According to Renewable Energy Magazine:
Regulators in the state of Maine have set the terms of a 20 year contract to distribute electricity being harvested from the movements of ocean tides — the first long-term power purchase agreement for tidal energy in the US.
For the balance of the article, go to:
http://www.renewableenergymagazine.com/renewableenergy/magazine/index
You can also receive a free edition of the magazine online!
Posted in environment, general interest, green jobs, ocean energy, renewable energy
Tagged Maine, ocean energy, renewable energy, tidal power
Good News about Animal Rights in 2009
1.Largest Dog Fighting Operation Rescue
In July a coordinated effort between humane organizations and law enforcement agencies led to the raid and closure of dog fighting operations in four states. More than 20 people were arrested and nearly 500 dogs were rescued.
The raid was historic on many levels. It was the largest multi-state raid in U.S. history and it was the first time the temperament of every dog was evaluated by experts to determine which pit bulls could be rehabilitated. Two-thirds of the former fighting dogs were placed with rescue groups or in foster homes – with the goal of adopting them into new families.
2.Two More States Added Puppy Mill Laws
Both Wisconsin and Pennsylvania were notorious for the large number of puppy mills in their states. Their lack of supervision for commercial breeders led to the suffering of many dogs. But this year both states implemented laws to protect the well-being of the dogs and put restrictions on the owners of puppy mills. They joined Arizona, Connecticut, Indiana, Maine, Nebraska, Oregon, Tennessee and Washington which already have laws in place.
3.President Obama Reverses Change to Endangered Species Act
Before leaving office in 2008, President Bush made a last minute change to the Endangered Species Act. It enabled government agencies to decide on their own whether new dams, logging or mining operations posed a threat to endangered animals. Prior to this amendment new projects had to have a “threat assessment” from government biologists. President Obama reversed this modification keeping the Endangered Species Act straight on course.
4.California Bans Declawing
A funny thing happened in the State of California this year when a statewide law was passed that prohibited local municipalities from voting on bans to declaw cats. Apparently the local cities and counties didn’t like being told what to do by the state, so during the small window of time when the law was passed and when it went into effect, many town boards quickly voted for local ordinances. This led to an overwhelming number of new laws that will protect cats from the painful surgery – now and in the future.
5.Cockfighting Illegal in all 50 States
When the legislature in Louisiana voted this year to ban cockfighting, it happily brought all 50 states into compliance. Now cockfighting is an illegal activity in every state in the country.
To read the whole article, go to: http://www.care2.com/causes/animal-welfare/blog/favorite-animal-rights-achievements-in-2009/
Please share your good news about the environment, animal rights, human rights or even from your own family. This is the time of year to spread good cheer!
Posted in animals, charity/activism
Tagged animal rights, Arizona, California, cats, cockfighting, Connecticut, declawing, dog fighting, endangered species, Indiana, Maine, Nebraska, Oregon, Pennsylvania, puppy mills, Tennessee, Washington, Wisconsin
