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Senator Boxer's Statement: The Keystone Pipeline and the Threat to Human Health

                  

epw.senate.gov

Senator Barbara Boxer
Keystone Pipeline and the Threat to Human Health
February 26, 2014
(As prepared for delivery)

We are here today to share dramatic new information that will shine a spotlight on the health impacts of tar sands oil - health impacts that are already being felt in communities exposed to one of the filthiest kinds of oil on our planet.

The Keystone XL pipeline will allow 830,000 barrels of tar sands oil every day to flow through our nation - an initial increase of 45 percent compared to what is being imported today - and this project could just be the beginning. In the long term, it is projected that Canada would produce almost 300 percent more tar sands oil by 2030.

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Tuna Hearts Likely Damaged By Gulf Oil Spill Disaster: Scientists

            

Mark Conlin / Getty Images

huffingtonpost.com - by Dominique Mosbergen - February 18, 2014

Last week, a study published in the Feb. 14 issue of Science revealed the Deepwater Horizon disaster may have caused serious damage to the hearts of tuna and other animals affected by the spill.

Indeed, scientists behind the new study say their findings may have implications on mammal hearts, including those of humans.

Since PAHs can also be found in coal tar, air pollution and stormwater runoff from land, the risk to humans and other animals is potentially tremendous, the scientists say.

(READ COMPLETE ARTICLE)

CLICK HERE - STUDY - Science - Crude Oil Impairs Cardiac Excitation-Contraction Coupling in Fish

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BP's Deepwater Horizon Bill Rises by $200m as Profits Fall

Deepwater Horizon disaster, 2010: BP's bill keeps rising. Photograph: Handout/Getty Images

Latest update on continuing costs of Macondo blowout comes as oil firm reports fall in quarterly and yearly profits

theguardian.com - by Terry Macalister - February 4, 2014

BP has been forced to set aside an extra $200m (£123m) for the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, bringing the bill so far to $42.7bn.

The final figure could be far higher, however, as the latest tally does not take account of additional provisions for economic loss claims from a further legal settlement BP has made, the group said. BP is also waiting for a final US court decision over whether it was considered grossly negligent for the Deepwater Horizon accident.

(READ COMPLETE ARTICLE)

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2010-2013 Cetacean Unusual Mortality Event in Northern Gulf of Mexico

nmfs.noaa.gov - July 28, 2013

Summary

Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (as amended), an Unusual Mortality Event (UME) has been declared for dolphins and whales (cetaceans) in the northern Gulf of Mexico (Texas/ Louisiana border through Franklin County, FL) from February 2010 through the present.

These numbers are preliminary and may be subject to change. As of July 28, 2013, the UME involves 1030 Cetacean "strandings" in the Northern Gulf of Mexico (5% stranded alive and 95% stranded dead).

(SEE DETAILS HERE)

NOAA - Marine Mammal Unusual Mortality Events

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Are we reaching "Peak Water"?

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WASHINGTON, D.C. Oct. 18, 2011 — According to Dr. Peter Gleick and his colleagues in the newest volume of the most important assessment of global water challenges and solutions, more and more regions of the world, including the United States, may be reaching the point of "peak water." To conserve this critical resource without harming the economy or public health, businesses, communities, governments, and individuals are looking for new techniques to move to sustainable water management.

The World's Water, Vol. 7 offers discussion and analysis for developing those reforms. For more than a decade, this biennial report has provided key data and expert insights into freshwater issues. In the seventh volume in the series, Gleick and his colleagues at the Pacific Institute address such issues as increased conflicts over water resources, "fracking" natural gas contamination, corporate risks and responsibilities around water, and the growing risks of climate change. They specifically explore:

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