Environment & Pollution
Krypton 81 helps track ancient water source of Nubian Aquifer, shared by Egypt, Libya, Chad and Sudan; technique could track brine in NM, where radioactive waste is stored
By Felicity Barringer
The New York Times 2011-11-21
Fearing water shortages caused by climate change, food and beverage firms, tobacco companies, clothing makers and metal and mining companies reckon with dependence
By Leslie Kaufman
The New York Times 2011-11-01
Oregon congressman urges revamp of farm bill, moving billions away from agribusiness and new focus on aid to family farmers, new farmers and production of healthy, local food
By Pete Kasperowicz
The Hill 2011-10-26
Haiti, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe most vulnerable to extreme weather of climate change and lack social, financial ability to cope; areas of north America, northern Europe protected
By Damian Carrington
The Guardian (UK) 2011-10-26
Movement to make business heads, politicos liable for environmental destruction gains global momentum; campaigners say ecocide on par with other crimes against humanity
By Joe Jackson
Time magazine 2011-10-24
Rick Perry calls for rolling back environmental laws, suspending rule-making that would give EPA clout over large carbon emitters, opening federal land to more oil, gas production
By Patrick O'Connor
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2011-10-14
FDA will support sale of genetically engineered fish for human consumption, source says; environmental groups, some in Congress, oppose farming and sale of such fish
By Jim Kozubek
Talking Points Memo 2011-10-10
In Oilsprings, a new version of popular game Settlers of Catan, players compete for classic resources of grain, lumber, ore, wool, brick and grain, plus new commodity: oil
By Umair Irfan
ClimateWire; The New York Times 2011-09-06
25 states, House GOPs, industry want delay of mercury, acid-gas emission rules for coal-fired power plants; less air, water pollution will reduce mercury in fish
By Timothy Gardnery
Reuters 2011-10-10
In mouse study, early exposure to ultrafine particulates of air pollution similar to those in U.S. cities led to accumulation of abdominal fat, insulin resistance with normal diet
By Amy Westervelt
Forbes 2011-10-10
As industry, Congress look to delay air pollution rules, research grows on pollution's link to obesity, diabetes; annually, obesity costs U.S. $270 billion; diabetes costs $174 billion
By Amy Westervelt
Forbes 2011-10-10
Opinion: As daily exposure to endocrine-disrupting toxins grows, academic scientists, clinicians need a place at regulatory table with EPA, FDA and industry scientists
By Patricia Hunt
Scientific American 2011-10-11
Coal-fired power plants' pollution costs U.S. $53 billion, more in health damage than those plants contribute to economy; crops and livestock production each cost $15 billion
By Ken Ward Jr.
The Charleston Gazette 2011-10-05
EPA proposal to cut mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants unites religious environmentalists, abortion foes; mercury in fish can cause prenatal brain, neurological damage
By Elizabeth Dias
Time magazine 2011-09-23
Though health concerns from pollution near fracking are longstanding, neither states nor feds have systematically tracked reports or comprehensively probed effects
by Abrahm Lustgarten and Nicholas Kusnetz
ProPublica 2011-09-16
Texas drought focuses researchers' warning that planners must incorporate vast water requirements of all energy production - except for that derived from wind
By Kate Galbraith
The New York Times 2011-09-18
Global Adaption Index tracks nations' food capacity, import dependency, malnutrition, rural population, other indicators to forecast resilience in face of climate change
By Morgan Clendaniel
Fast Company 2011-09-19
Opinion: Agricultural policies still dominated by farm-state legislators openly hostile to reform; until big-state and urban legislators decide to serve on panels, little change likely
By Michael Pollan
The Nation 2011-09-14
As climate change takes hold, sections of Rio Grande, Yellow, Colorado and Tigris rivers are now drying out each summer; geographers fear disappearance of such landmarks
By John Vidal
The Guardian (UK) 2011-09-15
NJ, RI senators want list of risky health, environment chemicals from EPA; it includes BPA, phthalates, polybrominated diphenyl ethers
By Cheryl Hogue
Chemical & Engineering News 2011-09-12
NJ superfund site - one of nation's most toxic - on bank of Raritan river remains submerged after Irene; benzene-laden tar balls found beyond site's barriers
By Salvador Rizzo and Christopher Baxter
The Star-Ledger 2011-09-07
Glyphosate, in Monsanto's Roundup herbicide, now commonly found in rain, rivers, air in agricultural areas of Mississippi River watershed; 88,000 tons used in 2007
By Paul Capel
U.S. Geological Survey 2011-08-29
Monsanto's corn, genetically modified to resist biotech giant's glyphosate-based Roundup, falling victim to rootworms in northwestern Illinois fields
By Jack Kaskey
Bloomberg 2011-09-02
After intense lobbying campaign by industry, administration abandons plan to cut ozone limits; toxin contributes to heart problems, asthma, other lung disorders
By John M. Broder
The New York Times 2011-09-02
Researchers find Monsanto's Roundup chemical, glyphosate, in water, air; study follows others that probe rise of super weeds, other effects of toxin on soil, animals
By Carey Gillam
Reuters 2011-08-31
Drastic decline in Chesapeake Bay oyster population can only be halted by banning any fishing for them, study reports
By Darryl Fears
The Washington Post 2011-09-01
As Texas ag commissioner, Rick Perry championed pesticides, torpedoed regulations, earning support from chemical lobby that paved his path to political success
By Jeremy P. Jacobs
Greenwire; The New York Times 2011-08-19
Sewage causes coral die-off in Florida Keys, researcher learns; culprit is bacterium called Serratia marcescens, which often causes hospital-acquired infections
By Richard Harris
National Public Radio/ All Things Considered 2011-08-17
Algae growth suspected in wild boar deaths along French coast; some point to nitrate buildup from fertilizer used by region's farmers
By Kim Willsher
Los Angeles Times 2011-07-28
Colorado River estuary, once home to lush forests, jaguars, now arid because upstream, it grows nation's lettuce in November, December, and its carrots in January, February
National Public Radio 2011-07-14
Opinion: GOP-led House group seems bent on destroying laws protecting water, soil, air, but Obama, Senate must stand firm against states' likely race to bottom to lure business
The editors
The New York Times 2011-07-15
Policy makers underestimate economic impacts of GHG emissions - not $21 per ton, but closer to $900 per ton - costing nation up to $5.3 trillion annually, reports suggest
By Douglas Fischer
Daily Climate 2011-07-13
Regenerative ag could return 13 percent of today's CO2 to soil, researcher says; some ranchers, farmers employ composting, year-'round plantings, tillage reduction, plant diversity
By Kristin Ohlson
Discover magazine 2011-06-30
Bush-era EPA mischaracterized science on sensitivity of various age groups to perchlorate, a rocket fuel component tainting soil and drinking water, report says
By Bettina Boxall
Los Angeles Times 2011-07-12
Citizen science has migrated to Web, emerging as a potent force-multiplier - and watchdog - for conservation and protection of water, land, but the real word awaits
By Caroline Fraser
Yale Environment 360 2011-07-11
Fracking wastewater dousing killed ground vegetation within days and more than half the trees within two years, study shows, spurring calls to classify liquid as toxic waste
By Vicki Smith
The Associated Press; Forbes 2011-07-11
After wildfires, tainted soil being removed near Los Alamos National Laboratory over concern that PCBs could wash into Rio Grande, source of drinking water for New Mexico
By Dennis J. Carroll
Reuters 2011-07-12
With states, towns short on cash and unemployment still high, 14-state drought now shrinking cattle herds, canceling fishing tourneys, triggering surges that cause blackouts
By Kim Severson and Kirk Johnson
The New York Times 2011-07-11
EPA head left with only science, loyal lieutenants as she sets rules on smog, mercury, carbon dioxide, mining waste and vehicle emissions that will affect all corners of economy
By John M. Broder
The New York Times 2011-07-05
Study finds strong link between diabetes onset and blood levels of a group of harsh industrial chemicals that linger in fatty tissue of meat and fish
By Tom Philpott
Mother Jones 2011-07-04
Senator Ben Cardin aims for clean water accord, balancing Americans' biggest environmental concern against agriculture, homebuilding, mining industries
By Paul Quinlan
Greenwire; The New York Times 2011-07-01
Opinion: "Stoveman," a reality cooking show with deeper meaning, documents business aimed at providing efficient rocket stoves to poor households in struggling places
By Andrew C. Revkin
The New York Times 2011-06-27
As EPA tightens on emissions of mercury, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, coal-heavy utility lobbies Congress on clean water, clean air rules
The Associated Press; Bloomberg Businessweek 2011-06-27
Year-in, year-out price tag of our increasingly volatile weather is $485 billion per year in the U.S. alone, up to 3.4 percent of our GDP
By Tara Thean
Time magazine 2011-06-27
Pollution from lawns, sewers affecting Barnegat Bay, NJ's main breeding grounds for fish, clams and crabs, and threatens state's $35.5 billion tourism-based economy
By Wayne Parry
The Associated Press; The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2011-06-28
Fast food packaging - napkins, wrappers, straws - made up 49 percent of all trash found on streets in survey; other culprits: convenience stores, grocery stores, coffee shops
By Ariel Schwartz
Fast Company 2011-06-22
Pesticide spraying near streams to expand under Congressional bill that sidesteps Clean Water Act permitting
By Ashlie Rodriguez
Los Angeles Times 2011-06-21
As gas kills solar, wind in price war, experts urge reckoning of hidden costs - water degradation from gas, emissions in fossil fuels, accidents and waste from nuclear
By Gerard Wynn
Reuters 2011-06-16
Droughts in Colombia, Brazil will force conservation at coffee farms and through supply chains; just one part of high-labor drink consumes 1,100 parts of water
By Leon Kaye
The Guardian (UK) 2011-06-17
McDonald's to certify as sustainable the catch used for its 100 million fish sandwiches sold in Europe every year; Wal-Mart requiring similar certification for farmed fish
By David Jolly
The New York Times 2011-06-08
As rapid growth in food production slows and global appetite for meat, dairy increases demand, researchers point to climate change and sound alarm over adequate food supply
By Justin Gillis
The New York Times 2011-06-05
Acorn-loving feral pig population growing in California county; feds consider hunting and trapping them, citing threat to deer, turkey, other bird populations and to oak habitats
By Tony Perry
Los Angeles Times 2011-06-05
USDA testing finds 34 unapproved pesticides on cilantro; researchers say growers may have confused guidelines for it and flat-leaf parsley, for which more pesticides are OK'd
By Monica Eng
Chicago Tribune 2011-05-31
Opinion: In "The Big Thirst," author's purpose is to create understanding of humanity's relationship to water in hopes of diverting impending water crisis that need not be
By Kathleen Parker
The Washington Post 2011-05-27
Farmers, wise to reports of dead or quarantined livestock, anguish over possible effects of fracking to their livelihood while EPA claims no jurisdiction over food production matters
By Barry Estabrook
Gilt Taste 2011-05-14
Sustainability, linked by some to higher costs, government regulation, means reducing waste, which saves money, author writes in book detailing the greening of Wal-Mart
By Bryan Burrough
The New York Times 2011-05-14
EPA orders ambitious cleanup of Chicago River, urban waterway treated as little more than industrialized sewage canal for 100+ years
By Michael Hawthorne
Chicago Tribune 2011-05-12
Opinion: New Clean Water Act guidelines are first step in restoring safeguards to wetlands, streams threatened by development, pollution; EPA should convert them to rule
By the editors
The New York Times 2011-04-28
In blood per kilowatt measure, coal is deadliest source of power because of mining accidents and pollution to drinking water, air; oil is second and nuclear (minus Fukushima) is last
By Bryan Walsh
Time.com 2011-04-22
As national attention is focused on GOP efforts to roll back clean air, water laws, similar battles under way in states, from Everglades to watershed that supplies drinking water to NJ
By Leslie Kaufman
The New York Times 2011-04-15
TVA to close 18 of its coal-burning generators, spend $3 billion to $5 billion on pollution controls on remaining units; emissions implicated in respiratory illness, acid rain, climate change
By Felicity Barringer
The New York Times 2011-04-14
Proposed rules in Central Valley would restrict fertilizer, other runoff based on likelihood of polluting groundwater; rules would affect 35,000 growers and 7 million irrigated acres
By Margot Roosevelt
Los Angeles Times; The Associated Press 2011-04-08
Risks to humans, environment from glyphosate, key ingredient in Monsanto's top-selling weed killer worldwide, to be re-evaluated by U.S., Canadian regulators; results due in 2015
By Carey Gillam
Reuters 2010-04-08
Japanese fishermen take offensive in fight against owner of Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, calling utility's dump of radioactive water into sea insulting, incompetent, unforgivable
By the CNN Wire Staff
CNN 2011-04-06
Fears about contaminated seafood spread despite reassurances that radiation 3,355 times legal limit for radioactive iodine in waters off Fukushima nuclear plant pose no health risk
The Associated Press 2011-03-31
To growing cadre of eaters who care how their food is produced, agriculture wars under way are operatic, pitting technology against tradition in a struggle underscored by politics, profits
By Lyndsey Layton
The Washington Post 2011-03-23
Water Footprint Network measures water used to produce goods, services consumed by individual or community
waterfootprint.org 2011-02-28
In case of deja vu, Erin Brockovich battles re-emergence of chromium in drinking water; utility is sending residents bottled water and expresses interest in buying affected homes
By Noaki Schwartz
The Associated Press; Los Angeles Times 2011-03-09
Sardines that died en masse off coast of California tested positive for domoic acid, powerful neurotoxin often found in stomachs of fish feeding on plankton during algae blooms
By Tony Barboza
Los Angeles Times 2011-03-12
Book Review: "Moby-Duck" succeeds as harebrained adventure, cautionary environmental tale, as deconstruction of consumer demand, and meditation on wilderness, imagination
By Elizabeth Royte
The New York Times 2011-03-04
EPA head vows to order testing for radioactivity at water treatment plants that receive fracking drilling wastewater as well as intake sites for drinking water downstream
By John Collins Rdolf
The New York Times 2011-03-03
Years of efforts by some lawmakers and regulators to force feds to better police natural gas industry thwarted; now lobbyists point to fuel independence, fewer emissions
By Ian Urbina
The New York Times 2011-03-04
Lawmakers launch investigation into health risks of drilling for natural gas on public lands; critics of practice cite potential for drinking-water pollution, environmental damage
By Andrew Restuccia
The Hill 2011-02-28
Despite dangers of hydrofracking to health and environment, including radioactive contamination of drinking water sources for 6,800,000 people, EPA has not intervened
By Ian Urbina
The New York Times 2011-02-26
Opinion: The very politicians who are so worried about public debt -- and who want deep spending cuts now to save our future - dismiss climate, resource crisis and natural debt
By Bryan Walsh
Time magazine 2011-02-22
Citing decades-long concealment of mining-related pollution to drinking water and environment, neighbors of abandoned copper mine file class-action suit against BP America, Atlantic Richfield Co.
