RadioActive 8/30/12

Producer/Host: Meredith DeFrancesco

Issue: Environmental and Social Justice

Program Topic: EPA fuel efficiencies increase; Maine looks at regulating Bisphenol-A (BPA in toddler and baby food packaging; Texans engage in direct action blockade of Keystone XL tar sands pipeline construction

Key Discussion Points:

a) We looks towards next week’s public hearing on a Maine rule that would phase the chemical additive Bispenol-A out of baby and toddler food packaging.

b) We examine the EPA’s new rules to improve the fuel economy in cars and light trucks and reduce green house gas emissions

c) Activists blockade the construction of the southern stretch of Keystone XL Pipeline Tar Sands pipeline in Texas. Four hand lock down on trailer truck. Seven total are arrested in the direct action. This action marks the begins a campaign of direct action.

Guests:

A) Roland Hwang, Natural Resources Defense Council, Director, Transportation Program, Energy and Transportation Program www.nrdc.org

B) Emma Halas- O’Conner, Environmental Health Strategy Center, grassroots organizer www.preventharm.org

C)Ron Seifert, Tar Sands Blockade, Texas http://tarsandsblockade.org