home of the wildlife conservation environmental and freedom activist

Environment Action
Alerts for August 8 - August 15, 2000

Japanese Government                      ENS News August 8                                        Teach In - Re: WTO & IMF
Killing Whales

ENS News August 14                          ENS News August 15

from Center for Marine Conservation August 8, 2000

You can take action on this alert either by email or preferably on the web at:
http://actionnetwork.org/take-action.tcl?key=419220A10368B0808111812C141

Here's what this alert is about:

Japanese Government is Killing Whales
----------------------

On July 29, four Japanese ships headed into the North
Pacific Ocean with plans to kill 100 whales.  Please help
the Center for Marine Conservation (CMC) deliver a strong
message to the Japanese Embassy condemning this action.

CMC will be holding a peaceful protest demonstration in
front of the Japanese Embassy in Washington DC August 22nd.
Please respond to this alert and add your name to the list
of thousands who object to commercial and "scientific"
whaling we will be presenting to the Embassy.  If you live
in the Washington, DC area please join us and help send a
strong message to the Japanese Government that so-called
"scientific" whaling is wrong and must be stopped
immediately.

Japanese whaling is underway despite strong objections from
the International Whaling Convention (IWC) and the
governments of 19 nations, including the United States,
United Kingdom, and New Zealand.  In addition to the minke
whales the Japanese have been killing for "scientific
research" since the 1986 global moratorium against whaling,
this year's hunt will target sperm whales and Bryde's
whales, both of which are protected by the U.S. Endangered
Species Act.  

"Scientific" Whaling

Japan insists it must kill whales in order to gather
information about their habitat, population, diet and
migration patterns.  The IWC and members of the scientific
community, however, maintain that there are non-lethal means
of collecting this information.  In addition, the meat from
whales killed in these "scientific" hunts will end up for
sale in Japanese markets and restaurants.  Japan is
determined to bring about a return to commercial whaling on
a global scale despite wide-spread opposition.

By responding to this alert you will be lending your name to
our effort to make the Japanese government stop its whaling.
For this alert please do not edit the message below.  If
you live in the Washington, DC area please take time to join
us in front of the Japanese Embassy, on Tuesday, August 22
from 8-10 am for a peaceful demonstration in protest of
Japan's lethal "scientific" whaling and attempts to end the
moratorium against commercial whaling.  Let us know if you
can participate in this important event by sending a message
to ocean-alert@dccmc.org.  We will send you back a message
with directions and additional information.

Thank you for your help.


----------------------

INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPOND VIA THE WEB:
If you have access to a web browser, you can take action on this
alert by going to the following URL:

  http://actionnetwork.org/take-action.tcl?key=419220A10368B0808111812C141

INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPOND VIA EMAIL:
Just choose the "reply to sender" option on your email program, and edit
the letter below as you wish.  You must include the whole letter in your
response including "-YOU MAY EDIT THE LETTER BELOW-" and "-END OF
LETTER-".  Please do not add your name and address to your letter.
Action Network automatically does this for you.

We STRONGLY encourage you to make edits directly to our sample letter
below, and put the alert talking points into your own words. An
individualized letter is worth ten computer generated letters. Of
course, hundreds of unedited letters will still create a large impact,
so please reply even if you don't have time to personalize the letter.

Your letter will be addressed and sent to:
President Roger Rufe


-------YOU MAY EDIT THE LETTER BELOW---------


Please include my name among those who object to Japan's
"scientific" whaling and the Japanese government's efforts
to end the moratorium on commercial whaling.

-------END OF LETTER-------------------------

from Global Response August 8, 2000

Dear Members of Global Response's Quick Response Network:

Great news from Rainforest Action Network!  The campaign to stop purchasing
of wood and wood products from ancient forests just scored another victory!
The ball started rolling 2 years ago when The Home Depot announced a
phase-out of purchasing from ancient forests -- Global Response members
shared credit for that victory with our Home Depot letter campaign (GR
#4/98).  Rainforest Action Network continues to press other wood products
retailers and home builders to stop buying ancient forest destruction.  The
successes of this campaign are significant and inspiring!


For Immediate Release
August 8, 2000
Contacts: Brian Peace 336-658-4170
Chris Ahearn 336-658-7387

Lowe's Unveils Unprecedented Business Initiative
To Help Protect World's Forests

-- Collaboration with Environmentalists and Wood Suppliers
Sets Company as Global Leader in Responsible Wood Sourcing -

-- Company Creates Healthy Forests Advisory Board --

WILKESBORO, N.C. -- Lowe's Companies, Inc., the world's second largest home
improvement retailer, today released the details of its landmark lumber and
wood product procurement policy aimed at helping protect the world's
threatened forests. The company has committed to overhaul the sourcing of
lumber and wood in the products it sells while proactively engaging its
wood
suppliers and governments to take immediate steps towards the permanent
protection of critical forest areas.

"Our new environmental policy represents a major victory for the forests
and
our customers," said Bob Tillman, Lowe's chairman and CEO. "Our customers
expect Lowe's to deliver the best quality lumber and wood products that
have
been responsibly harvested and produced by our suppliers."

"In developing our policy, Lowe's pursued what some in the industry may
consider an unconventional approach," added Mark Kauffman, Lowe's senior
vice president of Merchandising. "We worked closely with the environmental
and scientific communities as well as our suppliers and facilitated a
number
of first-ever meetings between these groups."

Today's announcement is the culmination of a multi-stepped corporate
initiative to bring together environmental organizations, including
Rainforest Action Network and the World Resources Institute (WRI), wood
suppliers, governments and industry organizations. Lowe's has taken an
active role in encouraging industry and government negotiations with groups
working to protect endangered forests in areas including the Pacific
Northwest, British Columbia and the Southeastern U.S.

"The end result was a more balanced policy and what we hope will be a major
turning point for environmental discussions in the U.S.," added Kauffman.

Under the Environmental Policy, Lowe's will:

Aggressively phase out the purchase of wood products from endangered
forests
as these areas are identified and mapped. This includes an immediate ban on
wood coming from the Great Bear Rainforest of British Columbia;
Work with suppliers to encourage the maintenance of natural forests and
environmentally responsible forest practices;
Give preference to the procurement of wood products from independently
certified well-managed forests. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is
currently the company's preferred certification system, and FSC
certification will be given preference over other certification systems;
Work with our customers to increase the efficiency of wood use, including
the promotion of wood reuse, recycling and advanced framing techniques;
Work with our suppliers to increase the procurement of quality recycled,
engineered and alternative products (when their environmental benefits are
clearly demonstrated), including alternative fiber and tree-free paper
products for printing and packaging.

Lowe's has already taken a number of important steps to become the industry
leader in implementing responsible wood purchasing. The company recently
eliminated ramin dowels sourced from Indonesia from its inventory and
converted to a domestic poplar species.

Lowe's also announced the formation of a "Healthy Forests Advisory Board,"
which will help guide the company through its policy implementation process
and provide counsel on general forestry issues. The Advisory Board will
include environmental groups, environmental scientists, suppliers,
certifiers and buyer groups. The Board's first actions will be to address a
number of on-going environmental issues, such as the conversion of Southern
forests to pine plantations, commercial logging in U.S. National Forests
and
illegal logging concerns in certain foreign countries.

With 1999 sales of $15.9 billion, Lowe's Companies, Inc. is the world's
second largest home improvement retailer. Headquartered in Wilkesboro,
N.C.,
Lowe's is the 15th largest retailer in the U.S. as well as the 34th largest
retailer worldwide. Lowe's and its 100,000 employees are Improving Home
Improvement for nearly five million do-it-yourself retail and commercial
business customers each week at more than 600 stores in 39 states.  For
more
information, visit lowes.com.

- 30 -


Rainforest Action Network
Contact: Michael Brune, Shannon Wright
415/398-4404; 415-596-RAIN (mobile)

DO-IT-YOURSELF INDUSTRY LEADER DISCLOSES SWEEPING CHANGES IN WOOD-BUYING
PROGRAM

LOWE'S 'UNCONVENTIONAL APPROACH' MAY HELP SECURE PROTECTION FOR WORLD'S
REMAINING ENDANGERED FORESTS

North Wilkesboro, NC-In a move with far-reaching implications for the
forest
product industry,  Lowe's Companies, Inc., today revealed its new wood
product procurement policy that will dramatically alter the way the company
does business.  The policy by the world's second largest home improvement
retailer includes detailed provisions for protection of endangered forests,
such as an immediate ban on wood from the Great Bear Rainforest of British
Columbia.  The initiative also addresses critical domestic forest issues
such as logging of National Forests and conversion of native forests to
plantations, among other issues.

"Lowe's has set the global standard for responsible wood buying." stated
Michael Brune, Old Growth Campaign Director for Rainforest Action Network
(RAN). "The end of old growth logging may soon be within our grasp, thanks
in part to leadership from Lowe's."

Lowe's five point policy includes an aggressive phase out of wood from
endangered forests, a  strong purchasing preference for wood that is
independently certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) as coming
from well-managed forests, and commitment to engage with suppliers to
improve logging practices and to maintain native forests.  Many of these
initiatives are currently underway.  For example, Lowe's has already
eliminated ramin dowels derived from endangered tropical forests in
Indonesia.

"We applaud Lowe's for showing uncommon courage and decisiveness in using
its purchasing power to leverage change within the logging industry," added
RAN's Brune. "Industry stalwarts  such as Boise Cascade that don't meet the
challenges set by Lowe's, will be branded as corporate  dinosaurs, unable
to
adapt in the new marketplace."

Today's announcement comes after months of communication with forest
advocacy organizations, including Rainforest Action Network and the World
Resources Institute.   In recent months Lowe's has shown unique persistence
in encouraging industry and government representatives to work with
scientists and environmentalists to create solutions to the problems posed
by unsustainable logging.


It is estimated that nearly three quarters of the world's old growth
forests
have been logged or degraded, much within the past three decades.
Rainforest Action Network (RAN) has worked with several dozen major
corporations to help them redirect wood purchases towards sustainable
sources.  World Resources Institute (WRI) operates Global Forest Watch, a
non-profit agency working to map the world's remaining intact and
threatened
forests.   Lowe's has  worked with the Dogwood Alliance to further examine
unsustainable logging practices in the Southeastern U.S., with
Environmental
Investigation Agency (EIA) on ramin dowel sourcing, and with Natural
Resources Defense Council on forest certification issues.

#  #  #

Michael Brune
Old Growth Forest Campaigner

Rainforest Action Network
221 Pine St., Suite 500
San Francisco, CA 94104
415-398-4404
www.ran.org

"The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would
suffice to solve most of the world's problems"

-Gandhi

To unsubscribe from this email list, send a blank message to globresmembers-unsubscribe@igc.topica.com

from Greenpeace August 8, 2000

Greenpeace Occupation of BP Control Center Enters Second Day

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, August 8, 2000 -- Greenpeace activists have begun their
second day occupying a barge that was bound for Northstar, BP's
controversial oil site now under construction in the Arctic Ocean. Shortly
after the activists boarded the barge on Monday just after midnight Alaska
time, the barge turned around and returned to anchor off the point of
Barrow.

Five activists remain on the 420 foot barge, two from the United States
and three from the United Kingdom. Inside what is intended to be a control
center for the Northstar site, they have set up a communications center as
well as a polar survival shelter on the roof of the module.

Greenpeace opposes BP's Northstar project because it will fuel the
dangerous problem of global warming, from a region that is already feeling
the effects of a severe polar meltdown. From the barge, the activists have
sent an e- mail to BP employees explaining their peaceful direct action
against Northstar.

"We are going to stay here in BP's control module as long as we can,
calling on BP to cancel Northstar and slow the polar meltdown," said
Greenpeace campaigner Melanie Duchin aboard the Greenpeace vessel MV
Arctic Sunrise from which the activists boarded the barge.

Polar regions are on the front-line of global warming. The western Arctic
is already warming three to five times faster than the global average. An
area of Arctic ice pack the size of Texas has disappeared in the past 20
years.

Despite BP's frequent claims to be concerned about climate change, the
company has recently announced a 40 percent increase in oil and gas
investment and plans to spend over 50 times more on oil exploration and
production than on clean, renewable energy. BP also recently announced a
new logo design, ironically presenting a solar image. The logo and public
relations campaign will cost $200 million, significantly more than BP
spent on renewables last year.

At the company's annual general meeting last April, 13 percent of
shareholders called on BP to cancel Northstar and invest the savings in
renewable energy.

Visit http://www.greenpeaceusa.org/arctic for more information about
Greenpeace's efforts to stop the Northstar platform.


CONTACT:
Melanie Duchin or Melanie Hill aboard the MV Arctic Sunrise: 011 872 130
2577;
Stephanie Tunmore aboard the barge, 011 872 761 328 660;
Dan Ritzman, Anchorage, 907-277-8234 or 907-229-1500;
Mary MacNutt, Washington, 202-319-2492.

from Greenpeace August 8, 2000

We still have five activists on BP's Northstar barge. They are all in good
condition. The barge has been anchored off of Barrow, Alaska for many hours
now, but BP seems to be undecided about what to do.