The Associated Press; The New York Times 2011-02-15
Ecuadorean plaintiffs, citing higher incidence of cancer in communities and water supplies polluted with oil, say that $8.6 billion ruling against Chevron isn't enough compensation
By Victor Gomez
Reuters 2011-02-15
Opinion: In bipartisan move, lawmakers celebrate removal from House cafeteria of compostable flatware that bent under pressure like a pocket watch in a Salvador Dali painting
By Charlotte Allen
Los Angeles Times 2011-02-13
Opinion: Food movement aligns consumers, producers, media, politicians and could create political, social and workplace transformation that environmentalists have failed to achieve
By Bryan Walsh
Time magazine 2011-02-15
EPA may step up regulation of sewage discharge, urban pesticide runoff, selenium in farm drainage contributing to Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta's ecological collapse
By Bettina Boxall
Los Angeles Times 2011-02-10
Veteran CIA officer says feds covered up negligence associated with his family's stay at environmentally troubled Camp Stanley, where house oozed toxic mold and aquifer was tainted
By Charlie Savage
The New York Times 2011-02-11
EPA moves to control perchlorate, 16 other toxins in drinking water; rocket testing ingredient thought to stunt normal growth of fetuses, infants, children
By John M. Broder
The New York Times 2011-02-03
New York state agencies following policy urging them to avoid products, equipment containing any of 85 toxic chemicals whenever safer, cost-effective options available
By Olga Naidenko
Environmental Working Group 2011-01-01
Citing Clean Water Act, EPA revokes largest mountaintop removal mining permit in West Virginia history; selenium pollution, stream burial, fish death, watershed degradation noted
By Bryan Walsh
Time 2011-01-13
Bluefin tuna, one of most majestic and prized fish in sea is subject of a scientific fight that shows difficulty of gauging environmental fallout of biggest offshore oil spill in U.S. history
By Jeffrey Ball
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2011-01-13
German authorities struggle to contain widening dioxin-tainted food scandal after China temporarily halts imports of German pork and egg products
By Patrick Donahue
Reuters 2011-01-12
Farm groups, biotechnology industry skeptical of USDA head's "co-existence" proposal to allow Monsanto's biotech alfalfa near conventional plants; biotech sugar beet case in court
By Charles Abbott
Reuters 2011-01-10
Opinion: Stripping Texas of authority to issue air permits required for large power and industrial projects punishes state for not obeying Clean Air Act rules that aren't finalized
The editors
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2011-01-03
Texas senator says that EPA's emissions standards for power plants, refineries will hurt farmers, consumers; she predicts they will see higher costs passed on to them as new tax
By Andrew Restuccia
The Hill 2010-12-29
California appeals court upholds farmer's right to sue pesticide applicator in case of pesticide drift that contaminated organic dill; $1 million award stands as well
By Kurtis Alexander
Santa Cruz Sentinel 2010-12-22
In effort to clean air, EPA proposes earlier deadlines for limiting amount of CO2 a power plant or refinery can emit; efforts will harm Texas agriculture, energy producers, governor says
By Ana Campoy and Stephen Power
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2010-12-23
EPA head vows to review hexavalent chromium by summer and to consider ordering cities to start testing for toxic metal in tap water; industry has fought limits for years
By Michael Hawthorne
Chicago Tribune 2010-12-21
Fertilizer use, fossil fuel use, sewage push nitrogen into waterways, where it becomes nitrous oxide and contributes 10 percent of such human-caused greenhouse emissions, study shows
LiveScience 2010-12-21
In shift of focus, group launches WeatherBill, an insurance service for farmers; company already sells insurance against nasty weather to clients such as U.S. Open tennis tournament
By Tim Lloyd
Harvest Public Media; The Kansas City Star 2010-12-16
Drinking water in most of 35 cities across U.S. contains hexavalent chromium, a probable carcinogen made famous by film "Erin Brockovich," EWG study shows
By Lyndsey Layton
The Washington Post 2010-12-18
Citing human health and national security, California governor stands with regulators who OK process that pays owners of power plants, refineries, other polluters to cut emissions
By Jason Dearen
The Associated Press; Los Angeles Times 2010-12-17
Shale gas production linked to tainted drinking water; in Texas, EPA warns of risk of explosion, and in Pennsylvania, firm will pay residents $4.1 million and install water-treatment systems
By Ana Campoy and Daniel Gilbert
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2010-12-17
As business booms for restaurants, road paving, motels in towns over natural gas deposits contained in Marcellus Shale, critics of fracking worry over safety of drinking water
By Kris Maher
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2010-12-14
Opinion: Farms, mills and municipalities that use Florida waterways as a latrine learn that latest battle to stop enforcement of federal pollution laws will be paid for by state taxpayers
By Carl Hiaasen
The Miami Herald 2010-12-11
New York state inmate and college senior uses garden to supplement his thesis titled "The Diet of Punishment: Prison Food and Penal Practice in the Post-Rehabilitative Era"
By Emily Friedman
ABC News 2010-05-18
California strawberry growers granted permission to use methyl iodide, a pesticide listed by state as known cancer-causing chemical as fumigant to kill bacteria, weeds, insects
By Kelly Zito
San Francisco Chronicle 2010-12-02
Judge orders uprooting of hundreds of acres of genetically modified sugar-beet plants in Arizona, Oregon; Monsanto says it will appeal
By Scott Kilman and Bill Tomson
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2010-12-01
British beekeepers' group ends controversial practice of taking cash for endorsing leading chemical manufacturers whose products killed bees
By Alison Benjamin
The Guardian (UK) 2010-11-16
Oil from BP leak in Gulf of Mexico that disappeared was eaten, and made its way up the food chain to fish, whales, researchers learn; study did not look for toxicity in food web
By Campbell Robertson
The New York Times 2010-11-08
Analysis: Voters stay course on California's nation-leading green-economy march; law will engage businesses, government and individuals with rules that will touch everyday life
By Joel Makower
Greener World Media; Reuters 2010-11-03
Food waste - from farm to landfill - an expensive problem, with refrigerator design fingered as major culprit by author of new book, "American Wasteland"
By Tara Parker-Pope
The New York Times 2010-11-01
Nathalie Dupree, prominent Charleston chef, TV show host and cookbook author, challenges Republican Sen. Jim DeMint with sudden write-in candidacy
By Lois Romano
The Washington Post 2010-09-30
$150 million proposed to aid farmers in Chesapeake Bay watershed in effort to restore oysters, crab population; state's $70 billion farm, forestry industry critical of EPA plans
The Associated Press; The Wall Street Journal. (subscription may be required) 2010-09-30
Assuming that food chain stays healthy - a major question - Gulf Coast may have avoided worst of BP oil leak; dead zone from agricultural runoff to Mississippi River holding at size of New Jersey
By Leslie Kaufman and Shaila Dewan
The New York Times 2010-09-13
EPA asks Halliburton Co., others, to disclose lists of chemicals they use in fracking for natural gas for study on potential threats to drinking water
By Jim Efstathiou Jr.
