"The biggest influence groups for oil and coal spent a combined $115 million last year to burnish their images and shape public opinion on energy, expenditures that dwarf amounts they have previously reported for federal lobbying."

"No one would choose to eat polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs -- yet we unwittingly do. And a new study finds that the cost of their pervasive contamination of our food supply can be high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease."

John M. Broder reports a feature-length profile of U.S. Chamber of Commerce president Thomas J. Donohue, whose legendary pugnacity has been focused on legislation to curb climate change.

"A solid majority of Americans recognize the need to help the environment, although there are some things -- like buying a hybrid car or taking mass transit -- that people often talk about, but don't necessarily act on."

"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has pledged $1 million to help Utah communities deal with environmental justice challenges over the next two years."