The following NY Times article focuses on the Senate’s upcoming agenda to tackle both Wall Street reform and climate change legislation. After much effort was put into passing healthcare legislation, the Senate will continue to push forward with its agenda by addressing economic recovery and climate change. Carbon markets will be a key topic for discussion for both the business and environmental communities as Senate leaders look to map out legislative strategy. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) intends to work with committee leaders on the Kerry, Graham, Lieberman legislative proposal; expected to be released in the next week.
NY Times: Obama Wants Senate to Tackle Climate Bil After Wall St. Reforms
The following press release from the USDA announces new resources to enhance market-based approaches to conservation. Through the USDA’s Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) in the 2010 fiscal year budget, about $25 million will be allocated to help assist producers in using market-based approaches and technological innovations in land conservation efforts. In addition to conservation, CIG also encourages innovative solutions for climate change, water/soil/air quality, and wildlife habitat protection. More information about the CIG program and application material can be found at http://www.grants.gov/ or the CIG web page.
Renowned climate scientist-activist Dr. James Hansen posted the following op-ed in the Huffington Post, earlier this week. Will President Obama seize his chance to address "the predominant moral issue of the 21st century? We sure hope so!
For the full article, please visit the Huffington Post.
The predominant moral issue of the 21st century, almost surely, will be climate change, comparable to Nazism faced by Churchill in the 20th century and slavery faced by Lincoln in the 19th century. Our fossil fuel addiction, if unabated, threatens our children and grandchildren, and most species on the planet.
Yet the president, addressing climate in the State of the Union, was at his good-guy worst, leading with "I know that there are those who disagree..." with the scientific evidence. This weak entrée, almost legitimizing denialists, was predictably greeted by cheers and hoots from well-oiled coal-fired Congressmen. The president was embarrassed and his supporters cringed."
Read the full op-ed, here.
There's a fun and free community event this Saturday (April 10th) in Dorchester - Following a job and health fair from 9 – 1pm, the Commonwealth Challenge is hosting a Green Jobs Rally and Block Walk. The event is one of the first stops on a Green The Block National Tour hosted by Green For All and Hip Hop Caucus. Enjoy some conscious hip hop provided by Tem Blessed of YouthBuild New Bedford (and MAGJC Board member), learn about weatherization, then join in on a "Neighborhood Block Walk to Retrofit Dorchester."
MAGJC is proud to be partnered on the Commonwealth Challenge, a grassroots campaign led by community partners across Massachusetts. As MAGJC members, we hope that you will visit the website and take the pledge to reduce your own electricity demand 5% this year. "When the People Lead, the Leaders Will Follow." We can have 100% clean electricity in 10 years!
Please check out the below details on this great event! We hope to see you there (and yes, we realize its the same time as down:2:earth - another reason we need volunteers :)
To volunteer, please call Laurie at 857.445.8313 or email marty[at]magjc.org
What: Rally for Green Jobs: Party & Block Walk
When: Sat. April 10th, 12:30p - 3:00p
Where : Russell Auditorium, 70-80 Talbot Ave. Dorchester, MA
Contact :
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How much?: FREE!
