Author Archives: Jerri-Lynn Scofield

New Report: U.S. Dams, Levees Get D Grades, Need $115 Billion in Upgrades

Heavier precipitation caused by climate change is straining aging flood-control systems throughout the U.S.

Waste Watch: Europeans Get Right to Repair for Some Consumer Electrical Goods, While John Deere Reneges on Promise to U.S. Farmers to Make Diagnostic Software Freely Available

On March 1, the EU implemented a right to repair for some consumer electrical goods; which U.S. state will wake up and do the same?

Links 3/7/2021

Yes, Export Bans on Vaccines Are a Problem, But Why Is the Supply of Vaccines so Limited in the First Place?

Italy has blocked vaccine exports to Australia, which now must reconsider its opposition to proposed global solutions to unblock supply.

FAIR Act: Will Congress Finally Complete the Project the CFPB Fumbled and Ban Mandatory Arbitration Clauses?

With the reported support of Biden, will Congress ban mandatory arbitration clauses in common consumer and employment contracts?

Links 2/22/2021

Sanders ‘Confident’ $15 Minimum Wage Possible Through Senate Reconciliation

“Raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour is not incidental to the federal budget and is permissible under the rules,” Senator Bernie Sanders says.

Plastics Watch: Annie’s Homegrown Vows to Eliminate Ortho-Phthalates from Its Mac and Cheese

Annie’s Homegrown ventures where FDA has feared to tread and vowed to eliminate phthalates from its macaroni and cheese.

Links 2/21/2021

Feds OK’d Export of Millions of N95 Masks as U.S. Workers Cried for More

Despite a national shortage of N95 masks, the U.S. government quietly granted an exception to its export ban on protective gear.

Waste Watch: News from the U.S. and the Maldives

The Maldives and the U.S. are each grappling with managing their packaging waste; beware those who tout the EPR panacea.

Links 2/15/2021

How to Make COVID Vaccines More Effective: Give People Vitamin and Mineral Supplements

Supplementing vitamin and mineral levels of the elderly before they get vaccinated could boost the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines.

Valentine’s Day Food Security Special: Hold the Pink Kraft Dinner, Serve Up Comfort Food

Kraft serves up a pink-hued, candy-flavored Valentine’s Day version of its boxed mac ‘n cheese. What’s on your comfort food menu?

Links 2/14/2021