By Robert Zullo, Georgia Recorder

December 22, 2022

Federal environmental enforcement, as measured by Environmental Protection Agency civil cases closed against polluters, hit a two-decade low in 2022, per a report released last week by a national environmental group that blames budget cuts, staff shortages and the U.S. Senate’s failure to confirm key leaders.

The Environmental Integrity Project said the 72 civil enforcement cases closed in court during the fiscal year that ended in September under President Joe Biden’s administration was the “lowest number in at least 22 years.”

The Trump administration’s EPA closed an average of 94 cases per year while the Obama administration averaged 210 per year, the report says.

“The Biden administration’s Environmental Protection Agency was expected to step up enforcement of the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and other environmental laws after the investigation and prosecution of polluters reached new lows under the Trump administration,” the group said in a statement. “It has yet to keep that promise, thanks to a refusal by Congress to reverse more than a decade of budget cuts or to confirm President Biden’s nominee to head EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance.”

The number of people working in EPA’s civil enforcement program has fallen from 3,294 in 2012 to 2,253 in 2022. There were 189 criminal enforcement EPA agents in 2012 but that number had fallen to 155 by 2022, the report says.

“The professional staff at EPA appears to be doing the best it can with increasingly limited resources,” said Eric Schaeffer, the Environmental Integrity Project’s executive director and the former director of civil enforcement at EPA. “But they are not helped by ruthless budget cuts and the inability of the Senate to confirm President Biden’s pick for Assistant Administrator of EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, David Uhlmann.”

Uhlmann, a former chief of the environmental crimes section of the U.S. Department of Justice and director of the University of Michigan’s environmental law program, was nominated in June 2021 for the post, but saw his confirmation vote stalled.

“The former president’s hostility to EPA and to the enforcement of environmental laws in particular are well known,” Schaeffer said. “But Democrats have controlled the House of Representatives for the past four years and the Senate for the past two. At this point, the Congressional refusal to support the enforcement of environmental laws it enacted is a bipartisan problem.”

U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., placed holds on Biden’s nominees over a dispute with EPA about Louisiana’s application to permit, site and monitor carbon sequestration wells. (A hold is an informal practice in which a senator informs Senate leadership that they object to a floor vote on a nomination or measure.)

In August, the Senate voted to discharge Uhlmann’s nomination from the Committee on Environment and Public Works, where it had been held up, but it has yet to come to the floor for a vote.

“Senator Cassidy does not have a hold on any EPA nominees because none of those who have been considered in committee have been brought to the Senate floor for a final vote,” a spokesperson for the senator said Wednesday. “The senator does not plan on holding Uhlmann should he be brought to the Senate floor, however the senator plans to hold other nominees. … EPA continues to block the state government’s ability to lower emissions via capturing and storing CO2 which is a vital step in preserving existing jobs and strengthening Louisiana’s economy.”

In the meantime, however, enforcement at hundreds of facilities with major air and water pollution violations is languishing, the report contends.

“EPA enforcement records show at least 257 major sources of air pollution with high priority violations that have persisted for more than 30 months without any real enforcement response,” the Environmental Integrity Project said. “Similarly, discharge monitoring reports show that more than 900 facilities have violated water pollution limits at least 50 times over the past three years but faced no significant enforcement action.”

Budget negotiations

The EPA’s overall budget was nearly $9.5 billion in 2012, with a workforce of 17,106. For the fiscal year that ended in September, it had a budget of nearly $9.6 billion and 14,581 employees.

Per the EPA, the budget for the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance was $593 million in 2011, falling to $539 million in 2022.

“The EPA is proud of its accomplished enforcement work in Fiscal Year 22, especially considering the resource constraints the agency continues to face as a result of a decade of declining enforcement budgets,” said Melissa Sullivan, an EPA spokeswoman. In an executive order in 2021, Biden directed EPA to strengthen enforcement of violations “with disproportionate impact on underserved communities.”

“Our targeted enforcement work in overburdened and vulnerable communities significantly increased over past years and demonstrates the administration’s commitment to holding polluters accountable,” Sullivan said. “President Biden’s budget calls for a significant increase in enforcement resources that would help reverse the decline in enforcement numbers that has occurred over the last decade.”

In the budget for the fiscal year that ends in September of 2023, Biden’s administration sought a total EPA budget of nearly $11.9 billion, about 1,900 new full time employees and an additional $213 million for civil enforcement efforts.

Congress is currently finalizing appropriations legislation that includes a $10.1 billion EPA budget, less than Biden sought but still an increase of $576 million. It includes an additional $71.6 million for enforcement and compliance.

“We’re pleased to see Congress is increasing EPA’s enforcement budget in their 2023 omnibus spending bill, and call on our leaders to take immediate steps to further improve enforcement of environmental laws by confirming David Uhlman as head of EPA’s enforcement and compliance office as soon as possible,” said Patrick Drupp, the Sierra Club’s deputy legislative director.

Georgia Recorder is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Georgia Recorder maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor John McCosh for questions: [email protected]. Follow Georgia Recorder on Facebook and Twitter.

