ALEC Plots Extensive Campaign Against Environmental Regulation, Clean Energy
A secretive group known for authoring and pushing through right-wing laws is preparing a new campaign against renewable energy and environmental regulation. According to The Guardian, the American Legislative Exchange Council, ALEC, has prepared a number of model bills that include blocking President Obama from cutting emissions, slowing the Environmental Protection Agency, and weakening state policies promoting clean energy. One measure would charge homeowners fees for installing their own solar panels. The new energy bills follow ALEC’s sponsoring of at least 77 energy measures in 34 states last year.
7 in 10 College Students Graduating With Loan Debt
A new study says the number of U.S. college students graduating with loan debt is on the rise. According to the Project on Student Debt, 71 percent of students graduated with debt last year, up from 68 percent in 2008. The average debt load was $29,400, an increase of 6 percent every year. African-American students were most likely to graduate with heavy debt, with almost one-third owing at least $30,000.
Mexico Recovers Stolen Radioactive Container
Mexican authorities have ended a national health scare after recovering a truck carrying dangerous radioactive material. The truck held a sealed container of cobalt-60, a material used in radiotherapy. It was seized from a gas station near Mexico City while en route to a waste storage center. The cobalt-60 was found removed from its casing, meaning those who stole it are likely to die from exposure.