MOVCA Selected Media Postings March 2024
Compiled by Cindy Taylor
Available online in The Marietta Times:
March 2, 2024 Editorial
“Orphan wells a great opportunity”
https://www.mariettatimes.com/opinion/editorials/2024/03/orphan-wells-a-great-opportunity/
Available online in The Parkersburg News and Sentinel:
March 4, 2024 Community News Staff Report
“Clean Water Mural Tour flows into Parkersburg Art Center”
https://www.newsandsentinel.com/news/community-news/2024/03/clean-water-mural-tour-flows-into-parkersburg-art-center/
MOVCA, WV Rivers, & PAC announce free community event 3-5 p.m. March 9th at PAC. Art-O-Rama is March 16, 10a.m.-1p.m.
March 2, 2024 Editorial
“Orphan Wells: Cleanup could create career opportunities”
https://www.newsandsentinel.com/opinion/editorials/2024/03/orphan-wells-cleanup-could-create-career-opportunities/
Ohio River Valley Institute’s report mentioned; Ted Boettner (ORVI) & Dana Kuhnline of ReImagine Appalachia quoted.
Appearing on WTAP:
March 5, 2024 Feature by Chase Campbell text and video (Eric Engle is interviewed)
“Chemours seeks permit to discharge wastewater into Ohio River”
https://www.wtap.com/2024/03/06/chemours-seeks-permit-discharge-wastewater-into-ohio-river/
March 4, 2024 Article by Sarah Coleman Text and video.
“Clean Water Mural visits Parkersburg Art Center”
https://www.wtap.com/2024/03/05/clean-water-mural-visits-parkersburg-art-center/
March 3, 2024 Feature by Chase Campbell Text with video.
“W.Va. DEP to host virtual public hearing on Chemours wastewater permit application”
https://www.wtap.com/2024/03/03/wva-dep-host-virtual-public-hearing-chemours-wastewater-permit-application/
Available on the Charleston Gazette-Mail:
See articles by Mike Tony, Environment and Energy Reporter: https://www.wvgazettemail.com/users/profile/mike%20tony/
March 29, 2024 Article by Mike Tony. Eric Engle is cited.
“ ‘Toxic baggage’: Residents blast DoE, Arch 2 hydrogen hub during listening session”
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/energy_and_environment/toxic-baggage-residents-blast-doe-arch2-hydrogen-hub-during-listening-session/article_1c23876c-1cba-561c-bcfe-6c252dafc1bf.html
March 28, 2024 Article by Mike Tony
“PSC approves double-digit rate hike for Mon Power, Potomac Edison residential customers”
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/energy_and_environment/psc-approves-double-digit-rate-hike-for-mon-power-potomac-edison-residential-customers/article_d2b45ae1-2b16-51a6-9425-c8db439019a5.html
March 28, 2024 Article by Mike Tony
“EPA still hasn’t acted on water quality concerns for 1,600 miles of WV waterways”
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/energy_and_environment/epa-still-hasnt-acted-on-water-quality-concerns-for-1-600-miles-of-wv-waterways/article_e38d5052-8045-5f55-a7a0-b441bf753cde.html
March 27, 2024 Article by Mike Tony
“WV’s coal magnate governor vetoes bipartisan pro-renewable energy bill”
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/legislative_session/wvs-coal-magnate-governor-vetoes-bipartisan-pro-renewable-energy-bill/article_4d8e57dd-9987-560a-a6fe-b74d79ae14e2.html
March 20, 2024 Op-Ed by Eric Engle
“Eric Engle: Didn’t we learn from DuPont?”
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/opinion/op_ed_commentaries/eric-engle-didnt-we-learn-from-dupont-opinion/article_54ed6eb1-d913-5bec-a640-6f310b1f544b.html
March 20, 2024 Article by Mike Tony, Environment and Energy Reporter
“EPA, DEP not doing their jobs?: WV groups sue over Lower Guyandotte watershed oversight”
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/energy_and_environment/epa-dep-not-doing-their-jobs-wv-groups-sue-over-lower-guyandotte-watershed-oversight/article_0754c4a5-2b47-5148-b433-9be2bf94e9d2.html
March 16, 2024 Article by Mike Tony, Environment and Energy Reporter
“Now they’re asking for more’: Chemours plant poised to pollute more PFAS amid toxic legacy”
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/energy_and_environment/now-theyre-asking-for-more-chemours-plant-poised-to-pollute-more-pfas-amid-toxic-legacy/article_d5df29cd-9cc0-58b8-b95c-09f4fd34c4db.html
March 14, 2024 Article by Mike Tony, Environment and Energy Reporter
“WV official appointed to FERC; defended Mountain Valley Pipeline permit, went after EPA”
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/energy_and_environment/wv-official-appointed-to-ferc-defended-mountain-valley-pipeline-permit-went-after-epa/article_b8977d0b-b284-50ae-ab8e-362670fbbbc3.html
March 13, 2024 Article by Mike Tony, Environment and Energy Reporter
“Department of Energy to hold listening session on ARCH2 hydrogen hub”
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/energy_and_environment/department-of-energy-to-hold-listening-session-on-arch2-hydrogen-hub/article_2090610b-5353-59b5-875e-c98bdd67f2ff.html
March 8, 2024 Article by Mike Tony, Environment and Energy Reporter
“WV greenhouse gas reduction plan blasted for favoring fossil fuels over renewables”
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/energy_and_environment/wv-greenhouse-gas-reduction-plan-blasted-for-favoring-fossil-fuels-over-renewables/article_9485c3bf-1175-508f-9000-6c2a50f0eedf.html
March 6, 2024 Article by Mike Tony, Environment and Energy Reporter
“WV Senate panel ignores bill restricting community air monitoring data use”
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/legislative_session/wv-senate-panel-ignores-bill-restricting-community-air-monitoring-data-use/article_1652c17f-1053-5f50-b84b-f15b7cc8b491.html
March 2, 2024 Article by Mike Tony, Environment and Energy Reporter
“ ‘We need some help’: water quality, DEP oversight concerns mount”
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/energy_and_environment/we-need-some-help-water-quality-dep-oversight-concerns-mount/article_e5f725ab-257f-54fd-ab19-4df9d6733134.html
Available on Farm and Dairy:
March 27, 2024 News article
“BLM seeks input on fracking in Wayne National Forest”
https://www.farmanddairy.com/news/blm-seeks-input-on-fracking-in-wayne-national-forest/817978.html
See also on U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management:
March 20, 2024 “BLM seeks input on additional analysis for oil and gas leasing in Ohio” https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2024234/510
Available on The Bargain Hunter.com:
March 27, 2024 Letter-to-Editor by Dr. Randi Pokladnik, Uhrichsville, OH
“Landowners forced into fracking agreements”
https://thebargainhunter.com/news/web-only/forced-into-fracking-agreements
Available on Morning Journal (OH):
March 26, 2024 Letter-to-Editor by Randi Jeannine Pokladnik, Uhrichsville, OH
“ODNR should protect public lands”
https://www.morningjournalnews.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/2024/03/odnr-should-protect-public-lands/
Available on The Post (student-run news publication of Ohio University, Athens, OH)
March 6, 2024 Article by Maggie Amacher
“Ohio judge dismissed appeal, moves forward with fracking on public lands”
https://www.thepostathens.com/article/2024/03/public-land-fracking-permitted-2024
Available on Save Ohio Parks: https://saveohioparks.org
March 12, 2023 Press Release by Melinda Zemper Media release crossposted from FracTracker Alliance
“Data Reveals Discrepancies between Reported Oil and Gas Incidents in Ohio and Industry Claims”
https://saveohioparks.org/2024/03/12/data-reveals-discrepancies-between-reported-oil-and-gas-incidents-in-ohio-and-industry-claims/
Available on West Virginia Rivers Coalition:
March 30, 2024 Article about upcoming April 2nd webinar: Lunch & Learn: Fracking with ‘Forever Chemicals’ in WV
https://wvrivers.org/2024/03/webinar-pfas/ Hosted by Halt the Harm Network, PSR, and WV Rivers Coalition
March 23, 2024 “Register for ARCH 2 Listening Session on March 27th Map included and link to register
https://wvrivers.org/2024/03/action-alert-arch2-listening-session/
See also WV Rivers’ fact sheet: “Impacts of Hydrogen on Public Health, Water, and Climate”
Available at https://wvrivers.org/hydrogen/
March 2024 “Honoring the Life of Turner Sharp: A Guardian of West Virginia’s Rivers and Forests”
https://wvrivers.org/2024/03/remembering-turner-sharp/
March 8, 2024 Action alert “Stop Toxic Pollution in Our Ohio River!”
https://wvrivers.org/2024/03/action-alert-stop-toxic-pollution-in-our-ohio-river/
March 5, 2024 Action Alert – “Urgent request: Tell leaders NO on HB 5018 before 1PM!”
https://wvrivers.org/2024/03/action-alert-reject-5018/
March 2, 2024 WVRC Policy News
https://wvrivers.org/2024/03/wvrc-policy-news-march-2-2024/
March 1, 2024 Action Alert from WVRC
“Save our State Parks – Ask the House Committee on Government Organization to Reject SB 688”
https://wvrivers.org/2024/03/action-alert-govorg-reject688/
Available on ORVI:
March 25, 2024 Article by Joe Cullen
“BIL/IRA Implementation Digest” includes listings of deadlines, webinars, reports & announcements & Resources
https://ohiorivervalleyinstitute.org/bil-ira-implementation-digest-march-25-2024/
March 21, 2024 Article by Sean O’Leary Text and audio
“The Tri-State CCS Hub and The Return of The Bad Deal”
https://ohiorivervalleyinstitute.org/the-tri-state-ccs-hub-and-the-return-of-the-bad-deal/
March 17, 2024 Article by Joanne Kilgour
“LNG Exports Are a Rotten Deal for Appalachians”
https://ohiorivervalleyinstitute.org/lng-exports-are-a-rotten-deal-for-appalachians/
Available on ReImagine Appalachia: https://reimagineappalachia.org/events/
Register for upcoming Virtual Events via Zoom and see recordings, reports, & resources available for past events.
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/
March 29, 2024 Article by Sylvia Porras, ReImagine Appalachia Policy Intern.
