1. A WIN FOR WILDLIFE: SENATE REJECTS DRILLING IN ARCTIC REFUGE

In a major win for wildlife, Senators voted Wednesday 52-48 not to allow $2 billion in revenues from oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to be included in the FY '04 budget resolution.

Proponents of drilling in the Refuge had attempted to use the budget resolution process to secure approval for drilling, because budget measures are immune from the threat of a filibuster that would require 60 votes to end. However, proponents were not able to secure a simple majority, as eight Republicans joined all but five Democrats in voting against drilling. The coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, where the Bush administration is pushing for exploration, is a 1.5 million acre stretch of fragile tundra that is home to polar bears, musk oxen, caribou, and breeding ground for countless birds. It is the only portion of Alaska's North Slope that is not already open for oil exploration. Read Defenders of Wildlife's statement on Wednesday's vote.

2. CSP COMMENT DEADLINE EXTENDED

The Natural Resources Conservation Service has extended its comment period on the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for the Conservation Security Program. The deadline, originally March 20, has been moved back two weeks to April 3. The bad news is that the extension will further delay the rulemaking and implementation of the program, but the good news is that if you have not yet written to express your support of the CSP, you still have time! Please take this opportunity to let the USDA know that you want a full, nationwide Conservation Security Program, that the program should remain an entitlement program open to any producer who meets eligibility requirements, and that the program should maintain strong environmental standards. 

Get instructions for commenting and a sample letter. You can also let the USDA know that you wish to associate with the detailed comments prepared by the Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, submitted last week.

3. MONSANTO UNDER ANTI-TRUST INVESTIGATION

In a long awaited move, the Justice Department is finally initiating anti-trust scrutiny on the Monsanto corporation, one of the world's largest chemical and biotech manufacturers. Lori Fisher, a spokeswoman for Monsanto, confirmed the investigation saying, "The Department of Justice has initiated an inquiry about possible anti-competitive conduct in the glyphosate industry." 

Apparently the government is seeking information from a number of companies that make and distribute glyphosate, the basic ingredient in Monsanto's top-selling Roundup herbicide. Monsanto's patent on glyphosate expired three years ago and the company's sales have been coming under increasing pressure from competitive products and pricing. Monsanto stock was down $2.20 or 13 percent to $14.38 on the New York Stock Exchange Friday afternoon.

4. LOCAL FOOD TOOLKIT

The Berkeley based International Society for Ecology and Culture has just released a web-based "Local Food Toolkit." The idea behind the effort is to educate the general public about how supporting local food production can have a positive international effect on environments, communities, and local economies. The Local Food Toolkit shows how many of the crises in our society can be linked to food production "globalizing"and makes an inspiring case for the benefits of local food systems. It also outlines some key steps needed to bring about a fundamental shift in direction and create positive change. The Toolkit includes a SlideShow, poster display, and a range of handouts and books (including "Bringing the Food Economy Home: Local Alternatives to Global Agribusiness"), which are available at a nominal cost to groups wishing to raise awareness about these issues within their constituencies.

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