Economy & Business

A Center for Public Integrity report indicates the number of entities officially lobbying on climate change increased 31% in the second quarter of 2009, and draws some parallels between the lobbyists involved prior to the June 2009 House vote on a climate change bill and the major pre-vote changes that happened to the bill.

The Associated Press reports "GM says mercury pollution not its problem anymore," defaulting on its dues payments just as the US government's cash-for-clunkers program is causing the retirement of many older vehicles.

Concerns continue to mount over the potential impact of wind-turbine blades on airborne wildlife. Hence, a consortium of experts has agreed on priorities for investigation, including turbine placement, design, and operation; aerodynamics of turbines, birds, and bats; and habitat, topography, and weather conditions.

Showing of the film, depicting purported harm and claims of sterility by Nicaraguan plantation workers, went ahead at the Los Angeles Film Festival, even though an April 2009 Superior Court ruled that those claims were fraudulent.