In the Pipeline: 7/12/13

Like, first they came for the loggers, and I was like, who cares? Then they came for coal miners, and I was like, right on dude. Wait, wait, you seriously want to take away my bonfire? Help, somebody help!Fox News (7/11/13) reports: A tradition dating back to the 1940s — bonfire pits on the beaches of southern California — is being targeted by state officials who say the popular pastime is no longer acceptable because of global warming and negative health consequences. ‘One fire pit burning one night, a few hours, a couple bundles of wood, emits as much as one average diesel truck on the road today driving over 500 miles,’ said Dr. Philip Fine, of the Southern California Air Quality Management District (AQMD)…The proposal drew fire from beachgoers, who often show up early in the morning to reserve a spot. ‘I would be super bummed if they banned bonfires on the beach because it’s such a California thing,’ said Los Angeles resident Liz Corona. ‘It’s such a fun, social thing to do with friends. And, um, I feel like it’s not really doing any harm, so why would they ban them?’”

Of course there won’t be any Administration witnesses. Who could possibly defend this record? The Hill (7/11/13)reports: “The Senate Environment Committee’s top Democrat is rejecting GOP calls to force Obama administration officials to defend the new White House climate plan at a hearing next week. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) said Thursdaythat next week’s hearing will focus on climate science testimony from outside experts, but that federal officials would appear in the future.”

This whole thing is bizarre. The San Francisco Chronicle (7/11/13) reports: “Georgia Power must purchase more solar power for its energy system under a plan approved Thursday by state utility regulators, a move sought by solar developers and renewable energy proponents but denounced by a commissioner who argued it could raise costs. Public Service Commissioner Lauren “Bubba” McDonald’s plan calls for the Southern Co.subsidiary to add 525 megawatts of solar energy to its electrical grid, a plan backed by a group of solar developers and organizers of the Atlanta Tea Party Patriots.”

We believe this is what His Majesty calls the “new tone.” Right Wisconsin(7/11/13) reports:“Protesters who attacked the test drilling site for a potential Northern Wisconsin mine have posted video of their assault on line. In the video, masked attackers are seen physically assaulting a female Gogebic Taconite employee and stealing private property. The June 11 attack prompted GTac to hire armed security guards. Not only were the attackers violent, they clearly did not fear the police’s ability to respond. They threatened an escalation of hostilities.”

Our interns are scouting out locations for the AEA protest climb/skydive/fly-by. The Telegraph (7/11/13) reports: “A group of six Greenpeace activists have begun scaling Britain’s tallest building in protest at drilling in the Arctic. The women, who evaded security guards at the 72-storey Shard in central London early this morning, said their action was intended to put Shell and other oil companies in the spotlight. Greenpeace said the protesters were “artists and activists”, adding: “If the six women reach the top – 310m above the pavement (1,017ft) – they will attempt to hang a huge work of art that captures the beauty of the Arctic.”

Steve walks warily down the street… Oregon Live (7/10/13) reports: “SoloPower has defaulted on a $10 million loan, state officials confirmed late Wednesday, the same day that executives at the struggling solar panel maker announced they were near a deal to restructure debt and reorganize in Portland. Chief executive Robert Campbell said major creditors have agreed to terms that focus on rebuilding the organization in Portland, where the company originally planned to build a $340 million factory and employ hundreds.”