A more poisonous environment?

Since the very beginning of this blog, the dialogue here has revolved mostly around global climate change - bringing attention to the issues, breaking down important legislation and promoting pro-environment candidates.

Today, we present one of the most negative impacts of global climate change uncovered to date: an increase in poison ivy.

We're not kidding.

The story, from the Providence Journal:

Could poison ivy be one of the big winners of climate change? Lewis Ziska, a plant physiologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in Maryland, thinks so.

In two laboratory studies he conducted in 2007, poison ivy plants virtually doubled in size and their itchy oil became more potent when the test plants were grown in atmospheres of increased carbon dioxide. If the research findings are correct, carbon dioxide –– which is emitted into the air naturally through carbon deterioration and through such human activities as burning fossil fuels –– might be the equivalent of growth hormone for the irritating weed. Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have increased about 20 percent since 1970, Ziska said.

“The work we’ve done with poison ivy seems to show a strong response to more CO2,” which all plants absorb as a food source. “Combine that with warming temperatures and milder winters and that may also favor poison ivy.”

Get your popcorn ready: Senate EPW hearing will be webcast

As we follow the progress of the American Clean Energy & Security Act through Congress, our gaze now begins to shift to the Senate side of Capitol Hill.

With passage secured in the House by a 219-212 margin on June 26, the next step is debate in the Senate - all of which begins tomorrow with a hearing convened by the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works called "Moving America toward a Clean Energy Economy and Reducing Global Warming Pollution: Legislative Tools."

The hearing, which starts at 10 a.m. and will be webcast on the committee's website, shows that chair Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and her committee are ready to start tackling the issues of clean energy and climate change.

We're fortunate enough to attend the hearing, but we encourage everyone to follow along here at Act Green.

We'll be back with details, results and thoughts from the hearing tomorrow.

Four stories from the 4th of July weekend

We're back from a great 4th of July weekend, and enthused for Congress to return as well. Here's four stories from this weekend to get you back in the flow:

The Idaho Statesman published an in-depth look at the circumstances of Representative Walt Minnick's vote against the American Clean Energy & Security Act, including an analysis of the long-term consequences of that position - LCV's decision not to endorse candidates that voted against the landmark clean energy bill is noted as one such repercussion.

Here in the District of Columbia, the Examiner broke down the oft-reiterated talking points against the American Clean Energy & Security Act by looking at the factual evidence against statements like "man made global warming is a hoax", "ACES will send jobs overseas" and "the costs of ACES will fall on the little guy." When all is said and done, there is no question about just how wrong those "statements" are.

From the California League of Conservation Voters' blog, we learned that the future of solar energy in the state is, well, bright. The New Solar Homes Partnership sounds especially promising, and should serve as a good model for future states to follow.

Lastly, the Courier-Journal (Kentucky-Indiana) took notice of the unusual allies that have come together into a strong coalition in support of the American Clean Energy & Security Act.

Los Angeles smog soon to be coal-free, along with the rest of the city

Much of the legislation we have focused on here at LCV in the past month, including the American Clean Energy & Security Act, aims to protect the environment by changing the way in which power is produced and how industries emit carbon pollutants. Today, however, we revisit another even more promising means of influencing the way our country produces energy - changing consumer habits.

As with any issue of supply and demand, pressure from consumers has the potential to change the way that suppliers act, and in some cases forces them to act. On Wednesday, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa unveiled his plan for his second term, which included the following goal centered around how his city consumes energy. (From the Los Angeles Times)

The mayor also vowed to end the Department of Water and Power's reliance on coal-fired power plants and instead secure 40% of its power from renewable resources by 2020 -- up from his previous goal of 35%

Though you probably can't see or hear us, we're standing up and applauding.

Changing the way we consume electricity from household to household (be it adding a solar panel to the roof or turning the lights off more often) has long been a staple of "environmentalism." But when individuals such as Villaraigosa - who represent entities that consume large amonts of electricity - mandate that power come from renewable sources, the environmental benefit skyrockets and America's dependence on dirty energy technologies is reduced that much more.

We hope to see more mayors and influential people (here's looking at you: big business leaders!) who make decisions about energy consumption thinking like the Los Angeles mayor.

Fate of G8 and ACES to be decided

Before President Obama meets with world leaders in Copenhagen to hash out a climate change plan, green groups are asking the president to commit to keeping global warming under two degrees Celcius.

In a letter to President Obama, 47 environmental groups have outlined attainable goals for the G8 summit to reduce both carbon emissions and global temperatures.

Before the United States commits to an international treaty to reduce global temperatures, the Senate needs to pass the American Clean Energy & Security Act. The bill would reduce carbon emissions, invest in clean energy and provide millions of jobs for Americans.