April 17, 2005
"Green and Not Green "
11:29am
If the new Energy Bill passes, there will be a weakening of the Clean Air Act:
"If it becomes law, it would make one of the most significant changes to the Clean Air Act in 15 years, allowing communities whose air pollution comes from hundreds of miles away to delay meeting national air quality standards until their offending neighbors clean up their own air."
Bottom line, no longer will there be any incentive for states or municipalities to clean up more air pollution, and the E.P.A. has no ability to force them to do it," said Representative Tom Allen..."
Guess who is in approval:
"It is a solution that has been warmly embraced by the National Association of Manufacturers, the Electric Reliability Coordinating Council and other trade groups. "We're clearly in support of any kind of flexibility," said Bryan Brendle, an official with the manufacturers organization."
(source: New York Times)
This comes just after news that Yuma did indeed decide to approve the nearby Oil Refinery:
"Company officials have estimated construction could start in 2006 and be completed in 2009." (source: Yuma Daily Sun)
Although they promise 'higher' standards, that doesn't mean anything good if the original standards were wretched. I cannot help it. Based on previous experience (re Casa Grande and the electric plants), I am VERY, VERY cynical. We'll find out just how bad the pollution is.
Anyway, we have at least four more years of clean air.
I wish more politicians truly concerned with environmental causes could be elected. Too often the only 'green' concern is with green dollars.
Saturday evening, I went with Julia to her employee's picnic and it was fun just sitting in the shade and watching people and of course eating and drinking. WATER, mind you. Julia had the 'suds'. But the roast beef was tasty, as were the beans and coleslaw. One standard plateful wasn't enough for us piggies, so Julia went back and got another, which we split.
This morning has been devoted to mundane tasks. Several water bottles have been filled, and although the laundry hasn't been put away, it is at least in. We are now re-aligning our schedules to do such tasks in the morning or in the evening, when it is cooler. Yesterday, it reached 93F and I expect today will, as well.
I did take time this weekend for a little artwork. I took the line drawing template which the Goodwins mail out and had fun coloring it:
And here's a photo I took back on March 27th, but never got around to sharing:
For lunch now, I have just enjoyed some chayote squash, which Julia tastefully prepared. The rather pear shaped light to medium-green firm veggie is especially tasty steamed with a light drizzle of olive oil.
I may not be able to help much with the country's troubles, but at least I can enjoy good food and make a pretty picture or two.
