Daily Archives: February 2, 2010

Improvements to Regulations.gov Make for Easier Access to Federal Regulations

Posted on February 2, 2010 by Laura B.

As part of President Obama’s commitment to more effective and open government, the public can more quickly access federal regulations at Regulations.gov, thanks to comments received during the Regulations.gov Exchange online forum held last year.  Regulations.gov provides one-stop public access … Continue reading →

Posted in Regulation, Web Resources | Leave a comment

EPA and DOE Join States to Speed Energy Efficiency Progress in the United States

Posted on February 2, 2010 by Laura B.

As part of the Obama Administration’s commitment to increasing energy efficiency and reducing costs, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced today the creation of the State Energy Efficiency (SEE) Action Network.  This … Continue reading →

Posted in Energy, Local Initiatives | Leave a comment

Researchers Use Fungus to Decompose Plastic Containing BPA

Posted on February 2, 2010 by Laura B.

Read the full story in Environmental Protection. Pretreating polycarbonate plastic may be the key to disposing of bisphenol A (BPA) in an eco-friendly way, scientists have found. Their new study is in the American Chemical Society’s Biomacromolecules, a monthly journal. … Continue reading →

Posted in Plastics, Recycling | Leave a comment

Mercury in Old Fillings Probably Not as Toxic, Study Reports

Posted on February 2, 2010 by Laura B.

Read the full story in Environmental Protection. A new study on the surface chemistry of silver-colored, mercury-based dental fillings suggests that the surface forms of mercury may be less toxic than previously thought. A report on the study appears online … Continue reading →

Posted in Environmental Health, Research | Leave a comment

New One-Stop Source for Scientific Information about U.S. Oceans and Waters

Posted on February 2, 2010 by Laura B.

A one-stop source for biogeographic information collected from U.S. waters and oceanic regions is now available from the National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) Program. The OBIS-USA website offers a unique combination of tools, resources, and biodiversity information to aide scientists, … Continue reading →

Posted in Research, Web Resources, Wildlife | Leave a comment

St. Petersburg police chief deems greener police cars unsafe for carrying prisoners

Posted on February 2, 2010 by Laura B.

Read the full story in the St. Petersburg Times. Police Chief Chuck Harmon said he is removing dozens of new energy-efficient cars from his patrol fleet because the vehicles are unsuitable for transporting suspects. The 2009 Chevrolet Impalas were scheduled … Continue reading →

Posted in Transportation | Leave a comment

Panel Suggests 100 Ways Buildings Can Be Greener

Posted on February 2, 2010 by Laura B.

Read the full story in the New York Times. The task force’s recommendations include rules for insulating skyscrapers and a plan to install thermostats in individual apartments.

Posted in Great Lakes Region, Green Building | Leave a comment