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Michelle Merrill, PhD

@perplexedprimate.bsky.social
439 followers 783 following 147 posts

organizing with Scientist Rebellion Turtle Island, recovering academic who worked on Higher Ed for Sustainability, anthropology, behavioral ecology, evolution, social learning

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Michelle Merrill, PhD @perplexedprimate.bsky.social · 23h
I just wrote a @srti.bsky.social letter: Push the EPA to obey the law and restore the Solar-For-All program!. Write one here: actionnetwork.org/letters/sola...
actionnetwork.org
Push the EPA to obey the law and restore the Solar-For-All program!
Congress approved funding through the EPA to help disadvantaged and poor communities build out their own community solar projects… get this… four years ago!  But Trump and his EPA cut the funding...
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Novasutras @novasutras.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
We're supporting #ScientistRebellion, #TheResilientActivist, and so many other great causes for Earth Gives Day at mtyc.co/mwquaf
mtyc.co
Support Novasutras on Earth Gives
Novasutras is an emerging ecospiritual movement, to nurture and uplift one another during these challenging times, as we create a world that works for all people and all species of life on Earth. Nova...
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Transform California @transformca.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
430,000 people could lose easy access to BART or Caltrain if the agencies hit their fiscal cliff and are forced to close stations. The good news: it's preventable. Help us pass these measures by volunteering this week! luma.com/connectbayarea
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Chewie's Rebellion @chewiesrebellion.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Here are some of photos of me from the Unite4Climate @xr-us.bsky.social action in #SanFrancisco by Terry Scussel of ProBono photo, and by Leon Kunstenaar (links in bio). Did you get a picture of/with me? Please share!
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Stand.earth @stand.earth · 14/09/2026
#BigOil knew burning fossil fuels would lead to widespread devastation. Polluters (and the politicians that subsidize them) all have names and titles. It’s time to hold them accountable. #MakePollutersPay.
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Transform California @transformca.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Transform's ED, Zack Deutsch-Gross, speaking at the YES on #RTM rally and BART crawl this morning in Oakland. Huge thanks to everyone who turned out and to @connectbayarea.bsky.social for organizing. Let's fund transit this November!
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Center for Climate Integrity @climateintegrity.org · 17/09/2026
🚨NEW: Justice Alito was warned that climate deception lawsuits against Phillips 66 & ConocoPhillips pose financial risks to his investments. Still, he won't recuse from Suncor v. Boulder, which Big Oil companies told the justices could "resolve" the lawsuits in which Alito has a financial interest.
consumerwatchdog.org
Phillips 66 and ConocoPhillips Warned Justice Alito His Oil Investments Face Material Risk From Climate Lawsuits For Years; Their Trade Association, Suncor and Exxon Briefed Him on How to Eliminate th...
Documents On File At The Supreme Court Of The United States And The Securities And Exchange Commission Establish That Justice Alito Has A Direct Financial…
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Center for Biological Diversity @biologicaldiversity.org · 03/09/2026
A 53,000-acre #logging project in #Washington will target protected old-growth forests and destroy critical habitat for northern spotted owls and bull trout. We're in court challenging the U.S. Forest Service for approving this destructive project. Please support our fight ⬇️
act.biologicaldiversity.org
Give Now to Save the Wild
Join the fight to protect wildlife and wild places with a gift to the Center for Biological Diversity.
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Transform California @transformca.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
By the way — did you know September is #TransitMonth in the Bay Area? Yeah, we're excited, too.
sf.streetsblog.org
If it's September, it Must be Transit Month - Streetsblog San Francisco
San Francisco's favorite advocacy groups for better buses and trains kick off a month of celebration. And it comes at a time when transit seems more threatened than ever
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350 Silicon Valley @350sv.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
World set to cross 1.5 degC warming within the next few years. This hot year may be among the coolest we will ever experience. 🌡️🤒 www.unep.org/news-and-sto...
unep.org
UNEP: World set to cross 1.5°C global warming, but can still limit, adapt to and return from higher temperatures
Global temperature rise is set to cross 1.5°C, likely within the next few years, pushing climate risks and impacts to increasingly dangerous heights, but it is still possible to bring temperatures dow...
