Public

"As natural gas production in the United States hits an all-time high, a major unanswered question looms: What does growing hydraulic fracturing mean for climate change?"

Funds for the Centers for Disease Control to use in preventing lead poisoning have been cut by Congressional deficit hawks for fiscal 2012. That will mean serious and permanent harm to kids' health in some 35 of the states who get CDC grants under the program. Health advocates are trying to get the funds restored for fiscal 2013.

"Three states -- California, New York and Washington -- want to know how insurance companies are planning for weather extremes that come with climate change."

"As bacteria evolve to evade antibiotics, common infections could become deadly, according to Dr. Margaret Chan, director general of the World Health Organization. Speaking at a conference in Copenhagen, Chan said antibiotic resistance could bring about 'the end of modern medicine as we know it.'"

"Customers Of San Diego Gas & Electric Co. and Southern California Edison May Be Able To Get Rid of Their Computerized "Smart" Meters as Soon as May, After a Utility Regulator Released a Proposed Decision on the Program Thursday."

"Global warming is apparently behind an increase in storms delivering torrential rains resulting in contamination of drinking water -- so much so that there has been an increase in diseases caused by waterborne pathogens, according to a new report."

"The first 11 Dimock Township [Pa.] water supplies tested by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency did not reveal levels of contamination that could present a health concern, but the samples indicated the presence of arsenic and other compounds that will require further tests at some homes, the agency said Thursday."

Laura Legere reports for the Wilkes Barre Citizens Voice March 16, 2012.

"The states of Oregon and Washington can kill sea lions that have feasted on endangered Columbia River salmon, under an authorization given on Thursday by the federal government.

The decision by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) marked the latest reversal in the federal government's position on sanctioned killing of California sea lions. It upset animal rights advocates, who argue the creatures are unfairly blamed for low fish stocks.

"Industry and public health groups are gearing up for a fight over the regulation of cosmetics, as the House begins consideration of sweeping Food and Drug Administration legislation."

"A group of 100 environmental organizations has petitioned the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate lead in ammunition as a toxic substance."