Latest News - Page 14 of 55 - Mid-Ohio Valley Climate Action

Last Updated: June 16, 2024 by main_y0ke11

Climate Corner: Seize the opportunity

Jun 15, 2024

Vic Elam

editorial@newsandsentinel.com

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) came out with a report last year for the year 2022 and in it a scorecard ranking of all states, West Virginia and Ohio tied for 44th. States were scored in several categories, such as transportation policies and state government initiatives. Both states scored poorly in every category except in the “building energy efficiency policies,” while neither state scored especially well in this category, some credit was given for having building codes that foster energy savings, stringently applying those codes and providing incentives for energy savings construction in new homes and businesses.

Both states scored especially poorly in the “Utility and public benefits” section which looks at investment in energy production efficiency and how that might be passed along to users, in particular low-income homes, and health/pollution impacts from the utility sector. Both states scored a zero for “Appliance and Equipment Efficiency Standards and Clean Lighting.” States have historically led the way in establishing standards for appliances and other equipment, and by setting efficiency standards they have forced manufacturers to produce more efficient equipment. This score also relates to lighting, there is a lot of improvement to be made in Ohio and West Virginia if the states were to adopt efficient lighting requirements such as for streetlights.

Now you may ask, what does all this have to do with the title “Seize the Opportunity?” Well even though our states may not want to do the right thing and invest in opportunities to improve energy efficiency and quality of life, you can.

IRS.gov, Energystar.gov and other sites have a wealth of information about how you can get federal income tax credits for making improvements to your home that will make your home more comfortable and will reduce your energy usage. These tax credits will be available through 2032 and have an annual limit of $3,200. I was able to save $1,100 on my taxes this year because of replacement of an exterior door and windows. Why companies that are constantly advertising their windows do not mention this incentive, I cannot understand.

There are many more household items or improvements that are eligible for tax credits and I encourage you to reference the websites for further information, but about anything that could save energy is eligible, even electrical panels, so that you can upgrade your electrical service to handle the increased load to switch from say a gas furnace to an electric heat pump, or to install an electric vehicle charging station. Most, if not all improvements must be Energy Star or have some efficiency rating to be eligible for tax incentives. Tax incentives are also available to renters.

Both states offer home weatherization assistance for low-income families and West Virginia’s website references a program that is coming to help with energy efficient appliances.

A home energy assessment or audit by a trained professional would be a good place to start. Some utility companies, like Appalachian Power, offer this service for free, and they may be able to provide additional cost savings for energy efficiency improvements. If you pay for an audit you can get tax credit for that as well.

Making energy efficiency improvements to your home can lower your energy bills, make your home more comfortable, more healthy, increase the value of your home, and of course make your home more environmentally friendly. There is no better time than now to seize this opportunity.

***

Vic Elam is a Mid-Ohio Valley Climate Action member, an avid outdoorsman, and contributor to organizations that share his concern for our environment and the children we borrow it from.

Last Updated: June 9, 2024 by main_y0ke11

Climate Corner: Citizen watchdogs

Jun 8, 2024

Randi Pokladnik

editorial@newsandsentinel.com

In 1978, Lois Gibbs, a homeowner in the suburb of Love Canal, N.Y., was concerned with her son’s failing health. She attributed it to him attending the 99th Street School, which was located adjacent to a toxic landfill. From 1942 to 1953, the Hooker Chemical Corporation, as well as the city of Niagara Falls and the United States Army, began using a partially dug canal as a chemical waste dump. Hundreds of barrels of toxic chemicals were buried in the enormous canal; ten feet deep, sixty feet wide, and three thousand feet long, near Niagara Falls.

She started to notice multiple diseases and deaths in her small 800-family community. Gibbs ascribed the widespread health issues to the landfill and polluted groundwater. She organized the Love Canal Homeowners Association and successfully pushed for the relocation of families living near the dump site. The national publicity of this tragedy led to the passage of the 1980 Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, better known as Superfund.

I visited Love Canal in 2002. It was a surreal experience to see hundreds of driveways but no homes. The 99th Street School was boarded up with plywood and covered in toxic warning signs. The dump itself is surrounded by barbed wire. White plastic pipes, used for sampling the toxics below, pop out in various locations around the forbidden zone. The area stands as a reminder of what corporations have been allowed to do to local communities.

Another housewife and mother followed in Lois Gibbs’ footsteps. Ohio Valley resident Terri Swearingen led local residents in an unsuccessful battle to stop the construction of the Waste Technologies Incinerator in East Liverpool, Ohio, in the 1990s. Even though the location was less than 2,000 feet from a grade school, in a floodplain of the Ohio River, and in an economically depressed neighborhood, the U.S. EPA, Ohio EPA, and then-Gov. George Voinovich, failed the community and allowed this incinerator to be built. Along with Terri, 32 other citizens were slapped with a $33 million lawsuit for their efforts to stop the incinerator. Our family was a part of that SLAPP suit.

We failed to stop construction of the incinerator, now known as Thermal Heritage, however, as a result of citizens’ actions, in 1993, Voinovich signed into law a moratorium on new incinerators in Ohio.

It was members of the Concerned Ohio River Resident group (CORR) who alerted local politicians to the egregious problems associated with radioactive waste at the Austin Masters facility in Martins Ferry, Ohio. The company, located 500 feet from the Ohio River and 1,000 feet from the city water well, accepted and stored 10,000 tons of oil and gas wastes, some radioactive. It was only permitted to accept 600 tons of oil and gas wastes. Bev Reed, a member of CORR, noted that the group had brought in experts and scientists to speak about their concerns nearly three years ago and this incident could have been prevented had local leaders listened to the data. Once again, it was citizens who were doing the jobs of the regulatory agencies.

Unlike the USA, European countries abide by the precautionary principle when approving new chemicals for use in their countries. The precautionary principle states that “decision makers adopt precautionary measures when scientific uncertainties about environmental and health impacts of new technologies or products remain.” In other words, before a product or compound is allowed on the market, it must be proven to be safe. In stark contrast, “the U.S. waits for evidence of harm before regulating.”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has required testing on only 200 of the 80,000 chemicals in commerce and has been restricted in attempts to regulate chemicals in commerce under the 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act.

The lack of regulations, lack of testing, and ability to enforce regulations are some of the reasons we are now dealing with “forever chemicals” like the PFAS. There are more than 9,000 known polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), 600 of which are currently in use in the United States. Non-stick cookware, cosmetics, dental floss, stain resistant fabrics, and grease resistant food packaging are just a few products that can contain these man-made PFAS compounds.

The chemical lobby has influenced regulations for years. The Toxic Substances Control Act was reported to have been written by the American Chemical Council. Additionally, “reviewing the health and environmental impacts of pesticide products, the EPA often relies on industry-funded studies, with this corporate science rarely being available for public review.”

Recently, new regulations have been proposed for PFAS. The EPA has released a roadmap to address the widespread PFAS contamination in air, soil, and water. Some of the proposals include: considering the lifecycle of PFAS and pathways for exposure, preventing PFAS from entering the environment, holding polluters responsible, ensuring science-based decision making, and prioritizing protection of disadvantaged communities.

As a chemist, I never believed in the phrase “better living through chemistry.” Corporations are playing Russian Roulette with these compounds and citizens will be the ones who pay the price for lackadaisical regulations and testing. The new PFAS plan will go into effect on June 25, 2024. Hopefully it will help address the ridiculous contamination of our environment by “forever chemicals.” However, until industry gets out of bed with our regulatory agencies, we will be left with the responsibility of guarding our own health from these toxic substances.

