AM Greenlist: Fight for state parks, raw milk and black abalone
>> California State Parks Foundation protests Schwarzenegger's proposed budget cuts for parks, vowing to fight to avoid any park closures. The foundation, a statewide pro-parks organization, notes that the governor's proposal would close 48 state parks and reduce lifeguard staffing at 16 state beaches.
>> If Schwarzenegger's proposed cuts go through, Will Rogers State Historic Park and Topanga State Park could close. Will Rogers' family vows to fight the cuts.
>> Nominate your favorite new environmental book for Santa Monica Public Library's second annual Green Prize for Sustainable Literature. Sponsored by the city of Santa Monica’s Environmental Programs Division and the Santa Monica Public Library, the awards will honor one book in each of these categories: adult fiction, adult nonfiction, youth fiction and youth nonfiction.
>> Connect with local greenies via the Sustainable Santa Monica Networking Site, created to "encourage community members to connect with others working toward a sustainable Santa Monica." You can create a profile, then take part in a community that shares local green ideas.
>> The battle for Cali raw milk rages on. After an outcry regarding the anti-raw milk legislation passed in October, “emergency legislation” is being drawn up to change or eliminate the rule. A hearing on the legislation is tentatively scheduled for noon Wednesday, Jan. 16, in Sacramento. (via Ethicurean) Earlier: Raw milk advocates fight back.
>> Black abalone could join the endangered species list, pending the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service's final decision a year from now. Hunting black abalone is already illegal in California, but a listing could mean federal money to protect the species and a crackdown on industry pollution of water. The Mojave lizard is being considered for the list too.
>> Following China's lead, Australia moves to ban plastic bag use in supermarkets. (via Grist) However, while Australian Environment Minister Peter Garrett says he wants plastic bags to be phased out by the end of the year, details for how to make this happen remain unclear. L.A. still hasn't enacted a similar ban.
Photo by Judith Bradbury via Flickr