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The peace lily requires probably the least amount of general maintenance out of all the blooming house plants. In fact, compared to many house plants, it tolerates typical interior conditions of the average home much better. It’s the kind of plant that benefits its plant parents as well. Spathiphyllum wallisii is one of the greatest plants for enhancing indoor air quality. It is excellent at cleaning indoor air of pollutants including formaldehyde, ammonia, and carbon monoxide. 

In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about this incredible plant, from its classification to its appearance to how to grow it.

Spathiphyllum Wallisii: Classification

The peace lily is classified as Spathiphyllum wallisii and is part of the family Araceae. In general, any of the 47 species under the genus Spathiphyllum are considered peace lilies or spaths. However, Spathiphyllum wallisii is one of the more popular and common species used for aesthetics and as houseplants. It is known generally as the peace lily, but may also be called the white sail, Mauna loa supreme, or spathe flower. As a member of the Spathiphyllum genus, this plant is closely related to the snowflower, the Spathiphyllum cochlearispathum peace lily, and a number of other very similar plants.

The peace lily (pictured) is easily identified by its unique white spathe and pod-like flower, as well as its rich green leaves.

©iStock.com/Olga Chuprina

Spathiphyllum Wallisii: Key Identifying Features and Appearance

The peace lily is a herbaceous perennial plant that bears flowers with the usual aroid structure: a single, sizable spathe covers a tightly packed inflorescence known as a spadix. Two spathes can occasionally be created, with the upper spathe being smaller. When young, the spadix is often cream or ivory. As it ages, it becomes green. Typically, the spathe is white or white with green nerves that extend beyond the edge and become green with aging. It boasts basal, glossy, slightly deeply veined, oblong, and acuminate leaves. The leaves have long, beautifully arched petioles. At the base, the plant develops offsets, which develop into a thick cluster over time.

This plant’s leaves can grow up to 12 inches long and six inches wide. The flower and spathe can reach about two-and-a-half inches long, though can grow quite larger in some scenarios. The plant as a whole can grow up to three feet tall. It also boasts roots with rhizomes that are the source where its leaves and flowers will grow.

The spathe of the Spathiphyllum wallisii is what makes it unique. Many look at this plant and think the spathe is part of the plant’s flower. Rather, the actual flower is the small yellowish collection of buds within the spathe. The spathe itself is not a flower petal, but rather an evolved leaf that is designed to protect the plant’s actual flowers. The flowers, spathes, and bright-green leaves are what make this plant so popular among collectors and houseplant enthusiasts.

Spathiphyllum Wallisii: Where They Grow

This plant is native to Central America and is primarily found in Venezuela and Columbia. It usually grows in the wild underneath the canopies of large trees in the continent’s tropical rainforests.

Due to the peace lily’s native habitat, it is vital for home growers to be mindful of location when keeping this plant. Replicating the native habitat of the peace lily is the key to keeping it alive in your home. The peace lily is one of the rarest houseplants that can tolerate trimming and does well in dim areas. Its setting must be warm, somewhat shaded, and most importantly, out of direct sunshine. The leaves will scorch or develop leaf edge discoloration if it is excessively sunny. In its native Central America, these plants would grow in dappled sunshine underneath the canopies of trees, so shade is a must. 

The peace lily enjoys indoor environments that are between 64 and 77 degrees F in temperature. The temperature should not fall below 60 degrees F throughout the winter. Just as well, higher air humidity has advantages for this plant all year round. For this reason, many people also grow peace lilies in greenhouses or make sure they position them close to windows that face north. They also do well in bathrooms with windows, as the high humidity and low sunlight replicate its natural habitat.

Spathiphyllum Wallisii: How They Are Used

In general, the peace lily is used as an ornamental or decorative house plant. However, it is not only used for being pretty. This plant can purify the air of the indoor space it is placed in, reducing benzene, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde by up to 60%. It is also capable of absorbing acetone vapors. The peace lily is excellent at absorbing excess moisture, and it can reduce the growth of mildew and mold spores because of this. Because of its air purification properties, it is also used as a “sleep plant” that can help improve one’s restful sleep when kept in the bedroom.

The peace lily is also used in Feng Shui. It is strongly advised to place a peace lily plant in your home office since, according to feng shui experts, it transforms negative energy into good ones. As a low-light indoor plant, the peace lily does best in filtered light or very mild partial shade. It is a fantastic plant for establishing a more tranquil environment because it can endure fluorescent lighting and turn an otherwise harsh environment into a more pleasant one.

The life cycle of the peace lily (pictured) involves the growth of the spathe, which turns white at maturity.

©iStock.com/wahid hasyim asyari

The Spathiphyllum Wallisii Life Cycle and Behavior

Many people believe that the typical peace lily lifetime is between three and five years. However, the lifespan of this plant depends heavily on the conditions it is kept in. Peace lilies grown indoors have been known to live for twenty years or more. Repotting and propagation of peace lilies are best done in late winter or early spring.

The Spathiphyllum wallisii life cycle is quite fascinating. The seed, germination, growth, reproduction, pollination, and seed dissemination phases are crucial to the life cycle of any flower, including the peace lily. The monocot is the seed of a peace lily. It only contains one cotyledon, which will eventually grow into the seed’s first leaf. The hard outer layer of the seed, known as the seed coat, shields the embryo. If maintained cold and dry, certain seeds may be capable of growth even after many years.

