Otero Mesa - the new frontier for oil exploration

Despite opposition by New Mexico's governor, citizens and attorney general the Bush administration approved expansion of oil and gas exploration in Otero Mesa grassland, the largest source of untapped groundwater in New Mexico.

Richardson, the former secretary of Energy in the Clinton Administration stated, "I am very disappointed by the Bush administration's failure to respect New Mexico's position on oil and gas leasing in this precious, sensitive and world renowned area."

One of the most contested issues is the amount of water that will be used for oil and gas production and the quality of the water after it is used. Energy companies pump large amounts of groundwater while operating the oil well. The water after use is sometimes contaminated with saline or petroleum byproducts.

According to the Bureau of Land Management approximately 100 wells have been drilled in the last 100 years, and only two have produced oil or gas. Otero Mesa's production potential has been classified as low to moderate.

Where There's Oil, There's Oil Spills

Latest Alaskan Oil Spill Provides More Evidence that Critical Ecosystems such as the Arctic Refuge Should Be Preserved

On December 7, a Malaysian freighter spilled over 300,000 gallons of oil into the Alaskan Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. This spill, which the Alaska Oceans Program has called "clearly the worst economic and environmental disaster since the 11 million gallon Exxon Valdez spill in 1989", has demonstrated once again that oil development inevitably leads to significant environmental damage.

Congressional debate is likely to begin soon on whether to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling. Environmentalists must send a clear message to Congress that our most unique and valuable wilderness areas must be preserved free from development.

Canada Considers Adopting California's Emission Standards

Paul Rogers of the San Jose Mercury News reported that on January 17, 2005 the Canadian ministers of environment and transportation visited California on Monday to learn more about the rules, requiring auto companies to reduce emission of gases that contribute to global warming.

The single biggest step to curbing global warming is to raise the fuel economy of light trucks and passenger cars. However recent attempts to raise the CAFE (corporate average fuel economy) standards have consistently stalled in Congress during the past dozen years, as the auto industry, the Bush administration and some Detroit Democrats have worked hard to block tougher mileage standards.

If Canada joins the eight U.S. states that have already adopted California's emission standards there is a great chance that the U.S. automakers who have challenged the state's rules in court, will be forced to build more fuel efficient vehicles.

Ford Agrees to Sell EV Trucks

Seven days into the Sacramento based EV vigil, Ford Motor Company committed to reversing its decision to repossess and destroy its last zero emission Ranger EVs. Ford's director of sustainable business strategies, agreed that Ford would keep its original promise to sell the pollution-free pickup trucks to its loyal lessees.

Climate protection advocates, healthcare professionals and others intent to remain in vigil at the downtown Sacramento dealer until Ford formally announces their decision.

For more information, check out Ecopledge's Ford coalition partners website at Jumpstart Ford.

Ford Ranger EV Drivers Resist Repossesion

Today in Sacramento, Ford electric vehicle (EV) drivers, climate protection advocates, healthcare professionals and others began a "EV vigil" to protest Ford's confiscation and destruction of its all electric, zero-emission Ranger pickup trucks.

Dave Raboy, an EV driver, states," People stop me on the street all the time and ask how to get their own electric pick up truck. When I tell them that Ford is refusing to sell me mine and crushing the rest of its EVs, they are infuriated."

But Ford says it's calling them in because the company's focus has shifted to hybrid vehicles.

For more information, check out Ecopledge's Ford coalition partners website at Jumpstart Ford.

NY State Power Plants Agree to Reduce Coal Emissions

Michael Cooper, of the New York Times reported today that the operators of six coal-burning power plants in upstate New York agreed to reduce their smog causing emissions. These actions, at these plants alone, will be the equivalent of removing 2.5 million vehicles from the New York state's roads, as well as every diesel truck in the country. By installing filters, switching to "cleaner" burning coal and shutting down some of the oldest and most inefficient units more than half the amount of sulfur dioxide, the main cause of acid rain, will be released. Nitrogen oxide emissions will also be slashed by a fifth.

The Uncertanity of GE

Mark Shapiro, writer for the "Nation" explores the uncertainties of genetic engineering. Shapiro begins this article by exploring how GE strains made it into fields in this remote Mexican city and discusses the implications GE crops have on farmers both North and South.

The article then moves into a discussion on how GE technology is actually implemented today and where it may be headed tomorrow.

This article is a wealth of information for anyone interested in knowing more about GE foods their potential contributions and risks to the world's food supply.

ConocoPhillips Leaves Arctic Refuge Lobbying Group

Ecopledge, on behalf of Green Century Capital Management, won a significant victory for the Arctic Refuge when ConocoPhillips, Alaska's largest oil producer, withdrew from Arctic Power, a lobbying group that seeks to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling. This decision demonstrates that the company does not see the Refuge as a priority. ConocoPhillips' decision could have an impact on the upcoming Congressional debate over drilling in the pristine wilderness area. Debate is expected to take place as early as February.

The story was covered by many news outlets, including the Wall St. Journal, NPR, and CBS Marketwatch.