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Daniel Bachman @danielbachman.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Here is the intro to the film component of The Witness Tree, narrated by Dr. Michelle Merrill, organizer with Scientist Rebellion @srti.bsky.social The film will be available for free next month on October 2nd coinciding with its premiere/2 day event through Yales Institute of Sacred Music.
youtu.be
The Witness Tree (Intro/Teaser)
YouTube video by The Witness Tree
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Michelle Merrill, PhD @perplexedprimate.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Californians: I just signed @earthjustice.org's petition to Gov Newsom to sign AB40. We can't let Trump's buddies build new coal terminals in Oakland, or anywhere, without a fair and thorough environmental review. earthjustice.org/action/tell-...
earthjustice.org
Tell Governor Newsom: We need an environmental review for coal in West Oakland
Developers are joining forces with the Trump administration to build a coal terminal in West Oakland.
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Earthjustice @earthjustice.org · 28/08/2026
BREAKING: The Line 5 oil pipeline is leaking massive amounts of natural gas liquids near Saxon, WI. The Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa warned WI & the US Army Corps not to trust Enbridge with pumping oil & gas through watersheds like the Bad River. Enbridge must be held accountable.
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Earthjustice @earthjustice.org · 31/08/2026
In another attack on public lands, the Trump administration proposed rolling back the Roadless Rule. The repeal would “jeopardize water quality, wildlife, and backcountry recreational opportunities," explains Earthjustice attorney Jenny Harbine.
grist.org
Trump administration advances plan to open national forests to development
The proposal would repeal the roadless rule, opening up nearly 45 million acres of national land to roadbuilding and logging.
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Dr. Samantha Montano @samlmontano.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Dolly did what other disaster nonprofits are too chicken shit to do — she gave the families affected by a wildfire a universal basic income. www.bpr.org/news/2018-12...
bpr.org
How Dolly Parton Gave $12.5 Million And Unprecedented Research To Sevier County
It’s been two years since wildfires burned Western North Carolina and devastated the town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Country music superstar Dolly Parton…
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Center for Climate Integrity @climateintegrity.org · 25/08/2026
For the first time, a peer-reviewed study has "drawn a straight line from single corporate emitters like Exxon or Chevron ... to specific heatwaves and areas of extreme rainfall." The new methodological framework could make it much easier to hold Big Oil accountable for its climate lies.
motherjones.com
It just got way easier to sue fossil fuel companies over climate change
For years, industry has argued you can't prove which company caused which disaster. A new study says otherwise.
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Dr. Sandra Steingraber 🏳️‍🌈 @ssteingraber1.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
🧪 NEW RESEARCH: cleaner air means less brain damage: “As prenatal exposures to air pollution declined, subsequent measures of children’s cognitive development improved.” IOW, solving the climate crisis makes kids smarter. 1/3 www.publichealth.columbia.edu/news/clean-a...
publichealth.columbia.edu
Clean Air Policies Linked to Improved Cognition Among New York City Children
As prenatal exposures to air pollution declined, subsequent measures of children’s cognitive development improved.
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Extinction Rebellion Global @xrglobal.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
🔥 We are #XR We fight for Life 💚 Without Mother Nature we cannot exist. Every breath, every drop of water, every fruit, Earth gives us everything. So we fight for ALL animal & plant species, whose voices are often drowned out by the roar of machines, by the fossil addiction consuming our world.. 1/4
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Daniel Swain @weatherwest.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
On Wed, Sep 2 at 5:30pm PT I'll giving a talk as part of the California State Library virtual program on CA weather extremes in the context of climate change & this year's very strong El Niño event. The event is free/open to public with registration!
libraryca.libcal.com
Weather Extremes in California: From El Niño, Climate Change, and Beyond with Daniel Swain, Ph.D.
Join Daniel Swain, Ph.D., and the California State Library for a fascinating virtual talk on climate change and extreme weather in California, and the rapidly developing 2026 El...
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350 Silicon Valley @350sv.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
A 350 Bay Area member's letter: "No Car, No Problem!" 350bayarea.org/letters-to-t...
