Dear Hot Springs and Public Land Users & Supporters,
The Bush Administration and Congressional leaders are shamelessly exploiting Hurricane Katrina as the latest excuse to hand over the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to the oil industry.
Given the massive oil spills still devastating the Gulf Coast, it defies belief that our leaders are rushing headlong to hand over America's greatest wildlife sanctuary to the oil lobby.
Instead of making America more energy efficient -- the fastest way to meet our energy needs and avoid oil supply shocks -- they would sponsor yet another corporate raid on our natural heritage.
This cynical exploitation of a national tragedy has revealed, as nothing else could, the complete bankruptcy of President Bush's pro-polluter energy policies -- policies inspired by nineteenth-century oil barons.
Five years of coddling the oil industry has given us higher gas prices and left us more vulnerable than ever to oil shortages -- not to mention oil spills, air pollution, despoiled public lands, and catastrophic global warming.
You and I must not let the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge become the next preventable casualty of this president's failed policies.
Within the next few weeks, Congress will cast its make-or-break vote on a Budget Reconciliation Bill that would allow oil drilling in the Arctic Refuge. I urge you to pour your heart and soul into defeating that bill.
If you've alerted five friends to the urgency of this effort, mobilize five more:
http://www.nrdcactionfund.org/redfordarctic/tellafriend.asp
Make a donation so that the NRDC Action Fund can run ads mobilizing the public in key Congressional districts:
https://www.nrdcactionfund.org/arcticad/donate.asp
Write a personal, hand-written letter to your Representative:
http://www.nrdcactionfund.org/redfordarctic/arcticvoters.asp
Please do what it takes to win. Because all the beauty and wildness we've worked so hard to protect over the past 30 years could be lost in a single day.
We can win this fight, but only if we build overwhelming public pressure on Congress one person at a time. Thank you for joining with me to make it happen.
Sincerely,
Robert Redford
NRDC Action Fund
-There's no time like the present to start making a difference, our public lands are in urgent need of our support - or they will become lost to us forever. -Josh
National Parks for Sale! What the...
10.10.2005
House Resources Chairman Richard Pombo is at it again...
He is trying to use the threat of selling 15 National Parks in order to influence oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) (1).
This is the same guy who is currently trying to get rid of the Endangered Species Act!
This guy has a lot of money and power; oil and gas were the #1 industry contributor to Pombo's 2004 campaign, to the tune of $85,693 (2). He also has Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay backing him up, for example:
"I know that Chairman Pombo is committed to ensuring any final bill that reaches the floor has an ANWR provision ... I wholeheartedly supported his efforts in the past and will do so again this year." (3)
In his career, DeLay has received more money from the oil and gas industry than any other industry, totaling $589,900. (4)
Thanks to aggressive corporate lobbying, the false choice between selling our national parks and spoiling the Arctic Refuge is what passes for energy policy in some Washington circles these days.
Instead of fighting for hard-working Americans who need relief at the pump, Mr. Pombo and his allies are fighting to help Exxon get its hands on public resources -- pristine lands that you and I own -- so the mammoth corporation can boost its massive profits by a few million more.
That's not a national energy policy. That's a joke. So, why aren't our leaders fighting for real energy solutions, like improved gas mileage, that will actually lower gas expenses for our families, while protecting our air, land, water and wildlife?
Ask them yourself. Call your senators and representatives:
Let them know Pombo's deceptive tactics aren't working!
http://callcongress.wildlifepromise.com
References:
(1) http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050924/ap_on_re_us/arctic_refuge
(2) http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/summary.asp?cid=N00007516&cycle=2004
(3) http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=43228
(4) http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/allindus.asp?CID=N00005892
He is trying to use the threat of selling 15 National Parks in order to influence oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) (1).
This is the same guy who is currently trying to get rid of the Endangered Species Act!
