News and Articles


Alpha Natural Resources in Record Settlement of CWA Claims

The Bristol, Va.-based coal company will pay $27.5 million in civil penalties, and it and its subsidiaries will spend an estimated $200 million to install and operate wastewater treatment systems and to implement upgrades to reduce discharges of pollution from coal mines in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Salt in the ocean’s surface has been steadily reducing since the 1950’s, which prevents the warmer waters underneath from mixing and cooling back down as it should.

Ocean Depths Feel Impact of Global Warming

Researchers from McGill University have found that the salt in the ocean’s surface has been steadily reducing since the 1950’s, which prevents the warmer waters underneath from mixing and cooling back down as it should.

The ice and snow brought by winter 2014 storms can be detrimental to home solar arrays

2014 Winter Blasts Affecting Energy Output and Maintenance of Solar Panels

As long as the sun is shining, a solar electric system will continue to produce electricity. Unfortunately, winter conditions can also cause potential problems for solar power.

Six categories of plastic packaging have been found to reduce energy use and emissions in a new study.

Plastic Packaging Reduces Emissions and Energy Consumption

Six categories of plastic packaging have been found to reduce energy use and emissions in a new study.

API Opposes EPA's Tier 3 Rule

The oil and gas industry's trade association claims the new rule will hike costs and increase CO2 emissions at U.S. refineries.

"Elephant Poaching and Ivory in East Africa: Assessment for an Effective Law Enforcement Response" is one of the reports to be presented. (Serengeti Park photo)

INTERPOL, DOJ Call Attention to Wildlife Trafficking

Marking World Wildlife Day, INTERPOL's Environmental Security Sub-directorate will present a summary of two law enforcement reports on wildlife crime.

WIPP Workers' Radiation Exposure Confirmed

Thirteen employees of DOE's Waste Isolation Pilot Plant near Carlsbad, N.M., were notified Feb. 26 that they have tested positive for radiological contamination after being exposed on Feb. 14.

World’s Largest Salmon Fishery Receives Protection

The EPA announced it will be using Clean Water Act authority to assess permanently prohibiting or restricting mine waste disposal into Alaska’s Bristol Bay watershed. This decision puts on hold attempts to build the Pebble Mine, which would be North America’s largest open pit gold-copper mine.

The settlement of a lawsuit filed against EPA by community groups in Texas and Louisiana requires EPA to take action by the end of 2014 to review outdated formulas and require more accurate reporting of toxic emissions from U.S. refineries and chemical plants.

EPA to Review Formulas for Estimating Emissions at Refineries and Chemical Plants

The settlement of a lawsuit filed against EPA by community groups in Texas and Louisiana requires EPA to take action by the end of 2014 to review outdated formulas and require more accurate reporting of toxic emissions from U.S. refineries and chemical plants.

The Refinishing Touch Delivers Sustainability to University of Wisconsin-Stout

A leading asset management provider breathes new life into furniture and fixtures at University of Wisconsin-Stout while reducing cost, downtime and environmental impact.

Tennessee Watersheds Get More Funding

New watershed improvement and protection projects in Tennessee will receive more than $600,000 in funding beginning in August.

Carnot Refrigeration in February 2014 became the first Canadian manufacturer to join EPA

Carnot Refrigeration Joins GreenChill Partnership

Based in Quebec, the company is the first Canadian manufacturer to join the EPA program that encourages food retailers to reduce refrigerant emissions.

Nissan in Electric Vehicle Partnership with Bhutan

Now that "an electric revolution has begun in Bhutan," the company's CEO, Carlos Ghosn, said Feb. 21, "I feel good about supporting this."

Shell Signs Agreement Advancing Carbon Capture Project

The company announced the signing with the British government moves the Peterhead Carbon Capture and Storage project to the next phase of design.

After much debate on the safety of shipping oil by train, federal regulators have created a list of voluntary measures transporters can use to help reduce the risks of accidents occurring on rail shipments.

Oil Transport Safer with New Voluntary Procedures

After much debate on the safety of shipping oil by train, federal regulators have created a list of voluntary measures transporters can use to help reduce the risks of accidents occurring on rail shipments.

Two Salamanders Now Protected by Endangered Species Act

The Georgetown and Salado salamanders, two species primarily located in central Texas, have become guarded endangered species after years of waiting for federal protection.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada sent advisory letters to North America

Global Warming and Potential Water Contamination Resulting from Fracking for Hydrocarbons: A Relationship?

Although accidents are rare, transporting crude oil and natural gas poses major risks for human habitation areas and water bodies, regardless of how they are moved.

EPA Proposes New Pesticide Exposure Safety Measures

The agency has announced proposed revisions to the Worker Protection Standard for agricultural workers exposed to pesticides.

The Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System, located in the Mojave Desert, is the largest plant of its kind and generates 30 percent of all solar energy developed in the United States.

World's Largest Solar Plant Up and Running

The Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System, located in the Mojave Desert, began operations last week after several years of planning and construction. To date, the plant is the largest of its kind and reportedly generates 30 percent of all solar energy developed in the United States.

Charges Filed Against Leaders of HazWaste Transportation Business

An investigation by California's Department of Toxic Substances Control found Clearwater Environmental Management, Inc. continued to transport hazardous waste after losing its license in 2007.