012, 8:12 am
jkirkhart35 has added a photo to the pool:
Special Thanks For Mike Baird for Organizing this photo opportunity for Photomorrobay Photogs. Even the power of the ocean does not move this male much.
Source: Sierra Club’s Daily Ray of Hope Pool |
Canon 60D trial run 5 Feb 2012, 5:14 am
Enchanted Tas has added a photo to the pool:
Source: Sierra Club’s Daily Ray of Hope Pool |
sand dunes 5 Feb 2012, 2:21 am
tahitihut has added a photo to the pool:
Hot Springs, saline valley
Source: Sierra Club’s Daily Ray of Hope Pool |
Oh joy! 5 Feb 2012, 1:43 am
Susan Hall Frazier has added a photo to the pool:
The sun does not shine for a few trees and flowers, but for the wide world’s joy. -Henry Ward Beecher
Source: Sierra Club’s Daily Ray of Hope Pool |
tufa pinnacles 5 Feb 2012, 1:16 am
tahitihut has added a photo to the pool:
sunrise, Trona, Ca
Source: Sierra Club’s Daily Ray of Hope Pool |
Monarch cluster 5 Feb 2012, 1:09 am
alicecahill has added a photo to the pool:
We are so fortunate to have beautiful Monarch Butterflies overwinter here on the Central Coast. I recently discovered another cluster of them very high up in some pine trees near San Simeon Creek. They bunch close together at night for warmth and only begin to fly if the temperature rises above 55 degrees. With their wings folded they are hard to see and just look like a group of brownish leaves. But with the warmth of the day the butterflies begin to open their wings revealing their distinctive orange and black colors. Then one by one they take flight. It is glorious to see them flying against the blue of the sky. I never grow tired of this spectacle. It always makes my heart lift and soon my spirit is flying with the butterflies.
Source: Sierra Club’s Daily Ray of Hope Pool |
Monarch cluster 5 Feb 2012, 1:09 am
alicecahill has added a photo to the pool:
We are so fortunate to have beautiful Monarch Butterflies overwinter here on the Central Coast. I recently discovered another cluster of them very high up in some pine trees near San Simeon Creek. They bunch close together at night for warmth and only begin to fly if the temperature rises above 55 degrees. With their wings folded they are hard to see and just look like a group of brownish leaves. But with the warmth of the day the butterflies begin to open their wings revealing their distinctive orange and black colors. Then one by one they take flight. It is glorious to see them flying against the blue of the sky. I never grow tired of this spectacle. It always makes my heart lift and soon my spirit is flying with the butterflies.
Source: Sierra Club’s Daily Ray of Hope Pool |
The Wild Wind, Lee Vining, Ca 4 Feb 2012, 11:55 pm
™ Pacheco has added a photo to the pool:
Just like the wild wind blows… la la la
sings a song sounds like she’s singin….
I scrambled to leave town in a hurry. Rainbows were everywhere. On my way back home, I nervously pulled over and ventured into a storm, wandering drunkenly into the 80MPH gusts chasing this natural phenomenon hovering over my car. I lay close to the ground to prevent my self from actually flying away into the sierra mountain range. ISO cranked and and hand held, i fired away frantically. My face red and whipped by grass and flying debris. Occasionally I would look around to be sure I wasn’t in the path of a fallen tree or worse yet, a tornado. Once my hat blew off so ferociously, it stuck to the side of a passing tree…. like it was glued there, had the tree not stopped it… well, who knows what bear might have had a new hat.
"Coming dear…. yes… I’m coming…. just give me a few minutes."
The universe said to me:
"I have a favor to ask, Mizzy. Could you please wait until after you take your baby steps, experience wild serendipities, and manifest eyebrow raising miracles, before you start telling people you’re an intergalactic tidal wave of wanton love and magic for whom all the elements bow?
Patience sweetie,
The Universe"
Fine, have it your way.
