Natural Gas Hazards Drawing Federal Attention

July 7, 2010–After hearing for years about public concern over the adverse health and environmental effects of hydraulic fracturing used to increase production of natural gas, US EPA has begun a process (including 4 public meetings in July; CO, NY, PA, TX) to decide what the issues are and how to address them.

EPA Lists Counties Likely To Violate Lead Standard

June 23, 2010–Counties, currently in 12 states with more likely to be added next year as a result of new lead monitors, must take steps within five years to meet the standard.

15 States Get More Federal Recreational Trails

June 9, 2010–The National Trails system, already stretching more than 12,500 miles, expands with the addition of 31 more trails totalling 716 miles.

BLM Tweaks Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Policies

June 9, 2010–The changes affect only new drilling areas and may include greater consideration of environmental impacts, more public review, fewer "categorical exclusions" from environmental review, and more.

June 8: World Oceans Day Brings Focus on Gulf Oil Spill

May 26, 2010–The nonprofit conservation group SeaWeb will host a news conference in Washington, DC on the state of the world's oceans and the most challenging ocean conservation issues, including the Gulf of Mexico oil spill and what to expect in the way of long-term consequences of this disaster.

Boaters and Fishers Pay Taxes, Get Rewards

April 28, 2010–Dept. of Interior/US Fish and Wildlife Service awards $12 million for construction of docks, boat slips, and other recreational boating facilities at 13 locations in 10 states.

Mines in 21 States Outed for Habitual Safety Violations

April 28, 2010–The 48 mines are also linked by the fact that most of their owners have been legally delaying action on the violations through appeals of the citations. The Mine Safety and Health Administration is faced with a backlog of approximately 16,000 appeals.

Several More States and Provinces Hit by Fatal Bat Disease

April 28, 2010–Bat losses can have major impacts on ecosystems, as they routinely consume large quantities of insects and themselves provide food and nutrients for other plants and animals. There also are economic impacts as caves close to recreational use, in an effort to combat the spread of the disease.

Maryland Legislature Threatens Law Clinic For Defending Chesapeake Bay

April 7, 2010–In the face of public outrage (and press coverage), the legislature partially backed down — but kept a requirement that the law clinic report to the legislature on whom it represented.

Info on Rare Orchid Handled Like Nuclear Secret

August 26, 2009–The Canby's bog orchid, not seen in Maryland for 20 years, has reappeared at the Nassawango Nature Preserve. A Washington Post reporter was allowed to see and write about it, but with unusual restrictions.