We don't mind the wait. Every hour more is an hour of delay for Northstar.

Please take a couple of minutes to fax and e-mail a letter to Sir John
Browne, the CEO of BP, by going to:

http://zope.greenpeace.org/z/ams/g?a=Browne&s=OneMoreStyle&l=English

(all on one line).

For those of you who have sent a letter to BP before, you may have received
a form letter response from BP. We've put up a rebuttal at:

http://greenpeace.org/arctic/html/content/response4.html.

We encourage you to read our rebuttal and possibly send BP another letter
of your own.

Kevin Jardine
Greenpeace International


---------------------------------------------------------
Kevin Jardine
Greenpeace International
New Media Campaigner
Keizersgracht 176
1016 DW Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Tel: + 31 20 523 6660
Fax: + 31 20 523 6200
E-mail: kjardine@ams.greenpeace.org
WWW: Check out Arctic Action at http://greenpeace.org/arctic
------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------
Greenpeace Arctic Activists List
NO NEW OIL
http://greenpeace.org/arctic

from Michael Moore August 8, 2000

Tuesday, August 8, 2000

Dear friends,

Women put up with a lot of crap, but this year's Presidential farce has to
take the cake.

We now have four men on the "two" major party tickets running for the
White House. Neither candidate, Democrat nor Republican, even
bothered to CONSIDER a woman for Vice President, let alone appoint one.

Women: 53% of the population -- the MAJORITY gender -- and once again,
there is ZERO representation. The minority still rules, still calls the
shots, still holds the reins of power. That's called "apartheid."

You know what amazes me? That neither Gore nor Bush even tried to
PRETEND they were considering a woman for Vice President! In the past,
the all-male Presidential candidates have at least "floated" some names, or
said "so-and-so" was on "the short list." They thought women might be
upset if it looked like they were being ignored. So they played the game of
interviewing "Pat Schroeder" for the job, or mentioning "Elizabeth Dole" as
a "possibility."
No more.

This year, in what appears to be a political version of "battered women's
syndrome," guy politicians have discovered that they don't have to do a
damn thing to placate women voters. They are convinced women will just
take it -- in silence.

And just as Dick Cheney is the true face of George W. Bush, Joe Lieberman
is the true face of Al Gore. Lieberman's number one financial
backer in Connecticut is the insurance industry -- and when they say "jump,"
he leaps. He even opposed Clinton's watered-down health insurance bill. He
is an enemy of affirmative action. He has voted for tax cuts for the rich,
voted for NAFTA, supports a form of prayer ("the minute of silence") in the
public schools (and the granting of vouchers to help fund religious
schools), and joined Al Gore as one of only 10 Democrats in the Senate who
supported Bush the First in starting the Gulf War.
In short, a real guy's guy.

Of course, not to beat a dead Corvair, there is a candidate who is now,
according to Tim Russert on "Meet the Press" last Sunday, polling between
11% and 15% in some surveys, and has chosen a woman as his running
mate. His name is Ralph Nader and HER name is Winona LaDuke. She is a
Harvard graduate from Minnesota and a Native American. She has a bunch of
wild ideas women usually come up with, the kinds of things that probably
keep them off the other tickets -- like, everybody should be guaranteed
insurance if they get sick, or working moms and kids deserve day care, or
maybe we shoud build a few less submarines in Connecticut and build a
few new schools in the Bronx. Stuff like that. Chick stuff, ya know. Stuff
us guys ain't got time for.

Ralph and Winona have tripled their standing in the polls since they
started. There is a momentum taking place and maybe, just maybe, the
majority - women - will rise up and say enough of this male apartheid.

Yours,


Michael Moore
http://www.theawfultruth.com
http://www.michaelmoore.com
mmflint@aol.com

PS Tomorrow night (Wednesday,
August 9) is the final episode of "The
Awful Truth" for the season. More on
this in tomorrow's letter -- and my
thoughts about the Supreme Court in a
possible George the Second
Administration.

from Environmental Defense August 8, 2000

ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE DISPATCH

Tuesday, August 8, 2000
More than 300,000 strong
* Hydro High Jinks * Damming Report * Marine Reserves *

Note to subscribers: Environmental Defense is in the process of updating its delivery system. During this time, you will receive the dispatch sporadically until the upgrade is completed. We apologize for the inconvenience.

1. PG&E Auction Lacks Environmental Safeguards
2. The High Cost of Cheap Power  
3. Environmental Defense in the News
4. Historic Vote Approves New Marine Reserve
5. Dayton gets a 'D' in Transportation
6. Safe Harbor for Endangered Woodpecker
7. Log on to Care2.com to make a difference
8. (To automatically stop receiving this e-mail publication, please send e-mail to edf-list-unsubscribe@listserv.hyperreal.net with an empty body and subject.)


******************************
1. BIG SELLOFF BY BIG UTILITY: MORE TROUBLED WATERS AHEAD?

California's largest public utility, Pacific Gas and Electric, plans to auction off 174 dams, 100 reservoirs and 140,000 acres of land. But the plan ignores environmental and social impacts. Will the new owners improve the plight of California's rivers, or make a bad situation worse?

http://www.environmentaldefense.org/pubs/Newsletter/2000/Jun/q_dams.html

*****************************
2. RIVERS LOSE OUT TO PG&E HYDROPOWER, SAYS NEW REPORT

In a newly released report, Environmental Defense and the California Hydropower Reform Coalition ask for a thorough evaluation of the environmental damage caused by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) hydroelectric projects. The PG&E system provides only about 5% of California's electricity but has dammed more than half the rivers in the Sierra Nevada.

http://www.environmentaldefense.org/pubs/newsreleases/2000/jul/e_hydro.html

*****************************
3. EXPERT SPEAKS OUT ON FATE OF CALIFORNIA RIVERS

Tom Graff, Environmental Defense's California regional director, is quoted in a front- page story in July 19th edition of The New York Times. The article cites the newly released Environmental Defense report (above) and how PG&E's divestiture of its massive network of tunnels, canals, pipes, dams and reservoirs raises many environmental concerns.

http://www.environmentaldefense.org/pubs/reports/cahydropower/
                       
*****************************
4. CORAL REEF RESERVE IN FLORIDA CLEARS MAJOR HURDLE

The crown jewels of the finest coral reefs in North America are much closer to protection from fishing impacts after a critical vote recently by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council. The Council overwhelmingly approved a 186-square mile Tortugas Ecological Reserve in the Dry Tortugas area of the lower Florida Keys.

http://www.environmentaldefense.org/pubs/NewsReleases/2000/jul/f_tortugas.html

*****************************
5. THE VERDICT ON DAYTON: TOO MANY ROADS, TOO FEW TRANSIT SEATS

Environmental Defense transportation experts are co-authors of a new livability study that gives the Dayton metropolitan area's transportation network a grade of 'D'. The poor grade is due to the city's high density of roadways and relative lack of public transportation.

http://www.environmentaldefense.org/pubs/newsreleases/2000/jul/g_dayton.html

*****************************
6. HELP IS ON THE WAY FOR BELEAGUERED WOODPECKER

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently approved a Safe Harbor program in Virginia for the red-cockaded woodpecker. Though this species has been protected since 1970, it continues to decline dramatically and fewer than 20 birds remain in the state.

http://www.environmentaldefense.org/programs/Ecosystems/SafeHarbor/varcw.html
                                                 
******************************
7. LOG ON TO CARE2.COM  TO HELP THE ENVIRONMENT

With more than 1.2 million members and growing, Care2.com is the first and
largest global community on the Web for environmentally conscious consumers.
With every visit to Care2.com, eco-conscious people can help protect and preserve the environment, since Care2.com gives 10% of its revenues to environmental groups, including Environmental Defense. Care2.com offers free, innovative and useful Web services, including e-cards, email, headline news and shopping.

http://www.care2.com

******************************
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To start receiving your own Environmental Defense Dispatch, just fill in this simple form on the web:

http://www.environmentaldefense.org/Join4Free/

******************************
Don't forget to check out past Dispatches in our archive.

http://plaza.environmentaldefense.org/dispatches.nsf

******************************
Thanks for checking in often! More news daily at:

http://www.environmentaldefense.org


Copyright 2000 Environmental Defense. All rights reserved.

The Bulletin for Environmental Activists

August 9, 2000

******************************************

Contents

1) alerts

a) CLEAN WATER AND OCEANS: Tell your senators to monitor and protect our nation's beaches
b) FISH: Help convince the Clinton administration to save endangered Snake River salmon
c) RAINFOREST PROTECTION: Urge a Texas oil company to halt plans for destructive oil development in a Central American rainforest

2) About Our Bulletins

3) About NRDC

You will also find these alerts in NRDC'S Earth Action Center (http://www.nrdc.org/action), which includes tools for taking action easily online.

******************************************

1)alerts

CLEAN WATER AND OCEANS
Tell your senators to monitor and protect our nation's beaches

Beach closings and advisories continue to run at record highs. The 6,160 closings and advisories at our nation's coastal, bay and Great Lakes beaches during 1999 were nearly 50 percent higher than those in 1997, indicating that too little is being done to prevent beach pollution, especially from sources such as stormwater and sewage.

More than two-thirds of last year's beach closings and advisories were due to bacteria levels that exceeded health standards. These elevated bacteria levels usually are due to sewage or polluted stormwater discharges; the high organic content in sewage also can spur massive blooms of microscopic organisms that can cause illness through skin contact or ingestion. Other closings and advisories primarily occur as a result of incidents such as sewage treatment plant failures, or because of heavy rains that carry pollution to swimming waters.

Only 11 states comprehensively monitor most or all of their beaches and notify the public. S. 522, the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act of 2000, would ensure nationally consistent and protective health standards for beachwater in conjunction with comprehensive monitoring and public notification programs (the House of Representatives has already passed its version of the bill).

== What to do ==
Contact your senators and urge them to pass S. 522 to protect beachgoers everywhere, and feel free to add your own personal reasons for wanting assurances that the beachwater you swim in is consistently monitored for your safety.

== Contact information ==
You can email or fax your senators directly from NRDC's Earth Action Center at http://www.nrdc.org/action. If you prefer to call your senators, the Capitol Switchboard number is (202) 224-3121.

== Background information ==
Pollution at U.S. Beaches Remains High
http://www.nrdc.org/water/oceans/nttw.asp

. . .

FISH
Help convince the Clinton administration to save endangered Snake River salmon

The Snake River (the largest tributary of the Pacific Northwest's Columbia River) was once home to the largest salmon runs in the world. But habitat loss, overfishing and, especially, the construction of four dams on the lower part of the river have reduced Snake River salmon to the brink of extinction. Scientists agree that to save the salmon we must remove the four lower Snake River dams, and both the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Environmental Protection Agency have called for removing the dams as well.

The Clinton administration, however, has instead recommended a plan that postpones, for up to 10 years, breaching or removing the dams, thus leaving the Snake's endangered salmon on the path to extinction. The administration appears to be bowing to objections raised by the Army Corps of Engineers and key members of the House and Senate. But 10 years from now will be too late to start a successful salmon recovery program.

== What to do ==
Contact President Clinton and Vice President Gore and let them know they are heading in the wrong direction and instead should support a real salmon recovery plan that includes removing the Snake River dams.

== Contact information ==
You can email President Clinton and Vice President Gore directly from NRDC's Earth Action Center at http://www.nrdc.org/action. Or, use the contact information and sample letter below to send your own message.

President Bill Clinton
Vice President Al Gore
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20500
Phone: (202) 456-1414
Fax: (202) 456-2461
Email: president@whitehouse.gov; vice.president@whitehouse.gov

== Sample letter ==

Dear President Clinton and Vice President Gore,

Politics shouldn't determine the fate of endangered species, and the salmon of the Snake and Columbia rivers can't wait ten years for action. Decades of study and failed government programs have proven that we must remove the four lower Snake River dams if we want to save the fish. The electricity produced by the dams can be replaced by already identified cost-effective renewable sources and conservation practices.

Don't let the salmon become extinct. I urge you to support a salmon recovery action plan that calls for removing the four lower Snake River dams.

Sincerely,

== Background information ==
Save Our Wild Salmon
http://www.removedams.org

. . .

RAINFOREST PROTECTION
Urge a Texas oil company to halt plans for destructive oil development in a Central American rainforest

Guatemala's Maya Biosphere Reserve, a protected area of rainforest that contains the ruins of the thousand-year-old Classic Maya civilization, is one of our continent's natural treasures. Sixty families live in the community of Carmelita within the reserve and for decades have sustainably harvested chicle chewing gum and allspice from its trees. Along with a recent influx of ecotourism, the proceeds from the harvest account for the families' meager income.