“Loss of ARPA Funding Threatens Appalachian Children & Communities: The American Rescue Plan Act”
https://reimagineappalachia.org/loss-of-arpa-funding-threatens-appalachian-children-communities/
March 20, 2024 noon “Instagram Live: How women wannabe farmers find farm land” with Annie Warmke
https://reimagineappalachia.org/instagram-live-how-women-wannabe-farmers-find-farm-land/
March 19, 2024 noon “Natural Infrastructure/ Workforce Development Policy Report Release”
https://reimagineappalachia.org/natural-infrastructure-workforce-development-policy-report-release/
March 14, 2024 noon. “Shelter in the Storm: ReImagining resiliency for your communities & congregations”
https://reimagineappalachia.org/shelter-in-the-storm-reimaging-resiliency-for-your-communities-and-congregations/
March 12, 2024 Article by Sylvia Porras, ReImagine Appalachia Policy Intern
“A Guide to Earmarks for Appalachian Communities” Includes links to webinar recording, PowerPoint, &resources
https://reimagineappalachia.org/a-guide-to-earmarks-for-appalachian-communities/
March 5, 2024 noon. “Sustainable Manufacturing CO-Ops Report Release”
https://reimagineappalachia.org/sustainable-manufacturing-co-ops-report-release/
Includes link to recording and new report, “Worker Ownership and Cooperative enterprise in Appalachia’s New Energy Economy”
March 5, 2024 New Report from ReImagine Appalachia
“Cooperatives in the New Energy Economy: Anchoring Ownership, Wealth, and Jobs in Appalachia’s New Energy Economy.”
https://reimagineappalachia.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Cooperatives-in-the-New-Energy-Economy.pdf
March 4, 2024 Article by Rike Rothenstein, Research Associate ReImagine Appalachia
“The Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative (ARRI) Webinar Series – Appalachia’s Forests: From Reforestation to a Growing Recreational Economy”
https://reimagineappalachia.org/the-appalachian-regional-reforestation-initiative-arri-webinar-series-appalachias-forests-from-reforestation-to-a-growing-recreation-economy/
Available on Sierra Club: Sierra Club West Virginia https://www.sierraclub.org/west-virginia
March 6, 2024 Article by Austyn Gaffney
“Appalachian Organizations Are Working to Make the Region a Hub for Green Manufacturing and Clean Energy”
New federal funding will help small and medium-size manufacturers join the emerging circular economy.
https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/appalachian-organizations-are-working-make-region-hub-green-manufacturing-and-clean-energy
Available on Associated Press:
March 24, 2024 Climate News Article by Isabella O’Malley and Jennifer McDermott
“Energy agency announces $6 billion to slash emissions in industrial facilities” [OH & WV facilities mentioned]
https://apnews.com/article/climate-energy-carbon-emissions-industry-manufacturing-biden-7145f8cf0e020418032a192a3e481041
March 13, 2024 Climate Article by Seth Borenstein
“US energy industry methane emissions are triple what government thinks, study finds”
https://apnews.com/article/methane-natural-gas-leak-climate-change-401cc08ad784d42fc463ed00bce4983e
Available on Energy News Network:
March 22, 2024 Article by Kathiann M. Kowalski
“Environmental groups appeal court order on drilling under Ohio park and wildlife areas”
https://energynews.us/2024/03/22/environmental-groups-appeal-court-order-on-drilling-under-ohio-park-and-wildlife-areas/
March 21, 2024 Article by Kathiann M. Kowalski
“Ohio landowners say solar oppositions groups threaten their property rights”
https://energynews.us/2024/03/21/ohio-landowners-say-solar-opposition-groups-threaten-their-property-rights/
FaCT: Faith Communities Together for a Sustainable Future https://factsustain.org
Check out their “Distinguished Speaker Series” https://factsustain.org/Distinguished/
See the articles in Newsletter https://factsustain.org/Newsletters/ :
Available on Earthjustice:
March 21, 2024 Article by Earthjustice
“The clean energy transition is happening. But Big Oil isn’t budging”
https://earthjustice.org/article/the-clean-energy-transition-is-happening-but-big-oil-isnt-budging
March 2024 Article
“Industry is Trying to Weaken Regulations on Cancer-Causing Emissions”
https://earthjustice.org/brief/2024/government-moves-to-limit-deadly-emissions#:~:text=Lawsuit%20details%3A%20Earthjustice%20filed%20a,under%20the%20Clean%20Air%20Act.
Available on Environmental Working Group: https://www.ewg.org
March 20, 2024 News Release contact Sarah Graddy, WWG
“EWG’s 2024 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce: The Dirty Dozen is packed with fungicides that can disrupt human hormones”
https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news-release/2024/03/ewgs-2024-shoppers-guide-pesticides-producetm-dirty-dozentm
March 5. 2024 News Article by Alexis Temkin, Ph.D (EWG) and Tasha Stoiber, Ph.D. (EWG)
“PFAS and Developmental and Reproductive Toxicity: An EWG Fact Sheet”
https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2024/03/pfas-and-developmental-and-reproductive-toxicity-ewg-fact-sheet
Available on WV Department of Environmental Protection:
Revised 2023
West Virginia Materials Recycling Directory REAP (The Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan)
https://dep.wv.gov/environmental-advocate/reap/recycling/Documents/WV%20Recycling%20Directory.pdf
Appearing on-line on WV Public Broadcasting or WOUB (PBS) or NPR, etc
March 21, 2024 Article by Curtis Tate
“Nicholas County Solar Project Receives $129 Million Federal Grant”
https://wvpublic.org/nicholas-county-solar-project-receives-129-million-federal-grant/
March 8, 2024 Article by Curtis Tate Text and audio
“PFAS Concerns Loom Over Chemours Permit for Washington Works”
https://wvpublic.org/pfas-concerns-loom-over-chemours-permit-for-washington-works/
Available on Living on Earth: (Public Radio’s Environmental News Magazine)
March 8, 2024 Audio and Text
“Fracking Under Ohio State Parks”
https://www.loe.org/shows/segments.html?programID=24-P13-00010&segmentID=3
Available on The Guardian:
March 25, 2024 Article by staff and agencies
“US to spend $6bn to reduce carbon footprint of steel, ice cream ad mac and cheese”
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/25/biden-industrial-emissions
March 13, 2024 Article by Associated Press see also AP article by Seth Borenstein
“US energy industry gas leaks are triple the official figures, study finds”
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/mar/13/us-gas-leaks-report-climate-change
March 8, 2024 Article by Rachel Salvidge and Leana Hosea
“Cancer-causing PCB chemicals still being produced despite 40-year-old ban”
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/08/cancer-causing-pcb-chemicals-still-produced-despite-40-year-old-ban
Available on Grist:
March 13, 2024 Article by Naveena Sadasivam and Kate Yoder
“You can start applying for the American Climate Corp next month”
https://grist.org/politics/jobs-portal-american-climate-corps-opens-next-month/
Available on Physicians for Social Responsibility: https://psr.org
March 27, 2024 News Article about new REPORT, Fracking with “Forever Chemicals’ in West Virginia
“ ‘Forever Chemicals’ in West Virginia Gas Wells” Article and link to download report.
https://psr.org/fracking-with-forever-chemicals-in-west-virginia/
Access the report at: https://psr.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/fracking-with-forever-chemicals-in-west-virginia.pdf
Available on the Science & Environmental Health Network:
March 21, 2024 Article by Justin Nobel, Book author
“Petroleum-238: Big Oil’s Dangerous Secret and the Grassroots Fight to Stop It- Author’s Note” [WV mentioned]
https://www.sehn.org/sehn/2024/3/21/petroleum-238-big-oils-dangerous-secret-and-the-grassroots-fight-to-stop-it
March 21, 2024 Article by Sandra Steingraber, SEHN Senior Scientist
“RePercussion Section: Luminous Cockpits, Radium Girls, and Fracking Boys”
https://www.sehn.org/sehn/2024/3/21/repercussion-section-luminous-cockpits-radium-girls-and-fracking-boys
Available on Earthday.org:
March 30, 2024 Article by Lydia McMullen-Laird
“5 Ways Being Zero Waste and Owning Less Can Make You Happier”
https://www.earthday.org/news-and-stories/
March 21, 2024 Feature
“5 Reasons We need Trees for a Healthy Planet”
https://www.earthday.org/5-reasons-we-need-trees-for-a-healthy-planet/
March 11, 2024
“Tiny but Deadly: Your Butt on Plastic”
https://www.earthday.org/tiny-but-deadly-cigarette-butts-are-the-most-commonly-polluted-plastic/
March 8, 2024 Article by Kendall Witters
“4 Women Fighting Plastic”
https://www.earthday.org/4-women-fighting-plastic/
March 4, 2024 Article by Lindsey Sparkman
“Is Plastic Making Us Obese?”
https://www.earthday.org/is-plastic-making-us-obese/
Available on Yale Climate Connections:
March 29, 2024 Article by Michael Svoboda
“Book review: ‘Save Ourselves’ author says we can’t wait on global leaders to save the climate”
https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2024/03/book-review-saving-ourselves-author-says-we-cant-wait-on-global-leaders-to-save-the-climate/
March 26, 2024 Article by YCC team Text and audio link.
“The plastics industry’s carbon footprint has doubled in the past few decades” Making plastics from algae or plant material instead of fossil fuels could help.
https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2024/03/the-plastics-industrys-carbon-footprint-has-doubled-in-the-past-few-decades/
March 25, 2024 Article by Barbara Grady
“How can I make my retirement plan climate-friendly?
https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2024/03/how-can-i-make-my-retirement-plan-climate-friendly/
March 7, 2024 Article by Michael Svoboda
“The best climate change movies and TV series of 2023”
https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2024/03/the-best-climate-change-movies-and-tv-series-of-2023/
March 4. 2024 Article by Sueellen Campbell
‘How to normalize the climate conversation”
https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2024/03/how-to-normalize-the-climate-conversation/
HERE ARE A FEW MORE ARTICLES OF INTEREST:
Available on HEATED:
March 1, 2024 Article by Arielle Samuelson
“Plastic recycling is a scam”
https://heated.world/p/plastic-recycling-is-a-scam
Available on Scientific American:
March 14, 2024 Article by Katherine Bourzac
“First Comprehensive Plastics Database Tallies Staggering 16,000 Chemicals – and It’s Still Incomplete”
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/first-comprehensive-plastics-database-tallies-staggering-16-000-chemicals/
Available on the Des Moines Register:
March 4, 2024 Article by Elizabeth Weise, S. J. Beard, S. Bhat, R. Radilla, C. Procell and K. Zaiets
“US counties are blocking the future of renewable energy: These maps, graphics show how”
https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2024/03/04/us-renewable-energy-grid-maps-graphics/72811677007/
Posted: April 4, 2024 by main_y0ke11
Selected Readings for April 2024
MOVCA Selected Media Postings March 2024
Compiled by Cindy Taylor
Available online in The Marietta Times:
March 2, 2024 Editorial
“Orphan wells a great opportunity”
https://www.mariettatimes.com/opinion/editorials/2024/03/orphan-wells-a-great-opportunity/
Available online in The Parkersburg News and Sentinel:
March 4, 2024 Community News Staff Report
“Clean Water Mural Tour flows into Parkersburg Art Center”
https://www.newsandsentinel.com/news/community-news/2024/03/clean-water-mural-tour-flows-into-parkersburg-art-center/
MOVCA, WV Rivers, & PAC announce free community event 3-5 p.m. March 9th at PAC. Art-O-Rama is March 16, 10a.m.-1p.m.
