Use it or lose it.
Our Granite Roots
NH ConstitutionGrow the Grassroots!Granite Roots NewsletterFair Elections FundUser loginStay in Touch with your Public Servants!Hands-On Elections HandbookCounting the VotesWe're Counting the Votes Kit Or send your check to DFNH, PO Box 717, Concord, NH 03301 Who's onlineThere are currently 0 users and 118 guests online.
NavigationVoting in NHElection Training from the NH Dept. of StateBlogs
Democracy for AmericaDaily Kos
Syndicate |
EnvironmentAction alert: Protect our Tongass National ForestA "sweetheart" deal working its way through Congress could allow a single corporation, Sealaska, to clearcut some of the best, oldest, most biologically-rich areas left in America's Rainforest, the Tongass National Forest in Alaska. Please
tell Congress to stop expanded logging in the Tongass. America's rainforest, the Tongass National Forest, is stunningly beautiful, stretching across islands, fjords and mainland that are part of Southeast Alaska. In this mist-shrouded forest, black and brown bears grow fat on five different species of Pacific salmon. Bald eagles soar high above waters where sea otters and whales splash. But new legislation working its way through Congress would transfer much of the ancient forest remaining on the Tongass to Sealaska Corporation for industrial clearcut logging and other private development. Help us stop this land grab now. Sealaska Corporation has already clearcut some 300,000 acres of the best and biggest trees on the Tongass, exporting the timber to international markets. They mustn't be allowed to take the best of what remains. Take action to stop this legislation. The Tongass must be protected for its ecological values and to help local communities transition to a more sustainable forest economy. The Wilderness Society has been working with communities and the Forest Service on just such a plan, but this new legislation would undermine it, along with the ancient forest. Tell Congress to oppose the Sealaska "Sweetheart Deal." Sincerely, Kathy
Kilmer Action alert from Al Gore: Call now for clean energyCall Your Senators Now:
Senator Gregg:
Senator Shaheen: Tell them you want strong clean energy and climate legislation this year. Then, report your call. I've been working on solutions to the climate crisis for a long time -- and right now, we're on the cusp of what could be the biggest breakthrough in decades, with a bipartisan Senate clean energy and climate bill under negotiation right now. That's why this week, supporters like you have already made over 42,000 calls to your Senators to demand the strongest legislation possible. It's been one of the largest call-in campaigns in the history of our movement, and we've definitely got people's attention. But we have only one day left until our deadline tonight, and we need to demonstrate exactly how broad and deep this movement is. Can you make your voice heard by calling your Senators now? Call Senator Gregg now at 202-224-3324 By admin at 03/04/2010 - 12:26 | Action alerts | Energy | Environment | login or register to post comments | read more
Film: Vanishing Soil (a look at biodynamic agriculture)Sun, 03/21/2010 - 4:30pm Wilton Town Hall Theatre Sunday, March 21st at the Wilton Town Hall Theatre 4:30pm (promptly). The film Vanishing Soil, a documentary on Biodynamic Agriculture made in 1978 in Germany at the farm of Trauger Groh Sponsored by the Temple-Wilton Community Farm FREE ADMISSION, with donations (suggested $5) going to benefit the Temple-Wilton Community Farm The documentary film Vanishing Soil was made by the Danish National Film Board in the year 1978. The Danish Film Board was seeking one single farm on which they could document a range of sustainable agricultural practices that offered an alternative to conventional agribusiness methods. Through personal contacts resulting from farm advisory work in Denmark, the Film Board came to know the north German Biodynamic farmer Trauger Groh, who then offered his and his partners' farm, Buschberghof, near Hamburg, Germany as the background for the film. The film is narrated in English and has Danish subtitles. Trauger Groh, who speaks German in the film, has been living and working in Wilton, NH for the past 24 years and was one of 3 farmer partners (with Lincoln Geiger and Anthony Graham), along with 28 local families that founded the Temple-Wilton Community Farm, the pioneering Community Supported Agriculture farm (along with Indian Line Farm in Great Barrington, MA started that same year) in the USA in 1986. Maud Barlow lecture: The global water crisisThu, 03/04/2010 - 7:00pm 115 Murkland Hall, University of New Hampshire, Durham, N.H. Contact: Denise Hart, Food & Water Watch (603) 545-7533 Activist Maude Barlow to Speak about the Impending Global Water Crisis at “Tap In” Water-Awareness Series Durham, N.H.