Bloomberg.com 2010-09-09
In Nutrient Density to Climate Impact index, milk wins over bottled carbonated water, soy drink, soft drink, orange juice, beer, red wine, oat drink
By Jess Halliday
nutraingredients.com/Decision News Media 2010-08-30
Group sues USDA, challenging agency's recent decision to allow planting of Monsanto's genetically altered sugar beet seeds after court ruling banned farmers from planting them
By P.J. Huffstutter
Los Angeles Times 2010-09-09
Opinion: With US slaughterhouses poised to kill more than 10 billion animals in 2011, concern grows over health, environmental woes of handling the inedible 60 percent of each cow
By James E. McWilliams
The Atlantic 2010-08-11
New EPA strategy for Clean Water Act focuses on agriculture, stormwater runoff, habitat, hydrology and landscape modifications, municipal wastewater
By Ben Geman
The Hill 2010-08-20
Opinion: Despite its noise and din of criticism in social media about that noise, biodegradable packaging for FritoLay's processed SunChips is important innovation
By Caroline Scott-Thomas
nutraingredients.com/Decision News Media 2010-08-23
Only coal, with its air and water pollution problems, exists in sufficient quantity to meet accelerating global demand for electricity, but diverse opposition against industry grows
By Frank Dohmen, Alexander Jung and Wieland Wagner
Der Spiegel 2010-07-22
After EPA tells eight Iowa cattle operations to apply for federal regulatory permits and cease discharges into streams, agriculture reporter asks about financial burden
By Ken Anderson
Brownfield 2010-08-16
With half of US sugar derived from genetically modified sugar beets, judge's ruling against GM crops creates uncertainty for sugar-dependent food companies
By Scott Kilman
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2010-08-16
Judge revokes USDA's OK of GE sugar beets, citing inadequate assessment of consequences of transferring traits to other sugar beets, related Swiss chard, table beets
By Andrew Pollack
The New York Times 2010-08-13
Two types of transgenic canola found growing freely and have bred in North Dakota; scientists say discovery highlights lack of proper monitoring, control of GM crops
By Natasha Gilbert
Nature News 2010-08-06
Methyl iodide, subbing for ozone-depleting methyl bromide as strawberry pesticide, may risk workers' health, California lawmaker says in asking EPA to reconsider 2007 approval
By Carolyn Lochhead
San Francisco Chronicle 2010-08-04
Spread of superweeds, legacy of herbicide-resistant genetically modified seeds, shows need to regulate biotech, and to protect farming environment, House panel told
By Philip Brasher
The Des Moines Register 2010-07-28
UK waste review suggests ban on dumping biodegradable - food - waste in landfills, construction of community incinerators, emissions of which concern environmentalists
By Louise Gray
Telegraph (UK) 2010-07-30
Regulators still discovering veins of pollution in groundwater, soil at abandoned chemical factory above Potomac Aquifer, a drinking water source for Delaware
By Jeff Montgomery
The News Journal (DE) 2010-07-25
Tainted groundwater, legacy of Delaware's petrochemical complexes, reaches Potomac Aquifer, which supplies drinking water for those in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey
By Jeff Montgomery
The News Journal 2010-07-25
Furor erupts over provision in energy bill requiring disclosure of chemicals used in fracking for natural gas; process currently is mostly exempt from Safe Drinking Water Act
CQ Politics 2010-07-28
California's patchwork regulatory efforts leave drinking water tainted by nitrates, the byproduct of nitrogen-based fertilizer, manure, wastewater treatment plants, septic tanks
By Julia Scott
San Francisco Chronicle 2010-05-17
Impact of humans literally consuming Earth's finite resources of food, fuel, fiber, clean air, fresh water finally being noticed, UN reports in call for global action
By Juliette Jowit
The Guardian (UK) 2010-05-21
Federal judge denies bid by Eastern Shore farmers, Perdue to dismiss Chesapeake Bay tributary pollution lawsuit - the first to target Maryland's chicken industry
By Timothy B. Wheeler
The Baltimore Sun 2010-07-23
In Pennsylvania, epicenter of battle over fracking for natural gas, EPA hears stories of yellowed and foul-smelling well water, deformed livestock, poisoned fish, itchy skin
By Tom Zeller Jr.
The New York Times 2010-07-23
Opinion: Nation's 8 million acres of public rangeland should be regulated according to intensive grazing principles to turn grasslands verdant and to increase soil health
By Sara Rubin
The Atlantic 2010-06-22
Lawmaker asks FDA to answer questions about BP oil spill and how it could infiltrate marine ecosystem with arsenic and affect our food chain
By Matt Viser
The Boston Globe 2010-07-13
Three variables will determine effects of climate change legislation on farm sector - production costs, biofuel sector, land use - says USDA study
USDA 2010-07-01
Production of corn-based ethanol, resulting dead zone in Gulf of Mexico rivals ecological damage of BP Deepwater oil leak
By Carolyn Lochhead
San Francisco Chronicle 2010-07-06
Water taint, environmental woes, human health problems trail natural gas fracking, which takes 3-8 million gallons of water per well and is used in 90 percent of wells
By Christopher Bateman
Vanity Fair 2010-06-21
As corn-based ethanol booms, worries grow over water use, pollution
By Erica Gies
The New York Times 2010-06-24
Agricultural research must broaden past production, integrate other disciplines, consider water, air pollution concerns, federal advisory group says
By David Mercer
The Associated Press; Deseret News 2010-06-29
Comedian pokes fun after Iowa lawmaker suggests cleaning oil leak with beer-making equipment, corn cobs, "microscopic things" that eat oil and produce methane
By Jennifer Jacobs
The Des Moines Register 2010-06-12
Opinion: As oil fouls Gulf at rate of one Exxon Valdez every week, BP's responsibility for havoc on one of most productive ecosystems on planet - and many thousands of livelihoods - is only issue
The editors
The New York Times 2010-06-12
Terroir-true Alsatian winemakers, scientists square off over whether genetically modified grape vines could protect against vigor-sucking fanleaf virus
By Edward Cody
The Washington Post 2010-06-12
EPA proposes that about 35,000 large-scale pesticide applicators be required to file for permits to protect water
By Leslie Kaufman
The New York Times 2010-06-03
Citing unprecedented economic, social and environmental devastation of BP oil leak, lawmaker calls for sweeping energy legislation
By Meredith Shiner
Politico 2010-06-03
BP request for tax records poses problem for many involved in off-the-books Gulf harvesting of shrimp, crabs, oysters and fish
By Louis Sahagun
Los Angeles Times 2010-05-30
Opinion: As dispersants and oil mix in Gulf, shrimp, zooplankton, phytoplankton are first to experience internal bleeding - and toxins intensify as they move up the food chain
By Susan D. Shaw
The New York Times 2010-05-30
Discovery of another vast oil plume renews fears that oil could taint food chain, reach beloved sport-fish like red snapper
By David A. Fahrenthold and Juliet Eilperin
The Washington Post 2010-05-28
Loop current may pick up BP oil, tainting coastal waters up to Cape Hatteras, N.C.; officials close more of gulf to fishing
By Jeffrey Ball and Corey Dade
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2010-05-19
Researchers find link between ADHD, organophosphate pesticides used on commercially grown fruits, vegetables; researcher recommends buying organic
By Sarah Klein
health.com/CNN 2010-05-17
Dow-funded study warns of dioxin in beef, vegetables raised in Michigan's Tittabawassee floodplain; elevated levels in people linger after 10 years
By Eartha Jane Melzer
The Michigan Messenger 0000-05-11
Radioactive water from oldest US nuclear plant reaches NJ drinking water aquifer; pipe leaks were found days after plant granted new 20-year license in 2009
By Wayne Parry
The Associated Press; The Philadelphia Inquirer 2010-05-07
Citing water safety, EPA issues rules for toxin-laden coal ash but hasn't decided whether byproduct of coal-fired power plants is hazardous waste or household garbage
By Shaila Dewan
The New York Times 2010-05-04
Ethanol industry spins oil spill to its benefit but critics point to dead zone in Gulf from fertilizer runoff and its support for offshore drilling for natural gas used to make fertilizer
By Philip Brasher
The Des Moines Register 2010-05-05
Give preference to organic food, microwave in glass containers and not plastic, check for radon levels in home, cancer panel says
By Nicholas D. Kristof
The New York Times 2010-05-06
Oyster, red snapper, menhaden (used for fish oil and fertilizer) quantities may fall because of oil spill; 83 percent of seafood in U.S. is imported
By Elizabeth Weise
USA Today 2010-05-04
Site of oil spill is home to threatened and endangered species, and is temporary home for the eggs of dozens of species of fish and shellfish along food chain
By Leslie Kaufman
The New York Times 2010-05-05
Opinion: Atrazine, common corn weedkiller, under attack from activists with ideas of making farming more expensive so land is retired to "nature"
The editors
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2010-05-03
As gushing oil threatens Gulf Coast fishing and seafood industry, fishermen work furiously to harvest ahead of contamination
By Steven Gray
Time magazine 2010-05-02
Hundreds of fishermen - Cajun, Italian, Vietnamese, Cambodian - crowd Louisiana gym in hopes of training as new oil spill experts
By Richard Fausset
Los Angeles Times 2010-04-30
As BP's oil disaster threatens $2.4 billion Gulf fishing industry, catchy slogan, "Drill, baby, drill" becomes "Spill, baby, spill"
By Bryan Walsh
Time magazine 2010-04-30
Fragile Gulf Coast wetlands - nurseries for fish and shrimp, bird habitats - and seafood industries recovering from Katrina at risk from BP's broadening oil spill
By David Ferrara and Guy Busby
Press-Register (Mobile, AL) 2010-04-28
Seed evangelist awarded "green Nobel," Goldman Environmental Prize for helping farmers reduce need for fertilizers, pesticides in Cuba
By Will Weissert
The Associated Press; San Francisco Chronicle 2010-04-19
Climate changes poses threat of heart disease, contamination of water, seafood tainting, bug-borne sickness, federal agencies report
By Randolph E. Schmid
The Associated Press; The Guardian 2010-04-24
Opinion: For a real difference in country's health, we need a Green Tea Party, modeled after the beverage and full of antioxidants, to cut carbon
By Thomas L. Friedman
The New York Times 2010-04-24
Former residents of Illinois town develop serious illnesses in middle age, suspect link to illegal toxic dump used by Kraft Foods, Mobil Oil, others in '70s
By Joel Hood
Chicago Tribune 2010-04-25
Air, water, soil and health problems linked to industrial farms where cows, pigs, chickens confined in close quarters, journalist writes in "Animal Factory"
By Claire Suddath
Time magazine 2010-04-23
Rotting corn, alfalfa, almond shells - cow feed - not manure or cow emissions, may be to blame for high ozone levels in largest dairy production region in U.S., study indicates
By Tracie Cone
The Associated Press; Chicago Tribune 2010-04-22
Florida subdivision residents lose homes to sinkholes after farmers drain aquifers in bid to save strawberry crops from cold snap
By Barry Newman
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2010-04-19
Seafood harvesters, eaters pay price for fertilizer/agricultural pollution flowing out of Midwest into Gulf of Mexico's "dead zone"
By Krista Hozyash
Rodale Institute 2009-11-18
Opinion: Maryland legislators' threat over university law clinic's aid in pollution suit against an Eastern Shore chicken farm should never have been made
The editors
The Washington Post 2010-04-09
Opinion: Bipartisan duo offers alternative to Waxman-Markey kludge in 40-page cap-and-cash bill that leaves worst carbon polluters paying
By Bill McKibben
The New Republic 2010-04-05
Electric utilities lobby furiously against new EPA rules on coal ash, which is spread on crop fields and leaks cancer-causing toxins into drinking water
By Jeff Goodell
Rolling Stone 2010-03-17
Trader Joe's vows to sell only sustainably sourced seafood by end of 2012
By Jane Black
The Washington Post 2010-03-29
Opinion: Measure environmental impact per gallon of milk, rather than per cow, and miles per dozen eggs when calculating sustainability
By Karen Langhauser
Food Manufacturing 2010-03-29
Opinion: Nestlé's PR disaster over palm oil sourcing shows that food companies must ensure transparent, socially responsible supply chains to prevent consumer backlash
By Jane Byrne
nutraingredients.com/Decision News Media 2010-03-22
UN specialists will re-examine contribution of meat production to climate change after researcher says 2006 report exaggerated link
By Richard Black
BBC News 2010-03-24
After major gaps in oversight discovered, USDA says it will begin enforcing rules requiring the spot testing of organic foods for pesticide traces
By William Neuman
The New York Times 2010-03-20
Judge denies request to ban planting of Monsanto's GM sugar beets, but says ruling isn't indicative of views on a permanent injunction
By Kelsey Volkmann
St. Louis Business Journal 2010-03-16
After learning that nitrogen fertilizer accounts for 35 percent of emissions in orange juice production, Tropicana considers greener alternatives
By Bryan Walsh
Time magazine 2010-03-11
Concerned for their child's future, California couple replaces water-guzzling grass with wood chips, drought-tolerant plants - and is sued by city
By Amina Khan
Los Angeles Times 2010-03-02
As TVA coal ash spill cleanup drags on in Tennessee, other states find tainted water seeping from landfills holding dumped residue
By Bill Poovey
The Associated Press; The New York Times 2010-03-05
Industrial agriculture fights as rural Americans band together, use "local control" ordinances, historic designations to limit big pig farms
By Lauren Etter
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2010-03-03
Opinion: Ethically compromised big green groups offer placebos when they should be conducting and amplifying our anger at betrayal of our environmental safety
By Johann Hari
The Nation. 2010-03-04
Study: Water tainted with common corn field weedkiller - but within EPA drinking water standards - can change frogs' sex traits
By David A. Fahrenthold
The Washington Post 2010-03-02
Farmers in quandary about turning methane-belching manure to power because "dairy digester" adds to smog problem
By P.J. Huffstutter
Los Angeles Times 2010-03-01
Fearing cross pollination, organic farmers file suit to halt planting, sugar production of genetically modified sugar beets
By Jeff Barnard
The Associated Press; The Washington Post 2010-03-01
EPA signals tighter rules on traditionally lax approach to megafarms' manure, which smothers waterways, taints air
By David A. Fahrenthold
The Washington Post 2010-03-01
UN report may urge banning of billions in subsidies to agriculture, energy, transport since one-third of biggest companies' profits needed to clean up their pollution
By Juliette Jowit
The Guardian (UK) 2010-02-18
Wages, benefits lag for restaurant workers, survey of 2,500 workers and 150 employers in five cities shows
By Jane Black
The Washington Post 2010-02-11
Opinion: In biofuels computations, EPA wisely includes calculations of land-clearing for food crops elsewhere when fuel crops displace those for food in U.S.