This guy has a lot of money and power; oil and gas were the #1 industry contributor to Pombo's 2004 campaign, to the tune of $85,693 (2). He also has Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay backing him up, for example:
"I know that Chairman Pombo is committed to ensuring any final bill that reaches the floor has an ANWR provision ... I wholeheartedly supported his efforts in the past and will do so again this year." (3)
In his career, DeLay has received more money from the oil and gas industry than any other industry, totaling $589,900. (4)
Thanks to aggressive corporate lobbying, the false choice between selling our national parks and spoiling the Arctic Refuge is what passes for energy policy in some Washington circles these days.
Instead of fighting for hard-working Americans who need relief at the pump, Mr. Pombo and his allies are fighting to help Exxon get its hands on public resources -- pristine lands that you and I own -- so the mammoth corporation can boost its massive profits by a few million more.
That's not a national energy policy. That's a joke. So, why aren't our leaders fighting for real energy solutions, like improved gas mileage, that will actually lower gas expenses for our families, while protecting our air, land, water and wildlife?
Ask them yourself. Call your senators and representatives:
Let them know Pombo's deceptive tactics aren't working!
http://callcongress.wildlifepromise.com
References:
(1) http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050924/ap_on_re_us/arctic_refuge
(2) http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/summary.asp?cid=N00007516&cycle=2004
(3) http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=43228
(4) http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/allindus.asp?CID=N00005892
48 Hour Action Alert - The Fate of Our Clean Air will be Decided in 48 Hours!
10.05.2005
Important Update from SaveOurEnvironment.org
Last month Hurricane Katrina ripped through Louisiana and Mississippi, killing hundreds of Americans and destroying thousands of homes and lives. This devastating natural disaster also exposed a serious underlying problem -- America is far too dependent on oil. As the cost of fuel continues to skyrocket, some members of Congress have exploited this tragedy by compiling an oil industry wish-list of environmental rollbacks and calling it an emergency energy bill.
But this bill would do nothing to solve our energy problems or help consumers cope with rising energy costs. The House of Representatives will vote on this "No Relief" bill in just 48 hours. Please don't wait- click here to send a free message to your Representative urging him or her to reject this bill!
In a time of crisis, American families should be protected, not exploited and exposed to further risks. This bill uses the recent natural disasters as a pretext to advance a longstanding industry agenda to roll back key Clean Air Act protections.
The consequences would be devastating in communities across the country: more asthma attacks, more heart attacks, and other serious health problems from millions of additional tons of air pollution. The bill also contains new handouts to the oil industry, even as oil companies are reporting record profits, and it actually weakens enforcement provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act by limiting penalties for price gouging.
We have no time to spare - this bill will be voted on in the house this Friday, October 7! Please click here now to send your message to your Representative today.
Fight for the Endangered Species Act with the Sierra Club
Congressman Pombo has recently tried to spin his efforts as ones to improve the Endangered Species Act. However, a close look at Congressman Pombo's legislation shows that his bill would turn back over 30 years of successful stewardship efforts and cripple the ability of Americans to safeguard the nation's fish, wildlife and special places. It is our responsibility to leave for future generations a natural heritage richer than the one we have enjoyed. Congressman Pombo's bill would rob American children of their birthright of abundant fish and wildlife populations. The Senate is poised to take up similar legislation in the coming months. Please oppose this harmful legislation and work to protect all of America's fish and wildlife.
Take Even More Action with the Sierra Club Against the Pombo Extinction Bill
Last month Hurricane Katrina ripped through Louisiana and Mississippi, killing hundreds of Americans and destroying thousands of homes and lives. This devastating natural disaster also exposed a serious underlying problem -- America is far too dependent on oil. As the cost of fuel continues to skyrocket, some members of Congress have exploited this tragedy by compiling an oil industry wish-list of environmental rollbacks and calling it an emergency energy bill.
But this bill would do nothing to solve our energy problems or help consumers cope with rising energy costs. The House of Representatives will vote on this "No Relief" bill in just 48 hours. Please don't wait- click here to send a free message to your Representative urging him or her to reject this bill!
In a time of crisis, American families should be protected, not exploited and exposed to further risks. This bill uses the recent natural disasters as a pretext to advance a longstanding industry agenda to roll back key Clean Air Act protections.
