Recent Rail Explosions Prompt City Review of Proposed Crude Oil Transport
Natural Resources Defense Council
By Brant Olsen
Last week, city officials in Benicia, CA, required a detailed investigation into Valero's proposed crude-by-rail terminal. The decision is a setback for Valero, which had hoped to begin construction next month, and a victory for residents concerned about the potential health, safety and environmental risks associated with the project.
Lac Megantique crude oil train crash site, July 2013
Valero wants to run two fifty-car trains per day through the bay-front community. Residents are concerned about the risk of accidents like the explosion that killed 47 last month in Lac Megantique, Quebec after a crude-filled train ran off the rails.
Residents are also concerned that the facility will bring in tar sands from Canada. Valero's Bill Day contends that "there's no such thing as dirty oil or clean oil," but recent experience shows that the sticky, heavy bitumen from Canada's tar sands presents special problems beyond those of conventional crude.
Three years after a ruptured pipeline spilled nearly a million gallons of diluted bitumen into Michigan's Kalamazoo River, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 162,000 gallons of the sticky, heavy goo will remain sunk into the riverbed permanently. Due to this unique composition, refining bitumen from the tar sands can also release more heavy metals and other toxic emissions into the air than conventional crude.
City officials made the right call when they decided to conduct a full investigation into Valero's new rail terminal. Now Valero needs to come clean on whether the new facility will bring in dirty oil from Canada's tar sands.
Visit EcoWatch’s TAR SANDS page for more related news on this topic.
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A meteorologist monitors weather in NOAA's Center for Weather and Climate Prediction on July 2, 2013 in Riverdale, Maryland. Mark Wilson / Getty Images
The Trump White House is now set to appoint two climate deniers to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in one month.
<p>First, <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/david-legates-noaa-2647660690.html" target="_self">David Legates</a>, a University of Delaware professor who has questioned the scientific consensus that human activity drives the <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/climate-change/" target="_self">climate crisis</a> and has argued carbon dioxide emissions are actually beneficial, was named deputy assistant secretary of commerce for environmental observation. Now, the Trump administration is in the process of appointing meteorologist Ryan Maue to serve as the agency's chief scientist, two NOAA officials confirmed to <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2020/09/21/noaa-chief-scientist-maue/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Washington Post Monday</a>. Maue, who runs the site <a href="http://weathermodels.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">weathermodels.com</a>, does accept that the burning of greenhouse gases is impacting the global climate. However, he has spoken out against worst-case-scenario climate predictions and criticized activists for using <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/extreme-weather" target="_self">extreme weather</a> events to argue for reducing the burning of <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/fossil-fuels" target="_self">fossil fuels</a>.</p>
<p>"For the second time this month, a person who misrepresents, distorts, and disagrees with climate science is being placed in a science position at NOAA," professor <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/katharine-hayhoe-climate-change-2550366098.html" target="_self">Katharine Hayhoe</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KHayhoe/status/1308235952381362178" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">tweeted</a> in response to the news.</p><p>Maue previously served as an adjunct scholar with the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank that questioned mainstream climate science, The Washington Post pointed out. He co-wrote an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal challenging the climate predictions of NASA scientist James Hansen, which have been supported by peer-reviewed studies. Most recently, he has lashed out against California Gov. Gavin Newsom and his supporters for linking the climate crisis to the state's <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/wildfires-california-washington-oregon-photos-2647585008.html" target="_self">record-breaking wildfire season</a>.</p><p>"Seems the Democrats have coordinated their efforts to use the devastating California fires as an opportunity to score political points in the upcoming election by blaming them solely on climate change (and Trump)," he wrote in a deleted tweet recovered by The Washington Post.</p>
<p>However, a number of studies have shown that changes to the climate are making the state's fires more frequent and more intense.</p><p>As chief scientist, Maue would influence NOAA's research agenda for oceanic and atmospheric science, as well as its scientific integrity policy. He still has to pass ethics and security reviews, but would not require Senate confirmation.</p><p>Other scientists questioned whether Maue had the credentials for the role.</p><p>"Normally, when people are chosen for high-profile positions relating to climate change, I've heard of them. I have no idea who this person is, other than I've seen him saying things about climate that are wrong on social media and in op-eds. I suspect that he has the one and only necessary qualification for the job: a willingness to advance the agenda of climate deniers," Texas A&M climate scientist Andrew Dessler <a href="https://twitter.com/AndrewDessler/status/1308241184234631168" target="_blank">tweeted</a> in reaction to Maue's likely appointment. "To me, this emphasizes how thin the climate deniers' bench is. I'm sure they'd prefer to have someone with actual credentials take the job, but this shows that credentialized experts who dispute mainstream climate science simply don't exist."</p>
<p>Maue told <a href="https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/09/climate-science-critic-be-chief-scientist-key-us-climate-research-agency" target="_blank">E&E News</a> he believes in "lukewarming."</p><p>"Lukewarming is not climate denial," Maue said. "Most of us on this side of the issue believe in lower climate sensitivity. We don't believe there's going to be 5° of warming; we figure it's at the lower end of 1.5°."</p><p>However, most scientists think the world could hit 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels within the next two decades and then continue to heat up.</p>
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A plastic bag caught in a tree in New Jersey's Palisades Park. James Leynse / Stone / Getty Images
New Jersey is one step closer to passing what environmental advocates say is the strongest anti-plastic legislation in the nation.
