Court rules in favor of the Montana Public Service Commission

September 15, 2024

Court rules in favor of the Montana Public Service Commission — A recent court decision in Missoula has sided with the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC) in a legal challenge regarding a climate petition. This ruling pertains to a motion that was filed to compel the PSC to make a decision on whether to incorporate climate change considerations into its regulatory processes for utilities, specifically around the application of a social cost of greenhouse gas emissions.

Over 40 groups, including environmental organizations and businesses, had petitioned the PSC in February to consider the impacts of climate change in its decision-making, particularly in utility rate settings and resource planning.

This followed a significant court decision in the case of Held v. Montana, where a judge ruled that the state had violated the constitutional rights of young Montanans to a clean and healthful environment by not adequately considering climate change in its policies.

When the PSC did not respond within the expected time frame, some of these groups sought judicial intervention, arguing that under Montana’s Administrative Procedure Act (MAPA), the PSC was required to either deny the petition or initiate rule making within 60 days. They claimed the delay was unlawful.

A district judge in Missoula, Leslie Halligan, a Gov. Steve Bullock appointee, dismissed the motion for a writ of mandamus. The judge’s reasoning included the argument that the PSC’s approach to considering broad public interests and allowing extensive public participation was in line with the spirit of MAPA. This decision essentially allows the PSC more time or discretion in how it addresses the petition without immediate judicial compulsion.

This ruling might be seen as a setback for those advocating for swift action on climate considerations in utility regulations. However, it doesn’t necessarily close the door on the petition itself but rather on the method of forcing an immediate decision through the courts. The PSC could still decide to incorporate climate change into its regulatory framework, but the timeline and process for this remain under its control.

Given the context, reactions might vary widely. Environmental groups and climate activists might view this as a delay tactic by the PSC, potentially influenced by political or economic interests favoring traditional energy sources. Conversely, supporters of the PSC’s decision might argue it allows for more thoughtful consideration of complex issues, ensuring that any new rules are well-considered and broadly supported.

While this court decision has resolved one aspect of the challenge, the underlying issue of integrating climate change into utility regulations remains open. The PSC might now proceed with its own timeline, potentially engaging in further public consultations or studies before deciding on rule changes.

Notes

This case underscores the ongoing tension between immediate climate action demands and the procedural pace of regulatory bodies, reflecting broader debates about environmental policy, governance, and the role of the judiciary in administrative law.

Why do we shrink as we age?

Alan

September 15, 2024

Why do we shrink as we age? The phenomenon of shrinking as we age is due to several physiological changes that occur in the human body.

Over time, the discs between the vertebrae in the spine lose fluid and become less spongy, which can lead to a decrease in height. This process is known as intervertebral disc degeneration. Additionally, the spine might compress due to the natural effects of gravity over the years, especially if posture worsens.

Osteoporosis is a common condition, particularly in older women due to hormonal changes after menopause, but also in men, where bones become porous and less dense. This can lead to a reduction in height because the weakened vertebrae might compress or even fracture, causing the spine to curve or the individual to lose height.

Sarcopenia, or the loss of muscle mass with age, can affect posture. Weaker muscles, especially in the back and abdomen, might not support the spine as well, leading to a slight stooping or bending forward, which can make someone appear shorter.

The arches of the feet can flatten over time, which might reduce height slightly.

Cartilage in joints wears down with age, which can also contribute to a loss in height, albeit minimally.

Poor posture or conditions like kyphosis (an exaggerated forward rounding of the back) can develop or worsen with age, contributing to height loss.

While the factors above contribute to a measurable decrease in height, the change is usually gradual and might not be very significant for everyone.

Efforts to help mitigate height loss

Weight-bearing exercises, strength training, and flexibility exercises can help maintain bone density, muscle strength, and posture.

Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D is crucial for bone health. Protein is also important for muscle maintenance.

Being conscious of and working on maintaining good posture can prevent some height loss.

Regular medical check-ups can help manage or prevent conditions like osteoporosis through early detection and treatment.

Remember, while some height loss is a natural part of aging, significant or rapid height loss could be indicative of underlying health issues and should be checked by your healthcare provider.

Hopefully the above will help to answer the age (no pun intended) old question,”Why do we shrink as we age?”

How a landslide in Greenland shook the Earth for 9 days

Alan

September 15, 2024

A landslide in Greenland on September 16, 2023 triggered a significant seismic event due to the unique conditions of the local geography.

A massive piece of a mountain, approximately 3,937 feet high, collapsed into Dickson Fjord in eastern Greenland. This event was caused by the thinning of a glacier at the mountain’s base, which could no longer support the weight above due to melting ice.

The collapse led to a colossal rockslide, which in turn caused a mega-tsunami. The initial wave was estimated to be about 600 feet high. This wave was exceptionally large due to the volume of rock and ice that fell into the water.

The tsunami wave didn’t just dissipate; instead, it became trapped in the narrow and bendy Dickson Fjord. This led to a phenomenon known as a seiche, where the water sloshed back and forth like water in a bathtub. This sloshing continued for nine days, with the water moving every 90 seconds.

