Month: July 2001

EPA incinerator regulations are ‘inadequate and unlawful’

The US Court of Appeals has ruled against the US Environmental Protection Agency in a key case, saying that its regulations for incinerators and cement kilns burning hazardous waste are ‘inadequate and unlawful’.

Bonn delegates reach agreement on Kyoto Protocol, but some areas are watered down

Following discussions through the night, Ministers at the Bonn climate change talks reached an agreement on the Kyoto Protocol on Monday morning, 23 July, which includes the use of sinks, but excludes legally-binding penalties for countries not achieving targets on greenhouse emission reductions.

Foundation offers funding for climate change projects

The Norwegian based NGO, the Minor Foundation for Major Challenges, is offering funding for projects aimed at limiting human created global problems.

Costs of electricity generated from fossil fuels should be far higher, says new research

A major new EU research study has revealed that if damage to the environment and health was included in the price of electricity generated by coal and oil, their costs would double, and the cost of electricity production from gas would increase by 30%.

Sustainability directory available free on the net

A directory of companies showing hundreds of innovative or ‘best practice’ examples of sustainability in practice has been launched on the internet this week.

G8 press US on climate change, but make no firm commitments

Leaders at the G8 summit in Genoa are reported to have put pressure on US President George W Bush, and have announced that they welcome Russia’s proposal for a global climate change conference in 2003, but make no firm commitments.

Electricity utilities contribute 25% of industrial pollution

A study by the Montreal-based North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) has revealed that 25% of the industrial pollution reported in North America in 1998 came from the electricity utilities.

Government gives tax relief for energy-saving technology

Businesses will be able to reduce energy needs and get extra tax relief from a new scheme to encourage investment in energy saving plant.

Scottish waste body tells householders to take responsibility for their rubbish

The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) is to promote recycling and composting of waste in the Forth Valley, and is ruling out mass incineration. However, the organisation is laying the responsibility on householders to ensure that their waste is disposed of sustainably.

Environment Agency and police crack down on illegal waste transport

Environment Agency officers and police have been cracking down on the illegal unregistered transport of waste in Essex, with 36% of vehicles checked found to be breaking the law.

Illegal oil discharge pollutes 12 miles of Welsh beaches

An illegal oil discharge has polluted 12 miles of beaches on the island of Anglesey, at the height of the tourist season. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and its counter-pollution and salvage officer have been working with the Environment Agency and other bodies since the weekend to clear up after the incident.

Government launches new deal for hydroelectricity

Energy minister Brian Wilson has announced a ‘new deal’ for hydro-electricity that will give hydro extra funding under the renewables obligation and increase research and development on hydro projects.

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