<p>The state Legislature passed a sweeping measure Thursday that would ban <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/plastic-bags" target="_self">plastic bags</a> from stores and restaurants and single-use food and drink containers made from polystyrene foam, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/25/nyregion/nj-paper-plastic-bag-ban.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The New York Times reported</a>. The ban is noteworthy for being the first in the country to include supermarket paper bags as well as plastic ones.</p>
<p>"This is the single most comprehensive plastics and paper reduction bill in the nation," former U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Administrator and <a href="https://beyondplastics.org/" target="_blank">Beyond Plastics</a> President Judith Enck said in a <a href="https://www.insidernj.com/press-release/environmental-leaders-cheer-nj-legislative-votes-pass-single-use-waste-ban-bill-legislation-now-strongest-country/" target="_blank">statement published by Insider NJ</a>. "Building on the success of local laws adopted throughout New Jersey to reduce plastic pollution, the NJ State Legislature listened to the people and not the polluters and embraced a sensible environmental strategy."</p><p>The bill now passes to Gov. Philip Murphy, who intends to sign it, a spokesperson told The New York Times. The bans on bags and containers will go into effect 18 months after he does so, <a href="https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/environment/2020/09/24/nj-plastic-bag-ban-2020-nj-one-step-away-nations-toughest-ban/3506419001/" target="_blank">NorthJersey.com reported</a>.</p>
<p>In addition to banning plastic and paper bags and plastic food containers, the bill will also limit <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/plastic-straws" target="_self">plastic straws</a> in restaurants so that they will only be available upon request. There are exemptions for newspaper bags; bags used for loose produce, fish or meat; dry-cleaning bags and prescription drug bags.</p><p>The measure effectively settles a long-running debate about whether plastic or paper bags are worse for the environment by banning both. Plastic bags account for about 12 percent of U.S. <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/plastic-pollution" target="_self">plastic pollution</a>, according to The New York Times. But paper bags need more energy, and therefore more <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/climate-change/" target="_self">climate</a> pollution, to make. <a href="https://www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey" target="_blank">New Jersey Sierra Club</a> Director Jeff Tittle said the new legislation would encourage people to use more sustainable, reusable shopping bags.</p>
<p>However, the ban on paper bags was also the key to getting an important supermarket trade group to support the bill, NorthJersey.com reported. The organization argued that it would cost stores too much to supply customers with only paper bags.</p><p>"The ban on paper bags is critically important to the success of this legislation," New Jersey Food Council President Linda Doherty said ahead of Thursday's vote. "Without a ban, consumers will simply move to paper single-use bags and we will not address the underlying goal of reducing our reliance on single-use products."</p><p>However, the food council originally opposed any sort of statewide bag ban, <a href="https://www.njspotlight.com/2020/09/sweeping-nj-bag-ban-plastic-paper-restricting-polystyrene-foam-food-containers/" target="_blank">NJ Spotlight News reported</a>. It changed its position after as many as 57 communities passed their own separate bans and it decided it would be easier to deal with a single, statewide law than a patchwork of local ones.</p>
<p>Not everyone has been persuaded, however. American Forest and Paper Association President and Chief Executive Heidi Brock said the bill unfairly targeted her industry.</p><p>"The New Jersey Legislature has undermined an environmentally responsible option for consumers," she said in a statement reported by The New York Times. "Furthermore, the ban on paper bags sends an alarming message in devaluing family wage jobs, which are often union labor, in addition to the indirect jobs supported by the paper and wood products industry in the state."</p>
<p>Republican Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi, meanwhile, argued that the bill would put an additional burden on a restaurant industry already struggling because of the <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/coronavirus" target="_self">coronavirus</a> pandemic.</p><p>"We're essentially kicking them in the head,'' she said, as NJ Spotlight News reported.</p><p>On the other hand, environmental advocates argued that plastic has long polluted New Jersey waterways. In recent years, more than 80 percent of the litter gathered on beaches by <a href="https://www.cleanoceanaction.org/index.php?id=334" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Clean Ocean Action</a> from Cape May to Sandy Hook has been plastic, NorthJersey.com reported. The material has even been found in some of the state's most pristine rivers and creeks.</p><p>"Now, we can all look forward to picking up less trash on our beaches," Clean Ocean Action executive director Cindy Zipf told NorthJersey.com. "There will be less plastics in the <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/ocean" target="_self">ocean</a> to cause harm and death to <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/marine-life" target="_self">marine life</a>."</p>
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Did you know that nearly 30% of adults do, or will, suffer from a sleep condition at some point in their life? Anyone who has experienced disruptions in their sleep is familiar with the havoc that it can wreak on your body and mind. Lack of sleep, for one, can lead to anxiety and lethargy in the short-term. In the long-term, sleep deprivation can lead to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Fortunately, there are proven natural supplements that can reduce insomnia and improve quality sleep for the better. CBD oil, in particular, has been scientifically proven to promote relaxing and fulfilling sleep. Best of all, CBD is non-addictive, widely available, and affordable for just about everyone to enjoy. For these very reasons, we have put together a comprehensive guide on the best CBD oil for sleep. Our goal is to provide objective, transparent information about CBD products so you are an informed buyer.