Warmth and water are required for the growth of a peace lily seed that has fallen to the ground. After being exposed to the proper circumstances, the hypocotyl (or stem) eventually pushes through the soil with the cotyledon. It is known as germination or sprouting at this stage. In this stage, the little root digs down and spreads out in search of water and food. The cotyledon separates shortly after, and the first genuine leaves emerge.

The peace lily’s root system will keep expanding as the plant gets older. The root system secures the plant to the soil and creates root hairs that facilitate the absorption of water and nutrients. The stem is in charge of moving water and nutrients from the roots to the leaves. The stem grows longer the nearer it gets to sunlight. New leaves are added to the stalk’s apex. By helping plants absorb more sunlight, the peace lily’s foliage will improve photosynthesis.

In the wild, peace lilies use their blossoms to reproduce. It is the portion of the plant that reproduces sexually. The blossom emerges from the plant as a gradually rising, pencil-thin, tightly-coiling flower bud. Light-green, immature blossoms become snow-white as they mature. The blooms might take up to a week to completely blossom. The leaves will have a yellowish swelling region when the bud first forms. Watch it as it slowly takes shape in front of you. If you manage to see your peace lily in action, this might be a pretty exciting experience!

The male and female parts of a flower are represented by the stamen and pistil, respectively. Reproduction and seed production require pollination to take place. Within 24 hours of the plant blooming, two distinct peace lily flowers must pollinate one another. Insects like bees and butterflies spread pollen from one flower to the next in order to pollinate plants in the wild. The flowers will start to grow a few weeks later when the seeds start to develop. If the peace lily plant receives adequate pollination, the stem will be loaded with seeds in a few weeks. The last phase of the flower’s life cycle is seed distribution, sometimes referred to as dispersal. Typically, the wind and animals disperse the seeds of peace lilies.

This plant’s behavior is also interesting. It is often known as a “dramatic” plant, as most Spathiphyllum species are. If they are suffering from overwatering, underwatering, poor soil, lack of fertilizer, or pest infestations, they will dramatically droop their leaves and refuse to flower. This can be a good thing, as your peace lily will let you know if it needs something!

How to Grow Spathiphyllum Wallisii

Growing a peace lily is quite easy! To start, ensure you’re using the right soil. A substrate that has high humus content and common potting soil is sufficient for peace lilies. For increased aeration, you can also add some expanding clay, sand, or clay granules. Additionally, aeration material makes it easier for the water to drain out, as waterlogging can kill your peace lily. Spathiphyllum wallisii also thrives in hydroponic systems.

The root ball of peace lilies should never totally dry out, and the substrate should constantly be moist. Use tap water that is lime-deficient and temperature-controlled wherever feasible. Water the soil seldom but consistently. It is good to sometimes wet the plant’s leaves when the air in the room is extremely dry or when it is hot outside.

During the blossoming season for flowering plants, give the peace lily a little dosage of liquid fertilizer once a week. In the winter, minimally fertilizing every three weeks is sufficient. Keep in mind that excessive fertilizer results in discolored leaf tips on peace lilies. When it comes to fertilizer for peace lilies, less is most definitely more!

As stated before in this guide, keep this plant’s temperatures under control and always set it in a location with lots of shade and indirect sunshine. Although pruning is not necessary per se for peace lilies, it is nevertheless a good idea to frequently remove any withering leaves. To do this, cut the stems at their very base using clean shears.

The peace lily, when grown in the right conditions, demonstrates its ability to be a low-maintenance and easy houseplant. It is therefore regarded as the ideal beginner plant and poses very few issues even for plant enthusiasts without a green thumb.

Spathiphyllum wallisii is a truly beautiful plant that requires little maintenance in order to thrive in indoor conditions. However, it’s worth noting that this plant does require that little bit of maintenance in order to survive. If you can commit to a regular watering schedule, ideal temperatures, and the right positioning of the plant, you’ll be able to enjoy your peace lily for up to two decades!

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FROM FILE PHOTOS

MANILA, Philippines—Now that Christmas is over, Filipinos, certainly, are already preparing for the next celebration—New Year—which is highly characterized by the revelry that comes with it.

But should Filipinos still use firecrackers?

READ: A dangerous celebration

As stated in a 24 Oras report last year, historians explained that firecrackers were invented in 200 BC by the Chinese, who set bamboo on fire as they believed that it would ward off misfortune and evil spirits.

However, because of its dangerous, sometimes deadly, consequences, the government, through the years, has been discouraging Filipinos from using firecrackers, especially on the days leading to New Year’s Eve.

As everyone knows, December of every year has been declared Firecrackers Injury Prevention Month as part of a concerted effort by government offices and private institutions to reduce firecracker-related injuries.

READ: Firecrackers Injury Prevention Month

Then on June 20, 2017, then president Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order (EO) No. 28, a directive that restricted the use of firecrackers to community zones.

Looking back to 2019, then Health Secretary Francisco Duque III stressed that the EO contributed to the drop of firecracker-related injuries and that relentless rains experienced that year could also be credited for the decrease in cases.

