News from 2 February 2001 on edie

Greater London Authority makes 100 environmental recommendations

The Greater London Authority’s (GLA) Environment Commission has released its first action programme for the next four years, focusing on sustainable development and improving the health of Londoners.

New York State pledges nearly $50 million to wind power

Additional funding will provide enough new wind capacity to power a medium-sized city.

Ireland faces waste management crisis

Ireland is facing a crisis in its waste management system, with businesses in some areas having no method of waste disposal, says a leading industry body.

Judge sentences man to 57 months incarceration for asbestos dumping

A judge in Alaska has sentenced a man to 57 months incarceration (nearly five years), three years probation, and a fine of $520,000 for illegally removing and dumping asbestos at a pump mill in Sitka.

Trade Association challenges MTBE ban

A trade association has filed a law suit challenging the Californian ban on the fuel oxygenating additive MTBE after the end of 2002.

Iran warns of massive pollution from oil exploration

Iran’s top environmental official has warned that severe pollution is threatening the Persian Gulf and calls for an international patrol force.

California orders manufacturers to sell electric cars

The California Air Resources Board voted unanimously to require car makers to sell electric vehicles. Manufacturers are unhappy with the decision.

Mountain gorilla population increases by 10%

The dedication of park rangers in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo has meant that despite civil war, a population of rare mountain gorillas has increased by more than 10%.

US government relaxes clean air regulations to help in California power crisis.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has “temporarily” relaxed a series of federal clean air regulations in a bid to ease the lingering electricity shortage plaguing California.

World’s two largest wind farms announced

Plans for two new US wind plants, generating enough power to serve more than half a million people, have been announced.

Environmentalists sue oil giants over ‘illegal’ Pakistan project

Environmental groups in Pakistan have begun court proceedings against Shell and PremierOil over plans to explore for oil and gas in a legally protected national park.

World Wetlands Day sees numerous new protected areas

An international organisation created 38 newly-protected wetland areas in six countries on 2 February, as conservationists warned that, without protection, water shortages would be more severe in at least 60 nations by 2050.

Day: 2 February 2001