<h2>Overview of Top CBD Oils for Sleep</h2><p>Through our rigorous vetting process, we were able to narrow our choices down to 5 top picks:</p><ol><li><strong><a href="http://md.trkclkss.online" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">CBDMD</a> </strong>- Top Pick & Best Value</li><li><strong><a href="http://fx.trkclkss.online" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">CBDFX</a> </strong>- Best Full Spectrum</li><li><a href="http://nu.trkclkss.online" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>Nuleaf Naturals</strong></a> - Best Organic</li><li><strong><a href="http://jy.trkclkss.online" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Joy Organics</a> </strong>- Best Taste</li><li><a href="http://dm.trkclkss.online" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>Diamond CBD</strong></a> - Most Variety</li></ol><p>Each of these products has been handpicked by our editorial team after extensive research. </p><h2>How Did We Make This List?</h2><p>Many reviews of CBD products fail to take an objective approach. </p><p>To make this list, we <strong>examined over 5,000 reviews </strong>on both brand websites and consumer reports. In addition, we <strong>personally tested more than 15 brands of CBD oils </strong>and vetted the integrity of each company, including their track record, histories, and practices. </p><p>It is our goal to make sure you have the most objective information possible.</p><h2>CBD for Sleep: 5 Top Rated Brands</h2><h2>1. <a href="http://md.trkclkss.online" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">CBDMD</a> - Best Value</h2>
<a href="http://md.trkclkss.online" target="_blank"><img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQzOTU4My9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYwOTk0NTM0N30.0xzUAjqrallHYgr3HzW2I5y-wIB1pX_ee6fvfU7V3pE/img.jpg?width=980" id="9d35f" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c409cf9c3a42635048879f261a032647" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /></a><p>First on our list is the best value CBD oil, CBDmd. Founded in 2016 by Martin Sumichrast and Scott Coffman, CBDmd is based out of North Carolina. CBDmd has won our pick for the best overall brand for CBD oil for sleep due to its unique blends suited for relaxation and affordable prices.</p><p>CBDmd currently has 11 different products that can be used to promote better sleep. Nine are tincture blends and the other two are soft gel blends. Tinctures can be bought in 300 mg - 7500 mg bottles and soft gels can be bought in 500 mg and 1000 mg quantities. All products are vegan-friendly and made from non-GMO hemp. Their products are also free from THC. </p><p>The bottles come in many refreshing flavors with eye droppers included. All CBD products are made through a sophisticated ethanol extraction method called "flash chromatography." Aside from CBD, CBDmd's products contain a wide range of essential oils such as lemon balm extract and chamomile flower extract.</p><p>Lastly, all CBDmd products go through extensive third-party testing for quality. They also have a generous 60-day 100% money-back guarantee. </p><p><strong>Product and Brand Highlights</strong></p><ul><li>Organic Broad Spectrum CBD</li><li>High-tech ethanol extraction leaves very little residue</li><li>Fair prices</li><li>Locally sourced hemp</li><li>Refreshing flavors for sleep aid products</li><li>Oil tincture and soft gel blends available</li></ul><p><strong>Hemp Source</strong></p><ul><li>USA</li></ul><p><strong>Extraction Method</strong></p><ul><li>Flash chromatography hydrocarbon extraction</li></ul><p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p><ul><li>Hemp Extract (Cannabidiol, Cannabigerol, Cannabinol), MCT Oil, Flavoring</li></ul><p><strong>Size</strong></p><ul><li>300 mg</li><li>750 mg</li><li>1500 mg</li><li>3000 mg</li><li>5000 mg</li><li>7500 mg</li></ul><p><strong>Flavors</strong></p><ul><li>Natural, Orange, Mint, Berry</li></ul><p><strong>Lab Results</strong></p><ul><li>50 mg CBD per mL (1500 mg tincture)</li><li>No THC (<0.0 mg/mL)</li></ul><p><strong>Shipping Policy</strong></p><ul><li>Free shipping to all US states for orders greater than $80. $4.95 flat shipping on all other orders. </li></ul><p><strong>Refund Policies</strong></p><ul><li>100% 60-day money-back guarantee.</li></ul><p><strong>Coupons</strong></p><ul><li>BLISS (20% off all online purchases)</li></ul><p><strong>Price</strong></p><ul><li>CBDmd has very affordable prices. Their CBD sleep products cost $0.09 per mg.</li></ul><p><strong>Overview:</strong></p><p>CBDmd has some of the best CBD products for sleep that you can find. They use an extremely sophisticated extraction process that creates high-quality blends but they still manage to have competitive prices. They also offer soft gel blends which are a nice change of pace from oil blends. Lastly, their sleep aids contain natural melatonin which makes them even more effective.</p><p><a href="http://md.trkclkss.online" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>Visit CBDMD to buy their CBD Oil</strong></a></p><h2>2. <a href="http://fx.trkclkss.online" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">CBDFX</a> - Best Full Spectrum</h2>
<a href="http://fx.trkclkss.online" target="_blank"><img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQzOTU5Mi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0MTAyODg0MX0.Kco0oU7SyRNXO84kXZAcYzskXEAeQj12jREvMtPdRfM/img.jpg?width=980" id="eb700" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="51f195b6a60ca91c6a8c087f28691bbe" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /></a><p>Up next on our list is CBDfx, which has won our bid for the best Full Spectrum CBD oil for sleep. CBDfx stands out due to its wide range of products which include tincture, edibles, and vaping products. CBDfx also makes isolate blends along with Full Spectrum blends.</p><p>CBDfx was founded in 2014 by Ali Esmaili and Jameson Rodgers. The goal of the company is to deliver the finest, purest, and most effective CBD products to both new and experienced users. CBDfx is based out of San Fernando Valley and is currently the 5th largest privately held CBD company in the world.</p><p>All of CBDfx's products are made using organically grown hemp sourced from local farms. All oil blends are vegan and made without synthetic chemicals or preservatives. Further, they offer a generous 30-day money-back guarantee for unused and unopened products.</p><p>CBDfx makes all of its products with supercritical CO2 extraction, meaning that their products are high quality. Also, they have very positive customer reviews and an A+ rating on the BBB. They are a transparent and reliable company. </p><p><strong>Product and Brand Highlights</strong></p><ul><li>They have Full Spectrum and Broad Spectrum blends</li><li>All products are 100% vegan and made using locally sourced hemp</li><li>They use high-quality supercritical CO2 extraction</li><li>Very reasonable and competitive pricing</li></ul><p><strong>Hemp Source</strong></p><ul><li>USA</li></ul><p><strong>Extraction Method</strong></p><ul><li>Supercritical CO2 extraction</li></ul><p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p><ul><li>Organic Full Spectrum CBD with a coconut oil matrix</li></ul><p><strong>Size</strong></p><ul><li>500 mg</li><li>1000 mg</li><li>1500 mg</li></ul><p><strong>Flavors</strong></p><ul><li>Natural</li></ul><p><strong>Lab Results</strong></p><ul><li>33.33 mg CBD per mL (1000 mg tincture)</li><li>No THC (<0.01mg/mL)</li></ul><p><strong>Shipping Policy</strong></p><ul><li>Free shipping to all 50 states</li></ul><p><strong>Refund Policies</strong></p><ul><li>30-day refund policy for unopened and unused products. Products can be returned via the company website. </li></ul><p><strong>Coupons</strong></p><ul><li>BLISS20 (20% off sitewide)</li></ul><p><strong>Price</strong></p><ul><li>CBDfx's products are very reasonably priced and fall within the $0.15-$0,20 per mg.</li></ul><p><strong>Overview:</strong></p><p>CBDfx is one of the highest-quality CBD manufacturers in the country. They use an extremely sophisticated method of CBD extraction and each product is tested for quality.</p><p><a href="http://fx.trkclkss.online" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>Buy this CBD Oil at CBDFX</strong></a></p><h2>3. <a href="http://nu.trkclkss.online" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Nuleaf Naturals</a> - Best Organic</h2>
