RECOMMENDED READING

Small Nuclear Reactors in the Offing?

"The nuclear energy revival is so far proceeding slowly, but the reactor models that utilities around the country are now contemplating are about to gain a competitor...The new reactor will be “modular,” meaning relatively small and probably mostly built in a distant factory rather than on site, a technique that could be faster and cheaper — and one that requires a smaller bet by the buyer." [Green, Inc. - New York Times]

House Approves Incentives for Trading In Gas-Guzzlers

"The House approved a plan to give vouchers of up to $4,500 to consumers who trade in their gas-guzzling clunkers for more fuel-efficient models...Under the House plan, trade-ins must be in drivable condition, get no more than 18 miles to the gallon, and be 1984 models or newer. The new car or truck must get better gas mileage; the bigger the difference the bigger the voucher."  [Washington Post]

Congress Introduces Twin Bills to Control Drilling and Protect Drinking Water

"In a widely expected move that is sure to draw the ire of the oil and gas industry, Democratic members of Congress today introduced twin bills to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act and give the Environmental Protection Agency authority over the controversial drilling process called hydraulic fracturing." [ProPublica]

Google Close To Getting Renewable Energy For Less Than Coal

"Google Inc is closing in on its goal of producing renewable energy at a price cheaper than coal, the company's so-called green energy czar, the engineer in charge of the project, said on Tuesday."   [Reuters]

Global Warming has Already Changed Oceans

"Researchers, scientists and Jacques Cousteau's granddaughter painted a bleak picture Tuesday of the future of oceans and the "blue economy" of the nation's coastal states. The hearing before the oceans subcommittee of the Senate Commerce Committee was expected to focus on how the degradation of the oceans was affecting marine businesses and coastal communities. Instead, much of the testimony focused on how the waters that cover 70 percent of the planet are already changing because of global warming." [Bradenton Herald - McClatchy]

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Recycling 'Gray Water' Cheaply, Safely

"A severe drought out West continues to threaten farms, fish, and water supplies to nearly everyone. Tighter water restrictions went into effect this month in much of Southern California, and the federal government issued a directive last week that could cut water delivery to farmers and residents in the state by 7 percent." [Morning Edition - NPR]