Source: Sierra Club’s Daily Ray of Hope Pool |
Lone baby Harbor Seal Phoca vitulina http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harbor_seal 4 Feb 2012, 4:17 am
mikebaird has added a photo to the pool:
Lone baby Harbor Seal Phoca vitulina
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harbor_seal
At Piedras Blancas light is everything. The beach was crowded with a mass of elephant seals, a must-see exhibition. The main goal this morning was to capture a battle of the Alpha Males as they defend their territory during the height of the mating season and before the females head back out to sea.
Photo © 2012 “Mike” Michael L. Baird, mike {at] mikebaird d o t com, flickr.bairdphotos.com, Canon EOS 5D Mark II 21.1MP Full Frame CMOS Digital SLR Camera with Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras, without Circular Polarizer until about an hour after sunrise, then after with the polarizer on, at least partially engaged, on a Wimberley Head II from tripodhead.com on a Gitzo GZGT5540LS Gitzo Series 5 tripod, Systematic Tele Studex 6 X Carbon Fiber 4 Section Tripod Legs with G-Lock, Maximum Load 55.0 lbs. Maximum Height 59.4, Leveling base, RAW, IS was off with this massive tripod and no wind. Autofocus using single-center focus point (almost always focusing in the eye first and then recomposing) , one-shot (not AI Servo) mode, burst mode.
This was a photomorrobay.com Yahoo! Group event
tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/photomorrobay/surveys?id=2712771
The call said “Photograph Elephant Seals Battling at Twilight/Sunrise. Fri., Feb. 3, 2012. A Photomorrobay Meet-up. Shooting starts at 6:40 AM. Optional carpools to the San Simeon Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Overlook 34 miles north. We leave the Morro Bay Azure Street Morro Strand State Beach parking lot at 5:59 AM sharp arriving by 6:40 AM when the best shooters start. A high-tide at 6:15 AM brings the Alpha Male battles close to the boardwalk for a 7:00 AM Sunrise. If you can’t get up so early, the best shots I’ve saved came from between 7:40-9:00 AM, but don’t be later than that or you may be disappointed. We had great light and action on Feb. 2, 2008 as you can see at www.flickr.com/photos/mikebaird/sets/72157603842878843/ and on Jan. 22 and 28, 2011 at www.flickr.com/photos/mikebaird/sets/72157625885509136/ and www.flickr.com/photos/mikebaird/sets/72157625803343179/ I’d suggest an SLR digital camera with a long 200 – 400mm lens and tripod. There is a railing for handheld brace-shooting. Beginners to Experts welcome. There will be no instruction. When the light and action are right everyone is shooting and not talking. See Friends of the Elephant Seal’s www.elephantseal.org/ for more information. No restrooms are available at the site. Lunch usually happens on the return (Cambria Main Street Grill?) Post three of your best photos at the "Photomorrobay" www.flickr.com/groups/photomorrobay/ Flickr Group, and as many as you like at the "Elephant Seals, Northern, of Piedras Blancas" www.flickr.com/groups/elephantseals/ Flickr Group. Vote the attendance poll tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/photomorrobay/surveys?id=2712771 to indicate your attendance or carpool offer or carpool need plans. If your plans change, please re-vote. Rain cancels. Re-check the poll Friday 10PM and Sat. by 4AM. Called by Mike Baird mike [at} mikebaird d o t com 805-704-2064”
To use this photo, see access, attribution, and commenting recommendations at www.flickr.com/people/mikebaird/#credit - Please add comments/notes/tags/names to add to or correct information, identification, etc. Please, no comments or invites with badges, unrelated images, flashing icons, links to your photos, multiple invites, or invites with award levels and/or award/post rules. Critique is always welcomed.
keywords: 03Feb2012,
Source: Sierra Club's Daily Ray of Hope Pool |
Northern Elephant Seals (M. angustirostris) at sunrise early light at Piedras Blancas, San Simeon, CA 03 Feb 2012. 4 Feb 2012, 4:09 am
mikebaird has added a photo to the pool:
Northern Elephant Seals (M. angustirostris) at sunrise early light at Piedras Blancas, San Simeon, CA 03 Feb 2012.
