New Findings Slow CO2 Sequestration Rule

September 16, 2009–EPA has been working on regulations designed to protect drinking water from impacts of underground carbon sequestration, but new data and concerns have spurred the agency to open a short new public comment period.

Law Allows Astroturf Roots Cover-Up

September 9, 2009–Current law has no disclosure requirements for fake grass-roots lobbying — such as that of a coal industry campaign to stop climate legislation which sent forged letters to members of Congress, pretending to be from minority and community organizations.

EPA Rule Targets Aircraft Deicing Runoff

September 2, 2009–A proposed rule for control of fluid-contaminated runoff at primary commercial airports would reduce the substantial threats to drinking water, surface water, air quality, wildlife, plants, and soils at airports and the surrounding areas.

More Lead Monitors Coming to a Facility or City Near You?

August 5, 2009–The Bush Administration, through the OMB, pressured EPA to water down lead monitoring requirements it had tightened in October 2008. Now EPA may get more or all of the monitors it originally wanted, near facilities that emit about a half ton of lead per year.

SEJ, J-Groups Urge High Court To Toss Curb on Speech in Wildlife Case

July 29, 2009–Sloppy legal draftsmanship resulted in a 1999 law that could put journalists and publishers in jail for doing investigative exposés of animal cruelty.

Battle Over Chemical Facility Security Reignites

July 22, 2009–The extended deadline for temporary regulations addressing the security of thousands of chemical facilities expires Oct. 4, 2009. If Congress doesn't enact new legislation, business may continue as usual. But there is a possibility that Congress will act this year.

Congress Renews Efforts To Reform 19th Century Mining Law

July 22, 2009–Critics of the US General Mining Act of 1872 are hopeful that the law, which was crafted at a time when the priority was encouraging mining in a largely unsettled West, will finally be revamped.

Dole Sues "Bananas!" Film-Maker For Defamation

July 15, 2009–Showing of the film, depicting purported harm and claims of sterility by Nicaraguan plantation workers, went ahead at the Los Angeles Film Festival, even though an April 2009 Superior Court ruled that those claims were fraudulent.

In B.C., Freedom of Information May Not Be Free

July 15, 2009–"Crown copyright" may be emerging in British Columbia as a way for a government claiming openness to subvert freedom-of-information law.

SEC Poised To Mandate Climate Risk Disclosure by Firms

July 15, 2009–Federal regulators may require corporations to assess and reveal how the effects of climate change may impact their financial health.