Podcast appearances and mentions of Sam Levin

President Trump's Executive Order calling for incarcerated transgender women to be housed in men's prisons and halting gender-affirming medical care for prisoners has put one of the most vulnerable segments of the prison population in even greater danger. In this episode of Rattling the Bars, host Mansa Musa investigates the violent realities trans inmates face in the US prison system, and the impact that Trump's attacks on LGBTQ+ rights is having inside prisons.Guest(s):Dee Deidre Farmer, Executive Director of Fight4Justice. In 1994, Farmer's landmark Supreme Court case, the unanimous Farmer v. Brennan decision, established that prisoners have a right to be protected from harm and that prisons are responsible for their safety.Ronnie L. Taylor, Advocacy, Policy, & Partnerships Director of FreeState Justice in Maryland.Additional resources:Amy Harman, The New York Times, “Judge blocks Trump effort to end treatment for transgender inmates”Kaley Johnson & Sam Levin, The Guardian, “Trans women transferred to men's prisons despite rulings against Trump's order”Credits:Producer / Videographer / Post-Production: Cameron GranadinoHelp us continue producing Rattling the Bars by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer.Sign up for our newsletterFollow us on BlueskyLike us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterDonate to support this podcast

President Trump's Executive Order calling for incarcerated transgender women to be housed in men's prisons and halting gender-affirming medical care for prisoners has put one of the most vulnerable segments of the prison population in even greater danger. In this episode of Rattling the Bars, host Mansa Musa investigates the violent realities trans inmates face in the US prison system, and the impact that Trump's attacks on LGBTQ+ rights is having inside prisons.Guest(s):Dee Deidre Farmer, Executive Director of Fight4Justice. In 1994, Farmer's landmark Supreme Court case, the unanimous Farmer v. Brennan decision, established that prisoners have a right to be protected from harm and that prisons are responsible for their safety.Ronnie L. Taylor, Advocacy, Policy, & Partnerships Director of FreeState Justice in Maryland.Additional resources:Amy Harman, The New York Times, “Judge blocks Trump effort to end treatment for transgender inmates”Kaley Johnson & Sam Levin, The Guardian, “Trans women transferred to men's prisons despite rulings against Trump's order”Credits:Producer / Videographer / Post-Production: Cameron GranadinoHelp us continue producing Rattling the Bars by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer.Sign up for our newsletterFollow us on BlueskyLike us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterDonate to support this podcast

In California, hundreds of incarcerated firefighters are working to put out the fires that have burned more than 40,000 acres. Sam Levin of The Guardian U.S. tells us more. Then, the federal investigations into President-elect Donald Trump are officially over. Jack Smith, the special counsel appointed more than two years ago to lead investigations into Trump, quietly resigned last week. Former White House ethics lawyer Richard Painter joins us. And, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said his company is ending diversity, equity and inclusion programs and disbanding its DEI team. Axios' Ina Fried discusses the company's rightward shift.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

An investigation by the Guardian details the GOP's plans to steal the presidential election if Donald Trump loses. Sam Levin reports that this time, Trump may be better prepared.

Since 2014, inmates inside California's womens' prisons have filed hundreds of complaints of sexual abuse carried out by guards, yet just four officers have been fired, and only four have been prosecuted. In a new investigation for The Guardian, reporter Sam Levin outlines the culture of silence and intimidation inside of California's prison system, and why it's often the victims who get punished. We speak with Levin about what he found and hear from Sister Warriors Freedom Coalition, an advocacy group that has been calling for an independent body to investigate the reports of abuse. Guests: Amika Mota, executive director and founding member, Sister Warriors Freedom Coalition Sam Levin, senior criminal justice reporter, the Guardian US

1939's The Wizard of Oz (dir by Victor Fleming, MGM) was not only one of the greatest movies in what is considered Hollywood's greatest year but it also has had a sonic boom cultural influence on almost all pop culture of the last 90 years. Secret Movie Club founder.programmer Craig Hammill looks at all the amazing creative folks influenced by Oz including Stephen King, Steven Spielberg, David Lynch, James Cameron, as well as folks like Stanley Kubrick who claimed to hate it.  Craig powers through the podcast as the pre-focus for Top Gun happens in the background. He also shares a story about how his Jewish great-grandfather, Sam Levin, a tailor at MGM, and Craig's Bubbe (Yiddish for grandmother) are connected to The Wizard of Oz. 

After decades locked alone in small cages in California's San Quentin prison, men sentenced to die are now being moved off death row. Sam Levin investigates. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Sam Levin is the co-founder and CEO of Melonfrost. Melonfrost is using the power of evolution and machine learning to launch the next generation of microbes that will revolutionize the fields of therapeutics, biomaterials, food, and agriculture. You'll learn more about what exactly that means in this conversation between Packy and Sam. Melonfrost, a Not Boring Capital portfolio company, recently announced its latest round of fundraising -- a $7M seed round led by Refactor Capital and Alexandria Venture Investments. Forbes did an awesome write up on the company and the round here. The company is one of the most ambitious and complex in the entire Not Boring portfolio, and is the exact type of company we are proud to back. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/notboring/message

David Coulson was imprisoned in California under draconian ‘tough on crime' laws stemming from the 1990s. Now campaigners are calling for reform, reports Sam Levin. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Sam Levin is the business development team lead at Bucket Listers, a company that plans and promotes fun events geared towards 25 to 35 year olds. In 2021, Sam lived and worked remotely in San Miguel, Mexico so that he could check off learning Spanish from his personal bucket list. The post 1033: How to Work Remotely From Abroad With Sam Levin, Bucket Listers [K-Cup DoubleShot] appeared first on Time4Coffee.

Sam Levin is the business development team lead at Bucket Listers, a company that plans and promotes fun events geared towards 25 to 35 year olds. In 2021, Sam lived and worked remotely in San Miguel, Mexico so that he could check off learning Spanish from his personal bucket list. The post 1032: Why Business Development Isn't Sales With Sam Levin, Bucket Listers [K-Cup TripleShot] appeared first on Time4Coffee.

Sam Levin is the business development team lead at Bucket Listers, a company that plans and promotes fun events geared towards 25 to 35 year olds. In 2021, Sam lived and worked remotely in San Miguel, Mexico so that he could check off learning Spanish from his personal bucket list. The post 1030: How to Keep From Burning Out With Sam Levin, Bucket Listers [K-Cup TripleShot] appeared first on Time4Coffee.

Sam Levin is the business development team lead at Bucket Listers, a company that plans and promotes fun events geared towards 25 to 35 year olds. In 2021, Sam lived and worked remotely in San Miguel, Mexico so that he could check off learning Spanish from his personal bucket list. The post 1028: How Transferable Skills From College Help Your Career With Sam Levin, Bucket Listers [K-Cup TripleShot] appeared first on Time4Coffee.

Rappers are increasingly finding their music used against them in criminal trials. But as Sam Levin reports, California is taking steps to limit the practice. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Sam Levin is the business development team lead at Bucket Listers, a company that plans and promotes fun events geared towards 25 to 35 year olds. In 2021, Sam lived and worked remotely in San Miguel, Mexico so that he could check off learning Spanish from his personal bucket list. The post 1026: What It's Like to Lead Business Development in Your 20's With Sam Levin, Bucket Listers [Main T4C Episode] appeared first on Time4Coffee.

Teenage Takeover with Sam LevinToday Sam Levin is the 29-year-old Oxford PhD CEO of a biotech company. Thirteen years ago he was a high school junior exasperated at his friends' disengagement and unhappiness at school. So he did something about it! Now students, teachers, and parents are taking note of his bold vision.We cover a lot of territory including:3:11 The seeds of Sam's discontent with school4:28 Sam's mom puts forth a challenge5:11 A community garden reveals that teens can love learning and hard work6:34 How teachers unfairly label students8:46 Sam's vision for a  student-run school meets resistance10:37 The teacher that shattered Sam's illusions12:04 The remarkable vision of the Independent Project13:39 Parents' fears about the Independent Project14:15 The relationship between pedagogy and tracking/ability grouping15:40 The foundational reasons we should stop tracking kids16:58 The remarkable design of the Independent Project19:07 Every student creates an “individual endeavor” around a passion19:39 Getting into college20:29 A “collective endeavor” to promote powerful collaboration21:32 Practicing 21st century skills22:50 The life-changing impact of the Independent Project25:17 De-orientation to break bad school habits26:30 Sam's PhD. and the creation of Melonfrost28:04 How the Independent Project planted the seeds for Sam's CEO success30:02 Sam's advice to educators31:30 Steve poses a thought experiment Independent Project documentary (14 minutes)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RElUmGI5gLcSam and his mom's book about the Independent Project https://thenewpress.com/books/school-of-our-ownSam's biotech company- Melonfrost https://www.melonfrost.com  If you liked this podcast, here are some other episodes you can check out:A portrait of an exhausted, dispirited high school student: https://www.steventshapiro.com/experiencematters/a-letter-to-my-younger-self-with-emmy-huefnerA mini version of the Independent Project for middle school students: https://www.steventshapiro.com/experiencematters/suzannegoldsmithhirschHarvard thought-leader on 21st century learning Tony Wagner on why our kids need schools like the independent project: https://www.steventshapiro.com/experiencematters/tuned-in-to-the-future-with-tony-wagnerNYTimes bestselling author Daniel Pink on how autonomous learning transformed his brain: https://www.steventshapiro.com/experiencematters/the-epiphany-with-daniel-pink  About Experience MattersExperience Matters with Steve Shapiro invites guests to reflect on the most profound learning experiences of their youth and to consider how we can reform American schools. Each episode provides clues about how parents and educators alike can engage young people in powerful, sometimes transformational experiential learning. Education can take many forms, but whatever form it takes- experience matters. 

In the richest state of the richest country in the world, unhoused people are camping in the Mojave desert. Sam Levin reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

On a hot weekend night in August 1966 trans women fought back against police harassment at Compton's Cafeteria in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco. Although the Compton's riot didn't spark a national movement the way Stonewall would three years later, it did have an effect, leading to the creation of support services for transgender people in San Francisco, and a reduction in police brutality against the trans community. Joining me to discuss the riot, its causes, and its aftermath, is historian Dr. Susan Stryker, co-writer and co-director of the Emmy-winning 2005 documentary, Screaming Queens: The Riot at Compton's Cafeteria, and author of several books, including Transgender History: The Roots of Today's Revolution. Our theme song is Frogs Legs Rag, composed by James Scott and performed by Kevin MacLeod, licensed under Creative Commons. Image origin is unknown; it is used as the cover image of the documentary, and appears in many related news stories without attribution. Additional sources: “At the Crossroads of Turk and Taylor: Resisting carceral power in San Francisco's Tenderloin District,” by Susan Stryker, Places Journal, October 2021. “Compton's Cafeteria riot: a historic act of trans resistance, three years before Stonewall,” by Sam Levin, The Guardian, June 21, 2019. “Ladies In The Streets: Before Stonewall, Transgender Uprising Changed Lives,” by Nicole Pasulka, NPR Code Switch, May 5, 2015. “Don't Let History Forget About Compton's Cafeteria Riot,” by Neal Broverman, Advocate, August 2, 2018. “Compton's Cafeteria Riot,” by Andrea Borchert, Los Angeles Public Library, April 16, 2021. “How lost photos of a defining landmark in LGBTQ history were rediscovered on Facebook,” by Ryan Kost, San Francisco Chronicle, May 25, 2021. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support us on Patreon!Subscribe to the LA Newsletter! Read Edition 16 in your browser here.Purchase an LA Podcast fanny pack!Have a question about LA that you've never had a good answer to? You hear a lot from us, but we want to hear from you, too. Leave us a voicemail with a question, and we'll answer it on the show: 323-250-2106Below you can find links to subjects discussed on LA Podcast #203.Headlines:Did the Mayor know about his close advisor's repeated sexual harassment?About 1,500 homeless people died during the pandemic. Here's Sam Levin's Guardian write-up.And here is the report put out by UCLA. And here's more on a recent poll of Los Angeles voters on homelessness.Perhaps there will be no snow in the Sierra, very soon. Ghost guns were banned in LA. But also, cops are stealing guns from LAPD.

