The Latest in Regulations
EU Targets Drug Water Contamination
For the first time the European Union (EU) is proposing to test pharmaceutical products in EU waters. The Commission is proposing to add 15 chemicals to the list of 33 pollutants that are currently monitored and controlled in EU surface waters. The popular pain-relieving drug Diclofenac is one of three. . .
Majority Of CO2 Comes From 10 Countries
Sixty-seven percent of the world’s carbon dioxide output originates from ten countries, according to a new study that measured the CO2 output from 112 countries. The study conducted by Carnegie University and the Center for International Climate and Environmental Research did not solely focus on a country’s CO2 emissions, but. . .
Fuel Standards Fall Short
As you probably have already heard the President announced an agreement with 13 auto manufacturers to raise vehicle fuel economy to 54.5 miles per gallon by Model Year 2025. This raises the current 2012-2016 agreement from 35.5 to 54.5 in twelve and half years. The agreement cuts CO2 vehicle emissions. . .
Imperiled Species To Be Fast Tracked For Protection
This past week the Obama administration announced a deal with environmentalists to work through a backlog of more than 250 imperiled animals and plants and decide which ones should be fast tracked for protection under the Endangered Species Act. The species to be reviewed range from the greater sage grouse. . .
President Needs To Say No To Arctic Drilling
Shell Oil plans on applying for permits to drill up to five exploratory wells off Alaska’s shore next year. The company will seek permission to drill two wells in the Beaufort Sea off Alaska’s north shore and three in the Chukchi Sea off the state’s northwest shore in 2012. They’re. . .
U.S. Judge Orders EPA To Oversee Everglades
U.S. District Judge Alan Gold yesterday ruled that the federal EPA must step in and enforce anti-pollution rules in the Florida Everglades. The decision gives the U.S. EPA greater authority over water permits affecting discharges from sugar growers, farms and businesses, which have been largely responsible for phosphorous-laden fertilizer runoff. . .
Backdoor Move Takes Wolves Off Endangered List
In a most untypical move two legislators used the Congressional budget rider to remove wolves from the Endangered Species List, a process that until this time was typically done by a federal, non-political, science based agency. This action sets a new precedent for altering the Endangered Species List based on. . .
“Fracking” Contributing To Greenhouse Gases
“Fracking” has become the new darling of the energy industry and has garnered support from the Obama administration. Fracking to put it simply is a method that extracts methane gas by hydraulically fracturing underground shale deposits. By fracturing underground shale deposits, methane gas is released and captured above ground. Methane. . .
BP Trying To Weasel Out Of Claims
BP and other companies sued over the massive Gulf oil spill have asked a federal judge to dismiss claims filed by businesses and individuals who have been injured by the spill disaster. BP and rig owner Transocean filed their motions for dismissal this past Monday. There are currently 300 plus. . .
Climate Scientists Seek To Block Ending Emission Controls
The battle for the hearts and minds of global climate change non-believers is an ardent one. Over 50% of the new entering Republican freshman class does not believe in global warming. Their political agenda is to turn back the clocks on emission controls as soon as possible. Fortunately, the American. . .
Democracy In Action
Not sure if you ever had the privilege to be called upon to serve on jury before, but I recently was called to do so. I must admit it was the first time I actually had to show up for service. Personally it is something I’ve tried to avoid. Time,. . .
USDA To Tighten Organic Regs
The USDA has finally issued new rules for Organic beef. The rules will go into effect this coming June. The new rules are to clear up some questions regarding how much of an organic livestock’s life should be spent grazing. Some of the regulations themselves have been a bit gray. . .
Just What is Organic?
What does the term organic mean to you? Most of us understand organic to represent an item or product that has been sourced from organic ingredients. An organic ingredient is such that it has not been altered through the use of pesticides, man-made fertilizers, and that has not been genetically. . .
Interior Seeks Agreement On Windfarm
The U.S. Interior Department is seeking to reach an agreement over the controversial Cape Cod wind power project that would be located in Federal waters off Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
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