<a href="http://nu.trkclkss.online" target="_blank"><img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQzOTU5NC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNTQzNTUyOX0.-3-ggT-hiz006tds7TXFqVdgyXN1-wPPKHCEsBPDUh8/img.jpg?width=980" id="b4718" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="faf197ccc27aac0633a3ec7601d3b9ea" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /></a><p>At the halfway point of our roundup is Nuleaf Naturals. Nuleaf Naturals is based out of Colorado and was founded back in 2014. Nuleaf's main stores are on their online storefront but they also have partner locations across all 50 states. The company specializes in CBD tinctures and oils but also makes other products such as gummies.</p><p>All of Nuleaf Naturals Oils are characterized by their diverse cannabinoid profile and potencies. There are 2 main CBD oils blends and capsules you can buy. As we said, Nuleaf Naturals makes very highly concentrated products. Each blend contains a wide spectrum of cannabinoids. The mixture of cannabinoids reinforces and improves each others' effects. </p><p>All blends are made using a thorough CO2 extraction process. In fact, Nuleaf uses a two-stage extraction process, first using subcritical then next supercritical CO2. This double process ensures the mixture is purer. </p><p>All Nuleaf products are made in the US using hemp sourced from Colorado. They do not use any synthetic chemicals in their blends and they source their materials from farms that use sustainable green techniques. They also third-party test all of their products for quality and purity. They offer free shipping to all states in the US and have a standard 30-day money-back guarantee for unused and unopened products. </p><p><strong>Product and Brand Highlights</strong></p><ul><li>All blends are Full Spectrum and contain a mixture of CBDs and cannabinoids</li><li>The company uses an extremely efficient two-stage extraction method to make high-quality oils</li><li>Hemp used is locally spruced in Colorado and is not grown with pesticides and synthetic chemicals</li><li>Very high potency blends</li><li>Free shipping for all orders in the US</li></ul><p><strong>Hemp Source</strong></p><ul><li>Colorado, USA</li></ul><p><strong>Extraction Method</strong></p><ul><li>2-stage CO2 extraction</li></ul><p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p><ul><li>Full Spectrum Hemp Extract, Organic Virgin Hemp Seed Oil</li></ul><p><strong>Size</strong></p><ul><li>300-6000 mg</li></ul><p><strong>Flavors</strong></p><ul><li>Natural</li></ul><p><strong>Lab Results</strong></p><ul><li>30 mg CBD per mL (900 mg tincture)</li><li>0.14% THC</li></ul><p><strong>Shipping Policy</strong></p><ul><li>Nuleaf Naturals offers free shipping to all 50 US states. They ship their products through USPS. </li></ul><p><strong>Refund Policies</strong></p><ul><li>Nuleaf Naturals offers a 20-day money-back guarantee for unused and unopened products. Customers do have to pay shipping on returns</li></ul><p><strong>Coupons</strong></p><ul><li>BLISS20 (20% off all online purchases)</li></ul><p><strong>Price</strong></p><ul><li>Nuleaf Naturals are all competitively priced. The cost for their 900mg CBD oil blend is $0.11 per mg. Even though their prices are affordable, they are very potent and high-quality.</li></ul><p><strong>Overview:</strong></p><p>Nuleaf Naturals is one of the best CBD manufacturers in the country. Their blends are made using a high-tech extraction process and are not made with any synthetic chemicals. All products are third party tested and they also have a very generous free shipping policy for all of their products, no matter the price.</p><p><a href="http://nu.trkclkss.online" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>Visit Nuleaf Naturals & Get 20% discount using BLISS20</strong></a></p><h2>4. <a href="http://jy.trkclkss.online" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Joy Organics</a> - Best Taste</h2>
<a href="http://jy.trkclkss.online" target="_blank"><img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQzOTU5OS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2MzA4Mzc1MX0.h6FQKruUEtYB3Asq6m7Fo0OUgRFknEz1yNext45znr0/img.jpg?width=980" id="57c82" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a8377527108a388345541cf3a3da46ed" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /></a><p>4th on our roundup is Joy Organics. Joy Organics was founded in 2017 by current CEO Joy Smith. Smith was inspired to make Joy Organics after her own experiences with CBD. Joy Organics is based out of Colorado and currently has branches in Texas and Kansas. The company is dedicated to creating premium CBD products that will help people live happily and healthily.</p><p>All of Joy Organics products are made with a high-grade proprietary supercritical CO2 extraction process. This process ensures that the plant's phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids are intact, resulting in a high-quality Broad Spectrum blend. </p><p>Joy Organics offsets a wide range of CBD products including oils, gummies, soft gels, and tinctures. They also have salves to apply directly to the skin and energy drink mixtures. </p><p>Joy Organics offers free shipping to all 50 US states and also has a generous 30-day money-back guarantee for unused and unopened products. </p><p><strong>Product and Brand Highlights</strong></p><ul><li>Broad Spectrum cbd oil blends</li><li>Uses proprietary extraction and emulsification processes to make their products</li><li>All products are THC-free</li><li>CBD products go through in-house and third-party testing</li><li>Creation process creates small particles that are absorbed more quickly by the body</li><li>Free shipping and money-back policy</li></ul><p><strong>Hemp Source</strong></p><ul><li>Colorado, USA</li></ul><p><strong>Extraction Method</strong></p><ul><li>Supercritical CO2 extraction</li></ul><p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p><ul><li>Organic Extra-Virgin Olive Oil and Phytocannabinoid-Rich Hemp Extract</li></ul><p><strong>Size</strong></p><ul><li>225 mg</li><li>450 mg</li><li>900 mg</li><li>1350 mg</li></ul><p><strong>Flavors</strong></p><ul><li>Tranquil Mint, Natural, Summer Lemon, Orange Bliss</li></ul><p><strong>Lab Results</strong></p><ul><li>30 mg CBD per mL (900 mg tincture)</li><li>0 THC (<0.01 mg/mL)</li></ul><p><strong>Shipping Policy</strong></p><ul><li>Free shipping on all orders</li></ul><p><strong>Refund Policies</strong></p><ul><li>30-day money-back guarantee for unused and unopened products</li></ul><p><strong>Coupons</strong></p><ul><li>BLISS15 (15% off sitewide)</li></ul><p><strong>Price</strong></p><ul><li>Joy Organics falls in the middle of the price spectrum. Their products cost about $0.12 per mg.