The Maya reserve and the Carmelita families' livelihoods are threatened, however, by oil operations proposed by Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, a Houston, Texas-based oil company. Through its Guatemalan subsidiary, Basic Resources, Anadarko already has extensive oil drilling operations and a pipeline within the Laguna del Tigre National Park, which also is part of the reserve. Laguna del Tigre is Central America's largest wetland, and is home to a wealth of tropical species, including tapirs, scarlet macaws, and Morelet's crocodiles; the area is also critical habitat for jaguars. Guatemalan conservation groups have protested the company's operations within the national park, noting that the company falls seriously short of international standards for oil extraction in fragile tropical forest and wetland areas.

Anadarko is now seeking to expand its current exploration and exploitation within the reserve. The company is proposing a new oil development that would increase population pressures on the reserve, subject extensive forest areas to clearcutting and burning, further fragment important jaguar habitat, and criss-cross Carmelita with 180 miles of bulldozed and blasted corridors in search of oil the corporation hopes lies beneath the tropical forest and Maya cities. If it goes forward, the project would disrupt the fragile ecosystem and effectively destroy the Carmelita community's sustainable forest-based economy.

== What to do ==
Send a letter of protest to Robert J. Allison, chairman of Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, asking him to declare the community forest of Carmelita, Guatemala off limits to oil exploration and drilling and to terminate Anadarko's operations inside Laguna del Tigre National Park.

== Contact information ==
You can email Mr. Allison directly from NRDC's Earth Action Center at http://www.nrdc.org/action/a_maya.asp. Or, use the contact information and sample letter below to send your own message.

Mr. Robert J. Allison, Jr.
Chairman and CEO
Anadarko Petroleum Company
17001 Northchase Drive
Houston, Texas 77060
Fax: (281) 874-3385
Email: publicaffairs@anadarko.com

== Sample letter ==

Subject: Halt petroleum operations in Guatemala's Maya Biosphere Reserve

Dear Mr. Allison,

I am writing to express my concern about your operations in the Maya Biosphere Reserve in Guatemala. I urge you to halt Anadarko's oil exploration within the community lands of Carmelita and to withdraw from oil concession 1-92 in Laguna del Tigre National Park.

The oil concession you are seeking in Carmelita will terminate the sustainable, forest-based economy of the community's families. For decades, these families have sustainably harvested chicle gum, allspice, and xate palm leaves; your proposed oil operation is a threat to their livelihood and cultural traditions.

I also urge you to terminate Anadarko's oil operations in concession 1-92, which covers 55 percent of Laguna del Tigre National Park, inside the Maya Biosphere Reserve. The National Park is home to Central America's largest wetland, and a wealth of tropical species such as jaguars, tapirs, and scarlet macaws.

On its website, Anadarko Petroleum Corporation claims that, "In carrying out its operations throughout the world, Anadarko maintains a strong commitment to protecting the environment" and "Anadarko commits to respond to community concerns." I urge you to fulfill these pledges in Guatemala's Maya Biosphere Reserve.

Sincerely,

......

2) About Our Bulletins

The Natural Resources Defense Council distributes four bulletins by mailing list:

EARTH ACTION is sent biweekly and calls out urgent environmental issues requiring individual action. To subscribe, visit the Earth Action Center at http://www.nrdc.org/action or send a message to nrdcaction@nrdc.org with SUBSCRIBE EARTH ACTION BULLETIN in the subject line. To unsubscribe from the EARTH ACTION BULLETIN, send an email message to nrdcaction@nrdc.org with UNSUBSCRIBE EARTH ACTION BULLETIN in the subject line.

LEGISLATIVE WATCH is sent biweekly when Congress is in session and tracks environmental bills moving through the federal legislature. To subscribe to Legislative Watch, send an email message to nrdcaction@nrdc.org with SUBSCRIBE LEGISLATIVE WATCH in the subject line. To unsubscribe, send an email message to nrdcaction@nrdc.org with UNSUBSCRIBE LEGISLATIVE WATCH in the subject line.

The CALIFORNIA ACTIVIST NETWORK ACTION ALERT is distributed bimonthly to members of NRDC's California Activist Network and provides action tools to Californians and others concerned with protecting the state's natural resources and the health of its citizens. To join the network, visit NRDC's Save Wild California website at http://www.nrdc.org/wildcalifornia or send an email message to wildcalifornia@nrdc.org with SUBSCRIBE CALIFORNIA ACTIVIST NETWORK in the subject line. To unsubscribe, send an email message to wildcalifornia@nrdc.org with UNSUBSCRIBE CALIFORNIA ACTIVIST NETWORK in the subject line.

The EARTHSMARTCARS BULLETIN is distributed bimonthly by request to people who have joined NRDC's earthsmartcars campaign by signing our petition urging automakers to manufacture hybrid gasoline-electric cars. To sign the petition and receive the bulletin, visit our website at http://www.nrdc.org/earthsmartcars. To unsubscribe from the EARTHSMARTCARS BULLETIN, send a blank email message to leave-earthsmartcars@earth.lyris.net.

......

3) About NRDC

The Natural Resources Defense Council is a nonprofit environmental organization with 400,000 members nationwide and a staff of scientists, lawyers and environmental experts. Our mission is to protect the world's natural resources and improve the quality of the human environment.

For more information about NRDC or how to become a member of NRDC, please contact us at:

Natural Resources Defense Council
40 West 20th Street
New York, NY 10011
212-727-4511 (voice) / 212-727-1773 (fax)
General email: nrdcinfo@nrdc.org
Earth Action Network email: nrdcaction@nrdc.org 

from Michael Moore August 9, 2000

August 9, 2000 
                   
Dear friends, 
                   
I have received a lot of mail in the last few weeks from people who have
decided to vote for Al Gore out of fear. I can certainly understand this.
Many fear that if Baby Bush is elected, a woman's right to choose would be
eliminated, not to mention the other havoc he will create.
                   
I wrote a column on this very dilemma for grassroots.com (see below), but
apparently quite of few of you missed it. I would like to reprint it here so
you can read my thoughts about the Bush scare regarding the Supreme Court.
                   
On our final show tonight, we hold a tickertape parade in New York to
celebrate the victory of the  anti-abortion terrorists in America. You can't
get one in 86% of the counties in this country as doctors and clinics are
too afraid for their lives to perform them. This wholesale denial and
unavailability of a legal right occured during a pro-choice administration
(it was easier to get an  abortion under Reagan and Bush!). I realize that
many of us have differences about where we stand  morally on this issue, but
it IS the law of the land -- and the lawbreakers have won.
                   
Also tonight, we celebrate other Clinton/Gore accomplishments like doubling
the prison population  and creating millions of low-paying jobs. We're gonna
miss these guys!
                   
See ya tonight at 10pm ET/PT on Bravo.
                   
Yours,
                   
Michael Moore      
www.theawfultruth.com
www.michaelmoore.com
mmflint@aol.com

Ain't Fallin' For That One Again
Michael Moore
Release: Tuesday, July 18, 2000

I think the first time I remember hearing this political urban myth was in
the 1976 presidential election. Somebody told me the reason I had to vote
for Jimmy Carter was because if Gerald Ford was elected, women would lose
their right to choose to have an abortion. Abortion had been legal for only
three years at that point. It was considered a great victory, one we all
wanted to support.

So, I voted for Jimmy Carter -- and guess what? One of the things he did was
to stop all abortions provided for women or wives in the armed services! He
also stopped any further funding to birth control groups overseas that
offered abortion as an alternative. And he ended all Medicaid payments for
poor women in need of an abortion.

I felt a bit abused. I mean, Gerry Ford had been pro-choice. His wife was an
ardent supporter of women's rights. And it was a Nixon appointee to the
Supreme Court -- Justice Blackmun -- that wrote the majority opinion making
abortion legal. What was I thinking? (Other than that the Nixon Nightmare
years had to come to an end! That, I correctly rationalized, was worth the
vote for Carter.)

Four years later, Democrats and liberals were going nuts over the
possibility that Ronald Reagan might unseat Carter. Dire warnings were
issued to all: If Reagan gets in, abortion will be illegal, period.

Well, I didn't vote for Reagan OR Carter, Reagan got in, and then something
strange happened: Abortion remained legal! Sure, Reagan built on Carter's
abortion restrictions, but Roe v. Wade was still the law of the land when
the Gipper rode off into the sunset eight years later.

Yet Reagan had appointed plenty of wingnuts to the Supreme Court, so when
the doomsayers in 1988 warned that George Bush would CERTAINLY send women
back to the alleys to have illegal abortions, another bizarre thing happened
-- Bush got elected, and ... four years later ... ABORTION WAS STILL LEGAL!

But Bush did leave us with Clarence Thomas, so when the Democrats came to
scare the bejeepers out of me with what Bush would do to a woman's right to
choose if he got a second term, I decided to vote for Bill Clinton.

So what's happened under our first feminist-man president?

Perhaps Clinton misunderstood his mission: he was supposed to support a
womanąs right to choose, not his right to choose women. Roe v. Wade is still
on the books (mainly because of the consistent and unwavering support from
the Reagan-appointed Justice O'Connor, the Ford-appointed Justice Stevens,
and the Bush-appointed Justice Souter! They have voted to uphold abortion
rights every single time). But it is now twice as hard for a woman in
America to obtain an abortion as it was when Clinton took office. The
anti-abortion terrorists have been so successful in their campaign of
violence against abortion clinics and doctors and hospitals who perform
abortions that a woman can now get an abortion in only 14% of the counties
in the United States. That's right. Terrorism has scored its first victory
on U.S. soil by assassinating enough doctors and firebombing enough clinics
so that no one wants to perform an abortion. So if you live in one of the
86% of counties where not a single doctor will do an abortion, let me ask
you this: what good is a "right" to an abortion if you can't get one?

The stunning thing about this virtual elimination of abortion in America is
that it has occurred at a time when nearly 70% of the country supports some
form of legal abortion. The terrorists have literally gotten away with
murder -- with a pro-choice attorney general sitting in Washington, D.C.,
doing damn little about it. About the only reason I voted for these clowns
was because of this issue -- and where the hell have they been?

Which brings us to Ralph Nader. Vice President Al Gore, on Meet the Press
this week, told Tim Russert WHAT WOULD HAPPEN if George W. were elected
president. Women would lose their right to have an abortion, Gore bellowed,
with no equivocation and no hint of shame for what has happened on the
Clinton/Gore watch.

All the pundits -- and the Democrats -- tell us that a vote for Nader is a
vote for Bush because all Ralph will end up doing is siphoning off votes
that would have gone to Gore. This is their mantra:

"IF BUSH IS ELECTED, HE WILL APPOINT JUSTICES TO THE SUPREME COURT AND THEY
WILL DECLARE ABORTION ILLEGAL!"

Well, I've fallen for this before and I ain't fallin' for it again. In fact,
I will go so far as to say that George W. Bush, if for some reason he is
magically elected, will NEVER do ANYTHING to make abortion illegal.

Here's my proof:

1. To recap what I have already stated: Roe v. Wade was written by a
Republican, and upheld for 27 years by Republicans. No Republican president
has made abortion illegal, and none will this time around.

2. George W. is, first and only, a politician. For crying out loud, if 70%
of the country favors legal abortion, trust me, that party boy is NEVER
going to cook his goose on this issue. He is already moving to the center on
abortion and has been doing so since the primaries. He wants to win. He
already has the majority of women supporting him in the polls, in part
because a lot of women are confident he will not upset this apple cart.

3. The New York Times two weeks ago did a study of Bush's court appointees
in Texas and found that he did NOT appoint right-wing crazies, but rather
moderates or moderate conservatives who have upheld legal abortion in Texas
and struck down some cases that tried to put restrictions on a woman's right
to choose.

4. Sometimes even conservatives end up accepting that the tide has turned
against them. The most stunning example of this came last month when
ultra-conservative Chief Justice William Rehnquist insisted on writing the
MAJORITY opinion for the court upholding the Miranda ruling that requires
the police to inform an arrestee of his or her constitutional rights. Now,
you know a guy like Rehnquist personally just hates forcing the police to
read someone their rights. But in his decision keeping Miranda the law of
the land, Rehnquist wrote that the Miranda rights are now "part of the
American culture" and therefore should not be done away with. Even
pro-Miranda liberals had never heard that line used by the Supreme Court in
backing a decision, but it was, in essence, the truth. Reading someone their
rights is now like apple pie -- and so is a woman's right to choose what to
do if she should become pregnant. The overwhelming majority of Americans
believe it a decision best left with a woman, her doctor, her God -- and
it's nobody else's dang business. That, too, is part of the American
culture. It's called privacy, and it's been around for over 200 years.
Nobody, regardless of their political stripe, wants the politicians or the
justices in their bedroom.

