Day: 20 July 2001

Scientists find burning is the best method of cleaning up oil spills

Researchers at Pennsylvania State University have discovered that oil spills, previously thought incombustible because they contained too much water, can be ignited and burnt away faster than the oil can be removed by current methods, according to Industrial Environmental Management (IEM) magazine.

World Bank launches a new environment strategy

The World Bank has launched a new strategy to improve the organisation’s policy towards environment and sustainable development issues, and has admitted some shortcomings that have constrained the Bank’s strategy towards sustainable development in the past.

USGS makes 100 years of water data available on the web

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has launched a new website, providing up-to-date information on water levels and quality across the country, and opening the doors to archives going back 100 years.

Newly-released reports list health risks of electricity pylons and electrical wiring

Among the findings of the reports are that there is more than a 50% possibility that electro magnetic fields (EMFs) at home or at work could cause a very small increased lifetime risk of childhood leukaemia and adult brain cancer as well as a 5-10% added risk of miscarriage.

US EPA suspends water pollution rule

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Christie Whitman has filed a motion in the District of Columbia Circuit Court to temporarily suspend lawsuits regarding the framework of the 1972 Clean Water Act and aims to restore contaminated waters.

Company is first to offer renewable energy to all homes and businesses in mainland USA

An Atlanta-based company has become the first to offer a 100% green energy choice to every home and business in the 48 mainland states and the District of Columbia in the form of vouchers costing from $5.95 per month.

Californian controls on energy prices will only add to the state’s problems

Controls on the price of energy in the beleaguered state of California, which were designed to protect consumers through the resolution of the energy crisis, will merely cause more serious problems for electricity generation in the long term, according to a US think-tank, the National Centre for Policy Analysis (NCPA).

Swiss business criticises government’s environmental protection plan

The powerful Swiss corporate voice has spoken out against the imminent introduction of a protection plan for the Alps, which will limit development in 60% of the country.

US President announces climate change projects

US President George W Bush has announced a number of new research initiatives designed to increase understanding of climate change and tackle the phenomenon without the need to damage the US economy, but which will be designed to improve international co-operation.

Three companies form an alliance to make hydrogen storage products

Shell Hydrogen, part of the Royal Dutch Shell, group is forming an alliance with two other companies in order to develop, manufacture and market safe hydrogen storage products.

Water treatment equipment industry needs to care for its customers

The pulp and paper sector needs better customer care from its water treatment equipment suppliers, according to a new survey from an international marketing consultancy company.

Commission gives go-ahead for 94 nature conservation projects worth €80 million (£49 million)

The European Commission has decided that 94 nature conservation projects will receive funding under the LIFE-Nature programme in 2000-2001, the vast majority of them in Italy and Spain.

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