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Sprouts & Snippets

GE Grass Pollen Drift Measured

Pollen from genetically engineered (GE) grass plants can drift up to 13 miles, according to a new study published by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS). The study tested pollen drift from a GE bentgrass (used on many golf courses) developed by Monsanto and Scotts to resist an herbicide. An earlier, one-tenth of an acre “testette” by the companies suggested the pollen would drift 1,400 feet, but the 400-acre test published by the NAS confirmed the GE pollen drifted for miles. Critics warn that such movement of GE pollen could create superweeds, displace native species and threaten organic crop purity.

The State of Renewables

The solar industry is booming, growing 30 percent per year according to the Solar Industries Association. In the absence of strong federal incentives, states are promoting renewable options. For example, the New York State Public Service Commission adopted a new policy in September, requiring 25 percent of the state’s electricity be supplied from renewable energy sources by 2013. The new program will include incentives for both large facilities that draw on wind, biomass and ocean or tidal wave energy sources, and small-scale fuel cells, solar electric systems and wind turbines.

EVs Return Home to Norway

Ford has shipped its fleet of Th!nk electric vehicles (EV) back to Norway instead of crushing them, thanks to the efforts of environmental organizations including Global Exchange, Greenpeace and Rainforest Action Network. The auto manufacturer planned to destroy the 300 fully functional, Norwegian-produced cars last summer, quoting a U.S. government requirement, when the groups began holding simultaneous protests at the company’s European and U.S. headquarters. Torhild Skogsholm, Norway’s transportation minister, who made a direct appeal to Ford, says a great demand exists for the cars in Norway, where “they can contribute to cleaner air and less pollution in our cities.”

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