Border Fence Environmental Concerns Heat Up

December 5, 2007–Mexico released a report condemning the border fence along the U.S. border as environmentally destructive.

Draft EIS for Western Energy Corridors Released

December 5, 2007–The public comment period for a long-delayed EIS draft designating energy corridors in 11 Western states is open.

Energy Company Applying for Major "Incidental Take" Permit

December 5, 2007–A Fortune 500 energy company is applying for an "incidental take" permit that would allow it to kill endangered and threatened species that live on the largest swath of land ever covered by one permit.

Nations Seek "Roadmap" to Post-Kyoto Climate Treaty at Bali

December 5, 2007–Post-Kyoto climate change negotiations began in earnest in Bali, Indonesia, to prepare for the next iteration of world consensus on the topic.

Senate Committee Finishes Hearings, Plans Markup Start

November 14, 2007–After years of wrangling, and little significant action, federal legislative efforts addressing greenhouse gases and climate change are beginning to crystallize.

Congress Pushing Mining Law Update

November 7, 2007–Another effort to revamp the US General Mining Act of 1872 is under way. The House on Nov. 1, 2007, passed by a 244-166 margin a bill that for the first time would collect for the U.S. Treasury royalties for mining "hard rock" minerals on federally owned lands.

REPORT: Clean Water Act Violations Occur Routinely

October 24, 2007–In 2005, at least 3,600 facilities violated their water discharge permits more than 24,000 times, according to a US Public Interest Research Group report released Oct. 11, 2007.

5 Federal Agencies Charged With Lax Effort on Climate Change

September 26, 2007–Five federal agencies that are responsible for management of a high percentage of US lands and waters are doing a poor job preparing for the effects of climate change.

BLM Can Waive Environmental Analysis for Millions of Acres

August 29, 2007–One of the BLM's first actions under new director James Caswell was a final rule defining how the agency will implement portions of the National Environmental Policy Act.

Voluntary Superfund Cleanup: Show Me the Money

June 20, 2007–On June 11, the US Supreme Court unanimously decided to allow polluters who engage in voluntary Superfund site cleanups to recoup costs from other responsible parties.