EPA Unsure Of Longterm Effects Of Dispersants In Gulf

Robert Hune-Kalter - Talk Radio News Service

According to an EPA official, it may take time to determine the permanent environmental effects of the chemical dispersants used by BP to combat the massive oil spill off the Gulf Coast.

“The long-term effects on aquatic life are still significantly unknown and BP has used over 1.8 million gallons of dispersants, a volume never before used in the United States,” Dr. Paul Anastas, the Assistant Administrator for Research and Development at the EPA, said during a hearing Wednesday with the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.

While the use of dispersants has been criticized by many environmentalists, Anastas explained that the dispersants are keeping oil off the beaches of the Gulf and away from sensitive ecosystems.

Anastas asserted that the oil spill has made it evident that additional research is needed.

“We want to have more science, more data, [and] more testing, upfront, so when we’re making decisions in an emergency situation, you have that data [and] you have that perspective at your fingertips,” he said.

Senate Democrats Rail Against Murkowski Resolution

By Linn Grubbstrom
Talk Radio News Service

Before the Senate voted on Sen. Lisa Murkowski's (R-Alaska) Environmental Protection Agency disapproval resolution earlier today, Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Tom Udall (D-N.M), called for rejecting the measure, which would block the EPA from regulating greenhouse gas emissions.

"A vote for this resolution would force the United States to use another 450 million barrels of oil, most of which would be imported," said Udall. "A vote for this resolution would let special interests continue to profit while Americans pay the prices. And a vote for this resolution would put at risk landscapes and water supplies."

Udall argued that the disaster caused by a massive oil spill almost two months ago in the Gulf of Mexico should be enough of a warning sign to reject the resolution. Merkley added that the only benefactors of the resolution would be large oil companies.

"What benefits Big Oil is not in the interests of the citizens of the United States, not in the interests of the economy of the United States, not in the interests of the national security of the United States," he said.

Senate rules dictate that Murkowski only needs a simple majority of votes to pass her resolution. So far, the Alaska Republican has 40 co-sponsors, including three Democrats -- Sens. Blanche Lincoln (Ark.), Ben Nelson (Neb.) and Mary Landrieu (La.).

Update: Murkowski's resolution was defeated on Thursday by a vote of 47-53.

Boxer: America Is Taking Action On Climate Change

Travis Martinez, University of New Mexico/Talk Radio News Service

As leaders from across the world converge in Copenhagen for climate change talks, Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) a lead proponent in climate change, explained Monday that America has been making changes that the rest of the world should follow.

“Take a look at America, because what you see, will please you,” Boxer said.

Boxer stressed in her remarks that America has stepped up their efforts from the state and local government fronts, to consumer and private sectors.

“A [California] 2006 law requires action to cut greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020... The California Air Resources Board produced its first cap-and-trade blueprint,” said Boxer. “The actions by states are powerful evidence that our states are committed to participating in the clean energy transformation."

She also spoke on recent actions by the Obama Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency who released findings that confirmed global warming presents a danger to people and the environment.

"The Clean Air Act provides EPA with powerful tools for addressing greenhouse gases, and the Supreme Court found it is their responsibility," Boxer said. “The Obama Administration has done the right thing for the nation, for the planet and if you listen to our business community for the economy."

Boxer said she is deeply concerned that “Personal” events on climate change could “Get in the way of science”. She explained that nothing from the stolen emails in the “Climate Gate” saga has contradicted the overwhelming science.

“The science is clear, the challenge is real, and the time to act is now... Our nation will be a full participant in crafting a global solution to this global challenge,” Boxer said.