Massive Alpha Males were most active today, breeding, and engaging in battles in between to defend their territories and harems.
There was much posturing, grunting, bellowing, chasing, crashing into each other, biting and thrashing until the dominant male was established.
At Piedras Blancas light is everything. The beach was crowded with a mass of elephant seals, a must-see exhibition. The main goal this morning was to capture a battle of the Alpha Males as they defend their territory during the height of the mating season and before the females head back out to sea.
Photo © 2012 “Mike” Michael L. Baird, mike {at] mikebaird d o t com, flickr.bairdphotos.com, Canon EOS 5D Mark II 21.1MP Full Frame CMOS Digital SLR Camera with Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras, without Circular Polarizer until about an hour after sunrise, then after with the polarizer on, at least partially engaged, on a Wimberley Head II from tripodhead.com on a Gitzo GZGT5540LS Gitzo Series 5 tripod, Systematic Tele Studex 6 X Carbon Fiber 4 Section Tripod Legs with G-Lock, Maximum Load 55.0 lbs. Maximum Height 59.4, Leveling base, RAW, IS was off with this massive tripod and no wind. Autofocus using single-center focus point (almost always focusing in the eye first and then recomposing) , one-shot (not AI Servo) mode, burst mode.
This was a photomorrobay.com Yahoo! Group event
tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/photomorrobay/surveys?id=2712771
The call said “Photograph Elephant Seals Battling at Twilight/Sunrise. Fri., Feb. 3, 2012. A Photomorrobay Meet-up. Shooting starts at 6:40 AM. Optional carpools to the San Simeon Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Overlook 34 miles north. We leave the Morro Bay Azure Street Morro Strand State Beach parking lot at 5:59 AM sharp arriving by 6:40 AM when the best shooters start. A high-tide at 6:15 AM brings the Alpha Male battles close to the boardwalk for a 7:00 AM Sunrise. If you can’t get up so early, the best shots I’ve saved came from between 7:40-9:00 AM, but don’t be later than that or you may be disappointed. We had great light and action on Feb. 2, 2008 as you can see at www.flickr.com/photos/mikebaird/sets/72157603842878843/ and on Jan. 22 and 28, 2011 at www.flickr.com/photos/mikebaird/sets/72157625885509136/ and www.flickr.com/photos/mikebaird/sets/72157625803343179/ I’d suggest an SLR digital camera with a long 200 – 400mm lens and tripod. There is a railing for handheld brace-shooting. Beginners to Experts welcome. There will be no instruction. When the light and action are right everyone is shooting and not talking. See Friends of the Elephant Seal’s www.elephantseal.org/ for more information. No restrooms are available at the site. Lunch usually happens on the return (Cambria Main Street Grill?) Post three of your best photos at the "Photomorrobay" www.flickr.com/groups/photomorrobay/ Flickr Group, and as many as you like at the "Elephant Seals, Northern, of Piedras Blancas" www.flickr.com/groups/elephantseals/ Flickr Group. Vote the attendance poll tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/photomorrobay/surveys?id=2712771 to indicate your attendance or carpool offer or carpool need plans. If your plans change, please re-vote. Rain cancels. Re-check the poll Friday 10PM and Sat. by 4AM. Called by Mike Baird mike [at} mikebaird d o t com 805-704-2064”
To use this photo, see access, attribution, and commenting recommendations at www.flickr.com/people/mikebaird/#credit – Please add comments/notes/tags/names to add to or correct information, identification, etc. Please, no comments or invites with badges, unrelated images, flashing icons, links to your photos, multiple invites, or invites with award levels and/or award/post rules. Critique is always welcomed.
Captions:
keywords: 03Feb2012,elephant seal, Northern Elephant Seal,M. angustirostris, piedras blancas, san simeon, Mammal,blancas,
Source: Sierra Club’s Daily Ray of Hope Pool |
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