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Earth Month Revisited

-- Andrew Snow -- 04/30/2008

Today is the last day of ‘Earth Month’ - you know, the month that has Earth Day. It’s nice to see the expansion of the theme from day, to week, to month. Of course, it’s up to each of us to make sure that the values of a sustainable world and brighter future are considered all year - but we’ve certainly got a good start. One thing I found truly encouraging this month: well over 300 Iowa Global Warming Campaign supporters attended at least one event statewide - and we’ve got more coming up, check our calendar to find an event near you.

Another thing I’m excited about is the Amtrak study released this month clearly demonstrating the feasibility and demand for rail service from Chicago to Iowa City through the Quad Cities. Governor Culver added his support for the plan: “Rail service has tremendous advantages in terms of reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and foreign sources of oil; slowing the growth of highway congestion and associated pollution; energy conservation; and lifestyle enhancement through improved mobility for persons who either cannot or simply do not want to drive or fly. That’s why passenger rail service has a bright future in America and why we are going to have to give it a higher priority in moving people to Iowa"

Des Moines Register article here: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080418/NEWS/80418007/1001/

Show your support (very easily!) here: http://actionnetwork.org/campaign/iatrains

There are other signs of change, though some are coming more slowly than we might like (or need!) for them to happen. And even among discouraging news there can be a glimmer of hope. This year’s legislative session was a disappointment to all observers: Culver introduced an energy plan that would have put us much farther down the road to a renewable and energy-efficient future - but didn’t get anywhere near passing the legislature. But we did get some ‘baby steps’ on energy efficiency and ‘green’ building design; as well as a $25 million appropriation for the Power Fund. The IUB just approved another step forward for the Marshalltown coal plant; but included requirements for increased use of renewables and carbon sequestration. Good? No. Better? Somewhat. And the fight’s not over yet.

So, with Earth Month over but a sustainable future still unrealized, we need to do more. Please, take the time to get involved - or be more involved. Write a letter to the editor of your paper, or your representative, come to an event, volunteer. If you aren’t exactly sure how best to get involved, send me an email or give us a call at the office. It’s our mission to help you make a difference.

Andrew

asnow@iowaglobalwarming.org

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by Andrew Snow

Well, it's finally spring. No, really, I'm pretty sure spring is going to stay this time. So, now that you've got the option to get outside, what are you going to do? One good place to start is Bike to Work Week (http://www.bikeiowa.com), which is a weeklong series of events highlighting the benefits of riding a bike rather than driving your car. Simple solutions such as bike transportation help put us on a path to reducing global warming pollution - not to mention the path to better health and happier lives. I'll be biking into work this week, and I hope you'll join me in taking this small step.

While I'm talking about transportation... Read More

Comments (0)

by Andrew Snow

Today is the last day of ‘Earth Month’ - you know, the month that has Earth Day. It’s nice to see the expansion of the theme from day, to week, to month. Of course, it’s up to each of us to make sure that the values of a sustainable world and brighter future are considered all year - but we’ve certainly got a good start. One thing I found encouraging this month: well over 300 Iowa Global Warming Campaign supporters attended at least one event statewide - and we’ve got more coming up, check our calendar to find an event near you.

Another thing I’m excited about is the Amtrak study released this month clearly demonstrating the feasibility and demand for rail service from Chicago to Iowa City through the Quad Cities...