So, this year, I'm not going to let the fearmongers scare me into voting
against my conscience. And I'm not going to let the Democratic candidate for
president cynically use this issue when he himself has served in D.C. for 8
years allowing the right to get an abortion to be whittled away to near
nothing.

Plus, I believe the true Nader constituency out there is among the 100
million nonvoters who have given up, thinking they no longer have a say in
what really goes on in Washington. Gore shouldn't worry about Ralph taking
votes from him. Rather he should think about what his administration with
Bill Clinton has taken away from the women of this nation.

Come November 7, I plan to enter the voting booth and vote not from fear,
but from a desire to see this country returned to the people.

from Natural Resources Defense Council August 10, 2000

Natural Resources Defense Council's

EARTHSMARTCARS BULLETIN

NRDC's earthsmartcars campaign aims to convince U.S. automakers that the key to cleaner cars (or "earthsmartcars," as we call them) is new technologies. Just as computers have transformed the world, technology can transform the auto industry.

August 10, 2000

******************************************
Contents

1) ACTION REMINDER: Dump Dirty Diesel comment period expires soon!

2) NEWS:

a) Ford and GM battling for premier SUV fuel economy status
b) Raves for the Prius

3) ABOUT OUR BULLETINS

4) ABOUT NRDC

******************************************

1) ACTION REMINDER: Comment period expires soon to tell the EPA to dump dirty diesels!

The Environmental Protection Agency is accepting comments through August 14 on its proposed rules to clean up diesel trucks and buses and eliminate 97 percent of the sulfur in diesel fuels. Predictably, oil companies and diesel engine manufacturers have been turning out in force, pressuring the EPA (both with written comments and at public hearings) to weaken the rules, claiming they will be too expensive (despite EPA calculations that the rules will increase the cost of fuel by less than four cents a gallon). To counter this industry pressure, the EPA **must** hear from a critical mass of citizens concerned about diesel's harmful effects on the environment and public health.

== What to do ==
If you haven't already sent an email to EPA administrator Carol Browner urging her to resist oil industry pressure and clean up dirty diesels, go to http://www.nrdc.org/action and do it today!

...........

2) NEWS

Ford and GM battling for premier SUV fuel economy status

The world's two largest automakers are engaged in a unique challenge: to see which company can build not the biggest or best-selling sport utility vehicle, but the most fuel efficient.

In the first pledge by an automaker to improve SUVs' gas guzzling reputation, Ford Motor Co. last month announced it would increase the fuel economy of its SUVs by 25 percent by 2005. The increased fuel efficiency (an average of 23 mpg compared to the current average of 18 mpg) will result from a variety of improvements, including lighter materials, better aerodynamics, a more efficient engine and the introduction of the Escape, Ford's gasoline-electric hybrid SUV. The higher fuel economy could save drivers an estimated $2,400 in fuel costs (or 1,700 gallons of gas) during the life of the vehicle.

The following week, General Motors Corp., in an indication that the company is unwilling to sit by idly while Ford attempts to grab the environmental leadership post, announced that GM's SUVs (plus all the company's minivans and pickup trucks) would average even more miles to the gallon than Ford's by 2005. Together, the two announcements affect half of all SUVs sold in the country every year -- about 800,000 by each automaker.

GM also announced it will introduce full-size gasoline-electric hybrid trucks in 2004. The hybrid engine will be installed in versions of GM's popular Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. The company also will improve the efficiency of its diesel-powered buses by 50 percent by 2005, saving an estimated 40 million gallons of diesel fuel per year.

. . .

Raves for the Prius

The American Council for Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), in its annual Environmental Guide to Cars and Trucks, named the Toyota Prius as the most environmentally friendly gasoline-powered vehicle on sale in the United States. The Prius made it to the top of the list because of its fuel economy (52 mpg city/45 highway) and because its extremely low tailpipe emissions meet California's Super-Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle standard. The Prius is one of two hybrid vehicles currently available; the other is the Honda Insight, which also scored high in the ACEEE ratings. To see the complete rankings, visit http://www.greenercars.com.

...........

3) ABOUT OUR BULLETINS

This bulletin is distributed by request to people who have joined NRDC's earthsmartcars campaign by signing our petition urging automakers to manufacture hybrid gasoline-electric cars. To sign the petition and receive the bulletin, visit our website at http://www.nrdc.org/earthsmartcars. To unsubscribe from EARTHSMARTCARS BULLETIN, follow the instructions at the very end of this email.

Other NRDC Bulletins:

EARTH ACTION is sent biweekly and calls out urgent environmental issues requiring individual action. To subscribe, visit the Earth Action Center at http://www.nrdc.org/action or send a message to nrdcaction@nrdc.org with SUBSCRIBE EARTH ACTION BULLETIN in the subject line. To unsubscribe from the EARTH ACTION BULLETIN, send an email message to nrdcaction@nrdc.org with UNSUBSCRIBE EARTH ACTION BULLETIN in the subject line.

LEGISLATIVE WATCH is sent biweekly when Congress is in session and tracks environmental bills moving through the federal legislature. To subscribe to Legislative Watch, send an email message to nrdcaction@nrdc.org with SUBSCRIBE LEGISLATIVE WATCH in the subject line. To unsubscribe, send an email message to nrdcaction@nrdc.org with UNSUBSCRIBE LEGISLATIVE WATCH in the subject line.

THE CALIFORNIA ACTIVIST NETWORK ACTION ALERT is distributed bimonthly to members of NRDC's California Activist Network and provides action tools to Californians and others concerned with protecting the state's natural resources and the health of its citizens. To join the network, visit NRDC's Save Wild California website at http://www.nrdc.org/wildcalifornia or send an email message to join-california-activist-network@earth.lyris.net. To unsubscribe, send a message to leave-california-activist-network@earth.lyris.net.

...........

4) ABOUT NRDC

The Natural Resources Defense Council is a non-profit environmental organization with 400,000 members nationwide and a staff of scientists, attorneys and environmental experts. Our mission is to protect the world's natural resources and improve the quality of the human environment.

For more information about NRDC or how to become a member of NRDC, please contact us at:

Natural Resources Defense Council
40 West 20th Street
New York, NY 10011
212-727-2700
General email: nrdcinfo@nrdc.org
Earthsmartcars email: earthsmartcars@nrdc.org

from Greenpeace August 10, 2000

BP RUNS TO COURT TO AVOID PUBLICITY ABOUT FUELING GLOBAL WARMING


ANCHORAGE, Alaska, August 10, 2000 -- To avoid publicity about its role
fueling global warming, oil giant BP has received a court order against
Greenpeace, ordering the environmental organization to stay at least 200
yards away from any BP property related to the company's Northstar
offshore oil site, now under construction in the Arctic Ocean. The court
action follows the arrest on Tuesday of five Greenpeace activists who were
occupying a barge carrying drilling and construction supplies to
Northstar.

The occupation drew international world attention to the controversial oil
site, which if completed, will fuel global warming from a region that is
already experiencing a severe polar meltdown. Northstar will also pave the
way for further offshore oil expansion in the vulnerable Arctic Ocean.

A federal court in Anchorage issued the restraining order. In addition to
forbidding Greenpeace from moving within 200 yards of Northstar property,
it also restrains any interference with transport of materials to the
site. "BP has run to court rather than face up to its role fueling global
warming," said Greenpeace campaigner Melanie Duchin aboard the MV Arctic
Sunrise which remains in the vicinity of the Northstar site. "
Greenpeace's message about BP's environmental irresponsibility is reaching
more and more people.  Clearly this is why BP has taken this strong action
in the courts to silence that message."

Currently, the western Arctic is warming three to five times faster than the
global average. An area of Arctic sea ice the size of Texas has
disappeared in the last 20 years. Marine mammals are under threat as the
ice pack on which they hunt and breed melts away.

Despite BP's frequent claims to be concerned about climate change, the
company recently announced a 40% increase in oil and gas investment. The
company has also aggressively promoted its solar division as evidence of
its green credentials. But in fact, BP will actually be spending over 50
times more on oil exploration and production than on clean, renewable
energy.

At this year's AGM, an unprecedented 13% of BP's investors voted in favor
of BP canceling Northstar and investing the savings in solar energy
instead. Thirteen billion dollars' worth of shares voted for the
resolution and against the Board of Directors.

Greenpeace's peaceful actions this week follows years of campaigning to
halt BP's Northstar oil development project. This past winter for two
months Greenpeace maintained a camp on the frozen Arctic Ocean to protest
Northstar construction. Meanwhile, lawsuits are pending in U.S. federal
and Alaska State courts, challenging the project on a number of
significant issues including water use, oil spills and cumulative impact
of offshore oil on the climate and ecology of the Alaskan Arctic.

Read more about Greenpeace's efforts to stop BP's Northstar platform:
http://www.greenpeaceusa.org/arctic


CONTACT: Melanie Duchin on board the MV Arctic Sunrise, 011 872 1302577 or
011 872 324 453 810; in Anchorage Dan Ritzman, 907-227-8234 or
907-229-1500; in Washington, Mary MacNutt, 202- 319-2492 or 202-255-9560.

from Rural Advancement Foundation International August 10, 2000

R A F I   
Rural Advancement Foundation International   
www.rafi.org/ rafi@rafi.org   
   
Geno-Types   10 August 2000   
   
The Mouse that Roared on Animal Pharm:   
Canadian Courts Rule that Mammals can be a Patented Invention   
    
'There was considerable fanfare in this appeal that significant policy questions are at stake there were arguments made against patenting the oncomouse based on human health, environmental and other concerns. However, all that is at issue in this appeal is the interpretation of the Patent Act and the determination of whether, on the basis of the evidence, the appellant's product is patentable in accordance with that interpretation  To the extent the appeal gives rise to policy questions, they are to be addressed by Parliament and not the Court.'  
    
Judge Rothstein, for the majority   
Federal Court of Appeal, Canada, August 2000   
  
'In all the circumstances of this case, including the limited role that our jurisprudence has assigned to the Courts in this area and the serious moral and ethical implications of this subject matter, it seems to me that Parliament is the most appropriate forum for the resolution of the issues in dispute here.'   
Judge Isaacs, Dissenting Opinion   
Federal Court of Appeal, Canada, August 2000   
  
  
In a split 2-1 decision, the Canadian Federal Court of Appeal ruled in favour of granting a patent to Harvard Medical School for the  oncomouse,  a mouse genetically engineered to carry a cancer-causing gene. The decision marks another point in the 15-year battle in the Canadian courts over whether Mother Nature or a Harvard scientist invented the mouse and its offspring. The decision overturned a Federal Court ruling and the decision of Canada s Patents Commissioner. The trial judge in the earlier decision had argued that although Harvard invented a process for inserting a gene into a mouse, 'they have not invented the mouse.'    
  
The decision to grant a patent for this multicellular, higher life form opens the door to patenting any non-human life form. To date, Canada has granted patents for single-cell life forms, including human cell lines, but not for multi-cellular ones. Harvard modified the mouse by inserting a gene to cause it to develop cancer for use in research. However, the patent that was granted extends to all non-human mammals, 'from a shrew to a whale' that might be similarly genetically engineered, even though Harvard has not performed these modifications.    
  
'For the first time in Canada, something that can look you in the eye is considered an  invention, ' noted Julie Delahanty of RAFI. 'The implications of this change in Canadian patent law are profound and the outcome will be viewed with dismay by many nations who have been following the Canadian case closely.' Developing countries are net importers of technologies and patented products, and for the most part are opposed to the patenting of life. Many of them have been following the case in Canada hoping it would strengthen their opposition to the life patenting provisions of the intellectual property (TRIPs) agreement of the World Trade Organization.   
   
Quiet as a Mouse: The Canadian government has been noticeably silent on the political implications of the case. 'They have used the courts to sidestep their responsibility to consider the ethics and impact of the patenting of life forms,' says Delahanty. 'The court rulings on this case have twice agreed that the issue of life patenting is more rightly decided by Parliament, yet the government continues to avoid the democratic process and is instead hiding beneath the judge's robes.'   
   
Through other official documents such as the Canadian Biotechnology Strategy, the present government has made it clear that they support the biotechnology industry s desire for patenting anything that moves. The decision in this case leaves them free to avoid broad public debate on the question of patenting life forms in Canada.   
  
The Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) intervened in the case, arguing that the Federal Court decision should be upheld and that the patent should not be granted. Michelle Swenarchuk, Counsel and Director of International Programs for CELA argued that the Court is 'not the appropriate body to determine this question, since it was not in the position of having before it all the information required for a full examination of the implications of life form patenting. Rather, the decision should be made by legislative review, after a full public debate of all the implications. If Parliament did consider the issue,' adds Swenarchuck, 'it could then decide whether there should be safeguards such as ethcial and environmental reviews, other public protections for food security and the protection of animals, the appointment of a body of ethical advisors or involvement of the public in decisions made by the Patent Office. Only Parliament, not the Courts, can ensure that such s!
afeguards are in place for the public interest.'  
   
