Mon.May 06, 2024

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Temporary Takings and the Adaptation Dilemma

Legal Planet

Is it unconstitutional for the government to build a levee that reduces the risk of urban flooding but diverts the water to nearby farmlands? The answer could be yes, unless the government pays for flood easements on the rural lands. But if the government doesn’t build the levee, it faces no liability from the urban landowners. That’s the adaptation dilemma: preparing for climate disaster is legally disfavored.

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How Schrödinger's cat could make quantum computers work better

New Scientist

A quantum bit inspired by Schrödinger’s cat can resist making errors for an unprecedentedly long time, which makes it a candidate for building less error-prone quantum computers

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Puppy-Dog Eyes in Wild Canines Sparks Rethink on Dog Evolution

Scientific American

The eyebrows of the African wild dog have scientists wondering whether other canine species besides domestic dogs can make the irresistible “puppy-dog eyes” expression

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Stink bugs grow a fungal garden on their legs to fight parasitic wasps

New Scientist

A surprise discovery has revealed that female stink bugs have a small indent on their hind legs that they use for cultivating fungi before spreading it on their eggs

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The Key to Sustainable Energy Optimization: A Data-Driven Approach for Manufacturing

Speaker: Kevin Kai Wong, President of Emergent Energy Solutions

In today's industrial landscape, the pursuit of sustainable energy optimization and decarbonization has become paramount. ♻️ Manufacturing corporations across the U.S. are facing the urgent need to align with decarbonization goals while enhancing efficiency and productivity. Unfortunately, the lack of comprehensive energy data poses a significant challenge for manufacturing managers striving to meet their targets. 📊 Join us for a practical webinar hosted by Kevin Kai Wong of Emergent Ene

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AI Could Help Find a Solution for String Theory

Scientific American

String theory could provide a theory of everything for our universe—but it entails 10 500 (more than a centillion) possible solutions.

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Firefly Populations At Risk Due To Climate Change, Urban Development

PA Environment Daily

By Katie Bohn, Penn State News Catching fireflies is an iconic summer experience for many people living in North America, but the flickering beetles are on the decline. New research has identified factors that may be contributing to declining populations. The study, which is available online now and will be published in the June 15 issue of Science of the Total Environment , suggests that fireflies are sensitive to various environmental factors, from short-term weather conditions to longer clima

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Keep PA Beautiful’s Young Ambassador Program Recognized With Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence; Students Can Apply Now

PA Environment Daily

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s Young Ambassadors Program was recognized with a Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence. The Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence is an annual award presented to any Pennsylvania business, farm, government agency, educational institution, non-profit organization or individual that has created, or participated in, the development of a project that promotes environmental stewardship in Pennsylvania.

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How Should Wildfire Smoke Damage Be Measured?

Scientific American

Homes that survive wildfire flames but that are still affected by smoke, soot and ash is a growing issue for homeowners and insurers, as is the question of how to best remediate the problem

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Monday PA Environment & Energy NewsClips - 5.6.24

PA Environment Daily

“The people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment. Pennsylvania's public natural resources are the common property of all the people, including generations yet to come. As trustee of these resources, the Commonwealth shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people.” - - Article I, Section 27 Pennsylvania Constitution [It’s Not A Suggestion] House next voting day May 6, 7, 8, 20, 21

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Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft launch delayed due to rocket fault

New Scientist

Two astronauts will have to wait to set off for the International Space Station aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule, following a problem with the Atlas V rocket that caused the mission to be aborted before launch

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Implementing D.E.J.I. Strategies in Energy, Environment, and Transportation

Speaker: Antoine M. Thompson, Executive Director of the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition

Diversity, Equity, Justice, and Inclusion (DEJI) policies, programs, and initiatives are critically important as we move forward with public and private sector climate and sustainability goals and plans. Underserved and socially, economically, and racially disadvantaged communities bear the burden of pollution, higher energy costs, limited resources, and limited investments in the clean energy and transportation sectors.

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SRBC: Lower Susquehanna Source Water Protection Partnership Meeting May 16 In Harrisburg

PA Environment Daily

The Lower Susquehanna Source Water Protection Partnership meeting wi ll be held May 16 at the Susquehanna River Basin Commission offices at 4423 North Front Street in Harrisburg or online via Zoom This m eeting will focus on actions you can support that benefit local stream and groundwater quality as well as enhance conditions downstream for the human and natural communities that rely on access to clean water.