</li></ul><p><strong>Overview:</strong></p><p>Overall, Joy organics is a fantastic CBD company that makes high-quality organic products. Their CBD products are made using a unique technique that creates very small particles that are absorbed faster in the bloodstream. All products are THC-free and also go through in-house and third-party testing.</p><p><a href="http://jy.trkclkss.online" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>Check Joy Organic's CBD Oil here</strong></a></p><h2>5. <a href="http://dm.trkclkss.online" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Diamond CBD</a> - Best Variety</h2>
<a href="http://dm.trkclkss.online" target="_blank"><img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQzOTYwMS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0NjM3MzY3NH0.HES9WlJmUvtlI6wc6uswn6rxmSVZos0CpcXo35Ao2sI/img.jpg?width=980" id="b8af3" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="39450ce6a3de5fe51b4092680ad9f269" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /></a><p>Last on our list is Diamond CBD. Diamond CBD offers an extremely wide selection of products including oils, gummies, and vape liquids. Diamond CBD is owned by Potnetwork Holdings who own several other CBD companies. The company is based out of Colorado and uses hemp sourced from both Colorado and Kentucky. </p><p>Diamond CBD uses a sophisticated CO2 extraction process to make its products and third-party tests everything. Diamond CBD has been through a lot of changes in the past few years. <br><br></p><p>One thing that makes Diamond CBD stand out is its enormous array of products. They have hundreds of products. There are over 3 product pages just for their selection of oils. You can also scroll to the bottom of the screen to get access to lab reports on hundreds of products. </p><p>Diamond CBD's Relax line are CBD products made specifically for sleep aid. Relax oils and gummies include a Full Spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes. You can buy sizes ranging from 100 mg to over 3500 mg. </p><p>Diamond CBD also includes a wide range of flavors, including honey, watermelon, and blueberry. They have the most flavor options and products out of most of the CBD companies we have seen. This flexibility is great when you are looking for something for a specific ailment. </p><p><strong>Product and Brand Highlights</strong></p><ul><li>Enormous range of products</li><li>Relax line is meant specifically for sleep</li><li>Supercritical CO2 extraction</li><li>Wide range of sizes for products (100 mg - 3500 mg)</li><li>Locally sourced hemp</li></ul><p><strong>Hemp Source</strong></p><ul><li>Colorado and Kentucky</li></ul><p><strong>Extraction Method</strong></p><ul><li>Supercritical CO2 extraction</li></ul><p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p><ul><li>Full Spectrum CBD, Vegetable Glycerin, Propylene Glycol</li></ul><p><strong>Size</strong></p><ul><li>25-3500 mg</li></ul><p><strong>Flavors</strong></p><ul><li>Extremely broad range of flavors</li></ul><p><strong>Lab Results</strong></p><ul><li>68.1 mg CBD per mL (1500 mg Relax Blend)</li></ul><p><strong>Shipping Policy</strong></p><ul><li>Free shipping in the US on orders more than $100. $10 on smaller orders. </li></ul><p><strong>Refund Policies</strong></p><ul><li>90-day money-back guarantee for unused and unopened products</li></ul><p><strong>Price</strong></p><ul><li>Diamond CBD products range from $0.05-$0.12 per mg</li></ul><p><strong>Overview:</strong></p><p>They have a huge list of products and an entire line created specifically for relaxation and sleep. Diamond CBD also has a very generous 90-day money-back guarantee on all its products.</p><p><strong><a href="http://dm.trkclkss.online" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Visit Diamond CBD to buy their CBD Oil</a></strong></p>
<h2>Factors that Help Us Determine the Best CBD Oils for Sleep</h2><p><strong>Hemp source: </strong>We only look for products that are made with quality organically sourced hemp. We also analyze the supply chain process to ensure their products are ethically sourced with sustainable green technologies. We also study cultivation practices to determine that no synthetic pesticides of growth hormones have been used throughout the growing process. </p>
<p><strong>Extraction Methods:</strong> There are three main procedures to manufacture CBD oil. The first is the simplest and just involves grinding the seeds and stems and removing the material from the ensuing mixture. Manual extraction is the method that has been used historically. Anyone can make hemp oil in their own kitchen by grinding plant material and filtering out the excess. </p>
<p>The second way is solvent extraction. Solvent extraction involves compressing the hemp in some solvent (most often ethanol or butane) and then boiling off the excess solvent. Solvent extraction is more efficient than manual extraction and yields a more pure product. However, improper extraction can leave solvent residue in the oil. </p>
<p>The last method of extraction is called supercritical carbon extraction. Supercritical carbon extraction uses a highly pressurized liquid carbon dioxide as a solvent. Supercritical carbon extraction is considered the gold standard of CBD extraction and makes the highest quality products. However, carbon dioxide extraction is an intricate process so carbon-extracted oils are usually more expensive than other types. </p>
<p><strong>Extract Types: </strong>CBD oils can be Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, and isolate. Full spectrum and Broad Spectrum oils contain CBD, along with other cannabinoids including THC, cannabinol (CBN), and cannabigerol (CBG). The main difference between Full Spectrum and Broad Spectrum is that Broad Spectrum blends normally do not contain THC while Full Spectrum blends do. Full Spectrum and Broad Spectrum CBD oils may also contain other chemicals such as terpenes. Isolates, in contrast, only contain CBD. </p>
<p>Full Spectrum and Broad Spectrum blends contain many different types of cannabinoids because they work together and enhance each others' properties. The synergistic interaction of cannabinoids is known as the <em>entourage effect</em>. </p>
<p><strong>Potency:</strong> The potency of a specific blend is determined by the amount of CBD in the bottle (measured in mg) and the volume of the bottle. Some CBD manufacturers will make this easy for you and list the concentration per mL of oil. If they do not provide it, you can figure out the potency with a simple calculation:</p>