***

Randi Pokladnik, Ph.D., of Uhrichsville, is a retired research chemist who volunteers with Mid Ohio Valley Climate Action. She has a doctorate degree in environmental studies and is certified in hazardous materials regulations.

Last Updated: June 9, 2024 by main_y0ke11

Selected Readings for June 2024

Compiled by Cindy Taylor

NOTE from Cindy: When scrolling through this selected media listing, you will find some media postings openly available without any costs, while other sites may have a paywall or request contributions (or registration). MOVCA appreciates the coverage provided by independent journalists, coalition groups and all media sources that publicize climate and environmental concerns, sustainable solutions, legislative actions, and opportunities for community members to learn and make a difference. Public libraries and educational institutions have many of these sources available to everyone.

Available on WTAP:

May 6, 2024 Article by Hailey Lanham and video, “Governor Dewine Grants Washington County Money”

“Washington County receives large grants for reconstruction”

https://www.wtap.com/2024/05/06/washington-county-receives-large-grants-reconstruction/

May 5, 2024 Article by Chase Campbell

“Hydrogen pilot program nearing completion” The Peasants Power Station is nearing an important milestone in its planned transition toward hydrogen technology.

https://www.wtap.com/2024/05/05/hydrogen-pilot-program-nearing-completion/

Available on the Charleston Gazette-Mail:

See articles by Mike Tony, Environment and Energy Reporter: https://www.wvgazettemail.com/users/profile/mike%20tony/

May 29, 2024 Article by Mike Tony, Environment and Energy Reporter

“’Untold impacts’: Groups urge feds to stop ARCH2 hydrogen hub over lack of details”

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/energy_and_environment/untold-impacts-groups-urge-feds-to-stop-arch2-hydrogen-hub-over-lack-of-details/article_3d49ddc8-4528-5327-b8ec-a98bf28a14c9.html

May 25, 2024 Article by Mike Tony, Environment and Energy Reporter

“As WV targets PFAS, advocates see protection in hazardous substance designation”

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/energy_and_environment/as-wv-targets-pfas-advocates-see-protection-in-hazardous-substance-designation/article_f017a2a9-dc67-5039-bec8-49f257e170fc.html

May 23, 2024 Article by Mike Tony, Environment and Energy Reporter

“Mountain Valley Pipeline backs up targeted in-service date; safety concerns persist”

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/energy_and_environment/mountain-valley-pipeline-backs-up-targeted-in-service-date-safety-concerns-persist/article_11f2030b-c4d9-5b80-83e9-49a63f31681d.html

May 10, 2024 Article by Mike Tony, Environment and Energy Reporter (Jean Ambrose is quoted)

“ARCH2 hydrogen hub blasted over environmental, transparency concerns at DOE session”

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/energy_and_environment/arch2-hydrogen-hub-blasted-over-environmental-transparency-concerns-at-doe-session/article_c25ca0a2-f162-53b7-98cb-5de57bbe3249.html

May 4, 2024 Article by Mike Tony

“Mountain Valley Pipeline ruptures with requested in-service date looming this month”

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/energy_and_environment/mountain-valley-pipeline-ruptures-with-requested-in-service-date-looming-this-month/article_96dbc67c-b3e0-572e-bb36-67c42cda5d0e.html

May 1, 2024 Article by Mike Tony

“EPA cracking down on harmful coal ash despite WV criticism”

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/energy_and_environment/epa-cracking-down-on-harmful-coal-ash-despite-wv-criticism/article_bdf9ea2d-c951-5ca4-969c-da346236624c.html

Available on The Columbus Dispatch:

May 11, 2024 Article by Jordan Laird

“A state senator’s fracking waste wells leaked. State paid $1.3 million to clean one spill.”

https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/politics/state/2024/05/11/ohio-state-senator-brian-chavez-fracking-waste-wells-leaked-brine-oil-production-million-clean-up/73639587007/

Available on Cleveland.com:

May 4, 2024 Article by Jake Zuckerman

“Fracking waste wells owned by an Ohio senator are leaking. The state paid $1.3 million to clean it up”

https://www.cleveland.com/open/2024/05/fracking-waste-wells-owned-by-an-ohio-senator-are-leaking-the-state-paid-13-million-to-clean-it-up.html

Available on WV Rivers Coalition:

Posted May 2, 2024 Action Alert

“Deny MOVP’s Request to Put the Pipeline “In-Service”

https://wvrivers.org/2024/05/action-alert-deny-mvp-request/

Available on ReImagine Appalachia:

See all events (to register) and access recordings and resources: https://reimagineappalachia.org/events/

Check out June “Community Conversations” opportunity https://reimagineappalachia.org/community-conversations/

May 30, 2024 REPORT: Flood Resilience in Appalachia: Policy Recommendations

https://reimagineappalachia.org/portfolio/flood-resilience-in-appalachia-policy-recommendations/

May 24, 2024 ReImagine Appalachia Sustainable Transportation article – text and video link

“Breaking Down EV Adoption Barriers- Why Making the Switch is Easier than You Might Think”

https://reimagineappalachia.org/breaking-down-ev-adoption-barriers-why-making-the-switch-is-easier-than-you-might-think/

May 13, 2024 Article by Molly Updegrove, Director of Outreach at ReImagine Appalachia

“Regional Funding Opportunities”

https://reimagineappalachia.org/regional-funding-opportunities/

Wednesday, May 8, 2024 6-7PM Zoom Webinar

“Inflation Reduction Act Benefits” https://reimagineappalachia.org/ira-benefits-webinar/ (PA)

May 6, 2024 Article by Rike Rothenstein

“Clean Manufacturing Tax Credits for Coal Country”

https://reimagineappalachia.org/clean-manufacturing-tax-credits-for-coal-country/

Available from Heartland Capital Strategies Appalachian Sustainable Finance Hub:

May 21, 2024 11am- 1pm Zoom Meeting organized by Heartland Capital Strategies; ReImagine Appalachia; ORVI, etc.

“Appalachian Sustainable Finance Hub Project Launch” Panel presentation & discussion. Recording & Recap available

https://www.heartlandfinancehub.org/launch?emci=97ad5ea7-cf12-ef11-96f3-6045bdd9e096&emdi=9365cec7-d812-ef11-96f3-6045bdd9e096&ceid=27700863

(Speakers included Steve Patterson, Mayor Athens, OH)

Available from Ohio River Valley Institute (ORVI) and/or Black Appalachian Coalition:

May 14, 2024 12PM (noon EST) Lunch and Learn Series 2024: Your Health and Your Environment on Zoom

“The Land Beneath Our Feet- Your Health and Your Environment Lunch & Learn Series Part IV”

Check out recordings of previous Lunch & Learn sessions on BLAC’s YouTube channel.

Ted Boetner (ORVI) one of the presenters talks about orphaned wells cleanup and Infrastructure Jobs Act.