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Zebras bob their heads at each other to signal cooperation

New Scientist

Head-bobbing seems to be a way for zebras to invite others to groom, graze or move together, suggesting sophisticated social and cognitive capabilities

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Penn State Extension Master Watershed Stewards Want Your Opinion!

PA Environment Daily

The Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward Program is a volunteer program that provides training, resources, and ongoing support to volunteers that want to engage in environmental restoration projects and educational programs throughout Pennsylvania. Planning is underway regarding the next few years of programming for the Master Watershed Steward Team.

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Black holes scramble information – but may not be the best at it

New Scientist

Information contained within quantum objects gets scrambled when they interact.

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Shaping a Resilient Future: Climate Impact on Vulnerable Populations

Speaker: Laurie Schoeman Director, Climate & Sustainability, Capital

As households and communities across the nation face challenges such as hurricanes, wildfires, drought, extreme heat and cold, and thawing permafrost and flooding, we are increasingly searching for ways to mitigate and prevent climate impacts. During this event, national climate and housing expert Laurie Schoeman will discuss topics including: The two paths for climate action: decarbonization and adaptation.

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Master Watershed Steward Volunteer Rich Troscianecki 'Rain Barrel Guy' Engages Youth To Protect Watersheds In Lackawanna, Luzerne Counties

PA Environment Daily

By Kelly Jedrzejewski, Penn State News For Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward volunteer Rich Troscianecki, one of the most rewarding aspects of his role is getting the next generation involved in and excited about watershed management. “Our educational programs working with children and young adults are very impactful,” Troscianecki said.

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Swallowable sensor unfurls in stomach to monitor gut health

New Scientist

A ribbon of electrodes could nestle in the gut to help diagnose gastrointestinal diseases linked to Parkinson’s

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AI Doesn’t Threaten Humanity. Its Owners Do

Scientific American

We shouldn’t be afraid of AI taking over humanity; we should fear the fact that our humanity hasn’t kept up with our technology

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Explore Before You Restore: Enhancing ecosystem restoration with complex systems science

The Applied Ecologist

Sybryn L. Maes explains how they, alongside colleagues, developed an Explore Before You Restore framework, and illustrates how these concepts may impact restoration outcomes by influencing degradation and recovery trajectories. To help restore ecosystems, we, a group of international experts in resilience & restoration, propose using a new framework called Explore Before You Restore (EBYR) throughout the restoration project cycle.

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Sustainability at Retail

Sustainability impacts every nation, company, and person around the world. So much so that, in 2015, the United Nations (UN) issued a call for action by all countries to work toward sustainable development. In response to this and as part of a global Sustainability at Retail initiative, Shop! worked collaboratively with its global affiliates to address these critical issues in this white paper.

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Ball-balancing robot could assist wheelchair users

New Scientist

A robot that moves around by balancing on a ball could prove a better assistant for wheelchair users than humanoid robots that walk on two legs

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Berks Nature Awarded American Water Charitable Foundation 2024 Water & Environment Grant

PA Environment Daily

On May 6, Berks Nature announced it was awarded an American Water Charitable Foundation 2024 Water and Environment grant to construct a vernal pool habitat on the Neversink Mountain Preserve. The project will serve multiple purposes for both Reading’s people and its wildlife. Vernal pools are temporary wetland habitats that are typically wet in the spring but dry up by mid-summer.

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Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft is about to make its first crewed flight

New Scientist

Two astronauts are about to set off for the International Space Station aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule.

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PA Integrated Pest Management Program Announces New Staffer To Help Schools Implement IPM Plans

PA Environment Daily

By Chuck Gill, Penn State News The Pennsylvania Integrated Pest Management Program has announced the appointment of Donald DeMackiewicz Jr. as the new PA IPM schools program assistant. The PA IPM program, a collaboration between Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences and the state Department of Agriculture, provides educational and logistical resources to help develop and implement effective, sustainable and environmentally conscious pest management practices throughout Pennsylvania’s div

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Separating Fact from Fiction: Setting the Record Straight on New York’s Climate Law

NRDC

Don’t be fooled by the fossil-fueled campaigns to delay climate progress. The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act is New York State’s chance for a cleaner, healthier future.

