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The article focuses on the development of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under President George W. Bush administration. It notes that EPA softened regulations that were deemed industry-friendly. The administration shuttered its technical and scientific libraries and lessened the information companies submit on their toxic substance release. EPA became less independent than its predecessors and closely tied to White House ideology.

The article focuses on the science program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is said that the program gives data that help shape the pollution control regulations. It is also said that science program at EPA encounters tight budgets which will leave the agency ill-equipped to address future environmental problems. It is suggested that president Barack Obama administration can do to better EPA science by increasing its transparency.

The article focuses on the contribution of retiring House Republican Sherwood L. Boehlert to environmental policy in the U.S. Boehlert has been shaping environmental policy ever since his push for the pioneering pollution trading program that has since substantially reduced sulfur emissions from power plants and thus acid rain. He attributed his success on acid rain to the partnership he had with Waxman and bemoans the absence of bipartisanship today.

Focuses on the plan of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reduce chemical and engineering companies' load for reporting Toxics Release Inventory data. Changes to the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act; Drivers of the changes; Difficulties associated with filing the report.

Focuses on the impact of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on Methanex Corp., Vancouver-based company that produces methanol. Claims of the company that California's ban of methyl tert-butyl ether hurt the company's investments because it affected market demand for methanol; Citation of Methanex as the first chemical manufacturer to sue under the section of the NAFTA; Concerns over the use of provisions under the trade deals by foreign business to attack domestic environmental laws.

Discusses the challenges encountered by scientists in the effort to test high-production-volume chemicals. Progress made by chemical manufacturers, environmental protection groups and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in the generation of basic data on substances; Release of information on many chemical compounds on-line; Quality of information released to the public.

The article reports that the completion of the HPV Challenge Program designed to make public basic information on hundreds of mass-produced or high-production-volume chemicals in the U.S. remains elusive. The program was to be completed in 2005 but some companies have yet to submit plans for voluntary tests on their products.

The article reports that the U.S. National Research Council's Committee of Models in the Regulatory Decision-Making Process is studying how the Environmental Protection Agency should select and use models for regulatory decisions. These models can help legislators determine the cleanup level for a particular chemical. It can also predict how pollutants move through the environment. Others are used to estimate the costs and benefits of proposed new regulations. Other parties interested in the models include the public and lobbying groups.

The article reports that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted a request from environmental and other activist groups seeking toxicity tests on the long-term effects of nonyphenol ethoxylates on aquatic life. However, EPA rejected requests for product-labeling requirements and other regulatory actions. According to EPA, the surfactants and their breakdown products can harm aquatic animals and plants.

The article highlights the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Environmental Performance Track program. The program rewards chemical facilities that exceed regulatory requirements, work closely with their communities and excel in protecting the environment and public health. However, environmental activists criticize the program. They fault EPA for painting entire companies with a green Performance Track brush when only one of their plants is actually a member of the program.

Details the discussion which transpired between corporate and state officials in Washington, D.C., focused on their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the government policies that could aid or hinder their efforts. Conference sponsors; Actions revealed by some companies to address climate change including Motorola, Entergy Corp. and DuPont.

The article reports on the new reporting system set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for industrial plants regarding their greenhouse gas emissions. It states that facilities with 25,000 metric tons release of carbon dioxide should file reports of their 2010 gas emissions in 2011. The new rule covers industrial plants, motor vehicles manufacturer and companies that supply chemicals. It also cites the support of the American Chemistry Council (ACC) on the new reporting system.

The article reports on the passage of the Electronic Device Recycling Research & Development Act which aims to lessen the impact of improper disposal of electronic wastes in the U.S. The bill will receive $60 million grants from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promote recycling and reuse of electronic waste. It would also receive grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support a university curricula on green engineering.

The article discusses the move of Environmental Protection Agency Administrator (EPA) Lisa Jackson to halt a program that recognizes facilities for environmental activities in the U.S. It states that the National Environmental Performance Track program drew controversy when some of its members increased their emissions of toxic chemicals. Meanwhile, it notes that the Performance Track Participants Association was disappointed by the suspension and that it had no opportunity to meet with the EPA.

The article reports on a coalition that includes Dow Chemical Co. and DuPont. It notes that the said coalition involves a set of policy recommendations which aims to create an economically sustainable climate protection program. Moreover, the U.S. Climate Action Partnership is urging the Congress to require an 80% emissions reduction below 2005 levels by 2050 through an economy-wide cap and trade program.

The article reports on a federal court's rejection of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations that allowed refiners, chemical plants, and other industrial facilities to release large amounts of hazardous air pollution during start-ups, shutdowns, and malfunctions. In 2002 and 2003, the EPA made changes to the regulations that alarmed a coalition of national and local environmental groups.