April 15, 2023 Article by Joe Cullen. Note May webinars and resources are listed

“BIL/IRA Implementation Digest – April 15, 2024

https://ohiorivervalleyinstitute.org/bil-ira-implementation-digest-april-15-2024/

Available on Fractracker Alliance https://www.fractracker.org

May 6, 2024 Article by Ted Auch

“Exploring the Fallout of Precision Scheduled Rail: the Original Story”

https://www.fractracker.org/2024/05/exploring-the-fallout-of-precision-scheduled-rail-a-rail-workers-perspective/

May 6, 2024 Article by Lynn Anderson & Susie Beiersdorfer, SOBE Concerned Citizens

“Youngstown Residents Stand Against Pyrolysis Plant: A Community’s Fight for Environmental Justice”

https://www.fractracker.org/2024/05/youngstown-residents-stand-against-pyrolysis-plant-a-communitys-fight-for-environmental-justice/

Available on ENERGYNEWS.US:

May 15, 2024 Article by Kathiann M. Kowalski

“As Ohio clamps down on clean energy, recent changes make it easier to force landowners to allow oil and gas drilling”

https://energynews.us/2024/05/15/as-ohio-clamps-down-on-clean-energy-recent-changes-make-it-easier-to-force-landowners-to-allow-oil-and-gas-drilling/

May 2, 2024 Article by Kathiann M. Kowalski

“Ohio seeks $189 million in EPA funds to electrify state fleets, retrofit public buildings” The DeWine administration is seeking Inflation Reduction Act funding to start implementing the state’s first statewide climate action plan.

https://energynews.us/2024/05/02/ohio-seeks-189-million-in-epa-funds-to-electrify-state-fleets-retrofit-public-buildings/

Climate Corner: Fracking — good water in, bad water out

Jun 1, 2024

George Banziger

editorial@newsandsentinel.com

With the active support of state legislatures in West Virginia and Ohio and the engagement of oil and gas companies, many of which are based outside of this region, fracking (high-pressure hydraulic fracturing) is in high gear in this region. It takes 1.5 million to 16 million gallons of fresh water for each fracking well (U.S. Geological Survey, 2022), a thirst that seems unquenchable with the level of fracking we observe. Since the Ohio legislature, the governor, and the agencies that are supposed to serve the public have mandated that fracking be done under public lands including the Ohio state parks, we can assume that much of this water will be drawn from watersheds that serve these public lands. We in eastern Ohio are outraged at the arrogance of the state legislature, where this mandate to drill under public lands originated. The legislation that created this mandate was buried (stuffed) in a poultry bill so there was no opportunity for public hearings. We are also fearful about the impact of fracking, such as reduced watersheds, air pollution, intrusion of service roads near our parks, health risks, and ecological degradation.

But in the Mid-Ohio Valley what is of greater concern to us is the detritus from this heightened fracking activity. I am referring, of course, to what is called “brine waste,” the bi-product of fracking, much of which is radioactive and which contains harmful chemicals including PFAS (forever chemicals), carcinogens, volatile organic compounds, and more. Of course, oil and gas producers attempt to mollify us by stating that only about 1% of brine waste contains these chemicals, but when we are talking about millions of gallons of brine waste, the amounts of these harmful substances are non-trivial (it is important to note here that oil and gas companies are not required to reveal the contents of brine waste, a privilege granted by the federal government–independent observers have tested samples of brine waste). Washington County, Ohio, has the dubious distinction of leading the state in the total volume of brine waste injected under its grounds. According to data from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, a total of 5,985,024 barrels (a barrel is about 43 gallons) of brine waste were pushed into the ground through what are called Class II injection wells in 2023! Most injection wells are in eastern Ohio; one might ask how many barrels were injected in Franklin County (Columbus area) and whether such egregious exploitation would be tolerated in the environs where our public officials and department personnel reside (the answer is 0).

On a summer evening in 2023 a brine-waste truck, which was on Interstate 77 near Parkersburg went off the road, through a guard rail, and into a culvert near a stream. Tragically, the driver was killed. There was an investigation of what happened to the brine waste that the truck was hauling, but I have not seen any result of that investigation. A point of interest is that this accident occurred on a Saturday. I have observed brine trucks going through downtown Marietta on week days but also on weekends and even on holidays. We are led to ask how many hours per week these drivers are working and how alert can they be with the amount of hours they are apparently putting in.

In Ohio the agency that is tasked to review the “nominations” (i.e., requests) and bids from oil and gas companies to drill under public lands is the Oil and Gas Land Management Commission. When this commission initiated the invitation for nominations, there was a flood of requests from oil and gas companies, many from out of the state, that was akin to the 1849 California Gold Rush. This reflects an all too familiar pattern in Appalachia–back in the 1800s lumber and coal were extracted from the region with profits going to outside interests, and the locals of the region are left to suffer the environmental and health consequences. In the 21st Century the resource is natural gas.

If the resource of natural gas, which lies beneath the surface of eastern Ohio in the Utica Shale, is so critical to American energy independence and so important to the effective transition to renewable energy, then why can’t much of this valuable resource be left in the ground for future extraction?

***

George Banziger, Ph.D., was a faculty member at Marietta College and an academic dean at three other colleges. He is a member of the Green Sanctuary Committee of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Marietta, and of the Mid-Ohio Valley Climate Action team.

Last Updated: May 27, 2024 by main_y0ke11

Climate Corner: EPA finalizes important rules

May 25, 2024

Eric Engle

editorial@newsandsentinel.com

Last month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized four rules on greenhouse gas emissions from electric generation facilities. Such facilities make up 51% of emissions emanating from West Virginia, over double the national average for electric generation emissions of 25%. Coal plants in West Virginia contribute 95% of the electric generation emissions of this state.

The rules completed by the EPA include a rule to ensure that all coal-fired plants that plan to operate long-term and all new baseload gas-fired plants control 90% of their carbon emissions; a rule strengthening and updating the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards for coal-fired power plants, which would restrict the emissions standard for toxic metals by 67% and reduce the emissions allowed for mercury from lignite coal by 70%; a rule to reduce wastewater discharge pollution from coal-fired plants by more than 660 million pounds annually; and a rule for safer coal ash management in areas that have not been regulated at the federal level until now, which includes areas previously used for disposal that may leak and contaminate groundwater.

The EPA has projected up to $370 billion in climate and public health net benefits from the rules, including reduction of 1.38 billion metric tons of carbon pollution overall through 2047, which is equivalent to 320 million internal combustion engine vehicles. To quote from coverage on the rule for carbon emissions control by energy and environmental reporter Mike Tony at the Charleston Gazette-Mail, “Existing coal-fired units that are intended to operate after Jan. 1, 2039, will have a numeric emission rate limit based on application of carbon capture and storage with 90% capture, which they must meet by 2032. Units that have committed to cease operations by Jan. 1, 2039, will have a numeric emission rate limit based on 40% natural gas co-firing that they must meet by 2030.”

The rule is already being challenged in the courts, with West Virginia co-leading a 25-state coalition lawsuit under Republican Attorney General and Gubernatorial nominee, Patrick Morrisey, though EPA Administrator Michael Regan has said that the agency finalized this rule having factored in constraints previously applied by the Supreme Court of the United States in a ruling from 2022 (also from a lawsuit led by Morrisey). Regan appears to see no reason to believe this rule will be seriously altered or overturned by the courts.

Why the industry-backed challenges and complaints from the likes of not only Morrisey but Republican Governor and U.S. Senate nominee Jim Justice, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), and Sen. Joe Manchin III (D-W.VA.)? Because the industry and these politicians in their pockets know that carbon capture and sequestration or storage (CCS) technology, their only hope of compliance with the rule, is not remotely capable of capturing the emissions necessary, and will not be so even by the end of the 2030s. Yet and still, these same interests are pushing CCS as a way to produce what is referred to as “blue” hydrogen (hydrogen derived from methane gas) without emitting copious amounts of CO2.

These interests and officeholders know how prohibitively expensive, unproven (really disproven) at scale, and unsafe CCS really is, but it took an EPA rule to get them to admit it. Pretty ingenious on the part of the Biden administration’s EPA actually, though the Biden Department of Energy (DOE) is also working to move forward on blue hydrogen for the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2) project in the Ohio River Valley. These interests and politicians also know how incredibly dangerous hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is for the methane gas needed for both gas-fired plants and blue hydrogen, but they sidestep those dangers at every turn.