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Penn State Extension June 3 In-Person Private Water Supply Education, Water Testing Workshop In Lancaster

PA Environment Daily

On June 3, Penn State Extension will host an in-person workshop on Private Water Supply Education, Water Testing at the Farm and Home Center , 1383. Arcadia Road in Lancaster from 11:00 a.m. to Noon. Do you live in one of the more than one million homes and farms in Pennsylvania that get their drinking water from a private well or spring? Do you know what is in your drinking water and how to keep it safe for you and your family?

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A Safe Word Can Protect against AI Impostor Scams

Scientific American

Fraudsters are using AI voice-cloning services to steal identities.

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Master Watershed Steward Watershed-Friendly Native Plant Kit Sale Thru June 18

PA Environment Daily

Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward Program is now accepting orders for their 2024 Watershed-Friendly Native Plant Kit Sale through June 18 or until sold out. Pick your preferred kit online and select the most convenient curbside fall pickup location from 17 sites across the state. Proceeds from the Watershed-Friendly Native Plant Kits will support the Master Watershed Steward program providing volunteer-driven education and restoration work in that region.

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Boeing’s Starliner Is Set for Its First Crewed Spaceflight

Scientific American

Starliner’s first crewed launch will mark just the sixth time ever that NASA astronauts have flown in a brand-new spacecraft

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ClearWater Conservancy: Volunteers Made A Difference On Watershed Cleanup Day

PA Environment Daily

On Earth Day Weekend April 20, ClearWater Conservancy , Centre County Refuse and Recycling Authority , and the Spring Creek Watershed MS4 Partnership hosted the 28th Annual Watershed Cleanup Day, and it was a huge success! Individuals, families, and groups came together to clean up Centre County and keep watersheds healthy. Since 1997, event volunteers have removed more than 6 million pounds of waste from local roads, streams, sinkholes, and illegal dumpsites.

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USDA Will Fund More Than 700 Clean Energy Projects, Expanding Access to Domestic Biofuels

Nanotech

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on April 23, 2024, that it is funding more than 700 clean energy projects to lower energy bills, expand access to domestic biofuels, and create jobs and new market opportunities for U.S. farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers. According to USDA, many of the projects are funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, “the nation’s largest-ever investment in combating the climate crisis.

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WeConservePA Launches Conservation Law Assistance Program With Guidance, Direct Representation

PA Environment Daily

On May 6, WeConservePA announced the launch of a new Conservation Law Program , led by Director of Conservation Law Justin Hollinger, Esq., to deliver several legal services for the benefit of those working to advance conservation in Pennsylvania. Improving technical guidance for all Conservationists in Pennsylvania and nationwide look to WeConservePA’s model legal documents and guides, as well as the WeConservePA Library’s thousands of other documents, to assist with their conservation endeavor

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Lynn L. Bergeson Quoted in Chemical Watch Article “Publication of TSCA risk evaluation rule starts clock for parties to file legal challenge”

Nanotech

On May 3, 2024, comments by Lynn L. Bergeson were featured in Chemical Watch’s article on possible legal challenges to updated TSCA risk evaluation procedures. See – [link] required) The post Lynn L. Bergeson Quoted in <i>Chemical Watch</i> Article “Publication of TSCA risk evaluation rule starts clock for parties to file legal challenge” appeared first on Bergeson & Campbell, P.C.

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We've Heard This Before: "We're Providing Jobs - Stopping Pollution Threatens Jobs"

PA Environment Daily

Until Air Pollution Killed People, Then We Said No: [link]

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NEW POLL: Ontarians Want Deposit-Return System for Non-alcoholic Drink Containers, with Easy and Accessible Return-to-Retail

Enviromental Defense

Ontario’s current recycling system only collects 43 per cent of beverage containers, but a deposit system could capture 90 per cent, keeping billions of containers out of the environment. Toronto | Traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabeg, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat – A recent poll commissioned by Environmental Defence found that 81 per cent of Ontarians want a deposit-return system for non-alcoholic beverage containers.