NASA Scientist Explains Threat of Coal

WHO: Dr. James Hansen, Director, Goddard Institute for Space Studies, NASA

WHAT: Press briefing by NASA'S top climatology expert

WHEN: Wednesday, January 9, 2008, 1:00 p.m.

CALL: 1-877-643-6951 Passcode: 95578554#

Dr. James E. Hansen has taken on global warming, NASA, and even the White
House. The head of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies in New York
City has been very vocal about the effects of greenhouse gases since 1988.
The Iowa native was one of the first scientists to publicly testify on
human-caused climate change. He's returning to Iowa to testify that the
proposed Marshalltown, Iowa coal plant will significantly contribute to global
warming.

Hansen argues a global tipping point will be reached in 10 years (starting
from 2006) if levels of greenhouse gases such as methane and CO2 are not
reduced. He says global warming at this point becomes unstoppable.

Hansen appeared on 60 Minutes stating that the White House edited
climate-related press releases reported by federal agencies to make global
warming seem less threatening.

"In my more than three decades in the government I've never witnessed such
restrictions on the ability of scientists to communicate with the public,"
Hansen said.

"Coal will determine whether we continue to increase climate change or slow
the human impact," Hansen said. "Increased fossil fuel CO2 in the air today,
compared to the pre-industrial atmosphere, is due 50% to coal."

Hansen is expected to testify as an expert of Plains Justice at the public
hearing of the Iowa Utilities Board on Thursday, January 17. Other
opportunities for the press and public, to hear Dr. Hansen speak, are below...

Here's the Scoop on the Event for Press Again...

WHO: Dr. James Hansen, Director, Goddard Institute for Space Studies,
NASA

WHAT: Press briefing by NASA'S top climatology expert

WHEN: Wednesday, January 9, 2008, 1:00 p.m.

CALL: 1-877-643-6951 Passcode: 95578554#

We hope to see Iowa Legislators at this event...

WHO: Dr. James Hansen, Director, Goddard Institute for Space Studies, NASA

WHAT: Educational briefing by NASA'S top climatology expert

WHERE: State Historical Building, Auditorium
On East Locust between East 6th and East 7th Streets
Des Moines

WHEN: Wednesday, January 16, 2008, 6:30 p.m.

AND here's one in Iowa City...

WHO: Dr. James Hansen, Director, Goddard Institute for Space Studies, NASA

WHAT: Educational briefing by NASA'S top climatology expert

WHERE: Old Brick, in Iowa City

WHEN: Thursday, January 17, 2008, 7:00 p.m.

CONTACT: Lynn Laws, Communications Director of Iowa Environmental Council,
+1-515-244-1194, x 210; or Carrie La Seur, President of Plains Justice,
+1-319-362-2120; or Rick Fuentes, Sr. Media Relations Specialist of Fresh
Energy, +1-651-726-7572, fuentes@fresh-energy.org.

/PRNewswire-USNewswire - Jan. 7/

SOURCE Fresh Energy