March 2, 2024 Editorial
“Orphan Wells: Cleanup could create career opportunities”
https://www.newsandsentinel.com/opinion/editorials/2024/03/orphan-wells-cleanup-could-create-career-opportunities/
Ohio River Valley Institute’s report mentioned; Ted Boettner (ORVI) & Dana Kuhnline of ReImagine Appalachia quoted.
Appearing on WTAP:
March 5, 2024 Feature by Chase Campbell text and video (Eric Engle is interviewed)
“Chemours seeks permit to discharge wastewater into Ohio River”
https://www.wtap.com/2024/03/06/chemours-seeks-permit-discharge-wastewater-into-ohio-river/
March 4, 2024 Article by Sarah Coleman Text and video.
“Clean Water Mural visits Parkersburg Art Center”
https://www.wtap.com/2024/03/05/clean-water-mural-visits-parkersburg-art-center/
March 3, 2024 Feature by Chase Campbell Text with video.
“W.Va. DEP to host virtual public hearing on Chemours wastewater permit application”
https://www.wtap.com/2024/03/03/wva-dep-host-virtual-public-hearing-chemours-wastewater-permit-application/
Available on the Charleston Gazette-Mail:
See articles by Mike Tony, Environment and Energy Reporter: https://www.wvgazettemail.com/users/profile/mike%20tony/
March 29, 2024 Article by Mike Tony. Eric Engle is cited.
“ ‘Toxic baggage’: Residents blast DoE, Arch 2 hydrogen hub during listening session”
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/energy_and_environment/toxic-baggage-residents-blast-doe-arch2-hydrogen-hub-during-listening-session/article_1c23876c-1cba-561c-bcfe-6c252dafc1bf.html
March 28, 2024 Article by Mike Tony
“PSC approves double-digit rate hike for Mon Power, Potomac Edison residential customers”
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/energy_and_environment/psc-approves-double-digit-rate-hike-for-mon-power-potomac-edison-residential-customers/article_d2b45ae1-2b16-51a6-9425-c8db439019a5.html
March 28, 2024 Article by Mike Tony
“EPA still hasn’t acted on water quality concerns for 1,600 miles of WV waterways”
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/energy_and_environment/epa-still-hasnt-acted-on-water-quality-concerns-for-1-600-miles-of-wv-waterways/article_e38d5052-8045-5f55-a7a0-b441bf753cde.html
March 27, 2024 Article by Mike Tony
“WV’s coal magnate governor vetoes bipartisan pro-renewable energy bill”
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/legislative_session/wvs-coal-magnate-governor-vetoes-bipartisan-pro-renewable-energy-bill/article_4d8e57dd-9987-560a-a6fe-b74d79ae14e2.html
March 20, 2024 Op-Ed by Eric Engle
“Eric Engle: Didn’t we learn from DuPont?”
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/opinion/op_ed_commentaries/eric-engle-didnt-we-learn-from-dupont-opinion/article_54ed6eb1-d913-5bec-a640-6f310b1f544b.html
March 20, 2024 Article by Mike Tony, Environment and Energy Reporter
“EPA, DEP not doing their jobs?: WV groups sue over Lower Guyandotte watershed oversight”
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/energy_and_environment/epa-dep-not-doing-their-jobs-wv-groups-sue-over-lower-guyandotte-watershed-oversight/article_0754c4a5-2b47-5148-b433-9be2bf94e9d2.html
March 16, 2024 Article by Mike Tony, Environment and Energy Reporter
“Now they’re asking for more’: Chemours plant poised to pollute more PFAS amid toxic legacy”
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/energy_and_environment/now-theyre-asking-for-more-chemours-plant-poised-to-pollute-more-pfas-amid-toxic-legacy/article_d5df29cd-9cc0-58b8-b95c-09f4fd34c4db.html
March 14, 2024 Article by Mike Tony, Environment and Energy Reporter
“WV official appointed to FERC; defended Mountain Valley Pipeline permit, went after EPA”
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/energy_and_environment/wv-official-appointed-to-ferc-defended-mountain-valley-pipeline-permit-went-after-epa/article_b8977d0b-b284-50ae-ab8e-362670fbbbc3.html
March 13, 2024 Article by Mike Tony, Environment and Energy Reporter
“Department of Energy to hold listening session on ARCH2 hydrogen hub”
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/energy_and_environment/department-of-energy-to-hold-listening-session-on-arch2-hydrogen-hub/article_2090610b-5353-59b5-875e-c98bdd67f2ff.html
March 8, 2024 Article by Mike Tony, Environment and Energy Reporter
“WV greenhouse gas reduction plan blasted for favoring fossil fuels over renewables”
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/energy_and_environment/wv-greenhouse-gas-reduction-plan-blasted-for-favoring-fossil-fuels-over-renewables/article_9485c3bf-1175-508f-9000-6c2a50f0eedf.html
March 6, 2024 Article by Mike Tony, Environment and Energy Reporter
“WV Senate panel ignores bill restricting community air monitoring data use”
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/legislative_session/wv-senate-panel-ignores-bill-restricting-community-air-monitoring-data-use/article_1652c17f-1053-5f50-b84b-f15b7cc8b491.html
March 2, 2024 Article by Mike Tony, Environment and Energy Reporter
“ ‘We need some help’: water quality, DEP oversight concerns mount”
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/energy_and_environment/we-need-some-help-water-quality-dep-oversight-concerns-mount/article_e5f725ab-257f-54fd-ab19-4df9d6733134.html
Available on Farm and Dairy:
March 27, 2024 News article
“BLM seeks input on fracking in Wayne National Forest”
https://www.farmanddairy.com/news/blm-seeks-input-on-fracking-in-wayne-national-forest/817978.html
See also on U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management:
March 20, 2024 “BLM seeks input on additional analysis for oil and gas leasing in Ohio” https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2024234/510
Available on The Bargain Hunter.com:
March 27, 2024 Letter-to-Editor by Dr. Randi Pokladnik, Uhrichsville, OH
“Landowners forced into fracking agreements”
https://thebargainhunter.com/news/web-only/forced-into-fracking-agreements
Available on Morning Journal (OH):
March 26, 2024 Letter-to-Editor by Randi Jeannine Pokladnik, Uhrichsville, OH
“ODNR should protect public lands”
https://www.morningjournalnews.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/2024/03/odnr-should-protect-public-lands/
Available on The Post (student-run news publication of Ohio University, Athens, OH)
March 6, 2024 Article by Maggie Amacher
“Ohio judge dismissed appeal, moves forward with fracking on public lands”
https://www.thepostathens.com/article/2024/03/public-land-fracking-permitted-2024
Available on Save Ohio Parks: https://saveohioparks.org
March 12, 2023 Press Release by Melinda Zemper Media release crossposted from FracTracker Alliance
“Data Reveals Discrepancies between Reported Oil and Gas Incidents in Ohio and Industry Claims”
https://saveohioparks.org/2024/03/12/data-reveals-discrepancies-between-reported-oil-and-gas-incidents-in-ohio-and-industry-claims/
Available on West Virginia Rivers Coalition:
March 30, 2024 Article about upcoming April 2nd webinar: Lunch & Learn: Fracking with ‘Forever Chemicals’ in WV
https://wvrivers.org/2024/03/webinar-pfas/ Hosted by Halt the Harm Network, PSR, and WV Rivers Coalition
March 23, 2024 “Register for ARCH 2 Listening Session on March 27th Map included and link to register
https://wvrivers.org/2024/03/action-alert-arch2-listening-session/
See also WV Rivers’ fact sheet: “Impacts of Hydrogen on Public Health, Water, and Climate”
Available at https://wvrivers.org/hydrogen/
March 2024 “Honoring the Life of Turner Sharp: A Guardian of West Virginia’s Rivers and Forests”
https://wvrivers.org/2024/03/remembering-turner-sharp/
March 8, 2024 Action alert “Stop Toxic Pollution in Our Ohio River!”
https://wvrivers.org/2024/03/action-alert-stop-toxic-pollution-in-our-ohio-river/
March 5, 2024 Action Alert – “Urgent request: Tell leaders NO on HB 5018 before 1PM!”
https://wvrivers.org/2024/03/action-alert-reject-5018/
March 2, 2024 WVRC Policy News
https://wvrivers.org/2024/03/wvrc-policy-news-march-2-2024/
March 1, 2024 Action Alert from WVRC
“Save our State Parks – Ask the House Committee on Government Organization to Reject SB 688”
https://wvrivers.org/2024/03/action-alert-govorg-reject688/
Available on ORVI:
March 25, 2024 Article by Joe Cullen
“BIL/IRA Implementation Digest” includes listings of deadlines, webinars, reports & announcements & Resources
https://ohiorivervalleyinstitute.org/bil-ira-implementation-digest-march-25-2024/
March 21, 2024 Article by Sean O’Leary Text and audio
“The Tri-State CCS Hub and The Return of The Bad Deal”
https://ohiorivervalleyinstitute.org/the-tri-state-ccs-hub-and-the-return-of-the-bad-deal/
March 17, 2024 Article by Joanne Kilgour
“LNG Exports Are a Rotten Deal for Appalachians”
https://ohiorivervalleyinstitute.org/lng-exports-are-a-rotten-deal-for-appalachians/
Available on ReImagine Appalachia: https://reimagineappalachia.org/events/
Register for upcoming Virtual Events via Zoom and see recordings, reports, & resources available for past events.
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/
March 29, 2024 Article by Sylvia Porras, ReImagine Appalachia Policy Intern.