—World-renown water activist Maude Barlow, National Chairperson of the Council of Canadians, and Chair of the board of directors of Food & Water Watch, will speak on Thursday, March 4, 2010 at the University of New Hampshire. Entitled “The Global Water Crisis and the Coming Battle for the Right to Water,” the talk is part of “Tap In,” a series of lectures and films about world water privatization, access, and quality sponsored by Food & Water Watch’s Take Back the Tap Campaign and the University of New Hampshire’s Office of Sustainability. The event is free and open to the public. Visitors may park in the university lots after 6 p.m., or at metered locations for $1 an hour using quarters. Short-term parking is available in Lot C off Mill Road for $1 an hour for up to three hours. WHO: Maude Barlow, National Chairperson of the Council of Canadians and Chair of the board of directors of Food & Water Watch. Ms. Barlow is the former Senior Advisor on Water to the President of the United Nations General Assembly. She is also the best-selling author and co-author of 16 books, including the international best-seller “Blue Covenant: The Global Water Crisis and the Coming Battle for the Right to Water.” Barlow is the recipient of eight honorary doctorates as well as many awards, including the 2005 Right Livelihood Award (known as the “Alternative Nobel”), the Citation of Lifetime Achievement at the 2008 Canadian Environment Awards, and the 2009 Earth Day Canada Outstanding Environmental Achievement Award. Robin Hood Tax
Also known as a transaction tax, it's something economists are being asked to endorse.
By monica smith at 02/15/2010 - 06:24 | Accountability | Economy | Environment | Taxes | Video | login or register to post comments | read more
Governor Lynch requests investigation of Vermont Yankee Nuclear facility
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, February 10, 2010 Gov. Lynch Calls for Investigation of Vermont Yankee Governor Today Sent Letter to Chairman of Nuclear Regulatory Commission CONCORD – Gov. John Lynch today sent the following letter to the chairman of the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commissioner asking for a full investigation into the recent tritium leak and overall operation of the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant: February 10, 2010 The Honorable Gregory B. Jaczko Chairman Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555-0001 Dear Chairman Jaczko: I want to share my deep concerns about the operation and safety of the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power plant owned by Entergy Corporation, and to strongly urge the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to thoroughly investigate the safety and management of the plant before affirming an extension of its license. Last month New Hampshire was made aware of elevated levels of tritium discovered in groundwater monitoring wells at the plant. Entergy had previously told Vermont officials that there was no underground piping carrying water that could contain radioactivity. However, in the search for the source of contamination, we learned that, in fact, a leak of underground piping containing tritiated water could be involved. By admin at 02/10/2010 - 12:02 | Action alerts | Energy | Environment | login or register to post comments | read more
Youth leaders on sustainable energy ask Obama about his support for (unsustainable) nuclear powerAnd there's NH's own, DFNH co-founder Zo Tobi right there too!
The Many Faces of Shafmaster LLC
In a previous diary I called attention to the fact that our (the American people's) generosity, dispensed via low interest loans from the Commerce Department's Fisheries Program, had been repaid by the Shafmaster enterprises by polluting the waters of Great Bay. That is, to recap, Jonathan S. Shafmaster, either in his own name or as Lordco Pier Associates, had collected, over a period of six years, at least nine million dollars in low interest loans from the U.S. Department of Commerce and yet couldn't manage to keep from fouling the Bay.
By monica smith at 02/01/2010 - 07:20 | Corporations | Environment | Jobs | Taxes | monica smith's blog | login or register to post comments | read more
Ingrates
I'm sure that there's an entirely logical explanation, but, whatever it is, you'd think that the beneficiaries of Uncle Sam's munificence would, out of simple gratitude, do their best to comply with all environmental rules and regulations. But, you'd be wrong.
By monica smith at 01/27/2010 - 05:25 | Economy | Environment | monica smith's blog | login or register to post comments | read more
"Incinerators can cost millions of dollars." Duhhh!
I've long held the opinion that when it comes to environmental degradation our public agencies are some of the worst offenders. Much slip-shod waste disposal and contamination has been tolerated in the name of "balancing the public interest." Not to mention that some of our public servants consider it a benefit of their employment to impose, rather than follow regulations.
By monica smith at 12/24/2009 - 07:57 | Environment | Health care | monica smith's blog | login or register to post comments | read more
US youth at COP 15 take off clothes to demand actionHow old will YOU be in 2056?