<p>CBD in mg ÷ bottle volume in ml = CBD in mg/ml</p><p>So for example, if you have 900 mg in a 1 oz. (30 mL) bottle, then the potency would be:</p><p>900mg/30mL = 30 mg/mL</p>
<p>Most of the time, the bottle dropper has measurements in mL so it is easy to see how much oil you are administering. </p>
<p><strong>Lab Results: </strong>CBD oil has exploded in popularity in recent years, thus a rise in competition. Unfortunately, the sale of CBD is not regulated by the FDA. As a result, there are varying levels of quality in manufacturing. We often come across CBD products that have been inaccurately labeled, or even worse, do not contain CBD at all. </p>
<p>To combat this problem, we require companies to meet strict third-party testing criteria. All products we have chosen have been tested by independent organizations for content and purity. Any brand that does not test its products is automatically excluded from our lists. </p>
<p><strong>Size Variation: </strong>CBD oils vary in size, ranging from 100 mg to over 1000 mg per 1 oz (30mL). In general larger bottles tend to have higher potencies, but this is not always true. We make sure to choose brands that include various sizes for their CBD products.</p>
<p><strong>Flavors:</strong> Unflavored CBD typically has a very earthy taste. For those of you who prefer a little more excitement, manufacturers often make blends that have flavorings, such as cherry, lemon, or lavender. However, flavors do not change potency. At the end of the day, CBD is CBD regardless of its taste.</p>
<p><strong>Price: </strong>Price can vary greatly. Concentrations and the size of the bottle all need to be taken into consideration. In general supercritical carbon extracted CBD oils cost more than their counterparts. </p>
<p>We estimate CBD oils on the lower end of the spectrum fall anywhere between $0.10-$0.15 per mg. Middle-grade blends fall somewhere between $0.15-$0.25 per mg and high-quality blends generally cost $0.25+ per mg. </p>
<p>So for example, a low, medium, and high-grade 500 mg blend would cost around $50, $90, and $125, respectively. In general, isolates and pure blends are more expensive because it takes longer to filter out the other molecules. </p>
<p><strong>Brand Transparency: </strong>Reputable companies are transparent about their policies and provide customers with supporting documentation and clear labeling. Good companies will also have good reputations online. </p>
<p>Other aspects of brand transparency include return and shipping policies. We make sure that all chosen products are from companies that are transparent about their practices and business relations. </p>
<p><strong>Website Experience:</strong> We also make sure to consider the overall experience of shopping on the company's website. We look at whether pages are laid out in a logical and consistent manner and have a streamlined purchase process. A bad web design can ruin a shopping experience and turn someone away from a brand.</p>
<h2>How Does CBD Oil Help You Sleep Better?</h2><p>First off, let's talk about what, exactly, CBD is. CBD (<em>cannabidiol</em>) is an organic molecule that falls under a family of chemicals called <em>cannabinoids. </em>Hundreds of varieties of cannabinoids exist in the cannabis plant, also called the marijuana plant. CBD is just one kind of cannabinoid, THC being another. </p>
<p>Cannabinoids interact with <em>cannabinoid receptors</em> in our brains and central nervous systems. This interaction is what explains CBD's therapeutic effects. Although CBD has a similar chemical formula and profile as THC, it interacts with cannabinoid receptors differently than THC and so has different effects. There <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2503660/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">are studies</a> that suggest ingesting CBD as an effective method of managing pain, stimulating the appetite, lessening anxiety, and lowering inflammation.<strong> CBD also does not cause any psychoactive or intoxicating effects, unlike THC.</strong></p><p>As CBD has increased in popularity, more people are using it as a sleep aid. It is well known that CBDs close pharmaceutical cousin, THC, can induce sleepiness and can be a powerful sleep aid, but THC also comes with intoxicating effects. </p><h3>The Endocannabinoid System and Sleep</h3><p>CBD and other cannabinoids regulate bodily functions through their interaction with the body's endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is the name given to the network of cannabinoid receptors linked through our brains and nervous systems. The endocannabinoid system is composed primarily of 2 kinds of receptors: CB1 and CB2 receptors. Interacting with these receptors is how cannabinoids exert their effects on the human body. </p>
<p>The study of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is still relatively new. However, there is a growing <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5877694/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">body of evidence</a> that the endocannabinoid system plays some role in mediating homeostatic mechanisms in the body. The ECS seems to be implicated in processes that regulate digestion, appetite, mood, memory, and pain sensation, among others. </p>
<p>As such, many medical researchers have theorized that seemingly disparate chronic conditions might be linked by being caused by an endocannabinoid deficiency. The ECS is also implicated in sleep patterns/waking cycles by regulating the circadian rhythm, so it is reasonable to suspect the CBD has an effect on sleep cycles by acting through the body's endocannabinoid system.</p>
<h4>What does the research say, though?</h4><p>Studies focused specifically on the connection between CBD and sleep are sparse. However, there are a few key studies we can mention that hint at a connection between cannabinoid use and sleep. </p>
<p>One study published in the journal <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6164964/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Medicines</a> involved trials on 402 people with insomnia symptoms. The study divided this sample into smaller groups and followed their sleep habits over the course of 2 years to determine if cannabis consumption affected sleep patterns positively or negatively. At the beginning, participants rated their insomnia severity as an average of 6.6 out of 10, where 1 is no problem at all, and 10 is incredibly severe. </p>
<p>Participants in each group were treated with cannabis using various methods of ingestion. The average THC potency of cannabis was around 20% and the average CBD potency was 5.7%. After 2 years of continual cannabis use, the participants had an average insomnia symptom rating of 2.2. Thus, this study highly suggests that ingesting cannabis<strong> is an extremely effective form of reducing insomnia and improving sleep.</strong></p>
