9/22: Climate conference opens at United Nations

New York Times: Climate conference opens at United Nations

Today, an unprecedented daylong conference on combating climate change is taking place at the United Nations and more than 100 heads of state are in attendance.

President Obama said the world “cannot allow the old divisions that have characterized the climate debate for so many years to block our progress. It is a journey that will require each of us to persevere through setback, and fight for every inch of progress, even when it comes in fits and starts." Mr. Obama said the world had been too slow to recognize the gathering danger from rising temperatures: “It is true of my own country as well; we recognize that.”

Mr. Obama said he was committed to the United States making its largest-ever investment in renewable energy, new standards for reducing pollution from vehicles and making clean energy profitable, among other initiatives.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Lawmakers struggle to keep college tuition program afloat

ARKANSAS: RNC chairman says his party must win over black voters

FLORIDA: Pari-mutuels, tracks seek special legislative session to boost revenue

GEORGIA: Gov. Perdue declares state of emergency in 17 counties over flooding

KENTUCKY: State gets a 'D' in financial security report

LOUISIANA: State to toughen stance on truancy

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Haley Barbour orders state funding cut from ACORN

NORTH CAROLINA: Gov. Perdue forms panel to look at offshore energy -- oil, natural gas, wind

SOUTH CAROLINA: NAACP to boycott South Carolina for ninth year in a row

TENNESSEE: Megasite in West Tennessee plagued with political feuding

VIRGINIA: State's tax amnesty program launched with a smiley face

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org

9/18: Big win for huge coral reefs along Atlantic Coast

PR Newswire: Big win for huge coral reefs along Atlantic Coast

The South Atlantic Fisheries Management Council voted today to protect what could be the Earth's largest deepwater coral ecosystem off the coasts of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

The 25,000 square mile area is among the most important in the world for marine species and for exploration for biopharmaceuticals.

The protection, a first for fishery councils in the US, will provide balance between protecting the reefs while allowing fishermen continued access to traditional fishing grounds using gear that will minimally damage reefs.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Jobless rate climbs to 10.4% in Alabama

ARKANSAS: State medical examiner lets national accreditation lapse

FLORIDA: AARP and state agree on plan that could help thousands of poor elderly

GEORGIA: Gov. Perdue blocks agencies from working with ACORN

KENTUCKY: 2009 No Child Left Behind scores to be released 9/23

LOUISIANA: State Health Secretary expresses concern about proposed Medicaid changes

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour says it's about policy, not race, on Obama opposition

NORTH CAROLINA: Community colleges agree to admit illegal immigrants

SOUTH CAROLINA: Tougher EPA smog regulations possible for South Carolina

TENNESSEE: State's cities spend millions on lobbying

VIRGINIA: Second debate between Deeds and McConnell turns contentious

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org