- Social:
Harvard Law School
Professor of Law at Harvard Law School and Director of its Environmental Law program; former White House Counselor for Energy and Climate Change
PROFILE
Jody Freeman
Guest
FROM Jody Freeman
To the Point
Obama Outlines Plans to Combat Climate Change In a speech much awaited — by environmentalists and the energy industry — President Obama today outlined America's first comprehensive strategy for coping with climate change. The White House doesn't expect that Congress will act on climate change so he laid out his own " action agenda " for the Executive branch, focusing on limits for coal-fired power plants.
Which Way, L.A.?
The Gulf Oil Spill and the Obama Presidency At the White House today, BP agreed to establish a $20 billion trust fund to pay claims from the Gulf oil spill. The fund will be overseen by Kenneth Feinberg , who handled victims' claims in the aftermath of September 11. Last night, in his first speech from the Oval Office President Obama outlined what he called his “ battle plan ” for the Gulf oil spill.
To the Point
The Oil Spill and the Obama Presidency At the White House today, BP agreed to establish a $20 billion escrow fund to pay claims from the worst oil spill in American history. Last night, in his first address from the Oval Office, President Obama promised to restore the Gulf Coast and to prevent such a disaster from happening again. The President demanded action, but his speech was short on specifics. What about controlling the spill? Should offshore drilling continue? Did he make the case for an energy bill to start weaning the country off the oil economy? Did he reassure Americans that his Administration is fully in charge?
To the Point
Live Earth and the Greening of Pop Culture and Commerce Live Earth was a 24-hour concert at nine venues on seven continents featuring a galaxy of world-class pop stars along with local acts aimed at reaching across the planet--plus Al Gore on the Washington Mall. In the words of Al Gore , its creator and organizer, the event was designed to "trigger a global movement to solve the climate crisis." Were the 24 hours of music, commercials for ecological products and political exhortations a high point of the "Green Revolution" or just another high-tech spectacle? Will millions of people change their lifestyles? Will they force governments and corporations to act on the message, or will the massive audience be lulled into feeling better without insisting on the changes that could make a difference?
Recommended
To the Point
Human Rights in the era of Donald Trump President Trump’s UN Ambassador, Nikki Haley, said today the US might pull out of the United Nations’ Human Rights Council. Serious violators of human rights are members of the Council itself–and a US resignation could make things worse. Later on today’s show, now that he’s into his second term, comedian turned US Senator Al Franken is telling jokes again.
To the Point
Will the Senate write a healthcare bill in secret? While Democrats and Republicans argue White House relations with Russia, another question is being decided behind closed doors: who gets help buying health insurance and who doesn't? We hear how the pros and cons are being shrouded in secrecy.
To the Point
Who's to blame for the opioid crisis? Some of the lawyers who took on Big Tobacco are now going after Big Pharma. It’s all about the deadly epidemic of opioid use. Are the drug companies to blame? What about the users? Later, on today’s Talking Point: making sense of Britain’s upset election.
To the Point
Is the threat from Russia missing from the Russia meddling probe? There's much being made about the Trump administration's possible ties with Russia. But the bottom line is Russia's effort to influence American democracy. Do the President and his aides care enough to take action before voters go back to the polls?