Day: 7 May 1999

Greenpeace granted hearing to challenge Government on Atlantic oil exploration

A High Court judge has granted Greenpeace a full High Court hearing to review future oil licensing on the basis of the UK Government's failure to protect marine wildlife from the impacts of oil exploration on the Atlantic Frontier.

Environment groups launch transatlantic alliance

European and US environmental groups have established the Transatlantic Environment Dialogue (TAED), aiming to help protect and benefit the environment and to integrate environmental protection into all aspects of EU-US relations.

France aims to recover 75 percent of packaging waste by 2002

France's packaging waste compliance scheme, Eco-Emballages, has launched a multimedia advertising campaign to promote waste separation for recycling, in support of its aim to recover 75 percent of household packaging waste by 2002.

Green power in Germany

Germany's Green Environment Minister, Jurgen Trittin, comes clean on nuclear power, greenhouse gases and eco-tax reform, in an interview with Environmental Science & Technology.

Green Cross to assess environmental impact of Yugoslav conflict

Environmental NGO, Green Cross International (GCI) is proposing to provide an independent assessment of relevant environmental impacts of the conflict in Yugoslavia, as part of an international mission that could take place as soon as the current hostilities stop.

Geothermal energy supply deal

Commonwealth Energy has signed a three-year agreement to purchase geothermal electricity from Calpine Corporation.

Florida Keys threatened by sewage

The Florida Keys, one of the most treasured ecosystems in the US, is being destroyed by sewage. In some areas, near-shore tropical waters have changed to the colour of pea soup. Scientists warn against swimming in canals that have become long fingers of stagnant water. With 80,000 permanent residents throughout the Keys and 2 million tourists each year, the surrounding marine environment is being stressed beyond its limits. Some scientists warn that as near-shore water quality continues to decline, the region's ocean reefs will also decline.

US streams and wetlands to be restored with community-led efforts

About 40 community-led conservation projects throughout the US have been awarded $395,000 to restore US streams and wetlands.

Environmentalists applaud conservation act

Bi-partisan legislation that would establish a permanent fund for wildlife conservation and related recreation and education programs from a percentage of federal offshore oil and gas revenues is being applauded by environmentalists.

New England water is improving but problems remain

Water quality has improved significantly in New England over the past 50 years because of advances in the treatment of municipal and industrial wastes. However, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island are still experiencing some problems with the quality of ground and surface water and the water in the Gulf of Maine, according to a US Geological Survey (USGS) report.

Republicans and Democrats focus on issue of urban sprawl

The issue of urban sprawl is getting serious attention from Vice President Al Gore and Republican candidates in the early days of the 2000 presidential campaign. One reason why the issue is receiving such attention is the fact that about 50 percent of the nation's population now lives in the suburbs. The suburbs have traditionally tended to be Republican enclaves, while urban areas tended to be Democratic. This trend may be changing, however, as events like the shootings in Colorado make the suburbs face issues like violence and gun- control, once thought to be concerns mainly for cities. Meanwhile, Vice President Gore has unveiled a "livability agenda" that is aimed specifically at the suburbs. Included in the $10 billion initiative are opportunities for localities to preserve open spaces, increase mass transit availability and clean up old industrial sites.

Gore announces commitments to improve US sustainability

Vice President Gore has announced 47 commitments from 11 federal agencies to help build a more sustainable America, and called on Congress to approve the US Government's proposals for helping state and local governments build more livable communities for the 21st century.

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