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Now some fresh pickings from the Political Grapevine:
A Better, Turnaround
A new report shows that between 2004 and 2013, more than 23,000 metric tons of toxic heavy metals, such as mercury, lead and cadmium, were dumped into New York’s waterways, many of which were once designated as a “fishable and swimmable” zone.
And it was not because they slipped through inspection screens at power plants, but by dumping the materials into creeks, rivers and lakes from logging trucks, logging equipment, dredge spoils, garbage, construction materials and other material.
The report says all culprits are still using metal-bearing materials including coal and oil, which contributed to the problem — and argue that toxics should not be dumped in residential and business landscapes.
Sound Energy
The EPA’s energy efficiency technology office is launching a national program to plug clean energy vehicles into power grids with pollution-free backup generators.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports the driver of an electric car plugged into an off-the-grid home with a reverse tide generator will also have access to a fuel tank. The two units can run longer than traditional generators due to what’s called stored energy.
With 400 to 600 vehicles in service, the project should help consumers make the leap to electric powered vehicles.
EPA Chief Debbie Stabenow is boasting: “Our new program creates new programs, industry partnerships and incubator space in order to create the infrastructure to help our cities take a comprehensive approach to lead the way.”
No Hot Air
And finally, the Air New York website, the city’s air quality website, features a page titled, “Five things that almost all people in New York City agree on.”
Among the things reported by visitors: fewer annoying mosquitoes, more ice creams on the Fourth of July, fewer air pollution advisories, blue skies, and bare feet.
We checked the website this morning and, as far as we can tell, no fact has been disputed.