The consequences would be devastating in communities across the country: more asthma attacks, more heart attacks, and other serious health problems from millions of additional tons of air pollution. The bill also contains new handouts to the oil industry, even as oil companies are reporting record profits, and it actually weakens enforcement provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act by limiting penalties for price gouging.
We have no time to spare - this bill will be voted on in the house this Friday, October 7! Please click here now to send your message to your Representative today.
Fight for the Endangered Species Act with the Sierra Club
Congressman Pombo has recently tried to spin his efforts as ones to improve the Endangered Species Act. However, a close look at Congressman Pombo's legislation shows that his bill would turn back over 30 years of successful stewardship efforts and cripple the ability of Americans to safeguard the nation's fish, wildlife and special places. It is our responsibility to leave for future generations a natural heritage richer than the one we have enjoyed. Congressman Pombo's bill would rob American children of their birthright of abundant fish and wildlife populations. The Senate is poised to take up similar legislation in the coming months. Please oppose this harmful legislation and work to protect all of America's fish and wildlife.
Take Even More Action with the Sierra Club Against the Pombo Extinction Bill
New Picture Addition, Action Alert & Extinction Bill Update
10.04.2005
New Picture Added to Shower Bath Hot Springs in Idaho
I was revisiting past trips and came across this picture of Shower Bath Hot Springs in Idaho. I liked this pic in particular because you can actually see the pool located at the base of the geothermal outflow.
Shower Bath Hot Springs
Important Action Alert - Now is your chance to make a difference!
The House of Representatives is moving two new energy bills that would exploit our national tragedy in order to fulfill the fondest dreams of the oil giants: to drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge . . . to plunder America's coastal waters . . . and to evade pollution controls on their smog-spewing refineries.
Tell your Representative to vote NO on these shameless giveaways to the oil lobby!
Extinction Bill Update from Katelyn of SaveOurEnvironment.org
Dear Josh & Hot Springs Enthusiasts,
Last week we told you that some members of Congress were attempting to cut the heart out of the Endangered Species Act by decreasing protections for our endangered species and severely weakening the law's vital safeguards. Thank you again for speaking out on behalf our endangered species. Unfortunately, despite all of our best efforts, on September 29, the Pombo Wildlife Extinction bill was passed by a vote of 229 to 193 in the House of Representatives.
This vote is a setback, but the fight to protect our endangered species is far from over. Next, this bill will move to the Senate where we expect yet another tough fight and close vote. We hope that we can count on your support as we continue this battle to protect bald eagles, grizzly bears, Florida manatees and other endangered animals and plants.
The Endangered Species Act is a safety net for our nation'’s most vulnerable species on the brink of extinction. This landmark legislation has successfully protected hundreds of vulnerable species. Representative Pombo'’s bill would cut large holes in this safety net and significantly weaken protections for our nation'’s fish, plants, wildlife, and the places they call home.
The cynically named "“Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery Act" is an absolute nightmare for threatened and endangered species. One provision would end the protection of critical habitat necessary for the survival and recovery of animals and plants. Another provision states that taxpayers must pay developers to comply with the
Endangered Species Act, setting up a dangerous precedent of paying people not to break the law.
We a’re not about to stop fighting now. We have strong allies in the Senate, and we're working with them to ensure that this extinction bill does not become law. SaveOurEnvironment.org will continue to keep you informed about what you can do to protect our endangered species.
Thank you for all that you do to protect our endangered species.
Katelyn Sabochik
Online Campaign Manager
info@saveourenvironment.org
Happy Soaking!
-Josh (The Hot Springs Guy)
I was revisiting past trips and came across this picture of Shower Bath Hot Springs in Idaho. I liked this pic in particular because you can actually see the pool located at the base of the geothermal outflow.
Shower Bath Hot Springs
Important Action Alert - Now is your chance to make a difference!
The House of Representatives is moving two new energy bills that would exploit our national tragedy in order to fulfill the fondest dreams of the oil giants: to drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge . . . to plunder America's coastal waters . . . and to evade pollution controls on their smog-spewing refineries.
Tell your Representative to vote NO on these shameless giveaways to the oil lobby!