A recent piece by news outlet WBOY in West Virginia tells the story of three families made fossil fuels refugees when forced to abandon their homes after experiencing medical issues from fracking contamination in the Knob Fork area of Wetzel County. We at Mid-Ohio Valley Climate Action have a couple as members, one of whom is on our board, who were forced out of Western Pennsylvania due to similar issues and who refer to themselves as fossil fuels refugees. If you don’t believe these folks, you can reference the Compendium of Scientific, Medical, and Media Findings Demonstrating Risks and Harms of Fracking and Associated Gas and Oil Infrastructure, Ninth Edition, at https://concernedhealthny.org/compendium/. The compendium is a project of Physicians for Social Responsibility and the Concerned Health Professionals of NY, which is a project of the Science and Environmental Health Network.

I commend the EPA for these important rules. I look forward to their survival in the courts and hope for their continued implementation by the next and following presidential administrations. I also look forward to the continued investments needed (NOT blue hydrogen) from Congress and this administration to decarbonize our economy so that we can seriously address the climate crisis and related crises, better protect public health, and clean up and protect our precious air, water, and soils.

***

Eric Engle is board president of Mid-Ohio Valley Climate Action.

Last Updated: June 5, 2024 by main_y0ke11

Current and former Ohio politicians from both parties bow at the altar of fossil fuels

Randi Pokladnik

May 22, 2024 4:30 am

Ohio’s Republican politicians will do anything to promote fracking in Ohio. They’ve passed legislation that outlaws protests against oil and gas infrastructure (SB 33); forces Ohio landowners into fracking leases (Ohio Revised Code § 1509.27); restricts solar arrays and wind turbine projects (HB52); eviscerates the state’s renewable energy and energy efficiency standards (HB6); and sacrifices Ohio State Parks (HB 507).

Now former Ohio Democratic politicians Tim Ryan and John Bocierri appear to have become shills for the fossil fuel industry. Both Ryan and Bocierri have cherry picked data that is misleading and scientifically inaccurate. The real threat to national security is climate change, not pausing LNG exports. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said, “There is little about what the Department does to defend the American people that is not affected by climate change, it is a national security issue, and we must treat it as such.”

Peer-reviewed studies show that increased fracking has led to increased emissions of methane; a potent greenhouse gas.

Tim Ryan said when he passed the plastics-making Shell Cracker in Monaca, Pennsylvania: “ I looked on with hope and pride: Our region was creating well-paying union jobs in an industry that was fighting climate change”. Plastics contribute to climate change and escalating plastics production will make it impossible to keep global temperature increases below 1.5 degrees Celsius. Our planet is drowning in plastics that are toxic and pervasive in our bodies.

The Shell cracker has been fined over $10 million for air pollution violations, and recently the “Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General’s Environmental Crimes Section filed 13 misdemeanor charges against Shell Falcon Pipeline LP for violating the state’s Clean Streams Law during the construction phase.”

John Bocierri relies on pro-fossil fuel organizations for his employment data. For example, he references a PricewaterhouseCoopers report, commissioned by the American Petroleum Institute as well as the Consumer Energy Alliance, the organization responsible for submitting fraudulent comments to the Ohio Oil and Gas Land Management Commission to advocate for fracking Ohio State Parks.

Research reveals that the industry’s jobs claims are inaccurate. “The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the industry employs far fewer workers than it claims: about 541,000 nationwide, or less than 0.4 percent of all jobs.” Mike Chadsey, spokesperson for the Ohio Oil and Gas Association admitted that “crews move from one well pad to the next” following the rigs and pipelines.

Ryan touts using new technologies like carbon capture sequestration (CCS) to get us out of this climate disaster. CCS will be funded with taxpayer dollars in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). It has not been proven to work at scale; must be heavily subsidized; props up fossil fuels; takes dollars away from real solutions; and does not address the increasing methane emissions from fracking. Additionally, it will negatively affect frontline communities that are already being sacrificed at the altar of fossil fuels.

The 9th Compendium of Scientific, Medical, and Media Findings Demonstrating Risks and Harms of Fracking, a compilation of years of scientific research on fracking said, “Our examination uncovered no evidence that fracking can be practiced in a manner that does not threaten human health directly or without imperiling climate stability upon which human health depends”.

We can meet the climate challenge by building grid resilience, adopting renewable energy, and investing in energy efficiency. The Big Wires Act promotes more interregional transmission from areas with available energy to areas that need energy. The Big Wires Act ensures “utilities and other transmission developers would be responsible for upgrading the grid.”

Technological improvements have now made renewable green energy cheaper than fossil fuels. Energy efficiency tax credits in the IRA support projects which will help citizens and the planet.

Ryan speaks about “shrill and impractical voices”; those voices are Ohio citizens crying out for environmental justice. They are not misinformed; they understand exactly what is happening to the planet and their communities.

Last Updated: May 19, 2024 by main_y0ke11

Climate Corner: Bye-bye, birdies

May 18, 2024

Linda Eve Seth

editorial@newsandsentinel.com

“Birds tell us about the health of our natural environment — we ignore their messages at our peril.” — Patricia Zurita, BirdLife CEO

***

Bird populations are declining around the world. While many factors contribute — from habitat loss to pesticides, threats posed by agricultural machinery and harmful chemicals used in farming, outdoor cats and window collisions — it is increasingly clear that climate change is an important factor behind this concerning trend.

A 2022 report found that worldwide 49% of bird species are in decline, and one in eight are at risk of extinction, while only 6% of bird species are increasing in numbers. Warblers, red-headed woodpeckers and certain owls are a few of the North American bird species projected to be threatened by climate change in the coming decades, according to recent research.

Climate change affects birds both directly and indirectly.

Warming temperatures are changing where birds live, the timing of their migration patterns and egg laying, and even the sizes and shapes of their bodies. Increased temperatures due to climate change may directly affect birds by forcing them to use more energy for thermoregulation.

Two-thirds of North American birds are in danger of extinction from climate change, according to a study cited by Audubon Magazine in 2020. It was found that the ranges of many resident (year-round) species in eastern North America are staying put, while migratory birds are breeding farther and farther north over time. Migratory species are also shifting the timing of their annual movements, arriving in North America in springtime about two days earlier each decade since the 1990s. It adds up.

Too much precipitation is an additional concern, Both the increasing amounts of rainfall that are predicted during the breeding season, and days of extreme heat threaten the reproductive success of songbirds.

If climatic conditions of their living environment become too hot or too cold, or too wet or too dry due to changes sparked by climate change, birds may have difficulty adapting quick enough to survive within their natural range. Distributions are changing. Bird populations are expected to shift poleward, or to higher elevations, to stay with their ideal temperatures as the climate changes. In mountainous areas, birds also have the option of moving uphill instead of north. But these species risk running out of elevational options eventually as temperatures continue to warm. Depending upon the climate change scenario, many North American birds simply won’t have enough suitable habitat left to move into in the decades to come.

In addition to the direct effects that living in a warming world have on their lives and bodies, birds also face a tangled web of indirect effects, as the ecosystems in which they live are increasingly disrupted. These include:

* DROUGHT AND FIRE: More intense droughts and increasingly frequent wildfires can alter and destroy nesting areas and habitat upon which vulnerable bird species rely. Intense storms and increased rainfall are also affecting avian ecosystems.