Mickey Mouse gets Real: Like the other copyrighted mouse, Mickey, the oncomouse, also serves corporate interests. Although the patent is owned by Harvard Medical School, an earlier commercialization arrangement leaves DuPont, a multinational  Gene Giant, not Harvard, entitled to exclusive license of the patent. DuPont has claimed patent protection on any anticancer product ever derived from the mice.   
  
The corporate excitement around the oncomouse reached its pinnacle in 1988 when a major financial magazine labeled the mouse the  product of the year.  'Animals can now have their genetic makeup altered to serve as a tool for corporate profit. They are no longer animals, but machines that are described as human inventions. This so-called invention is the ultimate 'better mouse trap,'' said Delahanty.    
  
Allowing patents to be applied to engineered animals means that corporate interests can also impose the same kinds of conditions on livestock farming as they have on plant agriculture elsewhere. In fact, the issue is much clearer since farmers who breed livestock would have to pay a royalty for resulting offspring. 'Not only could this lead to further genetic erosion of domestic animals which are already being lost at a rate of 5% each year,' worries Delahanty, 'but family livestock farms would resemble a modern version of feudal farms, with serfs paying the company royalties for their animal inventions.'  
    
'This isn t about curing cancer, this is about making money,' said Paul Muldoon, Executive Director of CELA. 'I can see that many animals will be genetically altered, for whatever reason, and that industry will have control.'  
    
Irresistible craving for cheese? There are currently approximately 250 applications pending in the Canadian Intellectual Property Office dealing with animal patents that have been on hold awaiting this decision. When asked to divulge the nature of these patents, Murray Wilson, a spokesman for the Patent Commissioner, stated: 'Let your mind run wild  what people could dream up for getting the body of an animal to do.' In Canada, one need not leave all to the imagination. For example, within the next year mice will be incubating the eggs of women who risk damaging their ovaries because of medical treatment. A team at the Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto has already successfully harvested human eggs from the back muscles of rodents. (see Day, Michael, 'Mice to the rescue'. New Scientist, 1 July 2000, Page 7).   
  
In the interests of science?: The Canadian lawyers representing Harvard argued that 'It is in the interest of the Canadian public to allow patents for higher life forms.' The Federal Court of Appeal majority decision agreed that without patent protection the 'creation of inventions' would be discouraged.   
   
Despite these claims, the appeal court judges and the lawyers for Harvard have ignored not only the literature demonstrating that patents stifle rather than encourage research, but also the history of the oncomouse itself. At the outset, DuPont made the oncomouse available for basic research for a comparatively low fee and with no restrictions. In 1988, DuPont entered into an agreement with Charles River Laboratories to breed and distribute the oncomice that included provisions for downstream royalties (in other words, any product developed using the mouse in the research would be subject to royalty payment). As a result, the restrictions have become so limiting on downstream revenues that few scientists are purchasing or using the oncomice in their research.  
    
The need to obtain patent licenses has imposed a significant burden on the research community that is neither necessary nor desirable for research. CELA argues for 'the free and unfettered exchange of the results of scientific research, a value now at risk due to increased commercialization of research, non-disclosure agreements, and the treatment of research results as  proprietary.'   
  
Of GM Mice or GM Men?: The court attempted to draw the line at people and warned that the decision does not endorse patents of human life. 'The potential extension to human beings is an obvious concern,' stated Judge Rothstein for the majority. 'The answer is clearly that the Patent Act cannot be extended to cover human beings. Patenting is a form of ownership of property. Ownership concepts cannot be extended to human beings.' Despite such bland reassurances, critics are not so confident.  
    
The Canadian and other patent offices already allow patents on human genes and cell lines. In 1997, a patent was granted by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on a sheep named Dolly, the world s first cloned mammal. The patents held by the Roslin Institute, responsible for the Dolly experiment, cover the use of the technology in all animals, including humans. The Institute claimed that they included humans simply to ensure that nobody else could lay claim to human cloning. Such good intentions are dubious given the rate of corporate takeover of small operations and the knowledge that once the legal precedent has been set for the patenting of humans, turning the clocks back is almost impossible.    
  
The line between what is human and what is not and therefore what multicellular human organisms can be patented is becoming fuzzier everyday. 'We re only a few genes ahead of being a salamander anyway,' says Pat Mooney, Executive Director of RAFI. 'Human genes and cells have already been patented. With the rapid advances in biotechnology and other technologies, it s hard to be overly confident that human beings will not eventually, also be the subject of a patent. Once you accept the patenting of life, there is virtually no way to keep the doors shut on the patenting of organs and any other parts of the human body that have a commercial application.'   
    
    
Judgement: Federal Court of Canada Docket A-334-98, President and Fellows of Harvard College and Commissioner of Patents et al.  
  
For more information contact:    
Julie Delahanty -- RAFI, phone 819 827 9949, email julie@rafi.org'    
Pat Mooney -- RAFI, phone 591 64 400 16, email rafi@rafi.org   
CELA, phone 416 960-2284    
 

from Kenneth Gould August 10, 2000

PRELIMINARY  ANNOUNCEMENT
TEACH-IN
TRANSFORMING THE GLOBAL FINANCIAL SYSTEM OCTOBER 20 AND 21, 2000
MONTREAL, CANADA
Location to be announced

The World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and finance ministers and
central bankers from 19 of the world's most powerful countries are meeting
behind closed doors in Montreal, October 24 and 25th, 2000. Created by the
Group of Seven industrialized countries in response to recent financial
crises in Asia, Russia and Latin America, the Group of Twenty (G20) is
discussing a narrow range of proposals to reform the internationalfinancial
system.

The public will not be invited to these secretive and exclusive meetings.
Citizens will not be asked how the global financial system should be
changed, although it deeply affects us all. In the wake of recent and
devastating financial crises that left tens of millions unemployed in Asia
alone,ideas are emerging that the ministers and bankers need to hear.

If you want to learn more about how today's world of international finance
increases inequity and corporate control globally, if you are interested in
a new economic order that works for people and the
environment, if you want to know how international markets can finance
justice, not more injustice, if you want to send a message that the economy
is too important to be left to economists.

JOIN US! Come to a Teach-In organized by the Halifax Initiative, a Canadian
Coalition for Economic Democracy.

Friday,October 20>> 7:00 - 10:00 pm
Finance Minister and Chair of the G-20, Paul Martin will speak and take
questions from the floor.  First come, first serve as space will belimited.

Co-hosted by the Social Justice Committee of Montreal and Concordia
University.

Saturday, October 21st
9:00 - 6:00 pm (cost $10.00, $5.00 for low-income and students)
Workshops given by activists from around the world on the international
financial system, the real costs of financial liberalization and financial
crises, how capital can be controlled, the Tobin tax, the IMF, the World
Bank many other related topics. A full list of workshops will be made
available as they are confirmed.

Simulataneous translation in French and English will be available formost
workshops.

The Teach-In is geared to students, community activists and the public at
large. All interested persons are welcome, but people will be required to
register for the Saturday event. You can register by giving your name,
number of tickets wanted, address and credit card information either by
email at halifax@web.net or sjc@web.net or by telephone at 1-877-933-6797.  
You can also post your registration and send cash or a cheque to G-20,
Social Justice Committee of Montrial, 1857 ouest de Maisonneuve, Montrial,
Quibec, H3H 1J9.

You will be able to register on-line soon as we are setting up a conference
site that will be linked to http://www.web.net/halifax>www.web.net/halifax

If you are interested in giving a workshop at the teach-in, please send a
workshop title and summary, as well as contact and background informationon
the speaker/facilitator to halifax@web.net no later than August 26, 2000.

For more information on the Teach-In, please contact Pamela Foster,
halifax@web.net in Ottawa, 613-789-4447.

For more information on the G-20, visit
http://www.g20.org/>http://www.g20.org

The Halifax Initiative is a coalition of development, labour, human rights,
environment and faith groups. We are committed to the democratisation of the
international financial system and its institutions as a means to achieve:
poverty eradication, environmental sustainability and an equitable
distribution of wealth. We work to achieve our goals through research,
education, advocacy and alliance-building.

The Halifax Initiative was formed in the context of an international
movement of non-governmental organizations focused on evaluating the role
and record of the Bretton Woods Institutions at the time of their 50th
Anniversary. Canadian NGOs formed the Halifax Initiative in December 1994 to
ensure that demands for fundamental reform of the international financial
institutions were high on the agenda of the G7's 1995 Halifax Summit

from Environment News Service August 10, 2000

ENVIRONMENT NEWS SERVICE (ENS)                 http://ens-news.com

                                  "We Cover the Earth For You"
************************************************************
NOTE:  The ENS server is having technical difficulties which are being
worked on diligently.  This issue may be a duplicate of one received
yesterday.  If so, please accept our sincere apologies.  This techinical
problem will be worked out soon.  Please bear with us while we change to a
database platform which will allow the delivery of the ENS news both earlier
in the day and with a great deal more stories.
************************************************************

U.S. EPA LAUNCHES COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF Bt CROPS

WASHINGTON, DC, August 10, 2000 (ENS) - The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency plans to undertake a comprehensive scientific and public review of
its current approval for corn and cotton seeds genetically engineered to
make their own pesticides. Biotech opponents applauded the move, but
criticized the EPA for granting the crops a temporary extension.
For full text and graphics visit:
http://ens.lycos.com/ens/aug2000/2000L-08-10-07.html

************************************************************

MORE PLUTONIUM ON ITS WAY TO JAPAN, SAYS GREENPEACE

PARIS, France, August 10, 2000 (ENS) - The environmental group Greenpeace
said Wednesday that a shipment of plutonium mixed oxide (MOX) fuel will
leave France for Japan as early as September.
For full text and graphics visit:
http://ens.lycos.com/ens/aug2000/2000L-08-10-11.html

************************************************************

REPTILES IN TROUBLE AROUND THE WORLD

AIKEN, South Carolina, August 10, 2000 (ENS) - The international focus on
vanishing and deformed amphibians like frogs, toads and salamanders has
masked the problems of another group of animals: reptiles. A new report says
that reptiles - including turtles, lizards, alligators and snakes - are in
even greater distress worldwide than their better known cousins.
For full text and graphics visit:
http://ens.lycos.com/ens/aug2000/2000L-08-10-06.html

************************************************************

UK's RURAL BEAUTIFICATION SCHEME BLOOMING

LINCOLNSHIRE, United Kingdom, August 10, 2000 (ENS) - A UK scheme that pays
farmers to improve the natural beauty and diversity of their lands is so
popular, the government is struggling to keep up with applications.
For full text and graphics visit:
http://ens.lycos.com/ens/aug2000/2000L-08-10-10.html

************************************************************

AFRICAN ROUNDTABLE SERVES UP CLEANER INDUSTRIAL FUTURE

NAIROBI, Kenya, August 10, 2000 (ENS) - To address industrial pollution
before it happens is the goal of the first ever Cleaner Production
Roundtable for Africa, which began in Nairobi Wednesday.
For full text and graphics visit:
http://ens.lycos.com/ens/aug2000/2000L-08-10-12.html

************************************************************

ENVIRONMENT NEWS SERVICE AMERISCAN: AUGUST 10, 2000

Industry Coalition Promotes Carbon Sequestration

Geothermal Energy Research Focus of 21 New Partnerships

Energy Department Aims for Pollution Free Power Plants

Solar Roof Tiles to Power Anaheim Convention Center

Riverside Cleanup Launched at Hanford

Monday Proclaimed National Forest Protection Day

Farm Bureau Underestimates Fertilizers. Role in Dead Zone

Conservationists Threaten Suit Over Three California Species

House Bill Promotes Reusable Boxes and Pallets

Cascade Mountain Protections Just a Click Away

For full text and graphics visit:
http://ens.lycos.com/ens/aug2000/2000L-08-10-09.html

Copyright Environment News Service (ENS) 2000 All Rights Reserved.