This year, while the Department of Health (DOH) said it has seen a “downtrend” in firecracker-related injuries, it called everyone to help sustain the decline in cases.

According to DOH data over the years, there were 932 firecracker-related injuries on Dec. 21, 2015 to Jan. 5, 2016; 677 on Dec. 21, 2016 to Jan. 5, 2017; and 463 on Dec. 21, 2017 to Jan. 5, 2018.

RELATED STORY: Fireworks-related injuries rise to 10 in just 5 days

GRAPHIC Jerome Cristobal

The number of cases continued to drop to 340 on Dec. 21, 2018 to Jan. 5, 2019; 288 on Dec. 21, 2019 to Jan. 2, 2020; and 122 on Dec. 21, 2020 to Jan. 2, 2021. Injuries, however, slightly increased to 181 on Dec. 21, 2021 to Jan. 2, 2022.

Creepy, deadly endings

According to data from the study Fireworks-related Injury Surveillance in the Philippines that was published by World Health Organization (WHO), there were 4,706 firecracker-related injuries involving different parts of the body in the years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014.

It said the most common anatomic injury areas were the hands (44 percent), legs (21 percent), and eyes (14 percent), stressing that males (80 percent) were more commonly injured than females.

When 2022 was welcomed, 181 cases consisted of 180 firecracker-related injuries while one was a stray bullet case. There were no cases of firecracker ingestion or death, the DOH said.

The victims, most of them males who were two to 74 years old, were from these regions: Metro Manila (67 percent), Ilocos Region (29 percent), and Western Visayas (26 percent).

A Philippine News Agency report said that out of the 180 firecracker-related injuries, 18 were blast or burn injuries requiring amputation and 122 were blast or burn injuries that did not require amputation.

GRAPHIC Jerome Cristobal

Likewise, 45 of the 180 cases were eye injuries, while the rest—5—were multiple types of injuries.

The DOH said 47 percent of the cases involved active firecracker users, with some 52 percent getting injured at home, 47 percent on the streets, and one case on a basketball court.

Looking back, it was in 2015 when a drunken man died after he embraced a “Goodbye Philippines” firecracker that was about to explode. He was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

According to data from the study, written by Roca et. al., there were four firecracker-related deaths in the five years that it covered: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014.

Legal, illegal

As stated by Republic Act No. 7183, or the Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture and Use of Firecrackers and Other Pyrotechnic Devices, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is authorized to determine what constitutes prohibited firecrackers.

Likewise, the PNP, through its director general, shall promulgate rules and regulations to regulate and control firecracker use after public hearing and consultation with the firecracker and pyrotechnic industry.

Last year, the PNP released the list of illegal firecrackers that can be seized by police, stressing that the sale of firecrackers outside firecracker zones comes with stiff penalties.

The illegal firecrackers, the police said, are Watusi, Piccolo, Pop-pop, Five-star, Pla-pla, Lolo Thunder, Giant Bawang, Giant Whistle Bomb, Atomic Bomb, Super Lolo, Atomic Triangle, Goodbye Bading, Large Size Judas Belt, Goodbye Philippines, Goodbye De Lima, Bin Laden, Hello Columbia, Goodbye Napoles, Mother Rockets, Coke-in-Can, Super Yolanda, Pillbox, Boga, Kwiton and Kabasi.

Roca et. al. said lighting illegal firecrackers accounted for 50.2 percent of injuries in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014. Likewise, most of the severe injuries were because of the explosion of illegal firecrackers.

GRAPHIC Jerome Cristobal

The DOH had stressed that firecrackers, legal or illegal, are dangerous.

Duque stated in 2020 that the DOH would propose a law to impose an absolute ban on the use of firecrackers in the Philippines, stressing that most of the injuries during New Year that year, were attributed to legally sold fireworks.

“It’s a bit oxymoronic to say that it is legal but it is injurious. They are conflicting. So we need to do something about this,” he said.

READ: ‘Oxymoronic’: Most injuries due to legal fireworks–DOH

“In fact, it can contribute to higher injuries because of the understanding of the common person that since it’s legal, it wouldn’t cause problems,” Duque, who said the DOH was still far from achieving its goal of zero casualty, said.

Hidden dangers

But aside from injuries caused by firecrackers, the EcoWaste Coalition warned of the harmful chemicals that firecrackers and fireworks release into the air, saying that the products threaten health and the environment.

“These products are packed with chemicals such as carbon, potassium nitrate, sulfur and other substances of concern, which can adversely affect the rights of every Filipino to a clean and non-toxic environment,” it said.

Likewise, it stressed that the use of firecrackers worsen air quality, saying that in a study by the Manila Observatory in 2019, the amount of fine particulate matter in the air exceeded the 24-hour national ambient air quality guideline value (NAAQGV) of 50.0 µg/m3.

As pointed out by Aileen Lucero, national coordinator of EcoWaste Coalition, the group would want a comprehensive ban on firecrackers and fireworks to address toxic pollution caused by these.

“[This] infringes on our right to clean air – a human right recognized and protected by the Clean Air Act,” she said.

