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Examines U.S. President George W. Bush's proposed budget and the deal making that will be needed to get it passed by Congress. Expectation that the fight over the $2.7 trillion budget for 2006 will be impassioned for many reasons including the fact he left out the costs for the occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan, and more; Questions over the validity of Bush's claim to reduce the deficit in light of increased costs; Expectation of massive cuts in education, veterans healthcare and environmental protection to pay for homeland security and defense; Conservatives who are concerned about the figures.

The article focuses on the political battles over the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) during the U.S. President George W. Bush administration. The author reports that Bush came to Washington DC determined to wed environmental policy with market based reality and was aided by a Republican controlled U.S. Congress. Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer has reportedly taking a major role in the arguments over arsenic in drinking water, air quality and perchlorate in foods. INSET: Pressures to Regulate.

The article focuses on the issue of global warming and the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Bali, Indonesia. A meeting of 180 countries is being held to negotiate a new treaty which will replace the Kyoto Protocol when it expires in 2012. It is reported that the biggest dispute will be over U.S. President George W. Bush's opposition to limits on carbon emissions.

This article suggests that U.S. President George W. Bush may be warming up to thoughts of containing global warming. He has previously opposed moves to mandate control of greenhouse gas emissions as proved when he failed to sign the Kyoto Protocol but he is seeing bipartisan support on Capitol Hill for measures that will try to contain the situation. Democrats are working on legislation that would mandate measures to reduce emissions although it is likely they will be vetoed by Bush.

Discusses the Kyoto treaty, an international agreement on climate control and change, which was dismissed by United States President George W. Bush. Reasons why Bush declared the treaty flawed; Details of the treaty, which can sell credits to companies that reduce their own emissions of greenhouse gases; Statement that about 180 different countries support the accord.

Speculates that allies in the business world may be influencing the global-warming policy of United States President George W. Bush. Opposition of oil and coal companies to regulations ensuring the reduction of carbon emissions; Statement that a growing number of companies would like a climate-change policy that would boost demand for fossil-fuel substitutes and energy-efficient products.

President George W. Bush's Clear Skies measures use market-based programs, such as trading pollution credits, to cut down on emissions of pollutants like mercury. The nature of mercury makes trading problematic, and his time frames are longer and reductions less than those of Clinton-era blueprints. The Clear Skies plan is stuck in Congress. Democratic nominee John Kerry would support trading credits for some pollutants but require more controls for mercury. Voted for the Climate Stewardship Act, which would take steps toward regulating greenhouse gases. Bush has allocated $15 million this year in watershed improvement grants and announced plans to protect, restore, or improve 3 million acres of wetlands. Kerry wants to create targeted incentives for farmers to cut down on pesticide and fertilizer runoff. Would give "fullest protection" to wetlands. Supports stronger protections for the Great Lakes. Congress passed the Healthy Forests Restoration Act, based on Bush's plans to thin undergrowth that fuels forest fires. Bush supports creation of a nuclear waste repository at Nevada's Yucca Mountain; wants it to open by 2010. Kerry vocally opposes the repository. Would instead ask the National Academy of Sciences to restudy whether geologic disposal of nuclear waste is the best option.

Argues the United States President George W. Bush needs to develop environmental policies as well as energy policies. How the U.S. is the largest producer of greenhouse gases; Suggestion that other countries look to the U.S. for leadership in environmental issues; Discussion of former Republican presidents who have worked to protect the environment, including Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan.