News and Articles


Georgia Authorized to Implement the Lead Renovation Program

On July 5, 2011, the State of Georgia received authorization to administer and enforce EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Program.

Ambient Energy Harnessed for Small Electronic Devices

Researchers have discovered a way to capture and harness energy transmitted by such sources as radio and television transmitters, cell phone networks and satellite communications systems.

EPA Reduces Smokestack Pollution, Protecting Americans from Soot and Smog

The Cross-State Air Pollution Rule will protect communities that are home to 240 million Americans from smog and soot pollution, preventing up to 34,000 premature deaths, 15,000 nonfatal heart attacks, 19,000 cases of acute bronchitis, 400,000 cases of aggravated asthma, and 1.8 million sick days a year beginning in 2014 – achieving up to $280 billion in annual health benefits.

GM Landfill-Free Environmental Initiative Gains Steam

General Motors' efforts to eliminate the shipment of plant waste to landfills is spreading to its non-manufacturing sites, 10 of which now reuse, recycle or convert to energy all waste from normal operations.

GE Introduces Low-Energy Membrane Bioreactor Wastewater Treatment System

GE has introduced a membrane bioreactor wastewater treatment technology called LEAPmbr, which addresses pressing water quality and operational cost issues faced by owners of municipal, industrial and residential water/wastewater treatment facilities worldwide.

NOAA BOEMRE and USFWS Advance Largest Survey of Marine Protected Species

The nation's largest survey of protected marine species is now underway for its second year along the East Coast.

Bahamas Joins Nations Banning Commercial Shark Fishing

Sharks in the Bahamas can breathe more easily after the nation's government announced that all commercial shark fishing in the approximately 243,244 square miles of the country's waters is now prohibited.

Survey Says Consumers Still Prefer Gas-Powered Vehicles

The study concluded that consumers prioritize economic value over environmental considerations when they make large purchases.

Air Pollution Linked to Memory, Learning Problems

Long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to physical changes in the brain, as well as learning and memory problems and even depression, new research in mice suggests.

VP, GM of Louisiana Refinery Pleads Guilty to Clean Air Act Violations

Byron Hamilton, 66, vice president and general manager of Pelican Refining Company (PRC), pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts of negligent endangerment under the Clean Air Act.

Fish, Lettuce and Food Waste Put New Spin on Aquaponics

A graduate student at the SUNY college of environmental science and forestry (ESF) is conducting an experiment in urban food production, using dried food waste to raise fish and using the fish waste to nourish an ever-growing crop of Boston Bibb lettuce.

BRAE Introduces Configurable Rainwater Harvesting Systems

BRAE, a Watts Water Technologies company, introduces configurable rainwater harvesting systems for commercial, institutional and residential applications that can reduce water consumption by up to 65 percent.

DOE Completes Legacy Cleanup at New York, California Sites

Last month, the DoE completed the cleanup of Cold War legacy waste at the Nuclear Radiation Development LLC site near Grand Island, N.Y. and at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in Berkeley, Calif.

Report: Car Engine Improvements Should Spark Sufficient Emissions Reductions

Internal combustion engines are improving their ability to cut CO2 emissions at a lower cost than expected, and, as a result, carmakers should be able to meet 2020 emissions targets mainly through improvements to conventional technologies, according to a new report by The Boston Consulting Group.

Study: Recycled Rare Earth Elements Could Provide a Valuable Supplement to Geological Stocks

There is growing concern about the supply of rare Earth elemnts since only one country, China, is the major source.

In Midst of Severe Drought, Australians Ambivalent About Recycled Water

In response to a severe drought, the Australian government is pumping treated wastewater into the Gnangara Mound Aquifer. Some Australians, though, are not too thrilled about that.

Court Upholds Endangered Species Act Protection for Polar Bears

A federal judge upheld a May 2008 decision that polar bears throughout their range should be protected as a “threatened” species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

Culture Influences People's Response to Climate Change

How people choose to consume resources and use contraception influences their responses to climate change, according to a team of psychologists.

Takeoffs and Landings Cause More Precipitation Near Airports

Researchers have found that areas near commercial airports sometimes experience a small but measurable increase in rain and snow when aircraft take off and land under certain atmospheric conditions.

Pew Calls for Obama Administration to Raise MPG Standards (with video)

The Pew Clean Energy Program launched a video this week to raise awareness of the benefits of increasing the fuel efficiency—or miles-per-gallon (MPG)—standards for cars and light trucks to as high as 60 MPG by 2025.