In his first foreign trip, President Obama will meet with Canadian PM Harper to discuss, amongst other topics, the environmental impact of mining Alberta's oil sands.
"Environmental groups are pushing Obama to seek restrictions on tar sands oil, a dirtier form of oil that contributes about half of the oil imported into the United States from Canada.
Canadians point out that processing the tar sands oil produces half as much carbon emissions as does the coal-fired plants that are common across the United States.
In an interview with the Canadian Broadcasting Corp., Obama said he thinks the oil sands create "a big carbon footprint" and said that is part of a broader dilemma facing the United States about how to get the energy it needs without contributing to climate change.
But he expressed optimism that the two countries can find ways to use technology to lessen the environmental impact from the sand oil. Canada is the leading provider of U.S. imported oil, accounting for about 20 percent, slightly more than Saudi Arabia."
FULL STORY: Obama Hoping to Reinforce U.S. Trade Relationship With Canada

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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