Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–June 20, 2012.  To control a growing insect resistance problem to a widely used biological pesticide, now genetically engineered into corn to express the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), two experts have concluded that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should double the so-called “refuges” of acreage planted with non-genetically[Read More…]

Grassroots Fight to Move “Beyond Coal” Having Clear Effect WASHINGTON DC–(ENEWSPF)–June 19, 2012.  Since 2006, the U.S. has seen the largest reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of any country or region, according to a recent report from the International Energy Agency (IEA). The report states that, during this time, U.S.[Read More…]

Broad coalition highlighting threats to Ontario, Quebec, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine from tar sands pipeline proposals  WASHINGTON–(ENEWSPF)–June 19, 2012 — Controversial new pipeline plans threaten drinking water and many beloved natural areas in Central Canada and New England according to a new report released today. A broad coalition of[Read More…]

Amendment to must-pass transportation legislation contains unrelated coal ash “rider” Washington, D.C.–(ENEWSPF)–June 19, 2012.  Two years ago this week, the EPA proposed the first-ever federal standards for coal ash disposal and storage. The announcement came 18 months after the largest toxic waste spill in our nation’s history when a coal[Read More…]

ANN ARBOR, Mich.–(ENEWSPF)–June 19, 2012.  Improving hurricane and extreme weather prediction is the goal of a new, $152 million NASA satellite project led by the University of Michigan, NASA has announced. The Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) will make accurate measurements of ocean surface winds throughout the life cycle[Read More…]

New rules by EPA will help protect public health, save industry money Washington, D.C.–(ENEWSPF)–June 19, 2012.  The Senate Environmental and Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety held a hearing today on federal protections from air pollution from natural gas development. In April, the Environmental Protection Agency issued[Read More…]

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–June 19, 2012.   A senior U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) official stated recently that the agency is prepared to exercise is long-neglected authority under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to ban or restrict hazardous chemicals. In reference to TSCA, EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Chemical Safety and[Read More…]

WASHINGTON–(ENEWSPF)–June 19, 2012.  As part of the Obama Administration’s commitments to reducing America’s reliance on imported oil and protecting our nation’s air and water, the U.S. Energy Department and the National Park Service today announced that five national parks around the country will deploy fuel efficient and alternative fuel vehicles[Read More…]

Disregards duty to regulate major sources of global warming emissions Washington, D.C.–(ENEWSPF)–June 18, 2012.  The EPA announced that it would not take action to control global warming pollution from major mobile sources at this time. The agency’s decision not to regulate ships and other non-road engines, and its indefinite delay[Read More…]

Community groups’ lawsuit challenges EPA’s weakened protections against toxic air pollution from polyvinyl chloride facilities Washington, D.C.–(ENEWSPF)–June 18, 2012.  When Dorothy Felix of Mossville, Louisiana, learned that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was going to finally cut toxic pollution from the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plant nearby, she rejoiced. But after[Read More…]