Ka‘ū News Briefs Wednesday, February 21, 2018

     In terms of its search for the right property, SpinLaunch states that it needs about eight acres, with thousands of acres around it as a buffer zone. The mechanics of the launch facilities are under wraps, as the company is still reportedly seeking patents, but the spaceport would use a launching mechanism only about 20 feet long, that would spin at more than 5,000 miles an hour, to sling small packages and satellites - about the size of a microwave oven - into low orbit.
     The companion bill, House Bill 2559, introduced Jan. 24 solely by state Rep. Cindy Evans, who represents the other side of the island, reads similarly to the Senate bill.

     A statement from Solid Waste says, "Please pardon this temporary inconvenience," and the public is asked to take precautions when entering the Wai‘ōhinu Transfer Station. "The Solid Waste Division would like to thank the public for their patience and kōkua during the construction and improvements taking place at the Wai‘ōhinu Transfer Station."

     The Division is in the process of bidding out for the construction of a new facility in Wai‘ōhinu. Construction is not expected to be completed for at least nine or ten months.

     For additional information, call 961-8270 or email SWD@hawaiicounty.gov.

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OFF FOSSIL FUELS FOR A BETTER FUTURE ACT continues to gain momentum, as it has added 28 Congressional cosponsors and over 400 endorsements from clean energy, climate change, and environmental organizations, says co-sponsor Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.
     In a statement Wednesday, she said the OFF Act, H.R. 3671, is designed to develop a national 100 percent clean energy economy by 2035.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, for OFF Act, H.R. 3671.

     "For too long, our nation has failed to take action on climate change, putting the future of our people and our planet in danger. This inaction has led to record-breaking sea levels that are eroding our infrastructure, rising ocean temperatures that are dramatically altering marine life and destroying our coral reefs, and exacerbating natural disasters. All people deserve to breathe clean air, drink clean water, and believe in the promise of a bright future. We must build upon the momentum growing at the federal, state, and local levels, and pass the OFF Act to end our addiction to fossil fuels and transition the country to a 100% clean energy economy by 2035. This bill lays the foundation for a just and economic pathway toward a cleaner, more secure future for all."
     May Boeve, executive director of 350.ORG, notes that "'Keep it in the ground' has become a rallying cry for climate activists around the world. The OFF Act does exactly that: it keeps fossil fuels in the ground. In the fight to stop the greedy fossil fuel industry from wrecking our climate, seeing members of congress standing firmly on the side of 100% renewable energy gives our movement hope."
     Rep. Joe Crowley (D-NY) states, "It is imperative that the United States breaks its addiction to fossil fuels. Clean energy is a better economic investment in our future and will ensure families are healthy, safe, and secure for generations to come. I'm proud to join Rep. Gabbard's effort to keep fossil fuels in the ground and invest in renewable energy."
     Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN) contends that, "Climate change is real. We can already see its effects on communities across the United States, and the Earth is rapidly approaching a tipping point that threatens global health and security. To protect our planet for today and for tomorrow, we must reduce carbon emissions and embrace a sustainable energy future. That's why I'm proud to co-sponsor the OFF Act, which puts our country on a pathway to replace fossil fuels with clean energy."

Photo from foodandwaterwatch.org

     People's Action Institute deputy policy director Jessica Juarez Scruggs says, "Low income communities, communities of color and indigenous communities have paid the biggest price for pollution, for the climate crisis and for decades of disinvestment. The Off Fossil Fuels for a Better Future Act is an important step forward because it takes bold action that will help the hardest hit communities: creating good jobs, ending fossil fuel extraction, cleaning up our communities and setting us on the path to a clean energy future we can all share."
     Jean Ross, RN, co-president of National Nurses United, says her organization applauds members of Congress who have cosponsored the Off Fossil Fuels for a Healthy Future Act, HR 3671. "As registered nurses, we see the negative health consequences of pollution and climate injustice when we care for patients at the bedside. We must act immediately to eliminate our dependence on fossil fuels and slow the warming climate and environmental pollution that is threatening our patients. We urge every member of Congress to stand with us to protect patients, our communities, and our planet."
     Donna Smith of Progressive Democrats of America says, "The science is clear. There is no time to spare. We must move decisively to protect the planet through healthy energy policy. The Off Fossil Fuels For a Healthy Future Act, HR3671, sets the course forward by assuring that by 2035 we will rely on renewable energy sources. Progressive Democrats of America strongly urges Congressional members to stand on the side of science, health, and the well-being of future generations."
     Wenonah Hauter, executive director of Food & Water Watch, states, "The OFF Act is the only legislation that prioritizes both environmental justice and a swift transition away from fossil fuels on a timeline that will give us a fighting chance to avoid runaway climate chaos. We applaud these members of Congress who share Rep. Gabbard's vision for tackling the greatest threat we face, even if it is a poke in the eye to the powerful fossil fuel industry."
     Those who want to be involved, can look here. Read the whole bill here.

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