Subscribe to the LA Newsletter! Read Edition 4: We Don't Know How Many Government Employees Are Saying No To The VaccineHave a question about LA that you've never had a good answer to? You hear a lot from us, but we want to hear from you, too. Leave us a voicemail with a question, and we'll answer it on the show: 323-250-2106Below you can find links to all subjects discussed on LA Podcast #191.Headlines:The recall election is imminent.Jose Huizar says he did nothing wrong.The over-under on SB62, which would end sub-minimum-wage pay for garment workers.What should we make of the low vaccine rates for emergency responders?Deep Dive:We go deep on police surveillance of social media in LA, as well as official police attempts to influence public opinion online.Sam Levin in The Guardian: Revealed: LAPD officers told to collect social media data on every civilian they stop.Lexis Olivier-Ray in L.A. Taco: Official Emails Show That LAPD Worked With A Controversial Social Media Surveillance Company During George Floyd Protests.

Republican lawmakers have introduced the highest number of anti-trans bills to be filed in a single year in 2021. Joan E Greve speaks to Sam Levin about why some in the GOP are trying to ban transgender children from certain sports teams and limit their access to gender-affirming healthcare.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

A legal arrangement set up in the wake of a mental health crisis has left the singer with little control of her personal or professional affairs. Laura Snapes and Sam Levin describe how she's challenging the situation in court

A legal arrangement set up in the wake of a mental health crisis has left Britney Spears with little control of her personal or professional affairs. Laura Snapes and Sam Levin describe how she's challenging the situation in court. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

LA is about to enter the red tier — what does it mean for dining, movies, and especially schools? The City Council overrides a veto in a contentious meeting. The stimulus package dumps billions of dollars on local budgets. And the concrete industry is trying to sneak a really bad motion onto the city books.Show NotesQuick HitsAssemblywoman Sydney Kamlager declares victory in state Senate race (Jaclyn Cosgrove, LAT; 3/3/21)Covidhttps://twitter.com/lapublichealth/status/1367295467197972482?s=20 (LA Public Health, LAT; 3/2/21)Here’s what can reopen when L.A. County moves into the less restrictive red tier (Sareen Habeshian, KTLA; 3/3/21)91% YES: UTLA members overwhelmingly unite behind a safe return (UTLA; 3/5/21)March 2021 (LAANE; March 21)Mayoral Veto OverrideLetter to Council President Nury Martinez – People's Budget LA  (People’s Budget LA; 2/28/21)Council overrides Garcetti veto, then they agree on funds to aid communities of color (Dakota Smith, LAT; 3/2/21)New Federal Stimulus PackageLA slow to submit FEMA aid paperwork for homeless hotels (Benjamin Oreskes, Dakota Smith, LAT; 3/3/21)L.A. County won't expand program to shelter homeless people in hotels (Benjamin Oreskes, Dakota Smith, LAT; 3/5/21)LASD/LAPDLos Angeles Sheriff's deputies say gangs targeting "young Latinos" operate within department (CBS News; 2/25)https://twitter.com/DotKohlhaas/status/1368369611167604739 (Michael Kohlhaas, Twitter; 3/6/21)Rodney King: 30 years after brutal beating, activists say LAPD 'still corrupt and violent' (Sam Levin, The Guardian, 3/3/21)Concrete Warshttps://twitter.com/ShaneDPhillips/status/1367910797796540417 (Shane Phillips, Twitter; 3/5/21)  

Guardian US correspondent Sam Levin visits Martin Luther King Jr community hospital in Los Angeles county, an area battling one of the worst Covid outbreaks in the US

Guardian US correspondent Sam Levin visits Martin Luther King Jr community hospital in Los Angeles county, an area battling one of the worst Covid outbreaks in the US. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

For weeks, the Guardian US reporter Sam Levin has been speaking to Bounchan Keola, who is being detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) and facing deportation to Laos, a country he left when he was four, despite having risked his life to fight wildfires in California this year

For weeks, the Guardian US reporter Sam Levin has been speaking to Bounchan Keol, who is being detained by Ice and facing deportation to Laos, a country he left when he was four, despite having risked his life to fight wildfires in California this year. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Criminal Justice Reform is an important, and often overlooked element of Racial Justice. In the U.S., Black men are significantly more likely to be incarcerated. Individuals in the criminal justice system are likely to experience inhumane and dehumanizing practices, including solitary confinement. Severe social isolation can have a harmful long-term impact on physical and mental health.  In this eye-opening episode, Debbie speaks with Taylor Pendergrass, an ACLU lawyer dedicated to criminal justice reform and co-editor of Six by Ten: Stories from Solitary. The book includes a collection of the rarely heard personal stories of people who have experienced long-term solitary confinement. In the episode, Taylor and Debbie discuss mental health, incarceration, and why we need to end the dehumanizing practice of long-term solitary confinement in the United States.  Listen and Learn: Why solitary confinement is used in the U.S, and why long-term solitary confinement is a problem.About “SHU syndrome,” and the long-lasting psychological and physical effects of isolation on humans. Why mental health units are a more effective, humane alternative.What conditions are like in solitary confinement cells. What we can learn from European prison systems.How you can help promote criminal justice reform!  About Taylor Pendergrass Taylor Pendergrass Taylor Pendergrass is a lawyer and activist who works on criminal justice reform for the ACLU. He has spent over a decade collecting stories of people who have been impacted by the criminal justice system. Along with Mateo Hoke, Taylor co-edited the book Six by Ten: Stories from Solitary which, through personal history narratives gives readers a better understanding of the horribly dehumanizing impact of solitary confinement on people’s lives. Taylor has a BA in Environmental Policy from Duke University and earned his law degree from the University of Colorado Law School.  Resources Six by Ten: Stories from Solitary by Taylor Pendergrass and Mateo HokeDebbie's unabridged interview of Taylor Pendergrass on The New Books Network13th, a documentary directed by Ava DuVernay on NetflixThe New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander “I Begged Them to Let Me Die”: How Federal Prisons Became Coronavirus Deathtraps by Keri Blakinger and Keegan Hamilton, The Marshall Project, June 18, 2020 “Coronavirus Cases Rise Sharply in Prisons Even as They Plateau Nationwide” by Timothy Williams, Libby Seline and Rebecca Griesbach, New York Times, June 16, 2020 ‘People are Sick All Around Me’: Inside the Coronavirus Catastrophe in California Prisons by Sam Levin, The Guardian, May 20, 2020 NY Times articles (here and here) about solitary confinement in Colorado by Rick RaemischPen Pal program with people in solitary confinementAn overview of research on the psychological impact of solitary confinement by Craig Haney, Department of Psychology, University of California, Santa Cruz 144. Healing Racial Trauma with Dr. Kristee Haggins (Re-Release from June 2019)

Stories From Our Event Coverage And From Around The World Sometimes we are there, sometimes we are not — either way, we still get the best stories. What Is Happening In The IoT Village? With Sam Levin, Rachael Tubbs, and Deral Heiland DefCon may be cancelled for real this year, but most of the Villages are still thriving - virtually, of course. In this podcast we catch up with the IoT Village team and we learn what’s the plan for the near future. ________________________ Visit our event and coverage section on ITSPmagazine https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-event-coverage If you are interested in sponsoring our coverage or our columns visit: https://www.itspmagazine.com/sponsorship-introduction

Welcome to Our Own Voices Live with your hosts: Angela Thomas & Rodney Smith Our Topic(s) today: “Black Identity Extremist is COINTEL PRO 2.0!”   African American History Quiz #3 How did the, “Berlin Conference,” lead to the poor state of Africa today?   Black Identity Extremist is COINTEL PRO 2.0!” FBI terrorism unit says 'black identity extremists' pose a violent threat (COINTELPRO-BLACK HATE) The FBI’s dedicated surveillance of black activists follows a long history of the US government aggressively monitoring protest movements and working to disrupt civil rights groups, but the scrutiny of African Americans by a domestic terrorism unit was particularly alarming to some free speech campaigners. “When we talk about enemies of the state and terrorists, with that comes an automatic stripping of those people’s rights to speak and protest,” said Mohammad Tajsar, staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union. This is part of a story from the Guardian by Sam Levin. Contact the author: sam.levin@theguardian.com To read more of the story click here:  https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/oct/06/fbi-black-identity-extremists-racial-profiling?CMP=share_btn_link   Our Own Voices Live is a radio show featuring people and stories from our community in Las Vegas, the surrounding area and some place near you. America is the greatest country on earth due to its cultural diversity and not in spite of it. Our mission is to help bridge the cultural and ethnic divide in America by working together to build the greatest bridge in history to unite us  

