Top 10 Green Stories of 2008

Grist.org. Posted January 1, 2009.

In a move that one environmental consultant called "the biggest reversal of conservation and protection in the history of this country," Congress allowed a 27-year-old ban on offshore drilling to expire in October. The action -- or inaction, to be more accurate -- opened more than 600 million acres of coastal waters to leasing and could allow drilling as close as three miles to shore. In order to fully untake uneffect, the unban had to be accompanied by the repeal of an executive ban first signed by George H. W. Bush, a step George W. Bush was only too happy to take. In the face of high gas prices, intense oil-industry lobbying, and public pressure from John McCain and Newt Gingrich, the traditionally bipartisan ban stood little chance of surviving. However, fans of slick-free seas take some small hope that the ban might be re-un-lifted; President-elect Barack Obama recently said he was "not thrilled with it simply lapsing without ... thought to what we need to do to achieve energy independence."

Greenliness is next to jobliness

Everyone talks green jobs

 

You couldn't spit this year without hitting a green-jobs advocate (which is better than hitting a green-jobs applicant -- that would just be cruel). The ubiquitous Van Jones talked up the topic all year, motivating listeners at events like Good Jobs, Green Jobs, The Dream Reborn, and Netroots Nation. Presidential contenders tossed out jobby soundbites while more and more pols (and enviro groups) discussed a green-leaning economic stimulus package -- which will be, said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, "the first order of business" in January when Congress reconvenes. And, last but not least, the House's most energetic advocate for green jobs and environmental justice, Rep. Hilda Solis, was nominated by Obama to be secretary of labor.

Transit highs and lows

Gas prices seesaw and Americans drive less

 

The rise and fall of gas prices was more than a news story this year, it was a national rollercoaster ride. Thanks to record-high prices -- at one point, oil hit $147 a barrel and prices at the pump topped $4 a gallon -- Americans drove 100 billion fewer miles between November 2007 and October 2008, compared to the previous year. Traffic deaths were down 10 percent. Public transit ridership hit record highs. SUV sales plummeted, and automakers sped toward smaller cars -- while their execs sped to Congress to beg for a bailout. Dramatically lower gas prices in the fourth quarter weren't even enough to get American drivers on the road again. But hey, give 'em time.

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