Michigan Voters Want Better Fuel Effecient Vehicles

Michigan, May 27, 2011 - A new poll of 800 likely Michigan voters found overwhelming and intense support for requiring the auto industry to increase average fuel economy to 60 miles per gallon by 2025 and reduce carbon dioxide pollution from new cars, pickup trucks, minivans and SUVs. The poll was conducted by The Mellman Group for Ceres from April 9-12. "Michigan voters' overwhelming support for higher fuel efficiency standards by 2025 matches what is technologically feasible," notes John DeCicco, a faculty fellow at the University of Michigan's Energy Institute. His report, "A Fuel Efficiency Horizon for US Automobiles," shows how optimal use of available and affordable technologies can push new fleet efficiency as high as 74 mpg given adequate lead time. Voters don't believe the rhetoric that higher standards would cost jobs or hurt U.S. automakers. In fact, they believe increased efficiency will spur innovation and create jobs.

• 76% of likely Michigan voters believe a national 60 mpg standard will encourage American car makers to innovate, boosting sales and protecting American auto jobs.

Voter support remains strong even when higher vehicle costs are noted.

• 56% of likely voters in Michigan believe any costs attached to increasing vehicle fuel efficiency will be outweighed by benefits—efficiency increases will pay for themselves.

"The American voter is speaking loudly in Michigan," said Ceres President Mindy Lubber. "It isn't just $4-a-gallon fatigue. These voters clearly recognize that our economic and national security futures are also rolled up in saving money at the pump and making America far more energy independent." In Michigan -- the heart of the American auto industry -- 78% of likely voters say they support 60 mpg. This includes 58% who "strongly" support 60 mpg. Every group of likely Michigan voters across the political spectrum supports 60 mpg by wide margins; no group opposes it. The new polling data comes as government agencies seek to develop new passenger vehicle fuel economy standards for the years 2017-2025. Proposed standards are expected to be released in September.

Melvin Wylie

Ohio Voters Want Better Fuel Efficiency Vehicles

Ohio, May 27, 2011 - A new poll of 800 likely Ohio voters found overwhelming and intense support for requiring the auto industry to increase average fuel economy to 60 miles per gallon by 2025 and reduce carbon dioxide pollution from new cars, pickup trucks, minivans and SUVs. The poll was conducted by The Mellman Group for Ceres from April 9-12. "It comes as no surprise that Ohioans overwhelmingly support stronger fuel economy standards for automobiles. Higher fuel economy standards will help create new jobs," said JD Staley Director of Sales and Marketing for Amp Electric based in Cincinnati. The company is engaged in the emission-free electrification of specific OEM vehicles and has doubled its workforce in the last year to meet rising demand. Voters don't believe the rhetoric that higher standards would cost jobs or hurt U.S. automakers. In fact, they believe increased efficiency will spur innovation and create jobs.

• 80% of likely Ohio voters believe a national 60 mpg standard will encourage American car makers to innovate, boosting sales and protecting American auto jobs.

Support remains strong even when higher vehicle costs are noted.

• 59% of likely voters in Ohio believe any costs attached to increasing vehicle fuel efficiency will be outweighed by benefits—efficiency increases will pay for themselves.

"The American voter is speaking loudly in Ohio," said Ceres President Mindy Lubber. "It isn't just $4-a-gallon fatigue. These voters clearly recognize that our economic and national security futures are also rolled up in saving money at the pump and making America far more energy independent." In Ohio -- the hub of American manufacturing -- 79% of likely Ohio voters say they support 60 mpg. This includes 60% who "strongly" support 60 mpg. Every group of likely Ohio voters across the political spectrum supports 60 mpg by wide margins; no group opposes it. The new polling data comes as government agencies seek to develop new passenger vehicle fuel economy standards for the years 2017-2025. Proposed standards are expected to be released in September.