* SEA-LEVEL RISE: Along the U.S. East Coast, as sea levels move upward, the nests built in marsh grass are increasingly being drowned by high tides, the birds who nest in the narrow strip of wetlands between land and sea at risk of extinction.

* DISEASE: Drought and warmer temperatures are causing a spread in West Nile virus across more of the United States, threatening wild birds. Drought leads birds to congregate in large numbers around water sources and stresses their immune systems, making them more vulnerable to the mosquito-borne infection.

Climate patterns have shifted throughout Earth’s long history, and over time, the flora and fauna of Earth have mostly adapted, but the speed of climate change in recent decades is unprecedented, making it more difficult for birds to adapt.

It has been decades since a whippoorwill’s plaintive call has been heard in our hollow, and 10 years since we heard an evening chat sing its spirited tunes in the maple tree in our yard. But if we take action now, by stabilizing carbon emissions and holding warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, we can improve the chances for hundreds of bird species. Seventy-six percent of vulnerable species will be better off, and nearly 150 species would no longer be vulnerable to extinction from climate change.

Until next time, be kind to your Mother Earth.

***

Linda Eve Seth, M.Ed. SLP, is a mother, grandmother, concerned citizen and member of Mid-Ohio Valley Climate Action.

Posted: May 12, 2024 by main_y0ke11

Climate Corner: Good news for everyone

May 11, 2024

Rebecca Phillips

editorial@newsandsentinel.com

Spring is a good time for some good news, given how surrounded we are by bad news so much of the time. The good news is even better when it pertains to a favorite spring activity: gardening.

Most of us are aware that cities tend to be hotter than rural areas and that parking lots are pretty miserable places to be on hot days. Concrete both absorbs and releases heat, increasing temperatures in adjacent areas by as much as 20 degrees, according to the EPA. With the longer, hotter summers predicted for much of the world, and with more than half the human population living in urbanized areas, this is bad news.

But I promised good news, and here it is. Cities and towns are exploring ways to mitigate or reduce the worst climate change effects: retrofitting buildings to be more energy-efficient, thereby increasing comfort and emitting less CO2; installing permeable paving to reduce stormwater runoff; improving public transit to make it more attractive; and making sidewalks and trails safer for pedestrians and bicyclists. More and more cities are expanding and improving their green spaces, with a particular focus on tree cover. As anyone who has spent any time walking knows, shady streets are much cooler than their unshaded counterparts.

And it’s not just trees that have this effect. A recent study completed by the University of Surrey in the UK found that botanical, or mixed, gardens lowered the temperature of adjacent streets by as much as 9 degrees Fahrenheit, more than any other form of planting. Yes, planting the flowers that so many of us love along with trees and shrubs can actually make our towns more comfortable places to live, especially during heat waves.

Greening our towns has benefits beyond temperature reduction. Planted areas absorb stormwater and filter runoff, keeping more chemicals out of our groundwater and helping to prevent flooding. Access to green spaces has been shown to improve human mental health, important to all in these high-stress times. Perhaps even more important, mixed plantings are highly biodiverse, providing habitat for a variety of creatures, including the bees, birds, and butterflies whose populations have been declining in recent decades. Planting a mix of species, particularly those native to the area, in our yards and lawn strips creates wildlife corridors, allowing other lives to flourish alongside our own.

And the really good news is that anyone can turn their property into this kind of wildlife oasis; large spaces are not necessary. A Chicago gardener with a property the size of a standard downtown Marietta lot has documented over 100 species of birds in her yard. I have noted more than a dozen butterfly species in my 15×20-foot pollinator garden, and cardinals, chickadees, and wrens are nesting in the trees in our block’s lawn strip. Folks with only patios and porches can create potted oases that attract pollinating insects and hummingbirds. Imagine our towns with every street a garden park.

We in the MOV have a number of opportunities in the near future to help create these spaces that benefit everyone. For the next four Saturdays, we can take advantage of local plant sales, three of them featuring exclusively plants native to our region.

* May 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. 232 Third St., Marietta. The annual garden plant sale sponsored by the First Unitarian Universalist Society. The sale offers non-natives as well, but such local species as spiderwort, coreopsis, and monarda will be available.

Over the next three weekends, native-only plant sales will be held in Athens, Marietta, and Parkersburg, featuring plants grown by Natives in Harmony, LLC, of Mineral Wells and Rural Action of Athens. These sales are sponsored by the Broughton Nature and Wildlife Education Area, the West Virginia Master Naturalists, the Friends of the Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge, and the OSU Extension. Here are the times and locations.

* May 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. 751 W. Union St., Athens

* June 1, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Marietta Farmers Market, Third and Butler in downtown Marietta

* June 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Visit Greater Parkersburg, 113 Ann St., Parkersburg.

Just think, we can cool our towns, attract wildlife, and beautify our neighborhoods all at the same time. Let’s make every street a park.

***

Rebecca Phillips is a member of Mid-Ohio Valley Climate Action and the coordinating committee of the Fort Street Pollinator Habit

Last Updated: May 5, 2024 by main_y0ke11

Climate Corner: Climate Corps a place to learn skills, duty and responsibility

May 4, 2024

Jean Ambrose

editorial@newsandsentinel.com)

I’m a student of history. In times like these, it gives me hope to look at other times when the future seemed dim to remember that we’re not novices in confronting great challenges. While each era has its unique circumstances, there are many lessons to be learned from past leaders. You need to know and spread the word about the rebirth of one of the best ideas we’ve ever had, the Civilian Conservation Corps, or CCC.

There aren’t many people left who lived during the Great Depression. We worry about the economy today; it is hard to imagine that in 1932, 25% of the workforce was unemployed nationally. The stock market had lost 89% of its value. In some West Virginia counties, 80% of the workforce was unemployed.

Newly elected Franklin Roosevelt proposed the CCC to Congress two weeks after he was inaugurated March 4, 1933. He signed an executive order establishing the new agency on April 5, 1933, and the first camp opened on April 17! By July 1933, only three months later, nearly 300,000 unemployed and unmarried young men were working at more than 1,400 CCC camps. There would be 69 camps of 150 – 200 men each in WV.

In every state we still see the legacy of that idea. More than 3,000,000 young men (and a few women) would serve through the CCC in the ten years before Pearl Harbor. This is when our wonderful state park system had its start. Hawks Nest, Holly River, Cacapon, Watoga, Babcock and Lost River parks were created by the CCC, as well as many state forests and protected areas like Dolly Sods.

In the 1930s much of the land had been devastated by clear-cutting of timber and by poor agricultural practices of small farmers. The environmental problems being created by today’s climate disruptions seem ready made for a new CCC to marshal this generation to answer the call to service. At a time when too many think that their freedom to do what they want supersedes all else, concepts of duty, responsibility, and citizenship have been pushed aside, especially in our public discourse. World War II was our grandparents’ wake up call to serve. Today, the global climate emergency requires a similar response.

The American Climate Corps — the new CCC — opened for business officially on Earth Day last week. The ACC is a groundbreaking, workforce training and service initiative that will put tens of thousands of Americans to work fighting the impacts of climate change today while training tomorrow’s clean energy and climate-resilient workforce. In partnership with local governments and community-based organizations, there are more than 2,000 service positions currently open on the ACC website, acc.gov, with more being added daily. Opportunities are available in several types of organizations including federal agencies; state, local, and Tribal governments; non-profits; and state-based climate corps.

Some require BA degree, such as the Innovator Fellow program of the U.S. Dept. of Energy. Paying $27.46 an hour, 75 Fellows are being recruited for service around the country. Fellows get relocation expenses and serve one-year terms with the option to renew for a second year.

