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Obama Meets with S.C. Conservationists

-- Emma -- 10/01/2007

Presidential candidate Barack Obama took about forty-five minutes on Sunday to meet with leaders of South Carolina’s most prominent conservation groups. Senator Obama outlined his environmental positions and solicited feedback on how to bring the issues home to primary voters in South Carolina.

Obama said that his concern for the environment dates from his childhood in Hawaii-a beautiful place with a fragile ecosystem-and has been reinforced by his oldest daughter’s problems with asthma. As president, he said he plans to reverse much of the damage done by the Bush Administration by reviewing and reversing problematic executive orders, ensuring that the Environmental Protection Agency is fully funded and staffed to carry out its intended work, and strengthening and enforcing the Clean Air and Water Acts.

However, Obama’s top environmental priority is fighting climate change. His plans in this area include raising automobile fuel efficiency, instituting a national renewable electricity standard, and using a primarily auction-based cap-and-trade system to cut carbon emissions 80 percent by 2050. His energy plan, which he expects to release shortly, will also include concrete interim goals. Obama does not categorically oppose nuclear power or liquid coal as sources of energy, but believes that dealing with the environmental impacts of these fuels is essential before moving forward.

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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

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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...