Contributing Writer

$Why we need more transparency in fracking operations. California's Central Valley irrigated with produced water.$

Fracking Needs More Transparency

Posted on May 6, 2019 by Gina-Marie Cheeseman | 0 Comments

Hydraulic fracturing, better known as fracking, is a controversial method used to extract natural gas and oil from shale rock formations. It is controversial because it can cause big environmental problems, including poisoning local water wells. A new report looks at companies that use fracking. The joint report by As You Sow and investment advisory firm Boston Common Asset Management…

A growing divestment movement gains traction worldwide

The Rapidly Growing Fossil Fuel Divestment Movement

Posted on May 1, 2019 by Gina-Marie Cheeseman | 0 Comments

There is a movement that has the potential to help the world reduce greenhouse gas emissions. That movement is the rapidly growing divestment from fossil fuels. More than 1,000 institutions that represent over $8 trillion in assets have committed to divestment. By the end of 2014, only 181 institutions with $50 billion worth of assets committed to divestment. There are…

Trump fast tracks unnecessary fossil fuel pipelines

Trump Signs Executive Orders to Expedite Permitting For Pipelines

Posted on April 24, 2019 by Gina-Marie Cheeseman | 0 Comments

If the Trump administration had an energy motto, it would be “drill, baby drill.” The administration has demonstrated its affinity for fossil fuel companies over and over. Recently, President Trump signed two executive orders that speed up the permitting process for oil and gas pipelines. It’s a decision made just a week after the KMCO chemical plant explosion in Crosby,…

Cities and states commit to renewable energy with their own Green New Deals

States, Cities, and Counties in the U.S. Commit to 100 Percent Clean Energy

Posted on April 16, 2019 by Gina-Marie Cheeseman | 0 Comments

The Green New Deal introduced into Congress is effectively dead, but that does not mean that ambitious plans to tackle climate change are dead in the U.S. States, cities, and counties have developed plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with commitments to 100 percent clean energy.

Ocean plastic will leave a denuded ocean for our children unless we do something now

The World’s Oceans Need Our Protection

Posted on April 12, 2019 by Gina-Marie Cheeseman | 0 Comments

Oceans cover 71 percent of our planet’s surface and contain 97 percent of its water. They contain 99 percent of the earth’s living space. Despite the size of our world’s oceans, only one percent of the earth’s oceans are protected by treaties. Greenpeace is calling for a Global Ocean Treaty which would protect our oceans. It calls for a global…

Coal ash waste pond. Most are unlined and nearly all contaminate groundwater

Toxic Coal Ash Waste Is Contaminating U.S. Groundwater

Posted on April 4, 2019 by Gina-Marie Cheeseman | 0 Comments

Over 95 percent of U.S. coal ash ponds are unlined. Nearly all of them are leaking toxins into groundwater that is considered safe to drink by the EPA.

Trump's attempt to rollback lightbulb efficiency standards will cost Americans money and impact human health

Trump Administration Rolls Back Light Bulb Efficiency Standards

Posted on March 28, 2019 by Gina-Marie Cheeseman | 0 Comments

The light-emitting diode, more commonly known as an LED light bulb, is incredibly efficient. They use at least 75 percent less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting, according to the Department of Energy. Widespread use of LEDs could save about 348 TWh, which is equivalent to the annual electrical output of 44 large electric power plants and savings…