Thursday, March 31, 2022

The #SEJ2022 and #TDOV Wrangle


Since the Society of Environmental Journalists is convening locally this end-of-week, let's begin with some climate posts.


Now you know why I'm voting for Hunter Crow.


-- The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality awaits the results of its Sunset Commission performance review; in the meanwhile, it has denied a petition to create a rule against issuing wastewater discharge permits on pristine streams like Barton Creek in Austin.  And a story from earlier this month noted the agency's inability to communicate effectively en Espanol.

-- "Embattled Cuellar Distancing Himself From Koch Money":

(Koch Industries') move to stay in operation in Russia has added a new level of toxicity to Cuellar’s political career. A spokesperson for the representative told CNBC that “Congressman Cuellar has not received any money from the Koch Brothers this year and will not accept any future campaign contributions until they disassociate from Russia.”

Earlier this year, Cuellar’s office was raided by the FBI. Though law enforcement has been tight-lipped about what exactly they are investigating Cuellar for, experts speculate that it may be related to illegal actions by Azerbaijan oil companies. Cuellar has lobbied for the interests of the Azeri government and participated in trips to the country that included meetings with the heads of the state oil company.


-- Ku Klux Climate: Coal, Petro-Palingenesis, and the Historical Materialism of Fossil Fascism, by Paul Street

It's also a big week for social justice.


Here's some politics news.


Edwards is the epitome of the worst kind of Democrat IMO: a platitude-mouthed centrist.  She'll only draw votes from Chris Hollins and let John Whitmire ease in to the top of the Bagby horse shoe.


I need some calm-me-downs.