Environment

U.S. Freezes Out Arctic Science

by Diane Farsetta — January 30, 2008 - 3:45pm

Scientists in eight Arctic nations prepared "a landmark assessment of oil and gas activity" in the region over six years, including "a clear set of recommendations on how to extract safely what are thought to be up to one quarter of the world's energy reserves." But the United States government blocked the report's release, as it prepares "to sell off exploration licenses for the frozen Chukchi Sea off Alaska, one of the last intact habitats of the polar bear." One of the authors of the report said the U.S. move "could be linked to activities in the Chukchi Sea ...

Main Source: 
The Independent (UK), January 22, 2008

Canada's Chalk River Nuclear Reactor Up and Running Again, but Safely?

by Judith Siers-Poisson — January 30, 2008 - 12:45pm

Linda KeenThe fifty-year old nuclear reactor at Chalk River in Ontario, Canada, is running again after the Canadian Parliament overruled the president of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

Main Source: 
Globe and Mail (Toronto, Canada), January 29, 2008

CMD and Consumer Reports WebWatch Launch Full Frontal Scrutiny

by Judith Siers-Poisson — January 29, 2008 - 2:42pm
  • Topics: Astroturf, Internet, Front Groups, Third Party Technique, Corporations, Democracy, Environment, Health, Pharmaceuticals, Public Relations, Science, Secrecy, Tobacco

    • "The American public deserves to know when someone is trying to persuade them." — U.S. Federal Communications Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein, Thursday, January 17, 2008

    Front Groups Beware of Full Frontal Scrutiny

    Today, the Center for Media and Democracy and our partners at Consumer Reports WebWatch launched an exciting new project: Full Frontal Scrutiny. The site seeks to shine a light on front groups -- organizations that state a particular agenda, while hiding or obscuring their identity, membership or sponsorship, or all three. Google the term "front groups" and the number one return is CMD's extensive articles on its SourceWatch site.

    How BP Fueled "Emotional Affinity" for Gas

    by Diane Farsetta — January 14, 2008 - 1:04pm

    The energy company BP's rebranding as "Beyond Petroleum," led by WPP Group's Ogilvy & Mather, is reviewed by Adweek's Gregory Solman.

    Main Source: 
    Adweek, January 14, 2008

    Liquid Gas Terminals Crowding the Coastline

    by Judith Siers-Poisson — December 17, 2007 - 5:00pm

    ExxonMobil is moving forward on its plans to build a liquid gas terminal off the northeast coast of the U.S. The proposed site for the project, called BlueOcean Energy, is about 20 miles off the New Jersey shore and 30 miles south of Long Island. Reporter Jad Mouawad describes the offshore placement as "a move meant to deflect safety and environmental concerns about proximity to populated areas." Ron P. Billings, Exxon's vice president for global liquefied natural gas, said, "We have tried to learn from our past experiences and that of the industry in general." The offshore neighborhood is getting crowded since "the Atlantic Sea Island Group, plans to build a terminal for liquefied natural gas on an artificial island about 14 miles south of Long Island, a project called Safe Harbor Energy." CMD reported earlier this year on Shell's successful efforts to co-opt local non-profits through grantmaking. The Shell project, Broadwater Energy, is a joint venture by Royal Dutch Shell and TransCanada.

    Main Source: 
    New York Times, December 12, 2007

    Energy Companies' Gallons of Greenwash

    by Diane Farsetta — December 12, 2007 - 3:56pm

    "Shell, the oil company that recently trumpeted its commitment to a low carbon future ... has quietly sold off most of its solar business," reports Terry Macalister.

    Main Source: 
    The Guardian (UK), December 11, 2007
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