Opposition to GE Salmon grows as time ticks down

by calalum

The FDA is set to approve genetically engineered (GE) salmon for human consumption. It would be the first time that a genetically engineered animal would be approved for people to eat, yet consumers are not rolling over on this one. Over 360,000 consumers, other federal agencies, and members of congress are all saying no to GE salmon and the FDA's flawed approval process. There is still time for the Obama administration to put the breaks on the FDA and demand a more comprehensive review, but the clock is ticking.

continued at Daily Kos....

BP and the Gov't: Setting Precedent, Reforming Image*

by scorpiorising

The Gulf of Mexico, her marine life and the people of the Gulf coast are a political sacrifice, and one that the Obama administration had no right to make.

The lies of BP and our government are as toxic as the oil that remains in the Gulf, and the dispersant that BP continues to be used in full view, and apparently with approval from, our government. There is a massive cover-up taking place on the Gulf coast, in full view of the "public", the people, in full view of the corporate media, in full view of the world.

continued at Daily Kos....

The Science Behind GE Salmon is Bad... Real Bad (ACTION)

by Jill Richardson

Remember when Obama came into office and we all rejoiced because we would once again have science-based policy in our country? Well, think again. The Obama administration should be commended for quite a lot of things it's done, but the FDA decision that AquAdvantage GE salmon is "safe" is certainly not founded on solid science. This is important not only because the salmon will (if approved for commercialization) will be in our food supply, but also because this case will set a precedent. It will set the bar for all future GE (genetically engineered) animals and how clearly they need to prove their safety before they are made legal.

If you want to take action, go here.

And, if you want more info, read on...

continued at Daily Kos....

BP and the Gov't: Setting Precedent, Reforming Image

by scorpiorising

The Gulf of Mexico, her marine life and the people of the Gulf coast are a political sacrifice, and one that the Obama administration had no right to make.

The lies of BP and our government are as toxic as the oil that remains in the Gulf, and the dispersant that BP continues to be used in full view, and apparently with approval from, our government. There is a massive cover-up taking place on the Gulf coast, in full view of the "public", the people, in full view of the corporate media, in full view of the world.

continued at Daily Kos....

BP and the Gov't: Setting Precedent, Reforming Image

by scorpiorising

The Gulf of Mexico, her marine life and the people of the Gulf coast are a political sacrifice, and one that the Obama administration had no right to make.

The lies of BP and our government are as toxic as the oil that remains in the Gulf, and the dispersant that BP continues to be used in full view, and apparently with approval from, our government. There is a massive cover-up taking place on the Gulf coast, in full view of the "public", the people, in full view of the corporate media, in full view of the world.

continued at Daily Kos....

could affect tourism ... but finding the truth is more important

by jamess

Gulf Coast Communities Investigate Oily Sea Mist
by Debbie Elliott, NPR -- September 3, 2010

Orange Beach city hall has been inundated with calls from residents with complaints — foam that they think is dispersant, a gray-metallic slick in back bays or seaweed that looks oiled. There's a heightened sense of environmental awareness, and local officials are looking for a way to determine what's going on.

Mayor Tony Kennon says that's why the town hired independent scientists to test the air, water and soil.
[...]

Orange Beach is using grant money from BP for the testing, and posting the data on the town's website. Mayor Kennon says negative results could affect tourism in the short term, but finding the truth is more important.

Kudos to Mayor Kennon for taking a stand, for what's right!

The Major is a man of his word.

Monitoring, he is.

continued at Daily Kos....

Whistleblowers at contaminated egg facility were ignored

by Deep Harm

On the heels of FDA revelations of filthy conditions at large production facilities, the Associated Press reports that USDA ignored whistleblowers who called attention to the problems.

Two former workers at Wright County Egg facilities, Robert and Deanna Arnold, said they reported problems such as leaking manure and dead chickens to USDA employees, but nothing was done. (AP)

continued at Daily Kos....

Rodents, maggots and steaming piles of hypocrisy at egg farms

by Deep Harm

Today, the FDA issued inspection reports on the two egg farms involved in a recall of half a billion eggs for salmonella contamination, Wright County Egg and Hillandale Farms.  Conditions were, shall we say, less than optimal.  

The inspectors found manure piles up to 8 feet high, holding doors open and giving wildlife access. "Wildlife" included live rodents, wild birds and a plague of flies, live and dead, including their larvae (maggots).  "Additional problems included overflowing manure pits, improper worker sanitation and wild birds [a potential source of avian influenza] roosting around feed bins," reports the New York Times.

The investigators also found salmonella bacteria in chicken feed and in barn and walkway areas, and in water used to wash eggs at a Hillandale facility.  It isn't clear, yet, which came first:  the salmonella or the egg.

continued at Daily Kos....

Department of the Environment

by Karen Hedwig Backman

It is time that a separate and autonomous United States Department of the Environment be created.

At present the various agencies that purportedly guard our nation's environment are part of the following entities, admittedly very likely, not a comprehensive list:

Department of Agriculture
Department of Commerce
Department of Energy
Department of Interior
Environmental Protection Agency, a subset of the Executive Branch

continued at Daily Kos....