The April 2009 issue of Environment & Climate News reports on Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin’s renewable energy proposal, which empowers local municipalities and won immediate praise from environmental groups, consumer groups, and industry. Other top stories:
* The Montana Senate approved a resolution saying the state’s wetlands and seasonal streams should be controlled by Montana, not the federal government, opposing federal legislation that would usurp oversight from the states.
* The U.S. tax code heavily favors renewable power sources over conventional sources such as coal and oil, reports a new study by the Manhattan Institute.
* Manatees were counted in record numbers this year in Florida’s annual tally, more than 20 percent above the previous record.
* The best available scientific data show no firm connection between Great Lakes water pollution and human health effects, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
* Trucking companies that purchased expensive, low-emissions trucks after promises of subsidies from the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are in danger of bankruptcy as reports surface the ports don’t have the money to meet their promises.