Local chief executives are mandated to assign specific firecracker and pyrotechnic zones in their areas, where firecrackers may be sold and used.

New cases

According to latest data from the DOH, there are 20 cases of firecracker-related injuries as 15 new cases were reported on Monday (Dec. 26), less than a week before the New Year celebration.

The injuries, the department said, were recorded in Central Visayas (3), Soccsksargen (3), Ilocos Region (2), Bicol Region (2), Western Visayas (2), Davao Region (2), Metro Manila (2), Central Luzon (1), Calabarzon (1), Mimaropa (1), and the Cordillera Administrative Region (1).

Some 30 percent of the injuries were caused by the firecracker called Boga, which has been declared by the police as illegal. The rest were caused by Kwitis, Whistle Bomb, 5-Star, Judas Belt, “Missile”, Pop-pop.

According to data submitted to DOH’s sentinel hospitals, most, or 11, of the cases were eye injuries, while two cases were blast or burn injuries requiring amputation.

TSB

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Originally Appeared Here

LG Electronics said on Monday that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for research cooperation with a sleep-tech diagnosis company, Asleep, at the LG Electronics Gasan R&D Campus on Friday.

LG Electronics H&A Research Center Director Oh Sai-kee  (left) and Asleep CEO Lee Dong-heon signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for research cooperation in sleep technology diagnosis at the LG Electronics Gasan R&D Campus on Friday.

Asleep is a sleep tech start-up that diagnoses sleep stages through breathing sounds during sleep and provides various sleep services based on artificial intelligence (AI) technology. This technology can measure the stage of sleep in any environment as long as you have a device with a microphone such as a smartphone, a smart TV, or a speaker.

Its advantage is that it can measure customers’ sleep conditions without wearing a separate device, said a company official.

LG Electronics is planning to research and develop various products and services that combine Asleep’s sleep diagnosis technology to operate in optimal mode and provide customized services according to customers’ sleep conditions and patterns.

For example, if a customer is detected to be asleep, the bedroom’s table-type air purifier is switched to sleep mode, and the air conditioner is set to the optimal temperature according to the recent sleep record. Additionally, if the laundry is finished and the customer is sleeping, the washing machine can operate the “laundry care after finish” function on its own.

At CES 2023 in Las Vegas next week, both companies will exhibit a smart bedroom environment demonstration consisting of sleep diagnosis technology together with LG Electronics’ premium home appliances.

Asleep CEO Lee Dong-heon said, “We expect that combining Asleep’s technology with LG Electronics premium home appliances will create a human-centered residential environment from bedrooms to living rooms.”

“We will introduce differentiated smart home appliances to improve customers’ quality of life by applying simple and accurate sleep diagnosis technology,” said LG Electronics H&A Research Center Director Oh Sai-kee.

Korea ranks the lowest in sleep time among OECD members.

According to statistics by the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS), about 670,000 Koreans sought treatment due to sleep disorder in 2021, a 35 percent increase from 495,506 in 2016. 

 

 

 

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If your home is where your heart is, but your family is bursting from the scenes there, there are options to make more room without a big fuss. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) like the ones from Samara are giving families more room to live, have a quiet home office, or to give the kids an outside playroom.

The Backyard Tiny House is made by Samara, a company created by Airbnb cofounder Joe Gebbia. The new company offers the net-zero ADU in two sizes, and for use in many applications. The 430 square foot studio, and a 55 square foot one-bedroom makes room for guests, and recreational sheds as well.

Both versions of the Backyard Tiny House feature a well apportioned kitchen, spacious bathroom, washer/dryer combo, and storage galore. The net-zero distinction for this ADU comes in it solar power, and built in ionizing air purification. The owners of the Tiny House can also have their choice of exterior paint, and floor plans.

All-in home cost for California residents start at $289,000. Take a look at some ideas for the Backyard Tiny House in the gallery, and if you need the space, conjure up your own design for delivery at Samara.

Want to be featured on stupidDOPE? Reach out and lets make it happen! 

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HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Many of us enjoy having a real Christmas tree for the holidays, and when they are over, there are several eco-friendly ways to dispose of or recycle them.

According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, the trees help the environment by sequestering carbon.

“As Christmas trees grow, they provide many of the same benefits our urban and natural forests do, such as clean air, soil stabilization, and carbon sequestration,” said Alison Baylis, Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Urban Ecologist. “Further, buying a Christmas tree can help support a business or your local economy.”

The Texas Christmas Tree Growers Association said there are 175 Christmas tree farms in Texas producing over 200,000 trees annually. Unfortunately, many of these trees end up in a landfill.

“Even though trees are a renewable resource, we should opt to recycle or dispose of them in a way that helps the environment and gives our trees a second life,” said Baylis.

Recycle

Real Christmas trees are biodegradable. Checking with your local waste management company, garden center, or conservation organization to find out if recycling, whether curbside pickup or a drop-off station, is available. Recycling trees is recommended over burning them to help prevent wildfire danger, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service Communications Office news release.

Mulch

Chipping trees into mulch can be used for a variety of needs around homes and yards. It can be placed around the base of trees and gardens as an insulator to help plants withstand cold temperatures and prevent soil erosion.