“Loss of ARPA Funding Threatens Appalachian Children & Communities: The American Rescue Plan Act”
https://reimagineappalachia.org/loss-of-arpa-funding-threatens-appalachian-children-communities/
March 20, 2024 noon “Instagram Live: How women wannabe farmers find farm land” with Annie Warmke
https://reimagineappalachia.org/instagram-live-how-women-wannabe-farmers-find-farm-land/
March 19, 2024 noon “Natural Infrastructure/ Workforce Development Policy Report Release”
https://reimagineappalachia.org/natural-infrastructure-workforce-development-policy-report-release/
March 14, 2024 noon. “Shelter in the Storm: ReImagining resiliency for your communities & congregations”
https://reimagineappalachia.org/shelter-in-the-storm-reimaging-resiliency-for-your-communities-and-congregations/
March 12, 2024 Article by Sylvia Porras, ReImagine Appalachia Policy Intern
“A Guide to Earmarks for Appalachian Communities” Includes links to webinar recording, PowerPoint, &resources
https://reimagineappalachia.org/a-guide-to-earmarks-for-appalachian-communities/
March 5, 2024 noon. “Sustainable Manufacturing CO-Ops Report Release”
https://reimagineappalachia.org/sustainable-manufacturing-co-ops-report-release/
Includes link to recording and new report, “Worker Ownership and Cooperative enterprise in Appalachia’s New Energy Economy”
March 5, 2024 New Report from ReImagine Appalachia
“Cooperatives in the New Energy Economy: Anchoring Ownership, Wealth, and Jobs in Appalachia’s New Energy Economy.”
https://reimagineappalachia.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Cooperatives-in-the-New-Energy-Economy.pdf
March 4, 2024 Article by Rike Rothenstein, Research Associate ReImagine Appalachia
“The Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative (ARRI) Webinar Series – Appalachia’s Forests: From Reforestation to a Growing Recreational Economy”
https://reimagineappalachia.org/the-appalachian-regional-reforestation-initiative-arri-webinar-series-appalachias-forests-from-reforestation-to-a-growing-recreation-economy/
Available on Sierra Club: Sierra Club West Virginia https://www.sierraclub.org/west-virginia
March 6, 2024 Article by Austyn Gaffney
“Appalachian Organizations Are Working to Make the Region a Hub for Green Manufacturing and Clean Energy”
New federal funding will help small and medium-size manufacturers join the emerging circular economy.
https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/appalachian-organizations-are-working-make-region-hub-green-manufacturing-and-clean-energy
Available on Associated Press:
March 24, 2024 Climate News Article by Isabella O’Malley and Jennifer McDermott
“Energy agency announces $6 billion to slash emissions in industrial facilities” [OH & WV facilities mentioned]
https://apnews.com/article/climate-energy-carbon-emissions-industry-manufacturing-biden-7145f8cf0e020418032a192a3e481041
March 13, 2024 Climate Article by Seth Borenstein
“US energy industry methane emissions are triple what government thinks, study finds”
https://apnews.com/article/methane-natural-gas-leak-climate-change-401cc08ad784d42fc463ed00bce4983e
Available on Energy News Network:
March 22, 2024 Article by Kathiann M. Kowalski
“Environmental groups appeal court order on drilling under Ohio park and wildlife areas”
https://energynews.us/2024/03/22/environmental-groups-appeal-court-order-on-drilling-under-ohio-park-and-wildlife-areas/
March 21, 2024 Article by Kathiann M. Kowalski
“Ohio landowners say solar oppositions groups threaten their property rights”
https://energynews.us/2024/03/21/ohio-landowners-say-solar-opposition-groups-threaten-their-property-rights/
FaCT: Faith Communities Together for a Sustainable Future https://factsustain.org
Check out their “Distinguished Speaker Series” https://factsustain.org/Distinguished/
See the articles in Newsletter https://factsustain.org/Newsletters/ :
Available on Earthjustice:
March 21, 2024 Article by Earthjustice
“The clean energy transition is happening. But Big Oil isn’t budging”
https://earthjustice.org/article/the-clean-energy-transition-is-happening-but-big-oil-isnt-budging
March 2024 Article
“Industry is Trying to Weaken Regulations on Cancer-Causing Emissions”
https://earthjustice.org/brief/2024/government-moves-to-limit-deadly-emissions#:~:text=Lawsuit%20details%3A%20Earthjustice%20filed%20a,under%20the%20Clean%20Air%20Act.
Available on Environmental Working Group: https://www.ewg.org
March 20, 2024 News Release contact Sarah Graddy, WWG
“EWG’s 2024 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce: The Dirty Dozen is packed with fungicides that can disrupt human hormones”
https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news-release/2024/03/ewgs-2024-shoppers-guide-pesticides-producetm-dirty-dozentm
March 5. 2024 News Article by Alexis Temkin, Ph.D (EWG) and Tasha Stoiber, Ph.D. (EWG)
“PFAS and Developmental and Reproductive Toxicity: An EWG Fact Sheet”
https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2024/03/pfas-and-developmental-and-reproductive-toxicity-ewg-fact-sheet
Available on WV Department of Environmental Protection:
Revised 2023
West Virginia Materials Recycling Directory REAP (The Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan)
https://dep.wv.gov/environmental-advocate/reap/recycling/Documents/WV%20Recycling%20Directory.pdf
Appearing on-line on WV Public Broadcasting or WOUB (PBS) or NPR, etc
March 21, 2024 Article by Curtis Tate
“Nicholas County Solar Project Receives $129 Million Federal Grant”
https://wvpublic.org/nicholas-county-solar-project-receives-129-million-federal-grant/
March 8, 2024 Article by Curtis Tate Text and audio
“PFAS Concerns Loom Over Chemours Permit for Washington Works”
https://wvpublic.org/pfas-concerns-loom-over-chemours-permit-for-washington-works/
Available on Living on Earth: (Public Radio’s Environmental News Magazine)
March 8, 2024 Audio and Text
“Fracking Under Ohio State Parks”
https://www.loe.org/shows/segments.html?programID=24-P13-00010&segmentID=3
Available on The Guardian:
March 25, 2024 Article by staff and agencies
“US to spend $6bn to reduce carbon footprint of steel, ice cream ad mac and cheese”
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/25/biden-industrial-emissions
March 13, 2024 Article by Associated Press see also AP article by Seth Borenstein
“US energy industry gas leaks are triple the official figures, study finds”
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/mar/13/us-gas-leaks-report-climate-change
March 8, 2024 Article by Rachel Salvidge and Leana Hosea
“Cancer-causing PCB chemicals still being produced despite 40-year-old ban”
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/08/cancer-causing-pcb-chemicals-still-produced-despite-40-year-old-ban
Available on Grist:
March 13, 2024 Article by Naveena Sadasivam and Kate Yoder
“You can start applying for the American Climate Corp next month”
https://grist.org/politics/jobs-portal-american-climate-corps-opens-next-month/
Available on Physicians for Social Responsibility: https://psr.org
March 27, 2024 News Article about new REPORT, Fracking with “Forever Chemicals’ in West Virginia
“ ‘Forever Chemicals’ in West Virginia Gas Wells” Article and link to download report.
https://psr.org/fracking-with-forever-chemicals-in-west-virginia/
Access the report at: https://psr.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/fracking-with-forever-chemicals-in-west-virginia.pdf
Available on the Science & Environmental Health Network:
March 21, 2024 Article by Justin Nobel, Book author
“Petroleum-238: Big Oil’s Dangerous Secret and the Grassroots Fight to Stop It- Author’s Note” [WV mentioned]
https://www.sehn.org/sehn/2024/3/21/petroleum-238-big-oils-dangerous-secret-and-the-grassroots-fight-to-stop-it
March 21, 2024 Article by Sandra Steingraber, SEHN Senior Scientist
“RePercussion Section: Luminous Cockpits, Radium Girls, and Fracking Boys”
https://www.sehn.org/sehn/2024/3/21/repercussion-section-luminous-cockpits-radium-girls-and-fracking-boys
Available on Earthday.org:
March 30, 2024 Article by Lydia McMullen-Laird
“5 Ways Being Zero Waste and Owning Less Can Make You Happier”
https://www.earthday.org/news-and-stories/
March 21, 2024 Feature
“5 Reasons We need Trees for a Healthy Planet”
https://www.earthday.org/5-reasons-we-need-trees-for-a-healthy-planet/
March 11, 2024
“Tiny but Deadly: Your Butt on Plastic”
https://www.earthday.org/tiny-but-deadly-cigarette-butts-are-the-most-commonly-polluted-plastic/
March 8, 2024 Article by Kendall Witters
“4 Women Fighting Plastic”
https://www.earthday.org/4-women-fighting-plastic/
March 4, 2024 Article by Lindsey Sparkman
“Is Plastic Making Us Obese?”
https://www.earthday.org/is-plastic-making-us-obese/
Available on Yale Climate Connections:
March 29, 2024 Article by Michael Svoboda
“Book review: ‘Save Ourselves’ author says we can’t wait on global leaders to save the climate”
https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2024/03/book-review-saving-ourselves-author-says-we-cant-wait-on-global-leaders-to-save-the-climate/
March 26, 2024 Article by YCC team Text and audio link.
“The plastics industry’s carbon footprint has doubled in the past few decades” Making plastics from algae or plant material instead of fossil fuels could help.
https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2024/03/the-plastics-industrys-carbon-footprint-has-doubled-in-the-past-few-decades/
March 25, 2024 Article by Barbara Grady
“How can I make my retirement plan climate-friendly?
https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2024/03/how-can-i-make-my-retirement-plan-climate-friendly/
March 7, 2024 Article by Michael Svoboda
“The best climate change movies and TV series of 2023”
https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2024/03/the-best-climate-change-movies-and-tv-series-of-2023/
March 4. 2024 Article by Sueellen Campbell
‘How to normalize the climate conversation”
https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2024/03/how-to-normalize-the-climate-conversation/
HERE ARE A FEW MORE ARTICLES OF INTEREST:
Available on HEATED:
March 1, 2024 Article by Arielle Samuelson
“Plastic recycling is a scam”
https://heated.world/p/plastic-recycling-is-a-scam
Available on Scientific American:
March 14, 2024 Article by Katherine Bourzac
“First Comprehensive Plastics Database Tallies Staggering 16,000 Chemicals – and It’s Still Incomplete”
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/first-comprehensive-plastics-database-tallies-staggering-16-000-chemicals/
Available on the Des Moines Register:
March 4, 2024 Article by Elizabeth Weise, S. J. Beard, S. Bhat, R. Radilla, C. Procell and K. Zaiets
“US counties are blocking the future of renewable energy: These maps, graphics show how”
https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2024/03/04/us-renewable-energy-grid-maps-graphics/72811677007/
Posted: March 30, 2024 by main_y0ke11
Climate Corner: Water is life
Mar 30, 2024
Vic Elam
editorial@newsandsentinel.com
During the Roman Empire, it is thought that lead poisoning from the lead pipes that the Romans used may have caused or contributed to the downfall of the Roman Empire. Yet today we defile the Earth’s precious waters with all manner of toxic substances apparently using some logic that we can contaminate water in all places and in all manner and somehow remain unaffected. That logic does not hold water.