350bayarea.org
Letters to the Editor: No car? No problem - 350 Bay Area | For The Climate
No car? No problem Regarding “What’s the right age for older adults to stop driving? The answer is complicated” (Aging & Longevity, SFChronicle.com, Aug. 9): While discussing adaptiations that some … ...
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Michelle Merrill, PhD @perplexedprimate.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
I'm attending a @greenfaith.bsky.social event this Sunday: South Bay Interfaith Climate Justice Summit, representing @novasutras.bsky.social RSVP here: actionnetwork.org/events/sjcli...
actionnetwork.org
South Bay Interfaith Climate Justice Summit
As climate protections, clean energy progress, and vital social programs face growing attacks, we're bringing people of faith together to build relationships, strengthen our collective voice, and take...
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Dr Charlie Gardner @charliejgardner.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
I don't want to have to engage in protest. I'd rather just get on with my research, and I found it quite emotional But while my government is considering pouring more fuel on the fires, despite everything we know and everything we're experiencing, what else am I supposed to do?
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Dr. Sandra Steingraber 🏳️‍🌈 @ssteingraber1.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Happy 19th Amendment ratification day to those who celebrate, which better be all you MFers. US women won the right to vote on OTD, August 18, 1920. Here’s incarcerated suffragette Helena Hill Weed who helped make votes for women happen, 72 yrs after the Seneca Falls Convention first demanded it.
News photo of woman in a white dress behind bars. Caption: “Helen Hill Weed of Connecticut serving a 3 day sentence in a DC prison for carrying a banner reading ‘Governmenrs derive their just powers from the consent of the governed.’ (July 1917).”
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350 Silicon Valley @350sv.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
TO DO TODAY: Protect Califiornia coasts from offshore drilling. environmentamerica.org/california/t...
environmentamerica.org
Protect our coasts from offshore drilling
Before Aug. 22, make your voice heard to protect our oceans from offshore oil drilling.
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NDN Collective @ndncollective.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
COMMENT TO PROTECT MATO TIPILA (BEAR LODGE) Mining Project: Bear Lodge Rare Earth Project 🗓️ Deadline: August 28th, 11:59 pm MST ✍🏽 Submit a Comment: ndnco.cc/protectbearl...
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Yellow Dot Studios @yellowdotstudios.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
"We're expecting the highest sea levels ever recorded on the California Coast." Dr. Mark Merrifield of @scrippsocean.bsky.social explains why El Niño 2026 will be a perfect storm for coastal flooding impacts.
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Yellow Dot Studios @yellowdotstudios.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Unprecedented temperature = unprecedented extreme weather damage, destruction, and death. It's not maybe going to happen. It's happening now. And will get worse. Tell you state elected leaders to prepare now: elninowarning.com
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XRPDX @xrpdx.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Join us on August 13th at 4pm to save the Dog River from Google, stop the transfer of Mt. Hood National Forest land to the City of The Dalles so Google can suck water from the Dog River for Data Center expansion. mobilize.us/s/9gWUFD
mobilize.us
Tell Wyden to Stop HR655! · Mobilize
See Zany Bits street theater! Hear from local leaders opposed to data center expansion. And most importantly, Tell Wyden to Stop HR655! WHEN: Thursday, Aug 13, from 4-5pm WHERE: Senator Ron Wyden’s P...
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Michelle Merrill, PhD @perplexedprimate.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Looking forward to hosting these upcoming meditations to support activists.
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Dr Charlie Gardner @charliejgardner.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
There's been a string of recent articles suggesting advocacy and activism by scientists risks reducing public trust in science Yet they never mention the risks of passivity by scientists, nor the influence of organised, longstanding efforts to undermine public trust in science Our letter in Nature
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Stand Up for Science! @standupforscience.net · 11/08/2026
The OMB rule will put the future of science in the hands and agenda of the President and his cronies. The rule is on ice till early December, but we need it permanently revoked. Contact your MoCs at the link and tell them to Revoke the Rule: zurl.co/H1ENh
The graphic contains a photo of Russell Vought, the red Stand Up for Science logo, and the popular Bernie Sanders meme. The graphic reads: "I am once again asking you to contact your MoCs and tell them to revoke the OMB Proposal. LINK IN BIO"
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Climate Science Legal Defense Fund @csldf.org · 11/08/2026
Scientists: you have the right to speak up for pro-science candidates in the upcoming midterm elections, and we have resources to help you do so safely. Read about the legal risks scientists face from politically-motivated attacks, & how to defend against them: www.csldf.org/resource/poc...
