| Pipe producers win a victory over imports
It's not the final round of the fight, but American pipe producers racked up big points on Tuesday when the U.S. Department of Commerce ruled that Chinese pipe producers unfairly subsidized their products. Pipe producers win a victory over imports China subsidizes pipe, ITC rules By Michael Roknick Herald Business Editor SHENANGO VALLEY — It's not the final round of the fight, but American pipe producers racked up big points on Tuesday when the U.S. Department of Commerce ruled that Chinese pipe producers unfairly subsidized their products. In its preliminary finding, the ITC said Wheatland Tube Co., Sharon Tube Co. and four other American pipe producers were the victims of improper Chinese subsidies on circular welded steel pipe exports to the U.S. The companies, along with the United Steelworkers, had filed a trade suit with the Commerce Department in June and also a dumping suit with the U.S.
Rising to the challenge of carbon neutrality
Although it depends on the building type, typically compliance with the Seattle Energy Code can get us close. The requirement in the 2030 Challenge is 50 percent less than CBECS, which is a recording of how much energy actual buildings use right now. It is not 50 percent better than ASHRAE 90.1, which is the benchmark used for the LEED rating system. Both the U.S. Green Building Council and ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) are reported to be working to align their performance targets with CBECS. Terry Townsend, president of ASHRAE, says that by 2010 ASHRAE 90.1 will be 30 percent more stringent than in 2004. He estimates that will signify a 58 percent reduction compared with CBECS. Achieving the two mandatory energy credits for LEED means that your project will be 14 percent better than ASHRAE 90.1.
Health chief Neale Fong blocked search for emails
In an extraordinary move, they were given to the media almost three hours before the Opposition, which had requested them under Freedom of Information. Mr McGinty said he had made everything public to "take away the opportunity for the Opposition to milk the emails for more than they are worth". The Opposition, which was charged $300 for its FOI search, was left fuming. Three weeks ago, Opposition Leader Troy Buswell used an earlier batch of FOI documents to embarrass Mr McGinty by showing he rewrote a media statement for Dr Fong to play down his contact with Mr Burke. One of the emails released yesterday from Colin Xanthis, who was co-ordinating the department's FOI search, asked Dr Fong for approval to search his personal email files "to satisfy the current FOI request". Dr Fong replied 16 minutes later: "No." Another email between two officers, whose names were deleted, showed the lax approach initially taken by the department.
Sure sign of spring: Time to prep your RV
When it's February, most recreational vehicles in our area are tucked in for winter. But for those owners who are still active with their RVs, and those who will soon "wake up" their vehicles for spring break, here are a few tips. RV Activation • Check the water system for leaks, sanitize the system and make sure the toilet is operating. • Remove tape and protective coverings from all vents; open everything to see if rodents or insects got in or if you have any leaks. • Clean and inspect the roof carefully to avoid punctures or damaging any seals; check body and window seals. • Inspect awning fabrics and, if you clean them, make sure they're dry before rolling them back up. • Inspect RV and tow-vehicle tires for cracks, uneven wear and foreign objects and inflate tires to cold weather pressures.
Andover Townsman calendar
Nature Tots: Furry Friends: Introduce your preschooler to the wonders of the furry mammal friends on the refuge through stories, songs and fingerplays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. or 1 to 2 p.m. at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. For ages 3-5 with indoor and outdoor activities, so dress for the weather. Participants should meet at the Visitors Center. Registration is required. Program is free but space is limited. To register, call 978-465-5753 and press "0" to talk to a staff member. Registration is not complete until confirmation is made by a staff member. For more information, visit www.parkerriver.fws.gov. Drop-in art activity: Paste Paper, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Art Studios, Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem. Made possible by the Lowell Institute and American Dental Partners.
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