Exxon Mobil’s CEO is now the Secretary of State. The Koch Brothers’ Congressman is the CIA Director. We’ve already seen signs that the Trump Administration and the fossil fuel industry are merging. In this episode, hear the highlights of the confirmation hearings of the two men now most responsible for environmental law enforcement in the United States: Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke and Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency Scott Pruitt. Will they protect the environment from the fossil fuel industry or did President Trump appoint foxes to guard the henhouse? Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute using credit card, debit card, PayPal, or Bitcoin Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Recommended Congressional Dish Episodes CD144: Trump's War Manufacturers Additional Reading Article: Trump's EPA is reconsidering a rule that limits mercury from power plants by Samantha Page, Think Progress, April 19, 2017. Article: 'Like a slow death': families fear pesticide poisoning after Trump reverses ban by Sam Levin, The Guardian, April 17, 2017. News Release: EPA Launches Back-To-Basics Agenda at Pennsylvania Coal Mine, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, April 13, 2017. Op-Ed: Now we know Scott Pruitt isn't serious about fighting smog by Jack Lienke, Grist, April 12, 2017. Article: What's at Stake in Trump's Proposed E.P.A. Cuts by Hiroko Tabuchi, The New York Times, April 10, 2017. Article: Federal Judge Orders Supplemental EIS For Nevada Sage Grouse Plan by Richard Nemec, Natural Gas Intel, April 6, 2017. Article: E.P.A. Chief, Rejecting Agency's Science, Chooses Not to Ban Insecticide by Eric Lipton, The New York Times, March 29, 2017. Article: Herbert pushing for Interior Secretary Zinke to visit Utah and Bear Ears by Bryan Schott, UtahPolicy.com, March 27, 2017. Press Release: Interior Department Auctions Over 122,000 Acres Offshore Kitty Hawk, North Carolina for Wind Energy Development, U.S. Department of the Interior, March 16, 2017. Press Release: Secretary Zinke Issues Lease for 56 Million Tons of Coal in Central Utah, U.S. Department of the Interior, March 15, 2017. Article: Zinke pledges big changes at Department of the Interior by Rob Chaney, Missoulian, March 10, 2017. Press Release: Secretary Zinke Announces Proposed 73-Million Acre Oil and Natural Gas Lease Sale for Gulf of Mexico, U.S. Department of the Interior, March 6, 2017. Article: Fate of Bears Ears in question as Senate confirms Montana Rep. Zinke as Interior secretary by Thomas Burr, The Salt Lake Tribune, March 1, 2017. Article: Oklahoma's earthquake threat now equals California's because of man-made temblors, USGS says by Rong-Gong Lin II, The Los Angeles Times, March 1, 2017. Article: Thousands of emails detail EPA head's close ties to fossil fuel industry by Brady Dennis and Steven Mufson, The Washington Post, February 22, 2017. Article: Scott Pruitt makes it clear that the Clean Power Plan is going away by Natasha Geiling, Think Progress, February 19, 2017. Article: Utah Representative Wants Bears Ears Gone And He Wants Trump To Do It by Kirk Siegler, NPR, February 5, 2017. Article: Good Question: What Exactly Is The Dakota Access Pipeline? by Heather Brown, CBS Minnesota, January 24, 2017. Document: State of the Air 2016 by The American Lung Association Article: Obama Designates Atlantic, Artic Areas Off-Limits To Offshore Drilling by Merrit Kennedy, NPR, December 20, 2016. Article: Ryan Zinke, Donald Trump's Pick for Interior Secretary, and the Rising American Land Movements by Benjamin Wallace-Wells, The New Yorker, December 16, 2016. Press Release: Interior Department Announces Final Rule to Reduce Methane Emissions & Wasted Gas on Public, Tribal Lands, U.S. Department of the Interior, November 15, 2016. Article: Incumbent Ryan Zinke says security, jobs, health care top priorities by Holly Michels, Montana Standard, October 14, 2016. Article: Obama announces moratorium on new federal coal leases by Joby Warrick and Juliet Eilperin, The Washington Post, January 15, 2016. Article: With Only $93 Billion in Profits, the Big Five Oil Companies Demand to Keep Tax Breaks by Daniel J. Weiss and Miranda Peterson, Center for American Progress, February 10, 2014. References Encyclopedia Britannica: Deepwater Horizon oil spill of 2010 Fact Sheet: Methane and Waste Prevention Rule, US Department of the Interior U.S. Energy Information Administration: Natural Gas Overview U.S. Energy Information Administration: U.S. Energy Mapping System Environmental Protection Agency: EPA History Environmental Protection Agency: California Greenhouse Gas Waiver Request Environmental Protection Agency: Order denying petition to revoke tolerances for the pesticide chlorpyrifos GovTrack: On the Nomination PN31: Ryan Zinke, of Montana, to be Secretary of the Interior GovTrack: H.R. 5259 (114th): Certainty for States and Tribes Act Overview OpenSecrets: Sen. Lisa Murkowski - Summary OpenSecrets: Sen. Lisa Murkowski - Career Profile Sound Clip Sources Hearing: Interior Secretary Confirmation - Ryan Zinke, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, January 17, 2017. Part 1 Part 2 Timestamps & Transcripts Part 1 42:54 Senator Lisa Murkowski: Will you commit to a formal review of all of the Obama administration’s actions that took resource-bearing lands and waters in Alaska effectively off the table, including the decisions that specifically prevented the leasing of those lands and those waters for development, and determine whether or not they can be reversed? Ryan Zinke: Yes. I think the president-elect has said that we want to be energy independent. As a former Navy Seal, I think I’ve been to 63 countries in my lifetime, and I can guarantee it is better to produce energy domestically under [missing audio] than watch it be produced overseas with no regulation. I’ve seen the consequences of what happens when you don’t have any regulation in the Middle East. We can do it right. The backbone of our environmental policies has been NEPA, and I’m a strong supporter of NEPA, but we also have to understand that we need an economy. And, look, if we don’t have an economy as a country, then the rest of it doesn’t matter, because we’re not going to be able to afford a strong military, nor are we going to be able to afford to keep the promises we’ve made as a great nation; and we’ve made a lot of promises to education, to our children’s future, to infrastructure, to Social Security; all that takes an economy that’s moving forward, and energy is a part of that economy, and Alaska is a critical part of that economy. Alaska’s different for a reason: you are blessed with great resources, you are blessed with great recreation—a little cold in the winter, but it’s not Palm Springs. Murkowski: You’re from Montana. You can handle it. Zinke: We can handle it. But, yes, I think we need to be prudent. And always, I think we need to review things to make sure we’re doing it right because over time the government keeps on getting bigger and bigger, the bureaucracy gets larger and larger, and we can’t get something done. 53:12 Senator John Hoeven: Also in North Dakota, we’ve had a real challenge with the Dakota Access Pipeline protest. You and I talked about it. State and local law enforcement has worked very hard to keep the peace and to keep people safe, but we need federal law-enforcement help as well, and so in your case, that’s going mean BIA law enforcement. And, so, my question is, if you’re confirmed, will you ensure that BIA law enforcement works with state and local law enforcement to resolve the situation, to keep people safe, and to make sure that the rule of law is followed? Ryan Zinke: Yes, sir. And we talked about it in your office, and if confirmed, I’m going to be a very busy man, travelling. I’m going to travel to Utah, travel to Alaska, and travel to North Dakota. Those are three impending problems that we need to resolve quickly. I have great respect for the Indian nations. I’m adopted Assiniboine. Last time the Sioux Nations all got together, I would say General Custer probably would say that was not a good issue. So, you look at this, and there is deep cultural ties, there is a feeling that we haven’t been a fair consultant, a fair partner, and so I think we need to listen to that voice. 57:45 Senator Bernie Sanders: President-elect Trump has suggested—more than suggested—stated in his view that climate change is a “hoax.” Now I know that you’re not here to be administrator of the EPA or secretary of the Energy, but the issue of climate change is in fact very important for issues that the Department of Interior deals with. Is President-elect Trump right? Is climate change a hoax? Ryan Zinke: I can give you—the best answer is three things: First of all, climate is changing. That’s indisputable. I’m from Glacier National Park, and I’ve seen— Sanders: You don’t have any more glaciers there, huh? Zinke: Well—and I’ve seen glaciers over the period of my time recede. Matter of fact, when my family and I have eaten lunch on Grinnell Glacier, the glacier has receded during lunch. Sanders: All right. But I have—if you could— Zinke: Yeah. Sanders: —is the president-elect right? Is climate change a hoax? Zinke: Well, if I can give you two more points— Sanders: Okay. Zinke: —I’ll make it short. The second thing is man has had an influence. I don’t think—I think that’s indisputable as well. So, climate is changing, man is an influence. I think where there’s debate on it is what that influence is, what can we do about it, and as the Department of Interior, I will inherit, if confirmed, the USGS. We have great scientists there. I’m not a climate-scientist expert, but I can tell you I will become a lot more familiar with it, and it’ll be based on objective science. I don’t believe it’s a hoax; I believe we should— Sanders: You do not believe it's a hoax. Zinke: No. I believe we should be prudent to be prudent. That means I don’t know definitively; there’s a lot of debate on both sides of the aisle— Sanders: Well, actually, there’s not a whole lot of debate now. The scientific community is virtually unanimous that climate change is real and causing devastating problems. There is the debate on this committee but not within the scientific community. 59:40 Senator Bernie Sanders: If climate change is already causing devastating problems, should we allow fossil fuel to be drilled on public lands? Ryan Zinke: Again, we need an economy and jobs, too. And I, in my experience, have probably seen 63 different countries. I’ve seen what happens when you don’t have regulated— Sanders: I’m taking your—I don’t mean to be rude, but this is not a whole lot—I’m taking your answer to be yes, we should allow fossil fuel to be drilled on public lands. Zinke: I’m an all-the-above energy, and I want to be honest with you—I’m all the above. Sanders: Will you encourage wind and solar on public lands? Zinke: I will encourage, absolutely, wind and sol—all the above. Sanders: Okay. Zinke: So I think that’s the better solution going forward is all-the-above energy. 1:00:40 Ryan Zinke: I want to be clear in this point: I am absolutely against transfer or sale of public land. 1:39:40 Senator John Barrasso: The war on coal: it is real for communities across the West, including Wyoming, including Montana; it’s devastated small towns, ultimately threatens our country’s energy security. If confirmed, will you commit to ending this moratorium on federal coal leasing? Ryan Zinke: The war on coal, I believe, is real. I have Decker, Montana, in my area, and behind me is a gentleman that works in the coal mines of the Crow Agency, which, by the way, the Crow Agency, if you were to take coal out of the picture, the unemployment rate would probably in the 90 percent. So they’re very keen on making sure they have their jobs and we give them the ability for self-determination. The moratorium, I think, was an example of many, is that one size fits all. It was a view from Washington and not a view from the states, particularly if you’re a state such as Wyoming, parts of Montana, West Virginia, where coal’s important. So overall, the president-elect has made a commitment to end “ the war on coal.” I think we should be smart on how we approach our energy. “All the above” is a correct policy. Coal is certainly a great part of our energy mix. To your point, I’m also a great believer that we should invest in the research and development, particularly on coal, because we know we have the asset. Let’s work together to make it cleaner, better. We should be leading the world in clean-energy technology, and I’m pretty confident that coal can be a part of that. 1:41:36 Senator John Barrasso: With the use of the Congressional Review Act, and I’m planning introducing a disapproval resolution on the BLM’s venting and flaring rule. To me that rule far exceeds the authority of the BLM, will ultimately put federal lands at a greater competitive disadvantage to state and private lands. Will you support our efforts to reverse this rule under the Congressional Review Act? Ryan Zinke: Yes, and I think what the driving force is is we’re venting a lot, and we’re wasting energy. And that is troubling to me, is that the amount of venting in North Dakota alone almost exceeds what we get out of the fields. So, a lot of the wasting can be approached by having an infrastructure. So let us build a system where we capture that energy that is otherwise being wasted. And that’s an enormous opportunity. It’s an enormous opportunity, our natural gas and geopolitically as well. We haven’t talked a lot about overseas, but energy is so critically important. If we want to check Russia, then let’s do it with liquid natural gas. If we want to put pressure on Iran, then let’s supplant every drop of Iranian crude. This is all part of a larger package, and it cannot be done without the great state of Wyoming and their assets, or Alaska. But we have to think globally on it, and it is better—and I’ve said this once before—but it is better to produce energy in America under reasonable regulation and get better over time than watch it be produced overseas with no regulation. That is indisputable. 1:43:23 Senator John Barrasso: And I want to talk about sage grouse management plans. The administration has ignored input from key stakeholders, including Western governors during the development of their plans, plans which were used to justify [missing audio] unwarranted status under the Endangered Species Act. But at the core, the plans fundamentally oppose the multiple-use mandates of the BLM, which includes grazing, recreation, energy development. Will you commit to returning conservation and management authority of the sage grouse back to the states in preventing this top-down mandate like this in the future? Ryan Zinke: My understanding is the sage grouse decision is going to come before the Department of Interior some time in March. I understand there’s going to be options and alternatives, proposed alternatives. I will work with you when I see those documents, and I’ll work with all of you when I see those documents, to make sure we’re doing the right thing. What concerns me about sage grouse is there’s no target number. I’m not sure how you can manage without a number. If we just grab a management of property without a number, I look at that with a suspect eye. So I think we’ve got to look at, everyone loves sage grouse, everyone understands that we have to protect the species, and generally those living in the ground are in a better position, and we should be an advocate and a partner in this rather than heavy-handed and just dictate terms, particularly when we don’t have a number. 2:33:40 Senator Mazie Hirono: In the discussion about energy, you’ve said a number of times that you support “all of the above,” which sounds really great except that in “all of the above,” what’s happened is that the fossil-fuel side of energy has gotten a lot of support over decades. So I hope that when you say “all of the above” that you will also be committed to providing more resources and support, particularly R&D for alternative and renewables, aside from, or in addition to, fossil fuels. So we need to have a more-level playing field for policies that truly reflect support for “all of the above.” Ryan Zinke: Yeah. I’ve always been a strong proponent on the record for research and development of different technologies, different innovations, different opportunities in this complete spectrum of the energy to include looking at traditional sources to make sure we’re better at doing that, you know, certainly horizontal drilling, fracking— Hirono: Yeah. Zinke: —coal. But “all the above” I think is the right approach. And when it comes out of the test tube and into fielding, energy needs to be affordable, reliable, and abundant. Part 2 12:15 Ryan Zinke: On the Gateway Pacific Terminal, what I raised my eyebrow on is I didn’t take a position, whether yes or no, on the Terminal. I took a position to make sure the NEPA process was followed and the EIS was completed before making a judgment. What I found was we were close to ending the NEPA process, with the EIS, after years and millions of dollars were spent on it, and then that was truncated and stopped by affidavits—and I didn’t judge whether the affidavits from the tribe were true or not true—if you don’t finish the NEPA process and don’t finish an EIS, and then all of a sudden that process can be interrupted and a permit can be pulled on the basis of something outside the EIS, why would you ever consent to spend millions of dollars on an EIS? That was my objection. And I don’t mean to speak for Senator Daines. Senator Maria Cantwell: So, you believe in the tribal sovereignty of the Lummi tribe to object in this case. Zinke: They certainly had every right to object as well as, in this case, the Crows, who also have a treaty obligation. 15:06 Senator Steve Daines: You have been a champion fighting on behalf of the Crow tribes, as you mentioned here in that last exchange, their sovereign right to develop their coal resources. And as you said in your testimony, the unemployment rate in Crow country will go north of 90 percent if they lose those jobs. Hearing: EPA Administrator Confirmation - Scott Pruitt, Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, January 18, 2017. Part 1 Part 2 Timestamps & Transcripts Part 1 01:30 Chairman John Barrasso: Good morning. I call this hearing to order. We have a quite a full house today. I welcome the audience. This is a formal Senate hearing, and in order to allow the committee to conduct its business, we’ll maintain decorum. That means if there are disorders, demonstrations, by a member of the audience, the person causing the disruption will be escorted from the room by the Capitol Police. 22:50: Senator Jim Inhofe: Yes, as attorney general, Scott Pruitt has fought the EPA, the Fish and Wildlife Service, the oil companies, and the out-going administration on many fronts, but all of these suits were brought to protect state and local interests from overzealous and activist executive agencies. Over the last eight years, the Obama administration has advanced a radical environmental agenda, has exhibited a deep distrust of state governments and private land owners, and has worked to obstruct the fossil-fuel industry and agriculture producers, the most-ardent protectors of the environment. 