Many positions only require a high school diploma. Length of service may be part time or full time, from just the summer to a year or more. Basic benefits offered include a scholarship that can be used for student debt or for post-secondary learning, health care, and a living stipend. Some offer relocation expenses, housing, and childcare. It is disappointing that there are no positions yet offered in WV, but there are some close by in bordering states. One exciting opportunity for ages 18 – 26 is team-based at four regional training campuses. Corps member teams are sent out to work at a variety of projects in a multistate region, so you get to see the country and meet others with very different backgrounds, united by the ideal of making the world a better place.

If you are interested in getting hands-on experience in tomorrow’s clean energy and climate resilient workforce, this short-term experience will give you a leg up on other job applicants, as well as special access to federal positions after your term of service. Most have no age requirements. Many people hate the idea of working at a desk; with the Climate Corps you can be outside building trails and parks, restoring coastal and inland watersheds, assisting with disaster response and firefighting, or installing solar panels or weatherizing homes. In addition to those hands-on skills, you will be equipped with the career training and skills to make change, change we can breathe, see, feel, and touch, like our state park system.

Help get this opportunity to those who can take advantage of it. (My son took a break between high school and college to serve in AmeriCorps and was then ready to be in school again.) Look at acc.gov for the wealth of exciting choices. Talk to your children and grandchildren about having an adventure they’ll remember all their lives with pride and an awakened sense of duty, responsibility, and hope for a better future.

***

Jean Ambrose talks to her 5-year-old granddaughter Adena about taking care of the Earth.

Last Updated: June 5, 2024 by main_y0ke11

Selected Readings for May 2024

MOVCA Selected Media Postings April 2024
plus a few missed in the March listing
Compiled by Cindy Taylor

Available online in The Parkersburg News and Sentinel:
April 30, 2024 Business News Staff report
“West Virginia officials approve construction of gas-turbine power plant”
https://www.newsandsentinel.com/news/business/2024/04/west-virginia-officials-approve-construction-of-gas-turbine-power-plant/

April 27, 2024 Business article – Staff Report
“West Virginia environmentalists suing Chemours over ‘forever chemicals’”
https://www.newsandsentinel.com/news/business/2024/04/west-virginia-environmentalists-suing-chemours-over-forever-chemicals/

April 26, 2024 Business Article by Steven Allen Adams
“Stacked Up: EPA releases new coal-fired power plant rules”
https://www.newsandsentinel.com/news/business/2024/04/stacked-up-epa-releases-new-coal-fired-power-plant-rules/

April 13, 2024 Editorial
“Backward: Clinging to fossil fuels will not save West Virginia”
https://www.newsandsentinel.com/opinion/editorials/2024/04/backward-clinging-to-fossil-fuels-will-not-save-west-virginia/

Available on WTAP:
April 25, 2024 Article by Sarah Coleman
“Impacts of new EPA rule”
https://www.wtap.com/2024/04/26/impacts-new-epa-rule/

April 25, 2024 Associated Press Article by Matthew Daly
“Tough new EPA rules would force coal-fired power plants to capture emissions or shut down”
https://www.wtap.com/2024/04/25/tough-new-epa-rules-would-force-coal-fired-power-plants-capture-emissions-or-shut-down/

April 22, 2024 Feature by Chase Campbell text and video
“West Virginia University at Parkersburg celebrates Earth Day”
https://www.wtap.com/2024/04/22/west-virginia-university-parkersburg-celebrates-earth-day/

April 20, 2024 Feature by Chase Campbell text and video (MOVCA’s banner and booth included.)
“Marietta Celebrates Earth Day”
https://www.wtap.com/2024/04/20/marietta-celebrates-earth-day/
https://www.wtap.com/video/2024/04/20/marietta-celebrates-earth-day/

April 10, 2024 Feature by Chase Campbell Text and video
“Design almost complete on Parkersburg Utility Board’s PFAS treatment facility”
https://www.wtap.com/2024/04/10/design-almost-complete-parkersburg-utility-boards-pfas-treatment-facility/

April 6, 2024 Article by Phyllis Smith
“How to help or get help if you’ve been affected by flooding in Marietta”
https://www.wtap.com/2024/04/06/how-help-or-get-help-if-youve-been-affected-by-flooding-marietta/

Available on WTRF.com:
April 29, 2024 Article by John Lynch
“Gas-powered electric plant approved in West Virginia: Supplying electricity to 1.8 million homes yearly”
https://www.wtrf.com/west-virginia/gas-powered-electric-plant-approved-in-west-virginia-supplying-electricity-to-1-8-million-homes-yearly/

Available on the Charleston Gazette-Mail:
See articles by Mike Tony, Environment and Energy Reporter: https://www.wvgazettemail.com/users/profile/mike%20tony/
April 27, 2024 Article by Mike Tony
“WV industry concerns with EPA power plant rules have poor track record”
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/energy_and_environment/wv-industry-concerns-with-epa-power-plant-rules-have-poor-track-record/article_b92bf1fb-b38b-5d45-ba8a-5aab93034f2f.html

April 26, 2024 Article by Mike Tony
“WV leaders, health advocates split on new EPA power plant rules”
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/energy_and_environment/wv-leaders-health-advocates-split-on-new-epa-power-plant-rules/article_9901e7e0-710e-5ec8-ad8f-dd1a2470bb7f.html

April 25, 2024 Article by Mike Tony
“Department of Energy to hold second community listening session on ARCH2 hydrogen hub”
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/energy_and_environment/department-of-energy-to-hold-second-community-listening-session-on-arch2-hydrogen-hub/article_a2d7cf52-ee3d-5eb1-a90f-3c2f0f8109e5.html

April 16, 2024 Article by Mike Tony
“Environmental wins in WV after yearslong fights, inaction from state EPA”
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/energy_and_environment/environmental-wins-in-wv-came-after-yearslong-fights-inaction-from-state-epa/article_0957f90b-709f-5a96-b516-6efa548eb43f.html

April 13, 2024 Article by Mike Tony
“Flash flooding frequency on sharp rise in Kanawha County, throughout WV as climate warms”
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/energy_and_environment/flash-flooding-frequency-on-sharp-rise-in-kanawha-county-throughout-wv-as-climate-warms/article_cd7270e3-c069-5be0-9814-4a5d7768aa67.html

April 11, 2024 Article by Mike Tony
“ ‘A historic day’: EPA sets first ever legally enforceable limit on toxic PFAS levels”
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/energy_and_environment/a-historic-day-epa-sets-first-ever-legally-enforceable-limit-on-toxic-pfas-levels/article_dc82df2b-eacd-5ff9-8d14-d5177983d066.html

Available on Athens County Independent:
April 9, 2024 Article by Dani Kington
“ODNR to test local drinking water for fracking waste contamination”
https://athensindependent.com/odnr-water-testing-fracking/

Available on Ohio Capital Journal:
April 30, 2024 Article by Marilou Johanek
“Athens Co. fracking leak, inaction show the dire public health dangers of Oho regulatory capture”
https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2024/04/30/athens-co-fracking-leak-inaction-show-the-dire-public-health-dangers-of-ohio-regulatory-capture/

Available on Canary Media:
March 21, 2024 Article by Eric Wesoff (missed in last month’s listing)
“Ohio greenlights massive solar, storage and agrivoltaics project”
https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/solar/ohio-greenlights-massive-solar-storage-and-agrivoltaics-project?