<p>We found another study published in the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Permanente Journal</a> that studied 72 adults with anxiety and poor sleep habits. The participants first completed a sleep and anxiety assessment at the beginning and at a one-month follow-up. Each study participant was given 25 mg capsules of CBD to take in the evening for sleep disturbances and in the morning for anxiety problems. </p>
<p>At the end of the first month, over 80% of participants had reduced anxiety scores and 66& of participants say their sleep improved. <strong>This study highly suggests that CBD specifically is effective at improving sleep and reducing anxiety.</strong> </p>
<p>Aside from these clinical studies, there are several smaller studies and individual case studies suggesting that CBD is an effective method of improving sleep. </p>
<h3>CBD Sources</h3><p>CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant, but the whole story is a bit more complicated than that.</p>
<p>First, let's talk about how cannabis plants are classified. Despite what many think, "cannabis" is not the name of an individual plant species, but the name for a genus of plants. There are two main species of the cannabis plant, <em>C. sativa</em> and <em>C. indica</em> (Some botanists include a third species <em>C. rubella</em>.). </p>
<p>Most cannabis products are made from the <em>C. sativa</em> plant. Specifically, there are two varieties of <em>C. sativa </em>used: marijuana and hemp. Marijuana contains higher concentrations of THC and may or may not contain high concentrations of CBD. Hemp, in contrast, comes from the seeds and stalks of the plant and has a low THC content. Cannabis with less than 0.2% THC composition is normally considered hemp. CBD oils can be made from both marijuana and hemp. </p>
<p>CBD oils made from marijuana usually contain a non-negligible amount of THC while CBD oils made from hemp usually have low THC content. Because cannabis oils can have different concentrations of THC and laws surrounding THC differ from state to state, different states might have different legislation regarding CBD oils. Generally, CBD oils that contain less than 0.3% THC are legal to create, cultivate, and sell in the US. </p>
<p>CBD is ingested in a number of ways. Most commonly:</p>
<ul><li>Edibles: Edibles are food items that are made with quantities of CBD oils. Cookies, cakes, and gummy bears are some popular CBD edibles. </li><li>Tinctures: Oil tinctures containing CBD and other cannabinoids are also fairly common. CBD tinctures can be added to food and drink with an eyedropper. </li><li>Vaporizing: CBD extract can be used with a vaporizer or vape pen. Vaporization is normally considered the most potent form of ingesting. </li></ul>
<p>We should mention that CBD <em>is not </em>medicine and is not meant to be a substitute for any medicine or medical treatment. CBD-based treatments are not approved for medical use by the FDA, with 2 major exceptions. Sativex and Epidolex are two oral CBD-based sprays that are used for pain management and epilepsy. To date, Sativex and Epidolex are the only CBD-based treatments that are approved by the US FDA.</p>
<h3>How to Use CBD Oil</h3><p>The way to use CBD depends on the kind of CBD product that you buy. Edibles, for example, can just be eaten like normal food. The CBD will be absorbed by the intestines. It takes about 45 minutes-1 hour to feel the effects of an edible. </p>
<p>Tinctures and oils are likewise easy to ingest. You can either place oil drops directly on your tongue or you can mix a few drops of oil in with your food or drink. Generally, tinctures come with an eyedropper for serving. It takes about 20-40 minutes to feel the effects of ingesting oil. </p>
<p>Lastly is vaporization. To vaporize CBD you will need a special set up. THC vape usually uses a removable cartridge of CBD suspended in some matrix, most commonly vegetable glycerin. The onset of effects is almost immediate as the vapor in your lungs is absorbed in the bloodstream very rapidly. Vaporizing CBD oils is the most potent form of ingesting so it is only recommended for experienced users. </p>
<p><strong>Dosage: </strong>Various studies have shown that CBD is safe to consume, even in very large doses. Studies in animals show that CBD has an extremely high lethal dosage and even large doses do not cause long-term lasting impairments. </p>
<p>For example, one <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/24734306.2018.1434470" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">2018 study</a> found that the LD50 (the quantity it takes to kill 50% of subjects) or CBD for mice is 50 mg per kg of body weight. For larger mammals, the LD50 is even higher. The LD50 for dogs is over 250 mg per kg of body weight and the LD50 for monkeys is above 200 mg per kg of body weight. </p>
<p>To put these numbers in perspective, assuming you weigh about 160 lbs. It would take about 18g of CBD oil ingested very quickly to kill you. A normal bottle of CBD oil contains only about 500mg. So, CBD is incredibly safe to take. </p>
<p>As far as specific dosages go, it's better to start small then increase to get the desired effects. The general rule of thumb is you should take about 5 mg per 30 lbs. Of body weight. So if you weigh 150 lbs, then an appropriate dose should be about 25mg per day. It is recommended to start small and then increase the dosage by 5mg for each week until you achieve the desired effects. </p>
<h3>CBD Side Effects</h3><p>Compared to other supplements, CBD has very few mild side effects. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce psychoactive or intoxicating effects. This is because CBD molecules alter the shape of CB1 receptors. The most common reported side effects of taking CBD include:</p>
<ul><li>Dry mouth</li><li>Lightheadedness</li><li>Drowsiness</li><li>Low blood pressure</li></ul>
<p>In some cases, CBD can cause an upset stomach or diarrhea. In most cases, these side effects are mild and will subside as you get used to taking the product. </p><h2>Conclusion</h2><p>So there you have it, 5 of the best CBD oils for sleep. Insomnia is a real downer and can wreak havoc on the body and mind but CBD supplements can help. Just a drop or two before you go to bed can help you get the restful sleep that you deserve. These top 5 CBD companies have been chosen as the best of the best due to their high quality products and brand transparency. So, if you are looking for the best CBD for sleep, then this guide is a handy place to start. </p>
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Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) talks to reporters during her weekly news conference at the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center on Sept. 18, 2020 in Washington, DC. Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images
The House of Representatives passed a sweeping bill to boost clean energy while phasing out the use of coolants in air conditioners and refrigerators that are known pollutants and contribute to the climate crisis, as the AP reported.