According to EPA’s most recent National Rivers and Streams Assessment (NRSA) 42% of the nation’s rivers and streams were considered in poor condition due to phosphorus levels and 44% poor because of elevated nitrogen levels. These two elements are considered nutrients and although they may be good to put on your yard or garden, too much in streams causes problems like harmful bacteria and algae. There are many sources of nutrients that contaminate water; agricultural crop production, livestock waste and lawn fertilizer applications are but a few.
Another striking finding from the NRSA is that 64% of river and stream miles had moderate or high levels of riparian disturbance. Riparian is defined as lands that occur along the edges of rivers, streams, lakes, and other water bodies. Riparian disturbance can be cropping to the edge, maintaining a cleared area of lawn to the edge, or could be damage from excessive wave action (wake) from boats, etc. Riparian disturbance typically results in bank erosion or costly addition of armament such as riprap, degradation of habitat quality for wildlife, and certainly negatively impacts the scenic quality of our rivers.
Fish tissues were collected and analyzed for other contaminants and found to exceed screening levels for mercury (26%) and PCBs (45%). Also, PFOS, also known as a forever chemicals, was detected in 91%. Bacteria levels exceeded the EPA human health benchmark in 20% of river and stream miles.
One parameter that has a big impact on wildlife is sedimentation; nationally sedimentation was rated as 57% Good, 23% Fair, and 20% Poor. The Southern Appalachia Ecoregion which encompasses the Mid-Ohio Valley saw an increase of 11% in the good condition rating for sediment, so it’s not all bad.
Of course we know that fossil fuel extraction exacts a toll on our water quality. Modern hydraulic fracturing (fracking) typically uses many millions of gallons per well. Often that water is taken from surface streams, severely depleting the flow available to wildlife. After the water is used for fracking much of it returns to the surface, but not always where it was injected. When it returns it is contaminated with all manner of harmful chemicals, salts, and radiation, making disposal especially treacherous. And we all know about the perils from acid mine drainage from coal mines and coal-fired power plant sludge landfill leaching.
A recent Supreme Court ruling that supersedes previous court rulings based on a case referred to as Sackett v. EPA, has jeopardized water quality all over the country by weakening the protections for wetlands. Wetlands provide what is referred to as ecosystem services by lessening the impacts from floods, storing carbon, providing wildlife habitat, allowing water to recharge aquifers and remove contaminants from water. The Sackett ruling allows previously protected wetlands to be drained, filled and converted to other uses.
Plastics are yet another threat to our water. Oceans are becoming so inundated with plastic that fish are ingesting microplastics that result from deterioration of larger plastics. Lab results are showing that plastic is making its way into fish tissue including seafood that we eat.
Pharmaceuticals are another threat. Humans eliminate trace amounts of drugs that we use into the municipal wastewater system. Most wastewater treatment facilities are not capable of eliminating many of these chemicals and their derivatives before releasing the water back into the environment. Once released back into the environment these chemicals can make their way back into another municipal water supply or that water can be used for irrigating crops where the chemicals have been shown in crops and they can have negative impacts for wildlife.
It’s time we wake up and realize the value of water and the need to protect it. We are blessed with an ample water supply in our region, we should not take that for granted. Water is Life.
***
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.
Posted: March 23, 2024 by main_y0ke11
Climate Corner: More fracked gas is a dead end
Mar 23, 2024
Eric Engle
editorial@newsandsentinel.com
It’s clearer than ever that, for residents of Ohio and greater Appalachia, the fracking “boom” has turned out to be a bust. The Appalachian Hydrogen Hub will only be another dead end for our region but it’s not too late to turn back.
More than a decade ago, the shale gas industry held all the right cards. Decision-makers were lavishing fracking developers with tax cuts and publicly funded subsidies. Gas production in the early 2010s was soaring, outpacing even the most optimistic pre-boom estimates. Between 2008, when gas development first began in earnest in the Marcellus and Utica shales, and 2019, before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the largest fracking counties in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia saw their economic output swell by nearly 90%, a rate more than four times the national average. Business was booming. Elected officials and industry boosters promised the fracking industry’s success meant prosperity for Appalachia, that our region would soon see hundreds of thousands of new jobs and a bona fide economic renaissance.
But those promises of prosperity never came true. During the same period of soaring output, families closest to the booming gas economy were actually having a harder time finding jobs. Many residents left the region entirely, due in no small part to the human toll of fracking operations. A litany of epidemiological studies began to demonstrate the connections between shale gas development and serious health impacts for nearby residents, including respiratory problems, heart-related complications, mental health issues, birth defects, and an outsized risk of rare cancers. Data show that those same fracking counties collectively lost more than 10,000 net jobs and almost 47,000 residents by 2021.
Fracking for methane gas hasn’t worked for our communities. In fact, for most people, it’s done nothing but harm. That’s why we can’t afford to keep continuing down the same gas-lined path.
But the industry is pulling all the stops to continue our region’s reliance on fossil fuels. Their latest ploy? The Appalachian Hydrogen Hub, or ARCH2, a gas-powered network of industrial facilities, power stations, and pipelines geared to create “blue” hydrogen, which uses costly, experimental carbon capture technology to reduce some smokestack emissions.
ARCH2 claims that blue hydrogen is “clean” energy, that their sprawling complex of heavy industry, fossil-fired power generation, and expanded fracking operations will somehow reduce the region’s net greenhouse gas emission output. That claim is far from the truth. Recent peer-reviewed research on lifecycle emissions shows that, in fact, blue hydrogen has a 20% greater greenhouse gas footprint than burning natural gas or coal directly for heat and some 60% greater than burning diesel oil for heat. And because blue hydrogen uses fracked gas as a feedstock, greenlighting ARCH2 would mean more expanding fracking operations, generating even more pollution and climate-warming emissions.
Yet, as concerned residents prepare for the Department of Energy’s upcoming virtual listening session on ARCH2 — scheduled for March 27 at 6 p.m. — the hydrogen hub has already made significant choices about their plans, including how hydrogen will be produced and what companies are involved. To date, no information about project sites has been publicly provided. For too long, we’ve been kept in the dark. Still, we can’t allow the high-risk, low-reward Appalachian Hydrogen Hub to move forward without making our voice heard.
Sign up to speak at the ARCH2 listening session on March 27 at 6 p.m. to make sure federal officials hear your concerns. Fracking has already had its chance, and ARCH2 just means more of the same — the same pollution and the same broken economic promises. With our region at a crossroads, it’s time to build a better future for our communities. Register at bit.ly/ARCH2-listening-session.
***
Eric Engle is board president of Mid-Ohio Valley Climate Action.
Last Updated: March 18, 2024 by main_y0ke11
Climate Corner: Transition from exploitation to sustainability
Mar 16, 2024
George Banziger
editorial@newsandsentinel.com
The exploitation of Appalachia by outsiders goes all the way back to the days of George Washington, who, prior to serving as our first president, surveyed the lands around the Ohio River for development and ownership by the eastern colonists. Then, in the 1800s, as Steven Stool described in his 2017 book, “Ramp Hollow,” outsiders extracted lumber and coal from the Appalachian forests. One of the justifications for this exploitation was the disparagement of the residents of these areas as degenerate, backward, and ignorant. Fast forward to the 21st Century, and we witness the false promise of natural gas being extracted from the Utica and Marcellus shale deposits and the profits once again going mainly to outsiders.
Many of us who reside in the Mid-Ohio Valley, which is part of the federally designated region of Appalachia (Appalachian Regional Commission) see the need for a transformative economy in West Virginia and eastern Ohio. For many years we have been promised that economic development, jobs, and prosperity would result from the extractive industries of coal, oil, and natural gas and from the profits that these industries generated.
But where are the profits, jobs, and prosperity from these industries going and how much benefit to the Appalachian region accrues from these investments? In a study done by the Ohio River Valley Institute (July 2021) it was reported that from 2008-2019 in the 22 counties in Ohio, in western Pennsylvania, and in West Virginia, which produce 90% of the natural gas in Appalachia, economic prosperity, in terms of jobs, income, and population growth, trailed the U.S. measures of these factors. In that period the number of jobs increased just 1.6%, eight percentage points below the U.S. figure, and personal income was one-third below the national average. The demographics of our region continue to show decline of population as young people choose to leave. In other words, little revenue or benefit from all this activity with natural gas has come to the region. Natural gas extraction and plastics manufacturing are capital-intensive enterprises. What is needed for job creation and sustained prosperity in the region is activity that is labor-intensive and that produces wealth which remains in the region.
Organizations like ReImagine Appalachia and the Ohio River Valley Institute (ORVI) have provided factually based information about the economy in central Appalachia and ideas for what kind of sustainable growth can be achieved. Other groups such as the regional chapters of the Citizens Climate Lobby (CCL) are advocating for federal policies that promote such change toward a transformative economy. And Mid-Ohio Climate Action gives a local voice to these efforts.
There are many opportunities for economic development in Appalachia, even in manufacturing, which can serve as alternatives to extractive industries. Biomaterials, such as hemp, which can be readily grown in the region, can serve as an alternative to plastics. Production of batteries for vehicles which reduce greenhouse gas emissions is another promising idea. “Green steel,” (Power Technology, 2024) made with green hydrogen energy and transported with renewable energy is an option to traditional steel manufacturing. Locating and capping abandoned oil & gas wells can provide many jobs in the region (32,000 such jobs according to ORVI). Controlling methane emissions can generate 155,000 direct sustainable jobs in the region, according to a recent report by ORVI. There are now more jobs in the solar and wind industries in Ohio than in the coal industry (U.S. Energy & Jobs Report, U.S. Department of Energy, 2023). Research on the use of coal tailings to produce rare-earth metals, which are used in electric vehicles and other modern applications, is producing promising results. Parts for wind turbines can be manufactured in Appalachia. Hydrogen, produced from electrolysis, can be developed as a cleaner, safer, and less expensive alternative to coal for electricity production.