29:52 Scott Pruitt: I would lead the EPA with the following principles in mind: First, we must reject as a nation that false paradigm that if you’re pro-energy, you’re anti-environment; and if you’re pro-environment, you’re anti-energy. I really reject that narrative. In this nation we can grow our economy, harvest the resources God has blessed us with, while also being good stewards of the air, land, and water by which we’ve been favored. It is not an either-or proposition. Next, we should celebrate the great progress we’ve made as a nation since the inception of the EPA and the laws that have been passed by this body, but recognize that we have much work to do. Third, rule of law matters. Process matters. It inspires confidence in those that are regulated. The law is static, not transient. Regulators are supposed to make things regular, to fairly and equitably enforce the rules and not pick winners and losers. A regulator should not be for or against any sector of our economy; instead, a regulator ought to follow the law in setting up the rules so that those who are regulated can plan, allocate resources, to meet the standards versus operating in a state of uncertainty and duress. Fourth, federalism matters. It matters because Congress says so. And because we need to achieve good outcomes as a nation for air and water quality, we need the partnership of the states to achieve that. It is our state regulators who oftentimes best understand the local needs and the uniqueness of our environmental challenges, plus our state regulators possess the resources and expertise to enforce our environmental laws. Fifth, public participation is key. We need to hear all voices as we make decisions in behalf of our country with respect to environmental laws. 39:07 Senator Tom Carper: In 2011 the EPA required dirty coal power plants to clean up mercury and air toxic emissions by issuing the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards rule. This rule will reduce the mercury, a neurotoxin that contaminates our streams and our oceans, pollutes our fish, and harms our children’s health. As attorney general, I believe you’ve been part of at least 14 legal cases against the EPA, and at least three of these cases against the EPA’s rules, to reduce mercury emissions from power plants. Is that correct? Just yes or no. Scott Pruitt: Senator, we have been involved in litigation around the MATS rule. Carper: Is that correct? Yes or no. Pruitt: As I indicated, yes, we’ve been a part of litigation involving the MATS rule. Carper: Thank you. It’s my understanding that at least one of these cases against the mercury rule is still pending. Is that correct? Just yes or no. Pruitt: I believe so, Senator, yes. Carper: Thank you. 43:40 Senator Jim Inhofe: I’m glad you brought up this thing about the Clean Air Act. The amendments from 1990, I was one of the cosponsors, it’s been incredibly successful. I mean, you mentioned that we’ve reduced those pollutants by 63 percent, but what you didn’t add was that it is in spite of the fact that we had 153 percent increase in our economic activity. That’s a major thing. 48:52 Senator Sheldon Whitehouse: In Rhode Island, we have bad air days, and because of EPA’s work, there are fewer and fewer. A bad air day is a day when people driving into work hear on the radio that ozone from out-of-state smokestacks has made the air in Rhode Island dangerous and that infants and the elderly and people with breathing difficulties should stay home on an otherwise beautiful day. Because those smokestacks are out of state, we need EPA to protect us, and I see nothing in your record that would give a mom taking her child to the hospital for an asthma attack any comfort that you would take the slightest interest in her. And your passion for devolving power down to states doesn’t help us, because our state regulators can’t do anything about any of those problems; they all come from out-of-state sources. 49:45 Senator Sheldon Whitehouse: One of the things I’d like to ask you about here is the connection between you and some of these fossil-fuel companies. These are some of the companies that have supported you. These are some of the political organizations that you’ve raised money for. You’ve raised money for them for Pruitt for Attorney General, correct? Scott Pruitt: Yes, sir. I have a campaign committee for that, yes. Whitehouse: And Devon Energy, Koch Industries, ExxonMobil have all maxed out to that account. Pruitt: I’m not aware— Whitehouse: At various times. Pruitt: —if they maxed out or not, Senator, but I’m sure they’ve given to that committee. Whitehouse: Oklahoma Strong PAC is your leadership PAC? Pruitt: It was, yes. Whitehouse: It was? And, similarly, they gave money, they maxed out to that organization as well, which you controlled? Pruitt: I’m unsure about that, Senator. Whitehouse: Okay. But they contributed to it. Pruitt: I’m even unsure about that as well. I haven’t looked at that. Whitehouse: You closed your super PAC, Liberty 2.0, but that took fossil-fuel contributions as well, correct? Pruitt: That particular entity has been closed, yes. Whitehouse: Now, you helped raise money for the Republican Attorney General’s Association. While you were a member of its executive committee, they received $530,000 from Koch Industries, $350,000 from Murray Energy, $160,000 from ExxonMobil, and $125,000 from Devon Energy, the company whose letter you transposed onto your letterhead and sent as an Oklahoma attorney general document. 1:11:57 Senator Jeff Merkley: Over a number of years, information started pouring into EPA that the estimate of the amount of fugitive methane escaping in gas and oil drilling had been deeply underestimated. In 2011 the EPA put out its best estimates based on the information that was being presented. And this is relevant because methane is a global-warming gas, more potent than CO2. Gas companies didn’t like this because, well, it presented a vision of natural gas being more damaging environmentally than folks had previously understood. Devon Energy is one of the groups that sought to cast doubt on this scientific information, and it came to you to be their spokesperson, and they asked, will you be our mouthpiece in casting doubt and send a letter we have drafted to the EPA, and you sent that letter. And I just want to ask, first, are you aware that methane is approximately 30 times more potent than carbon dioxide as a global-warming gas? Scott Pruitt: I am, Senator. It’s— Merkley: Thank you. Pruitt: —the impact on human health— Merkley: That’s the answer. Yes. Thank you. It’s a yes-no question. And on a one to 10 scale, how concerned are you about the impacts of fugitive methane in driving global warming? Pruitt: Methane, as you indicated, has— Merkley: One to 10 scale. Highly, 10, very concerned; or one, not so concerned? Pruitt: The quantities of methane in the atmosphere compared to CO2 is less, but it’s far more potent, and it is— Merkley: Are you concerned? I’m asking about your level of concern. Pruitt: Yes, yes. Merkley: Highly concerned? Pruitt: I'm concerned. Merkley: Thank you. 1:13:34 Senator Jeff Merkley: Do you acknowledge sending this letter to the EPA in October 2011? Pruitt: Senator, that is a letter that’s on my letterhead that was sent to the EPA, yes, with respect to the issue. Merkley: You acknowledge that 97 percent of the words in that letter came directly from Devon Energy? Pruitt: I have not looked at the percentages, Senator. Merkley: The statement that’s been analyzed many times is that all of the 1,016 words, except for 37 words, were written directly by Devon Energy. Pruitt: Senator, that was a step that was taken as attorney general representing the interest of our state. Over 25 percent of our— Merkley: Yeah, so, I didn’t ask that question. I was just asking if you copied the letter virtually word for word. You have acknowledged that, yes, it’s in the record, people can count it, is correct. All right, so, a public office is about serving the public. There is a public concern over the impact of methane on global warming. There is scientific research showing that it’s far more devastating than anticipated and far more is leaking than—but you used your office as a direct extension of an oil company rather than a direct extension of the interests of the public health of the people of Oklahoma. Do you acknowledge that you presented a private oil company’s position rather than a position developed by the people of Oklahoma? Pruitt: Senator, with respect, I disagree. The efforts that I took as attorney general were representing the interests of the state of Oklahoma. Merkley: Earlier you said you— Pruitt: And there was a concern about— Merkley: No, no, excuse me. I’m asking the questions. You said earlier you listen to everyone. In drafting this letter, you took an oil company’s position, and then, without consulting people who had diverse views about the impact, you sent it off. How can you present that as representing the people of Oklahoma when you simply only consulted an oil company to push its own point of view for its private profit? Pruitt: Senator, there’s an obligation the EPA has to follow processes as established by this body. The cost-benefit analysis under Section 112 is something that they have to engage in. There was a concern about the overestimated percentages that the EPA put in the record—it was a record-based challenge—that was the expression of the letter to the EPA, and it was representing the interests of an industry in the state of Oklahoma— Merkley: Thank you. Pruitt: —not a company, an industry. Merkley: So, my question was, what other groups—environmental groups or other groups—did you consult so that you had that full perspective before representing simply a for-profit oil company using your official office and your official letterhead? Pruitt: There—I consulted with other environmental officials in Oklahoma that regulate that industry and learned from them with respect to the concerns about the estimates that were provided by the EPA. Merkley: Can you provide this committee with information showing who you consulted in representing this letter specifically for Devon Energy, because the information that’s in the public realm only shows that they simply sent you a letter, asked you to send it, and you sent it without questions. Pruitt: We have seven or so individuals in our office that are involved in these kinds of issues, and we will collect the information they have and provide it to this body pursuant to the chairman’s direction. Merkley: Your staff expanded substantially while you were in charge, to 251 staff members. Why do you need an outside oil company to draft a letter when you have 250 people working for you? Pruitt: Senator, as I’ve indicated, that was an effort that was protecting the state’s interest in making sure that we made the voices of all Oklahomans heard on a very important industry to our state. Merkley: You said that all heard, but you only sent it on behalf of a single voice: the oil company. Pruitt: That— Merkley: Thank you. 1:24:11 Senator Cory Booker: You’ve joined or filed 14 lawsuits against the EPA, challenging clean air and clean-water rules, yes? Scott Pruitt: We’ve been involved in multiple pieces of litigation, Senator. Booker: Yeah, but I’m looking at specifically 14, and, Mr. Chairman, I’d like to put those 14 lawsuits into the record, of where you specifically challenged the EPA on air quality. And let me just go through some of those. Chairman Barrasso: Without objection. Booker: Thank you, sir. To refresh your recollection, you filed two lawsuits challenging the EPA Mercury and Air Toxics Standards; you filed a lawsuit challenging the EPA’s 2015 National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone; you filed four lawsuits challenging the EPA’s Clean Power Plan; you have sued to challenge the EPA’s 111(b) standards for carbon dioxide emissions from new power plants; and you also sued to challenge the EPA’s Federal Implementation Plan for Oklahoma under the Regional Haze rule. You’re familiar with those, I imagine. Pruitt: Yes, Senator. Booker: And you filed a lawsuit challenging the EPA Cross-State Air Pollution Rule, something in New Jersey we’re very concerned with. And are you aware that that Rule, which you lost in that suit, scientists estimate that that alone prevents 400,000 asthma attacks nationally each year? Are you aware or those estimations? Pruitt: Yes, Your Honor. Or, yes, Senator. May I offer— Booker: I appreciate your promotion to judge. Let me continue, Mr. Pruitt. I don’t have that much time. Pruitt: Okay. Booker: So, each of these lawsuits that I just went through and that we analyzed, all of them challenge attempts by the EPA to reduce air pollution. In all of them except one you filed those lawsuits, joining with polluting companies that were also suing the EPA. And, so, in addition to filing those lawsuits with some of the polluting companies, or at least one that has now been specifically mentioned by two of my colleagues, you used substantial portions of the letters from those companies, put them on your official attorney general letterhead; and what was sort of surprising to me is that when you’ve been asked about this in the public, you basically represented that, “That’s actually called representative government in my view of the world.” Your testimony here says that you were representing industry; you were representing the polluters. And, so, with all of these lawsuits you filed, and with all of these letters like this one written to the EPA, on behalf of the industries that are causing the pollution, it seems clear to me that obviously the fact pattern on representing polluters is clear, that you worked very hard on behalf of these industries that have their profits externalized, negative externalities are their pollution. And, so, I just have a question for you specifically about the children of Oklahoma. Do you know how many kids in Oklahoma, roughly, have asthma? Pruitt: I do not, Senator. Booker: Well, according to the data published by the very non-partisan group, the American Lung Association, more than 111,000 children in Oklahoma, which is more than 10 percent, more than one in 10 of all the kids in Oklahoma, have asthma. That’s one of the highest asthma rates in the entire United States of America. Now, this is a crisis—similar data, for where I was mayor—and I can tell you firsthand the devastating impacts that asthma has on children and families: affecting their economic well-being; parents who have to watch their children struggle to breathe; people that have to miss work, rushing their kids to the hospital. One in 10 kids having a disease, missing school, is a significant problem. And so if you’ve been writing letters on behalf of polluting industries, I want to ask you, how many letters did you write to the EPA about this health crisis? If this is representative government, did you represent those children? I want to know what actions you’ve taken in the past six years in your capacity as protector of the welfare of Oklahoma citizens to protect the welfare of those 111,000 children. Did you ever let any of them write letters on your letterhead to the EPA, and did you even file one lawsuit—one lawsuit—on behalf of those kids to reduce the air pollution in your state and help them to have a healthy life? Pruitt: Senator, I’ve actually provided a list of cases to the chairman with respect to enforcement steps we’ve taken in multiple pieces of environmental litigation, but let me say to you, with respect to Cross-State Air Pollution and some of the cases you referred to, the state has to have an interest before it can bring those cases, as you know. You can’t just bring a lawsuit if you don’t have standing, if there’s not been some injury to the state of Oklahoma. In each of those cases, the court determined that there was a state interest— Booker: My time has expired, but if I could just say, injury, clearly asthma is triggered and caused by air pollutants. Clearly there is an air pollution problem, and the fact that you have not brought suits in any of the levels which you’ve represented the industries that are causing the pollution is really problematic when you’re going to sit in a position that is nationally supposed to be affecting this reality. And asthma in our country is the number one reason why children in America, health reason, why children in America miss school. 1:37:28 Senator Ed Markey: Eight of those cases are still ongoing, including your litigation that challenges critical rules that reduce levels of hazardous smog, mercury, and carbon pollution. As EPA administrator, you would be in a position to serve as plaintiff, defendant, judge, and jury on these ongoing eight lawsuits, and that would be wrong. In your ethics agreement, you have said that you would not participate in any matter that is ongoing litigation within one year, but, Mr. Pruitt, isn’t it correct that these lawsuits may very well continue for much longer than one year? Scott Pruitt: Well, Senator, I have the letter from the ethics counsel at the EPA, and the one-year time period is intended to address covered entities, entities that I served in a chairmanship or an officer capacity. The Southern Theological Seminary, the Windows Ministry, those entities are covered entities. So if there is a matter that arises before the EPA within a one-year period, a particular matter, a specific case that involves those entities, then the recusal would be in order. But that’s really the focus of the one-year timeline. Markey: So, will you agree to recuse yourself from those lawsuits which you brought as the attorney general of Oklahoma against the EPA, not just for one year, but for the entirety of the time that you are the administrator of the EPA? Will you commit to doing that? Pruitt: Senator, for clarity, I think that it’s important to note that the one-year time period, again, is for those covered entities that were highlighted in the EPA letter. With respect to pending litigation, the EPA ethics counsel has indicated, with respect to particular matters and specific parties, there will be an opportunity to get counsel from the EPA at that point to determine what steps could be taken to avoid appearances of impropriety. Markey: So, you will not recu—are you saying that you will not recuse yourself from the actual matters which you’re suing the EPA on right now as attorney general of Oklahoma for the time that you are the head of the EPA? Pruitt: I’m not saying that at all, Senator. Markey: You are saying that. Will you recuse yourself? Pruitt: I’m saying that the EPA ethics counsel has indicated those cases will require a review by the EPA ethics counsel, and if it involves a particular matter with a specific party, then recusal would potentially be in order, and I would follow the guidance and counsel of EPA ethics. Markey: I just think this is—this is a clear line for the American public, given your record from Oklahoma in suing the EPA on all of these matters, that if you don’t agree to recuse yourself, then, again, you become plaintiff, defendant, judge, and jury on the cases that you’re bringing right now as attorney general of Oklahoma against the EPA; and the EPA is for all of the people of the United States, not just the fossil-fuel industry of Oklahoma. So you’re not committing—and I think that’s a big mistake, Mr. Pruitt—to recuse yourself from those cases. It is critical. 