<p>The 900-page Clean Energy and Jobs Innovation Act passed the House in a 220-185 vote. The bill, if it were approved by the Senate and signed by the president, would increase the energy efficiency standards for building and boost research and investment in the development of solar, wind, geothermal and hydroelectric power, according to <a href="https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/518102-house-passes-sweeping-clean-energy-bill" target="_blank">The Hill</a>.</p><p>The Clean Energy and Jobs Innovation Act was crafted after negotiations with the Senate. It is full of agreed upon, "practical and achievable clean energy policies that are possible for us to achieve this year," said Frank Pallone, Democrat from New Jersey and chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee, as <a href="https://www.utilitydive.com/news/trump-veto-of-house-clean-energy-bill-likely-as-ginsburg-replacement-fight/585625/" target="_blank">Utility Drive</a> reported.</p>
<p>Pallone added that the bill would "modernize our energy system, create jobs and take positive steps towards addressing the climate crisis," as the AP reported. He called it "one of the most impactful steps we can take now to create manufacturing jobs and boost our competitiveness, all while protecting our environment."</p><p>The effort to pass the bill, however, may have been in vain. Earlier in the week, The White House said the president's advisors would suggest he veto the bill. "With the news of Justice Ginsburg's passing, I cannot even venture a guess of how the next few weeks and months may play out," said Rep. Paul Tonko, a Democrat from New York in speaking to a National Clean Energy Week symposium, according to Utility Drive.</p><p>And yet, some in Congress were somewhat hopeful that the bill had a chance of becoming law. The Hill reported that a House Democratic aide believed that if the Senate passes their similar bill, then the respective committees can work together to settle the small discrepancies between the two bills.</p>
<p>The bills that are in the House and the Senate are modest in their ambition, which House Democrats acknowledged.</p><p>"I want to give a clear-eyed assessment: This bill is not going to stop climate change," said Tonko, as the AP reported. "But it is a good opportunity to make good and sometimes necessary changes to programs, which might make it easier to do a bigger, more ambitious bill in the near future."</p><p>The National Resource Defense Council (NRDC), an advocacy group, examined the bill and praised it in a <a href="https://www.nrdc.org/experts/marc-boom/house-bill-would-deliver-needed-steps-toward-clean-economy" target="_blank">blog post</a> as "a needed step forward to ensure future climate action will be built from a solid foundation." It added that this bill is unique from past legislation because it "has opened the door for better ideas on how to spur progress in clean energy innovation."</p>
<p>And yet, the NRDC noted that the funding for clean energy fell behind the money spent for fossil fuels and nuclear energy. "This bill is very promising but it's obvious that it won't provide the transformative change we need to win the fight against climate change and protect our environment," the NRDC wrote.</p><p>House Speaker Nancy Pelosi praised the bill for taking a step to thwart the climate crisis and putting the wheels in motion to start legislation aimed at climate action.</p><p>"It takes actions that scientists, researchers and experts tell us is needed by launching the research and development needed to unleash a clean energy revolution and reduce pollution in our communities, making a bold down payment for future climate action by modernizing America's energy innovation infrastructure," she said, as The Hill reported.</p>
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Gov. Jay Inslee on the Climate Crisis: ‘We Cannot Give in to Defeat and Pessimism’
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Insights + Opinion
Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington comforts Marsha Maus, 75, whose home was destroyed during California's deadly 2018 wildfires, on March 11, 2019 in Agoura Hills, California. Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times / Getty Images
By Governor Jay Inslee
Climate Week this year coincides with clear skies in Washington state for the first time in almost two weeks.
In just a few days in early September, Washington state saw enough acres burned – more than 600,000 – to reach our second-worst fire season on record. Our worst fire season came only five years ago. Wildfires aren't new to the west, but their scope and danger today is unlike anything firefighters have seen. People up and down the West Coast – young and old, in rural areas and in cities – were choking on smoke for days on end, trapped in their homes.
Fires like these are becoming the norm, not the exception.
<p>That's because as the climate changes, our fires change. Climate scientists tell us that if greenhouse gas emissions continue on their current path, later this century the <em>average </em>year in Washington will eventually be warmer than the single hottest year of the 20th century. The heat leaves our land and vegetation dry and primed for ignition, with blazes for which our landscapes are not evolved to cope. We're seeing more acres burned, and more days with our state swathed in hazardous smoke and ash.</p><p>Rain, cooler weather, and heroic firefighting efforts have finally tamped down the fires and poor air quality; but the burn scars remain, and they are most acutely felt by those who lost homes, businesses, and loved ones in fires this year.</p><p>I have seen the chaos firsthand in recent visits to burned areas both east and west of the Cascade Mountains. As communities in Malden, Bonney Lake, and Graham, Washington, recover from the damage done this month, it's not enough for us as leaders to help our towns recover from one devastating event after another. We need a plan to stop these increasingly ferocious natural disasters from becoming uncontrollable. The situation demands that <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/t/climate-change/" target="_blank">climate change</a> be front and center in this plan – because it is the root and stem of the new challenges we face in disaster response.</p>
<p>While wildfires are the most recent, and some of the most visceral images of climate change, they are unfortunately just one manifestation of a <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/t/climate-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">climate crisis</a> with far-reaching implications.</p><p>From the woods and prairies to the oceans, rivers and streams, we see the damaging effects of climate change. West Coast marine waters are acidifying at twice the global rate, our streams are becoming too warm to support salmon, and our agricultural productivity is falling as a result of record heat.</p><p>But we cannot give in to defeat and pessimism. This is not a lost cause.</p><p>There is broad consensus on what we need to do to slow and turn back the effects of human-driven climate change: all hands on deck for a global decarbonization that grows jobs and protects communities.</p>
<p>Every year, Climate Week gives us the opportunity to highlight this urgent need. But we need every week to be Climate Week. Given the science, knowledge and tools at our disposal, it is unacceptable that more has not been done to address the terrifying implications of climate change in the 21st century. We have no more time to waste.</p><p>We face a powerful oil and gas industry that has sunk its claws into Congress and numerous state governments, and a presidential administration backed by a major political party dedicated to protecting polluters and spreading lies and confusion about the science. On the flip side is the urgent and painfully clear scientific consensus, coupled with the fact that the majority of Americans support action now on climate change.</p><p>This is a battle that we can – and must – win, beginning with our votes in November.</p><p>And winning the fight won't just protect our communities from the dangerous effects of climate change. It will create enormous new economic opportunity.</p>
<p>The latest jobs report from E2, a national nonpartisan group of business leaders and investors focused on sustainable energy policies, shows there are already more than 3 million clean energy jobs in America today. If we can find the will to massively accelerate the development of renewable resources, we can create millions of more jobs.</p><p>If 2020 has taught us anything, it's that facts are stubborn things, and denial can be fatal. The federal government's failure to accept the reality of the Covid-19 crisis once again demonstrated why aloofness is no replacement for proactive leadership.</p><p>While we know this administration would be wise to change its destructive path – by bringing our country back into the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, by putting in place strong clean car standards, or by restoring key environmental protections razed by Trump's cronies – we know they won't. However, public opinion is clear even after years of misinformation and downright lies. There is not enough oil money in the world to stop the American people from rising up for what's right, and it's time to hit back.</p><p>Let this Climate Week be a reminder not merely of the long road ahead, but of our own power to make that journey together. Start now, so that in Climate Week 2021 we'll have a little less distance to cover.</p>
<p><em>This story originally appeared in</em><em> <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/" target="_blank">Rolling Stone </a></em><em>and is republished here as part of Covering Climate Now, a global journalism collaboration strengthening coverage of the climate story.</em></p>
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