debor015

           We’ve now had two conventions and three presidential debates to familiarize ourselves with the candidates running for office of U.S. president.   Having said that, and given that Election Day is just around the corner (Tuesday, Nov. 6 th don’t forget!!), I thought I’d dedicate this brief blog to comparing the two candidates’ proposed policies and track records as they relate to preventing toxic pollution and in turn protecting human health.   While the candidates differ in many other ways with respect to domestic and foreign policy, here are their key differences solely in terms of their impact on pollution in the United States. OBAMA Has passed what are currently the strongest regulations enacted against toxic mercury, lead, soot, and arsenic emitted from dirty power plants Has invested in and expanded clean wind-energy Signed key land-protection legislation, safeguarding a million acres around the Grand Canyon fro...

          Colony collapse disorder, or CCD, struck the United States during 2006-2007 and other countries soon after.   Characterized by the sudden disappearance of honeybees from their otherwise healthy beehives, CCD emerged as an unexpected and highly alarming phenomenon.   Before long, CCD was making headlines as beekeepers in 24 U.S. states were reporting honeybee losses of up to 80%, occurring sometimes overnight!   The importance of honeybees stretches well beyond preservation for the sake of preservation or even for the sake of honey production.   Rather, because they can pollinate a wide variety of crops, can persist throughout the growing season, and can be concentrated in large numbers when needed, honeybees have become the dominate pollinators of a number of major crops including apples, avocados, almonds, pears, sunflowers, melons, etcetera, and are therefore critical to the agriculture industry.   ...