Tag

Politicsenvironment

All articles tagged with #politicsenvironment

politicsenvironment1 year ago

"Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders Introduce Green New Deal for Public Housing Renovation"

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders have introduced a sweeping legislative proposal, the Green New Deal for Public Housing, aiming to decarbonize and expand the nation's public housing units with an investment of $162bn to $234bn over the next decade. The bill seeks to transform public housing into affordable, environmentally friendly, and safe communities, while creating jobs and public health benefits. It also aims to repeal the Faircloth Amendment to allow for the construction of new public housing units. Despite unlikely passage, the proposal has garnered support from environmental groups, housing justice organizations, and labor unions, signaling growing momentum for the vision of expanding and improving public housing.

politicsenvironment1 year ago

"Biden Administration Implements New Emissions Rules to Accelerate Electric Vehicle Adoption"

The Biden administration has announced new vehicle emissions standards aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2032, with a slower implementation pace than initially proposed, in response to opposition from automakers and labor unions. The rules set performance standards for reducing greenhouse gases per mile, allowing for flexibility in meeting targets with hybrid vehicles also considered. Environmental groups have called for more aggressive action, but the administration hopes these rules, combined with financial incentives, will drive greater adoption of electric vehicles and contribute to the president's climate goals.

politicsenvironment1 year ago

Paris Votes to Triple Parking Fees for SUVs

Parisians have voted to triple parking rates for SUVs in the city center, with exemptions for electric cars, taxis, and certain professionals. Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who initiated the move, argues that SUVs are dangerous and harmful to the environment. Critics, including drivers' groups and opposition figures, claim the classification is misleading and the surcharge is punitive environmentalism. The measure is part of Hidalgo's efforts to reduce car usage in Paris and promote environmental-friendly transportation options.

politicsenvironment2 years ago

"England Confronts Historic Flooding: Calls for Action as Rains Submerge Regions"

Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister of the UK, is facing calls from opposition parties to take more decisive action in response to severe flooding in England. Labour has suggested the creation of a taskforce and is urging Sunak to visit the affected areas, while the Liberal Democrats also press for his presence to witness the damage firsthand. Despite around 280 flood warnings and the impact of Storm Henk, there are no plans for a Cobra emergency meeting. The Environment Agency is actively responding, with measures in place that have reportedly protected 44,000 properties this week. However, both Labour and the Liberal Democrats criticize the government for not meeting flood prevention targets, referencing a National Audit Office report on reduced protection measures. The government attributes the shortfall to inflation and maintains that funding for flood defense has been increased.

politicsenvironment2 years ago

"2024 EU Elections: A Crucial Juncture Amid Far-Right Surge and Green Pushback"

The European Union's green initiatives, including the ambitious Green Deal aimed at achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, may face challenges as nationalist and conservative parties gain traction in the European Parliament. The electoral success of these parties, which are skeptical of the costs associated with the green transition, could lead to a dilution of environmental policies. Recent setbacks, such as the rejection of a bill to curb pesticide use and the weakening of waste reduction targets, indicate a growing resistance to stringent environmental legislation. With the next European Parliament elections approaching in June 2024, there is concern that the continent's green policies might be compromised if pro-environment socialist and green lawmakers lose ground to the rising influence of nationalist and conservative factions.

politicsenvironment2 years ago

"Kentucky Implements New Taxes and Laws for Electric Vehicles in 2024"

Kentucky has introduced two new taxes on electric vehicles (EVs) that are higher than the taxes on gas vehicles for equivalent energy usage. EV owners now face a $120 annual registration fee and an additional tax at public charging stations, which is 3 cents per kilowatt-hour, or 6 cents on state property. These taxes are significantly higher than the state's gas tax and disproportionately affect apartment dwellers and commuters who rely on public charging. The rationale behind the taxes is the misconception that EVs do not contribute to road maintenance costs, despite evidence that heavy trucks cause most road damage. Critics argue that these taxes are counterproductive, especially since Kentucky aims to be a leader in EV manufacturing and could benefit from cleaner air associated with increased EV usage.

politicsenvironment2 years ago

"Congo's President Tshisekedi Secures Re-Election Amidst Global Climate Watch and Election Controversies"

Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi has been re-elected with 73% of the vote amidst election delays and a hunger crisis. His second term is particularly significant for global climate change efforts due to the Democratic Republic of Congo's extensive forests and mineral wealth, which are crucial for environmental conservation and sustainable resource management.

politicsenvironment2 years ago

"Viral Video Raises Concerns for Future of Argentina's President-elect"

A viral video of Argentina's president-elect, Javier Milei, has raised concerns about his rejection of fact-based climate science and his plans to abolish crucial government departments, including the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development. Milei, known for his far-right views, aims to expand mining and agriculture operations in the country, which could boost the economy but cause significant environmental damage. With Argentina already facing droughts and heat waves, his anti-environmental policies will further strain fragile ecosystems. Mining for minerals like lithium often occurs near Indigenous communities, leading to displacement, water depletion, and conflicts. Milei has also expressed support for companies to freely pollute rivers and has rejected the Paris Agreement on climate change.

politicsenvironment2 years ago

Assessing the Cultural and Environmental Impact of Trump's Border Wall

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report stating that the border wall championed by former President Donald Trump caused significant damage to the environment and Native American cultural sites. The construction of the 450-mile barrier disregarded environmental and historic preservation laws, resulting in harm to endangered species, disrupted water flow, and destruction of sacred sites. The report also highlighted negative effects caused by the Biden administration's pause on construction, including incomplete drainage systems and unfinished reclamation work. The GAO recommended that Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) evaluate the impacts of the barrier and work with the Interior Department to implement mitigation actions, with input from tribes and communities along the border. CBP and Interior have agreed to implement the recommendations.