The article presents the report of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the cardiovascular benefits of eating fish outweigh the risks of mercury exposure from the fish. The report was described as deeply disturbing, urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reaffirm its existing policy. It is considered a significant and positive first step in recognizing five years science which reveals the health benefits of seafoods.

The article focuses on the safety risk evaluation of phthalates in the U.S. chemical industry. It notes that phthalates are significant since they are found in many consumer products such as cosmetics, children's toys, pharmaceuticals and food packaging. Studies found that reproductive effects of phthalates occur in laboratory animals at lower concentrations. It recommends the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include other chemicals in its phthalates assessment.

The article reports that chemical manufacturers and other businesses are allowed to sell or recycle some manufacturing leftovers classified as hazardous, under a regulatory change made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It tells that the regulation, which is part of the Bush Administration initiative to reform regulation of the U.S. manufacturing sector, will encourage recycling while protecting the environment. The program will let companies save $95 million per year.

The article reports that a federal court overturned a controversial Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation requiring coal-fired power plants to reduce mercury emissions. It mentions that in a case brought by 17 states and backed by environmental groups, the United States Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit determined that EPA's 2005 "Clean Air Mercury Rule" was unlawful. According to EPA spokesman Timothy Lyons, they are still evaluating the impact of the court's decision.

The article focuses on the census of pollution sources to be conducted by the State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA) in China. SEPA plans to determine the sources of industrial, agricultural and residential pollution throughout the country. It made a promise that the survey will not be used as a performance assessment tool to encourage officials to provide data. The survey is considered to be significant to enable policy-making and support the environmental control management.

The article reports that 12 states have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) December 2006 rule which allows companies to provide less right-to-know information about toxic releases. The EPA rule allows about a third of the 24,000 facilities that file Toxics Release Inventory reports to submit less information about their releases on one or more chemicals.

The article reports on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) GreenChill Advanced Refrigeration Partnership which is designed to help supermarkets prepare for the phaseout of hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)-22, a commercial refrigerant. According to an international agreement, countries are accelerating the phaseout of HCFCs which deplete the stratospheric ozone and are greenhouse gases.

The article reports that the Chinese State Council has released a three-year master plan to address the country's increasing problem of environmental degradation. The plan includes spending over $85 billion on measures to control water pollution, $80 billion on air pollution and $28 billion on solid waste management. The council is committed to start auditing local government's performance of enforcing standards by 2008.

The article reports that staff members of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have released a document which suggests that the EPA should tighten the national standard for lead in the air to protect children better. According to the article, EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson will review the recommendations when he proposes an air quality level for the neurotoxic metal in 2008. Staff members recommend that EPA lower the lead standard.

The article reports that California plans to sue the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2007 to force the EPA to act on the state's plans to impose restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions from new trucks and cars. It includes an analysis of the complex legal issues surrounding the possible lawsuit, as well as the issues' implications for environmental policy.

The article reports on the announcement of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that there is no need for further control on emissions of hazardous air pollutants from refineries. The decision has been made after conducting a study on the risks of air toxic emissions from the refineries' pollution control equipment. EPA considered two regulatory options for such emissions, which include no requirement for additional emission cuts and reduction of waste hazardous air pollutants.

The article reports on the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposal to tighten the clean air standard for ozone. It discusses the possibility that the EPA's proposal could leave the door open for the agency to bow to industry pressure for maintaining the status quo. The agency plans to accept comments from the public for maintaining the current standard or favoring a new ozone limit.

The article reports that bills which were introduced in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives will overturn the changes made by the Bush Administration to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) in December 2006. A legislation, which was introduced by Representative Frank Pallone and Senator Frank R. Lautenberg, would invalidate the new Environmental Protection Agency rule that allows facilities to submit less information about the TRI chemicals they release.

The article reports on the denial of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over the petition by the Forest Products Research Laboratory to use acid copper chromate (ACC) as a wood preservative in the manufacture of decks and playground equipment in the U.S. Based on the review made by the scientists of the EPA, their are bigger risks on the use of ACC than benefits. EPA adds that it can pose as a cancer risk as well as will create a problem on its disposal.

The article focuses on the High Production Volume Information System, an interactive public database of information about mass-produced chemicals being constructed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The database is being used by academics and consultants in ways never envisioned by the industry.

The article presents the proposal of the Environmental Protection Agency to change the rule on air toxics. The modification is expected to encourage facilities in reducing emissions of 188 toxic air pollutants. Other groups believe the proposal will allow companies to boost their releases, having already curbed their emissions of air toxics.

The article reports on the decision of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allow the companies to reduce the information they will report about the amount of their released toxic chemicals. EPA stated its intention of formulating a regulation involving Toxics Release Inventory emissions data to be reported every other year. Part of the new rule, about 24,000 installations are obliged to submit their reports on the hazardous wastes they release on air, land and water.

