JASON J. CZARNEZKI

I love to carpool. We live in Vermont–a rural state where people drive many miles; possibly the most per capita in the country—yet we only own one car. My colleagues graciously drive me to work even though they know that they are unlikely to ever get a ride from me (though I always offer gas money and pay for gas whenever we stop). I have organized the carpool schedule, and would prefer to own zero cars. Yet, according to this article, carpooling is now unpopular, and the carpooling rate is falling. Car ownership, and accompanying convenience, is too common, urban planning and sprawl requiring driving, and driving is relatively inexpensive.

See here. The Times article reads:

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced on Thursday that he would authorize the unrestricted commercial cultivation of genetically modified alfalfa, setting aside a controversial compromise that had generated stiff opposition.

In making the decision, Mr. Vilsack pulled back from a novel proposal that would have restricted the growing of genetically engineered alfalfa to protect organic farmers from so-called biotech contamination. That proposal drew criticism at a recent Congressional hearing and in public forums where Mr. Vilsack outlined the option.

An Announcement for the folks at Fulbright:

Represent American Scholarship Abroad – Fulbright

Competition opens in February. Deadline is August 1.

To learn how to present your credentials, visit scholars.

Vermont’s new electronic waste disposal law went into effect on January 1, 2011. The Agency of Natural Resources is accepting public comment until Jan. 28th on its draft "E-Waste Sound Management Procedure." The policy may also be found at this link.

http://www.anr.state.vt.us/dec/e-waste/

Hat Tip: Sarah Buxton

Vermont Law School is recruiting a new law fellow to head up the toxics program within the environmental clinic at Vermont Law School, known as the Partnership for Justice. In collaboration with Toxics Action Center, the law fellow will be helping to supervise JD students in providing legal advice to communities dealing with contaminated sites and toxic pollution sources throughout northern New England. The law fellow is expected to work part-time in the clinic for two years while pursuing an LLM degree. The fellowship includes a full tuition waiver, $35,000 stipend, and health benefits. Please pass this along to anyone you know who might be interested. For more information, please see the announcement on our website and contact our Litigation Paralegal and Office Manager, Monica Litzelman, at mlitzelman@vermontlaw.edu with any questions. http://www.vermontlaw.edu/Admissions/Tuition_and_Financial_Aid/Fellowships/Environmental_and_Natural_Resources_Law_Clinic_Fellowship.htm

When I was in Hong Kong, there was an article in the South China Morning Post about Westerners and businessman moving their families from Hong Kong to Singapore due to the increasingly poor air quality in Hong Kong. And now this report: Severe Smog Linked to Death in Hong Kong.

Apparently, at the Golden Globe awards, actors dined on “eco-friendly beef tenderloin.” What does that mean?

I suspect it means grass-fed and locally sourced in California. I’m completely fine with folks eating a little beef, especially if the animal is on a pasture and has only one bad day, but to say that it’s environmentally friendly to serve beef to hundreds of people is a bit much.

First Scott Walker kills high-speed rail in Wisconsin, and now he tries to kill wind power. See article here. The byline:

“A proposal by Gov. Scott Walker, praised by some as a strong defense of property rights, would erect the biggest hurdle to wind farm development in the nation, industry leaders said Friday.”

The APA (American Planning Association) Divisions Council and the Environment and Natural Resources Division of APA are offering two $500 scholarships for student research papers. To participate in the writing contest prepare a paper of 2,300 – 2,500 words on some aspect of Food Systems Planning.

Send papers to: Terry Holzheimer, FAICP at tholzheimer by COB February 11, 2011. Papers should be in a Word or PDF format.

Awards for the for best student papers on Food Systems Planning will be announced on or about March 1st so students will have an opportunity to arrange to attend the APA Annual Conference and a special dinner on April 10, 2011. The Divisions Council will publish the winning papers on the APA website under Divisions Initiatives.