"Three states -- California, New York and Washington -- want to know how insurance companies are planning for weather extremes that come with climate change."

"As bacteria evolve to evade antibiotics, common infections could become deadly, according to Dr. Margaret Chan, director general of the World Health Organization. Speaking at a conference in Copenhagen, Chan said antibiotic resistance could bring about 'the end of modern medicine as we know it.'"

"Customers Of San Diego Gas & Electric Co. and Southern California Edison May Be Able To Get Rid of Their Computerized "Smart" Meters as Soon as May, After a Utility Regulator Released a Proposed Decision on the Program Thursday."

"Global warming is apparently behind an increase in storms delivering torrential rains resulting in contamination of drinking water -- so much so that there has been an increase in diseases caused by waterborne pathogens, according to a new report."

"The first 11 Dimock Township [Pa.] water supplies tested by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency did not reveal levels of contamination that could present a health concern, but the samples indicated the presence of arsenic and other compounds that will require further tests at some homes, the agency said Thursday."

Laura Legere reports for the Wilkes Barre Citizens Voice March 16, 2012. [16]

"The states of Oregon and Washington can kill sea lions that have feasted on endangered Columbia River salmon, under an authorization given on Thursday by the federal government.

The decision by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) marked the latest reversal in the federal government's position on sanctioned killing of California sea lions. It upset animal rights advocates, who argue the creatures are unfairly blamed for low fish stocks.

"Industry and public health groups are gearing up for a fight over the regulation of cosmetics, as the House begins consideration of sweeping Food and Drug Administration legislation."

"A group of 100 environmental organizations has petitioned the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate lead in ammunition as a toxic substance."

"Dow AgroSciences LLC is asking the Department of Agriculture to sign off on a new genetically engineered corn seed that is resistant to not only glyphosate, but also 2,4-D, a World War II-era chemical that has been associated with a host of serious health problems."

"The U.S. public favors greater regulation of hydraulic fracturing, a natural gas drilling technique that has reduced prices for consumers while raising environmental concerns."