[All] GREN news of interest.

[Louisette Lanteigne]

Here's the scoop on international, provincial and local news on this lovely Valentines Day. 

International News

Keystone Pipeline Update
On Monday US republicans prepaired a bill to overthrow President  Obama's decision regarding the delay of the Keystone XL Pipeline. If passed this bill would give the project the green light. Within 24 hours, groups including 350.org, Nature Canada, Ecojustice and NRDC rounded up a total of 802,180 signatures in a 24 hour period. It was an outstanding response. It's still not to late to sign on. The petition is open to Canadians as well. Here is the link to show support: http://act.350.org/call/kxl-senators


Environment Canada cuts threaten science, international agreements

Recent cuts to the scientific workforce of Environment Canada, a government agency responsible for meteorological services and environmental research, threaten scientific research related to the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere and pollution in the lower atmosphere, according to environmental scientists in the U.S. These reductions in personnel and projected budget cuts also threaten existing international agreements. Details here: 
http://wattsupwiththat.com/2012/02/13/oh-canada/



PROVINCIAL NEWS

Wind Power is generating more energy than planned. 
Wind Power is being blamed for an excess of surplus electric energy in Ontario. There was so much energy produced, the Provincial Gov't had to pay the US to take it for us. The output was so high that steam had to be released in Pickering Nuclear Plants to prevent the turbines from adding more to the grid. Tory critics state we need to cut wind power due to it's unpredictable supply issues but NDP states with this energy surplus, the need to expand Ontario's nuclear capacity simply is no longer there. View the story on CTV news here: 
http://toronto.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20120210/ontario-surplus-power-bliss-120210/20120210/?hub=TorontoNewHome


NOTE: Wind power is successfully being stored by way of flywheel technology in California and it is being converted to hydrogen gas in Germany. The energy can be stored in air compressors on the ground or below the water. I've relayed the info on these various strategies to the energy minister as well as opposition energy critics so we can improve on storage and supply management strategies. 

LOCAL NEWS

Line 9 Reversal update
If anyone/any group want to speak at the upcoming hearings regarding the reversal of Line 9, the oil pipeline that is going to be sending tar sands oil from Sarnia to Montreal through Waterloo Region,  the final deadline to register to speak is on February 17th.  The initial approval of the pipe predated source water protection acts, endangered species acts, the Great Lakes agreements, climate change scenerios etc. To view info on this project or to sign up as intervenor (to speak at the hearing) visit this link: https://www.neb-one.gc.ca/ll-eng/livelink.exe?func=ll&objId=706437&objAction=browse&sort=-name&redirect=3
Intervenor funding is available but the deadline for registration to request funding is also on Feb 17th.  The hearings won't take place until Fall 2012. 

Results of Grand River Survey
In November citizens were asked to complete a public survey with the GRCA to share thoughts about the efforts to update a Water Management Plan for the Grand River Watershed. I have a copy of the emailed results if folks would like to review. If you are interested, just drop me an email at butterflybluelu at rogers.com and I'll be happy to relay the findings.

Cooperate for Canada: Thursday Feb. 16, 7pm at the Waterloo Inn
This event is designed to exploring why and how the parties should work together to form a government that reflects a shared vision of the majority with a commitment to immediacies action on proportional representation. 
This Waterloo event is a 1st in Canada. Citizens are encourage to come and discussion a possible coalition gov't. Featured speakers include:
Liberal: John Deverell, Policy Director of the Pickering-Scarborough East federal Liberal Association
NDP: Jamie Heath, Nathan Cullen Campaign Manager, former Research and Communications Director to Jack Layton,
Green:: Katherine Acheson, Campaign Manager for Elizabeth May
LEADNOW:  Matthew Carroll, Director of the Leadnow Campaign "Cooperate for Canada"
Speakers to be followed by Q+A and town hall style discussion
Free event, no registration, everyone welcome. More info: lanickerson at b2b2c.ca

New Video and Quick Sign Letter to stop GM crops
CBAN in Guelph has released a new video regarding GM Alfalfa and how Genetically modified crops can easily be spread by way of bees. The video that can be viewed online here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlbtIEVF77Q&context=C383a5d6ADOEgsToPDskLqMXdLgQDBu5FNEPcMBWBW
To take action to stop the us of GM Alfalfa crops, sign this quick sign letter to the Minister of Agriculture here: http://www.cban.ca/alfalfaaction1 

That's it for now.  Happy Valentines day! 

Lulu 
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