What's Important

Snippets from the news
• Forest disappearance hurts economy more than banking crisis, says study.

• Americans still driving less despite cheaper gas.

• Bailout bill includes tax break for bikers.

• Pollock declines could affect biggest North American fishery.

• Papua being cleared for palm oil.

• Climate change sends tropical species uphill.

• Beijing will ban half its cars in times of heavy pollution.

California prison system introduces conservation measures
Woe to California inmates whose lunches don't agree with them: As part of a conservation program in the state-prison system, at least one prison has introduced a water-saving measure that makes toilets temporarily unflushable if they're flushed three times in five minutes. As for what else the prisons are doo-ing: A partnership with the state's public utilities will see energy retrofits at 16 facilities, and is expected to save $3.2 million annually. "We're trying in the prisons to be smart on crime," said Matthew Cate of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. "This is an example to be smart fiscally and [on] the environment as well." Gov. Arnold "That's Kindergarten Cop to You" Schwarzenegger hailed the agency, which runs the largest state-prison system in the U.S.: "This environmental initiative sets an example for the rest of the country. I applaud CDCR for their ... groundbreaking action on climate change and energy efficiency."

sources: Marketwatch, Central Valley Business Times, KGET

Oceangoing ships face strict new pollution rules
Observers hoping for an epic pirate battle at the latest meeting of the International Maritime Organization were disappointed yesterday, when the group quietly and without controversy passed landmark restrictions on pollution emitted by oceangoing vessels. By July 2010, the 300,000 ships that travel the world's seas must cut the sulfur content of the fuel they use in coastal areas by 63 percent, chugging toward 95 percent cuts by January 2015. Because ship-spewed airborne emissions contribute to as many as 60,000 premature deaths a year, environmental groups and local governments have pushed for a sea change in port pollution. In fact, it turns out there's some hope for fans of salty swordplay after all: Since each country must set a coastal boundary within which the new restrictions apply, advocates of human and planetary health are preparing to face off with the shipping industry over the size of the rule-prone areas. Avast!

source: The New York Times