Why politics-as-usual may mean the end of civilizationSOURCE: Huffington Post Why Politics-As-Usual May Mean the End of Civilization Cross-posted with TomDispatch.com. Most political arguments don’t really have a right and a wrong, no matter how passionately they’re argued. They’re about human preferences -- for more health care or lower taxes, for a war to secure some particular end or a peace that leaves some danger intact. On occasion, there are clear-cut moral issues: the rights of minorities or women to a full share in public life, say; but usually even those of us most passionate about human affairs recognize that we’re on one side of a debate, that there are legitimate arguments to the contrary (endless deficits, coat-hanger abortions, a resurgent al-Qaeda). We need people taking strong positions to move issues forward, which is why I’m always ready to carry a placard or sign a petition, but most of us also realize that, sooner or later, we have to come to some sort of compromise. European legislation creates 62 MPG gas cars… from Ford
SOURCE: MatterNetwork
European Legislation Creates 62 MPG Gas Cars… From Ford By Susan Kraemer In the US, Ford is still behind the 5 major foreign auto makers in fuel efficiency, surpassing only GM and Chrysler. Yet Ford of Europe already achieves dazzling mileage that we Americans can only dream of. Imagine a gas-fueled car that gets 62 miles to the gallon: “With start-stop, regenerative brakes and an Eco Mode system, the new Focus gets 62 MPG (U.S.) on the European scale and emits just 99 grams of CO2 per kilometer” Available in Europe next Spring. What is even more startling about this achievement by European Ford is that this mileage is achieved with just good old-fashioned tweaks on the traditional ICE gas car. There is no major technological breakthrough. Why doesn’t Ford make cars like that here? It’s partly to do with differences in regulations making it hard to build those engines to meet US specs, but a large part of it has to do with differences in attitudes towards the climate change crisis we are facing. “No Impact Man” screening and film discussionSun, 12/06/2009 - 1:30pm Amherst Yoga Studio Amherst, NH – With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season upon us, it is a great time to think of ways to simplify our lives. Amherst Yoga Studio would like to help Granite Staters find ways to do just that while helping the planet, too. The studio will host two showings of “No Impact Man,” a documentary of a New York man who decides to completely eliminate his personal impact on the environment for one year, on Saturday, December 6th. "Amherst Yoga is thrilled to host this event to bring a new sense of awareness of how we all can simplify our lives at this hectic time of year,” said Ginny Jackson, of Amherst Yoga. “We hope to share ideas during a short discussion and we'll l have a lovely basket filled with 'earth-friendly' products from Earthward, as well as the ‘No Impact Man’ book, to be raffled away,” she said. Join others from the Souhegan Valley and beyond to watch and discuss the film and its theme of simplifying our lives. The first showing is at 1:30pm and will be followed by a discussion at 3:00pm. The second showing will be at 4:00pm, and attendees of both showings are invited to the community discussion. The cost is $5 per person, which will cover entrance to the showing and one chance for the raffle. Ask Governor Lynch to withdraw PSNH pensioner Raymond Donald's confirmation to the Air Resources Council
Ask Governor Lynch to withdraw Raymond Donald's confirmation to the Air Resources Council for not revealing his relationship with PSNH. Contact Governor Lynch and Commissioner Burack before December 9th! New Hampshire Sierra Club has an appeal pending before a NH Department of Environmental Services tribunal, the Air Resources Council (ARC). This appeal is challenging a PSNH air permit for violations to the Clean Air Act at the coal plant in Bow. ARC Presiding Officer Raymond Donald never revealed that he used to work for PSNH and currently receives a PSNH pension. Gov. Lynch has nominated Mr. Donald for another term. The New Hampshire Executive Council has put Raymond Donald’s confirmation to the ARC on hold because he did not reveal this important conflict of interest and it has destroyed the integrity of the appeal process. By admin at 11/30/2009 - 08:08 | Action alerts | Energy | Environment | login or register to post comments | read more
Vigil for SurvivalSat, 12/12/2009 - 4:00pm Milford Oval, Milford, NH Saturday, December 12, 2009 Time: 4:00pm - 5:30pm Location: Milford Oval, Milford, NH Join us for our local VIGIL FOR SURVIVAL on the Milford, NH Oval. Saturday, December 12th at 4:00 pm. (with a raindate of Sunday, Dec. 13th at 4:00) People all over the world will gather in their communities, and will light candles of hope to stand in solemn solidarity with the citizens of the nations whose very survival is threatened by the climate crisis. These nations are calling for a “survival pact,” for commitments by the developed world to cut emissions enough to get the atmospheric concentration of CO2 back to 350. They know the simple, mathematical truth of global warming: 350 = Survival. We know that it is crucial to get this message out.. so join us on Sat. late afternoon/evening Dec. 12 and let's do our part! Via our vigils, we are sending a very important message to the leaders of the world as they convene in Copenhagen! Thanks and please forward this to those who'd be interested. By admin at 11/24/2009 - 11:11 | Action alerts | Energy | Environment | login or register to post comments | calendar
Repower America Clean Energy Economy RoundtableWed, 11/18/2009 - 7:00pm SEA Solar Store, 187 New Rochester Rd (Rte 108), Dover, NH 03820 Join Repower America, the Green Alliance and members of the seacoast business community for a round table discussion on the economic benefits of clean energy.
