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Hey everyone, I'm officially in the building! This is the first entry of many more to come, read, enjoy, learn and comment.  Feel free to email questions or suggestions for future installments or even better Twitter me @Chelsgoesgreen. It has only been 13 weeks since Barack Obama was inaugurated as our 44th President. Obama seeks to turn the page on Bush's anti-science policy, being a science nerd this is music to my ears :-) Now scientific rigor will be included in environmental decision making  policy, unlike in the previous administration.  Here is a quick run down for all you who aren't familiar with Obama's new Environmental policies and initiatives.

Reduction of Carbon emissions by 80 percent 2050: Reduction of carbon emissions will impact everyone from large commercial industries and producer to you and me.  Billions will be invested in clean energy technologies and innovation, our electrical grid will be made more efficient, vehicles will be forced to be more energy efficient. All you driving scrapers out there might consider converting it into a biodiesel vehicle. Be the first one in the hood to drive a “Green” Scraper, how Fresh would that be!

Creation of a Green Job Corps: Green= Green ! Everyone looking for a career path should definitely look into Green Job training. I will provide resources for all you that may be interested soon!

Building of more liveable, healthy and sustainable communities: For all those that chose or have no other option but to take public transit; the Obama administration will be putting Billions into transit projects, in particular ones that promote efficiency. I take the BART, Bay Area Rapid Transit or subway, all the time and it would be great to have more trains and to extend the line throughout the whole Bay Area. In addition, eating sustainable, organic, and local foods will be encouraged. Not only is it better for the environment and supports a local economy but its healthier. Look forward to a entry on access to environmentally friendly foods in the near future.

Few of you may know but there are tons of VERY contaminated sites in the US. The Obama administration sets toclean up and track Brownfield sites, which are amongst the more contaminated.

Environmental Justice (EJ): Strengthening the EPAs EJ policy is one of the most exciting changes initiated by the new administration. Obama and his administration will help to insure that low income and underrepresented communities are represented in the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) long term planning. Think Katrina!  More info to come!

Make the US  the leader in Combating Climate Change around the World: Enough said!

Clean Air: Respiratory diseases as a result of pollution cause major health problems and deaths worldwide. The full strength of the Clean Air Act will be enforced. We all have the right to clean, healthy air. Remember that!

Clean Water: Drinking water standards will be reinvigorated, its sad to say but in some areas the tap water may not be as save as we think. Also industries polluting water  will be regulated at a greater rate and our precious lakes and oceans will get the love and care they deserve.

Land Preserving: Conservation of our natural resources is crucial to our lives and the lives of future generations. The new administration pledges to help ensure our forests, lakes, mountains, valleys, animal and plant life will be here for generations to come.

Further information at http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/issues/EnvironmentFactSheet.pdf

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