Earth Talk | Oil spills

Roddy Scheer

Dear EarthTalk: I haven’t heard much of late about big oil spills like the infamous Exxon Valdez. Has the industry cleaned up its act, or do the media just not report them? – Olivia G., via e-mail In the wake of 1989’s massive Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska’s Prince William Sound, when 11 million…

Earth Talk | Getting involved

Roddy Scheer

Dear EarthTalk: Where can I locate directories of environmental groups, businesses and jobs so that I can get involved in making a difference? – Jeanette, Carle Place, N.Y. The most comprehensive directory of environmental groups—from small to large and local to international—is provided for free online by the Washington, DC-based National Wildlife Federation. The group’s…

Earth Talk | ‘Clean’ coal?

AFP

Dear EarthTalk: As I understand it, “clean” coal really isn’t—yet the Bush Administration gushed strongly for it. What is Obama’s take on it? – John Zippert, Eutaw, Ala. Barack Obama and George W. Bush differ in many ways, but both have embraced so-called “clean coal” for providing an ongoing supply of cheap and readily available…

Earth Talk | Lowland gorillas

Roddy Scheer

Dear EarthTalk: Has the recent violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo threatened the populations of lowland gorillas? How many are left? – Glenn Hammond, San Francisco, Calif. The short answer is yes, dramatically. Not to be confused with Western Lowland Gorillas, which are thriving in significant numbers in neighboring Congo (a recent census counted…

Rick Webb | Misrepresenting the status of the proposed Highland County Wind Energy Project

AFP

State and national newspapers, including the Richmond Times Dispatch and USA Today, have reported that Highland New Wind Development is prepared to begin construction by early summer with possible completion by the end of the year. The source of the reported information is the developer’s public relations spokesman, Frank Maisano, who announced in a press…

In the News

Chris Graham

– Local News: Da Bears wreaking havoc in Da ‘Boro – Politics: Shannon gets public-safety endorsement – State News: AG announces price-gouging settlement – Local News: Clean Streams Initiative among conservation grant recipients