"The world's ocean surface temperature in June rose to its warmest since 1880, breaking the previous high mark set in 2005, according to a preliminary analysis by NOAA's National Climatic Data Center in Asheville."

"The fate of major climate legislation in Congress could rest with North Dakota."

"Everyday consumer products such as stain repellants and paper coatings may be a 'significant source' of the toxic chemical C8, according to a new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency study."

As scientists watch the 11-year cycle of increasing and decreasing sunspots, they are finding that the Sun seems to be in an unusually calm period. The observation raises questions about the Sun's influence on climate.

"The Obama administration is proposing to allow up to 318 snowmobiles per day into Yellowstone National Park for the next two winters, cutting by more than half the 720 allowed last winter by the Bush administration."

"Electric utilities boosted lobbying in the second quarter of 2009, narrowing the gap with oil and gas companies that had dominated spending on persuasion by a wide margin earlier this year."

"The beloved icon remains the face of the longest-running public service campaign in U.S. history. But keeping him current has been a challenge."

"Sewage spills that have contributed to water pollution in San Francisco Bay will be reduced under two settlements reached last week between the nonprofit San Francisco Baykeeper and the Town of Hillsborough and the neighborhood of Burlingame Hills."

"The Obama administration moved Wednesday to expand a national network of monitors to track lead emissions, a troublesome source of industrial air pollution."

Scientists are finding what seems to be a global decline in caribou populations.