The editors
The New York Times 2010-02-10
Virginia legislators table bill that would require retailers to charge 5 cents for paper or plastic bags
The Roanoke Times (VA) 2010-02-09
California rivers being tainted by insecticides at levels toxic to food supply of fish, study shows
By Robert Sanders
UC Berkeley News 2010-02-02
Farm-state lawmakers upset that EPA, when calculating ethanol rule, didn't disregard land clearing abroad for croplands that compensate for using U.S. grains for fuel
By Ben German
The Hill 2010-02-03
Foul byproduct of fracking, a drilling technique for natural gas, pollutes water supplies
By Marc Levy and Vicki Smith
The Associated Press; Charleston Daily Mail (SC) 2010-02-02
Acidified, iron-poor oceans may cause decline in populations of phytoplankton - critical to food chain
By Jessica Marshall
Discovery News 2010-01-14
Pioneer in sustainable fishing becomes his own distributor, starts community-sponsored fishery
By Christine Muhlke
The New York Times 2010-01-31
Feds plan bold vertical garden with vegetated fins, eye rainwater, gray water as irrigation possibilities
By William Yardley
The New York Times 2010-01-30
As Asian carp breach Great Lakes, expense of eliminating invasive species is weighed against mounting liability - now $120 billion annually - of leaving them be
By Juliet Eilperin
The Washington Post 2010-01-31
EPA actions on Appalachian mountaintop coal mining to protect water supply criticized as contradictory
By David A. Fahrenthold
The Washington Post 2010-01-28
Public companies should warn investors of serious risks - storms, emissions, rising seas, legislation - that global warming might pose to businesses, SEC says
By John Broder
The New York Times 2010-01-27
Rainstorms boost California's water supply for agriculture after limits caused by drought, protections for delta smelt
By Bettina Boxall
Los Angeles Times 2010-01-27
EPA to investigate cluster of birth defects in farm worker community near toxic dump
By Louis Sahagun
Los Angeles Times 2010-01-27
Opinion: EPA's coal ash dispute should be resolved publicly, in favor of environment, clean water, public safety
The editors
The New York Times 2010-01-19
Researchers, awash in data, don't have enough information to predict net effects of climate change on food plants
By Michael D. Lemonick
Time magazine 2010-01-15
As environmentalists call for end to eating beef, vegetable-farming power couple begins to raise grass-fed version
By Lisa Abend
Time magazine 2010-01-20
Supreme Court's upcoming rule on ban of Monsanto's Roundup alfalfa could affect ruling on GM sugar beets - and half of U.S. sugar crop
By Jeffrey Tomich
St. Louis Post-Dispatch 2010-01-16
Danes' green leadership may have blinded them their own kitchen, eating habits
By Henry Chu
Los Angeles Times 2009-12-06
Scientists stand against mountaintop mining, citing tainted water, contaminated fish, "obliterated" stream ecosystems
By David A. Fahrenthold
The Washington Post 2010-01-08
California town looks to reduce landfill use by 30 percent with food waste composting program
By Clark Mason
The Press Democrat (Santa Rosa, CA) 2009-12-30
Pennsylvania town launches food waste composting project
WJACTV 2010-01-06
EPA seeks tighter smog rules; pollution linked to heart, breathing ills and stunted trees, crops
By Juliet Eilperin
The Washington Post 2010-01-06
Opinion: Capturing methane is fastest, most effective way to cool Earth's temperature
By Robert Watson and Mohamed El-Ashry
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2009-12-28
Secrecy law exploited by chemical makers, leaving public, feds in dark, critics say
By Lyndsey Layton
The Washington Post 2010-01-04
Michigan sues to protect lake from invasive species, Chicago's water diversion
By Kari Lydersen
The Washington Post 2009-12-27
TVA coal ash spill that ruined water, land only one of many EPA problems
By David A. Fahrenthold
The Washington Post 2009-12-22
Education on fish consumption, mercury pollution cleanup among Michigan's Great Lakes priorities
The Associated Press; Chicago Tribune 2009-12-29
Scientists to study effects of phthalates, BPA, PBDEs, other toxins on humans
By Valerie Bauman
The Associated Press; Chicago Tribune 2009-12-28
Opinion: Coal investors fuel long-term wealth destruction for short-term gains, climate change
By Jeremy Leggett
The Guardian (UK) 2009-12-30
At big dairy farms, a thin margin for error with manure management
By Henry Fountain
The New York Times 2009-12-28
Opinion: Menhaden, crucial in ocean food chain, enters final losing phase for survival
By Paul Greenberg
The New York Times 2009-12-15
Residents suspect toxic dump, pesticides, water, traffic exhaust in birth defects spike
By Noaki Schwartz
The Associated Press; The Spokesman-Review 2010-12-22
In U.S. climate debate, agricultural interests wield outsize influence
By Dan Morgan
European Affairs 2009-12-10
Switch to biomass briquettes for cooking fuel among small-scale efforts to protect Kashmir Valley
By Emily Wax
The Washington Post 2009-12-18
U.S. tests tap water for only 91 contaminants though hundreds linked to illness with long exposure
By Charles Duhigg
The New York Times 2006-12-16
Vilsack questions USDA's estimate of foresting 20 million acres of cropland for climate
By Philip Brasher
The Des Moines Register 2009-12-18
Drought, irrigation deplete California's farmland aquifers, satellite shows
Science Daily 2009-12-15
Opinion: Until restrainers beat expanders, climate crises - water, soil - will continue
By George Monbiot
The Guardian (UK) 2009-12-14
Opinion: Global green action can start local, with food
The editors
The Independent (UK) 2009-11-29
Opinion: Agricultural ecosystems change as planet signals peril
By Thomas Lovejoy
The New York TImes 2009-12-08
Tainted water flows from taps of 49 million, records show
In last five years, water for more than 49 million people has contained illegal concentrations of chemicals - arsenic, uranium, sewage bacteria - with majority of violations at smaller water systems. As many as 19 million Americans may become ill each year due to parasites, viruses and bacteria in drinking water; research links certain cancers - breast, prostate - to pollutants like those found in drinking water. Though EPA is expected to announce new policy on policing nation's 54,700 water systems, regulators say they are skeptical that any change will occur, since management remains the same. And: The Toxic Waters series (click 'See also').
By Charles Duhigg
The New York Times 2009-12-08
EPA finalizes CO2 endangerment finding
EPA finalizes finding that greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, pose threat to human health, welfare. Finding, a signal that U.S. is prepared to contribute to climate treaty, is useful tool during Copenhagen summit. And: EPA said it would impose new rules only on large factories, refineries, power plants and other facilities emitting more than 25,000 tons a year of carbon dioxide; greenhouse gases come from millions of auto tailpipes, airplanes, ships, home furnaces, even digestive tracts of cattle (click 'See also').
By Bryan Walsh
Time magazine 2009-12-07
Farming sector doomed Copenhagen deadline for emissions bill
American farmers' dependence on cheap fossil fuels for fertilizer, fuel, pesticides doomed chance to pass cap-and-trade emissions bill before Copenhagen climate summit. Climate change debate prods sore spots: liberal versus conservative, urban versus rural, coasts against heartland. Rural Americans are on average poorer than urban compatriots, and rely more on fossil fuel; poor, conservative areas emit more carbon dioxide per head than rich, liberal ones, and politicians from such areas are less likely to support carbon curbs. That was why House cap-and-trade bill had to be sweetened - and made less effective - with hundreds of billions of dollars' worth of giveaways.
The Economist 2009-11-12
Farming sector doomed Copenhagen deadline for emissions bill
American farmers' dependence on cheap fossil fuels for fertilizer, fuel, pesticides doomed chance to pass cap-and-trade emissions bill before Copenhagen climate summit. Climate change debate prods sore spots: liberal versus conservative, urban versus rural, coasts against heartland. Rural Americans are on average poorer than urban compatriots, and rely more on fossil fuel; poor, conservative areas emit more carbon dioxide per head than rich, liberal ones, and politicians from such areas are less likely to support carbon curbs. That was why House cap-and-trade bill had to be sweetened - and made less effective - with hundreds of billions of dollars' worth of giveaways.
2009-11-12
EPA sends CO2 danger finding to White House
EPA sends to White House its final proposal on whether carbon dioxide, other greenhouse gas emissions pose danger to human health and welfare, agency head says. And: Step could trigger regulation of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases as pollutants under the Clean Air Act; environmentalists embrace move in advance of Copenhagen climate talks while manufacturers worry (click 'See also').
By Tom Doggett
Reuters 2009-11-09
Opinion: Nominee's pesticides position, experience don't match Obama's agriculture interest
Resume of Islam Siddiqui, nominated for chief agricultural negotiator, doesn't seem to square with administration's professed interest in more sustainable, less chemically dependent approaches to agriculture. His current job representing coalition of major pesticide players is to increase exports of agricultural chemicals; resume also includes Clinton-era draft of organic standards notoriously loose about allowing genetically engineered crops and use of sewage-sludge fertilizers to be labeled as 'organic.' And: Candidate worked previously for California Department of Food and Agriculture (click 'See also').
The editors
The New York Times 2009-11-04
Mapping waste in UK meat, fish industry to cut carbon, save cash
UK plans to map food, water, packaging waste in meat, fish industry in bid to cut carbon, save cash. Information will be gathered on poultry, beef, lamb and pork and 20 fish types at all points along wholesale and retail supply chain. Meat, fish industries have been targeted because of higher greenhouse gas emission linked to their production.
By Rory Harrington
nutraingredients.com/Decision News Media 2009-11-04
Opinion: Avoid processed foods, factory-farmed meat to cut warming
Twenty percent of food system's energy use is farm-related; half of food's greenhouse impact linked to farms. The rest comes from processing, transportation, storage, retailing, food preparation. Prevailing method of producing meat - crowding animals in factory farms, storing their waste in giant lagoons, cutting down forests to grow crops to feed them - cause substantial greenhouse emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxides. Eaters can lower their global warming contribution by avoiding processed foods and those from industrialized farms; reducing food waste; and buying local and in season. And: Livestock's long shadow (click 'See also' for UN report).
