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Archive for the ‘Environmental Topics’ Category
Ms. Lisa Jackson announced her resignation today as Environmental Protection Agency Administrator. Her resignation will take effect soon after President Obama’s inauguration in January. She has served in the cabinet level position since 2009.
Jackson leads EPA’s efforts to protect and ensure a clean, healthy environment for all Americans. She oversees a staff of more than 18,000 environmental professionals. She has lead the effort to usher in a green economy and address health threats from pollution in our air, water and land, and renew the public’s trust in EPA’s work.
Raised a proud resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, Administrator Jackson is a summa cum laude graduate of Tulane University and earned a master’s degree in chemical engineering from Princeton University. In 2012, she received an honorary doctorate degree from Tulane University. She has also received an honorary law degree from Pace Law School.
She started with the EPA as a staff-level scientist in 1987 and spent the majority of her career working in EPA’s Region 2 office in New York. In 2002, Jackson joined the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and was appointed Commissioner of the agency in 2006.
As the first African-American to serve as EPA Administrator, Jackson has made it a priority to expand outreach to communities that are historically under-represented in environmental action. The EPA has stepped up protection for vulnerable groups including children, the elderly, and low-income communities that are particularly susceptible to environmental and health threats. Administrator Jackson has promised all stakeholders a place at the decision-making table.
These efforts continue alongside Administrator Jackson’s work in response to the Deepwater BP oil spill. The spill impacted a region that Jackson calls home, and she is dedicated to both the short- and long-term recovery efforts. President Obama recently appointed her to lead the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Taskforce. She has visited the area numerous times, and is working closely at the federal, state and local level to protect the health, environment and economy of the area.
Jackson resides in Washington D.C. with her husband Kenny and two sons, Marcus and Brian.
There is nothing more powerful than a visual image to make a lasting impression. With that in mind, the 20th annual Environmental Film Festival returns to the nation’s capital March 13 - 25. The festival kicks off with a launch party on Thursday, March 8. This year it’s even bigger and features over 180 films including 93 premiers. A diverse array of documentaries, animation, short films, features and children’s films will be shown throughout Washington D. C. The complete roster of films may be accessed on this page. Environmental communication is so very important. Support these environmental advocates.
SHATTERED SKY © Dorst Mediaworks
YOU'VE BEEN TRUMPED © Montrose Pictures
The United States military is the single largest consumer of energy in the world and recognizes its dependence on fossil fuels as a strategic disadvantage in its operations around the world. To lessen their dependence on fossil fuels, the Department of Defense is developing strong green initiatives and alternative energy programs. The U.S. military has established itself on the vanguard of implementing the most advanced green and alternative fuel technologies. The programs can be found throughout every branch of the armed forces.
Pew Charitable Trust released an extensive 88 page report in September 2011 titled: From Barracks to the Battlefield – Clean Energy Innovation and America’s Armed Forces. The report details the U.S. military plans to expand and develop energy efficiency, renewable energy and alternative fuels in a quest to maintain its military superiority worldwide. The army has incorporated green technology in many sectors of its operations from on-base electric vehicles to solor power assisted humvees. The navy has developed hybrid-electric and biofuel ships with a goal of sailing a Green Strike Group by 2016 with extensive testing beginning this year. The air force is expanding its biofuel-powered and Adaptive Versatile Engine Technology (ADVENT) aircraft technology. Clearly the military is leading the way to stronger and more energy independent America and will continue to be on the forefront of developments in renewable energy, energy efficiency and alternative fuels. The Department or Defense is discussing the possibility of installing seven gigawatts of solar power on military bases to supply its own needs and to increase energy security. If you are curious and interested in seeing what new green and alternate energy technology is coming to the private sector, look to the U.S. Armed Forces.
The ambitious documentary - A Fierce Green Fire - premiers Monday, January 23, at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City. Additional screenings during the week are scheduled in Park City, Salt Lake City and Robert Redford’s Sundance Resort. The film chronicles the modern environmental movement from its 1960′s genesis to modern day’s climate change. Filmmaker Mark Kitchell was recently profiled in onearth magazine and has worked on this documentary since 2001 to define what the environmental movement means to us today.