The article reports on the possibility of phasing out the 10 remaining approved uses of insecticide azinphos-methyl (AZM) over the next six years as announced by the Environmental Protection Agency. According to EPA, the phaseout will facilitate the transition to safer alternatives and reduce risks to farm workers, pesticide applicators, and aquatic ecosystems.

The article reports on the $65,000 funding given to the National Association of College & University Business Officers (NACUBO) by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The grant is intended for the development of a Web-based center to help universities and colleges comply with environmental laws and to provide information on hazardous and solid waste management, drinking water and wastewater systems.

The article reports that the U.S. Supreme Court will hear disputes on two key environmental cases and a lawsuit over punitive damages against a company. The Court will decide whether the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has the authority to regulate carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. On the other hand, a second Clean Air Act case is about the increasing annual emissions of Duke Energy Corp.

The article highlights the benefits gained by Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corp. (CSC) in participating in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Environmental Performance Track program. CSC values the recognition from EPA for the Newport, Delaware-based pigment manufacturing facility's involvement in the program. For instance, within its three years of membership, CSC is committed to reduce energy use, emissions of nitrogen oxides and generation of solid waste.

The article reports that the U.S. Senate Environment & Public Works Committee on August 2, 2006 has examined the regulation of commercials chemicals of the Environmental Protection Agency under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Prior to this investigation, the Government Accountability Office issued a report critical to the agency's ability to manage chemicals and recommended changes to TSCA.

The article reports on the statement of Zhou Shengxian, minister of China's State Environmental Protection Agency, that most chemical plants located along Yangtze and Yellow Rivers are not being operated safely. The minister commented that these plants are located in inappropriate location and posed an environmental risk. These plants also failed to comply environmental guidelines.

The article reports on the insufficiency of the current regulatory framework to deal with the issues raised by nanotechnology. J. Clarence Davies, former assistant administrator at Environmental Protection Agency, argues for improved oversight of the emerging field. Davies claims that revising existing laws such as Toxic Substances Control Act will likely require new laws. He cites that the use of nanotechnology in consumer products should be needing new laws. The reports also finds that regulatory egencies that would be monitoring nanotechnology issues are severely understaffed and unable to properly do their jobs.

The article reports that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has adopted a standard for renewable fuel that requires 2.78 percent of the gasoline sold or dispensed to motorists in 2006. This standard is the first step in EPA renewable-fuel program. It aims to reduce vehicle emissions and strengthen energy security by doubling the use of fuels produced from crops. Some refineries, blenders and importers are collectively responsible for meeting the program requirements for 2006.

The article reports that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has required chemical manufacturers to report key production information to the agency every five years instead of every four years. Several chemical companies and trade associations have supported this change. This change would allow companies to save money while still meeting the agency's basic requirements.

The article offers regulatory developments relating to the U.S. chemical and engineering industries. The House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Prevention of Nuclear and Biological Attack has passed legislation to regulate the sale and storage of ammonium nitrate. A bill passed by the House on December 13, 2005 focuses on methamphetamine laboratory cleanup. An investigation is conducted by the Commission for Environmental Cooperation regarding allegations that the U.S. is failing to enforce the Clean Water Act.

The article urges the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)to propose legislation that would address issues relating to the recycling of used electronic equipment. The Government Accounting Office also advises that EPA take actions to ensure that discarded electronic devices exported overseas are actually reused and disposed properly.

The article reports the assertion by the U.S. Congressional Research Service that the Environmental Protection Agency's recent analysis of legislation to cut air pollution is faulty. Some of the reasons cited are: the analysis is inclined toward the Clear Skies initiative by President George W. Bush; and the agency assumed that only congressional passage of legislation would cut utility emissions.

Reports on the plan of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to require chemical companies to submit Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) data annually. Aim to save industry money; Plan of EPA to redirect some TRI resources to improve the quality, clarity, and usefulness of right-to-know data; Opposition of some members of Congress and environmental activists against the proposal, citing its pitfalls in relation to health and environment.

Reports on developments related to government policy on chemicals in the U.S. Implementation of the rules of the Environmental Protection Agency that require production of lower volatility summer gasoline.

Reports on the need for the Environmental Protection Agency to tighten its initiative aimed at eliminating toxic pollutants in Great Lakes according to the Government Accountability Office. Uncertainty of the agency whether the states bordering the lakes are consistent in implementing the 1995 Great Lakes Initiative.

Reports that the Environmental Protection Agency has updated its methods for calculating penalties for certain environmental violations in the U.S. Efforts of the agency to recoup both the economic benefit a company gets from violating environmental standards.

Reports that George Bush Administration's Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) has missed its congressionally required deadline for a comprehensive assessment of the research on and potential impacts of climate change, according to the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Provisions under the Global Change Research Act of 1990; Failure of CCSP studies to address the impacts of rising temperatures on the natural environment, agriculture, land and water resources.