Pond and wildlife habitat

Placing trees in yards, nature landscapes, or bodies of water creates a habitat for wildlife. When trees are placed in bodies of water bodies, they increase the complexity of the aquatic habitat. If you do not have access to a pond or lake contact, local officials, to see if there is a suitable body of water in which you can properly dispose of your tree, said the A&M Forest Service.

To create a wildlife habitat, the forest service suggests setting your tree in your yard. Birds will use the old tree for shelter. Tie bird feed, orange slices, popcorn, and other bird-friendly treats to your tree and the birds will come.

Make sure to remove all decorations like ornaments, lights, and ribbon. Tree limbs are a good way to insulate garden plants, and some cities have free mulch available after the holidays.

If the tree is sprayed with flocking (fake snow), it should not be recycled, said the forest service.

For more information on how to recycle your Christmas tree, contact your Texas A&M Forest Service district office.

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Wilson Home Services LLC is a premier Texas-based provider of HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services, serving Collin County, Dallas County, Denton County, Tarrant County, and Johnson County.

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units are working without pause in cold, windy Texas areas throughout wintertime; numerous homeowners have experienced HVAC malfunctions amid overuse, and that is where Wilson Home Services LLC comes into play.

As the provider of the best HVAC, plumbing, electrical, indoor air quality, and duct cleaning services in Texas and beyond, Wilson Home Services LLC is on a mission to ensure the homes of its clients are warm, the plumbing in perfect condition, and the air quality pristinely clear as temperatures are slowly dropping. 

Regarding HVAC services, Wilson Home Services provides AC repairs, installation, and replacements, as well as heating installation, repair, and replacements. The Wilson Home Annual Maintenance Plan (WHAM) covers all of the aforementioned service products while bringing the subscribing clients a range of unique benefits, such as plumbing, heating, and electrical tune-up, priority service, and discounts. 

Wilson Home Services employs only the finest plumbers across the state and has made sure its professionals can quickly and reliably repair, maintain, install, and replace circulating systems, water heaters, boilers, and more. 

Moreover, Wilson Home offers exemplary quality leak repairs, sewer & drain cleaning, and garbage disposal services. 

Regarding the company’s electrical services, Wilson Home specializes in carbon monoxide testing, lightning detection, smoke detection, house-surge protection, and a broad spectrum of other services in the field of electrical repairs, replacements, and installation. 

Wilson Home Services also provides premium indoor air quality & duct cleaning services, helping homeowners quickly discover and remove mold growths, bacteria, and other harmful elements from the air, as well as ensuring that the ductworks are fully functional and properly maintained at all times.

More information about Wilson Home Services is available on the company’s official website. Also, check out this article to learn more about the owner, Victor Wilson.

Media Contact
Company Name: Wilson Home Services LLC
Contact Person: Victor Wilson
Email: Send Email
Phone: +1 (817) 753-0873
Address:10353 Alta Vista Road Suite 651
City: Fort Worth
State: TX 76244
Country: United States
Website: https://wilsonhomeservices.com

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A former Western Kentucky county official is joining the Tennessee Valley Authority’s board of directors after being confirmed by the U.S. Senate, according to a release from U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell.

Former Lyon County Judge-Executive Wade White will be the sole resident of the Bluegrass state on the utility’s board. He stepped down earlier this month after three terms as the Lyon judge-executive.

U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell (left) stands with former Lyon County Judge-Executive Wade White after introducing him to the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Safety. (Photo provided by McConnell’s office)

White visited Chattanooga last week to meet with his fellow nominees and members of the utility’s leadership team. He said he’s excited and grateful for the opportunity of being on the TVA board so that he can not only look out for the needs of Kentuckians but so that he can help preserve some of the state’s natural assets, including his beloved Tennessee River.

“One of the things that’s always been important to me was the conservation of that river and the lakes associated with it and that’s one of the things that I think I’ll be able to contribute to,” White said. “Hopefully I’ll be able to help [maintain] all the natural resources along the Tennessee River which is a big passion of mine.”

McConnell recommended White for the position to President Joe Biden and introduced the former county official to the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Safety earlier this year. McConnell said 215,000 of his constituents access power from the TVA and its subsidiaries.

“I applaud the Senate approving Wade White’s nomination and finally adding a Kentuckian to the TVA Board of Directors,” McConnell said in the release. “Wade’s heart has always been in serving his home state and his unique perspective will bring balance to the organization and its priorities.”

TVA distributes electricity to 28 Kentucky counties through a mixture of local cooperatives and energy projects, including the Kentucky Dam, the Shawnee Fossil Plant, the Paradise Combined Cycle Plant and combustion turbines in Marshall County.

A TVA spokesperson confirmed that the five other board members nominated for the utility’s board this week — Beth Pritchard Geer of Tennessee, L. Michelle Moore of Georgia, Robert P. Klein of Tennessee, William J. Renick of Mississippi and Joe H. Ritch of Alabama — were also confirmed.

White will serve a five-year term.

The TVA is currently chaired by William Kilbride of Tennessee. The terms of Kilbride, Beth Harwell and Brian Noland, both of Tennessee, do not expire until 2024. Two of their fellow Tennessean board members — Jeff Smith and A.D. Frazier — will leave the board in May, when the newly former nine-member board will have the opportunity to reaffirm Kilbride or select a new chair at the utility’s May meeting.