By Nicolette Hahn Niman
The New York Times 2009-10-31
Change in behavior key to addressing climate change
We don't understand how to change human behavior in face of climate change. Fear is motivator but only when people feel personally vulnerable - when actors delivered speeches about climate change, 'air pollution,' with connotation of dirtiness, poor health, got strongest response. Human behavior underpins politics, technology, individuals; political parties will not pass legislation unpopular with electorate. And: Integrated problems - climate change, energy, water scarcity, biodiversity loss, poverty reduction, feeding a hungry and growing population- require integrated solution (click 'See also').
By Adam Corner
The Guardian (UK) 2009-10-26
Toxins at Cold War-era missile sites threaten water supplies
Cleanup continues at dozens of former nuclear missile sites tainted with trichloroethylene, or TCE. In Colorado, one site is near Poudre River, where planned reservoir would partly submerge site and could contaminate river, municipal water supplies. In '90s, chemical was discovered in Cheyenne city wells, which are within eight-mile-long plume of TCE within Ogallala Aquifer. Cleanup is part of work at 9,000-plus sites projected to cost $17.8 billion. And: Pentagon, nation's biggest polluter, has about 25,000 contaminated properties across U.S. (click 'See also').
By Mead Gruver
The Associated Press; The Washington Post 2009-10-11
Victor awards garbage disposal certificate after election
After Republican wins North Carolina town's city council seat, he fulfills promise to give gift certificate for garbage disposal. Challenger set up raffle to mock effort by incumbent to ban garbage disposals in Raleigh. And: To cut down on sewer back-ups and resulting environmental damage to streams from food scraps, grease, Raleigh City Council in 2008 prohibited new garbage disposals from being installed or connected to municipal sewer system (click 'See also').
By Sarah Ovaska
The News & Observer (NC) 2009-10-10
Alfalfa, sugar beet rulings signal new U.S. view of GM crops
Farmers who shun genetically modified crops find hope in recent alfalfa and sugar beet rulings (click 'See also') criticizing regulators who ignored potential economic impact of GM crop cross-pollination on organic, other farmers. Lawsuits have prompted first environmental impact statement ever for a GM crop, due in 2009. Though U.S. has passed no legislation on GM crops, 95 percent of U.S. sugar beet crop, which supplies about half the nation's sugar, now engineered. Eighty-five percent of corn crop genetically modified, and, as high-fructose corn syrup, is throughout food system. Some 90 percent of soy, cotton crops include genes from Monsanto Co., Dow Chemical, DuPont.
By Paul Voosen
Greenwire/The New York Times 2009-10-08
Cut CO2 now to protect food source for salmon, herring, scientists say
Limit carbon dioxide emissions now to stop major disruption to global food chain, scientists urge. In many regions around north pole, Arctic seawater likely to reach corrosive levels within 10 years and will begin to dissolve shells of mussels, shellfish. Tiny mollusk, Limacina helicina, is eaten by North Atlantic salmon, herring, baleen whales, various seabirds. About a quarter of carbon dioxide pumped into atmosphere by factories, power stations and cars now falls into the oceans - 6.6 million tons daily.
By Robin McKie
The Guardian (UK) 2009-10-04
Federal agencies directed to conserve water, reduce waste
With executive order, Obama requires federal agencies to measure greenhouse-gas emissions, then meet series of environmental targets over next decade. They include 50 percent recycling and waste diversion by 2015; 30 percent reduction in vehicle-fleet petroleum use by 2020; and a 26 percent improvement in water efficiency by 2020.
By Juliet Eilperin
The Washington Post 2009-10-06
Farm groups endorse Monsanto phosphorous mine
Idaho's Farm Bureau Federation, Grain Producers Association, Sugarbeet Growers Association endorse Monsanto's proposed Blackfoot Bridge mine to replace its existing mine, which is leaking selenium, heavy metals into Blackfoot River tributaries. Other mines in region blamed for killing livestock poisoned by selenium. New mine would allow for continued domestic production of agribusiness giant's Roundup, a weed killer that generates more than $1 billion in gross profits annually (click 'See also).
Idaho Statesman 2009-09-19
Humane Society, senators, livestock emissions and Clean Air Act
Humane Society petitions EPA to list concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) under Clean Air Act. Animal feeding operations produce 500 million tons of manure every year. And: Other senators join John Thune, Chuck Schumer in co-sponsoring S. 527, legislation that would permanently prohibit Clean Air Act permit system for emissions - including carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, water vapor, or methane - associated with biological processes of livestock production.
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition 2009-09-28
Buried dump beneath closed park leaches toxins into water
As Connecticut city proposes $2 million for running waterlines to residences near former park atop a buried and leaking landfill, neighbors worry about health effects of drinking tainted well water. 'I'm no tree hugger, but this just ain't right,' says one, whose wife has psoriasis and whose preschooler has hair loss. Landfill, unlined and permeable, is bordered by wetlands to north. Toxins also threaten city's aquifer and North Stamford Reservoir. Full-scale cleanup unlikely; EPA says city is providing appropriate response.
By Magdalene Perez
The Advocate (Stamford, CT) 2009-09-27
EPA lacks oversight on safety of school water
In last 10 years, toxins found in drinking water of public and private schools in all 50 states, but problem has gone largely unmonitored by feds. EPA lacks authority to require testing for all schools; it does not specifically monitor incoming state data on school water quality. Tainting most apparent at schools with wells. Schools with unsafe water represent small percentage of nation's 132,500 schools; EPA says violations spiked because of stricter standards for arsenic, disinfectants, other toxins. And: It's time to ban arsenic from chicken feed (click 'See also').
By Garance Burke
The Associated Press; The Washington Post 2009-09-25
At some schools, green is the new cool at lunch, in class, in garden
Some Philadelphia schoolchildren measure coolness by green quotient of their lunches - reusable sandwich wraps and water bottles, recycled lunch boxes, cloth napkins. Science teachers encourage 'waste-free Wednesdays;' in environmental science classes, students compost food scraps, fertilize the herb garden that then is used for the school kitchen, thus reducing pesticides that run into nearby Wissahickon Creek, which feeds into water supply of their city.
By Meredith Broussard
The Philadelphia Inquirer 2009-09-24
Pesticides, pollution in food supply linked to obesity epidemic
Environmental chemicals may well account for good part of obesity epidemic, especially in those under 50, and may cause spike in infant obesity rates. Certain hormone-mimicking pollutants throughout food chain act on genes in developing fetus, newborns to reprogram precursor cells into lifelong fat cells, and they may alter metabolic rate, turning body into physiological Scrooge, research shows. Other research reports that the more pesticides children were exposed to as fetuses, the greater their risk of being overweight as toddlers; children exposed to higher levels of PCBs and DDT-related chemical before birth were fatter than others.
By Sharon Begley
Newsweek magazine 2009-09-21
Firms begin disclosing emissions, business protection plans
As climate change begins to materialize and regulation seems likely, companies take steps toward disclosing extent to which they're contributing to global warming and how they're protecting their business. At Starbucks, customers and workers are eyeing its practices and policy from environmental perspective, which sensitizes company. Investor group wants companies' climate-change risks required as part of regular financial disclosures. And: Most food system power sources mum on climate change costs (click 'See also').
By Juliet Eilperin
The Washington Post 2009-09-21
River pollution suit against Tyson, Cargill, may affect meat prices
Oklahoma's pollution lawsuit against Tyson, Cargill, others in Arkansas poultry industry begins in Tulsa on Sept. 24 is being closely watched by industry. At issue is practice of spreading chicken waste on fields in Illinois River watershed, which state say caused runoff that polluted river. Industry says Arkansas, Oklahoma sanctioned practice by issuing farmers permits to spread waste. And: Oklahoma Attorney General asks if Big Poultry owns birds, feed, drugs (click 'See also'), doesn't it own chicken litter, too? If poultry companies lose the case, industry spokesperson says U.S.-raised meat prices will go up.
By Justin Juozapavicius
The Associated Press; Duluth News Tribune 2009-09-20
Satellite imaging changing face of water management
As water conflicts for agriculture grow intense, tool that mines data from government satellite images (some of which are on Google Earth) is changing face of water management. Data (click 'See also') have helped settle century-long fight between Colorado and Kansas over Arkansas River, dispute between Idaho irrigation districts, and have eased fears in California that water transfers to L.A., San Diego would increase salinity of Imperial Valley farmland. Data also are crucial to feds' programs that maintain water in streams where steelhead trout, salmon spawn. Project, called METRIC, has been in jeopardy because NASA wasn't planning to include required $100 million thermal infared sensor in next satellite launch, but Western politicians pressured the agency, and it appears that sensor will be included.
By Kari Lydersen
The Washington Post 2009-09-14
Violations of Clean Water Act rampant across nation
One in 10 Americans exposed to drinking water tainted with dangerous chemicals or that fails federal standards. Clean Water Act has been violated more than 506,000 times since 2004 by 23,000-plus firms, facilities. Fewer than 3 percent of violations resulted in fines or other significant punishments. Enforcement lapses were particularly bad under George W. Bush, EPA employees said. Farm pollution, livestock runoff largely unregulated. Best solution is for Congress to hold EPA, states accountable, lawmakers, activists say; others say public outrage is required. And: Interactive database of hundreds of thousands of water pollution records from every state and EPA (click 'See also').
By Charles Duhigg
The New York TImes 2009-09-13
Crops die as relentless blue skies parch Texas
USDA
In drought-stricken Texas, the water is saved for drinking. Agricultural losses already estimated at $3.6 billion and rising - in normal year, farmers, ranchers bring in about $20 billion. One-fifth of state, area larger than Massachusetts, New Jersey and Connecticut combined (click 'See also'), is experiencing 'exceptional' drought conditions, the worst category. Possible up-side: Texans may begin paying more attention to water management.
The Economist 2009-08-13
Opinion: Toward a smarter, sustainable food supply
Radical changes in the way we grow food (click 'See also') will increase our grocery bills, and that doesn't make sense in recession. But shoppers, farmers, ranchers, policymakers could help create a more sustainable agricultural system by examining impact of potential farm on water supply, soil resources and manure disposal; supporting experiments that explore smart use of water; choosing locally grown produce and products, and meats raised on less corn and without antibiotics. Feds should look for opportunities to buy produce from local farmers who use techniques that don't damage soils or environment.
The editors
The Dallas Morning News 2009-08-28
Farming emerges as chief threat to ozone layer
Nitrous oxide (N2O, 'laughing gas') is biggest threat to ozone layer. Emissions come mostly from farming practices, including use of synthetic and organic fertilizers, production of nitrogen-fixing crops, cultivation of high organic content soils, adding livestock manure to fields, runoff leaching into groundwater (click 'See also'). Gas isn't regulated by Montreal Protocol, so there's no global effort to cut emissions. How non-farmers can help: Eat less meat, reduce driving, use fuel-efficient vehicle.
By Bryan Walsh
Time magazine 2009-08-28
Monsanto plans price hike for GMO corn, soybean seed
Monsanto plans to increase cost of genetically modified corn, soybean seed as much as 42 percent, effectively splitting expected profits of increased yields. New biotech SmartStax corn seed expected to be planted on up to 4 million acres in 2010, with national potential for 65 million acres; Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybean seeds were planted on 1.5 million acres this year, with potential of 55 million acres, Monsanto said. And: After residents' opposition, Boulder county postpones decision on whether to allow farmers to grow Monsanto GMO beets on county open space; GMO corn has been permitted since 2003 (click 'See also').