Appalachian communities where economic investments are being made should be assured that their communities will receive long-term benefits from any major investments in their areas including the following: that local labor will be hired on construction and manufacturing jobs (to be paid at prevailing wages), that environmental standards will be applied (e.g., clean air and clean water), and that green space and affordable housing will be provided. These assurances have been formalized into community benefit agreements, now a requirement for grant-funded projects supported by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Job-training programs are being developed in Appalachia for those who have been involved with the criminal justice system, through drug-related crimes, and those in drug-treatment programs. These efforts seek to address one of the critical endemic social problems of Appalachia.
***
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, Citizens Climate Lobby, and of the Mid-Ohio Valley Climate Action team.
Posted: March 9, 2024 by main_y0ke11
Climate Corner: Detoxing your home
Mar 9, 2024
Randi Pokladnik
editorial@newsandsentinel.com
Spring is usually the time homeowners decide to take inventory of unnecessary “junk” and clean out closets, garages, and other areas of their homes. It is also a good time to detox your home. We all have items that have outlived their usefulness, but detoxing a home involves looking at the ingredients in items that could be toxic.
Look around in your garage, do you have lawn and garden poisons like glyphosate (Roundup), which was declared a probable carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), or Sevin, which is highly toxic to bees and aquatic species? Contrary to what the pesticide industry tries to tell us, if it kills a weed or a bug, it’s toxic. Rachel Carson warned us in her book “Silent Spring” that we are killing ourselves by using poisons on our foods. Sadly, the take-over of our food by corporations killed family farms and ushered in the cultivation of monocultured crops, which are genetically modified and use more and more toxic chemicals.
It is better for us and the environment to go green and chemical free when it comes to our lawns and gardens. When you go shopping, buy organic produce when possible, paying attention to the dirty dozen; the list of foods that should always be purchased from organic selections. These include strawberries, which can have up to 22 different pesticides and fungicides on them. “Non-organic spinach has more pesticide residues by weight than all other produce tested.” Three-fourths of the spinach samples tested were contaminated with a neurotoxic bug killer banned for use on food crops in Europe.
Our next stop on the detox tour is the bathroom. This might be where you store your house cleaning products. The petrochemical companies tell us we need an arsenal of chemical cleaning products, however, most of your household cleaning can be accomplished with baking soda, vinegar, powdered cleanser, isopropyl alcohol, and Murphy’s Oil Soap. My mom was a red-head with very sensitive skin. She never bought anything with harsh chemicals, and used the above products with great success.
The bathroom can be very toxic. If a personal care product lists multiple ingredients on the label, especially chemical names, this would be a good product to avoid. Phthalates and parabens, which are endocrine disruptors, are often found in hair shampoo, hair conditioners, liquid soaps, nail polish, cosmetics, and lotions. Another catch-all category of ingredients is “parfum.” Many chemicals can be thrown into this category without exposing their real identities. “The word “fragrance” has been protected in the industry for many years as a “trade secret,” meaning that companies do not have to disclose all of the raw materials that make up a fragrance. Better to choose unscented or fragrance-free products. Also avoid PVC shower curtains which out-gas toxic vapors. The EPA Safer Chemical List is a good online site to visit for information.
The kitchen is another place where toxic substances can be eliminated. As I said earlier, try buying organic produce whenever possible and don’t use toxic compounds to clean counters and appliances. Do not use Teflon pots and pans or pure aluminum pans, instead use stainless steel, glass, cast iron, anodized aluminum alloy, or real ceramic pots and pans. Use stainless steel or wooden utensils. Do not use plastic cutting boards, which release tiny particles of plastics with each cut. Store foods in glass. I use my canning jars for leftovers and these can go directly into the microwave, unlike plastic containers which can leach out plasticizers when heated.
Now we come to the last two stops of the toxic home tour, the bedroom and living room. For both areas, avoid carpeting, as many carpets have been sprayed with PFAS containing chemicals to make them stain resistant. “Over four billion pounds of old carpets are annually dumped in American landfills or burned in incinerators, releasing deadly pollutants into the air, soil, and water. Many mattresses, drapes, and upholstery have also been treated to resist stains. Do not buy polyurethane mattresses, instead choose natural fibers for mattresses and pillows. “The polyurethane foam can emit volatile organic compounds, or VOCs; harmful chemicals that can cause respiratory irritation or other health problems. The flame-retardant chemicals used on upholstery are linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and adverse effects on the immune system.” Skip the plug-in air fresheners too, which basically spray toxic chemicals into your air.
Finally, many of us are still unaware that our home basements can be exposing us to deadly Radon gas. “Radon is responsible for 3,000 non-smoker lung-cancer deaths each year.” A smoker who is also exposed to radon gas runs a higher risk of lung cancer. Radon contributes to 21,000 lung-cancer deaths annually. Studies show that Radon gas emissions increase in areas where fracking is taking place. “The closer the distance from homes to shale wells, the higher the radon concentrations.” The fracturing of underlying bedrock releases Radon as well as methane. Consumers can purchase a Radon test kit for around $20 at a hardware store. After the kit is exposed to your basement air for a set number of hours, you will mail it to a certified lab and get the results. The EPA recommends installing a system if your radon level is at or above 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air.
We, along with many of our neighbors, believe our Radon levels increased after fracking started in our area. Luckily, we had thought about radon 20 years prior when we were building our log home and we were ready to install the fan and start pulling a vacuum under our basement floor. Our Radon levels immediately dropped once the system was in operation. You can also purchase a digital Radon detector to monitor Radon levels in your home.
There are other places where toxic products might be hiding in your home. You can search the many reliable online sources to help guide you through detoxing your home.
***
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.
Posted: March 7, 2024 by main_y0ke11
Suggested Readings for March 2024
MOVCA Selected Media Postings February 2024
Compiled by Cindy Taylor
Appearing online in The Marietta Times:
February 26, 2024 Local News by Stephanie Elverd
“Norfolk Southern investors continue criticism over derailment”
https://www.mariettatimes.com/news/2024/02/norfolk-southern-investors-continue-criticism-over-derailment/
February 2, 2024 Business article by Michelle Dillon
“Washington County Commission supports SAI.TECH grant application”
https://www.mariettatimes.com/news/2024/02/washington-county-commission-supports-sai-tech-grant-application/
Appearing online in The Parkersburg News and Sentinel:
February 8, 2023 Community News Staff Reports
“Mid-Ohio Valley Odds and Ends – Documentary Virtual Screening”
https://www.newsandsentinel.com/news/community-news/2024/02/mid-ohio-valley-odds-and-ends-154/
Appearing on WTAP:
February 25, 2024 Feature by Chase Campbell
“U.S. Supreme Court hears case that could impact interstate pollution” On Wednesday, the Supreme Court heard arguments in the case of Ohio v. Environmental Protection Agency.
https://www.wtap.com/2024/02/25/us-supreme-court-hears-case-that-could-impact-interstate-pollution/
February 25, 2024 Feature by Chase Campbell
“Pilot program planned to test hydrogen at Pleasants Power Station”
https://www.wtap.com/2024/02/25/pilot-program-planned-test-hydrogen-pleasants-power-station/
February 18, 2024 Feature by Chase Campbell
“New report highlights concerns and goals for Ohio River Basin waterways”
https://www.wtap.com/2024/02/18/new-report-highlights-concerns-goals-ohio-river-basin-waterways/
Available on the Charleston Gazette-Mail:
See articles by Mike Tony, Environment and Energy Reporter: https://www.wvgazettemail.com/users/profile/mike%20tony/
February 19, 2024 Article by Mike Tony
“FirstEnergy utilities, solar advocates reach net metering agreement in PSC case”
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/energy_and_environment/firstenergy-utilities-solar-advocates-reach-net-metering-agreement-in-psc-case/article_ae8147a1-a02c-57a3-a1f9-dd0e57f3c7ad.html
February 14, 2024 Op-Ed by Eric Engle
“Eric Engle: Tired of dirty games from dirty industries”
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/opinion/op_ed_commentaries/eric-engle-tired-of-dirty-games-from-dirty-industries-opininon/article_91216d42-886c-571e-87f2-7c534d3d04e0.html
February 13, 2024 Article by Mike Tony
“WV House sends bill giving DEP underground CO2 injection well primacy to governor”
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/legislative_session/wv-house-sends-bill-giving-dep-underground-co2-injection-well-primacy-to-governor/article_ffab04d0-1c02-581f-a19d-d909b965b4f0.html
February 10, 2024 Article by Mike Tony
“WV lawmakers siding with gas and oil industry despite heavy consumer costs”
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/legislative_session/wv-lawmakers-siding-with-gas-and-oil-industry-despite-heavy-consumer-costs/article_e08b4bbf-795f-5a72-b495-95e5ed0baee9.html
February 10, 2024 Article by Mike Tony
“WV Senate passes bill to give DEP primacy over underground CO2 injection wells”
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/legislative_session/wv-senate-passes-bill-to-give-dep-primacy-over-underground-co2-injection-wells/article_438ba79e-c34b-52ff-b73e-c3330b16b0d8.html
Available on Associated Press:
February 26, 2024 Article by Samantha Hendrickson
“Ohio commission awards bids to frack oil and gas under state parks, wildlife areas”
https://apnews.com/article/fracking-state-parks-ohio-oil-gas-investigation-c72fae07430e317d34ec801a0c181355
February 21, 2024 Article by Glynis Board
“Form Energy to begin manufacturing iron air batteries in Weirton to stabilize electric grid”
https://www.alleghenyfront.org/weirton-west-virginia-form-energy-storage-batteries-grid/
Available on The Allegheny Front:
February 26, 2024 Article by Julie Grant
“Commission Approves Bids to Frack Ohio’s Largest State Park and Two Wildlife Areas”
https://www.alleghenyfront.org/ohio-commission-approval-fracking-state-parks-wildlife-areas-salt-fork/
Available on National Wildlife Federation:
February 2024 “Restoring the Ohio River: A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity”
https://www.nwf.org/ohioriver
Includes this link to download New Report: Community-Driven Solutions To Restore & Protect Ohio River Basin.
