January 8, 2015

Keystone, climate change and the US economy: the truth behind the myths

Six-plus years of robust debate has led to plenty of speculation about the perceived benefits of the pipeline – some of which are drastically overstated

America has 2.5m miles of oil and gas pipelines. But none of those pipelines are anywhere near as contentious as the Keystone XL, which would transport tar sands crude oil from Canada to refineries on the US gulf coast. Over the past six-plus years, Keystone has become a stand-in for a broader debate about climate change. It’s also the subject of much myth-making about climate change and the economy. Below, a look at some of the most prominent of those myths, and the truth behind them.

Myth #1: Keystone XL won’t contribute to climate change
The State Department said the pipeline would not have a significant impact on development of the tar sands or crude oil demand – and so would not have much impact on climate change. But even the State Department’s own analysis found found the pipeline, once operational, would cause the equivalent emissions of 300,000 cars a year, and it noted that tar sands were 17% more carbon intensive than the average barrel of US crude oil. Subsequent analyses by the Congressional Research Service have found tar sands up to 20% more carbon intensive than the average barrel of crude.

Myth #2: Keystone will create thousands of jobs
The American Petroleum Institute lobby group claimed in 2009 that Keystone would create up to 343,000 new US jobs over a four-year period, based on demand for new goods and services, and add up to $34bn to the US economy in 2015. However, the non-partisan Congressional Research Service found those estimates were based on an internal study that had not been subject to review. The State Department in its analysis found Keystone would create about 42,000 direct and indirect temporary construction jobs, and about 50 permanent jobs once construction is finished.

More: http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jan/06/keystone-xl-pipeline-climate-change-us-economy-truth-behind-myths?utm_source=Daily+Carbon+Briefing&utm_campaign=64b48948b3-cb_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_876aab4fd7-64b48948b3-303441369



The endless debate over the benefits of these pipes has outgrown the proposed Keystone pipeline itself. Photograph: Sue Ogrocki/AP

January 8, 2015

Vietnam Abolishes Same-Sex Marriage Ban, Taking Lead in Gay Rights

The revised law, while not officially recognizing same-sex marriage, places the communist country at the forefront of countries in Asia becoming more accepting of gay people. The National Assembly’s move is expected to attract more lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender travelers and boost Vietnam’s $9 billion tourism industry.

“This makes Vietnam a leader in Asia,” Jamie Gillen, a researcher of culture geography at National University of Singapore, said by phone. “Singapore just reaffirmed its ban on homosexual behaviors. Vietnam is trying to pitch itself as a tolerant and safe country.”

Vietnam’s new marriage law, which went into effect New Year’s Day, abolished regulations that “prohibit marriage between people of the same sex.”

Same-sex marriages can now take place, though the government does not recognize them or provide legal protections in cases of disputes. The government abolished fines that were imposed on homosexual weddings in 2013.

No other country in Southeast Asia has taken as big a step toward accepting same-sex marriage as Vietnam, Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said by phone.


http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2015-01-07/gay-weddings-planned-as-vietnam-marriage-law-is-repealed.html



This picture taken on Aug. 3, 2014 shows some same-sex couples sitting in the compound of the American Club, the venue of the annual Vietnam Pride Parade party, in Hanoi.
Photographer: Hoang Dinh Nam/AFP/Getty Images

January 3, 2015

Women veterans can now purchase newly designed license plates in Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Women veterans can now purchase license plates in Minnesota honoring their service.

The newly designed Women Veterans' License Plate bears the inscription "Woman Veteran." They are the first veterans plates in Minnesota that specifically refer to women who have served in the military.

The bill's author, state Sen. Alice Johnson, says the license plate is "a small way Minnesota can recognize, thank and honor" female veterans.

A group of women veterans will gather at the Town Square DMV in St. Paul on Friday to purchase the first plates. Any woman wanting a plate should bring her discharge papers to the DMV and request a Women Veterans plate. Motorcycle and disabled plates also are available.

Estimated costs for the application and fees are $20.

(no more at link)
http://www.startribune.com/local/287319581.html