A native of western Kentucky, Operle earned his bachelor’s degree in integrated strategic communications from the University of Kentucky in 2014. Operle spent five years working for Paxton Media/The Paducah Sun as a reporter and editor. In addition to his work in the news industry, Operle is a passionate movie lover and concertgoer.

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Smoking or non-smoking? AM or FM? Manual or Automatic? Those were the choices people had to contend with just a few decades back. Now if you want a vehicle you have to ask: sedan, truck, SUV? Sub-compact, compact, cross over, full-size? Now, powertrains are just as confusing. Gas, Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), EV?

Volvo is here to help with the 2022 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 Inscription Extended Range. It has an absurdly long name but despite that, looks to bridge that gap between pure electric and traditional gas. Like other PHEVs, the XC90 Recharge offers electric range and then a hybrid engine to pick up where the battery leaves off.

The second-generation XC90 has a number of reasons as to why it’s a great buy. That said, it’s getting a little long in the tooth as competitors have more visually exciting offerings. Does this variation have a place for those needing three-rows and some guilt-free miles? We spent some time in the plush Swedish seats to find out.

Key Features

• 21″ Wheels
• 38 Miles Of Pure EV
• 2.0 Liter Turbo-Charged In-Line Four-Cylinder Engine
• Three-Rows Of Seats
• 455 hp And 523 lb-ft Torque

Specifications

• Model: XC90
• Engine/Motor: 2.0-Liter In-Line 4-Cylinder
• Horsepower: 455 HP
• Torque: 523 LB-FT
• Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
• Range: 38 Miles
• Battery: 14.9-kWh
• MSRP: $72,100

Pros

• Very Comfortable
• Amazing Audio System
• Refined And Smooth Ride
• 38 Miles Of Pure EV

Cons

• Cramped 3rd-Row Seating
• Small Vertical Screen
• Aging 2nd Generation Design

The Minimalist Exterior On The Volvo XC90 Is Old But Still Appeals To Enthusiasts

Via: Bradley Hasemeyer

The exterior for the 2022 Volvo XC90 Recharge is relatively unchanged since the award-winning model of 2016 turned our heads. The 2022 (and 2023, for that matter) do seem a little stuck in their styling. No one has ever accused Volvo of being too playful–they have historically made safe, boxy, serious vehicles–but after more than seven years, we wished they were shaping some new metal now instead of having to wait for the 2024 Volvo EX90!

Via: Bradley Hasemeyer

That said, we still think there is a place for the minimalist, clean, and purpose-driven shape of the 2022 Volvo XC90. Ours arrived in a beautiful Pine Grey Metallic–somewhere between green and grey. The Inscription trim brought elements like chrome bars in the front grill as well as window trim, and unique 20″ wheels. Moving around the XC90 we noticed the chrome grill with vertical slats, the “Thor’s Hammer” (what a name?!) headlights, then on around to the slight flares at the wheel arches. The sides feature wide, long pieces of sheet metal all leading around to the characteristic wide hips accentuated by the tall vertical taillights. Despite being seven years old, it’s still a handsome SUV.

RELATED: 10 Reasons The Volvo V90 Cross Country Is The Perfect Winter Wagon

The Performance Of The XC90 Belies Its Swedish Stoic Style

If we know German cars for engineering, we know Swedish style for ease and minimalism. Volvo has managed to make this 5,000 lb three-row safety box on wheels feel quick, light, and surprisingly fun to drive. It’s no Volvo C30 R-Design, but they have waved a magic Swedish wand to create a 455 hp family hauler. The 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder brings 312 horses to the table and the electric motor zaps 143 extra ponies into the mix and boom, 455. It’s the best of both worlds–efficient small engine, but loads of torque from the electric motor off the line.

Via: Bradley Hasemeyer

Speaking of the electric motor, the initial Recharge launched with a head-scratching 18 miles of EV range. Volvo clearly noticed that was an issue so halfway through the year they offered the “Extended Range” which doubled it to 36 miles of electric-only power when in “Pure” driving mode. When in Sport, it decreased quite a bit. Not only did that mean we were able to run errands, get our production shots done, and meet up with friends for pizza without having to use a drop of gas the day it arrived, but when we arrived back to the office, we plugged it in and the battery charged up in 4 hours (costing us about $6). Even after the battery is dead–on a roadtrip or if you ended up driving around more than expected between charges, Volvo claims the small 2.0-liter will return 27 mpg combined. Not too shabby.

Via: Bradley Hasemeyer

We loved how quick and nimble the 2022 Volvo XC90 Recharge drove. Part of that dynamic was thanks to the $1800 optional Air Suspension With CCD package. This, of course, helps balance the car loaded with people, luggage and a Christmas tree as it rounds a corner to offset the natural tendency to lean. It’s also helpful when loading large items in the trunk as there is a button in the rear which allow you to manually raise or lower the rear. Just in case you can’t quite get that 4th bag of mulch up into the back. Yeah, you are loading bags of mulch into your $84,000 luxury SUV in this world. All-in-all this three-row Swedish cruise-liner was surprisingly planted, quick out of corners, and butter smooth on long family trips.

