National (U.S.)

"The manufacturer settles an environmental lawsuit with California over lead used to keep the artificial turf green. AstroTurf and other turf-makers insist their product is safe in California."

"U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Friday outlined a vision for managing the nation's forests that placed a high priority on restoration to protect water resources and combat climate change."

"The reclassification of nearly 1 million acres of land around the Grand Canyon to prevent new mining claims comes with a fundamental change in how the U.S. Forest Service does business with mining companies."

The Southern Utes, one of America's wealthiest Indian communities, is investing in an unusual biofuel startup based on algae. Respect for the earth is a key part of the business model.

"CORPUS CHRISTI -- A fire last month at a local Citgo refinery has focused attention on what is likely the most dangerous chemical used in the refining process."

"As fears were growing about the link between hormone therapy and breast cancer, a drug company paid the University of Wisconsin to sponsor ghostwritten medical education articles that downplayed the risks, records obtained by the Journal Sentinel show."

"Coal's well-funded lobbying group today launched a television ad campaign featuring ordinary people talking about the importance of low-cost electricity, a message analysts described as coal's effort to rebrand itself before the Senate tackles climate legislation."

An aging fleet of coal-fired power plants continue to pollute many urban areas. They were exempted from pollution-control requirements of the 1977 Clean Air Act. Companies rebuild them over and over to avoid installing pollution-control equipment. "The clunkers of the power-plant world" may once again escape new rules and modern technology.

Orange County Choppers has built a custom motorcycle that can go 100 mph without waking up a baby. It's electric.