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This week Bob Woodward and the Focus Earth team take a close look at changing environmental politics in Washington. From arguments for an auto industry bailout to the competition for the position of Energy and Commerce Chairman, prospects for America's future energy policies to the battle between U.S. Navy sonar and whales, this episode of Focus Earth highlights the latest in green politics. Then, we travel to Boulder, Colorado, to look at an innovative new electric grid design.
First, Chris Bury and Bob Woodward look at a recent push to extend the financial bailout to suffering American automakers. Focus Earth reports that Barack Obama has met with President George Bush to discuss such an expansion of the government plan. Some believe that such action could act as a catalyst for development of green transportation technologies while providing Detroit industry the boost it needs.
Meanwhile, a race is on in Washington. Though the election is over, much of Barack Obama's administration remains undecided. Focus Earth looks at the competition between Henry Waxman and John Dingell for the position of Energy and Commerce Chairman.
Elsewhere in Washington, the Supreme Court has ended years of court battles between the U.S. Navy and environmental groups. The argument has been over the testing of sonar systems off the California coast, a practice that has been shown to confuse whales and of causing deadly stranding and beaching. This battle, however, is one that environmentalists have lost by the Supreme Court's ruling that U.S. national security comes before the health of marine life.
At the same time, all eyes are on the future and the exciting possibilities the next administration holds for environmental policy. For the first time in history U.S. energy and economic policy are coming together with concerns over climate issues on a presidential agenda. Bill Blackmore reports on the possibilities this may hold for the country's energy future, while Dan Weiss, senior fellow and director of climate strategy at the Center for American Progress, takes a look at how the new administration is preparing to tackle climate change.
Finally, Focus Earth travels to Boulder, Colorado, where a new energy grid system is being tested. The innovative system allows consumers to select the source of their power and choose when they want to use electricity. The system claims to be a solution to problems of limited energy and an aid in the fight against global warming. Focus Earth is on the scene to find out.
Checkout the Planet Green Schedule to see these stories and more on Focus Earth.
Don't miss Focus on Focus Earth: Navy Wins, Whales Lose? and Focus on Focus Earth: Race for Energy and Commerce Chairman.
Read more about politics and the whale dilemma:
Barack Obama Faces Environmental Clean Up After Two Centuries of Bingeing: Bill McKibben
Write Your Congressman—Make a Positive Eco Impact
Get Local Politicians to Go Green
Green Glossary: Whaling
Watch Whale Wars on November 7!
The TH Interview: Anti-Whaling Warrior, Captain Paul Watson
Whales 0, Navy 1: Court Rules In Favor of Lifting Restrictions on Harmful Sonar Use
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