2:19:49 Senator Kirsten Gillibrand: I’ve looked at your record. Most of the lawsuits you filed as attorney general were related to businesses, specifically what was important for your state in terms of employers and businesses, and the few lawsuits you did file about human safety were few and far between, but this role as head of the EPA, you’re going to have a much more important role to play. And I want to talk specifically about mercury. If you believe that mercury is a threat to public health but oppose the remedy of reducing mercury air pollution from power plants because it’s too costly, what, then, do you think you should do or what should be done to address the mercury pollution? Scott Pruitt: Let me say, Senator, mercury is something—it is a hazardous air pollutant under Section 112. It is something that the EPA has authority to regulate and should regulate. It should do so, though, within the framework established by this body, and the Supreme Court said that the EPA did not follow the cost-benefit obligations. It’s not that the benefits outweigh the costs, it’s just that they simply didn’t engage in a proper record-based support for their rule. And so that goes back to earlier questions with other senators about the process mattering, being committed to the rule of law and the rulemaking authority that Congress has given the EPA in making sure that as rules are passed, that they can be upheld in court. Gillibrand: But, I need you also to be worried about human health. I understand there’s a cost, but when you’re talking about lives, when you’re talking about children who can’t breathe—I’ve been to the emergency room at two in the morning with a child who can’t breathe; it’s a horrible thing. We’ve had children die in New York City because none of their teachers, no administrators in the schools knew what to do when a child has an asthma attack. It’s a huge problem. So I need you to care about human health and really believe that the cost, when human health is at risk, when people are dying, is far higher than it is the cost to that polluter to clean up the air and change their processes. I need you to feel it as if your children sitting behind you are the ones in the emergency room. I need you to know it. 2:31:32 Senator Bernie Sanders: And I apologize for being late, but we were at a hearing with Congressman Price, who is the nominee for HHS, and perhaps not a great idea to have important nominating hearings at exactly the same time. 2:33:30 Scott Pruitt: I believe the ability to measure with precision the degree of human activity’s impact on the climate is subject to more debate on whether the climate is changing or the human activity contributes to it. Senator Bernie Sanders: While you are not certain, the vast majority of scientists are telling us that if we do not get our act together and transform our energy system away from fossil fuel, there is a real question as to the quality of the planet that we are going to be leaving our children and our grandchildren. So, you are applying for a job as administrator for the EPA to protect our environment; overwhelming majority of scientists say we have got to act boldly, and you are telling me that there needs to be more debate on this issue and that we should not be acting boldly. Pruitt: No, Senator. As I’ve indicated, the climate is changing, and human activity impacts that. Sanders: But you haven’t told me why you think the climate is changing. Pruitt: Well, Senator, the job of the administrator is to carry out the statutes as passed by this body and to _ Sanders: Why is the climate changing? Pruitt: Senator, in response to the CO2 issue, the EPA administrator is constrained by statutes Sanders: I'm asking you a personal opinion. Pruitt: My personal opinion is immaterial— Sanders: Really?! Pruitt: —to the job of carrying out— Sanders: You are going to be the head of the agency to protect the environment, and your personal feelings about whether climate change is caused by human activity and carbon emissions is immaterial? Pruitt: Senator, I’ve acknowledged to you that the human activity impacts the climate. Sanders: Impacts. Pruitt: Yes. Sanders: Scientific community doesn’t tell us it impacts; they say it is the cause of climate change, we have to transform our energy system. Do you believe we have to transform our energy system in order to protect the planet for future generations? Pruitt: I believe the EPA has a very important role at regulating the emissions of CO2. Sanders: You didn’t answer my question. Do you believe we have to transform our energy system away from fossil fuel, to do what the scientific community is telling us, in order to make sure that this planet is healthy for our children and grandchildren? Pruitt: Senator, I believe that the administrator has a very important role to perform in regulating CO2. Sanders: Can you tell me, as I think all of us know, Oklahoma has been subjected to a record-breaking number of earthquakes. Scientists say that Oklahoma is almost certain to have more earthquakes, with heightened risk of a large quake, probable to endure for a decade and that the cause of this is fracking. Can you point me—picking up on Senator Harris’s discussion with you, can you point me to any opinion that you wrote, any enforcement actions you took, against the companies that were injecting waste fracking water? Pruitt: Senator, let me say I’m very concerned about the connection between activity in Oklahoma and- Sanders: And, therefore, you must have taken action, I guess. Can you tell me who you fined for doing this, if you are very concerned? Pruitt: The Corporation Commission in Oklahoma is vested with the jurisdiction, and they have actually acted on that. Sanders: And you have made public statements expressing your deep concern about this. Pruitt: We have worked with, through our- Sanders: You have made public statements. You’re in a state which is seeing a record-breaking number of earthquakes. You’re the attorney general. Obviously, you have stood up and said you will do everything you can to stop future earthquakes as a result of fracking. Pruitt: Senator, I’ve acknowledged that I’m concerned about the- Sanders: You acknowledged that you are concerned. Pruitt: Yes. Sanders: Your state is having a record number of—well, if that’s the kind of administrator for the EPA—your state’s having a record-breaking number of earthquakes, you acknowledge you are concerned; if that’s the kind of EPA administrator you will be, you are not going to get my vote. 2:37:43 Senator John Barrasso: I want to talk about some of the concerns I have with overregulation, and I’ll ask, do you have the same concerns with the overregulation of U.S. manufacturing over the last eight years? I believe we’ve _____(00:08) exported manufacturing jobs overseas, jobs that go with them in terms of the manufacturing of those goods to places like China and India that are going to produce those products in a less environmentally friendly way. And do you agree with this notion that this approach harms not just the environment, but also our own U.S. economy? Pruitt I believe, Senator, that it puts us in an economic disadvantage when we don’t hear all voices in the rulemaking process with respect to these issues, absolutely. Part 2 17:04 Senator Sheldon Whitehouse: Let me just ask you this as a hypothetical: if you had raised significant amounts of money for the Rule of Law Defense Fund from corporations who will be subject to EPA’s regulation, before EPA, with matters before EPA, might that place you in a conflict of interest? Scott Pruitt: The EPA ethics counsel has said—and by the way, these are career individuals as you know, Senator. Justina Fugh is a career person at EPA ethics, and so as they’ve reviewed these potential conflicts, I’ve disclosed all entities I’ve been affiliated with. Whitehouse: I understand that, but I’m asking you if you think it might place you in a conflict of interest, because we both understand that the ethics rules that the EPA’s enforcing predate Citizens United, predate dark money, and they’ve said in the letter that they aren’t even looking at that because they don’t have the authority to. That doesn’t mean it’s not a conflict of interest; it means that the regulatory authority on government ethics hasn’t caught up with this post-Citizens United, dark-money world. Pruitt: I think— Whitehouse: My question is, you’re a lawyer, you know conflicts of interest, you’ve been an attorney general, might it be a conflict of interest, within your definition of the term, if you had raised significant amounts of money for this Rule of Law Defense Fund and they’ll have business before EPA with you? Is that a potential conflict of interest? Pruitt: I think Justina Fugh actually did address those entities to the degree that I was never an officer of the super PAC that you referred to earlier, the Liberty 2.0, and so they looked at those entities to determine— Whitehouse: The question was fund raising. Pruitt: They looked at those entities— Whitehouse: That’s the question we don’t have any answers on is what you raised. Pruitt: They looked at those entities to determine what the nature of my relationship was and then indicated that those would have to be evaluated in the future as cases arose, and— Whitehouse: Right now, the chairman asked you a question which is, are there matters that might place you in a conflict of interest that you have not disclosed? You answered no. Might not having raised significant money—let’s say $1 million, let’s say you made a call to Devon Energy and said, I did you letter for you, RAGA needs a lot of money, we’ve got this dark-money thing where we can launder your identity clean off it, and the money will go into RAGA, I need a million bucks out of you—might that not create a conflict of interest for you if that were the facts? Pruitt: Ms. Fugh has indicated in her letter to me—again, these are career individuals at EPA ethics—that if particular matters involving specific parties arise in the future, it will be evaluated at that point, but I want to call into account— Whitehouse: But how will they know if you’re not willing to disclose that you raised the hypothetical million dollars from Devon Energy? Pruitt: Well, those aren’t even covered entities under her letter at this point. Whitehouse: That's my point. Pruitt: But it’s factual— Whitehouse: But that may very well create a conflict of interest, mightn’t it? Pruitt: Senator, I did not serve in an office or capacity at that entity. In fact, I was not [unclear] in any way— Whitehouse: You’ve said that already, too, but that also is not the question. The question is a very simple one: did you raise money for the Rule of Law Defense Fund from entities that will appear before EPA as potential defendants in subjects of regulation, and if so, how much, and what did you tell them, and what did you ask? It seems to me that’s not an unusual or— Pruitt: The Rule of Law Defense Fund, according to Ms. Fugh, would need to be a party in the future for that to be an issue. That’s what she’s indicated in her letter to me. Whitehouse: So— Pruitt: At the time— Whitehouse: So let me— Pruitt: —if issues arise in the future, I will seek the counsel of EPA ethics and follow the advice of those career folks to make a decision and recuse if necessary. That is— Whitehouse: But at this point— Pruitt: —something I commit to doing. Whitehouse: At this point, what I deduce from your statement is that if that set of hypothetical facts were true, if you had raised a million dollars from a big energy corporation to go through the Rule of Law Defense Fund to support your efforts at RAGA, that that is not something anybody should care about, even if that corporation is before you at EPA and subject to your regulation at EPA. Pruitt: Well, I think something that, if presented in the future, Justina Fugh and myself, EPA ethics would evaluate that, and I would take the appropriate steps to recuse if they told me to do so. Whitehouse: But how would it be presented in the future if you’re not willing to present it now? Pruitt: If there’s a matter— Whitehouse: Why does it matter in the future and not now? Pruitt: If there’s a matter or cast that comes before the EPA’s authority, that would be something. There’s ongoing—as you know, Senator, Ms. Fugh indicated this in her letter—there’s ongoing obligations that I will have, if confirmed as administrator, to bring those kinds of matters to attention of EPA ethics. Whitehouse: Well, for what it’s worth, I think that the Senate has a role in policing this as well, that the whole purpose of advice and consent and the reason there are these government ethics filings is so we can look at this exact question, and the fact that they haven’t been updated to take into account dark money and all these big political organizations that have been created with dark money doesn’t take away our Senate obligation to find out what conflicts of interest you will bring to the position of administrator. And it gives me very little comfort that you’re not willing to answer those questions here. My time has expired. I’ll continue in other rounds. 1:07:50 Senator Ed Markey: Do you support the current California waiver for greenhouse gas standards? Scott Pruitt: Senator, that’s what would be evaluated, and I think it’s very difficult, and we shouldn’t prejudge the outcome in that regard if confirmed as administrator. Markey: So you’re questioning the current waiver. You don’t think they’re entitled to the current waiver. Pruitt: Well, the waiver is something that’s granted on an annual basis, and the administrator would be responsible for making that decision. Markey: Yeah. And so you say you’re going to review it. Pruitt: Yes, Senator. Markey: Yeah. And when you say review, I hear undo the rights of the states, and I think to a certain extent that it’s troublesome because, obviously, what we’ve heard all day is how much you support states’ rights when it comes to these issues, but now when it comes to the right of California or Massachusetts and other states to be able to reduce carbon pollution, you’re saying you’re going to review that. So my problem really goes to this double standard that is created that when you sue from the Oklahoma perspective, from the oil and gas industry perspective, and you represent Oklahoma, you say they have a right to do what they want to do in the state of Oklahoma. But when it comes to Massachusetts or it comes to California, and it comes to the question of those states wanting to increase their protection for the environment, protect their victimization from carbon pollution, you say there you’re going to review. 1:51:58 Senator Jim Inhofe: The cost of regulations: as you know, the Supreme Court overturned the EPA’s Mercury and Air Toxics—that’s MATS—rule in 2015 because the EPA failed to—ignored the fact that the cost was $9.6 billion annually of the rule. Now, in fact, the EPA’s regularly issued rules over the past eight years that are very costly for our industries and our job creators. According to the CRS—now, CRS, when they make an evaluation, are much more conservative, the figure is always a very conservative figure, but they said the Clean Power Plan would be at least $5 billion to $8 billion a year. The figures I’ve heard on that are far greater because it wouldn’t be that much different than the old systems that they tried to do through legislation: the methane standards on oil and gas facilities, $315 million a year; the new ozone standards, $1.4 billion; the 2015 coal ash standards, $587 million a year; and the 2011 sulfur dioxide standards, $1.5 billion a year. Now, when you hear this, all this money is being spent on compliance costs by our job creators, people out there that are working for a living, and they’re hiring people. What are you thoughts, and what do you believe should be the role of the costs of EPA’s decision making? Pruitt: I think it’s very important in the rule-making process, Senator, and the Supreme Court and courts have recognized that very important factor. 1:54:46 Senator Sheldon Whitehouse: We have been talking about fundraising done by you for the Rule of Law Defense Fund during the time when you were both a board member and for a full year the chairman of the Rule of Law Defense Fund and the fact that we have exactly zero information in this committee about that fundraising. We also have zero—and let me ask unanimous consent for the page from— Chairman Barrasso: Without objection. Whitehouse: —the filing that discloses that he was in fact a member of the board of directors and chairman of the Rule of Law Defense Fund. We also have a meeting agenda from the Republican Attorney Generals Association during a time that you were executive committee member of the Republican Attorney Generals Association meeting at The Greenbrier, which I’ll stipulate for my friend from West Virginia is a lovely place to go, and the agenda, which I’d like to take this page of and put into the record, mentions a private meeting with Murray Energy. It mentions a private meeting with Southern Company. It mentions a private meeting with the American Fuel Petrochemical Manufacturers. If you’ll show the graphic, these are all the same groups that I’d been asking about in terms of your fundraising for the Rule of Law Defense Fund, and there’s Murray Energy, and there’s Southern Company, and I’m sure the American Fuel Petrochemical Manufacturers represent a lot of the others. As I understand it, we know nothing—no minutes, no statements, no reports—about what took place in those meetings that are described as private meetings on a sheet that is stamped “confidential.” Correct? We know nothing about the content of those meetings. Scott Pruitt: Senator, I didn’t generate the document. I know nothing about how that document got generated or what— Whitehouse: Are you denying that those private meetings took place? Pruitt: No, Senator. I just didn’t generate the document and don’t know about the content other than what you’ve represented. Whitehouse: Okay. And we don’t know. And because you were on the executive committee of RAGA, that’s information that we could get, right? I mean, it’s available, if there were minutes or reports out of those meetings, notes taken; but we don’t have them, correct? Pruitt: Senator, that would be a request made to the Republican Attorney Generals Association. And I might add, the Republican Attorney Generals Association, there’s a Democrat Attorney Generals Association as well. 1:59:43 Senator Sheldon Whitehouse: Given how many of these groups have important financial interests before the EPA, do you not think that 3,000 emails back and forth between you and your office and them are relevant to potential conflict of interest as an administrator and should be before us as we consider this? Scott Pruitt: Again, I think the EPA ethics council has put out a very clear process with respect to covered entities, as we described earlier, and on particular matters and specific cases, I will follow advice of that EPA career person, ethics, to make sure that there are recusing [unclear]— Whitehouse: You keep saying that, but the problem is— Chairman Barrasso: The senator’s time has expired. Whitehouse: Will you finish my sentence? Barrasso: Please do. Whitehouse: The problem with that is that if you haven’t disclosed any of this information, then the EPA ethics council would have no idea to even look. They would have no idea what the risks are. You can’t say, nobody can look at whether I did this, but by the way, they’re going to look at it. It just doesn’t add up. 2:12:30 Senator Jeff Merkley: Ten years ago we were talking about models that led to the conversation Senator Inhofe had about Climategate, about wrestling with assumptions and models. We don’t need models now; we have facts on the ground: the moose are dying because the ticks aren’t being killed by the winter being cold enough, the fish are migrating on the Atlantic coast, and Maine’s losing its lobsters to Canada. These facts on the ground are extraordinarily real, they have a huge economic impact, and shouldn’t we take a very serious approach to the urgency of this problem as we see it descending upon us? Scott Pruitt: Senator, I think the EPA—and if confirmed [missing audio] and obligation to deal with the issue. The Massachusetts v. EPA case says that CO2 is a pollutant under the Clean Air Act, and as such, that’s what generated the 2009 endangerment finding. So I think there is a legal obligation presently for the EPA administrator to respond to the CO2 issue through proper regulations. Cover Art Design by Only Child Imaginations

