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DOE reveals delays in plutonium disposition program
Environmental review contract revisions postpone fate of mismanaged plutonium fuel program into 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Key decisions about the Department of Energy’s program on the disposal of surplus weapons plutonium face additional significant delays, according to documents released by the department. The delays mean that the fate of the… Read More
Froman fails to get political level Trans Pacific trade agreement
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the latest round of Trans Pacific Partnership trade negotiations concluded in Bali, Indonesia, and U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman failed to get the “political level” agreement that he sought. This should is not a surprise. The negotiating parties are not even close to agreement on major… Read More
Nuclear loan guarantees face continued delays
Among the multitude of deadlines missed by the federal government this week is the decision whether or not to finalize an $8.3 billion loan guarantee to expand the Plant Vogtle Nuclear Generating Station near Waynesboro, Ga. September 30 marks the fifth time that the Department of Energy has extended the… Read More
A polluted process: Keystone XL, the State Department and conflicts of interest
As proponents threaten debt showdown, Obama awaits outcome of tainted review WASHINGTON, D.C. – In their latest reckless gambit, Republicans in Congress are threatening to shut down the government unless President Obama fast-tracks approval of the Keystone XL pipeline. The White House insists the President won’t make a decision until… Read More
Intergovernmental panel releases fifth climate assessment
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the world’s premier body for the assessment of climate change, released its Fifth Assessment Report from “working group one,” which covers physical science. In response, Friends of the Earth U.S. Climate and Energy director Benjamin Schreiber, issued the following statement:… Read More
Court rules that federal agency failed to protect thousands of whales and dolphins from Navy sonar
EUREKA, Calif. — A federal court has ruled that National Marine Fisheries Service failed to protect thousands of whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, and sea lions from U.S. Navy warfare training exercises along the coasts of California, Oregon and Washington. In an opinion released late Wednesday, Magistrate Judge Nandor Vadas, U.S. Read More
Obama takes first step on climate change
Friends of the Earth applauds this long overdue first step to protect our climate WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Obama administration proposed the first ever standards to limit carbon pollution from new U.S. power plants. Emissions standards on power plants are an important piece of a comprehensive climate plan, but… Read More
Department of Energy misses target for second round of grants for small modular reactors
No announcement to be made on September 17 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the Department of Energy missed its target for announcing the recipient of a $226 million grant to design and license a “small modular reactor,” often referred to as an SMR. This delay points to trouble with the theoretical… Read More
Statement on Larry Summers’ withdrawal from Fed consideration
Below is a statement from Friends of the Earth President Erich Pica on the Larry Summers’ withdrawal from consideration for chair of the Federal Reserve. “Larry Summers’ withdrawal from consideration for the chair of the Federal Reserve is a victory for working families, the environment, women and those who suffered… Read More
Groups call on Senator Pavley to withdraw flawed fracking bill
Dangerous new amendments undermine existing environmental law SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Following Friday’s adoption of anti-environmental amendments to Senate Bill 4, the only remaining bill in the California legislature addressing hydraulic fracturing, major environmental, consumer and progressive groups including Sierra Club, Food & Water Watch, MoveOn.org Civic Action, CREDO, Friends of the Earth,… Read More