Extinction Bill Update from Katelyn of SaveOurEnvironment.org
Dear Josh & Hot Springs Enthusiasts,
Last week we told you that some members of Congress were attempting to cut the heart out of the Endangered Species Act by decreasing protections for our endangered species and severely weakening the law's vital safeguards. Thank you again for speaking out on behalf our endangered species. Unfortunately, despite all of our best efforts, on September 29, the Pombo Wildlife Extinction bill was passed by a vote of 229 to 193 in the House of Representatives.
This vote is a setback, but the fight to protect our endangered species is far from over. Next, this bill will move to the Senate where we expect yet another tough fight and close vote. We hope that we can count on your support as we continue this battle to protect bald eagles, grizzly bears, Florida manatees and other endangered animals and plants.
The Endangered Species Act is a safety net for our nation'’s most vulnerable species on the brink of extinction. This landmark legislation has successfully protected hundreds of vulnerable species. Representative Pombo'’s bill would cut large holes in this safety net and significantly weaken protections for our nation'’s fish, plants, wildlife, and the places they call home.
The cynically named "“Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery Act" is an absolute nightmare for threatened and endangered species. One provision would end the protection of critical habitat necessary for the survival and recovery of animals and plants. Another provision states that taxpayers must pay developers to comply with the
Endangered Species Act, setting up a dangerous precedent of paying people not to break the law.
We a’re not about to stop fighting now. We have strong allies in the Senate, and we're working with them to ensure that this extinction bill does not become law. SaveOurEnvironment.org will continue to keep you informed about what you can do to protect our endangered species.
Thank you for all that you do to protect our endangered species.
Katelyn Sabochik
Online Campaign Manager
info@saveourenvironment.org
Happy Soaking!
-Josh (The Hot Springs Guy)
Molly's Tubs & Vulcan Hot Springs in Idaho Revisited
10.02.2005
Vulcan Hot Springs 10.01.05
http://www.idahohotsprings.com/destinations/vulcan/index.htm
Hot Dam!
Very nice indeed. Instead of 2 or 3 smaller soaking opportunities that often yielded mixed results we discovered that there is now 1, and it delivers! The large, log-dammed pool was a perfect 103°; excellent for toasty prolonged soaking. On our way in we passed a couple and their dogs (running wild off-leash) and a group of 3 on a 4-wheeler that just barley fit on the trail - all on their way back out. Everyone was cordial, and we found out that they were the ones camping near the trailhead. I was primarily stoked that we were able to enjoy Vulcan properly before the late afternoon storm picked up steam and chased us off.
Rating A+
Molly's Tubs Hot Springs 10.01.05
http://www.idahohotsprings.com/destinations/mollys_tubs/index.htm
Hotpotting Couple Bart & Elayne @ the 'Tubs'
http://www.idahohotsprings.com/destinations/vulcan/index.htm
Hot Dam!
Very nice indeed. Instead of 2 or 3 smaller soaking opportunities that often yielded mixed results we discovered that there is now 1, and it delivers! The large, log-dammed pool was a perfect 103°; excellent for toasty prolonged soaking. On our way in we passed a couple and their dogs (running wild off-leash) and a group of 3 on a 4-wheeler that just barley fit on the trail - all on their way back out. Everyone was cordial, and we found out that they were the ones camping near the trailhead. I was primarily stoked that we were able to enjoy Vulcan properly before the late afternoon storm picked up steam and chased us off.
Rating A+
Molly's Tubs Hot Springs 10.01.05
http://www.idahohotsprings.com/destinations/mollys_tubs/index.htm
Hotpotting Couple Bart & Elayne @ the 'Tubs'
Molly's Tubs are looking quite good these days; the condition of the tubs have improved since my last visit. For some reason, despite all of the other nearby soaking ops, Molly's Tubs remains one of the most popular soaks in the area. There were two ladies and one of their children enjoying a couple hot tubs upon our arrival. This place is usually jam-packed with high-end SUVs, cars etc. I think it's become somewhat 'trendy' to soak in the tubs of late.
Rating: B
Rating: B
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