Day: 19 March 1999

Green issues must be at the heart of the WTO, says Brittan

Trade and environment can no longer be seen as two separate issues by the World Trade Organisation (WTO), according to former European Commission Vice-President Sir Leon Brittan.

Program will make it easier for car makers to check emission standards

The US EPA has launched a regulatory reinvention initiative that will save car manufacturers an estimated $55 million through improved procedures for ensuring that tailpipe emissions meet clean-air health standards.

DaimlerChrysler unveils hydrogen fuel cell car

DaimlerChrysler has unveiled a zero-emission fuel cell car which uses fuel cell technology to generate electricity and water vapour.

US consumer use of household water treatment at an all-time high

Consumer use of home water treatment systems is at an all-time high in the US and has caught up with the use of bottled water. Nearly two-thirds of consumers are using home water treatment, bottled water or both, according to the 1999 National Consumer Water Quality Survey.

News in brief

European News briefs

Freeze-thaw water desalination goes through tests in North Dakota

Researchers with the University of North Dakota Energy & Environmental Research Centre (EERC) are testing technology that improves water quality by removing salt, a process known as freeze-thaw desalination.

EC changes view on creosote cancer risk

The European Commission has admitted that there is a cancer risk from creosote that is has to-date classed as non-carcinogenic.

Study finds no link between PCB exposure and cancer mortality

In the largest-ever human study of its kind, researchers at the Institute for Evaluating Health Risks (IEHR) have found no association between actual human exposure to PCBs and deaths from cancer or any other diseases.

CAP to contain major environmental loophole says EEB

An internal document from last week's Agriculture Council substantially weakens the potential positive impact of environmental conditions to farm subsidies, says the European Environmental Bureau (EEB).

Water Framework Directive will go to formal conciliation talks

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) will almost certainly be the subject of formal conciliation talks between the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers in the autumn, according to EU officials. Environment Ministers reached a political agreement on the Water Framework Directive (WFD) at their quarterly meeting on March 11.

European Commission resignations may set back environmental legislation

The resignation of all of the EU Commissioners this week could significantly delay the development of some environmental legislation. Although the Commissioners will continue to work until they are replaced, combined with European Parliament elections their departure is likely to cause a backlog.

Sainsbury’s heads international anti-GM retailers consortium

UK supermarket chain Sainsbury's has set up an international consortium of food retailers and industry experts to establish validated sources of GM free crops, products and derivatives.

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