"Study Investigates Chesapeake Bay Storm-Surge Wall"
"The scientists want to be very clear: They are not saying we should build a storm-surge barrier across the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay."
Source: Norfolk Virginian-Pilot, 07/18/2014
Technology
National Bridge Inventory Rife with Environmental, Safety Stories
The National Bridge Inventory is a data tool that environmental and energy reporters can use to make their beat relevant to a wider audience. Compiled by the Federal Highway Administration, it can provide leads on stories like the use of federal highway funds, poor bridge maintenance, and even the pollution of water bodies with lead paint.
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"Google Searches for Natural Gas Leaks, Finds a Lot of Them"
"Google is teaming up with an environmental group map methane leaks from natural gas pipelines in US cities. Methane contributes to global warming, and Google hopes its new maps will encourage utilities to patch and replace old pipelines."
Source: Christian Science Monitor, 07/17/2014
"Musk Opens Tesla Technology to the World"
"PALO ALTO, Calif. -- Tesla CEO Elon Musk has taken down the patents posted at the California headquarters of his luxury electric car company. Instead the innovative CEO wants to allow other electric vehicle manufacturers to use his technology to advance sustainable mobility worldwide."
Source: ENS, 06/16/2014
"UglyGorilla Hack of U.S. Utility Exposes Cyberwar Threat"
"Somewhere in China, a man typed his user name, 'ghost,' and password, 'hijack,' and proceeded to rifle the computers of a utility in the Northeastern U.S."
Source: Bloomberg, 06/13/2014
Ashtracker Database Helps Journos Dig Up Stories on Coal Ash Problems
Local reporters can find information about coal-ash situations in their own areas using a newly improved database compiled by the Environmental Integrity Project which goes well beyond anything previously available because it includes large amounts of painstaking research by EIP. The site is important for its focus on contamination of groundwater that people may drink by the toxic heavy metals in coal combustion wastes.
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"Illinois Bans Plastic Microbeads in Personal-Care Products"
"Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation Sunday banning the manufacture and sale of personal care products containing plastic microbeads."
Source: Chicago Tribune, 06/10/2014
Toolbox: A Swiss Army Knife for Environmental Data Journalists
The U.S. EPA has put online a "Data Finder" tool that simplifies finding and accessing data that may help you report your particular story. Find datasets by searching in many dimensions: media (air, water), health risks, pollutants, and others. It has an easy browse feature, and links to even more datasets than does EPA's mainstream Envirofacts portal.
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