Day: 25 February 2005

Firms contest UK stance on waste oil burning

Planned new controls on burning of waste lubricating oils by the asphalt industry in England and Wales will create more environmental problems than they solve, the sector has alleged. Britain's quarry products association (QPA) called on the government to review its "seriously flawed policy".

Inaction best protects open marine habitats, experts say

"Doing nothing" to heal damaged and polluted underwater habitats could be more environmentally beneficial than intervening to restore or remediate them, according to top UK marine ecologists.

Welsh Assembly moves to tackle water pollution from agriculture

The Welsh Assembly is seeking views on how best to protect water courses from agricultural pollution.

Ship scrapping meeting condemned as dumping as usual

Greenpeace and the Basel Action Network have accused the shipping industry of hijacking a UN joint working group meeting on ship scrapping, saying that all attempts to end the practice of sending end-of-life ships to developing countries for dismantling, risking the life of workers in those countries, were blocked by vested interests.

Safe perchlorate levels released by EPA

An official "safe" dosage level for common chemical perchlorate has been set this week by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in a bid to protect the American public from its affects.

Supermarket power abuse must be regulated

An alliance of environmental, development, consumer and farming groups has called on the DTI to urgently act on abuses of power from major supermarkets.

Nationwide brownfields strategy launched

English Partnerships and the ODPM have launched a pilot programme aimed at solving the legacy of long-term derelict land in twelve local authorities in England after research found more than 2,000 long-term, or 'hardcore', sites that have lain vacant or derelict since 1993.

‘Meaningless’ Bush protection plan faces legal complaint

A formal complaint against President Bush's plans for protecting forests and wooded areas in the US has been filed this week by a coalition of conservation groups called Earthjustice.

Minister praises London efforts and calls for energy efficient buildings

Sustainable Energy Minister Lord Whitty has praised London's efforts to minimise its impact on global warming at a conference this week.

Iraq’s marshes could be restored say scientists

Studies of the Iraqi Mesopotamian marshes have found that they could be partially restored and a valuable wetland environment recreated, provided sufficient water resources are made available.

All Irish urban areas now joined litter campaign

Ireland's business sector has strengthened its resolve to support the government's fight against litter as 26 new towns have now joined the Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) campaign.

Europe must consolidate to achieve development goals

French and German plans that would raise billions to reduce the impact of climate change and boost the development of the world's poorer nations must receive the full support of the British government, according to campaign groups.

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