Congressional Black Caucus EJ & Energy Forums 2007

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation is hosting its 37th Annual Legislative Conference at the Washington Convention Center.

Rep. James E. Clyburn, left, wil host the CBC Environmental Justice Forum, which will address, "Environmental Justice: Federal Efforts to Strengthen Environmental Justice Through Enforcement of Civil Rights," Friday, Sept 28, 2007, 10:30-12 noon, Room 143-B.

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, right, will host the CBC Energy Forum, which will address, "High Gasoline Prices & High Utility Costs: Building Bridges Between the African American Community and America's Energy Industry," Friday, Sept 28, 2007, 9-12 noon, Room 202-A. (All Friday Forums)

White House Interns Needed

The application deadline for the Spring 2008 White House Internship is September 25, 2007. They are looking for a "well-qualified diverse group of applicants".

For more information and an application please visit their website at: www.whitehouse.gov/government/wh-intern.html.

Applications should be submitted to intern_application@whitehouse.gov on or before September 25, 2007 for the Spring 2008 Internship.

USDA SEEKS PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLIMATE CHANGE REPORT

The U.S. Climate Change Science Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have announced a 45-day public comment period for the second draft of a report on the effects of climate change. USDA is the lead agency preparing the report: "Synthesis and Assessment Product (SAP) 4.3: The Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture, Land Resources, Water Resources, and Biodiversity." This report will add to the information base about the effects of climate change. It addresses the effects of climate change on agriculture, land resources, water resources and biodiversity for the next 25 to 50 years.

The draft report has more than 1,000 references and 80 findings on the effects of climate change on agriculture in the United States. The report had 37 authors and has had expert peer review by 14 scientists. CCSP's strategic plan calls for the production of 21 Synthesis and Assessment Products that respond to high priority research, observation, and decision-support needs. The full draft report has been posted on the CCSP Web site at www.climatescience.gov , along with instructions for submitting comments, which are due by Oct. 26, 2007. Notice the start of the comment period will be published in the Sept. 11, 2007, Federal Register.

Release No. 0242.07 Contact: William Hohenstein (202) 720-6698

Link: http://www.usda.gov/2007/09/0242.xml

West Harlem Environmental Action Genetics Conference

Where: The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, 515 Malcolm X Boulevard Boulevard at 135th Street, New York City

When: Monday, September 24, 2007

Why: This symposium begins a series of conversations for communities of color to assess the implications of the growing role that genetic information plays in our society.

MORE

Virginia Tech Ethanol Project Model For HBCUs?

Virginia Tech's agricultural research center near Fredericksbug is examining the feasibility of using switchgrass as a substitute or supplement to corn-produced ethanol. Unfortunately the technology for producing cellulosic ethanol has not been perfected. Converting the sugars from switchrass and other cellulose to alcohol is a harder process than using corn or sugarcane. Switchgrass is not eaten so it will not drive up the price of food the way corn-based ethanol appears to be doing. (Wash Post)

NATIONAL HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES WEEK 2007

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA -- A PROCLAMATION

Education is a fundamental part of achieving the American dream, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) help ensure that every student has the opportunity to pursue a quality education. During Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, we underscore our commitment to these distinguished institutions in their efforts to provide more Americans with the tools to realize their dreams.

The founding of many of our Historically Black Colleges and Universities over a century ago expanded the American education system and extended the opportunity of a higher education to some who had been wrongly denied access. Today, HBCUs throughout our Nation continue to be centers of quality education, advancing opportunity and inspiring individuals to meet the challenges of our time as responsible leaders.

My Administration has increased Federal support for HBCUs and remains committed to strengthening these colleges and universities. The HBCU Capital Financing Program has provided access to funds for infrastructure repairs, educational equipment, and construction of new facilities. The President's Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities works to help HBCUs develop new partnerships with the private sector and benefit from Federal programs to strengthen and advance faculty development and cooperative research.

We will continue to provide our strong support to HBCUs, so that every citizen can enjoy a future of hope and opportunity, and we salute these great institutions as they
build on a foundation of continued success for every student.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 9 through September 15, 2007, as National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week. I call upon public officials, educators, librarians, and all the people of the United States to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities in respect and appreciation for the contributions these valuable institutions and their graduates have made to our country.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.

GEORGE W. BUSH

AAEA President Quoted in New York Times Magazine

AAEA President Norris McDonald is quoted on environmental justice in The New York Times Magazine (9-2-07) in an article entitled, "Not in Whose Backyard?"The article is written by Amanda Griscom Little, contributor to Outside magazine and Grist.org. She is writing a book about energy in the United States.

The African American Environmentalist Association is promoting the passage of environmental justice legislation.

Message From Randy Gee - Cherokee Nation

Today is my last day at Cherokee Nation. Next month I will be starting an assignment at EPA Region 6. I want to say thank you to those I have worked with in the past. I will be at the Office of Environmental Justice and Tribal Affairs; I hope our paths will cross again.

Randy Gee
Cherokee Nation Environmental Programs
Phone (918) 453-5088 or (800) 259-5376, ext 5088
Fax (918) 458-5499
Cell Phone (918) 822-2788