We dive into the opening day of the defense's case for Ammon Bundy and six others accused of taking over the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.Then, we talk with Sam Levin of the The Guardian newspaper about what life is like on the Bundy Ranch in Nevada.Sam Levin's piece about the Bundys: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/29/oregon-militia-standoff-bundy-familySubscribe to “This Land Is Our Land” on NPR One, iTunes or wherever you find your podcasts. Find comprehensive trial coverage at http://www.opb.org/thisland.Share your thoughts on the trial with us at thisland@opb.org.

OPB reporter Conrad Wilson and The Guardian reporter Sam Levin recap the victories and losses for the government and occupiers in the first week of the Malheur occupation trial.Then we return to Harney County with OPB reporter Amanda Peacher. She talks to opponents and supporters of the Bundys about life seven months after the final occupier was arrested.

East Bay Express-turned-Guardian reporter Sam Levin doesn’t consider himself an artist or an activist, but in this interview I try to convince him otherwise, while also trying to get him to teach me everything he knows about journalism. We debate whether “the truth has a liberal bias,” discuss the differences between covering the local news for an alt weekly and covering the Western US for an international publication, and talk about why people across the world should/do care about what happens in Oakland. Read the transcript at scribd.com/artactivistnia. Support the podcast at patreon.com/artactivistnia.

