Well...after listening to talk of H.R. 1955, I'm scared shitless, really. Environmentalists and forward "green thinkers" have been targeted as being "terrorists" before, but when a so called "Democrat" puts forward a bill that could move Environmental Groups further up on the Terrorist list. That's real toxic thinking on Jane Harman's part.
Now...news a tad less scary.
Exposing a toxic US policy. Unlike the European Union, the U.S. doesn't require businesses to minimize toxic risks — or even to list them, so consumers can evaluate the risks. Fresh Air, NPR
An environmental contaminant invades the womb. Arsenic is poised to become even more notorious. Scientists have found that if a pregnant woman is exposed, the deadly contaminant can alter the activity of several genes in her fetus, potentially increasing the child's risk of cancer later in life. Science.
University begins to submit list of chemicals to federal government. The University of Minnesota and other institutions are on the clock to tally what dangerous chemicals they possess and report their findings to the federal government. Twin Cities Minnesota Daily
Environmental groups slam lifting of GM ban. The Greens and environmental groups have condemned the lifting of a ban on genetically-modified (GM) canola crops in New South Wales and Victoria. ABC News
Trees giving bizarre clues to climate change. New research in old growth forests in the Pacific Northwest, from atop the highest crane used in forestry research in the world, shows that old growth forests are an important sink for carbon dioxide, so removing them to make way for young trees makes no sense. Seattle Times
Rising sea disrupts flights in Indonesia. Indonesia's environment minister said Tuesday that global warming was to blame after the capital of Jakarta was partially flooded, forcing thousands of people to flee homes and cutting off a highway to the international airport. Associated Press.
Rising sea could threaten region. A predicted sea level rise of greater than 3 feet could inundate the Delta and flood portions of west Stockton by the end of the century unless levees protecting the city are strengthened, experts say. Stockton Record
Sarkozy says China must commit to `sustainable development'. French President Nicolas Sarkozy said China must help build a global consensus to curb greenhouse gas emissions, adding France will seek EU tariffs on imports from nations without binding goals to cut pollution. Bloomberg News.
Senator uses Siemens visit to sell his climate proposal. With the U.S. Senate considering several climate bills and an international forum on climate change convening next week, Pennsylvania Republican Sen. Arlen Specter has been touting his own bill to reduce greenhouse gases, a tour that brought him to Pittsburgh yesterday. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Bush meets Al Gore: Effect on permafrost unknown. With just two aides on hand, the two reportedly talked about global warming, an issue that has divided them almost as much as the contested recount in Florida. Washington Post.
Global warming expert calls on Arizona to take lead as state could be hit hard. One of the country's most acclaimed experts on global warming reiterated his point that the United States, particularly Arizona, is in for increased temperatures and drought if drastic steps are not taken to curtail carbon dioxide emissions. Phoenix Business Journal
Wind turbine in works. Wind power could soon be an in-town reality thanks to a $50,000 state grant to build one near the solid waste plant. Foster's Daily Democrat
Agassi charges up students with auto plan. Los Gatos entrepreneur Shai Agassi wants to make the world a better place. He plans on doing that by revolutionizing the automobile industry with $200 million he has raised to develop electric vehicles and battery recharging stations. Los Gatos Weekly News
What determines Junior's DNA? A new field of science -- epigenetics -- is showing us that almost every aspect of our environment – from stress to our food to toxin exposure – can affect our genetic makeup in ways that can affect our bodies, and those of the next generation, for life. Toronto Star
Special report: Climate change. The science is clear that the earth is heating up and will continue to do so—with potentially catastrophic consequences—unless we change our ways. What is unclear is how best to go about reining in our globe-warming pollution. Scientific American.
Beyond the worst case climate change scenario. Greenhouse gas emissions and sea levels continue to rise, outpacing previous predictions in the latest research. Scientific American.
Developing nations suffer health problems. A new United Nations report details how those in poorer nations are more likely to suffer health problems caused by climate change than people in developed countries. Morning Edition, NPR.
Mayors take action as Texas slacks on climate. Texas is the country's largest emitter of global warming gases. All Things Considered, NPR.
Risk to river's fish, wildlife underestimated, critics say. A major new study by some of the Duwamish's biggest polluters and landowners -- The Boeing Co., Seattle, King County and Port of Seattle -- didn't consider the research on PCBs in otters. Seattle Post-Intelligencer
City out to learn what's in CSX cars. The derailment of a CSX freight train carrying hazardous materials through Baltimore has again pushed to the forefront concerns about whether city officials know what dangerous cargo is passing through each day. Baltimore Sun
Keep citizen votes on environmental panels. When people are really riled up, say when a power plant is belching black clouds into their backyards, they want to know someone feels their pain. Hampton Roads Virginian-Pilot
Green marketing review is put on fast track at FTC. The Federal Trade Commission said it would accelerate a review of its decade-old "green" marketing guidelines for businesses that are persuading customers to purchase certificates or pay premiums purportedly to benefit the environment. Washington Post.
When funds run out, who protects the environment? The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality warns that by the end of next year, two bonds that voters approved for environmental cleanup will have run out of money. Kalamazoo Gazette
Voluntary compliance didn't serve Fox. Why have we waited 35 years to require the paper industry to clean up the PCBs it dumped in the Fox River? Appleton Post-Crescent