11/23: Hidden costs of fossil--and bio--fuels

Christian Science Monitor: Hidden costs of fossil -- and bio -- fuels

The National Research Council has released a new study on the "hidden" costs of energy produced by burning fossil fuels. The report found that, in 2005, the hidden costs of energy production with fossil fuels in the United States amounted to $120 billion. This includes the negative impact of air pollution on health, but doesn’t include the effects of mercury emitted by coal-fired plants on wildlife and people, harm done to ecosystems by air pollution, or the climate-warming effects of carbon emissions.

Damages from ethanol made from corn were usually similar to, or even slightly worse, than damages from gasoline. That’s because of the extra energy needed to convert corn to biofuel.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Illiteracy in the state has economic impact

ARKANSAS: Sen. Blanche Lincoln continues to be a 'question mark' on health care vote

FLORIDA: Revenue projections from offshore oil drilling make some question numbers

GEORGIA: State's unemployment fund is depleted

KENTUCKY: Ten nursing homes cited as among worst in the nation

LOUISIANA: Study shows preschoolers spending too much time in front of TV

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour considers consolidating state agencies

NORTH CAROLINA: State's tax revenue drops by $99 million in October

SOUTH CAROLINA: Jobless rate at 12.1%, an all-time high

TENNESSEE: Federal ban on selling paddlefish hurting state's commercial fishermen

VIRGINIA: State DOE wants to increase Hispanic college enrollment

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

8/28: Offshore oil drilling debate gets heated

FLORIDA: Tallahassee Democrat: Offshore oil drilling debate gets heated

Barney Bishop, president of Associated Industries of Florida, and Leon County Commissioner Bob Rackleff, a well-known environmentalist, debated AIF's plan for drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. Bishop says a 'radical left-wing fringe' of voters is stopping the state from cashing in on offshore oil drilling. Reckleff says the oil industry is trying to dazzle the voters by dangling 20,000 new jobs and $1.4 billion in state revenues.

Both, however, agree that solar and wind power, increased conservation, or higher fuel taxes are not feasible solutions in the near term.

In 2006, polls showed 51% of those polled supported oil exploration if rigs were 125 miles from the coast. Now, in 2009, the figure is about 75%. The debate continues.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Deep budget cuts possible for school system

ARKANSAS: Green Party sues state challenging decertification as a political party

GEORGIA: State to get $9.3 million for energy-efficient appliance program

KENTUCKY: State cuts 4% from budget of most agencies

LOUISIANA: Opinion: The state of New Orleans: An Update
"This year, the Gulf Coast’s recovery from Hurricane Katrina has become President Obama’s responsibility. How bad a situation has he inherited?"

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour wants reversal on civil justice decision

NORTH CAROLINA: Report says state tax increases don't cause job losses

SOUTH CAROLINA: 45% of state's banks have posted losses

TENNESSEE: Pre-paid tuition plan may get suspended

VIRGINIA: Rep. Moran defends the public option on health care

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