Public

"Ontario's environment ministry has given its blessing to a massive, controversial $550 million sewage line -- known as the "Big Pipe" -- that will open the door to billions of dollars worth of new development in the eastern GTA. However, years after construction started on the project in York Region, politicians are embroiled in in-fighting, as the remainder of the pipeline proposed to run through Pickering faces opposition from residents."

"A federal jury on Monday found Exxon Mobil liable for contaminating groundwater in New York City and awarded the city $104.7 million in compensatory damages."

"Nuclear industry operators are pushing to extend the life of their plants to 60 or even 80 years. Running plants longer is one way to recoup their investment but it has safety implications."

"After years of volatility, oil prices have found a level that seems to satisfy producing nations, oil companies and major consumers. But in the wake of the economic crisis and the collapse in demand, a new reality has also set across the petroleum industry. Today’s price of around $70 a barrel is increasingly viewed as a new floor for the industry."

Nigeria may start harnessing the natural gas flared off from its oil fields to produce electric power for the impoverished communities whose protests and violence have often hampered production.

"A toxic solvent still widely used by dry cleaners across Washoe County could be banned within 14 years under plans proposed by health officials."

Chamber of Commerce switching sides on climate? Some major media initially swallowed a hoax yesterday by the anti-corporate pranksters calling themselves the Yes Men. The event occurred at a time when the Chamber was in political disarray.

"Groups argue over whether benefits of green technology outweigh the possible health effects associated with burning garbage."

"The Energy Department has concluded in an internal audit that it does not properly track whether manufacturers that give their appliances an Energy Star label have met the required specifications for energy efficiency."

"Last call for the Maryland darter. The elusive little fish, one of the rarest in the world, hasn't been seen in 21 years. Now, government and university biologists are teaming up for one more, perhaps final search for it...."