An online portal is accepting comments on the Department of Interior's proposed overhaul of the Endangered Species Act, which could do away with scientific reviews of construction and development projects.

CLIMATE CHANGE

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd urged the United States on Tuesday to take more action on climate change and become more involved in the global debate on the issue. A Nobel prize-winning panel of U.N. scientists has said greenhouse gas emissions must level off within the next 10-15 years and then start to dramatically decline to avoid a rise in average temperatures that could have catastrophic consequences.

As oil and natural-gas prices remain high and lawmakers agonize over whether to drill for oil in environmentally sensitive areas, coal looms as an antidote — still relatively cheap despite recent price surges because of a boom in exports. While coal-fired power plants generate half of U.S. electricity, coal is the biggest carbon dioxide producer, accounting for 40% of worldwide emissions. CO₂ is the chief culprit in global warming. To environmentalists, coal is public enemy No. 1. Sidebar: Someday your car may burn coal.

In the world of philanthropy, where independence from government has long been sacred, a revolution is underway. Social entrepreneurs are clamoring for a realignment of the way the federal government and nonprofit groups work together to maximize the impact of American generosity. Problems of poverty, climate change and limited access to quality health care and education are so widespread that some philanthropists are convinced that government cannot solve them alone.

POLLUTION / DEGRADATION

As the switch to digital TV nears, concern about old TVs piling up in landfills has prompted state and local governments to develop recycling programs.

The facility, rated among the worst overall performers in the U.S., aims to fix problems and head off increased oversight.

CONSERVATION

With solar panels, more trees and recycled building materials, the renovated Exposition Park branch of the Los Angeles Public Library received a gold rating from environmental group.

Whales, Dolphins, Sonar and the Courts  (NY Times)
It is disturbing that the Bush administration is still trying to block the courts’ ability to mediate future agreements between the military and environmentalists.

Letters: There should be laws that require businesses to at least recycle high volume disposable items, such as plastic, glass bottles and cans. Government entities should quit forking over public dollars for stadiums and golf courses and, instead, help establish environmentally friendly infrastructures.

A parasite has been found in Galápagos penguins, raising fears among researchers that it could lead to avian malaria, a disease that contributed significantly to the 50 percent extinction rate of endemic birds in Hawaii.

A lost humpback whale calf that bonded with a yacht it seems to think is its mother will likely die within days if it doesn't find another mother to adopt it, a wildlife official said Tuesday. The 1- to 2-month-old calf was first sighted Sunday in waters off north Sydney, and on Monday tried to suckle from a yacht, which it would not leave. The calf can't survive without mother's milk for long.

The U.S.S. Oriskany was sunk by the Navy in May 2006 under a pilot program to convert decommissioned vessels into artificial reefs.

The EPA will define 'traditional navigable waters' for the waterway, which could affect development in some hillside and mountain areas.

FOOD SAFETY

Corporate self-interest and fear of lawsuits has some retailers taking on the role of consumer watchdogs.

Sales growth has slowed but remains strong because of the loyalty of core organic buyers, some industry executives say. They also say new customers are tougher to attract, given that organics can cost 10% to 50% more than non-organic rivals.

Nina V. Fedoroff is science adviser to the secretary of state and contends that genetically modified foods help the environment.

Federal inspectors at U.S. border crossings repeatedly turned back filthy, disease-ridden shipments of peppers from Mexico in the months before a salmonella outbreak that sickened 1,400 people was finally traced to Mexican chilies.Yet no larger action was taken.

Study finds that the fruits developed their kick to ward off microbial invaders; the greater the danger, the more pungent the pepper. Chile peppers "make us healthier by cleansing what we will eat of food-borne pathogens and parasites," one scientist said.

WATER SUPPLY

City workers and contractors have digitized the antiquated maps of the city’s water mains and sewers.

GASOLINE PRICES

A gallon of self-serve regular drops 6.9 cents to an average of $3.740 nationally, while in California the price declines 8.1 cents to an average of $4.037.

As Americans try to squeeze every last mile out of a gallon of gasoline, one regulatory option hasn't been given much of a road test: telling consumers the fuel efficiency of their tires.

SUSTAINABILITY

Also: U.S-Mexico border states tackle scrap tires at Border Governors Conference.

As Oil Giants Lose Influence, Supply Drops (NY Times)
It is harder than ever for the major Western oil companies to find new prospects, even though they are awash in profits and eager to expand.

OVERPOPULATION

Women are waiting longer to have children, and more women than ever are choosing not to have children at all, according to a new Census Bureau report.

HUNGER

The troubled economy may be prompting more families to turn to federal school nutrition programs that aid poor children, a survey suggests.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Death squad cases are at risk, critics say. The extraditions have sparked a heated debate in Colombia, with pundits and politicians accusing the Bush administration of sidestepping Colombian interests.

Cape Abilities, which teaches its employees to grow produce and sell it on site, provides employment and other services for people with disabilities on Cape Cod.

Wang Wenjin decided not to take no for an answer.

AND FURTHERMORE...

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This news summary has been prepared for you by:

 Carole Ashkinaze
Editor / Writer / Communications Consultant

Washington, D.C.

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