csldf.org
A Pocket Guide for Scientists: Handling Political Harassment and Legal Intimidation - Climate Science Legal Defense Fund
We produced this guide to educate scientists about the legal risks they may face from politically-motivated attacks.
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Transform California @transformca.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Second front in fight to keep Cap-and-Invest funding for clean air and water programs, affordable housing, and transportation — all investments proven to tackle climate change: a lawsuit. cal.streetsblog.org/2026/07/30/t...
cal.streetsblog.org
Transit Advocates Open Second Front in Fight to Reverse Newsom's CARB Climate Funding Cuts - Streetsblog California
Lawsuit, moving. Capitol rally, Monday. Details, below.
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Unsplintering.bsky.social @unsplintering.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
New report - "Palantir may also be engaged in extensive tax dodging, allowing it to avoid contributing to the public services it profits from" breakthroughnews.org/2026/08/06/p...
breakthroughnews.org
Palantir profits from European public services but avoids millions in taxes that fund them, new report shows - BT News
A new CICTAR-EPSU report finds a USD 14 million tax gap as Palantir books European profits in the US.
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Charlie Angus @charlieangus104.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
We are on the verge of a climatic upheaval greater than any of us can imagine. Global leaders and media aren't paying attention. They are focused on a series of self-inflicted crises that have left us dangerously vulnerable and totally unprepared. My latest. charlieangus.substack.com/p/what-keeps...
charlieangus.substack.com
What Keeps Me Up at Night
Rising temperatures in the Pacific will blow away any previous “Super” El Niño by a “truly mind-blowing margin.” - Zeke Hausfather
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Michelle Merrill, PhD @perplexedprimate.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
I'm attending an online mass call: Take Action this Labor Day!. RSVP here: actionnetwork.org/events/take-...
actionnetwork.org
Take Action this Labor Day!
Join us at 8pm ET August 13th to learn about how and why to take action this Labor Day. We'll talk about how you can host a training, and why we are focusing on training this Labor Day. We'll hear ...
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350 Silicon Valley @350sv.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Good news! The leaky Line 5 oil pipeline loses in court. earthjustice.org/article/the-... via @earthjustice.org #BlueEarth
earthjustice.org
The Line 5 Oil Pipeline is Threatening the Great Lakes — But We Just Got a Big Win Against It
The pipeline has already leaked over 1 million gallons of oil to date and threatens the Great Lakes. A court just dealt a stunning blow to one company’s dangerous plans to keep the oil flowing.
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San Francisco Chronicle @sfchronicle.com · 07/08/2026
California’s longtime coastal planning and approval process could be upended by changes in Washington.
bit.ly
A massive battle is shaping up along the entire California coast, and there’s a lot at stake
California’s longtime coastal planning and approval process could be upended by changes in Washington.
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350 Silicon Valley @350sv.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
CalSTRS, which we 350 folks in the Bay Area have been pushing to #divest from #fossilfuel for about 13 years, has made just a tiny attempt at #Sustainability. Their #climate portfolio is limited to just 5% of managed assets. You could do way better than this. www.calstrs.com/sustainable-...
calstrs.com
Sustainable investing
The Teachers’ Retirement Board is charged with maintaining a strong, stable fund in order to pay benefits to CalSTRS members and their survivors. To…
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Novasutras @novasutras.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Join us at this @greenfaith.bsky.social event in California: South Bay Interfaith Climate Justice Summit. RSVP here: actionnetwork.org/events/sjcli...
actionnetwork.org
South Bay Interfaith Climate Justice Summit
As climate protections, clean energy progress, and vital social programs face growing attacks, we're bringing people of faith together to build relationships, strengthen our collective voice, and take...
