At Upstate Campus, Saving Energy is Part of Dorm Life

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/17/nyregion/17ithaca.html?ref=earth

April 16, 2010

The New York Times

By Lisa W. Foderaro

Brief Summary:

At Ithaca College, two dormitories proudly wear the Energy Star label, being known for its embrace of all things sustainable. The residence halls have six-way zoned heating, energy efficient boilers, digitally controlled heating systems and ample weather stripping. Many students on campus post fliers and talk to other students with advice on how to make the positive changes.

Short Response:

Instead of it being someone telling you what to do such as an older person talking "at" you, the people in charge of helping make these changes are students at the college trying to influence other students without making any demands. This is the best approach possible because students would prefer it be that way rather than someone making orders at them.

Ontario Issues $8 Billion in Renewable Energy Contracts

http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/09/ontario-issues-8-billion-in-clean-energy-contracts/?ref=earth

By John Lorinc

April 9, 2010

The New York Times

Brief Summary:

$8 billion in new renewable energy deals was announced just recently by the Ontario government agency under the provinces feed-in tariff program. This includes 184 solar, hydro and landfill gas projects winning long term contracts which will provide a total of about 2,500 megawatts of green power.

Short Response:

This is good news for the environment, but provincial rate payers will end up spending over $300 more a year on their electricity bills, which i'm sure will raise controversy and make many people unhappy, but it is for the best ultimately.

Rule on Lead Safety Set to Take Effect

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/09/science/earth/09lead.html?ref=earth

April 8, 2010

By Mireya Navarro

The New York Times

Brief Summary:

A regulation which requires the construction company to help prevent lead poisoning of children is on track thanks to the Environmental Protection Agency. This occurs after more than two decades of delays and the regulation will take effect on April 22.

Short Response:

This is a positive decision and could potentially save many lives, now that the contractors will be trained and certified in lead safe work and containing their work areas which could help prevent other accidents from occuring.

Nuclear Labs Raise Doubts Over Viability of Arsenals

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/27/us/27nuke.html?ref=science

March 26, 2010

The New York Times

By Mathew J. Broad

Brief Summary:

The nation’s nuclear weapon's laboratories have warned Congress that federal programs to extend the life of the nation’s aging nuclear arsenal are insufficient to guarantee the viability of the weapons for decades to come. The warning has no direct bearing on the new arms control agreement reached this week by the United States and Russia.

Short Response:

It addresses a long-simmering debate on what steps the United States should take to ensure confidence in the destructive capacity of its shrinking nuclear arsenal. It was criticized by many, so obviously an agreement needs to be made soon.

Audit Finds Vulnerability of EnergyStar Program

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/26/science/earth/26star.html?ref=science

March 25, 2010

The New York Times

By Mathew L. Wald

Brief Summary:

In a nine-month study, four fictitious companies invented by the accountability office also sought EnergyStar status for some conventional devices like dehumidifiers and heat pump models that existed only on paper. The fake companies submitted data indicating that the models consumed 20 percent less energy than even the most efficient ones on the market.

Short Response:

Auditors found problems beyond the approval of nonexistent products. They determined that once a company registered as an EnergyStar partner, it could download the logo from the government’s Web site and paste it on products for which it had not even requested approval.

Health Costs of California Air Pollution

http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/12/health-costs-of-california-air-pollution/

March 12, 2010

The New York Times

By Kristina Shevory

Brief Summary:

According to a RAND Corporation study released last week, air pollution in California cost federal, state and private health insurers $193 million in hospital costs. California has failed to meet federal clean air quality standards, which this study shows, and in result hospital expenses have been increasing and increasing the impact on insurers.

Short Response:

This is extremely unsafe for the people living in California. The air pollution led to almost 30,000 cases in the hospital for asthma, pneumonia, and other respiratory and cardiovascular problems, and it is the states responsibility to meet the federal standards so that things like this don't happen and effect the health of so many people.

Climate Change Threatens Migratory Birds, Report Says

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/13/science/earth/13birds.html?ref=earth

March 12, 2010

The New York Times

By John M. Broder

Brief Summary:

Hundreds of species of migratory birds which are already endangered, threatened and suffering from population decline are now threatened by the changes in the global climate. Destruction of habitat, hunting, pesticides, invasive species and loss of wetlands are also threatening nearly a third of the nations 800 bird species.

Short Response:

Many species that we are worried about will face heightened threats, giving us an increased sense of urgency to insure that we protect and conserve vital bird habitat. Birds are very good indicators of the health of our environment, so this growing incident shows a lot about the environment.