Ari Phillips for Think Progress

Inside, And Kicked Out Of, ALEC’s Secretive Policy Summit

“Not a single item in ALEC’s agenda would reduce pollution or protect the environment. In fact, they all do the opposite.”

December 06th, 2014

By Ari Phillips for Think Progress

Inside, And Kicked Out Of, ALEC’s Secretive Policy Summit

This week the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), a secretive free-market lobbying group that brings together conservative politicians and major corporate interests, is holding its annual policy summit at the Hyatt Regency in the nation’s capital. On Thursday, ThinkProgress ventured down to the scene to try and get into the Energy,

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This Is The Dystopian World We Are Leaving For Today’s Teenagers

There is an increasing likelihood that temperatures could rise by 4°C or more “by the time today’s teenagers are in their 80s.”

November 24th, 2014

By Ari Phillips for Think Progress

This Is The Dystopian World We Are Leaving For Today’s Teenagers

A new report from the World Bank has determined that warming of around 1.5°C (around 2.7° Fahrenheit) by mid-century is already locked into the atmosphere but that further warming beyond 2°C — and some of the worst projected impacts — is avoidable with immediate action. The report also warns that without coordinated efforts to transition to

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Strongest Typhoon Of 2014 Headed Towards Japan With Waves Up To 50 Feet High

Scientists say the most severe typhoon since Haiyan is further evidence of global warming causing extreme weather.

October 08th, 2014

By Ari Phillips for Think Progress

The strongest typhoon of the year and fifth ‘super typhoon,’ which sustain speeds of over 150 mph, is headed toward Japan after intensifying over the last few days. As of early Wednesday, Super Typhoon Vongfong had winds of over 180 mph with gusts up to 220 mph. Late Tuesday night, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC)

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In Texas, A New Bush Launches Political Career With Leap Into Oil And Gas Interests

George Prescott Bush, the 38-year-old son of Jeb Bush, former governor of Florida, has brought the Bush dynasty into a new generation by entering his first political race this year — what appears to be a relatively easy march to becoming Texas Land Commissioner. While the race may be low-profile, especially for someone whose uncle […]

May 06th, 2014

By Ari Phillips for Think Progress

In Texas, A New Bush Launches Political Career With Leap Into Oil And Gas Interests

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Why Obama’s New Fuel Standards For Big Trucks Matter

President Obama is announcing plans on Tuesday for improved fuel-efficiency standards for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, which comprise four percent of registered vehicles but are responsible for nearly a quarter of fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector. In 2011, the transportation sector accounted for around 28 percent of the countries’ greenhouse gases (GHGs) […]

February 19th, 2014

By Ari Phillips for Think Progress

Why Obama’s New Fuel Standards For Big Trucks Matter

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Maine’s Governor Takes Aim At Renewable Energy Law In Effort To Aid Big Companies

Governor takes aim at Maine’s Renewables Portfolio Standard.

January 07th, 2014

By Ari Phillips for Think Progress

Maine’s Governor Takes Aim At Renewable Energy Law In Effort To Aid Big Companies

Electricity is relatively expensive in Maine, although around the cheapest in New England. Republican Governor Paul LePage thinks he can slightly reduce this

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Alps Warming At Double The Average Global Rate, New Study Confirms

Scientists have found evidence giving further insight into our current era, the Anthropocene, in which mankind is changing the global climate and ecology of the planet.

December 18th, 2013

By Ari Phillips for Think Progress

Alps Warming At Double The Average Global Rate, New Study Confirms

About 20 years ago, melting ice high up in the Italian Alps exposed the 5,000-year-old body of Ötzi the Iceman, a stunning discovery that gave unprecedented insight into human life during that bygone era — not least exciting of which being an

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