Via: Bradley Hasemeyer

RELATED: Here Are 10 Things You Need To Know About The Upcoming Volvo EX90

Step Inside The Cozy, Comfortable, Cramped (In The Third Row) XC90

Via: Bradley Hasemeyer

Opening the large driver’s door, the 2022 Volvo XC 90 Recharge greeted us with natural elements like leather, wood, and aluminum. The Nappa Leather (heated/ventilated) perforated seats, leather steering wheel and dash with contrast stitching, wood deco inlays, and even the crystal shifter, all gave the interior a calm vibe like a well-paid Manhattan therapist office. It felt relaxing and almost trustworthy. That sounds strange, but we loved sitting in the quiet of the cabin.

Via: Bradley Hasemeyer

The aforementioned crystal shifter is an interesting piece of decoration all on its own. Volvo tapped a 100-year-old glass company called Oreffors (you can see the name in the shifter) to create this single piece which would refract natural the natural light streaming into the car. In Sweden, light is very important because they experience short winter days with lots of dark. The car maker found this a simple nod to the homeland while also being a subtle centerpiece for the driving experience. Other brands have been using crystal/glass in their shifters recently like the Genesis GV60 and the BMW iX M60 but those seem gimmicky and gaudy. We thought this was nice.

Via: Bradley Hasemeyer

The luxury shines in the 2023 Volvo XC 90 but the technology lags behind. The driver gets a 12.3″ digital display but not as customizable as some competitors. When you start the car, however, it shows a graphic as the Volvo runs through a checklist of all the safety systems and lets you know with a small reassuring check next to each of the names. The 9″ vertical touchscreen on the center console was a bit of a letdown as well. It uses Volvo’s Sensus Connect platform, which was fine. But when using Apple CarPlay, we had to plug in our phone (no wireless), and it only displayed horizontally using about half of the vertical screen. That meant our $84,000 luxury SUV offered as much screen space to our maps and music as a Mazda CX-5. Once we got over all that, the $3,200 upgraded Bowers & Wilkins audio blew us away. The “Concert” setup, especially, brought a whole new level of listening to our ears.

Via: Bradley Hasemeyer

The 2022 Volvo XC90 interior was good for our ears and our eyes. The panoramic roof was giant, and we loved how that aided in the airy cabin feel. Both passenger in the second row enjoyed their own climate options bringing the total temperature variations to four in the XC90. Additionally, everyone enjoyed cleaner air thanks to the air purification feature included in the $1650 Advanced package (which also added a head-up display and 360-degree camera). Like many other 3-row SUV options, the Volvo, skimps on comfort for those sad souls in the rear. Certainly, no adult would be happy, but even taller kids may annoy their parents until they finally extract them from the tight fit. Instead, they are great for folding flat and making more room for luggage.

Via: Bradley Hasemeyer

RELATED: A Detailed Look Back At The Legendary Volvo 850 T-5R Station Wagon

The 2022 Volvo XC90 Recharges Our Excitement In The Future of EV

Via: Bradley Hasemeyer

Volvo as a brand is like the best roommate you’ve ever had: clean, nice, and pays the bills on time. They continue to hold to their luxurious Swedish roots of minimal design with form and function transitioning seamlessly. The 2022 Volvo XC90 Recharge makes good on this and more. It brings some impressive driving dynamics (for a large SUV) to the table and of course, offers nearly 40 miles of pure electric range.

With all of their 2023 models being only hybrid or electric (and Google equipped), clearly they are aiming to be purely electric by 2030. The transition to electric will take time and be confusing to a lot of people. Remember when people were like, “How does this Prius work?” Something like a plug-in hybrid makes sense as a gateway to the next gen of fully electric vehicles. So it’s o.k. if the EV component is only part of the story… that is for another few years as Volvo has committed to being fully electric by 2030.

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Consumers could see huge discounts on energy-efficent electric items in 2023 | KTLO

Rain: 7am to 7am:  .00″  Month: 3.81″  Year: 55.57″  Recorded temps: High: 26  Low: 14

A new program is set to begin in 2023 will help families with incentives to make purchases for energy-efficient electric items such as electrical system upgrades, appliances, heating and cooling, and vehicles. As a part of the Inflation Reduction Act, Rewiring America is a program that will offer up-front discounts and or tax credits, based on household income and size.Rewiring America states “by lowering the upfront cost of efficient, electric appliances, the rebates will help American families save money on their energy bills, create healthier indoor air environments and reduce carbon emissions.” For households with an annual income less than 80 percent of the Area median Income (AMI), the rebates provide full-cost discounts up to $14,000, covering both purchase and installation costs. For household incomes between 80 and 150 AMI, the rebates are expected to cover half the cost.For households with lower incomes, 100% of appliance and installation cost are discounted at purchase. Middle-income households should expect up to 50% of appliance and installation costs covered through upfront discounts, with tax credits to cover some of the remaining gap. Those in highest income households will not be eligible for upfront discounts, but could recoup costs around 30% in tax credits.

For more information, visit rewiringamerica.org.

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