Witnesses at a House Energy Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection hearing in February said excessive and unjustified claims of "confidential business information" dampen EPA's efforts to regulate commonly used chemicals.

Watch for the National Academies to release more climate change and energy reports this month, on alternative liquid transportation fuels, energy efficiency, renewables and economic impacts of greenhouse gas mitigation.

A recent CERES/Pacific Institute report identifies water-related risks specific to eight key industries, and offers good sources on calculating and using water footprints.

Bike sharing programs are becoming an increasingly popular way to provide affordable transportation that requires less energy, while boosting various sectors of the economy.

A US House Oversight Committee report released in January 2009 found that federal agencies frequently ignore the findings and recommendations of their inspectors general.

On February 17, 2009, all full-power broadcast US television stations will stop broadcasting on analog airwaves and begin broadcasting only in digital. So, many old TVs are now creating e-waste challenges as they're relegated to landfills and recycling centers.

Are Peak Oil, the subprime mortgage mess and generational shifts ending Americans' love affair with the suburbs? That's what some high-profile urban planning types are postulating.