Friday Five: February 28, 2014

The risks associated with not only the burning, but the transportation and use of fossil fuels, affects many parts of our quality of life.  Certainly not the least among these is our economy.
Oil spill has shut down Port of New Orleans
"Officials say only a sheen of oil has been reported, but that they don't know how much oil was actually spilled, and are planning a conference call today to figure out how long it will take for the river to reopen. Cost Guard Petty Officer Bill Colclough told the Associated Press that the barge was being pushed by the Hannah C. Settoon tugboat when it hit the grain-barge-pushing Lindsay Ann Erickson tug. The Settoon is a 84.5-foot-long boat built in 2010 and owned by Louisiana-based Settoon Towing."

I remember distinctly listening to the radio when commentators talked about then Vice President Cheney convening an "energy task force" at which Mr. Cheney sidelined Christine Todd Whitman in favor of energy industry leaders.  To me, that stands as the Fort Sumter of the battle between environmental protection and industry.  Much like our Civil War, no one will win.  When it ends, we will do what we can to pick up the pieces.  I only hope that we end this ludicrous battle over whether we as a people have the right to enforce our desire for clean air and water.
Yes, the EPA has the power to stop climate change
"The Supreme Court said as much seven years ago in Massachusetts v. EPA, with Justice Anthony Kennedy casting the deciding vote. As the court explained in that landmark decision, Congress chose to define the air pollutants covered by the Clean Air Act in 'sweeping,' 'capacious' terms—terms that easily cover greenhouse gases. This precedent is the foundation for all of the work the Obama administration is now doing to address climate change, including the regulations and related permitting scheme at issue in UARG."

Speaking of water, evidently John Roberts' influence on the judiciary runs deeper than we think.  A Florida judge just decided that the "individual mandate" applies not only to health insurance purchases, but connecting to municipal water.  Two elements of the story have greater interest to me in the story (and I recommend following the link to the Off the Grid story).  First, the judge seems to have some reluctance in enforcing a code that seems to not fully address the situation.  Second, the website doing the initial reporting supports both environmentalists looking to use natural resources and second amendment proponents looking to protect themselves.  It is an interesting combination of audiences.
Florida judge rules it's illegal to unhook from city's water system
"It’s not really clear why it’s illegal to live off rainwater — it just is. The law doesn’t understand, essentially, how it would even be possible to live without city-provided water. The fact that water regularly comes out of the sky is apparently not compelling."

Maybe we should worry a little less about whether people hook up to municipal water service, and worry a bit more about taking care of people who have worked most of their life and would like a couple of years to enjoy their time on this planet.  Or maybe we should try to fix the paradox that comes with spending the most on healthcare but ranking 33rd in life expectancy.  Don't even get me started on income inequality.
US scores poorly in retirement rankings
"Still, 'the rapid ascent of several other nations' caused the U.S. to remain stuck at 19, Natixis says. Moreover, despite being a wealthy country, the U.S. ranks relatively low when it comes to life expectancy (#33) and income inequality (#81). Other factors dragging down the U.S.’s ranking include high government debt, limited access to medical care, and high per-capita spending on health care. (When it comes to health-care spending, we are #1!)"

This is part #135 in my #575 part series on how money spent on renewable energy and energy efficiency creates more jobs, and a more resilient economy, than money spent on fossil fuels.
Renewable energy firms looking to hire more staff
"The survey indicated Glasgow, the Lothians, Highlands and Islands and the north east topped the list of regions employing the most people, while onshore wind (39%), offshore wind (21%), marine and bioenergy (both 9%) were the most notable sources of employment.
Of the 540 companies surveyed, 54% said they would be looking to employ more people in the next 12 months.
A further 42% said their employment levels would stay the same and only 1.6% expected them to fall."

Happy Friday!

Montreal Gazette