The continuous movement of this massive body of water within the fjord generated seismic waves that were detected globally. These waves caused the Earth to vibrate or ring for nine days, which was picked up by seismometers around the world.

Initially, this seismic signal was mysterious because it didn’t match typical earthquake patterns. An international team of scientists, along with help from the Danish military, used satellite imagery, field measurements, and advanced computer simulations to trace the signal back to this landslide-induced tsunami in Greenland.

This incident was unique due to the duration and nature of the seismic activity it caused, highlighting how interconnected Earth’s systems are with regard to unexpected geological events.

It’s pretty amazing how a landslide in Greenland could shake up the whole planet.

Note:

Greenland is a North American island autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark. It is the larger of two autonomous territories within the Kingdom, the other being the Faroe Islands; the citizens of both territories are full citizens of Denmark.

Why do we dream when we sleep?

Alan

September 15, 2024

Why do we dream when we sleep? Dreams are one of the most fascinating and mysterious aspects of human psychology and neuroscience.

Listed below are some of the leading theories about why we dream.

One of the prominent theories is that dreaming helps with memory consolidation. During sleep, especially REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep when most dreaming occurs, the brain processes and consolidates information from the day, transferring short-term memories into long-term storage. Dreams might be a byproduct of this process, where the brain sorts, integrates, or discards memories.

Dreams could serve as a form of overnight therapy. The emotional content of dreams might help in processing and dealing with emotions, reducing the intensity of emotions, or helping us work through unresolved issues. This is somewhat akin to a psychological healing mechanism.

Some researchers believe that dreams help in problem-solving. In dreams, the mind can make connections between unrelated ideas or memories without the logical constraints of waking life, potentially leading to creative insights or solutions to problems.

The Threat Simulation Theory suggests that dreaming serves an evolutionary function by simulating potential threatening events, thereby enhancing the neuro-cognitive mechanisms required for efficient threat perception and avoidance in real life. This could explain why many dreams have a survival theme.

Another perspective is that during sleep, especially in REM phases, the brain is ‘cleaning up’, getting rid of unnecessary neural connections, and strengthening others. Dreams might be the cognitive echoes of this neural activity.

The Activation-Synthesis Hypothesis is a theory posits that dreams are the result of the brain trying to make sense of random neural firings in the brainstem. The brain, in an attempt to synthesize and interpret these signals, creates stories or images, which we experience as dreams.

In children, dreams might reflect the development of cognitive capabilities. As the brain grows and matures, the complexity and thematic content of dreams can change, suggesting a link between dreaming and cognitive development.

Some theories suggest dreams could be a way to keep the brain alert during sleep, preparing it to wake up quickly if necessary. This would have had survival benefits in more dangerous sleeping environments.

Each of these theories has its evidence and critiques, and it’s likely that dreaming serves multiple functions rather than a single one. Also, individual dreams might serve different purposes at different times. Despite extensive research, the exact purpose or mechanism behind dreaming remains partly elusive, making it one of the intriguing puzzles in neuroscience and psychology.

What George Washington had to say about political parties

Alan

September 15, 2024

What George Washington had to say about political parties: George Washington, the first President of the United States, had significant reservations about the formation of political parties, which he expressed most notably in his Farewell Address, published in 1796.

Here are some key points from his views on political parties:

Warning Against Factionalism:

Washington warned against the dangers of factions and political parties. He believed that they could lead to a divided nation where regional and partisan interests might overshadow the common good. He saw parties as potentially destructive to the unity of the government and the country.

The Spirit of Party:

He spoke of “the spirit of party” as something that “serves always to distract the public councils and enfeeble the public administration.” Washington was concerned that parties would lead to internal strife, encourage foreign influence, and even lead to despotism.

Negative Effects on Liberty:

Washington feared that the competition between parties could eventually threaten liberties by leading to the concentration of power in one faction or another. He believed that this could result in a situation where the government might be manipulated by the prevailing party, thus undermining democratic principles.

The Alternate Domination:

He cautioned against “the alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension,” which he believed could lead to a more formal and permanent despotism.

Encouragement of Sectionalism:

Washington was particularly worried about parties forming along geographical lines, which could exacerbate regional tensions, potentially leading to the dissolution of the Union.

Call for Unity:

Instead of parties, Washington advocated for a unified government where the focus would be on shared national interests rather than partisan goals. He hoped that the love for liberty and the country would be enough to bind the nation together without the need for political parties.

Below is a direct excerpt from George Washington’s Farewell Address that pretty much encapsulates his sentiment.

“Let me now… warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party generally… It serves always to distract the public councils and enfeeble the public administration. It agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one part against another, foments occasionally riot and insurrection.” — George Washington

Washington’s perspective was shaped by his experience of the early political divisions between the Federalists, led by Alexander Hamilton, and the Democratic-Republicans, led by Thomas Jefferson, during his presidency.

Despite his warnings, political parties became a fundamental aspect of American political life, illustrating the challenges of governing a diverse and growing nation.

George Washington’s concerns about the potential for division and the importance of unity remain relevant in discussions about our often times failing American political culture.