Available on Mountain State Spotlight:
April 7, 2024 Article by Sarah Elbeshbishi
“West Virginia’s hydrogen hub is being built in their backyard. They have questions.”
https://mountainstatespotlight.org/2024/04/07/arch2-mason-county-hydrogen-questions/

Available on West Virginia Watch:
April 8, 2024 Environment and Energy Article by Caity Coyne
“WV environmentalists laud agreement with EPA for more oversight in some state waters”
https://westvirginiawatch.com/2024/04/08/wv-environmentalists-laud-agreement-with-epa-for-more-oversight-in-some-state-waters/

Appearing on-line on WV Public Broadcasting or WOUB (PBS) or NPR, etc
April 30, 2024 Article by Curtis Tate
“Federal Investments Brings Clean Manufacturing To Energy Communities”
https://wvpublic.org/federal-investment-brings-clean-manufacturing-to-energy-communities/

April 30, 2024 Article by Jack Walker
“WVU Researchers Aim To Convert Mine Water Pollutants Into Industrial Materials”
https://wvpublic.org/wvu-researchers-aim-to-convert-mine-water-pollutants-into-industrial-materials/

Available on Associated Press:
April 25, 2024 Article by Matthey Daly
Strict new EPA rules would force coal-fired power plants to capture emissions or shut down”
https://apnews.com/article/power-plants-coal-natural-gas-biden-epa-5c96ca146e7f70b47806beb4bc3713e6

April 19, 2024 Article by Matthey Daly
‘EPA designates 2 forever chemicals as hazardous substances, eligible for Superfund cleanup”
https://apnews.com/article/pfas-forever-chemicals-pollution-epa-superfund-2a88bfb2ae4b3bb2f0d23a0686b8e99a

April 10, 2024 Article by Michael Phillia
“Why is the EPA regulating PFAS and what are these ‘forever chemicals’?
https://apnews.com/article/forever-chemicals-pfas-pollution-epa-drinking-water-517ce0049ffbd2931157da4970992f05

April 9, 2024 Article by Josh Funk
“Norfolk Southern agrees to $600M settlement in fiery Ohio derailment. Locals fear it’s not enough”
https://www.newsbreak.com/news/3396733679199-norfolk-southern-agrees-to-pay-600m-in-settlement-related-to-train-derailment-in-eastern-ohio
https://apnews.com/article/norfolk-southern-ohio-bd020560b01f5cb58bb6e15072ca97a1

FaCT: Faith Communities Together for a Sustainable Future https://factsustain.org
Check out their “Distinguished Speaker Series” https://factsustain.org/Distinguished/
See articles in the newsletters https://factsustain.org/Newsletters/

Posted April 30, 2024 April Newsletter Article by Dr. Randi Pokladnik
“Citizens Research and Organize to Rebuild Their Communities”
https://factsustain.org/Newsletters/?id=citizens-researching-and-organizing-to-protect-their-communities

Posted April 29, 2024 April Newsletter Article about Distinguish Speaker Series
“Justin Nobel Premieres His New Book, Petroleum-238” Event is May 17, 2024
https://factsustain.org/Newsletters/?id=justin-nobel-premieres-his-new-book-petroleum-238

Posted April 29, 2024 April Newsletter Article by Ron Prosek
“Aerobic Composting and Climate Change”
https://factsustain.org/Newsletters/?id=aerobic-composting-and-climate-change

Posted April 1, 2024 (posted) March Newsletter Article by Dr. Randi Pokladnik
“Who Will Protect Our Public Lands?”
https://factsustain.org/Newsletters/?id=who-will-protect-our-public-lands

Available on West Virginians for Energy Freedom:
March 27, 2024 News article contact Courtney MacDonald, WV for Energy Freedom
“Energy Freedom Advocates Succeed in Protecting Access to Solar Throughout West Virginia”
https://www.energyfreedomwv.org/updates/2024/3/27/energy-freedom-advocates-succeed-in-protecting-access-to-solar-throughout-west-virginia

Available on West Virginia Rivers Coalition:
April 26, 2024 Press Release Contact- Maggie Stange, WV Rivers Coalition
“Chemours on Notice: West Virginia Rivers Coalition Notifies EPA of Intent to Sue Chemours Under Clean Water Act”
https://wvrivers.org/2024/04/for-release-chemoursnoi/

April 2, 2024 Lunch and learn Webinar
“Lunch & Learn: Fracking with ‘Forever Chemicals’ in West Virginia”
https://wvrivers.org/2024/03/webinar-pfas/

See also: Available on Halt the Harm Network:
April 2, 2024, 12:00PM ET Webinar co-hosted by Halt the Harm Network, Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) and WV Rivers Coalition. Description, Video recording link and links to report, articles and resources
“Fracking with ‘Forever Chemicals’ in West Virginia: A New Report from Physicians for Social Responsibility”
https://network.halttheharm.net/c/recording-archive/fracking-with-forever-chemicals-in-west-virginia-a-new-report-from-physicians-for-social-responsibility-b7297b4b-8931-4ba0-b7b6-76c7475d9c58

Available on Ohio River Valley Institute (ORVI):
April 15, 2024 Article by Joe Cullen
“BIL/IRA Implementation Digest” includes listings of deadlines, webinars, reports & announcements & Resources
https://ohiorivervalleyinstitute.org/bil-ira-implementation-digest-april-15-2024/

Available on ReImagine Appalachia: https://reimagineappalachia.org/events/
Register for upcoming Virtual Events via Zoom and see recordings, reports, & resources available for past events.

Wednesday, May 8, 2024 6-7PM Zoom Webinar
“Inflation Reduction Act Benefits” https://reimagineappalachia.org/ira-benefits-webinar/ (PA)

April 26, 2024 Press Release Statement
“Appalachian Groups send letter to Congress Seeking Critical Investments in Appalachian Flood Resilience Programs & Workforce Development”
https://reimagineappalachia.org/press-statement-appalachian-groups-send-letter-to-congress-seeking-critical-investments-in-appalachian-flood-resilience-programs-workforce-development/
(MOVCA was a signatory)

April 22, 2024 Press Release Statement by Dana Kuhnline, ReImagine Appalachia Campaign Manager
“ReImagine Appalachia on President Biden’s Historic Climate Announcement Celebrating Earth Week”
https://reimagineappalachia.org/reimagine-appalachia-on-president-bidens-historic-climate-announcement-celebrating-earth-week/

Tuesday, April 16, 2024 Noon Webinar discussing new report . Moderated by Jessica Arriens NWF
“Growing a Restoration Workforce: Strategies to Repair Damaged Lands & Reconnect Appalachia’s Disconnected Workers – Report Release”
https://reimagineappalachia.org/natural-infrastructure-workforce-development-policy-report-release/

April 4, 2024, 10AM Online webinar hosted by Swaniti Global Initiative & Reimagine Appalachia
“Appalachia and the World: Putting Appalachian Economic Revitalization in a Global Context”
(Speakers include Mayor Steve Patterson of Athens, OH)
https://reimagineappalachia.org/appalachia-and-the-world-putting-appalachian-economic-revitalization-in-a-global-context/

April 3, 2024 noon Event recording available
“Instagram Live: Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative”
https://reimagineappalachia.org/instagram-live-appalachian-regional-reforestation-initiative/

Available on Environmental Working Group: https://www.ewg.org
April 25, 2024 EWG Research by John E. Reeder
“Federal PFAS Report Card”
https://www.ewg.org/research/federal-pfas-report-card

April 19, 2024 Article by EWG Staff compiled these statements by leasers and organizations.
“What they’re saying about the EPA’s ‘hazardous substances’ designation for two PFAS”
https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2024/04/what-theyre-saying-about-epas-hazardous-substances-designation-two-pfas

