No. 39: A step back for Ohio
Books and dark money groups 🙄
Another salty issue, and again with ties to Ohio. Buckle in, this ride is infuriating.
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Slow living check in (mostly just me being exciting about reading!)🦥
If you’re new, I’ve talked about the approach to life (anti-capitalism) called slow living (issues 32 and 34), but it’s been a while, so I figured now would be a great time for a check-in. Personally, I’ve spent a lot more time reading (which was also a New Years goal), and have read 6 books this month (and in 2023, since I read zero books in January). Although they weren’t the awesome non-fiction climate books I’m planning on in the future (I’ve been using Libby, renting ebooks from my library, reading the books that become available from my hold list), I definitely think fiction can still have a role and provide entertainment in these uncertain times.
To be honest, 4 out of the 6 had a character significant to the storyline die, and 6 out of the 6 mentioned mortality/a dying sickness, so I can’t say they provided me with much optimism, other than being glad I wasn’t one of the dead characters. While I definitely believe we should read for quality over quantity, there’s something about racing to finish a book, and being able to reflect back on the contrasting characters and storyline recently absorbed! Have you been reading? Share in the app chat or comments below!
How Ohio greenwashed natural gas
Earlier this month, Governor Mike DeWine (R) passed new legislation known as H.B. 507., which “create[s] a broad new legal definition of green energy that include[s] natural gas.”
Described by Natural Gas Intel,
The bill contains a qualifier that “‘Green energy’ includes energy generated by using natural gas as a resource,” as well as an energy source that emits reduced air pollutants, and thus reduces cumulative air emissions and “is more sustainable and reliable relative to some fossil fuels,” according to HB507.
The green label for natural gas is unseen in the United States, but in Europe, regulators this summer voted to accept a proposal from the European Commission to classify new natural gas and nuclear power projects as green.
I don’t think I need to explain to you how regressive and misleading this is, since natural gas, as defined by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, “is a fossil fuel energy source, [with] the largest component [being] methane.” If you didn’t know, methane is ~28x more potent than carbon dioxide at warming Earth over a 100-year period (National Geographic). So yeah, not a step in the right direction.
And what lovely organization can we thank for this blatant disinformation? The Empowerment Alliance, defined by the Washington Post as “a dark money group with ties to the gas industry” spreading blatant disinformation, as well as 501c4 “Natural Allies for Clean Energy Future” both facilitated this greenwashing, backed by Ohio Senate candidate Tim Ryan (D) who lost last year to JD Vance (R) (Canton Rep).
From Columbus Dispatch,
The greenwashing of methane gas could help Ohio gas companies dodge environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing standards. One legislative aide instrumental in passing the bill stated, it is an “anti ESG move that will help Gas users in our state”.
Proponents of the legislation claimed theirs was a “grassroots” effort. The Post report suggests otherwise.
So, of course it was a power move. A regressive money grab that will undoubtedly send Ohio closer to climate catastrophe.
Further reading on natural gas (also check out the articles linked above!)
And all previous Heated articles! Because I am definitely late to talking about this…
Check out…
This awesome issue full of opportunities for adults and teens (summer conservation opportunities that pay!) that I cross-posted on Thursday.
Meco - an app solely for reading newsletters (not sponsored or anything)
Pocket - an app for reading articles, basically just Apple News (also not sponsored)
Can you tell if a ‘bomb train’ is coming to your town? It’s complicated. (Grist)
Wrap-up
That’s it! Please share how you’re feeling in the comments, and let me know what you want to hear next week!
Another great issue! I’ve been reading Equal Rites by Terry Pratchett and I absolutely love it. It’s fantasy to the extreme, replete with magic and witches, and it’s such a fun read. A good mood booster in these trying times.