It seems a foreign oil company dictated to John Kerry and Mr. Obama how, when, and why they should approve the oil pipeline. For more, see here.

Seems like a case of regulatory capture:

Regulatory capture occurs when a regulatory agency, created to act in the public interest, instead advances the commercial or special concerns of interest groups that dominate the industry or sector it is charged with regulating.

Regulatory capture is a form of government failure, as it can act as an encouragement for firms to produce negative externalities. The agencies are called “captured agencies”. Via: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regulatory_capture

Wish the Dept. of State would post more about 1) what it does with respect to environmental protection 2) successes 3) on going projects and 4) what tangible actions citizens can take (e.g., not bs petition signing).

World Environment Day 2012: Promoting Wildlife Conservation and Preserving Endangered Species

Posted by Kerri-Ann Jones / June 05, 2012

Kerri-Ann Jones serves as Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs.

World Environment Day is a time to reflect on our stewardship of the environment and how our choices impact the world around us. Wildlife, from elephants to bees, comprises a critical part of ecosystems upon which humans depend. One of the most challenging and satisfying responsibilities of the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES) is to join the international community in protecting these precious species and habitats, including from illegal trafficking in wildlife and wildlife products. Such illegal activities undermine national security, economic development, the rule of law, and the social fabric of local communities, in addition to threatening the very survival of magnificent animals like the elephant, rhino, tiger, polar bear, and sea turtle…

The State Department will continue with our diplomatic efforts to cooperate with others to end poaching and the illegal trade in wildlife. So on World Environment Day and every other day you have the opportunity to help us promote wildlife conservation and preserve endangered species. You make a difference by choosing not to purchase or consume products made from endangered species, such as rhino horn, tiger skin or bone, ivory, or sea turtle eggs, meat, or shells. You can help galvanize critical public support for national and international efforts to save these animals by becoming an environmental steward and encouraging others to do the same.

More here.

statedept:

About the Author: Hannah Johnson serves as DipNote’s Assistant Editor.

Our “Photo of the Week” comes to us from President Barack Obama’s recent trip to Seoul, South Korea for the 2012 Nuclear Security Summit. The Summit, attended by more than 50 world leaders, addressed securing the world’s nuclear weapons and preventing nuclear terrorism. This photograph, taken by White House photographer Pete Souza, shows President Obama talking with U.S. Ambassador to Republic of Korea Sung Kim aboard Marine One during an early morning flight from Osan Air Base to the landing zone at U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan in Seoul, Republic of Korea, March 25,… more »