The nomination of Paul Anastas, known as the "father of green chemistry," to head EPA's Office of Research and Development, is being held up by Sen. David Vitter (R-LA). Vitter's action raises questions about his close ties to the formaldehyde industry.

"Scientists sifting for trends in record high and low temperatures across the United States have found  more evidence of long-term warming of the climate, with the biggest shift coming through a reduction in record low nighttime temperatures."

"Energy industry officials have dominated witness tables at hearings on climate legislation, appearing more often than representatives of any other groups invested in energy policy, according to a new analysis."

"While the health effects of coal-ash disposal get most attention, a long list of other negative effects are overlooked. They include crushing financial burdens for people, companies, and governments; deepening mistrust of government; years of litigation; depressed property values; and more. These costs outweigh the costs of regulation, cleanup, and mitigation."

"At least somebody gets it. The University of Montana in Missoula announced on Monday that it is accepting applications for a new, two-year graduate program in environmental science and natural resource journalism."

"The Army Corps of Engineers must consider the effects of climate change as it draws up plans for flood control, navigation and other water projects under a new agency policy."

"A spate of recent deaths of New York police and fire officers who took part in the emergency operation at Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks has heightened fears that it could be the start of a delayed epidemic of cancer-related illness."

"A federal appeals court panel on Tuesday upheld a 2005 court decision that effectively halted the development of what would have been one of the nation's largest landfills near Joshua Tree National Park."