I neither approve nor disapprove of the appointment of David Hayes for a position in the Interior Department, however, I do disapprove of this. It seems so juvenile to block an appointment simply as retribution for some other action that was taken. Now, if the Republicans said they were blocking the appointment based on Mr. Hayes’ past record, I could respect that. This “playground” behavior (which has been played pretty equally by both sides) is what has so many of us sick and tired of politicians in general.

Pacific Steel & Recycling is proud to announce that we finally have our automobile drain rack for the proper evacuation of fuel, oil, other fluids, and CFCs from scrap vehicles. We no longer have to rely on another company to do those things before we are ready to process a vehicle. It’s only our first so it will be awhile before all of our recycling facilities have one but this is a great day for us. It provides us with a lot more control over the environmental concerns connected with recycling cars.

Wow, this could represent a huge blow to the biofuels industry as well as put a real kink in President Obama’s energy plan. And just when things are starting to ramp up. I know, I know, it’s still too soon to say it’s time to abandon ship but it certainly should be a wake up call to all concerned parties. Expect a spike in oil prices soon – just my prediction.

How does this make sense? Allowing states to set their own regulations on auto emissions that are higher than the EPA will certainly cause a lot of grief for the automakers. Here we are trying to help bail them out and then you present the possibility of needing to manufacture different cars for different states in order to meet different standards. Either that or a state like California suddenly has the power to set emissions standards for the entire country. Isn’t that what the EPA is for? Why not request the EPA to set the higher standards? While I dislike the big 3 automakers and their previous greedy executives and lack of leadership, still, it doesn’t make much sense to then turn around and make it difficult at best (and very expensive) to meet all those demands. Let them get the pill down they already have to swallow.

For those interested in electronics recycling, this article includes information on possible locations for recycling. Considering that all of the ones mentioned are in partnership with the EPA, you can be assured that they recycle electronics in a responsible way – none of that sending electronics to China to have a bunch of underpaid workers strip components down while being exposed to hazardous materials. All of these companies will be on the up and up.