In 2011 we felt the weight of government’s hand on our environmental rights. We witnessed the juggernaut of progress both with positive and negative impact on our lives here in Miami Dade.
So, as a year of environmental change has swept our county, I thought I’d remind some, we’ve still work to do. The freedoms and rights we’ve garnered over the last 100 years are still in danger. Here’s a brief overview of what was. And if history is any indication of the future, we’ve got our work cut out for us. These are my top 10 environmental issues; some are encouraging, others are not.
#10 ECOMB’s One-Stop Shop Recycling Station: Raising the Bar in Miami Beach
Every city has its share of environmental groups; Miami and the Beaches are no different. But few actually provide a city business/commercial service both green and sustainable. One such asset to Miami Beach is the Environmental Collation of Miami and the Beaches (ECOMB). They’ve managed to do what few Eco-groups before them have ever done. They’ve opened a One-Stop Shop Recycling Drop-off Station right here on the beach.
It’s free to you, provides a necessary city service, helps our environment, saves local businesses money and generates income for themselves; more on that described in the process. (This is on-going thanks to donations and dedicated volunteers like you. Let’s keep them in business!)
#9 A message from Occupy Miami: 11-5-11
THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER Occupy's plans for November 5th 2011
MIAMI, FL, NOV 3 / 2011: The people of America have risen up to demonstrate against our corrupt government and its inability to regulate the greed of the robber barons on Wall Street. From the mortgage crises to skyrocketing healthcare prices, there are myriad reasons why we, the people, have taken to the streets. Yet, little attention has been paid to the major issue facing our nation: for-profit higher education institutions. (There are, no doubt, mixed feelings on this movement. However, without them, we stand little chance of effecting change within our government).
#8 Historic Rally to Decriminalize Marijuana on Miami Beach
On July 13th at 4:20 PM the Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policy is organizing a historic event; a rally in support of the petition submission to Decriminalize Marijuana on Miami Beach.
The campaign organizer Eric Stevens will deliver the petition with over 5000 verified voter signatures and 9000 signatures in total to Miami Beach City Hall. (The measure was not allowed on the ballot. Don’t let that happen in 2012)!
#7 Mars Rover Curiosity: A dangerous risk for Florida
What are odds? What does taking risk mean in the real world; not the world of economics or abstract figures, but the real world—the world in which we all live? Why would you even compare theory to real life? You should be asking yourself these questions because NASA & the White House are about to take a chance—a very dangerous chance—with your lives Floridians. (The launch occurred on November 26th and onboard that Atlas 5 rocket was 10.6 lbs of Plutonium 238 fuel for the Rover destined for touch-down on Mars this upcoming August).
#6 SoBe Whole Foods & Solar Panels—It’s who we are!
If you live in South Beach, chances are, you shopped at least once at Whole Foods Market on 10th and Alton Rd. Chances are, you noticed the Solar Panels on the roof.
In my energetic and stimulating conversation with Russ Benblatt, the Executive Marketing Coordinator for Whole Foods Market in the Florida region, he told me this is just part of who we are. (You’ll be happy to know if you’re driving an electric car, Whole Foods is currently building a car charging port on-site at the South Beach Market).
#5 Hands Across The Sand—No new drilling act of 2011!
On June 25th 2011, at around 12 noonover 700 South Floridiansjoined hands to oppose expanded offshore drilling and urge investments in cleaner energy choices. Hundreds other beach goers watched as a massive line was organized at the water’s edge. Hands Across the Sand is back. (You’ll be happy to know, no new plans are underway to drill off our coast, but drilling is once again licensed to resume in the Gulf of Mexico).
The purpose of this commentary is not to shame or malign our current form of government. It is, rather to shed light on the mutation of our republic while perhaps offering logical solutions to rectify our dilemmas as they pertain to energy production here in the Miami Dade area. (Energy innovation in Miami Dade County? This is a must read for all interested in the politics of Nuclear Energy).
Here in the Miami-Dade County, we’ve two nuclear power plants, Turkey Point 3 & 4, both respectively built in 1972 and 1973. As many of you may be aware, FP&L (AKA Progress Energy) plans on adding two more to the facility just 25 miles south of Miami.
In an eye-opening tele-conference with Arnie Gundersen, Chief Engineer, Fairewinds Associates, John Runkle, attorney for NC WARN & the AP1000 Oversight Group, and Tom Clements, Friends of the Earth, some disturbing points of safety concerns were aired over the AP1000. (Construction has already begun).
Within three generations or less, entire countries, societies and even world populations tend to exhibit amnesia regarding environmental policies of the past. And Miami-Dade County is a perfect example of massive Lacunar Amnesia regarding the illegalization of Hemp. (With a simple presidential order, Obama could make Hemp production legal; he hasn’t).
#1 The Miami Dade radiological evacuation plan is invalid
It’s not a question of if really, it’s a question of when Miami Dade County’s Turkey Point Nuclear Reactor has a breach. The good news is there is an evacuation plan in place. The bad news is it invalid. Thanks to South Miami Mayor Philip Stoddard, the truth comes out. (Despite repeated efforts to halt the Turkey Point construction until a valid evac plan is in place, construction continues).
Well, there it is. We’ve got our work cut out for ourselves this 2012. Till then, have a safe and sane New Year guys and gals.
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