Another reason Germany kicks environmental booty

2009 Solar Decathlon.

Cap-and-trade finds a Republican ally

Yes, you read that right. Lindsey Graham of S. Carolina has co-written a bill with John Kerry supporting cap-and-trade and increased nuclear energy.

Story here.

The bill is neutered by some Democrats' standards, but it's a start.

The EPA finds it cojones

According to the Associated Press:

"The Environmental Protection Agency said Friday it planned to use its authority for the first time to revoke a previously issued permit for a West Virginia surface mine.

"Acting EPA Regional Administrator William Early said in a letter sent to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Huntington district that the agency is 'taking this unusual step in response to our very serious concerns' that the project could violate the Clean Water Act."

It's about time the government stepped in to ensure the safety of its own citizens. While conservatives may scream that it overstepped its bounds by doing so (as they are moaning about the Healthcare Reform plan), an integral part of this country's makeup is the guarantee of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Having toxin free water is an essential part of this. Now, if we could just convince Senate Republicans that health care is as well.

Thank you, Early. Better late than never.

Local Action Challenge - do it in your city!

This is just a quick note introducing the Local Action Challenge, a local contest that encourages people in Houston, TX to think global, act local… and win prizes doing it!

SustainLane is heading up the Local Action Challenge in partnership with Hopenhagen, an international movement to drive action on climate change at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15) in Copenhagen this December.

Cities across the country – like Houston, TX – have sent in their top-ten lists of actions they’d like residents to take in order to combat climate change and otherwise care for the planet right in their own communities.

Residents who take their cities’ challenge, complete tasks on the list and upload photos of themselves doing so. They are then entered into weekly drawings to win prizes donated by green business sponsors.

Here’s how to play:

1. Go to www.SustainLane.com/hopenhagen
2. Choose your city.
3. Choose a challenge.
4. Take a photo of yourself in action.
5. Upload it.
6. Win a prize.
7. Repeat.