"The Energy Department has concluded in an internal audit that it does not properly track whether manufacturers that give their appliances an Energy Star label have met the required specifications for energy efficiency."

"Ontario's environment ministry has given its blessing to a massive, controversial $550 million sewage line -- known as the "Big Pipe" -- that will open the door to billions of dollars worth of new development in the eastern GTA. However, years after construction started on the project in York Region, politicians are embroiled in in-fighting, as the remainder of the pipeline proposed to run through Pickering faces opposition from residents."

"Groups argue over whether benefits of green technology outweigh the possible health effects associated with burning garbage."

"In a split decision, a federal appeals court has upheld the convictions of six animal-rights activists charged under a terrorism statute with using their Web site to incite threats and vandalism against a company that tests products on animals."

Chamber of Commerce switching sides on climate? Some major media initially swallowed a hoax yesterday by the anti-corporate pranksters calling themselves the Yes Men. The event occurred at a time when the Chamber was in political disarray.

"A toxic solvent still widely used by dry cleaners across Washoe County could be banned within 14 years under plans proposed by health officials."

Nigeria may start harnessing the natural gas flared off from its oil fields to produce electric power for the impoverished communities whose protests and violence have often hampered production.

"After years of volatility, oil prices have found a level that seems to satisfy producing nations, oil companies and major consumers. But in the wake of the economic crisis and the collapse in demand, a new reality has also set across the petroleum industry. Today’s price of around $70 a barrel is increasingly viewed as a new floor for the industry."

"Last call for the Maryland darter. The elusive little fish, one of the rarest in the world, hasn't been seen in 21 years. Now, government and university biologists are teaming up for one more, perhaps final search for it...."

Environmental and labor groups have filed a petition with EPA "asking for an immediate ban on most farm chemical applications in a 60-foot buffer strip for ground applications and a 300-foot buffer strip for aerial applications around homes, schools and day care facilities."

"The National Park Service has approved a plan to restrict the number of snowmobiles in Yellowstone National Park to fewer than half last winter’s limit."

"The Obama administration rejected a proposed endangered species listing today for Alaska's spotted seals, saying the animals would adapt to climate change. Environmentalists, who had petitioned for the listing by citing threats to the seal from Arctic oil and gas development and melting sea ice, expressed outrage over the decision."

EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson declares in an NPR interview: "EPA is back on the job working on behalf of the American people for public health, for environmental quality."

"Cod is slipping closer to disappearing from key European fishing grounds, officials warned Friday, saying that only steep catch cuts will prevent the disappearance of a species prized for centuries for its flaky white flesh."

"Thousands of people in the heart of Frisco [Texas] are exposed to toxic lead pollution from a battery recycling plant that wants to expand production." City officials are opposing the expansion.