April 17, 2024 Article by EWG Staff
“What does the EPS’s new hazardous substances designation for two ‘forever chemicals mean?”
https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2024/04/what-does-epas-new-hazardous-substances-designation-two-forever

April 16, 2024 Article by EWG Staff
“What is EWG’s Food Scores?”
https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2024/04/what-ewgs-food-scores

April 5, 2024 Article by EWG Staff
“What do the new federal PFAS drinking water standards mean?”
https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2024/04/what-do-new-federal-pfas-drinking-water-standards-mean

April 2, 2024 Article by Alexandra Hopkins, Communications Intern
“Get toxic dust out of your home this spring”
https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2024/04/get-toxic-dust-out-your-home-spring

Available on Truthout.org:
April 7, 2024 Article by Derek Seidman, LITTLE Sis
“Six Things Everyone Should Know About the Mountain Valley Pipeline”
https://truthout.org/articles/six-things-everyone-should-know-about-the-mountain-valley-pipeline/

Available on the Science & Environmental Health Network:
April 30, 2024 Article by Carmi Orenstein
“Need Another Reason to Support the Transition Away from Gas Stoves? Nanocluster Aerosols”
https://www.sehn.org/sehn/2024/4/29/need-another-reason-to-support-the-transition-away-from-gas-stoves-nanocluster-aerosols

April 30, 2024 Article by Ted Schettler, Science Director
“From Macroplastics to Microplastics: Worldwide Environmental, Wildlife, and Human Contamination. Real Solutions Urgently needed”
https://www.sehn.org/sehn/2024/4/29/from-macroplastics-to-microplastics-worldwide-environmental-wildlife-and-human-contamination-real-solutions-urgently-needed

Available on Earthday.org:
April 26, 2024 Article by Virginia Hunt
“Plastics: The Kingpin of the Fertility Crisis”
https://www.earthday.org/plastics-the-kingpin-of-the-fertility-crisis/

April 22, 2024 Article by Virginia Hunt
“How Earth Day Went Global, And How We Can Use It To Save Our Earth”
https://www.earthday.org/how-earth-day-went-global-and-how-we-can-use-it-to-save-our-earth/

April 17, 2024 Article by Jacob Wunsh
“Earthday.org’s Interview with Two Youth Climate Activists”
https://www.earthday.org/earthday-orgs-interview-with-two-youth-climate-activists/

See also this Resource available:
“FOOD AND ENVIRONMENT: REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE”
https://www.earthday.org/campaign/regenerative-agriculture/

Available on Common Dreams:
March 29, 2024 Article by Thor Benson (omitted from March media listing)
“Green Groups Secure Deal to Clean Up Coal- Polluted West Virginia Streams”
https://www.commondreams.org/news/coal-west-virginia-streams

Available on Newsweek:
April 4, 2024 Article by Jeff Young (Autumn Crowe, WV Rivers Coalition, is quoted)
“How West Virginia’s Coal Country Could Get a Clean-Energy Makeover”
https://www.newsweek.com/how-west-virginias-coal-country-could-get-clean-energy-makeover-1886411

Available on Earthjustice:
April 30, 2024 Press release. Contact – Erin Fitzgerald
“EPA Proposes Banning Toxic Food Pesticide Over Drinking Water Concerns”
https://earthjustice.org/press/2024/epa-proposes-banning-toxic-food-pesticide-over-drinking-water-concerns

April 25, 2024 Press release. Contact- Alexandria Trimble, Earth Justice
“Earthjustice Applauds EPA for Historic Suite of Safeguards from Power Plant Pollution”
https://earthjustice.org/press/2024/earthjustice-applauds-epa-for-historic-suite-of-safeguards-from-power-plant-pollution

Available on The Guardian:
April 25, 2024 Associate Press Article
“New rule compels US coal-fired power plants to capture emissions – or shut down”
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/25/new-rule-compels-us-coal-fired-power-plants-to-capture-emissions-or-shut-down

April 19, 2024 Associated Press Article
“EPA moves to make US polluters pay for cleanup of two forever chemicals”
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/19/epa-forever-chemicals-law\

April 14, 2024 Article by Amy Westervelt and Kyle Pope
“How to spot five of the fossil fuel industry’s biggest disinformation tactics”
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/14/climate-disinformation-explainer

April 11, 2024 PFAS article by Tom Perkins
“EPA has limited six ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water- but there are 15,000”
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/11/pfas-limits-epa-drinking-water

April 10, 2024 PFAS article by Tom Perkins
“US imposes first-ever limits on levels of toxic PFAS in drinking water”
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/10/pfas-forever-chemicals-limits-drinking-water

Available on United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
April 10, 2024 updated and links fact sheets and informational webinars for communities, water systems, & professionals
“Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): Final PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation”
https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas#Webinars
Webinars: April 16, 2-3PM; April 23, 2-3, and April 30, 2024 2-3PM.- register. Recordings will be available at above site.

Available on Inside Climate News:
April 6, 2024 Interview by Steve Curwood, Living on Earth, with Dan Gearino, staff writer at Inside Climate News
“Q & A: The Outsized Climate and Environmental Impacts of Ohio’s 2024 Senate Race”
https://insideclimatenews.org/news/06042024/ohio-senate-race-climate-impact/

April 4, 2024 Article by Kristoffer Tigue
“White House Awards $20 Billion to Nation’s First ‘Green Bank’ Network
https://insideclimatenews.org/news/04042024/biden-administration-green-bank-network-disadvantaged-communities/

March 29, 2024 Article by Lindsey Byman (omitted in April listing)
“Biochar Is “Low-Hanging Fruit’ for Sequestering Carbon and Combating Climate Change”
https://insideclimatenews.org/news/29032024/biochar-carbon-sequestration/

HERE ARE A FEW MORE MEDIA POSTINGS OF INTEREST:
Available from FORCES for NATURE:
March 31, 2024 Podcast by Crystal DiMiceli (25 minutes. Transcription available)
“Shaping the Future of Climate Education and Empowerment with Bruce Coon, Ep. 74”
https://forcesfornature.com/podcast/climate-education/

Available on The Conversation:
April 18, 2024 Article by Preety Sharma and Ayeshal Haque
“Earth Day 2024: ‘Green muscle memory’ and climate education promote behaviour change”
https://theconversation.com/earth-day-2024-green-muscle-memory-and-climate-education-promote-behaviour-change-227211

Available on Gas Leaks:
April 16, 2024 “You Shouldn’t Have to Pay for the American Gas Association’s Lobbying”
https://www.gasleaks.org/you-shouldnt-have-to-pay-for-the-american-gas-associations-lobbying/

Available on Scientific American: (reprinted from E & E News- article appears in Energywire)
April 5, 2024 Article by Benjamin Storrow & E&E News
“Renewable Energy Shatters Records in the U.S.”
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/renewable-energy-shatters-records-in-the-u-s/#:~:text=Renewable%20Energy%20Is%20Charging%20Ahead&text=Easing%20of%20supply%20chain%20constraints,in%202021%2C%20EIA%20data%20shows

Available on UtilityDIVE.com: April 8, 2024 Article by Diana DiGangi
“Columbia Law report rebuts 33 ‘most pervasive false claims’ about solar, wind, EVs”
https://www.utilitydive.com/news/columbia-law-sabin-center-renewable-energy-claims/712484/

Available on Sierra (Magazine of the Sierra Club)
March 24, 2024 Article by Jessian Choy
“How to Find the Greenest, Least Toxic Textiles”
https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/2024-1-spring/material-world/how-find-greenest-least-toxic-textiles

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