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I’ve been interested in Environmental issues since college and this story needs to continue to get repetition in the public for the implications that Mercury poisoning can cause. Excerpt:
A federal study of mercury contamination released Wednesday found the toxic substance in every fish tested at nearly 300 streams across the country, a finding that underscores how widespread mercury pollution has become.
and
“This is showing that the problem is much more widespread,” said Sonya Lunder, a senior analyst for the Environmental Working Group, which has pushed for stronger advisories on consumption of mercury-laden fish and controls on the sources of mercury pollution. “If you are living in an area that doesn’t have a mercury advisory, you should use caution.”
Full AP Story Here
The practice of “midnight regulations” is not a new one. Clinton and Bush Sr. both used the practice to place pardons, enact favoritism laws and pass a whole slew of deregulations. Bush Dub, takes it of course to a new level with wide sweeping changes. The Environment was a key target in many, as it was all through out the Bush years. It will take years of work, law and social change to make up for the changes Bush has implemented.
National Geographic reviews the regulations and effect of each. Here’s a summary:
1. Power Plants Encouraged Near Parks—RESCINDED!! so SCORE!
2. Mountaintop Mining Waste Allowed in Waterways – FAIL
3. Three New Marine Monuments Designated – SCORE!
4. Two Million Acres Opened to Oil Shale Development – FAIL
5. Factory-Farm Pollution Controls Diminished – FAIL
6. Scientific Review Now Optional for Development in Sensitive Habitats – FAIL
7. Hazardous Waste Reclassified as Nonhazardous – FAIL
8. Fishing Businesses to Regulate Themselves—RESCINDED!! so SCORE!
9. Plants Can Increase Pollution Output More Easily – FAIL
10. Mining Public Lands Made Easier – FAIL
11. Oil and Gas Leases Auctioned Off at Last Minute – FAIL
Bush’s midnight flurry reflects the priorities of an administration that has consistently placed industry interests over environmental protections and public health.
“It’s business as usual [for the Bush Administration]. And in this day and age, we can’t afford that any more,” Republican conservationist DiPeso said.
Defenders of Wildlife’s Irvin agreed. “What this reflects is a shameful record of the most anti-environment administration in the history of the United States,” he said.