************************************************************
                          SEND NEWS STORY TIPS TO news@ens-news.com

*****************************************************************
E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE
*****************************************************************

TO EDUCATION, AUTO AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDITORS:

FutureTruck Project Announces First Year Results: Industry,
Government And Universities Deliver Economic-Environmental Benefits

    MESA, Ariz., Aug. 10 -/E-Wire/--  The final numbers are in and the
Winners of the FutureTruck 2000 competition are official.  Fifteen
university
engineering teams spent two blistering weeks under the Arizona sun where
teams of
experts evaluated their experimental, high-tech, "super trucks" of the
future.  And
the biggest winners of this contest so far are everyone who cares about
cleaner
air and fuel conservation.
    /CONTACT:  Jim Schell of GM Communications, 248-753-7161, or pager,
800-682-6569/          (GM)
    /Web site:  http://futuretruck.home.att.net/
    /Web site:  http://www.futuretruck.org/
    /Web site:  http://media.gm.com/
For Full Text Visit: http://ens.lycos.com/e-wire/Aug00/10Aug0005.html

*********************************************************************
E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE
*******************************************************************

TO NEWS/ENVIRONMENTAL EDITOR:

Media Advisory - Media Technical Briefing on Road Salts

    OTTAWA, Aug. 10 /E-Wire/--  Although snow is the farthest thing from the
minds of most Canadians at this time of year, the federal government is
about to release a scientific assessment report on the toxicity of Road
Salts.
    /CONTACT: To register (those journalists outside the NCR)
and for additional information, please contact: France Bureau, Environment
Canada, (819) 953-4397
     /Web site:  http://www.ec.gc.ca
For Full Text Visit: http://ens.lycos.com/e-wire/Aug00/10Aug0004.html

*********************************************************************
E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE
*******************************************************************

TO BUSINESS, AUTO AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDITORS:

GM and ExxonMobil Collaboration Develops
Gasoline Processor for Fuel Cell Vehicles

    TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., Aug. 10 -/E-Wire/--  General Motors Corporation
(NYSE: GM) and Exxon Mobil Corporation announced today that they have
developed a highly-efficient gasoline fuel processor for fuel cell vehicles.
The companies said that the processor is a major breakthrough that will lead
to greatly reduced emissions and improved fuel economy.  GM plans a vehicle
demonstration using this technology within 18 months.
    /CONTACT:  Barry Wood of Exxon Mobil Corporation, 908-474-6229; Jeff
Kuhlman, 248-680-5999, or Juanita Kukla, 810-986-6285, both of General
Motors
Corporation/             (GM)
    /Web site:  http://media.gm.com/
For Full Text Visit: http://ens.lycos.com/e-wire/Aug00/10Aug0001.html

*********************************************************************
E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE
*******************************************************************

TO NATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDITORS:

     RPCC Supports Environmental Tax Cut Proposed for Farmers, Retailers

    WASHINGTON, Aug. 10 -/E-Wire/--  The Reusable Pallet and Container
Coalition (RPCC), a trade association of companies in the reusable packaging
industry, has announced its strong support for the environmental tax
incentive bill to promote business conversion from disposable pallets and
cardboard
boxes to reusable pallets and plastic containers introduced by Rep. Dana
Rohrabacher (R-CA) and Rep. Bob Matsui (D-CA) on July 20. The bill, HR 4916
Or the Landfill Reduction Act of 2000, allows farmers, retailers,
manufacturers
and poolers of reusable plastic or wooden pallets and plastic containers to
write-off the cost of capital investments to convert to these
environmentally-
superior products.
    /CONTACT:  Jeanie Johnson of the Reusable Pallet and Container
Coalition,
202-625-4899, fax: 202-318-2289, or email: headquarters@rpccreusable.org/
For Full Text Visit: http://ens.lycos.com/e-wire/Aug00/10Aug0002.html

*****************************************************************
E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE
*****************************************************************

-- NEWS ADVISORY -- TO NATIONAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND POLITICAL EDITORS:

                          EPA's Latest Developments

EPA ANNOUNCES PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ENHANCEMENT AND TIME EXTENSION
FOR Bt CORN AND Bt COTTON PLANT-PESTICIDES REGISTRATIONS

SCIENCE PANEL TO REVIEW THE POTENTIAL OF
MALATHION'S LINK TO CANCER IN HUMANS

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING SIGNED FOR THE SAFE USE OF PESTICIDES

FEDERAL AGENCIES UNITE TO HELP TRIBES SOLVE SOLID WASTE PROBLEMS

EXPANDED TOXICS RELEASE INVENTORY STATE INFORMATION NOW AVAILABLE

                             ENFORCEMENT WRAP-UP

FLORIDA MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO CFC SMUGGLING

FOUR CONVICTED IN LOUISIANA METHYL BROMIDE
CASE THAT KILLED MOTHER AND SICKENED CHILD

EPA AND NEW YORK CITY SETTLE LAWSUIT TO ADDRESS AIR VIOLATIONS

    /Web sites:  http://www.epa.gov
                http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/biopesticides
                http://www.epa.gov/scipoly/sap
                http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr
                http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/cb/csb_page/updates/epacdc-mou
                http://www.epa.gov/tribalmsw
                http://www.epa.gov/tri/tri98
                http://www.epa.gov/region02/
For Full Text Visit: http://ens.lycos.com/e-wire/Aug00/10Aug0007.html

*********************************************************************
E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE
*******************************************************************

TO NATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDITORS:

Clinton-Gore Administration Proposes Action
To Protect the Nation's Wetlands

    WASHINGTON, Aug. 10 -/E-Wire/--  The Clinton-Gore Administration today
proposed significant new protection for tens of thousands of acres of
environmentally valuable wetlands across the United States.  Under today's
action, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers
are proposingto address a major regulatory loophole in the Clean Water Act
by
clarifying the types of activities that can harm wetlands and thus, require
regulation.
    /CONTACT: Robin Woods of the Environmental Protection Agency,
202-564-7841/
    /Web site:  http://www.epa.gov
    /Web site:  http://www.epa.gov/ow/
For Full Text Visit: http://ens.lycos.com/e-wire/Aug00/10Aug0003.html

************************************************************
  SEND YOUR PRESS RELEASE ON E-WIRE -- 1-888-764-NEWS
************************************************************

from Greenpeace August 11, 2000

Our activists who were arrested on the BP barge have now been released.
After a blockade of the barge at BP's Seal Island drilling platform, our vessel
the MV Arctic Sunrise is positioned near Seal Island and preparing for the
next stage in our struggle against BP's Northstar project, which, if
completed, would be the first offshore oil project in the Arctic Ocean.

You can follow our campaign against oil development in the Arctic Ocean at:

http://greenpeace.org/arctic

All the problems with our domain registry seem to have been cleared up, so
if you had problems getting through earlier in the week, please try now.

More than 1000 people have e-mailed and faxed a letter to BP CEO John
Browne in the last week. If you haven't sent a letter yet, you can by clicking
on the link on the home page of http://greenpeace.org or directly by clicking
on:

http://zope.greenpeace.org/z/ams/e?a=Browne&s=s01

There are plenty of other opportunities to get involved. If you want to help,
please go to http://greenpeace.org and click on the cyberactivists button on
the left side.

You can download an action kit, participate in our global stickering contest,
send a letter to BP investors, put campaign buttons and banners on your
own website, send an e-card to a friend, suggest a new meaning for the
letters "BP", and even send an entry in for our BP Rogue Site Contest, which
ends on August 18.

Visit our Bear Sightings page (http:/greenpeace.org/arctic and then click on
Bear Sightings above the photo). You can also look at our photo galleries,
view our crew profiles, or take a virtual tour of the Arctic Sunrise by clicking
on the Action Underway link, also above the photo.

We're always looking for feedback, so don't forget to contact the Northstar
campaign at stop.northstar@ams.greenpeace.org.

Cheers,
Kevin

Kevin Jardine
Greenpeace International

__________________________

---------------------------------------------------------
Kevin Jardine
Greenpeace International
New Media Campaigner
Keizersgracht 176
1016 DW Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Tel: + 31 20 523 6660
Fax: + 31 20 523 6200
E-mail: kjardine@ams.greenpeace.org
WWW: Check out Arctic Action at http://greenpeace.org/arctic
------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------
Greenpeace Arctic Activists List
NO NEW OIL
http://greenpeace.org/arctic

from Defenders of Wildlife August 11, 2000

ENVIRONMENT NEWS SERVICE (ENS)                 http://ens-news.com

                                  "We Cover the Earth For You"
************************************************************
NOTE:  The ENS server is having technical difficulties which are being
worked on diligently.  This issue may be a duplicate of one received
yesterday.  If so, please accept our sincere apologies.  This techinical
problem will be worked out soon.  Please bear with us while we change to a
database platform which will allow the delivery of the ENS news both earlier
in the day and with a great deal more stories.
************************************************************

U.S. EPA LAUNCHES COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF Bt CROPS

WASHINGTON, DC, August 10, 2000 (ENS) - The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency plans to undertake a comprehensive scientific and public review of
its current approval for corn and cotton seeds genetically engineered to
make their own pesticides. Biotech opponents applauded the move, but
criticized the EPA for granting the crops a temporary extension.
For full text and graphics visit:
http://ens.lycos.com/ens/aug2000/2000L-08-10-07.html

************************************************************

MORE PLUTONIUM ON ITS WAY TO JAPAN, SAYS GREENPEACE

PARIS, France, August 10, 2000 (ENS) - The environmental group Greenpeace
said Wednesday that a shipment of plutonium mixed oxide (MOX) fuel will
leave France for Japan as early as September.
For full text and graphics visit:
http://ens.lycos.com/ens/aug2000/2000L-08-10-11.html

************************************************************

REPTILES IN TROUBLE AROUND THE WORLD

AIKEN, South Carolina, August 10, 2000 (ENS) - The international focus on
vanishing and deformed amphibians like frogs, toads and salamanders has
masked the problems of another group of animals: reptiles. A new report says
that reptiles - including turtles, lizards, alligators and snakes - are in
even greater distress worldwide than their better known cousins.
For full text and graphics visit:
http://ens.lycos.com/ens/aug2000/2000L-08-10-06.html

************************************************************

UK's RURAL BEAUTIFICATION SCHEME BLOOMING

LINCOLNSHIRE, United Kingdom, August 10, 2000 (ENS) - A UK scheme that pays
farmers to improve the natural beauty and diversity of their lands is so
popular, the government is struggling to keep up with applications.
For full text and graphics visit:
http://ens.lycos.com/ens/aug2000/2000L-08-10-10.html

************************************************************

AFRICAN ROUNDTABLE SERVES UP CLEANER INDUSTRIAL FUTURE

NAIROBI, Kenya, August 10, 2000 (ENS) - To address industrial pollution
before it happens is the goal of the first ever Cleaner Production
Roundtable for Africa, which began in Nairobi Wednesday.
For full text and graphics visit:
http://ens.lycos.com/ens/aug2000/2000L-08-10-12.html

************************************************************

ENVIRONMENT NEWS SERVICE AMERISCAN: AUGUST 10, 2000

Industry Coalition Promotes Carbon Sequestration

Geothermal Energy Research Focus of 21 New Partnerships

Energy Department Aims for Pollution Free Power Plants

Solar Roof Tiles to Power Anaheim Convention Center

Riverside Cleanup Launched at Hanford

Monday Proclaimed National Forest Protection Day

Farm Bureau Underestimates Fertilizers. Role in Dead Zone

Conservationists Threaten Suit Over Three California Species

House Bill Promotes Reusable Boxes and Pallets

Cascade Mountain Protections Just a Click Away

For full text and graphics visit:
http://ens.lycos.com/ens/aug2000/2000L-08-10-09.html

Copyright Environment News Service (ENS) 2000 All Rights Reserved.

************************************************************
                          SEND NEWS STORY TIPS TO news@ens-news.com

*****************************************************************
E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE
*****************************************************************

TO EDUCATION, AUTO AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDITORS:

FutureTruck Project Announces First Year Results: Industry,
Government And Universities Deliver Economic-Environmental Benefits

    MESA, Ariz., Aug. 10 -/E-Wire/--  The final numbers are in and the
Winners of the FutureTruck 2000 competition are official.  Fifteen
university
engineering teams spent two blistering weeks under the Arizona sun where
teams of
experts evaluated their experimental, high-tech, "super trucks" of the
future.  And
the biggest winners of this contest so far are everyone who cares about
cleaner
air and fuel conservation.
    /CONTACT:  Jim Schell of GM Communications, 248-753-7161, or pager,
800-682-6569/          (GM)
    /Web site:  http://futuretruck.home.att.net/
    /Web site:  http://www.futuretruck.org/
    /Web site:  http://media.gm.com/
For Full Text Visit: http://ens.lycos.com/e-wire/Aug00/10Aug0005.html

*********************************************************************
E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE
*******************************************************************

TO NEWS/ENVIRONMENTAL EDITOR:

Media Advisory - Media Technical Briefing on Road Salts

    OTTAWA, Aug. 10 /E-Wire/--  Although snow is the farthest thing from the
minds of most Canadians at this time of year, the federal government is
about to release a scientific assessment report on the toxicity of Road
Salts.
    /CONTACT: To register (those journalists outside the NCR)
and for additional information, please contact: France Bureau, Environment
Canada, (819) 953-4397
     /Web site:  http://www.ec.gc.ca
For Full Text Visit: http://ens.lycos.com/e-wire/Aug00/10Aug0004.html

*********************************************************************
E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE
*******************************************************************

TO BUSINESS, AUTO AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDITORS:

GM and ExxonMobil Collaboration Develops
Gasoline Processor for Fuel Cell Vehicles

    TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., Aug. 10 -/E-Wire/--  General Motors Corporation
(NYSE: GM) and Exxon Mobil Corporation announced today that they have
developed a highly-efficient gasoline fuel processor for fuel cell vehicles.
The companies said that the processor is a major breakthrough that will lead
to greatly reduced emissions and improved fuel economy.  GM plans a vehicle
demonstration using this technology within 18 months.
    /CONTACT:  Barry Wood of Exxon Mobil Corporation, 908-474-6229; Jeff
Kuhlman, 248-680-5999, or Juanita Kukla, 810-986-6285, both of General
Motors
Corporation/             (GM)
    /Web site:  http://media.gm.com/
For Full Text Visit: http://ens.lycos.com/e-wire/Aug00/10Aug0001.html

*********************************************************************
E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE
*******************************************************************

TO NATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDITORS:

     RPCC Supports Environmental Tax Cut Proposed for Farmers, Retailers

    WASHINGTON, Aug. 10 -/E-Wire/--  The Reusable Pallet and Container
Coalition (RPCC), a trade association of companies in the reusable packaging
industry, has announced its strong support for the environmental tax
incentive bill to promote business conversion from disposable pallets and
cardboard
boxes to reusable pallets and plastic containers introduced by Rep. Dana
Rohrabacher (R-CA) and Rep. Bob Matsui (D-CA) on July 20. The bill, HR 4916
Or the Landfill Reduction Act of 2000, allows farmers, retailers,
manufacturers
and poolers of reusable plastic or wooden pallets and plastic containers to
write-off the cost of capital investments to convert to these
environmentally-
superior products.
    /CONTACT:  Jeanie Johnson of the Reusable Pallet and Container
Coalition,
202-625-4899, fax: 202-318-2289, or email: headquarters@rpccreusable.org/
For Full Text Visit: http://ens.lycos.com/e-wire/Aug00/10Aug0002.html

*****************************************************************
E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE
*****************************************************************

-- NEWS ADVISORY -- TO NATIONAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND POLITICAL EDITORS:

                          EPA's Latest Developments

EPA ANNOUNCES PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ENHANCEMENT AND TIME EXTENSION
FOR Bt CORN AND Bt COTTON PLANT-PESTICIDES REGISTRATIONS

SCIENCE PANEL TO REVIEW THE POTENTIAL OF
MALATHION'S LINK TO CANCER IN HUMANS

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING SIGNED FOR THE SAFE USE OF PESTICIDES

FEDERAL AGENCIES UNITE TO HELP TRIBES SOLVE SOLID WASTE PROBLEMS

EXPANDED TOXICS RELEASE INVENTORY STATE INFORMATION NOW AVAILABLE

                             ENFORCEMENT WRAP-UP

FLORIDA MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO CFC SMUGGLING

FOUR CONVICTED IN LOUISIANA METHYL BROMIDE
CASE THAT KILLED MOTHER AND SICKENED CHILD

EPA AND NEW YORK CITY SETTLE LAWSUIT TO ADDRESS AIR VIOLATIONS

    /Web sites:  http://www.epa.gov
                http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/biopesticides
                http://www.epa.gov/scipoly/sap
                http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr
                http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/cb/csb_page/updates/epacdc-mou
                http://www.epa.gov/tribalmsw
                http://www.epa.gov/tri/tri98
                http://www.epa.gov/region02/
For Full Text Visit: http://ens.lycos.com/e-wire/Aug00/10Aug0007.html

*********************************************************************
E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE
*******************************************************************

TO NATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDITORS:

Clinton-Gore Administration Proposes Action
To Protect the Nation's Wetlands

    WASHINGTON, Aug. 10 -/E-Wire/--  The Clinton-Gore Administration today
proposed significant new protection for tens of thousands of acres of
environmentally valuable wetlands across the United States.  Under today's
action, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers
are proposingto address a major regulatory loophole in the Clean Water Act
by
clarifying the types of activities that can harm wetlands and thus, require
regulation.
    /CONTACT: Robin Woods of the Environmental Protection Agency,
202-564-7841/
    /Web site:  http://www.epa.gov
    /Web site:  http://www.epa.gov/ow/
For Full Text Visit: http://ens.lycos.com/e-wire/Aug00/10Aug0003.html

************************************************************
  SEND YOUR PRESS RELEASE ON E-WIRE -- 1-888-764-NEWS
************************************************************ 

from Center for Marine Conservation August 14, 2000

You can take action on this alert either by email or preferably on the web at:
http://actionnetwork.org/take-action.tcl?key=419220A10468B0814040454C227

Here's what this alert is about:

Help Make New EPA Ocean Anti-Pollution Regulations Strong
----------------------

Your input is needed by August 25 to address new regulations
being developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) on ocean pollution discharges.

Recently, the Clinton Administration issued an Executive
Order on Marine Protected Areas. The order includes an
initiative to issue new rules to protect those areas of the
ocean that are "environmentally sensitive and ecologically
important." We have a limited window of opportunity to
provide comments before the draft regulations are issued.

Our oceans need these new regulations.  According to the
most recent national survey conducted by the states:

·Estuaries are in trouble, with 44 percent of assessed
waters found to be impaired.

·Many beaches are unsafe, with 24 percent of monitored
beaches affected by advisories or closures because of
pollution or contamination in 1999.

The new EPA regulations must identify and expand ocean areas
that warrant special protection, ensure that those areas
have strong standards to guard against pollution and ensure
that all those who discharge pollutants into ocean waters
(including sewage treatment plants, factories, oil rigs and
vessels) abide by stricter permits.


EPA also must use this opportunity to address polluted
runoff, the nation's number one water quality problem.

By responding to this alert, you will be sending an
important message to EPA to make new ocean anti-pollution
regulations strong enough to make a difference.  The
deadline for comments is August 25, 2000.


----------------------

INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPOND VIA THE WEB:
If you have access to a web browser, you can take action on this
alert by going to the following URL:

  http://actionnetwork.org/take-action.tcl?key=419220A10468B0814040454C227

INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPOND VIA EMAIL:
Just choose the "reply to sender" option on your email program, and edit
the letter below as you wish.  You must include the whole letter in your
response including "-YOU MAY EDIT THE LETTER BELOW-" and "-END OF
LETTER-".  Please do not add your name and address to your letter.
Action Network automatically does this for you.

We STRONGLY encourage you to make edits directly to our sample letter
below, and put the alert talking points into your own words. An
individualized letter is worth ten computer generated letters. Of
course, hundreds of unedited letters will still create a large impact,
so please reply even if you don't have time to personalize the letter.

Your letter will be addressed and sent to:
John Heisler


-------YOU MAY EDIT THE LETTER BELOW---------


I wish to comment on EPA's proposal for new rules to protect
our ocean and coastal waters as required by President
Clinton's executive order on marine protected areas.  I urge
EPA to issue new rules to protect areas of the ocean that
are "environmentally sensitive and ecologically important"
by identifying and expanding areas that warrant special
protection, enhancing marine water quality standards, and
strengthening water quality criteria for discharges into
ocean waters.

EPA should establish water quality standards for all marine
waters within the 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
These standards should protect the unique qualities of the
marine environment and designated uses for all state and
federal marine waters, including fishing, shellfishing, and
aquatic life uses. Higher standards should be established
for areas that are special, essential, vulnerable, or of
national significance and where "ecological preservation"
should be the primary designated use.    

Higher standards should be established for special areas in
Marine Sanctuaries, National Estuarine Research Reserves,
National Wildlife Refuges, National Park units with marine
resources, and other areas that contain especially important
marine resources such as coral reefs, sea grass beds, fish
habitat and spawning grounds, critical habitat for
threatened and endangered species, and others.   New
discharges should be prohibited into these special ocean
sites from oil and gas exploration and development, dredged
material disposal, municipal and industrial wastewater,
stormwater, finfish aquaculture and oceangoing vessels, such
as cruise ships.  Existing and indirect discharges that
affect such areas should also be scaled back, and mixing
zones should be prohibited.


I strongly support improvements to the ocean discharge
regulations to protect our ocean resources.  I urge EPA to
issue proposed rules to implement the executive order as
soon as possible.

-------END OF LETTER-------------------------

from Environment News Service August 15, 2000

ENVIRONMENT NEWS SERVICE (ENS)                 http://ens-news.com

                                  "We Cover the Earth For You"
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DEMOCRATS AND DEMONSTRATORS OPEN PARALLEL SHOWS IN LOS ANGELES

By Brian Hansen
LOS ANGELES, California, August 14, 2000 (ENS) - Inside the Staples Center
Democratic Party volunteers worked all day transforming the new arena from
the home of the World Champion Los Angeles Lakers basketball team into a
showcase for the Democratic Convention which opens tonight. Entertainers,
speakers, and technicians simultaneously held their last minute rehearsals.
For full text and graphics visit:
http://ens.lycos.com/ens/aug2000/2000L-08-14-04.html

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GORE CLAIMS KINSHIP WITH ECOLOGIST AUTHOR RACHEL CARSON

SPRINGDALE, Pennsylvania, August 14, 2000 (ENS) - Vice President Al Gore
focused attention on his environmental record Saturday during a campaign
stop at the home of conservation pioneer Rachel Carson. The visit was part
of a week long tour of the nation leading up to the today. s opening of the
Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles, California.
For full text and graphics visit:
http://ens.lycos.com/ens/aug2000/2000L-08-14-06.html

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RUSSIANS DENY STRICKEN SUBMARINE EMITTING RADIATION

MOSCOW, Russia, August 14, 2000 (ENS) - Russian officials are denying the
possibility of a nuclear accident following the sinking of a Russian nuclear
submarine in the Barents Sea.
For full text and graphics visit:
http://ens.lycos.com/ens/aug2000/2000L-08-14-02.html

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UN SEIZES CONTROL OF POLLUTING SMELTER IN KOSOVO

MITROVICA, Kosovo, August 14, 2000 (ENS) - The United Nations Interim
Administration Mission in Kosovo today took over a smelter that has been
linked to rising levels of atmospheric lead in the northern section of the
town of Mitrovica.
For full text and graphics visit:
http://ens.lycos.com/ens/aug2000/2000L-08-14-03.html

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WILD FIRE SEASON SPARKS POLITICAL FIRESTORM

BOISE, Idaho, August 14, 2000 (ENS) - The 2000 wildfire season is shaping up
to be the worst in 50 years, with almost five million acres scorched in 13
states. Pundits and politicians are raising a firestorm of conflicting
opinions and accusations regarding who - or what - is to blame for the
devastating flames.
For full text and graphics visit:
http://ens.lycos.com/ens/aug2000/2000L-08-14-07.html

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EARLY MONSOON RAINS CAUSE LETHAL FLOODS AND LANDSLIDES

NEW DELHI, India, August 14, 2000 (ENS) - This year's rainy summer monsoon
season has begun earlier than usual causing extensive flooding in several
south and southeast Asian countries. Hundreds of lives have been claimed by
floods and landslides from the high mountain kingdoms of Bhutan and Nepal to
the lowlands of Cambodia and Bangladesh.
For full text and graphics visit:
http://ens.lycos.com/ens/aug2000/2000L-08-14-01.html

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CANADA TO SPEND MILLIONS FIGHTING POLLUTANTS ABROAD

IQALUIT, Nunavut, Canada, August 14, 2000 (ENS) - Canada will spend C$20
million (US$13.5 million)  helping developing countries to reduce or
eliminate the release of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), Environment
Minister David Anderson announced today.
For full text and graphics visit:
http://ens.lycos.com/ens/aug2000/2000L-08-14-10.html

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ENVIRONMENT NEWS SERVICE AMERISCAN: AUGUST 14, 2000

New, Expanded National Monuments Proposed

Poisoning Death Brings Four Convictions

Texas Tops New Toxic Release Inventory

$1.4 M Fine Proposed for Utah Polluter

Abandoned Pennsylvania Mines Get Eco-Makeover

20 Year Acid Rain Study Shows Recovery Possible

UN Committee Reviews Renewable Energy, Sustainable Development

Elephant Sanctuary Doubles Natural Habitat

For full text and graphics visit:
http://ens.lycos.com/ens/aug2000/2000L-08-14-09.html

Copyright Environment News Service (ENS) 2000 All Rights Reserved.

