National (U.S.)

"Food and consumer groups say the practice increases the risk of cattle becoming infected with mad cow disease. A beef industry trade group say a ban isn't needed."

"Al Gore's views on climate change are advancing as rapidly as the phenomenon itself."

"The Department of Defense says its studies don’t bear out that burn pit smoke causes chronic illnesses. But Congress isn’t so sure, having recently sent President Barack Obama a defense spending bill with provisions that restrict and monitor burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan. The president signed the bill Wednesday."

"Senate Democrats are still aiming for a committee markup on global warming legislation next week despite Republican calls for a slower pace on the sweeping measure."

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is working to defeat the Obama administrtion on key issues, delighting some members and causing others to quit. On climate change, the group says warmer temperatures could help by reducing deaths related to cold weather.

Incoming head of the National Park Service Jonathan Jarvis "knows the park service's problems are epic. Its maintenance backlog is $8 billion, for one, and it is seeking more money from Congress to fill potholes, improve ranger living quarters, and build more visitor centers and campgrounds."

Staff for the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming refused Thursday to rule out possible perjury charges against Steve Miller, the director of the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity (ACCCE), for sworn testimony he gave Thursday. Miller said the coal lobby group had never opposed House climate legislation, whereas evidence exists that it had.

"The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will announce the largest fine in its history on Friday, $87 million in penalties against the oil giant BP for failing to correct safety problems identified after a 2005 explosion that killed 15 workers at its Texas City, Tex. refinery, federal officials said Thursday."