Findings from 31 community listening sessions
https://www.nwf.org/-/media/Documents/PDFs/Waters/Community-Priorities-for-Ohio-River-Basin-Restoration-and-Protection.pdf
See also: available on Ohio River Basin Alliance (ORBA) https://www.orsanco.org/ohio-river-basin-alliance-orba/
February 13, 2024 Press Release from Ohio River Basin Alliance – National Wildlife Federation
“New Report Chronicles Community Concerns, Priorities for Local Waters in Ohio River Basin” Report identifies community-driven restoration priorities to address pollution, clean water concerns in 14-state region.
https://www.orsanco.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/02-13-24-Ohio-River-Listening-Session-Report-Press-Release.pdf
Available on Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission ORSANCO:
2024 Ohio River Basin Day on the Hill Event May 16, 2024 Registration link included
https://www.orsanco.org/orba-ohio-river-basin-hill-day-event/
Available on West Virginia Rivers Coalition:
February 29, 2024 “Action Alert: Tell WVDEP no more toxic discharges into the Ohio River!”
https://wvrivers.org/2024/02/action-alert-no-more-pfas-discharge/
Includes link to fact sheet about Chemours Company’s Water Pollution Control Permit Application No. WV0117986
February 23, 2024 WVRC Policy News
https://wvrivers.org/2024/02/wvrivers-policy-news/
February 23, 2024 “Join Us for Ohio River Webinars”
https://wvrivers.org/2024/02/orb-briefing/
February 21, 2024 “Urgent Action Needed: Comment on Chemours Consent Order by Feb 25!”
https://wvrivers.org/2024/02/action-alert-chemours-optima-belle/
February 17, 2024 “Action Alert: Curb methane emissions, create jobs, and protect public health!”
https://wvrivers.org/2024/02/mec/
February 14, 2024 “Action Alert: Tell the Senate to Vote NO on HB 5018”
https://wvrivers.org/2024/02/nohb5018/
February 2024 Updates from WV Rivers Coalition
https://wvrivers.org/2024/02/february2024enews/
See “Clean Water for All Event Recap” & “A Symbol of Resilience and Community is on the Move” and more
Available on ORVI:
February 28, 2024 Report by Gregory Cumpton and Ted Boettner
“Addressing Methane Emissions in Appalachia: How Many Jobs Will It Take?”
https://ohiorivervalleyinstitute.org/addressing-methane-emissions-in-appalachia/
Includes links to download report, state fact sheets, toolkit, and webinar recording.
Available on ReImagine Appalachia: https://reimagineappalachia.org/events/
Register for upcoming March Virtual Events via Zoom and see recordings & resources available for past events.
March 19, 2024 noon “Natural Infrastructure/ Workforce Development Policy Report Release”
https://reimagineappalachia.org/natural-infrastructure-workforce-development-policy-report-release/
March 14, 2024 noon. “Shelter in the Storm: ReImagining resiliency for your communities & congregations”
https://reimagineappalachia.org/shelter-in-the-storm-reimaging-resiliency-for-your-communities-and-congregations/
March 5, 2024 noon. “Sustainable Manufacturing Co-Ops Report Release”
https://reimagineappalachia.org/sustainable-manufacturing-co-ops-report-release/
February 29, 2024 11AM-1PM “Planning Grants: Getting The Capacity to Build Your Capacity”
https://reimagineappalachia.org/planning-grants-getting-the-capacity-to-build-your-capacity/
February 20, 2024 noon “Appalachia Sustainable Business Network Listening Session”
https://reimagineappalachia.org/appalachian-sustainable-business-network-listening-session/
February 13, 2024 noon “Coalition Update: Appalachian Flooding Policy Platform”
https://reimagineappalachia.org/coalition-biweekly-lunchtime-update/
Sierra Club West Virginia https://www.sierraclub.org/west-virginia
Spring 2024 Mountain State Sierran Newsletter available digitally and can be downloaded.
See articles including on page 7 “Chemours Applies to Continue Causing “Dark Waters” “ by Eric Engle
https://www.sierraclub.org/west-virginia/newsletter
Available on West Virginia Environmental Council (WVEC):
February 10, 2024 “Climate Reality Training in NYC, April 12-14- Application & Scholarship”
https://wvecouncil.org/climate-reality-training-in-nyc-april-12-14-application-scholarship/
February 9, 2024 WVEC Green Legislative Update
https://wvecouncil.org/green-volume-34-issue-5/
Available on West Virginia Citizen Action Group:
February 15, 2024 Action Alert to Support House Bill 5422 for full retail credit Net Metering
“West Virginians Deserve To Be Paid Fairly For The Energy They Produce”
https://wvcag.org/west-virginians-deserve-to-be-paid-fairly-for-the-energy-they-produce/
Links to action through West Virginians For Energy Freedom
Available on Earthjustice:
February 15, 2024 Article by Zahra Ahmad
“A Train Full of Toxic Chemicals Derailed in Her Town. Here’s What Her Community Needs Now.”
https://earthjustice.org/article/a-train-full-of-toxic-chemicals-derailed-in-her-town-heres-what-her-community-needs-now
Available on Toxic Free Future:
February 15, 2024 Letter to President Joe Biden and EPA Administrator Michael Regan
“RE: Recommendations for East Palestine and nearby communities”
https://toxicfreefuture.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Letter-to-President-Biden-and-EPA-Admin-Regan-East-Palestine-Policy-Recommendations.pdf
Note: MOVCA is signatory (over 200+ organizations) to this important letter to President Biden
Available on Environmental Working Group: https://www.ewg.org
February 23, 2024 Article by John E. Reeder (EWG) and Anthony Lacey (EWG)
“Government panel calls for limiting federal purchases of products with ‘forever chemicals’
https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2024/02/government-panel-calls-limiting-federal-purchases-products-forever
See also “Many Companies Market Alternatives for Products that Contain PFAS” (updated January 2024)
https://www.ewg.org/withoutintentionallyaddedpfaspfc
February 14, 2024 Article by Ketura Persellin (EWG) and David Andrews, Ph.D. (EWG)
“ ‘Forever chemicals’: Top 3 ways to lower your exposure”
https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2024/02/forever-chemicals-top-3-ways-lower-your-exposure
Appearing on-line on WV Public Broadcasting or WOUB (PBS) or NPR
February 22, 2024 Article by Curtis Tate Text and audio.
“Chemours Seeks DEP Permission For Tenant To Discharge Chemicals”
https://wvpublic.org/chemours-seeks-dep-permission-to-discharge-chemicals-into-river/
February 13, 2024 Article by Curtis Tate
“Revitalization Of communities Is EPA’s Focus In State, Ortiz Says”
https://wvpublic.org/revitalization-of-communities-is-epas-focus-in-state-ortiz-says/
Available on the U.S. Department of Agriculture:
February 12, 2024 USDA Press release
“Climate Corps, USDA launches New Working Lands Climate Corp to Train Future Conservation and Climate Leaders on Climate-Smart Agriculture”
https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2024/02/12/part-president-bidens-american-climate-corps-usda-launches-new
Available on The Guardian:
February 17, 2024 Article by Oliver Milman
“Very cool: trees stalling effects of global heating in eastern US, study finds”
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/17/us-east-trees-warming-hole-study-climate-crisis
February 15, 2024 Article by Dharna Noor
“ ‘They lied’: plastics producers deceived public about recycling, report reveals”
Includes link to Center for Climate Integrity study.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/15/recycling-plastics-producers-report
February 12, 2024 Article by Dharna Noor
“Certified natural gas is ‘dangerous greenwashing scheme’, US senators say”
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/12/natural-gas-greenwashing-democrats
(Important issue to know about for our region)
Available on Inside Climate News:
February 11, 2023 Article by Keerti Gopal
“How a Climate Group That Has Made Chaos Its Brand Got White House’s Ear”
https://insideclimatenews.org/news/11022024/how-a-climate-group-that-made-chaos-its-brand-got-white-house-attention/
Climate Defiance’s engagement with Joe Manchin included in article.
February 9, 2024 Article by Marianne Lavelle
“Michael Mann’s $1 Million Defamation Verdict Resonates in a Still-Contentious Climate Science World”
https://insideclimatenews.org/news/09022024/michael-mann-defamation-verdict/
February 8, 2024 Article by Amy Green
“EPA Reports ‘Widespread Noncompliance’ With the Nation’s First Regulations on Toxic Coal Ash”
https://insideclimatenews.org/news/08022024/epa-reports-widespread-noncompliance-with-toxic-coal-ash-regulations/
Available on Earthday.org:
February 21, 2024 Article by Lindsey Sparkman
“Chemical Recycling: Savior or Saboteur?”
https://www.earthday.org/chemical-recycling-savior-or-saboteur/
February 12, 2024 Article by Kelley Scott
“Love in Bloom: Eco-Friendly Valentine’s Celebrations”
https://www.earthday.org/love-in-bloom-eco-friendly-valentines-celebrations/
February 11, 2024 Article by Jacquelyn Wells
“East Palestine, Ohio, One Year Later”
https://www.earthday.org/east-palestine-ohio-one-year-later/
February 11, 2024 Article by Lindsey Sparkman
“Unraveling the Impact of Thrifting” Thrifting doesn’t solve the fast fashion problem.
https://www.earthday.org/unraveling-the-impact-of-thrifting/
February 7, 2024 Article by Lindsey Sparkman
“Climate Education Takes Root” NY can inspire climate education in schools across the country.
https://www.earthday.org/climate-education-takes-root/
January 27, 2024 Article by Michael Karapetian
“Guiding You to a Greener Vacation”
https://www.earthday.org/guiding-you-to-a-greener-vacation/
Available on Yale Climate Connections:
February 28, 2024 Article by Lauren Kurtz
“Michael Mann beat his defamers. But climate scientists are still under attack.”
https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2024/02/michael-mann-beat-his-defamers-but-climate-scientists-are-still-under-attack/
February 7, 2024 Article by Laura Thomas-Walters, V. Cologna, E. DE Lange, J. Ettinger, and M. Selinske
“How to speak with your family and friends about environmental issues” A simple guide to getting started.
https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2024/02/how-to-speak-with-your-family-and-friends-about-environmental-issues/
HERE ARE A FEW MORE ARTICLES OF INTEREST:
Available on VOLTS.WTF:
February 14, 2024 Podcast by David Roberts. A conversation with Reps. Sean Casten and Mike Levin.