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                          SEND NEWS STORY TIPS TO news@ens-news.com

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TO ENVIRONMENTAL EDITOR:

Who Wants to Be a Great Hazardous Materials Manager? Environmental Resource
Center Has the Final Answer

    CARY, N.C., Aug. 14 -/E-Wire/--  Environmental Resource Center won't
make you a millionaire, but they might save you that much in penalties.
Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), EPA requires
training for workers that manage or handle hazardous waste at accumulation
points.  Under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, DOT requires
training for all hazmat employees.  Companies that don't train their
employees are subject to stiff penalties.
    /CONTACT:  Tammy Silverthorne of Environmental Resource Center,
919-469-1585, ext. 226/
    /Web site:  http://www.ercweb.com /
For Full Text Visit: http://ens.lycos.com/e-wire/Aug00/18Aug0001.html

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TO BUSINESS AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDITORS:

Environ.com Re-Locates to the Tempe Tech Oasis

    TEMPE, Ariz., Aug. 14 -/E-Wire/--  Environmental Support Solutions
(Environ.com) announced today that it has moved to Tempe, the Tech Oasis of
the Valley.  Its new 8,300 sq. ft. headquarters is located at 1620
Fountainhead Parkway.
    /CONTACT:  Robin Suzelis of Environmental Support Solutions,
480-964-5043, ext. 24, robin_suzelis@environ.com/
    /Web site:  http://www.environ.com/
For Full Text Visit: http://ens.lycos.com/e-wire/Aug00/18Aug0002.html

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TO BUSINESS EDITOR:

Environmental Technologies Corporation, Announces Third Quarter Earnings
Highlighted by Significant Increases in Earnings Before Income Taxes And
Gross Margin Percentages

    HURST, Texas, Aug. 14 -/E-Wire/--  EVTC, Inc., t/a Environmental
Technologies Corporation (Nasdaq: EVTC), today announced continued improved
operating results for the third quarter ended June 30, 2000.
    /CONTACT:  EVTC, Inc. t/a Environmental Technologies, Corp., Investor
Relations, 817-282-0022, or fax, 817-282-0033, or ir@evtc.com/      (EVTC)
    /Web site:  http://www.evtc.com/
For Full Text Visit: http://ens.lycos.com/e-wire/Aug00/18Aug0003.html

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TO NEWS EDITOR/ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTER:

Government of Canada Announces $20 Million Dollar Fund to Fight
International Airborne Pollutants

    IQALUIT, CANADA Aug. 14, -/E-Wire/--  Canada is the first country to
establish an international capacity-building fund to deal with persistent
organic pollutants (POPs). The Canadian International Development Agency
(CIDA) is providing $20 million to help developing countries and countries
with economies in transition, to reduce or to eliminate the release of
persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as DDT and PCBs. Environment
Minister David Anderson and Nancy Karetak-Lindell, Member of Parliament for
Nunavut made the announcement in Iqaluit today.
    /CONTACT: Johanne Beaulieu, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of
the Environment, (819) 953-2101; Steve Hart, Environment Canada, (819)
953-5945; Robin Walsh, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister for
International Cooperation, (819) 953-3160; Media Relations Office, Canadian
International Development Agency (CIDA), (819) 953-6534; Debora Brown, Press
Secretary, Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, (613) 995-1851; Media
Relations Office, Department of Foreign Affairs and
International Trade (DFAIT), (613) 995-1874/

For Full Text Visit:  http://ens.lycos.com/e-wire/Aug00/18Aug0004.html

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TO BUSINESS EDITOR:

EarthCare Announces Financial Results

    DALLAS, Aug. 14 -/E-Wire/--  EarthCare Company (Nasdaq: ECCO) today
announced financial results for the second quarter of 2000.  Revenues for
the quarter were $23.0 million, up 129% compared to the $10.0 million
reported for the second quarter of 1999.
      /CONTACT:  Lew Nevins, Vice President, Investor Relations of EarthCare
Company, 972-858-6025/    (ECCO)
For Full Text Visit: http://ens.lycos.com/e-wire/Aug00/18Aug0005.html

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from Environment News Service August 15, 2000

ENVIRONMENT NEWS SERVICE (ENS)                 http://ens-news.com

                                  "We Cover the Earth For You"
************************************************************

GORE'S ENVIRONMENTAL RECORD HAILED AT DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION

By Brian Hansen
LOS ANGELES, California, August 15, 2000 (ENS) - Environmental issues were
the order of the day at the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles
today, as politicians and pundits from across the country held a round table
discussion to praise the environmental accomplishments and visions of Vice
President Al Gore.
For full text and graphics visit:
http://ens.lycos.com/ens/aug2000/2000L-08-15-03.html

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CLINTON PASSES THE TORCH, L.A. POLICE PASS THE PEPPER SPRAY

LOS ANGELES, California, August 15, 2000 (ENS) - Integrating the environment
into his litany of successes as President, Bill Clinton's speech to the
Democratic National Convention Monday night extolled the advances his
administration has made since 1992.
For full text and graphics visit:
http://ens.lycos.com/ens/aug2000/2000L-08-15-01.html

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COAL FIRED POWER PLANTS EMITTING CLOUDS OF TOXICS

WASHINGTON, DC, August 15, 2000 (ENS) - Pollution from electrical generation
facilities is more dangerous than the utilities say, claims a U.S.
environmental group. Utilities have historically downplayed their emissions
and claimed that they have minimal or no impact on health or the
environment.
For full text and graphics visit:
http://ens.lycos.com/ens/aug2000/2000L-08-15-06.html

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KILLER WEED THREATENS GRAZING ANIMALS

LONDON, United Kingdom, August 15, 2000 (ENS) - Tansy ragwort, a yellow
flowered weed so feared by farmers that it is known as the yellow peril,
threatens the health of countless animals unless it is kept in check, warned
the UK's leading animal welfare agency Monday.
For full text and graphics visit:
http://ens.lycos.com/ens/aug2000/2000L-08-15-11.html

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AUSTRALIAN MINING FIRM BLASTED FOR POLLUTED PAPUA NEW GUINEA

SYDNEY, Australia, August 15, 2000 (ENS) - A report into the daily
operations of Papua New Guinea's Tolukuma Gold Mine claims the mine's
Australian operators knowingly expect to wipe out all fish life and food
resources  along a 30 kilometer (20 mile) stretch of a nearby river.
For full text and graphics visit:
http://ens.lycos.com/ens/aug2000/2000L-08-15-10.html

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTEST IN TURKEY TURNS UGLY

YARIMCA, Turkey, August 15, 2000 (ENS) - Fourteen people were arrested
today amid a violent confrontation between Turkish police, factory security
and environmental activists protesting pollution from the Petkim Chemical
Complex in Izmit Bay.
For full text and graphics visit:
http://ens.lycos.com/ens/aug2000/2000L-08-15-12.html

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GROWING ZEOLITES: CRYSTALINE KEYS TO CLEANER, CHEAPER ENERGY

BOSTON, Massachusetts, August 15, 2000 (ENS) - Technology developed by the
U.S. space program could help bring cheaper gasoline and other forms of
energy to U.S. markets. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA) and industry are funding research to study zeolites - crystals with
the potential to reduce the cost and pollution associated with producing
gasoline, or make it possible to abandon petroleum in favor of hydrogen
fuels.
For full text and graphics visit:
http://ens.lycos.com/ens/aug2000/2000L-08-15-07.html

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ENVIRONMENT NEWS SERVICE AMERISCAN: AUGUST 15, 2000

Carbon Dioxide Not the Worst Global Warming Gas

Texas Religious, Environmental Groups Want Global Warming Plan

Bird Habitat Vanishing Along Mississippi River

Spy Satellite Photos Document Desert Plant Invasion

Replacing Lawns With Native Plants Saves Water, Environment

West Nile Virus Invades Rhode Island

Starbucks Commits $600,000 to Shade Grown Coffee

Ozone: Bad News for Growing Plants

China Environmental Officials Seek Energy Advice from U.S.

Plant Society Honored for Saving Rare Flowers

For full text and graphics visit:
http://ens.lycos.com/ens/aug2000/2000L-08-15-09.html

Copyright Environment News Service (ENS) 2000 All Rights Reserved.

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TO NEWS EDITORS/ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTERS:

    Water Levels Remain Low on Upper Great Lakes

    TORONTO, Aug. 15 -/E-Wire/--  Water levels on Lakes Superior, Michigan
and
Huron remain well below average and below last year's levels, despite above
average rainfall.  The unusually heavy rainfall in most areas around these
lakes only compensated for the low runoff from snowmelt this year.
    /CONTACT: Chuck Southam, Environment Canada, (905) 336-4955 or Peter
Yee,
Environment Canada, (613) 938-5725. For more information on water levels,
please visit Environment Canada's Green Lane at http://www.on.ec.gc.ca/
     /Web site:  http://www.on.ec.gc.ca/
For Full Text Visit: http://ens.lycos.com/e-wire/Aug00/15Aug0002.html

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TO BUSINESS, ENVIRONMENTAL AND TECHNOLOGY EDITORS:

Care2.com Names Environmental and Personal Health Expert Annie Berthold-Bond
As Green Living Channels Producer

New Green Living Channels Debut on Largest Online Community Focused On the
Environment and Healthier Living

    MENLO PARK, Calif., Aug. 15 -/E-Wire/-- Care2.com (www.care2.com), the
leading online site for environmentally conscious consumers announced today
the
appointment of Annie Berthold-Bond to its team as the Green Living Channels
Producer.  Annie's green tips and expertise will be featured in the new
Green
Living Channels and the Care2 Ask Annie column launched today on the
Care2.com web
site.
    /CONTACT:  Kathleen Greene of Care2.com, 650-328-0198, ext. 131, or
kathleen@earth.care2.com/
    /Web site:  http://www.care2.com/
For Full Text Visit: http://ens.lycos.com/e-wire/Aug00/15Aug0005.html

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TO BUSINESS AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDITORS:

Winners of 46th Annual Chevron Conservation Awards Announced

High School Volunteer Who Collects 487 Old Telephone Books for Recycling And
World-Renowned Biologist Earn Two of Six Prestigious Awards

      SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 15 -/E-Wire/-- A high school student who
personally collected 487 old telephone books for recycling, a retired high
school science teacher who, at age 80, continues to be involved in
conservation activities with both students and adults, and a world-renowned
biologist who leads the way toward successful inter-species reproduction to
save endangered animals are among the six honorees to receive prestigious
Chevron Conservation Awards for the year 2000, as part of the nation's
oldest, most distinguished conservation awards program.
      /CONTACT:  David McMurry of Chevron Corp., 415-894-6083/
      /Web site:  http://www.chevron.com/
For Full Text Visit: http://ens.lycos.com/e-wire/Aug00/15Aug0006.html

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TO NEWS/ENVIRONMENTAL EDITOR:

      SPECIES AT RISK: Cooperation in Wildlife Protection

      IQALUIT, Aug. 15 -/E-Wire/--  Federal, provincial and territorial
Wildlife Ministers have reconfirmed their conviction that the protection of
species at risk in Canada is a shared responsibility, and that progress on
wildlife issues can only be achieved by working together cooperatively.
     /CONTACT: Johanne Beaulieu, Press Secretary, Office of Canada's
Minister of the Environment, (819) 953-2101; Glenn Guenther, Director of
Communications, Alberta Environment, (780) 427-8636, (780) 427-1874 (fax)/
For Full Text Visit: http://ens.lycos.com/e-wire/Aug00/15Aug0007.html

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TO THE ENVIRONMENT EDITOR

YELLOWSTONE PARK FOUNDATION ISSUES CALL TO ACTION

84th Birthday of National Park Service Sees America's Flagship Park In Peril

         BOZEMAN, Mont, August 9, -/E-Wire/-- Eighty-four years ago, on
August 25, 1916, Congress passed an act that was designed to protect the
heritage of America's national parks.  Ironically, America's flagship
national park, Yellowstone, which pre?dated the National Park Service by 44
years, is in peril.
     /CONTACT:  Kristin Orr(513) 762-1925 or Becky Kimbell(513) 287-1835
     /Web site:  http://www.ypf.org
For Full Text Visit: http://ens.lycos.com/e-wire/Aug00/15Aug0004.html

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TO BUSINESS AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDITORS:

Chinese Government Focuses on Environmental Protection

28 Member Delegation - (SEPA) State Environmental Protection Administration
Of
China From 15 Provinces Visits the U.S.A. to Discuss Environmental Quality
Issues and Technology Projects for China

International Environmental Trade Conference 2000 in Los Angeles

    CYPRESS, Calif., Aug. 15 -/E-Wire/--  On August 15th  and 17th, 2000, a
conference that features high-level buyers of environmental technology and
services from China will take place simultaneously with the DNC Convention
at
the New Otani Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles.
    /CONTACT:  Bill Dickson, Publicity, Penn Air Group, 714-220-9091,
Ext. 228/
    /Web site:  http://www.pennairgroup.com/
For Full Text Visit: http://ens.lycos.com/e-wire/Aug00/15Aug0001.html

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SECOR HIRES NEW CFO

     REDMOND, WA, August 15, -/E-Wire/--  SECOR INTERNATIONAL INCORPORATED
(SECOR), an environmental engineering and consulting firm with 55 offices
worldwide, has named Steve Numata as Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer.
CONTACT: Kerry A. Shimomura, Director of Marketing, kshimomura@secor.com,
425-372-1600
     /Web site: http://www.secor.com
For Full Text Visit: http://ens.lycos.com/e-wire/Aug00/15Aug0003.html

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