The long-controversial plan to build a nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain has taken an interesting turn, with newly-discovered email evidence suggesting that scientists working on the project had planned to fabricate supporting data.
The long-controversial plan to build a nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain has taken an interesting turn, with newly-discovered email evidence suggesting that scientists working on the project had planned to fabricate supporting data. In one email, for example, a USGS scientist wrote, "I don't have a clue when these programs were installed. So I've made up the dates and names. ... This is as good as it's going to get. If they need more proof, I will be happy to make up more stuff." Ouch. More on that story:
E-mails Appear to Show Yucca Mountain Scientists Planning to Make up Data
Lawmakers Investigate Fraud Allegations at Yucca Mountain
Yucca Mountain E-mails Not Likely to Discredit Project, DOE Concluded
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Elsewhere on the energy front, we learned of the possibility that we might be seeing more daylight in coming years as an energy-saving measure. More at Daylight-Saving Time Saves Fuel, Lawmakers Say. In other news, officials involved in a U.S. research project dubbed FutureGen went to China seeking funding for the construction of a zero-emissions coal-fired power plant. Read more here: U.S. Presses China to Invest in Cleaner Energy. From Hawaii, some interesting news of a proposed air-conditioning system that harnesses cold ocean water to cool the land. Get the whole story at From Ocean Depths, Air Conditioning for the Tropics.
The decidedly non-glamorous theme of waste cropped up time and time again this week, led by a story about a oil- and sludge-dumping spree that wound up costing the offending company a record $25 million in fines. More here: Panamanian Shipping Company to Pay $25 Million for Dumping Waste around U.S. A 12 million ton open-air heap of nuclear waste piled on a flood plain in frighteningly close proximity to the Colorado River might get a new home if the Energy Department prevails. The full story is at Government Proposes to Move Nuclear Waste Piled Near the Colorado River. Israel's plans to dump refuse on Palestinian land were met with resistance this week. As Nasser Salman, a resident of a village near the dump said, "It's scary what they're doing. It will ruin all our groundwater, and it will pollute the air we breathe. They can't build a landfill near the olives and almonds we eat." Read the whole article here:
Israel Plans to Dump Garbage from Tel Aviv in a Landfill on Palestinian Land, Prompting Protests.
A flock of bird articles dominated the wildlife news this week, including the promising story of the mysterious return of thousands of pelicans to nesting grounds abandoned in droves by the birds just last year. The full story can be found at White Pelicans Return to N.D. Refuge. In Canada, another mystery might be close to solved. Investigators are narrowing in on the culprit responsible for the slaughter of dozens of bald eagles for their talons and feathers. Read more at Suspects Eyed in Canadian Bald Eagle Killings. That big chunk of ice in Antarctica that made the news earlier in the year is on the move again, threatening the well-being of people and penguins alike. Here's the article: World's Biggest Iceberg Begins Moving after Blocking Food Supplies for Antarctic Stations, Penguins. And as spring warms the air, some advice on safely enjoying the company of backyard birds: Roll out the Welcome Mat for Birds -- Then Clean It.
Several stories this week brought a smile to my face. I leave you with a list "good news" articles to brighten your weekend. Enjoy!
- Tsunami Survivors Grow Saplings to Remember the Dead and Protect from Waves
- New Cotton Fabric May Absorb Toxins
- Canadian Automakers Volunteer to Dramatically Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- China's Giant Pandas Get Broadband
- Near-Record Number of Births this Year for Endangered North Atlantic Right Whales
