An inane Earth Day statement by gwb...he's done his research.

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

snip from Earth Day speech in TN yesterday:

I remember traveling with Lamar down here one time and he said, I want you to understand and I want you to pay attention to the ozone levels in the Smokies. And so I did a little research and I'm proud to report since 2000, the ozone levels have dropped -- but there is more to be done to make sure the Smoky Mountains and the Smoky Mountain National Park is as beautiful as possible.

snip> So gwb is now an evironmental academic, researching ozone levels....whatever. Enjoy your day, all! MKJ

[hatrack]

1. Yes, I'm sure he's phoning NOAA each morning, checking ozone levels

:eyes:

[Lisa]

12. I'm sure he's constantly fretting about NOx and VOCs ...

Why, just the other day he was going on about photochemical reactions and ozone precursors ... and don't get him started on PM2.5 (fine particulates).

NOT!

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

14. LMAO,...just like the statements about stem cell research..

All of sudden Laura and gwb became neuro-bioethicists as well as reproductive endocrinologists and neo/peri natologists...

Academic, scientific research is to the WH as Mozart is to chopsticks. MKJ

[MoonRiver]

2. Isn't it a BAD thing if ozone levels drop?

As in holes in the ozone layer contributing to global warming?
:shrug:

[hatrack]

3. We're talking about ground-level ozone, which destroys lung tissue

Two very different things.

[MoonRiver]

6. Oh, OK.

[Lisa]

13. same chemical, different places in the atmosphere ...

So it's easy to get mixed up.

The EPA even has a new information jingle they made up: "Good up high, bad nearby".


The ozone layer, actually, is so high up (in the stratosphere, past 20 km) that it doesn't have much of an impact on surface temperatures. Most of the gases are in the lower part of the atmosphere, that's so that's where most of the greenhouse effect happens. And ozone isn't as good at holding in the heat escaping from the earth (though it's excellent for absorbing those pesky ultraviolet rays coming down from the sun).

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

5. Thanks for bringing that up...I thought the same thing, but, since

unlike gwb,:sarcasm: I'm not an atmospheric expert, I didn't want to remark on it.

If you're right, that doubles the inanity level of her comment. MKJ

[barbaraann]

4. Probably because ozone was crowded out by other pollutants.

Whatever the reality is, I'm certain the air isn't better.

[IowaGuy]

10. Actually air quality has improved....

generally speaking all over the country, ever since the CAA was enacted (signed by Nixon, oddly enough). Seems a little silly for * to be taking credit, but I guess that was the boys assigned task for the day..to be a prop for the obligatory Earth Day photo op...

There are some hot-spots and problem areas, relating to ozone and odors from animal confinement...but this overall improvement are reasons to applaud the wisdom of the CAA enactment and continued improvement, not roll it back as the repukes wish.

Their basic claims against environmental regulation generally boil down to either "bad science" or " economically devastating to our economy". If you look at the trajectory of actual improvements to the environment and economy since the enactment of the CAA, it doesn't take an Einstein to see the hollowness and the fallacy in those arguments.

On a slightly different tangent, I always have to deal w/ acid reflux when some member of the Republican party (a coalition of religious wackos and the flat earth society) start spouting off about "bad science"

[tanyev]

7. Did he do his own research on the internets?

Report him to Tom DeLay!

[hatrack]

8. Good God, the fiendish cunning of the man!!!

How DARE he utilize the Internets!!!!!!!!!!!

[Toots]

9. Aren't they trying to open up strip mining there?

Maybe that is what he means by making it more beautiful. Money is the prettiest thing they ever saw.

[Salviati]

11. Here's a hint for ya W...

sitting on the couch playing SimEarth does not constitute "research"