Weekly Green: May 3, 2012

Good afternoon, all. In the news this past week:

• Study finds S. Calif. coast dramatically cleaner;
• GMO food initiative submits signatures for November ballot;
• Plastic pollution in ocean likely underestimated;
• State Sen. Ted Lieu asks state to investigate 'meat glue';
• Teen makes prom dress out of 5,000 soda can tabs, and much more.

L.A. coastal waters dramatically cleaner, study finds

Metal contaminants in Southern California coastal waters have plummeted over the last four decades, according to a new study that attributes the cleaner water to 1970s environmental regulations.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/05/la-coastal-waters-dramatically-cleaner-since-1970s-study-finds.html

Signatures in for genetically engineered food labels measure

Under the measure, raw foods and products made primarily from genetically engineered ingredients and some processed foods could not be advertised or labeled as "natural." It includes some exceptions, including for organic products, foods sold in restaurants and animal products supplemented with genetically engineered ingredients.

http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2012/05/signatures-in-for-genetically-engineered-food-labels-measure.html

Genetically modified crops' results raise concern

An experiment begun in 1996 with approval of the first commercial genetically modified organisms is producing questionable results.

Those results include vast increases in herbicide use that have created impervious weeds now infesting millions of acres of cropland, while decimating other plants, such as milkweeds that sustain the monarch butterflies. Food manufacturers are worried that a new corn made for ethanol could damage an array of packaged food on supermarket shelves.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/04/29/MN1O1O5SS0.DTL

Plastic pollution in ocean likely underestimated, researchers say

According to new research, natural ocean processes such as wind, drag, turbulence and wave height can push the plastic deep down, where it floats along, suspended underwater and unobserved by people examining the ocean's surface.

http://californiawatch.org/dailyreport/plastic-pollution-ocean-likely-underestimated-researchers-say-15970

Permits flow again for risky oil drilling process in wake of Brown firings

There is no dispute that Miller and Chernow were ousted because the Brown administration was unhappy with what it characterized as an inflexible approach to regulatory oversight – and that the oil industry is grateful.

http://www.sacbee.com/2012/05/03/4461862/permits-flow-again-for-risky-oil.html

Western States Petroleum tops money list for lobbying in 2012

Western States Petroleum Association topped the list of big spenders for lobbying in the first three months of this year, forking out $948,840, according to newly released state records.

http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2012/05/western-states-petroleum-tops-money-list-for-lobbying-in-2012.html

Skelton: Water bond is circling the drain

Might as well scratch one measure from the likely crowded November ballot: a pork-filled $11.1-billion water bond that is dying of its own weight. The ballot measure, written in 2009, has some good ingredients but also some pork. It's not right for these times.

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-cap-water-20120430,0,6494811.column

Expert warnings on rail costs flawed by 'wrong numbers,' official says

A report that warned of huge operating deficits for California’s bullet train was based on “the wrong numbers,” an official of the state High-Speed Rail Authority claims.

http://californiawatch.org/dailyreport/expert-warnings-rail-costs-flawed-wrong-numbers-official-says-16015

Biogas Takes a Hit

Also called biomethane, it's sourced from landfills, dairies, and machines known as digesters that turn decomposing organic material into combustible-fuel sources for power plants. But in a little-noticed decision that could impact the future of some types of biogas statewide, the California Energy Commission on March 28 suspended the certification of new pipeline biogas suppliers. The suspension targets methane gas that is injected into regional pipeline systems and mixed with other gas sources intended to fuel power plants that supply the state's electricity grid.

http://www.eastbayexpress.com/ebx/biogas-takes-a-hit/Content?oid=3192006

Some slam California charger deal that ends allegations

A $120 million settlement that allows an energy company to establish and operate a vast network of electric vehicle chargers in order to end a decade of legal battles over price-gouging during California's energy crisis has come under criticism from competitors and government officials who say the deal allows a huge head start in a burgeoning market in place of a penalty.

http://www.sacbee.com/2012/04/28/4450198/some-slam-ca-charger-deal-that.html

Repair bill for San Onofre nuclear plant could hit $65 million

The plant has been closed since Jan. 31, when a steam generator tube in the plant's reactor Unit 3 sprung a leak, releasing a small amount of radioactive steam. Edison International officials estimate that the company's cost for inspections and repairs at the closed San Onofre nuclear plant will be between $55 million and $65 million, but said that the costs may be recovered under a manufacturer's warranty.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/05/san-onofre-outage-costs.html

State senator calls for investigation into 'meat glue'

Officially, it’s known as transglutaminase, an enzyme in powder form that brings protein closer together – permanently. Occasionally, the so-called reformed meat is served up by food suppliers, restaurants and others who use it to patch various pieces of meat into a single steak or some other amalgamated chunk. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration deems it to be safe – “generally.”

http://www.latimes.com/business/money/la-fi-mo-meat-glue-20120502,0,1775251.story

Five signs California is ditching its car habit

Despite a few bumps in the road, the state’s ambitious high-speed rail plan looks hopeful, and a variety of other factors seem to be making the Golden State just a little bit greener.

http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2012/05/03/five-signs-california-ditching-car-habit/

Teen makes prom dress out of 5,000 soda can tabs

Some people wear their commitment to reuse and sustainability on their sleeves; Regan Kerr wears hers to prom. The Colorado high school junior spent five months making her prom dress out of 5,114 soda can tabs.

http://grist.org/list/teenmakes-prom-dress-out-of-5000-soda-can-tabs/

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