News and Articles


Expert Plans Coast-to-Coast Trip on 10 Gallons of Gas or Less

Alternative fuels expert Dr. Cliff Ricketts of Middle Tennessee State University firmly believes he can go coast-to-coast on l0 gallons of gasoline or less.

Generating Electricity from Vibrations in Road Surface Works

A pilot research project into vibration energy on the N34 provincial motorway near Hardenberg in the eastern Netherlands has shown that vibration energy as a local energy source is a sustainable alternative for the batteries of roadside sensors and other applications.

Experts Call for Cleaner Air

Urgent action is needed to reduce the high concentrations of dangerous air pollutants in Europe, according to experts writing in the European Respiratory Journal.

Lake Tahoe Water Clarity Improved in 2011

Lake Tahoe clarity improved in 2011, but overall has remained nearly stable since 2000, according to UC Davis scientists who study the lake.

Overfishing Threatens the Survival of Seabirds

From gannets to seagulls, puffins to penguins, all seabirds suffer the same drop in birth rates when the supply of fish drops to less than a third of maximum capacity. That's the result from an international study on the relationships between predators and prey in seven ecosystems around the world, published in the magazine Science and coordinated by Philippe Cury, an IRD researcher.

Chemists Study Mutated Plants, Possibly Better for Biofuels

Genetic mutations to cellulose in plants could improve the conversion of cellulosic biomass into biofuels, according to a research team that included two Iowa State University chemists.

Rena's Chief Officers Plead Guilty, Sentencing May 25

The names of the master and second officer of the container ship that ran aground on New Zealand’s Astrolabe Reef on Oct. 5, 2010, have been suppressed while their case is before the courts. They pleaded guilty to altering the Rena’s documents after it ran aground.

Developing Sustainable Power

The invention of a long-lasting incandescent light bulb in the 19th century spurred on the second wave of the industrial revolution, illuminating homes, extending leisure time and bringing us to the point today where many millions of people use a whole range of devices from mood lighting to audiovisual media centers, microwave ovens to fast-freeze ice makers, and allergy-reducing vacuum cleaners to high-speed broadband connected computers in their homes without a second thought.

Oregon Lumber Mill Cited for Toxic Chemical Leaks and Violations

Sanders Wood Products Company in Liberal, Ore., was found to have a series of PCB leaks and other violations of federal PCB laws at its lumber mill, according to a settlement reached with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The company will pay over $108,000 in penalties.

Sea Level Rise to Alter Economics of California Beaches

Rising sea levels are likely to change Southern California beaches in the coming century, but not in ways you might expect.

Solar Power Grid Installed at Military Base

A Power Purchase Agreement enabled the Edwards Air Force Base to quickly gain solar power without any upfront costs.

EPA Proposes to Keep Greenhouse Gas Permitting Requirements Focused on Largest Emitters

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing not to change the greenhouse gas (GHG) permitting thresholds for the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) and Title V Operating Permit programs.

Obama Administration's Budget Calls for New River Initiative

President Obama and Interior Secretary Ken Salazar launched a new Rivers Initiative, led by the Department of the Interior, to protect and restore rivers across the country.

UC Berkeley Advances Sustainable Chemistry Education with Dow Gift

A Dow gift allows UC Berkeley to renovate and update its green chemistry program.

Sewage Pollution Continues to be a Major Problem in New Jersey

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved the 2010 list of waters in New Jersey that are considered either impaired or threatened by pollutants.

Mitsubishi Enhances Electric Vehicle Charging

Mitsubishi partners with AeroVironment to provide more electric vehicle charging opportunities.

Reduction in U.S. Carbon Emissions Attributed to Cheaper Natural Gas

In 2009, when the United States fell into economic recession, greenhouse gas emissions also fell, by 6.59 percent relative to 2008.

New Wall Display Shows Real Time Energy Usage

There's more to the home energy conservation system designed by Queensland University of Technology industrial design graduate Erica Pozzey than meets the eye.

UT Researcher Helps Develop Green Toy Standards

Catherine Wilt, director of the Center for Clean Products at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment, is working to make toys healthier, safer, and more environmentally friendly.

Monsanto Settles Nitro, W.Va. Agent Orange Cases

A judge granted preliminary approval to a settlement involving activities done 40-60 years ago at the company'’s former plant in the West Virginia city, an industrialized suburb of the state capital, Charleston.