AltWeeklies Wire
Owyhees Initiative Unites Warring Factionsnew

An unlikely alliance has put aside egos and issues to pen legislation that will permanently protect the Owyhee canyonlands, while addressing the needs of ranchers, conservationists and recreationists.
Boise Weekly |
Deanna Darr |
02-12-2009 |
Environment
Halifax's Cardboard Economynew

A collapse in world paper markets produces a fundamental shift in how Halifax recycles.
The Coast, Halifax's Weekly |
Tim Bousquet |
02-06-2009 |
Environment
California Lands Commission Kills Enviro-Supported Oil Dealnew
The California State Lands Commission voted down a potentially historic deal between Plains Exploration and Production (PXP) oil company and a cadre of Santa Barbara environmental leaders that would have granted new oil drilling permits within California state waters for the first time in 40 years.
Santa Barbara Independent |
Ethan Stewart |
02-02-2009 |
Environment
Arkansas Still Awaits the Biodiesel Boomnew

While production of biodiesel has exploded nationally -- largely because of federal subsidies -- the industry is off to a slow start in Arkansas: the Natural State remains a top 10 producer of soybeans, but it ranks only 20th in biodiesel production capacity.
Arkansas Times |
Paul Barton |
01-29-2009 |
Environment
Good Night, Sleep Tight: But What If the Bedbugs Eat You Alive?new

Washington is just now waking up to a bunch of little problems under the sheets. Bedbugs are the vampires of the insect class -- nocturnal, sanguivorous, and legendarily hard to kill.
Washington City Paper |
Audrey Dutton |
01-29-2009 |
Environment
Tags: Washington DC, bedbugs
New Toxics Ban Hurts Small Businessesnew
A new law banning lead and phthalates in children's products could put small, environmentally conscious companies out of business.
East Bay Express |
Robert Gammon |
01-28-2009 |
Environment
Despite Tough Times, Energy Conservation Bills Gain Traction in Legislaturenew
"Going green" used to be considered a luxury, especially in a faltering economy. But as the Texas Legislature convened last week amid a budget squeeze, a determined coalition of lawmakers and lobbyists acted on the premise that conserving energy is nothing less than an absolute necessity.
Dallas Observer |
Megan Feldman |
01-26-2009 |
Environment
Dust Mights: Digging Up Coal Ash at Problem Sitenew
The San Antonio Housing Authority and partner Franklin Development are excavating a site that was shut down for environmental problems 10 years ago. Neighbors say they’re getting the blowback.
San Antonio Current |
Greg M. Schwartz |
01-21-2009 |
Environment
What Changes Will Obama Bring to the Border?new

As administrations change, many wonder whether a corresponding shift will occur within the Department of Homeland Security. There's plenty of speculation about whether that department's likely new leader, Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, will pursue a change in border policy.
Tucson Weekly |
Tim Vanderpool |
01-15-2009 |
Environment
Have Our Schools Rushed to Judgment On the Safety of Synthetic Turf?new
Converting grass playing fields to synthetic turf ones has been a growing trend nationwide. But possible health risks have led to debate in many communities. Locally, however, the debate has hardly been fierce.
C-Ville Weekly |
Chiara Canzi |
01-14-2009 |
Environment
Snowstorms Don't Mean Climate Change Threat Has Passednew
Andrew Weaver, a lead author with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, explained that whenever a cold streak hits, some people question accepted theories of climate change and grow skeptical about global warming. But a few days of snow does not mean that the Earth is not getting warmer. "People mix up weather and climate," Weaver says.
The Georgia Straight |
Travis Lupick |
01-13-2009 |
Environment
Prosecution's Case Against W.R. Grace is Dying as Time Drags Onnew
U.S. attorneys intend to prove at an upcoming trial that six W.R. Grace executives conspired to keep the truth about asbestos contamination secret from the federal government for more than a quarter century--contamination that has claimed the lives of hundreds of residents.
Missoula Independent |
Patrick M. Klemz |
01-09-2009 |
Environment
San Fran's Plastic Bag Ban Has Left the City with More Pollution and Costnew

It has become apparent that many of the rationales used to justify the ban -- such as its benefiting the environment and alleviating the city's litter problems -- are not playing out in the real world.
SF Weekly |
Joe Eskenazi |
01-07-2009 |
Environment
Enviros Urge Michigan to Stop New Coal Plantsnew
A coalition of citizens and environmental groups urged Gov. Jennifer Granholm at a press conference this morning to "Stop the Coal Rush" and place a moratorium on the construction of new coal-fired power plants.
City Pulse |
Angela Vasquez-Giroux |
01-07-2009 |
Environment
A Debate on Recyled Wastewaternew

Is reclaimed wastewater too contaminated to use, or is it too valuable to waste? Two PhDs argue two sides of the issue.
Santa Barbara Independent |
Edo McGowan and Barry Keller |
12-22-2008 |
Environment