Month: February 1999

EC chemicals legislation “not good enough”, says Bjerregaard

The development over the last 30 years of Europe’s “impressive arsenal” of legal instruments covering industrial chemicals, has not been reflected in growing public confidence in chemicals, says EU Environment Commissioner, Ritt Bjerregaard. “We're getting the message that the current Community legislation just isn't doing the job”.

US EPA sued over GM crops

Greenpeace, farmers and consumers are suing the US EPA for approving genetically modified (GM) crops containing genes for the production of an insecticide made from the bacteria bacillus thuringiensis.

News in brief

A selection of UK news briefs

No agreement reached on GMO trade protocol

Officials from 138 countries suspended talks in Cartagena, Columbia, this week after ten days of talks failed to produce a legally binding protocol on reducing risks related to the transboundary movement of living modified organisms (LMOs).

US EPA to study mercury impact in Florida everglades and Wisconsin

The US EPA will soon begin a $400,000 pilot project in the Florida Everglades and Wisconsin to investigate how to reduce mercury air emissions that may contaminate lakes, rivers and other waterbodies nationwide.

Heavy metals in cars likely to stay until after 2005

The European Parliament's environment committee (EPEC) has put forward several exemptions to the European Commission's proposed end-of-life vehicles directive despite widespread approval of the measures from EU governments.

Most Europeans reject GMO foods

Just over 61% of Europeans would not buy produce that has been genetically modified, according to a new survey on European shopping habits.

Researchers seek clean fuel injection car engine

A Vanderbilt University engineer is using laser technology to help develop a car engine with 30 percent greater fuel efficiency than current models but that also meets US emission standards.

Aluminium waste could be used to make concrete

Researchers at Michigan Technological University are developing ways to use aluminium industry wastes in the manufacture of concrete.

Texan seafood lovers may accumulate high levels of PCBs

People living near Texas' Matagorda Bay may be accumulating high levels of PCBs through seafood, according to Texas A&M University research.

Large Combustion Plant Directive revisions considered weak

A report submitted by a European Parliament rapporteur has criticised the European Commission's proposed amendments to the 1988 large combustion plants directive for being too weak.

World approaches threshold of change in response to environmental threats

The world may be approaching the threshold of a sweeping change in the way we respond to environmental threats - a social threshold that, once crossed, could profoundly change our outlook, according to an article released yesterday by the Worldwatch Institute.

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