Day: 4 June 1999

News in brief

UK news briefs

California smoking laws blamed for rise in butts found in beach clean-up

Californian laws prohibiting smokers from lighting up inside have been blamed for a 40 percent rise in the number of butts found on California's beaches during California Coastal Cleanup Day last year.

Government introduces tax cuts on small cars

The UK Government has cut Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) on vehicles with an engine of 1100cc or less to £100 - a saving of £55.

Water companies need mergers to compete overseas

UK water companies need more freedom to explore merger opportunities if they are to compete effectively on the world stage, according to Thames Water's finance and planning director David Luffrum.

Clinton sets new efforts to improve water quality

President Clinton has urged all federal agencies to increase efforts to protect the water quality of America's bodies of water. Clinton directed EPA to propose a new rule that would prevent overflows from sewage systems, which are a common cause of beach closures. He also called for expanded monitoring of National Park Service beaches. The President then criticized Republicans for releasing "spending guidelines that would impose drastic cuts in environmental protection and public health." Republicans countered by saying that other areas should be emphasized in the budget, particularly the military.

UK Government launches sustainable land remediation initiative

The UK Government has launched a public-private partnership to promote sustainable remediation of contaminated land.

WRDA’99 threatens environmental integrity of US water infrastructure projects

Legislation which poses a threat to the accountability and environmental integrity of water infrastructure projects is currently making its way through Congress, says Friends of the Earth USA (FoE).

Wessex Water will pay farmers to go organic

Wessex Water is offering to pay farmers in key supply areas to convert to organic farming, in order to stop further contamination of groundwater with fertilisers and pesticides.

Uranium weapons cause radiation hazard in the Balkans

The depleted uranium weapons NATO is using in the Balkans may pierce Serbian tanks, but the clouds of radioactive dust they create threaten soldiers on both sides-and the Kosovar people, reports New Scientist.

Swedish city builds sustainable urban district

The city of Malmo in southern Sweden is building a new residential and commercial district that is intended to be a leading example of sustainable development in a high-density urban environment.

EU chemical industry extends Responsible Care scheme

The FECC - European Association of Chemical Distributors - and CEFIC - European Chemical Industry Council - have signed a partnership agreement on the implementation and use of the Responsible Care name and logo by Chemical Distributors.

Energy tax could create 1.9 million euro jobs

An energy tax and other measures to tackle global warming would cut unemployment across the EU - and stimulate technological innovation and demand for European produced goods, according to a study released yesterday by WWF.

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