Sam Levin didn't chose crime. Crime chose him. The baby-faced Daily News intern-turned-Guardian reporter talks what makes a good reporter and his own journey to becoming one: talking to people on the worst day of their lives, dodging lawsuits, and running into people he's reported on at parties. Oh yeah, and that one time he chased Lindsay Lohan around a bowling alley. Read the transcript here. Support the podcast at patreon.com/artactivistnia.

After the election, the House of Representatives passed five bills that would help the fossil fuel industry. Included in this episode are a bill to approve the Keystone XL pipeline, a bill to sell off oil-rich public land to a private corporation, and three bills that make life harder at the EPA. Finally, we end with a sound clip straight out of 1984. Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 CD085: November Bills H.R. 5682: Approves the Keystone XL Pipeline Approves the construction and operation of the Keystone XL pipeline, specifically approving any route through the State of Nebraska. Forces anyone who want to challenge the Keystone XL pipeline in court to go to Washington D.C. to do it. Written by Rep. Bill Cassidy of Louisana, who has taken over $377,000 from the oil and gas industry for the 2014 election alone. In total, he has taken over $646,000 from the oil and gas industry over the course of his career.   H.R. 5167: Sell Property in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska to a Corporation Forces the sale of 1,518 acres of Federal land in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska to the Olgoonik Corporation. Allows the Olgoonik Corporation to begin construction before the sale is complete. The land sale will be exempt from the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Written by Rep. Don Young of Alaska, who has taken over $1.2 million from the Oil and Gas Industry. Related Articles US: Little Big Companies. How did corporations like Halliburton get millions in government contracts designated for small minority businesses? Michael Scherer, Mother Jones, January/February 2005. H.R. 4795: "Promoting New Manufacturing Act" The EPA would have to issue implementation regulations at the same time they publish or revise air quality rules. Written by Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana's 1st district. H.R. 4012: "Secret Science Reform Act" The EPA must publish all their scientific and technical information online before they can propose, distribute, or finalize assessments or regulations. Written by Rep. David Schweikert of Arizona's 6th district. H.R. 1422: EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act Changes the make-up of the Scientific Advisory Board to allow some people with conflicts of interest to serve. Makes all information used by the board available to the public. The EPA and the board will have to respond in writing to all public comments. The board will be discouraged from making policy recommendations. Written by Rep. Chris Stewart of Utah's 2nd district, who has taken over $111,000 in the last four years from Oil & Gas - his top contributing industry. Clips November 17, 2014 Rules Committee Hearing Rep. Susan Bonamici of Oregon: HR 1422 would add an extra comment period during which the government would have to give commenters written responses. Rep. Susan Bonamici of Oregon: HR 1422 would loosen rules on recusing oneself when there are financial conflicts of interest. Rep. Jim McGovern of Massachusetts: I thought we'd be debating war in Iraq during the lame duck session. Rep. Pete Sessions of Texas and Rep. Chris Steward of Utah: Rep. Pete Sessions wears a fighter jet lapel pin because it fits one of his favorite sayings: "Peace through Superior Fire Power" Additional Information Loretta Lynch's Wall Street friends: What you should know about AG nominee's finance past by David Dayen. Salon. November 2014. Music in this Episode Intro: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio) Oil by Spicehouse (found on Music Alley by mevio) Who Would Jesus Bomb? by Nashville Session Players (found on Music Alley by mevio) Exit: I Sure Hope Not by Sam Levin

On February 5, the House of Representatives passed a bill that takes away California's right to divide its dwindling water supply. The bill forces California to take water away from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay Delta and give it to Agribusiness in the San Joaquin Valley, voiding a bunch of State and environmental laws in the process. Summary of the Bill HR 3964: "Sacramento- San Joaquin Valley Emergency Water Delivery Act" This is the second time the Republican-controlled House of Representatives has passed this bill. A similar bill was passed during the 112th Congress. TITLE I: Eff The Fish [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="360"] Water would be diverted away from this delta and given to Big Agriculture in the San Joaquin Valley[/caption] Section 101: Makes sure that water currently dedicated to fish and wildlife is given Central Valley Project contractors by December 31, 2018. Most Central Valley Project contractors are agricultural in the San Joaquin Valley. Section 102: New terms for water contracts: Eliminates a provision that makes sure the EPA approves new contracts for water delivery. Extends the renewal length of existing contracts from 25 years to 40 years and eliminates requirements for environmental reviews Adds a provision that contracts must only charge water customers for the water actually delivered Section 105: Water usage will be prioritized to go towards agricultural, municipal, and industrial purposes Section 107: Private for-profit organizations would be eligible for water storage and delivery contracts paid for with taxpayer money, which is not currently allowed. If by September 30, 2018, the Central Valley doesn't get an additional 800,000 acre-feet of water, all non-mandatory water uses will be cut off until the Central Valley gets their water. Section 108: Rules will revert back to the law as of 1994. [caption id="" align="alignright" width="314"] The delta smelt, the "stupid little fish" the House GOP is pretending is the only species affected by drying up the delta[/caption] Operations of this new water plan "shall proceed without regard to the Endangered Species Act" Prohibits the Federal government and any agency of the State of California from enforcing a State law that restricts water usage for the Central Valley Project or State Water Project (which gives water to Southern California) to protect any species affected by this new water diversion. Prohibits the State of California from enforcing any of their laws that restricts Central Valley "water rights" "under the Public Trust Doctrine. No costs associated with diverting water to Central Valley contractors will be paid by Central Valley contractors "California law is preempted" from restricting the size of a fish allowed to be taken out of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers or the Sacramento-San Joaquin Rivers Delta. Section 111: Federal agencies can not be forced to change their actions by a National Environmental Protection Act determination. *New to the 113th Congress version* Section 112 & 113: Gives 10 year water contracts to the Oakdale, South San Joaquin, and Calaveras County water districts if it doesn't take water away from the Central Valley *New to the 113th Congress version* Section 114: A pilot program to remove "non-native" bass species from the Stanislaus River. The districts will pay 100% of the costs The government "shall issue" permits for the program under the Endangered Species Act within 180 days; if it's not done in 180 days, the permits "shall be deemed approved" Permitting can be outsourced to "any qualified private contractor' National Environmental Protection Act "shall not apply" to permitting for the program. "Any restriction imposed under California law" on catching fish in the Stanislaus River "is herby void and is preempted" Pilot fish-murdering program will sunset in seven years. TITLE II: Overturns a Court Settlement The Settlement ruled in 2004 that the Bureau of Reclamation illegally dried the San Joaquin River and ruled that they will have to release water from the Friant Dam for the first time in 55 years in order to allow the fish - specifically salmon- in the river to survive. The lawsuit was first filed in 1998 and was one of California's longest running water disputes. It also restores water supplies to farmers near Stockton Section 201: Repeals the settlement and enacts a whole new plan. The new plan "preempts and supersedes any State law" that imposes stricter requirements. Central Valley water contractors are allowed to sue the Federal government if it fails to enact the new plan. Section 211: Repeals a requirement that salmon be reintroduced to the San Joaquin River TITLE III: Payments to Central Valley water contractors Section 301: Federal government has to reimburse water contractors for construction costs already accrued by January 31, 2018; future costs need to be reimbursed by the government within five years. Power revenues can't be used towards construction cost reimbursement TITLE IV: Water Allocations Section 403: Agricultural water contractors in the Central Valley will get 100% of their promised water in Wet - Below Normal years, 75% in a "dry" year, and "50% in a "Critically dry" year Section 404: The Federal government must make sure that the Endangered Species Act and goals of "addressing environmental needs" do not cause any "adverse water supply or fiscal impacts" to Central Valley water contractors. TITLE V: Precedent Section 501: The coordination of water rights "require assertion of Federal supremacy to protect existing water rights", says "these circumstances are unique to California", and therefore "nothing in this Act shall serve as precedent in any other State." Section 502: "Nothing in this Act shall affect in any way the Proclamation of State of Emergency and associated Executive Order issued by Gov. Edmund G. Brown, Jr. on January 17, 2014." Representatives Quoted in This Episode (In Order of Appearance) Rep. Doc Hastings of Washington Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California Rep. Tom McClintock of California Rep. Devin Nunes of California Rep. Mike Thompson of California Rep. Rob Bishop of Utah Rep. John Garamendi of California Rep. Anna Eshoo of California Rep. Jared Huffman of California Rep. Grace Napolitano of California Additional Information Water War Boils Down to Farmers vs. Fisherman by George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, February 19, 2014. Jennifer Briney's appearance on Start Talking and Recording Today with Nick Seuberling YouTube video of Congressional Dish supporter David's 12 year old son, Sam Levin, and his impressive musical talents Music in this Episode Intro and Exit Music: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio) Are You Thristy? by Mighty Men of Faith (found on Music Alley by mevio) Get Out of Our House by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio)