Sarah Brown, project director for the Green Alliance, will talk about how small businesses have contributed to the growth of the seacoast green economy. Jan Pendlebury, senior field associate for the Pew Environment Group/Pew Charitable Trusts, will discuss research showing how the emerging clean energy economy has already created hundreds of thousands of jobs nationwide. Jeff Haydock of Waterline Renewable Energies will provide an overview of his company's work providing renewable energy solutions to customers across New England. The floor will be open for discussion, providing local residents and business leaders with the opportunity to share their own stories. This is a great chance to get involved in Repower America's campaign to build broad-based grassroots support for comprehensive federal clean energy and climate legislation that will create 1.7 new clean energy jobs! Exposed: The worldwide efforts of the global energy lobby to kill progress on climate changeExposed: The Worldwide Efforts Of The Global Energy Lobby To Kill Progress On Climate Change Exposed: The Worldwide Efforts Of The Global Energy Lobby To Kill Progress On Climate Change Huffington Post Katherine Goldstein The Center For Public Integrity just released a blockbuster investigative report that details the intense corporate pressure to block an effective global treaty from being reached at the UN Climate Talks in Copenhagen in December, and to halt efforts in individual countries to limit greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to fierce lobbying behind closed doors, some of the most aggressive tactics deployed by resource giants such as Exxon Mobil, Peabody Coal and other energy and agriculture interests are often the most public: spreading fear and misinformation about the true impact of emissions regulations. Host a Coal Country house party
A Stunning Documentary All Communities Should See
 Coal Country is a stunning new documentary that reveals the devastation of mountaintop removal coal mining to the forests, streams, and communities of Appalachia. Produced by Mari-Lynn Evans and Phylis Geller, Coal Country brings us inside the lives of Appalachian residents who are directly threatened by mountaintop removal, a destructive mining practice where mountaintops are blasted away to expose the coal; the waste is then dumped in the waterways of nearby communities. As it takes us through each stage of coal mining and processing, Coal Country reveals the shocking true cost of America's over-reliance on coal. We need to get this film in the hands of Americans nationwide. Help spread the word and end mountaintop removal coal mining by hosting a Coal Country House Party. These community house parties will happen nationwide the week of November 10th through 14th. Coal has an impact on every single community -- one way or another. Join this national movement by sharing this important film with your friends and neighbors. Hosts will receive a "how to" packet and a free sneak-peek Coal Country DVD*. By admin at 10/24/2009 - 07:55 | Action alerts | Energy | Environment | login or register to post comments | read more
Obama urges Congress to pass climate billSOURCE: washingtonpost.com President emphasizes economic benefits of stalled legislation By Michael D. Shear and Juliet Eilperin BOSTON -- President Obama touted the economic benefits of green technologies in a speech Friday at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, challenging Congress to pass comprehensive energy legislation and describing some critics of the effort as cynical or self-interested. Speaking after a tour of several high-tech laboratories dedicated to the creation of new and cheaper sources of energy, Obama said the work in Congress "must culminate" in passage of a climate change bill. "Such legislation can transform our energy system into one that is far more efficient, clean and independent -- making the best use of resources we have in abundance, through clean coal technology, safe nuclear power, sustainably grown biofuels and energy we harness from wind, waves and sun," Obama said. |
US ConstitutionAction AlertsBrowse eventsUpcoming events
Election IntegrityFeature storiesPopular contentToday's: |
Dear Friend,