Vermont officials applauded a proposed lawsuit settlement that will help reduce emissions that cause acid rain-that was just one of the stories that caught our attention this week.
There was a new effort in Congress to block more funding for the Iraq war; International Paper may still consider a tire burn; border security was a hot topic in Newport; Rutland got bad news about a plant closing; and Vermonters will have to pay more to stay warm this winter…
Ohio power company funded UVM acid rain research
http://www.vpr.net/news_detail/77697/
(Hub Vogelman) I feel optimistic about these things because Mother Nature and her forests are very resilient and they bounce back if you give them a little break.”
Welch supports effort to block additional funding for war
http://www.vpr.net/news_detail/77705/
(Welch) “Iraq‘s in a civil war and it’s not the job of the American military to referee a civil war. This may be the only way we’re going to bring the President to the table to change the direction of the war. So I do support using the power of the purse."
International Paper: still looking at posibility of tire burn
http://www.vpr.net/news_detail/77714/
(Jim Douglas) "I’m disappointed to hear that the company is looking at it again unless they install an electrostatic precipitator…I think it’s important that we protect the air quality of our state and until and unless the company is prepared to install that kind of equipment then I expect Vermont will continue to resist it."
Leahy holds hearing on border issues
http://www.vpr.net/news_detail/77713/
(Patricia Sears) "We enjoy a robust relationship with potential partnerships that would push and pull international trade and tourism. These partnerships are at risk… because of border delays and hostility by border guards."
Rutland plant to close
http://www.vpr.net/news_detail/77732/
(Tom Donahue) “It’s tough on all of us hearing this kind of news and it’s going to be very difficult for those folks who now find themselves unemployed. And that’s a concern for all of us – that we need to rally around these people and help them find gainful employment in the area.”
Fuel prices could rise as much as 22 percent this winter
http://www.vpr.net/news_detail/77736/
(Matt Cota) “The fuel dealers are locked in just like the customers, having to ride this wave of fuel prices to keep in business.”
(Eddy) “What we do know is whether they jump that much or not that high prices seem to be here to stay. So, the situation is grim enough, even if they remain as high as they are.”