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Dr. Sandra Steingraber 🏳️‍🌈 @ssteingraber1.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Are you out here repeating industry talking points about closed loop cooling systems solving data center water problems? Yeah so closed-loops depend on carcinogenic PFAS (forever) chemicals, and need to change out their water frequently and dump that shit. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
theguardian.com
US environmental groups urge EPA to reject new Pfas to cool datacenters
Coalition says Chemours downplayed health and climate risks in bid to fast-track the compound’s use
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Colette Delawalla, PhD @cdelawalla.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Good morning! Just a pertinent reminder that "neutrality" takes the side of the oppressor! Happy Wednesday!
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Michelle Merrill, PhD @perplexedprimate.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
I'm attending a Community Forum on Palantir on Sept 10 in Oakland. RSVP here: actionnetwork.org/events/commu... @purgepalantir.bsky.social
actionnetwork.org
Community Forum on Palantir
Join us at Oakstop in the Broadway Gallery Suite for a fascinating program and important dialogue about Palantir's role in providing the technology to ICE to terrorize immigrants, creating a surveilla...
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Michelle Merrill, PhD @perplexedprimate.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
I just wrote a @theactionnetwork.bsky.social letter: Stop Oil Drilling & Fracking in California. Write one here: actionnetwork.org/letters/stop...
actionnetwork.org
Stop Oil Drilling & Fracking
California communities fought for a decade to establish Health Protection Zones to prevent oil drilling near homes, schools and hospitals, yet nearly 3,500 acres of the proposed parcels are in the pro...
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xrsouthbay.bsky.social @xrsouthbay.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Something BIG is coming to San Jose... 👀 The Polluters Pay Tour is 1 part education, 1 part community festival, and 100% action. You don’t want to miss this. RSVP today: actionnetwork.org/events/pollu...
actionnetwork.org
The Polluters Pay Statewide Tour: Coming to a Town Near You
🚨California: IT’S TIME! The #MakePollutersPay campaign is hitting the road, visiting cities and towns all across the state to organize, educate, and build our growing movement. We’re tired of paying ...
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350 Silicon Valley @350sv.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Join us for a Make Polluters Pay Town Hall, where you can find out what a Polluters Pay Climate Superfund is, and how it can benefit our communities. * When: Sunday, August 2nd 1-3pm * Where: First Unitarian Church of San Jose, 160 N 3rd Street Register here: actionnetwork.org/event_campai...
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Michelle Merrill, PhD @perplexedprimate.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
I'm attending an @oilgasaction.bsky.social event: Mass Call: Resist Trump's Attacks on CA's Lands and Waters. RSVP here: actionnetwork.org/events/mass-... @xrsouthbay.bsky.social
actionnetwork.org
Mass Call: Resist Trump's Attacks on CA's Lands and Waters
The Trump administration has announced they're opening up federal oil drilling rules to loosen restrictions, cut public participation, and lower costs for drilling in our public lands and federal wate...
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Stand Up for Science! @standupforscience.net · 05/07/2026
The Trump admin is doubling down on its intention to destroy American science. Scientific expertise – not politicians – should be in charge of our science. We need everyone in this fight. Take action against the OMB proposal here:  zurl.co/k2Cj5 Article: zurl.co/F5zCu
zurl.co
Trump administration stands by controversial OMB proposal despite growing resistance
White House denies requests to extend public comment deadline on its plan to give political appointees control over science funding
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350 Silicon Valley @350sv.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
THIS IS NUTS. The EU could allow fossil fuel expansion to count as "sustainable". If you live there, voice your opposition! www.forbes.com/sites/we-don...
forbes.com
EU Council Lets Oil Expansion Qualify For Sustainable Funds
Europe's proposed SFDR rules let expanding oil companies qualify as "green" investments, ignoring Scope 3, the bulk of their emissions.
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Novasutras @novasutras.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
Michelle ( @perplexedprimate.bsky.social ) will be offering a live reading of two Declarations of Interdependence on our YouTube, July 4th, 2026 at 11am Pacific time. youtube.com/live/oYCQx-O...
youtube.com
Declarations of INTERdependence
YouTube video by Novasutras
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