“The Democrats’ new consensus bill would supercharge transmission”
https://www.volts.wtf/p/the-democrats-new-consensus-bill
Informative discussion about permitting reform legislation- Clean Electricity and Transmission Acceleration Act (CETA)
Available on the Science & Environmental Health Network:
February 26, 2024 Article by Ted Schettler, Science Director SEHN
“Competing for Water, Driving Climate Change”
https://www.sehn.org/sehn/2024/2/23/competing-for-water-driving-climate-change
February 26, 2024 Article by Sandra Steingraber, SEHN Senior Scientist
“Repercussion Section: Thoughts on Groundwater”
https://www.sehn.org/sehn/2024/2/23/repercussion-section-thoughts-on-groundwater
Available on YaleEnvirionment360:
February 29, 2024 Article by Boyce Upholt
“In Rush for Lithium, Miners Turn to Oil Fields of Arkansas”
https://e360.yale.edu/features/arkansas-direct-lithium-extraction
Posted: March 2, 2024 by main_y0ke11
Climate Corner: Where have all the flowers gone?
Mar 2, 2024
Linda Eve Seth
editorial@newsandsentinel.com
What a lonely place it would be to have a world without a wildflower! — Roland R Kemler
***
Think about climate change. If you’ve been paying attention, you are likely picturing devastating floods, raging wildfires, melting glaciers, or parched earth. Few of us would think of the lovely, delicate wildflowers in nearby meadows as victims of climate change. But recent studies suggest the future of these pretty blooms may be dismal as a result of our warming planet.
For short-lived spring wildflowers (known as ephemerals), such as rue anemone, trillium, or Dutchman’s breeches, timing is everything. These fleeting plants grow in temperate forests around the world (West Virginia is home to a remarkable abundance of the delightful beauties.), leafing out and flowering early in spring before the trees above them leaf out and block the sunlight. Emerge too early, and it will still be winter; emerge too late, and it will be too shady under the forest canopy for the essential process of photosynthesis to take place.
Over their evolutionary history, these plants have figured out the best timing for their survival. But climate change is altering spring growing conditions, and in order to survive, plant life is changing along with it.
When scientists considered phenology — the timing of biological events — they found that trees in their studies were more sensitive to spring temperatures than wildflowers were, which has resulted in earlier tree leaf-out, reducing available light below in the understory, and making a less than ideal environment for spring ephemerals.
This pattern has been found to be common across three continents, North America, Asia, and Europe. Trees and wildflowers are active earlier now than in the past, especially in warm years and places. An analysis of over 400 plant species found that the average first flowering date from 1987 to present is a full month earlier than the average first flowering date from prior to 1986. That period coincides with accelerating global warming.
My personal experience and subsequent concerns arise from years of searching annually for spring ephemerals and recording the dates of my initial sightings of those beauties growing within 1/2 mile of my house in rural Ritchie County. Each year, from March through May, I find 80-85 different kinds of blooming wildflowers! Every year over the past decade, I have dutifully recorded the date I first noticed a species blooming. By reviewing my own charts, I see that in just that short period of time, most of the wildflowers in my corner of the world are blooming 2-4 weeks EARLIER than they did just 10 years ago. The greatest shifts have occurred in the past 4-5 years.
Although the sight of the first spring flowers is always special, this earlier flowering can have consequences for the ecosystems and agriculture. Other species (birds, bugs …) that synchronize their migration or hibernation can be left without the flowers and plants they rely on which can lead to biodiversity loss if populations cannot adapt quickly enough. Recent studies conducted in California have recorded a decline of wildflower species by 15% in 15 years.
The impact of climate change involves more than just losing the visual beauty of these wildflowers. As pollinator plants, wildflowers help to support declining bee populations as well as helping maintain a healthy population of other bugs which are paramount when growing fruits and vegetables; e.g. strawberries, raspberries, cherries, apples, and nuts.
Wildflowers supply seeds, insects, and other food for wildlife. On croplands and in forests wildflowers also provide erosion control and aid the management and filtering of storm-water. Their root systems create a natural groundwater filtration system and reduce the impacts of drought.
A study completed in 2022, has found that climate change not only reduces the abundance of wildflowers but causes them to produce less nectar and fewer and lighter seeds. These changes also impact pollinating insects visiting the flowers; they have to visit more flowers, more frequently, in order to gather the required food.
Some researchers warn that wildflowers may be doomed to fade away in coming decades. Due to our warming climate, trees in North American forests are leafing out earlier and earlier each spring. For the wildflowers on the forest floor, searching for energy from the sun, all that extra shady foliage could end up causing a lot of harm.
Not even those delicate, picturesque wildflowers are safe from the effects of climate change.
Until next time, be kind to your Mother Earth.
***
Linda Eve Seth, SLP, M.Ed. is a mother, grandmother, concerned citizen and member of Mid-Ohio Valley Climate Action
Posted: February 28, 2024 by main_y0ke11
Stop all LNG projects
2/28/2024
Randi Pokladnik
Canton Repository
The recent op-ed in The Hill, titled “Biden’s LNG decision will make it harder to reach our climate goals,” by Tim Ryan and Mary Landrieu, claims that “without natural gas as a foundation,” we cannot meet our climate goals.
The science is clear. We need immediate, concrete solutions to the climate crisis. We do not need a “bridge fuel.” Carbon capture and hydrogen hubs, funded by taxpayer dollars only serve to prop up fossil fuels and avoid transitioning to real solutions.
They are not proven to work at scale, are expensive, and do not address the increasing methane emissions from fracking. Liquified natural gas facilities release carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and volatile organic compounds like the carcinogen benzene.
Ohio’s southeastern counties have become sacrificial zones as fracked gas heads to coastal export hubs. The 9th “Compendium of Scientific, Medical, and Media Findings Demonstrating Risks and Harms of Fracking,” said “there is 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. It 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 Inflation Reduction Act include “the installation of new doors, windows, skylights, insulation, heat pumps, installation of residential solar, small-scale wind, geothermal heat pumps, home battery storage, and fuel cell energy systems,” projects to help citizens and the planet.
Posted: February 24, 2024 by main_y0ke11
Climate Corner: Paradise threatened
Feb 24, 2024
Rebecca Phillips
editorial@newsandsentinel.com
As winter drags on in the Mid-Ohio Valley, many of us dream of escaping to tropical climes until spring. Since retiring, I have been lucky enough to do just that, spending several winters in the Yucatan peninsula, home to lovely people, peaceful beaches, scores of Mayan ruins, and 400+ species of birds. I am not the only one: in the winter months, snowbirds from the U.S. and Canada increase the population of the Progreso area by more than 10%, and the resort city of Cancun draws millions of vacationers every year. Culturally minded tourists flock to World Heritage sites like Chichen Itzo and Calakmul, while nature lovers come here to view the flamingos, motmots, and other gorgeous tropical birds.
Unfortunately, this beautiful region is one of those most threatened by climate change. Its geology and its location in the hurricane belt explain why. The Yucatan peninsula is a nearly flat limestone slab between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean sea, with no place here more than a few feet above sea level and a water table that lies close to the surface, rendering it vulnerable to hurricanes and flooding.
The last few years have not been kind. As the world’s scientists have noted, warmer oceans are leading to more and stronger hurricanes. In 2020, the year of the pandemic, Yucatan experienced three tropical storms and two hurricanes in four months, along with record-breaking rainfall. Merida, the capital city, experienced serious flooding in a number of areas, with streets underwater, homes inundated, power out, parking garages rendered useless, and a section of its major underpass closed for weeks. With a new Category 6 proposed as a designation for the stronger hurricanes of the last few years, the situation is likely to worsen.
Hurricanes are not required for flooding in this vulnerable land. The winter storms known as Nortes are becoming more frequent due to changes in the atmospheric currents, meaning that the rainy season lasts longer. With the aquifers full, water has no place to go except across the surface. Just last week, a friend sent photos showing the Gulf of Mexico at the top of the steps leading to her terrace and the sand road next to her home completely underwater. Increased development in the area and an expansion of the Progreso pier, combined with the higher sea levels, have caused serious erosion of some areas of the coast. A longtime resident reports the loss of ten feet or more of beach near her home in the last decade.
The winds associated with these winter storms are also becoming stronger. Yucatan Magazine reported that the Feb. 5 storm brought winds of 75 mph — literally hurricane strength in what is not supposed to be hurricane season — due to an atmospheric cold front reaching the record-warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. In addition to extensive flooding and property damage, at last report two fishing boats and the five men who crewed them were still missing. Weather forecasters are warning of more such storms this winter.
In a 2023 Washington Post interview, Yucatan governor Mauricio Vila stated that “important. . . [parts] of Yucatan and the Yucatan Peninsula will disappear in the next hundred years.” Yes, you read that right: the conservative-party governor of the state has admitted that climate change-induced sea level rise and flooding will cause some of the area’s fabled beaches to vanish in the possible lifetimes of children born today.
Too much water is not the only problem. Salvador Flores Guido, research professor at the Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan, has noted that both summer temperatures and periods of drought have increased here, leading to crop failures, livestock deaths, and water shortages. With almost no surface water, the population of Yucatan depends on groundwater and an extensive system of underground lakes called cenotes for its water supply. Sea level rise is causing saltwater intrusion into this fragile supply, and a corresponding reduction in freshwater availability. Professor Guido is also concerned about an increase in tropical diseases and heat-related deaths, especially in rural areas.
This place that so many view as paradise is in danger of being lost.
***
Rebecca Phillips is a WVU Parkersburg retiree and a member of Mid-Ohio Valley Climate Action and the Green Sanctuary Committee of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Marietta.
Last Updated: March 7, 2024 by main_y0ke11
Property rights take a back seat to fossil fuel profits
February 19, 2024
Dr. Randi Pokladnik
LTE Columbus Dispatch
Ohio pro-fossil-fuel laws are enabling both public and private lands to be exploited by out-of-state fossil fuel companies. In 2022, House Bill 507 was passed during the 2022 General Assembly “lame duck” session.
This bill did not accept public comments and opened up public lands for fracking leases.
The Oil and Gas Land Management Commission disregarded the nine criteria contained in the statute, the vocal disagreement of over 100 informed, angry Ohio citizens, and the peer-reviewed health and environmental studies.
Private lands are also open for fracking as citizens can be forced to participate in oil and gas development via a forced pooling or mandatory unitization action. Our family was recently notified that our land is no longer exclusively ours, but instead is a part of a unitization parcel.
The chief of the Division of Oil and Gas at ODNR approves a mandatory pooling application by considering correlative rights; providing for effective development and use; and promoting conservation of oil and gas. Environmental harms or health effects are not considered.
Landowners have the choice between participating in the drilling unit or nonparticipating and risking penalties. In Ohio, citizens’ property rights take a back seat to fossil fuel profits.
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