Melvin Wylie

Connecticut Gov. vows to reduce energy consumption by 15%

STAMFORD, Conn. - May 26, 2011 - Energy costs are high across the country and homeowners and businesses are feeling the pinch. Perhaps nowhere is the sting greater than in Connecticut where the battle against rising energy costs is nothing new. According to Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy, "the cost of energy in Connecticut is 74 percent greater than the national average. We should be the most efficient. There is no reason not to be." Speaking at a "clean energy summit" on May 19, Malloy revealed his vision for a restructured energy policy focused on lowering costs, increasing energy efficiency and reliability, and investing in renewable energy sources. Stamford based energy provider MXenergy shares the governor's goals. "Since our company's inception twelve years ago, we have been strongly committed to sustainability and energy efficiency," says MXenergy President and CEO Jeff Mayer. "We are extremely proud that Connecticut is the first state where we can offer 100% wind powered renewable energy to our customers." MXenergy's Green Rate plan offers Connecticut homeowners and businesses a 12-month fixed rate plan with 100% wind generated power, an option that is being met with increasing popularity. "In today's climate there is tremendous interest in renewable energy products," says Marjorie Kass, MXenergy Managing Director. "People are starting to understand they can help conserve the environment and opt for 'green' energy choices without draining their wallet." At the summit, Malloy also reiterated his pledge to reduce energy consumption in the state by 15% and his goal to have Connecticut ranked No. 1 in energy efficiency. Two goals MXenergy definitely shares. "Providing a competitive and environmentally friendly business environment do not have to be mutually exclusive goals," says Mayer. "In fact, as Governor Malloy eloquently illustrates in his speech, it is actually a selling point for attracting and retaining businesses in your community."

Melvin Wylie

Blog Has Moved

Please go to my new website at http://www.greennews4u.com/ I am still working on it and trying different templates. Let me know what you think!

Announcement: In April 2011, GreenNews4U will be starting a weekly Environmental Podcast touching on topics that the listener should find interesting and informative. The podcast will be avaliable on I-tunes, Smart Phones, GreenNews4U Blog, and for download on other venues to be announced.

Some items that will be covered in the first podcast will be Bedbugs, Hotels, Illegal Workers, Safety Fines, Environmental Toxins, and other topics. You will have to listing to hear what I have in store for the first podcast.

Because this is a new venture I am looking for constructive feedback from the listeners on topics that will be covered.

Please help spread the word on this new and Exciting project.

Intermediat School Evacuated in Blue Island, IL

BLUE ISLAND, IL — according to the Chicago Tribune nearly two dozen student and 10 adults from an intermediate school were taken by ambulance to seven near by hospitals because of hazardous materials exposure.

According to Mayor Don Peloquin, a janitor mixed bleach with drain cleaner and was overcome by fumes.

The nursing supervisor at the Metro South Medical Center said the students brought to the hospital were observed for any adverse effects from the fumes, were treated and released, the article stated.

My Notes:

Who in the world trained this person, and why do they have Bleach in a school? Have you ever picked up an MSDS sheet on Bleach? It can cause Death, and mixed with a drain cleaner, your just asking for trouble. That's why MSDS, Blood Born Pathogens, and Right to Know training are very inportant. I belive in the dilution system where chemicals are premixed for you. Lesson to learn... NEVER MIX CHEMICALS!

Click here to read the complete article.

240 Janitors Fired after Imigration steps in

Minneapolis, MN - Federal immigration authorities investigated Harvard Maintenance who allegedly hired workers who did not have the proper documentation, according to Minnesota Public Radio.

As a result Harvard Maintenance will be dismissing 240 employees, that's more than half its Twin Cities workforce.

On another note, two years ago, more than 1,200 janitors at ABM lost their jobs after a similar immigration audit.

ABM signed a non-disclosure agreement with U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), but Department of Homeland Security documents obtained by MPR News show ABM was fined $108,000 — or about $85 for each janitor who was dismissed.

Employers caught with undocumented immigrants on the payroll can face civil fines and possible criminal charges.

Click here to read the complete article.