By Jack Kaskey
Bloomberg.com 2009-09-13
Former Marines link their cancers to tainted water at Camp Lejeune
From 1950s to mid-1980s, Camp Lejeune water for hundreds of thousands of Marines, families was laced with then-unregulated chemicals from an off-base dry-cleaning company and from industrial solvents used to clean military equipment. Now, cluster of cancer cases has appeared, and more than 1,600 former base residents have filed claims against feds, seeking $34 billion. And: Dry-cleaning chemicals taint soil, water in Illinois (click 'See also').
By David Zucchino
Los Angeles Times 2009-08-26
Climate change bill would return farms, ranches to forest
Critics worry that climate-protecting reforestation plan could push food prices up, since financial incentives would encourage farmers, ranchers to plant trees. But growing food in 'climate change' areas would be costlier, says former Agriculture secretary. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, the key global-warming gas. More trees also would improve water quality, because lower levels of pesticides, fertilizers are used on them. And: 3,500 trees planted on BP refinery property to clean up pollution in soils, groundwater (click 'See also').
By Traci Watson
USA Today 2009-08-20
Food processors' waste taints water, environment
In west Michigan, untreated wastewater from processors has tainted drinking water, streams, killing aquatic life and nearby trees. State officials have known of polluting for 10 years; residents say they're bearing costs - stench, orange fingernails, useless gardens, failed businesses, ruined plumbing, fear of eventual ills from tap water. Officials say there's no acute health threat. Review found probes have dragged out for years. Companies denied responsibility, failed to meet cleanup deadlines, violated law with leaks, spills, illegal dumping of fruit waste. Agriculture made more than $63 billion last year; food processing firms employ thousands. (Click 'See also' for part 2.)
By Tina Lam
Detroit Free Press 2009-08-09
California resumes review of chemical for strawberry fields
California pesticide regulators resume review of methyl iodide for strawberry fields. Carcinogen OK'd for use in every state except California, Washington, New York. Federal law requires growers to set up buffer zones, prohibits workers from entering field for 48 hours after methyl iodide is applied, but critics worry about safety of those living or working near the plots. And: In Mississippi's delta, Roundup drift, from crop-dust pilots or ground-level applicators, can damage off-target crops, trees, gardens (click 'See also').
By Amy Littlefield
Los Angeles Times 2009-08-03
Pollution history shouldn't stop more mining, Monsanto says
Monsanto's history of polluting Idaho shouldn't stop more mining for Roundup ingredient, company says. Three of firm's previous mines in region now under federal Superfund authority; a fourth is now violating federal clean water laws (click 'See also'). Two fertilizer makers J.R. Simplot, Agrium also linked to pollution there. Roundup will generate $1 billion-plus in gross profits annually; in one county in mining region where 7,000 people live, Monsanto pays more than $29 million in wages, benefits.
By John Miller
The Associated Press; The Spokesman-Review 2009-08-09
Mountaintop removal battle tests Obama's clean energy vow
Battle over mountaintop removal coal mining will test Barack Obama, who vowed clean energy economy but in May oversaw EPA's OK of 42 permits for mining method that devastates landscapes, uproots hundreds of communities. Peak shearing of up to 1,000 feet buries streams, damages water systems. It deposits selenium, which can cause reproductive ills in humans and is deforming fish, downstream from mine fill sites. Meanwhile, Senate takes up bill (click 'See also') to prohibit mining companies from dumping debris in streams. Almost half of America's electricity is coal-powered.
By Suzanne Goldenberg
The Guardian (UK) 2009-08-04
In scramble for funds, Illinois taxes candy, soda - with exceptions
In scramble for funds, Illinois demotes candy, soft drinks from tax-free food group. But lawmakers carved gaping exception - sweets containing flour (Twizzlers, Butterfinger Stixx) aren't legally deemed to be candy. Critic says tax logic is becoming increasingly inconsistent - in New York, Ovaltine gets sales-tax exemption but not Tang. Iowa officials were forced by public protests to rescind decision that exempted pumpkins sold for pies but not those sold for jack-o'-lanterns. And: Test your knowledge of what USDA considers junk food in schools (click 'See also').
By Ameet Sachdev and Bob Secter
Chicago Tribune 2009-08-02
Opinion: Regulate mercury now to protect human health
EPA should issue tough rule to control mercury spewed from coal-fired power plants, knowing that it is essential to protect human health - toxin is found in increasingly high concentrations in fish. Another reason: GAO, found that, in some cases, mercury emissions were reduced up to 90 percent at average cost of $3.6 million, or pennies a month on consumers' electric bills. And: Mercury-contaminated fish advisories, state by state (click 'See also').
The editors
The New York TImes 2009-07-25
Utility turns food waste to energy, compost
Utility uses food waste from San Francisco, Contra Costa County restaurants, commercial food processors to produce green renewable energy, compost. Organic waste is single largest single component of urban municipal solid waste; in U.S., more than 30 million tons of food waste - 18 percent of waste stream - are sent to landfills annually; less than three percent of food waste is diverted from landfills. And: Buying food simply to chuck it is waste of land, water, energy put into growing, processing and transporting it (click 'See also').
Environment News Service 2009-07-15
Wal-Mart to label sustainability of every product
Wal-Mart developing fiendishly complex plan to measure, label sustainability (life cycle assessment) of its every product. Company's grand plan will require manufacturers to dig deep into supply chains, measure environmental impact, and compete on those terms for favorable treatment from retailer. Faculty at University of Arkansas, Arizona State University, Duke, Harvard, Stanford, UC Berkeley, University of Michigan have been involved in planning sustainability index (click 'See also') led by Sustainability Consortium.
By Marc Gunther
Slate/The Big Money 2009-07-13
Opinion: Hard-line organic advocates miss larger points
Flavor, seasonality, locality trump organic. Between pure organics and reckless use of chemicals is huge gray area where most farming is done. Ignore this and you ignore mission of supporting small farmers who grow wonderful food. In California, roughly 85 percent of farms are owned by individuals or families, 75 percent are smaller than 100 acres. Earthbound Farm, which grows organics, now cultivates more than 40,000 acres. And: Purity of USDA 'organic' label questioned (click 'See also').
By Russ Parsons
Los Angeles Times 2009-07-01
UK plans new low-carbon menus minus beef, lamb, tomatoes
Government advisers in UK shaping suggested menus without lamb, hothouse tomatoes, alcohol to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Growing, processing hops, malt to beer, whisky help to generate 1.5 percent of nation's greenhouse gases; producing 2.2 pounds of lamb releases equivalent of 37 pounds of CO2; same amount of beef releases methane equivalent to 35 pounds of CO2; same amount of hothouse tomatoes releases 20-plus pounds of CO2.
By Jonathan Leake
The Times (UK) 2009-05-24
Industrial farming growing, dispersing drug-resistant pathogens
Kellogg Schwab/
Sampling the air for pathogens in a poultry house.
Adding antibiotics to farm animal feed is fostering, dispersing drug-resistant bacteria that imperil public health, researchers are learning. Chicken, cow, pig manure - 335 million tons annually - distributes pathogens through fertilizer and manure lagoons, where infectious microbes infiltrate air, soil, water, and are transported by houseflies, farm trucks, farm workers. Government requires no disclosure on microbial use in agriculture. In his 1945 Nobel Prize address, Alexander Fleming, who discovered penicillin, had warned of ease in making microbes resistant; Pork Board spokesperson isn't convinced.
By Dale Keiger
Johns Hopkins Magazine 2009-06-01
New sewage-to-fertilizer ovens not needed, officials say
As final tests begin on pricey sewage-to-fertilizer plant, Chicago area officials say it's not needed. Stickney plant is one of world's largest treatment facilities for human, industrial waste, producing 150,000-plus tons of sludge (industry calls it 'biosolids') annually. And: Early on, 'Black Box' project was seen as alternative to sluicing use of 1 billion-plus gallons of water daily (click 'See also').
By Michael Hawthorne
Chicago Tribune 2009-05-27
Pure artesian well water fuels battle against proposed landfill
In Ontario's Tiny Township, 25-year-old battles continues over whether waterlogged landfill site - over world's most pristine artesian wells that planners say would flush toxins into sewage systems - is appropriate, and worth risk to water. And: Safety of drinking water at risk, say farmers on tractors blockading 'Site 41' (click 'See also').
By Martin Mittelstaedt
The Globe and Mail (Canada); Lake Ontario Waterkeeper 2009-05-04
Colorado OKs limited rainwater capture
Colorado legalizes some precipitation capture from roofs, a practice long considered stealing from those owning water downstream. And: 300,000 beneficiaries now are stewards of public water supply. If resource used responsibly, it could be substituted for some of what is currently being sucked from oversubscribed aquifers, streams, says columnist (click 'See also').
By Jeff Brady
National Public Radio/Morning Edition 2009-06-01
California lacks infrastructure, culture for water conservation
California government pushes water conservation, but lack of residential meters, decades of flat-rate billing, and state, federal projects that have ensured water flow to farms and cities have contributed to culture of water abundance. Fresno residents use around 290 gallons of water per person per day; national average is 100 gallons per day.
By Sasha Khokha
National Public Radio/Morning Edition; KQED 2009-05-26
River-polluting Iowa farms need most federal aid, group says
iastate.edu
Mississippi River Basin and major tributaries
Advocacy group urges targeted investment of conservation funds in Iowa farms that pollute Mississippi River. But USDA, state officials say formula accounts for 'impaired waters' (click 'See also'). Program subsidizes manure collection system setup, reducing tillage, building terraces; $7 million of this year's fund reserved for specific projects - beginning organic operations, beginning or low-income farmers.
By Philip Brasher
The Des Moines Register 2009-05-29
Calls grow for groundwater regulation in California
California faces growing pressure to regulate groundwater. Critics say refusal could prove catastrophic to state's $36 billion agricultural economy as well as to real estate. Advisory agency recommends regulating groundwater pumping statewide. Issuing emergency drought declaration in February, governor asked local governments and water districts for data on groundwater supplies.
By Felicity Barringer
The New York TImes 2009-05-14
USDA head defends livestock industry practices
With flu epidemic focusing attention on pork production practices of crowded conditions, routine antibiotic use, USDA head defends industry against lawmaker's probing. Antibiotics are given to hogs to prevent disease and for weight gain. In recent study, nearly half the hogs and half the farmers tested were carrying antibiotic-resistant MRSA bacteria. And: Risks of industrial-scale animal production unacceptable, study says (click 'See also').
By Philip Brasher
The Des Moines Register 2009-05-14
In Mexico, flu focuses complaints about Smithfield farms
Flu outbreak focuses complaints in poor neighborhoods near industrial pig farm owned by Smithfield subsidiary in Mexico. Overpowering stench, dogs feasting on pig carcasses, massive manure lagoons among neighbors' concerns. Conglomerate says it has funded reforestation, irrigation and has bought computer equipment for schools. It says it has built clinics and provides free medical care, and that Mexican health officials attribute persistent illness in area to temperature changes, malnutrition, unsafe drinking water.
By Steve Fainaru
The Washington Post 2009-05-10
After 16 years, Ecuadorian water pollution case in judge's hands
In Ecuador, judge will decide whether Texaco is to blame for pollution of rain forest waterways where tens of thousands used water for drinking, cooking, bathing and some later died. Farm worker activist conducts 'toxic tours' to one massive sludge pool (of hundreds) where waste was dumped into leaky unlined pit. Study under way on effects of pollution on fishing, agriculture. And: Chevron shareholders want report on protection of people, environment in countries where it operates (click 'See also').
