Today’s Essential Reads
FRACKING:
Fracking in New York: Is It Worth The Risk?
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is weighing a proposal to allow hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” in several communities in New York State. Residents are deeply divided over the controversial drilling method. Supporters of “fracking” say it would give a much-needed financial boost to the affected communities. Those against it argue that the health and environmental risks far outweigh the rewards.
North Carolina Governor Rejects Fracking Law
North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue on Sunday vetoed legislation that would have lifted a ban on hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, and opened the door to shale gas exploration in that state.
Perdue Vetoes Bid to Start Gas Fracking in N.C.
Governor Bev Perdue vetoed legislation Sunday that would allow a form of shale gas exploration called fracking in North Carolina, saying the measure did too little to protect drinking water, landowners and local governments.
Steve Israel: Town Laws May Factor in Permits for Fracking
We know that bans on gas drilling in Sullivan County towns like Bethel, Tusten, and Lumberland will likely will mean no drilling in those towns — just as a recent board vote in the Town of Delaware could allow drilling there.
BP OIL SPILL:
The Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) Trustees this week offered a glimpse into the world of scientists working to assess injuries caused by the April 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill on the world’s most endangered sea turtle, the Kemp’s ridley. Assessment work includes field and laboratory tests to determine oil-related turtle exposure and satellite tracking via transmitters attached to turtles that come ashore to nest and lay eggs.
Sen. Mary Landrieu Talks Success of the RESTORE Act
Senator Mary Landrieu, D-La. spoke out on the success of a key piece of legislation she sponsored that would bring more money to the state after the BP oil spill.
Two Years After BP Oil Spill, RESTORE Act Becomes Law
Two years, two months, and nine days after the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon off the coast of Louisiana, the RESTORE Act is on it’s way to becoming law. Thanks to the hard work of Senators in several Gulf Coast states, the Act was included in the final version of the Highway Bill, and was today passed by both chambers of Congress.
GAO Urges More Research on Oil Spill Dispersants
The Government Accountability Office says more research is needed on possible environmental problems that could result from using dispersants to break up an oil spill, as BP PLC did after the disastrous 2010 spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
RADIATION:
Japan Restarts First Nuclear Plant After Post-Fukushima Shutdown
Japan restarted nuclear power production Sunday for the first time since shutting down all the country’s reactors in the wake of the Fukushima Daiichi meltdown after last year’s devastating tsunami.
