Search Articles

Showing 41-50 of 379

Bill Would Require Reissuance of Oil and Gas Leases in Alaska’s Coastal Plain and Preclude Judicial Review of Governmental Approval Actions Under ESA, NEPA, and Other Statutes

H.R. 6285, the “Alaska’s Right to Produce Act of 2023,” would remove presidential or agency oil and gas leasing moratoriums and direct federal agencies to “process, reinstate, or continue to maintain such authorizations, permits, verifications, extensions, biological opinions, incidental take statements, and any other approvals” as are required for Alaska’s Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program (“Leasing Program”) to proceed. The bill would ratify and approve of those authorizations for the Leasing Program and deem them to meet the requirements of federal laws including the Endangered Species Act (ESA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. It also would require the Secretary of the Interior to reissue recent canceled leases and hold a second lease sale. Further, the bill would preclude judicial review of governmental actions “grant[ing] an authorization, permit, verification, biological opinion, incidental take statement, or other approval” for the Leasing Program. The bill was introduced by Representatives Pete Stauber, Mary Peltola, Kevin Hern, and August Pfluger and has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Canadian Federal Court Rules Against Designating Plastic as “Toxic”

The Federal Court has ruled that the Government of Canada exceeded its authority by designating plastic items as “toxic” under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. The case, brought by Canada's major plastic-producing companies known as the Responsible Plastic Use Coalition, sought to remove the toxic listing. Animal Justice intervened in support of the listing, emphasizing the importance of addressing plastic pollution that annually harms millions of animals. Advocates express hope that the government will continue robust efforts to combat plastic pollution.

Conservation Groups Plan Appeal of Federal Court Ruling that Allows Willow Oil Project to Proceed

The U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska ruled against the Sovereign Iñupiat for a Living Arctic and a group of conservation organizations and in favor of ConocoPhillips and the Bureau of Land Management, enabling the Willow oil production project in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska to move forward. The conservation organizations argued that federal approval of the oil project violates the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Petroleum Reserves Production Act and that related Endangered Species Act consultations are unlawful. The conservation groups plan to appeal the ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Climate Report Exposes Leading Canadian Meat Producer as Top Emitter

A recent report by the Coller FAIRR Protein Producer Index revealed that greenhouse gas emissions from the animal agriculture industry rose by an average of over three percent in 2023. Notably, Saputo, a prominent Canadian meat producer, stands out as one of the major contributors, registering a one point thirty-seven percent increase in emissions, totaling almost fifteen million tonnes of carbon dioxide. Only seven out of twenty companies managed to reduce climate emissions despite recommendations from the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The study underscores the urgent need for industry-wide changes and policy action in the food and agriculture sector to address its substantial contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.

Senate Rejects Amendment to Federal Farm Carbon Tax Exemption Bill

The majority of Canadian senators voted to reject an amendment to Bill C-234, a private member’s bill tabled by Conservative Member of Parliament Ben Lobb. The bill aims to expand the carbon tax exemption for farming fuels under the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act. The Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture and Forestry had previously modified the bill, excluding the heating and cooling of barns and greenhouses from the exemption. However, the Committee’s amendment was thwarted as forty-two senators voted against it, allowing the unaltered bill to advance for third reading and Royal Assent. Several agricultural organizations, including SaskPork, SaskCanola, and SaskWheat, had lobbied senators to oppose the amendment and uphold the original version of Bill C-234 claiming it would unfairly exclude tens of thousands of ranchers, farmers and growers.

EPA Grants PFR Seeking Regulation of Tire Chemical Linked to Lethal Effects on Salmon and Trout in the Pacific Northwest

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted a petition for rulemaking (PFR) submitted by Earthjustice on behalf of the Yurok Tribe, the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, and the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. Petitioners assert that 6PPD, a chemical used in tires, is responsible for decimating salmon and steelhead trout populations in the Pacific Northwest. The EPA will begin gathering more information on 6PPD and will issue an advance notice of proposed rulemaking under Section 6 of the Toxic Substances Control Act.

Cigarette-Style Warning Labels on Food Could Reduce Meat Consumption, Study Says

A new study published in the journal Appetite suggests that graphic warning labels on food, similar to those used on tobacco products, could lead to a seven to ten percent decrease in meat selection. The study involved showing 1,001 meat-eating adults images of meals with health, climate, pandemic warnings, or no labels. Pandemic warnings were the most effective, reducing meat choices by ten percent, followed by health warnings at eight point eight percent, and climate warnings at seven point four percent. The researchers believe their findings could help encourage changes in consumer food choices that could ultimately benefit the environment.

Research Shows Animal Welfare Outweighs Climate Concerns in Meat Purchases

A recent study conducted across Denmark, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Shanghai, China, explores consumer attitudes toward pork production, revealing a significant emphasis on animal welfare over climate impact. Despite heightened awareness about animal production's environmental impact, consumers, especially in Western countries, are more willing to pay for enhanced animal welfare than for reduced climate effects. This preference arises from the belief that a price premium can directly improve animal well-being, while climate concerns can be tackled through alternative means. The study emphasizes the importance of not neglecting animal welfare and food safety, as solely focusing on climate impact might misalign stakeholders with consumer priorities.

New Book Explores Potential of Cultivated Meat to Solve Planetary Crises

Michel Vandenbosch & Philip Lymbery (eds), “Cultivated Meat to Secure Our Future: Hope for Animals, Food Security, and the Environment” (US: Lantern Publishing & Media, 2023).

Summary: This provocative book informs, inspires, and opens debates about cultivated meat. An amazing collection of visionary and respected contributors powerfully present the latest research and opinions regarding its potential for solving our current planetary crises. Cultivated Meats to Secure Our Future features an amazing collection of visionary and respected contributors. Each powerfully presents the latest research and opinions regarding its potential for solving our current planetary crises. Contributors include Isha Datar of New Harvest, Chase Purdy, author of Billion Dollar Burger, and Hanna Tuomisto one of the world’s leading researchers in the field of environmental sustainability assessment of cell-cultured food production technologies. Also included is a thought-provoking foreword by Ira van Eelen, daughter of Willem van Eelen the godfather of cultivated meat, and CEO of KindEarth.Tech and RESPECTfarms.

Experts Advocate Just Transition Away from Factory Farms for Climate and Social Justice Ahead of COP28

A new policy report from the Stockholm Environment Institute emphasizes the urgent need to shift away from industrial meat production to address climate change and social injustices in the global food system. The report highlights the significant environmental impact of factory farms, particularly in deforestation and disease proliferation. Experts argue for a “One Health” approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental well-being. The proposed shifts include phasing out subsidies for factory farms, supporting plant-based alternatives, and ensuring inclusive, transparent policymaking. Additionally, addressing historical injustices, supporting affected communities, and involving diverse stakeholders are crucial for a just transition in the food sector, according to the report.