By Juan Forero
The Washington Post 2009-04-27
Swine flu is hybrid of two pig flu strains, researchers learn
Swine flu virus H1N1 is hybrid of two common pig flu strains - North American, described in 1930s, and Eurasian, described in 1979, new analysis shows. Earliest case was in La Gloria, Veracruz, near Granjas Carroll hog farm, a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods. Researchers have warned that unsanitary conditions at industrial hog farms could prove a breeding ground for new flu forms. And: Internet chatter tracked 'four-alarm-fire' of infection in Mexico around Catholic holy week, a time of increased travel (click 'See also').
By Brandon Keim
Wired 2009-04-28
For Earth Day, a ban on high-emissions beef, cheese
Steven Schultz/thefoodtimes
For Earth Day, one-day ban of meat, cheese in college, corporate cafeterias raises awareness about effect of food choices on environment. There's a growing movement to cut carbon emissions by cutting back on certain foods; significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions are created by food industry. And: Meat production alone accounts for 18 percent of global emissions, UN says (click 'See also').
By David Gorn
National Public Radio/All Things Considered 2009-04-22
'Endangerment finding' for CO2, methane at EPA
Emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride are health hazards, EPA says. Experts say decision will transform feds' role in regulating commercial operations, motor vehicles, power plants. And: Waxman-Markey bill plausible framework to begin urgently needed discussion, action in Congress, say editors (click 'See also').
By Juliet Eilperin
The Washington Post 2009-04-17
Health hazards in 'Poisoned Waters'
PBS/Frontline
Toxins from industry, agriculture, massive suburban development and from face creams, deodorants, prescription medicines and household cleaners now found in drinking water, threatening fish, wildlife and, potentially, human health, Hedrick Smith reports in PBS Frontline program (watch at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/poisonedwaters/view/). And: Study shows pesticide's insidious effect on food chain (click 'See also').
By Diane Buxton
WGBH/Frontline 2009-04-14
Pesticide makers must test for endocrine disruption, EPA says
EPA will require pesticide manufacturers to test 67 chemicals in products to determine whether they disrupt endocrine system, which regulates growth, metabolism, reproduction. Researchers cite male fish in Potomac River bearing eggs. Tests eventually will encompass all pesticide chemicals. And: Cornfield weedkiller linked to frog deaths (click 'See also').
By Juliet Eilperin
The Washington Post 2009-04-16
Opinion: Third try on Everglades, U.S. Sugar deal much improved
Revamped Florida-U.S. Sugar plan is reasonable compromise and good start on building reservoirs to protect from flood, drought and to clean up agricultural runoff that threatens wildlife, Everglades. Company gets partnership with state, subsidies. And: Current plan would buy 72,500 acres for $530 million, with option to buy the rest by 2019 (click 'See also').
The editors
The Miami Herald 2009-04-12
Opinion: Siphoning spectacular profits from Florida's aquifers
Despite water shortage, Florida state water managers allow Nestle, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and the like to siphon and bottle nearly two billion gallons annually from fresh springs, aquifers for puny fee, then sell it for a huge per-unit profit. Although agriculture draws billions of gallons from the same sources, few ranches or farms enjoy spectacular profits that water bottlers do. And: Bottling cash in Florida (click 'See also').
By Carl Hiaasen
The Miami Herald 2009-03-08
Opinion: First Garden drives shovel into heart of American icon
With incredible, edible garden, Obamas aren't just eating the view, they are eating the lawn. At 40 million acres, lawns are largest agricultural sector in America. They consume 270 billion gallons of water a week, enough for 81 million acres of organic vegetables. We spend $40 billion a year on seed, sod, and chemicals for them; they are the populist enemy.
By Ellen Goodman
The Boston Globe 2009-03-27
Nanoparticles could risk water, soil ecosystems, studies show
Nanoparticles in hundreds of consumer products can damage beneficial microbes, which may threaten soil, water, aquatic life, ecosystems, efficiency of sewage treatment, studies show. Microbes remove ammonia from sewage, reduce phosphorus in lakes. And: FDA requires manufacturers to provide tests showing that food goods using nanoparticles aren't harmful, but two unknowns are whether nanoparticles in packaging can leach into edibles and the impact of that consumption on human health (click 'See also').
By Matthew Cimitile and Environmental Health News
Scientific American 2009-03-24
Water concerns prompt EPA scrutiny of mountaintop removal permits
umaine.edu
Citing serious concerns about water quality, streams and fragile habitats, EPA plans review of permit requests for mountaintop removal coal mining. Form of strip mining blasts tops off mountains, dumps rock in valleys, burying streams. Industry group says action jeopardizes thousands of jobs. And: Faith-based groups cast opposition to mountaintop removal as 'creation care' and find political support (click 'See also').
By Mireya Navarro
The New York Times 2009-03-24
Vegetables absorb livestock antibiotics through tainted manure
Corn, potatoes, lettuce absorb antibiotics in soil fertilized with manure from livestock treated to increase growth, prevent infections. Nearly 70 percent of antibiotics and related drugs used in U.S. routinely fed to cattle, pigs and poultry - nearly 25 million pounds of antibiotics per year, advocacy group reports. Beyond encouraging development of resistant bacteria (click 'See also'), tainted manure can infiltrate water supplies as it percolates through soil into aquifers or runs off into waterways. Manure composting cut concentrations of some antibiotics up to 99 percent.
By Matthew Cimitile
Scientific American 2009-01-06
Global warming dangerous to people, EPA says
Global warming endangers public health, welfare, EPA tells White House Finding was in response to Supreme Court ordering agency to consider whether CO2, other greenhouse gases should be limited under Clean Air Act. EPA had found move would cost utilities, automakers, others billions while benefits to others. And: Companies discover they can lower costs, go green at same time (click 'See also').
By Juliet Eilperin
The Washington Post 2009-03-23
Politics of rainwater harvests, illegal cisterns in arid Colorado
Ancient practice of capturing rainwater illegal in Colorado. Rainwater, it says, should flow into surrounding creeks and streams, to reach farmers, ranchers, others that have bought waterway rights. Colorado has more claims than water. Study shows 97 percent of rainwater that falls on soil never makes it to streams. Bills in Colorado, Utah propose adjusting for pilot projects, drought-depleted rural areas.
By Nicholas Riccardi
Los Angeles Times 2009-03-18
Factory farms would report emissions under new rule
EPA's revived system for reporting methane, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions would apply to confined animal feeding operations and other large industrial sources. The 25,000-metric-ton threshold is roughly equal to emissions of 4,500-plus passenger cars. Coal-fired power plant spokesperson warns that including schools, hospitals sets 'dangerous precedent.'
By Juliet Eilperin
The Washington Post 2009-03-11
Higher produce prices forecast as drought idles farmland
Drought, now in third year, dries irrigation system and is likely to idle at least 60,000 workers and up to 1 million acres, lower remaining yields in heartland of California. Central Valley grows more than half of nation's fruit, vegetables and nuts. Zero water allocation was last set in 1992, but later that year was eased to 25 percent of regular amount.
By Steve Gorman
Reuters 2009-02-20
Low oxygen kills healing bacteria in water 'dead zones'
Dead zones in waterways tenacious because oxygen deficiency neither supports aquatic life nor water-cleaning bacteria. Dead zones caused by excess phosphorous, nitrogen washed from croplands, sewage treatment systems, livestock operations, cruise ship waste dumping, paved areas. Return of sea grass to Chesapeake Bay a hopeful sign and may be result of low rainfall.
By Kari Lydersen
The Washington Post 2009-02-17
On a pig farm, it's dung to dollars with biogas
In gleeful straw-to-gold move, Nebraska farmer funnels methane emissions from pig manure to generator, and power company writes him checks. But biogas energy has high start-up costs, and needs federal incentives. Other emissions-lowering practices: improving grassland diversity, spreading fertilizer more precisely and tweaking animal food. And: EPA's methane capture program for farms (click 'See also').
By Scott Canon
The Kansas City Star 2009-02-07
Obama backs treaty to cut mercury emissions
Administration calls for cuts to global mercury emissions. Nervous system toxin can travel thousands of miles through air, water. Much drifts into oceans, where it enters food chain and contaminates fish. And: Coal-fired power plants are largest source of mercury pollution in U.S., making them true enemy of tuna sandwich crowd, says writer (click 'See also').
By Tom Maliti
The Associated Press; Chicago Tribune 2009-02-17
Warming will be worse than thought; coal, beef are two culprits
Warming will be faster, more damaging than previously thought, says scientist. Greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) increased far faster than expected between 2000-2007, mainly by burning of coal for electricity in India, China. And: 30 percent of human-generated global warming potential caused by foods, beverage production; about half of those come from meat; beef accounts for 30 percent of world's meat consumption, but contributes 78 percent of meat's GHG emissions (click 'See also').
BBC 2009-02-15
Army group can issue Clean Water Act permits, court rules
In victory for coal industry, court overturns ruling that required more extensive environmental reviews of mountaintop removal, which blasts peaks away, dumps debris into valley streams. And: Environmental groups say practice taints water and harms residents, urge Obama to follow up on campaign statements (click 'See also'). The Army Corps of Engineers, responsible for preventing actions that could harm nation's water, had issued original mining permits.
The Associated Press; The Washington Post 2009-02-14
Some Arctic waters off-limits to commercial fishing
Rapid climate changes cited in new ban of commercial fishing in parts of Arctic waters. Restrictions endorsed by fishermen/processing trade group. Concerns include unregulated fishing, warming, effect of commercial fishing on region's resources, subsistence fishing, ecosystem.
By Juliet Eilperin
The Washington Post 2009-02-05
Make meat special-occasion food, Germans told
Germans, among highest meat consumers in Europe, urged to eat meat only on special occasions to help planet; farm lobby, politicians balk. Government estimates that, kilo-for-kilo, compared to bread, emissions from poultry farming are more than four times as high; pork is six times as high, and beef and lamb are 16 times as high. Clearing of tropical forest for feed-crop cultivation also adds emissions.
By Kate Connolly
The Guardian (UK) 2009-01-23
Hospital meals in UK will go greener
To set public example, meat-free menus, more fresh produce, less bottled water and less dairy will be promoted in UK hospitals to cut global warming emissions. Without effective action now, millions will experience hunger, water shortages and coastal flooding as climate changes, report warns. And: Reducing meat, junk food in diet means healthier body and planet, says Mark Bittman in new book (click 'See also').
By Juliette Jowit
The Guardian (UK) 2009-01-26
Selling water conservation to 200 million customers a year
Shoved into reforms, Wal-Mart vowed in 2005 to go green. Now, among tens of thousands of products, it has made some progress, dragging suppliers along. Example: It sells only concentrated laundry detergent, which, company says, saves 400 million-plus gallons of water, 95 million pounds of plastic resin, 125 million pounds of cardboard, 520,000 gallons of diesel fuel over three years. Sustainability efforts have saved Wal-Mart hundreds of millions of dollars, experts say. And: Price hikes in grocery, health, wellness categories drove majority of Wal-Mart's sales growth in 2008 (click 'See also').
By Stephanie Rosenbloom and Michael Barbaro
The New York Times 2009-01-24
Science-based decisions vowed by EPA nominee
Lisa Jackson, Obama's EPA nominee, tells Senate panel she would consider regulating coal ash waste from power plants in aftermath of recent spills (click 'See also'). Her conscience, she says, is Americans suffering from 'environmental negligence' - effects from untended Superfund sites, government's botched response to Hurricane Katrina.
By Juliet Eilperin
The Washington Post 2009-01-14
Coal ash dumps unregulated despite threat to water supply, human health
Vast coal ash pond that ruptured in Tennessee is one of 1,300-plus in 46 states. All contain heavy metals - arsenic, lead, mercury, selenium - that threaten water supplies, human health, yet aren't federally regulated or monitored. Instead, coal ash used for construction fill, mine reclamation, on golf course (where it spoiled groundwater), even on croplands. Dumps growing mostly because pollution controls capture contaminants that once spewed through smokestacks. Leaching toxins near dumps can decimate wildlife.
