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The EPA reported a 15% drop in GHG emissions from 2000-2009, a 21% drop per capita. What do you think could have caused this, or what explains the shocking numbers?

For those who aren't convinced that action at the individual level is the best focus of our energy and/or activism: "Management and recycling of industrial products and materials are key priority areas. While typically not seen by the general public or part of most of our daily lives, these wastes are often generated in large volumes. Learn about EPA initiatives, such as the Coal Combustion Partnership Program, and the recycling and beneficial use of industrial byproducts generated during manufacturing processes.

One of the cornerstones of the early modern environmental movement, the Clean Air Act is now forty years old.  This brief article reviews events around the 40th anniversary and discusses controversial extensions to control carbon dioxide emissions.

A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet This grant is open to college student applications with proposals for in the following areas: Energy, Built Environment, Materials and Chemicals, Water, Agriculture. Anticipated Type of Award: Grant Estimated Number of Awards: Approximately 64 awards for Phase I; Approximately 15 awards for Phase II Anticipated Funding Amount: Approximately $2,310,000 total for all Phase I & II grant awards. Potential Funding per Award: Up to $15,000 per Phase I grant including direct and indirect costs. Any proposals requesting an award of more than $15,000 will not be considered. Proposals for Phase I grants must be for only one year. Upon the successful completion of Phase I, grant recipients will have the opportunity to apply for a P3 Phase II grant of up to $90,000 total for two years including direct and indirect costs (see Background section for more information). Proposals for Phase II grants requesting an award of more than $90,000 will not be considered. Cost-sharing is not required for either Phase I or Phase II grants. Anyone interested in working on a proposal? Permaculture garden/research center maybe? Sustainability House? Others?

The EPA has unveiled new, more stringent standards for coal-burning power plants. Their main argument for the regulations is for health purposes, not to penalize the industry. However, manufacturers argue that "stringent, unrealistic regulations such as these will curb the recent economic growth we have seen," and create job loss and plant closures.

We all have heard the phrase "job-killing" applied to environmental regulations, and many may roll their eyes. But how exactly does one assess benefits and costs of regulations, and what sort of time/space frame will various interests allow in calculating benefits/costs? This takeoff on recent Obama decisions suggests some complexities.

A couple of weeks ago, Obama asked that the Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards be withdrawn until they are up for scientific review in 2013. This article by the Economist provides a view that weighs the jobs more heavily than the environmental impacts. I know that this article is more politics-minded, but I still wish they provided a projected environmental impact or pollution data. The author instead focuses on what this move means for Obama as we near the 2012 run for presidency.

For anyone looking to see what the proposed budget cuts might mean for national parks, the EPA, various clean this-and-that regulations, and more.

More details: http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2011/0405/Five-ways-House-Republicans-are-striking-fear-in-environmentalists/Greenhouse-gases-and-farm-dust