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Sam Levin JBL Coachella

Sam Levin JBL Coachella The post Chris Voss Podcast 53 Sam Levin JBL Coachella @JBLAudio appeared first on Chris Voss Official Website.

TechFan 50 celebrates Steve Jobs with a large panel of contributors, including Tim Robertson, David Cohen, Guy Serle, GazMaz, David Biedney, Sam Levin, Rich Lefko, Steve Hammond, Anotnio Gomez, Scott Willsey, and Mark Greentree. Contact TechFan at feedback@mymac.com and leave a message at 1-801-938-5559

It's the day before the Macworld Expo 2011 officially opens, and the MyMac crew is onsite and ready! Guy Serle, Tim Robertson, Mark Rudd, Owen Rubin, and special guest Sam Levin talk about the opening of the show, what they hope to see this week, and much more. Plus, be sure to listen to the blooper at the end of the show!

A jam packed extra-long (but not too long) show with listener feedback from Twitter and Tim Robertson questioning why we were so down on RealMac software for their subscription RapidWeaver videos. Sam Levin leaves little to question about just how awesome Guy Serle is. We go over Apple financials and talk a great deal about what Apple JUST released!

TechFan returns with two guests: Sam Levin talks AppMinute, buying a new Mac, and more. J.R. Bookwalter then joins as the interviewee, and we find out how he got his start at MacLife, the iPhone, writing, directing, producing, and much more.

TechFan returns with two guests: Sam Levin talks AppMinute, buying a new Mac, and more. J.R. Bookwalter then joins as the interviewee, and we find out how he got his start at MacLife, the iPhone, writing, directing, producing, and much more.

This week, Sam Levin guides you through OTM's Map feature. Do you remember the old Map feature in OTM v5.0 and v5.5? http://www.MavenWire.com/

OWC Radio spends another day on the Macworld Expo showroom floor, visiting Bill Palmer of BeatWeek, Guitar Toolkit, TuneUp, the OWC Booth, Sennheiser, TransTech Systems, Microvision, Wisair, Dr. Bott, Sam Levin, David Cohen, and Josh Long of MacTech Magazine.

We have a winner of the NewerTech Voyager! Congrats go out to Randy Cowling! Also, Sam Levin drops by for a long-overdue Cool Mac Picks, David, Guy, Mark, and Tim look at the Palm Pre and the Pystar story. Finally, Mark and Tim review the JBL SoundStage 400P.

iPhone developer Dom Sagolla joins us this week to talk about his company, Dollar App, growing up with computers and MIT, creating Twitter,and the creation and future of Big Words. Sam Levin returns with an all-new Cool Mac Picks, and David and Tim announce the winners of the Speck Products and Joesoft - Prosoft Engineering contest!

Bob "Dr. Mac" LeVitus helps kick off this weeks show with his run down of Macworld Expo, where it goes from here, and what he enjoyed most on the showroom floor. Sam Levin fills us in on his Cool Mac Picks from both Macworld Expo and CES. Finally, Owen and Mark join Tim, David, and Guy to talk about the rest of the weeks stories, and Owen's blog post on Alsoft.

The MyMac gang record an early podcast with a few guests for our podcast meet-up. Rainy weather kept most people away, but could not dampen our enthusiasm! On this show: Owen Rubin, Sam Levin, Mark Rudd, John Nemo, Tim Robertson, Guy Serle, Chris Seibold, BeeJay, and Hadley Stern.

This week, we are joined by Mark Altekruse from Abaltat to chat about abaltat Muse 2.0, his history in computers, working for Apple, and much more. Sam Levin picks some great products for Cool Mac Picks. And on the last segment, Tim and David are joined by iProng Magazine publisher Bill Palmer and new MyMac staffer Mark Rudd to discuss everything else under the sun. A long show, but well worth the time to listen!

Two brothers who quit the Microsoft gaming studio Ensemble Studios to become iPhone App developers, David and Paul Bettner, join us for a candid talk about all things iPhone and their new company, NewToy. Sam Levin joins in with a new Cool Mac Picks. And Tim, David, and Guy talk about Adobe pulling out of Macworld Expo, the Simpsons skewering Apple, iPod shortages, and the latest drama that is Psystar. Plus a brand-new sponsor, PosiMotion!

This week, Liana Lehua and Melissa Thiessen from the Girls Gone Geek podcast join the crew for some tech talk, favorite tech gear, and the future of the GGG show. Plus, Sam Levin and Cool Mac Picks!

Original MyMac Podcast Co-Host Chad Perry makes a surprise guest appearance on the show this week! Topics include: our new ustream feed, BigWords, HDCP on Macintosh, AppleTV update, and Macworld Expo plans and predictions. Plus, Sam Levin and Cool Mac Picks.

David Biedny from Mac|Life stops by for a chat about product reviews, and how the web is really changing the game. Sam Levin returns for a Cool Mac Picks returns, and Guy, Tim, and David look at the latest happening on MyMac.com, as well as future changes to the weekly podcast.

Mike Lee of United Lemur joins us for the podcast. Cool Mac Picks with Sam Levin kicks off the show, while topics later include Computer Trivia circa 1987, Macworld Expo, iPhone, and much more! Email us or leave a message at 801-938-5559

We have a return engagement with developer Freeverse to learn how they are fairing with their iPhone Apps and future plans. Sam Levin not only joins Tim for a Cool Mac Picks, but sticks around for the entire show. And Guy Serle, not scheduled to be on this week, joins in for the third segment of the show. Email us or leave a message at 801-938-5559

We welcome back MyMac writer Rich Lefko to the podcast this week after a too long hiatus from the show. Tim, David, and Rich all gang up on Guy Serle who contends that Apple has been a bit of a let-down recently. Sam Levin helps kick off the show with an all-new Cool Mac Picks. We want your feedback! Email us or leave a message at 801-938-5559

Sam Levin helps us kick off the show with a Cool Mac Picks, then Tim, David, and Guy talk about Spore, Adobe CS4, eBay, uBid, AOL, and much more. Plus a hearty congratulations go out to David at the end of the show.

With all the controversy surrounding Apple rejecting the Podcaster App from iTunes, we thought it would be a perfect time to have a chat with the App developer, Alex Sokirynsky. Featured roundtable participants include returning hosts Tim Robertson and David Cohen, plus Owen Rubin and Neale Monks. Later in the show, Sam Levin joins in with a Cool Mac Picks, and the roundtable looks back on the weekly happenings in the Mac world, SCSI, and more.

MyMac celebrates our 200th weekly podcast episode this week with a super-sized episode. We kick off the show with this weeks Apple event news, including the new iPod Nano and iTunes 8. Then our focus shifts to the question: what three applications would you want on your Mac on a deserted island? Participating is Tim Robertson, David Cohen, Guy Serle, Sam Levin, Lee Givens, John Nemo, Rich Lefko, and Neale Monks.

Moist, Juicy Middle Burgers It's finally stopped raining and the sun is shining, for a few minutes anyway. We're still beaming from the excitement of the shin-dig with the Dawn and Drew party last night. We had a guest from out of town hang out, so we didn't get to chat about our experience in tonight's show. So, to take advantage of the pockets of sun, and our new wireless mics we used our outdoor, propane gas grill to cook up some Moist Juicy Middle Burgers Check out the slide show of the process. Listen to the Say Yum podcast! SayYum-2005-02-21.mp3 [18.8mb (38:48) 64kbps] This evening we've got a guest, Chris Porter, over for barbequed burgers stuffed with blue cheese and bacon. We're dodging thunder storms to use the BBQ, but it all works out. Porter tells some stories about the restaurant industry, being robbed, and keeps the banter going in the Say Yum kitchen. We were having so much fun that most of the music is all background tonight. Checked out the Dawn and Drew party in San Francisco last night. Lots of cool people; listeners, casters, developers, and more. Some of the folks we met: Dawn and Drew of course. Very cool folks. Michael Geoghegan also a very down to earth guy...and tall like me. Michael Butler from the Rock N' Roll Geek Show who I'm sharing some music with James and Rin who've done a very cool cooking video. They've recommended a recipe we're hoping to do soon. Sam Levin from Inside Mac Radio. We'd love to be on your show Sam. Curtis from Sports Pod Podcast Nick Starr who flew all the way out from Florida. Adam Curry and the Say Yum team...we nabbed a picture with him and Ron Bloom, Adam's partner We met many others that we're missing here too. Everyone was so friendly and fun to chat with. Lots of people coming at all this from different angles. What an exciting time :) Remember to tune in to our next show to hear us chatting on the Dawn and Drew party, and don't forget to Say Yum!