By Shaila Dewan
The New York Times 2009-01-07
Coal ash spill toxins, sediment, threaten fish, mussels
Already laden with PCB, lead, arsenic and other contaminants, aquatic life - including spot fin chub, ashy darter, newly introduced lake sturgeon - in Emory River and larger Tennessee River system now face more toxic chemicals, possible suffocation from massive coal ash spill. Sediment, water samples near spill show high amounts of arsenic, with one sample containing more than 149 times the maximum safe level.
By Andy Johns
The Chattanooga Times Free Press 2008-01-03
Drought, environmental dilemmas feed California's water woes
Arguing that human needs for water, needs of delta smelt, other fish, waterfowl and rare plants are 'co-equal' goals, advisory panel urges new canal system for Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, the main water source for 25 million Californians. And: Third year of drought likely for state with $30-billion-a-year agricultural industry that grows more than half of nation's fruits, vegetables, nuts (click 'See also').
By Kelly Zito
San Francisco Chronicle 2009-01-03
Opinion: Backbone needed for true Chesapeake cleanup
After 25-year, $6 billion failed effort, it's clear: Saving the Chesapeake requires political will to regulate farm runoff, institute and enforce wastewater limits, limit crab and oyster catches and mandate green-building techniques. And: Budget shortages, bureaucratic inertia, political opposition blocked progress (click 'See also').
The editors
The Washington Post 2009-01-02
Opinion: Tennesee spill shows myth of 'clean coal'
Coal ash spill 50 times larger than that of Exxon-Valdez - now covering 400 acres with toxic sludge oozing toward drinking water for some in Tennessee, Kentucky and Alabama - calls out 'clean coal' myth. Human nature is to take cheap way today and leave mess for future, but that mess is now. And: High levels of arsenic detected in water near spill; EPA, TVA advise avoiding activities that could stir up drying dust - children playing outside, pets outdoors (click 'See also').
The editors
The Anniston Star 2008-12-30
Missed goals, 'rosy picture' on Chesapeake Bay pollution cleanup
After 25 years of cleanup, pollution of extra 4.3 million residents to area, and opposition from agricultural, fishing interests, Chesapeake Bay's last crab harvest was 60 percent less than in 1983, oysters were 96 percent less, and 17 percent of its water had lowered oxygen levels. Leaders ask: How much will public sacrifice to clean North America's largest estuary, once brimming with sturgeon, ducks and reefs of oysters? And: An effort impeded (click 'See also').
By David A. Fahrenthold
The Washington Post 2008-12-27
EPA excuses factory farms from emissions reporting
Concentrated animal feeding operations - factory farms - exempted from reporting hazardous emissions from manure. EPA says requirements created unnecessary burden, weren't acted upon. Factory farms produce more waste than Philadelphia annually. And: Livestock producers whose emissions meet or exceed specific thresholds are subject to Clean Air Act requirements, GAO says (click 'See also').
By Stephen Power
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2008-12-12
Restoring priorities of clean water, air in January
Radical transformation expected at EPA, which holds sway over water, air pollution, and Department of Interior, which administers Endangered Species Act, federal land holdings. Interior will cope with climate change already happening - droughts, wildfires; EPA will lead regulatory response. And: Leading candidates for environmental jobs (click 'See also').
By Juliet Eilperin
The Washington Post 2008-11-28
Underpinnings of food industry on legislative agenda
Legislative progress on environment, energy, health care on agenda with Henry Waxman, a keen negotiator, now at helm of powerful Committee on Energy and Commerce. But: Without reform on the way we grow, process and eat food in America, there will be no significant progress on these problems or on critical issue of national security, writes Michael Pollan in letter to new farmer-in-chief Barack Obama (click 'See also').
By Julie Rovner
National Public Radio/All Things Considered 2008-11-21
Relaxing rules for dumping rubble near streams
Interior Department readies overhaul of ignored rule designed to protect rivers, streams from mining companies' dumping. Government estimates that 1,600 miles of streams in Appalachia buried in 25 years. Critic decries devastating, irreversible implications. And: Rubble from mountaintop removal fouls drinking water, kills fish (click 'See also).
By Juliet Eilperin
The Washington Post 2008-10-18
Supermarket overhaul, urban farming needed, says panel
New UK food ethics report calls for radical reform of supermarket industry and backs UN plea to reduce meat consumption in favor of produce. It also encourages urban food production, local processing and use of public money to encourage more sustainable food and production.
By Juliette Jowit
The Guardian (UK) 2008-10-08
House panel questions EPA bid to exempt factory farms from manure emissions reporting
House panel pressures EPA to rethink exempting factory farms from reporting toxic manure gas, 'particulate matter' emissions. Report says agency lacks information, strategy for regulating mega-farms, some of which produce 1.6 million tons of manure annually. And: EPA proposed dropping requirement after communities filed suits against several big farms, seeking damages and stricter controls of emissions (click 'See also').
By Stephen Power
The Wall Street Journal. (may require subscription) 2008-09-24
Rejected EPA report says greenhouse gases put public at risk
Democratic senators say administration-rejected EPA report declares that greenhouse gases endanger public welfare. It forecasts worse heat waves, more strain on scarce water sources, worse flooding and erosion, more stress on damaged ecosystems. And: EPA administrator refuses to grant Dems' request to appear at hearing on climate change inaction (click 'See also).
By Juliet Eilperin
The Washington Post 2008-07-25
Nation's biggest polluter resists drinking water, soil cleanups
As concerns grow about toxic chemicals seeping into drinking water and soil, Defense Department resists EPA orders to clean up Fort Meade in Maryland, Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida and McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey. Pentagon has about 25,000 contaminated properties in all 50 states. And: EPA's Superfund sites (click 'See also').
By Lyndsey Layton
The Washington Post 2008-06-30
Clinton's farmer
In her choice of large-scale pig farmer for to lead committee, some question Hillary Clinton's commitment to small-scale farmers, despite her calls for increased controls over factory farming (confined-animal feeding operations) and the air and water pollution they generate.
By Jennifer Jacobs
The Des Moines Register 2007-12-29
Waste not
British government, aghast at food waste that contributes nearly 20 percent to landfills and is a potent source of methane, a greenhouse gas, begins national "Love Food Hate Waste campaign;" effort aimed at raising consumer awareness, and food industry is asked to participate.
By Rebecca Smithers
The Guardian (UK) 2007-11-02
Growing damage
Ozone from burning of fossil fuels stands to damage crops, possibly reducing food production by 10 percent this century, MIT study shows. The study looked at temperature, carbon dioxide, and ozone, all of which are rising, and found that the net effect is especially harmful to heavily fertilized plants.
By Nancy Stauffer
MIT Energy Initiative 2007-10-26
Your score:
To determine your environmental footprint of those restaurant dinners and other lifestyle choices, play this game from American Public Media.
By Christopher Kennedy, Michael Skoler and others
American Public Media and Realtime Associates, Inc. 2007-09-19
Organic parameters:
After farm advocacy group files two complaints against Aurora Dairy and USDA threatens to revoke its organic certification, company agrees to remove organic label from some milk and to add pasture for cows.
By Andrew Martin
The New York Times (may require subscription) 2007-08-30
Dead zone:
Ethanol craze looms dangerously large for fish and crabs in Chesapeake, since larger acreage planted in nitrogen-needy corn means more fertilizer runoff into water, which spawns growth of oxygen-depriving algae, study reports.
The Associated Press; Business Week 2007-08-27
Opinion: Mountaintop mining
Bush administration's proposed legalization of high-altitude strip mining, with follow-up poisoning of Appalachian drinking water and fish habitats with dumped leftovers, will add converts to reaffirmation of Clean Water Act protections.
The editors
The New York Times (may require subscription) 2007-08-27
Opinion: Water problem
Mountaintop removal coal mining, with toxic leftovers shoved into streams, foul residents' water and kill the fish; study traces mining pollution to children's nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and shortness of breath; long-term effects unknown.
By Eric Reece
Orion Magazine 2006-01-01
Price of coal:
In 2000 in Kentucky, a torrent of coal-mining sludge was released when an earthen dam collapsed after a previous leak; the goo, 20 times the volume of the Exxon Valdez's crude oil spill in Alaska, covered vegetable gardens and suffocated fish as it fouled 100 miles of streams and rivers before dispersing at the Ohio River.
By Peter T. Kilborn
The New York Times 2000-12-25
Too late?
Though banned for sale in March, Monsanto's GMO alfalfa seed was already widely planted in Michigan; public interest group sues, citing concerns for human and animal health as well as possible contamination of conventional alfalfa plants through pollination by bees.
By Jeff Kart
The Bay City Times 2007-08-24
Backyard local:
Whether in miniscule back yards or near abandoned houses, urban farmers find every sunny spot and put it to use in effort to connect to their food; backyard chicken and egg trend in Salt Lake City is nothing short of coop d'etat.
By Chris Adamson
Salt Lake City Weekly 2007-08-23
No dumping:
Grand Forks city council says sugar beet residue won't smell so sweet, and bans its dumping on rented land west of the city; American Crystal Sugar Co., disagrees, saying that the sugar, which causes odor as it decays, will be gone.
The Associated Press; The Bismarck Tribune 0000-00-00
Orphan organics?
Though customers spend more than $14 billion a year on organics and depend on USDA label even for imports, USDA infrastructure, with nine staffers and a $1.5 million budget, languishes; other departments spend about $28 million a year on organic research, data collection and farmer assistance, but the department spent $37 million subsidizing farmers who grew dry peas, an $83 million crop, in 2005.
By Andrew Martin
The New York Times (may require subscription) 0000-00-00
Review: No time
Judging from plastic bottles clogging the landfills and SUVs clogging the highways, the news that we're killing ourselves and our world hasn't kicked in, so that makes "The 11th Hour," an unnerving, surprisingly affecting documentary, essential viewing.
By Manohla Dargis
The New York Times 2007-08-17
Fish in decline:
Overfishing, poaching and pollution have depleted worldwide fish stocks to 10 percent of normal; for every pound of shrimp harvested, 10 pounds are discarded, along with turtles and dolphins, conservationists report.
By Eviana Hartman
Washington Post
Disappearing aquifer
To irrigate crops, farmers have pumped billions of gallons annually from the Ogallala Aquifer, a lake under parts of Great Plains states, but now, water table has dropped steeply, forcing new "dryland" methods of farming for conservation.
By Debbie Elliott
National Public Radio
Locavore's dilemma:
Local food advocates trumpet food miles, but the Life Cycle Assessment, with comprehensive accounting of all resources that go into food network, from fertilizer to electricity, offers clearer picture; meanwhile, air shipping is the most fuel-intensive, and the fastest growing sector of food transport.
By Drake Bennett
The Boston Globe
OPINION
New interactive map allows users to tract proliferation of factory farms by state and county - even number of animals - and it raises questions of whether we pursue the logic of industrialism to its limits, and how badly will it harm the landscape, the people who live in it and democracy itself?
The editors
The New York Times (may require subscription)
Saving water
Coca-Cola, Nestle, and Läckeby Water Group join other food, drink producers in UN agreement to use water more efficiently; lack of access to clean water and sanitation undermines humanitarian, social, environmental, and economic goals.
By Ahmed ElAmin
foodproductiondaily.com
OPINION
Current agricultural policies distort food costs, waste billions of taxpayer dollars, and subsidize a handful of large farming operations that raise a few selected crops - and subvert subsistence farmers across the globe by dumping cheap surplus goods at below-market prices.
By Senator Richard Lugar and Representative Ron Kind
The Modesto Bee (CA) 2007-07-15