Authorities warn of winter's potentially deadly effects on pets | Maine

Each year, the state investigates dozens of complaints about pets left out in frigid conditions that can lead to hypothermia, frostbite and even death. There are no statewide figures available on complaints filed and rescues made, but authorities say it happens every year.

After harsh winter, Americans go in search of sun - Travel - Seasonal Travel - msnbc.com

NEW YORK — After experiencing one of the worst U.S. winters in memory more than a third of Americans are planning to take a break this spring in search of warm weather and sunshine, according to a new poll.

Mountains of salt take toll on road department budgets | TimesDaily.com | The Times Daily | Florence, AL

“This has been the worst winter for snow and ice that we've had in a long, long time,” Lauderdale County Engineer Ken Allamel said.
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Allamel said the money spent on snow and ice removal this winter and the cost of repairing damage caused from abnormally cold temperatures the past two winters will cost Lauderdale about $2 million.

Australia industry wants CO2 [scam] to fight rising power costs | Energy & Oil | Reuters

CANBERRA Feb 21 (Reuters) - Most Australian manufacturers have taken no action to become more energy efficient, despite hefty electricity price rises in recent years and a major political debate about pricing carbon emissions, a report released on Monday says.
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"With energy prices on an upward trajectory, the need to have a well-designed carbon price is even more important and a badly designed carbon price will put even more pressure on energy costs," AIG chief executive Heather Ridout said.