EPA

Vacancies Leave Obama's Environmental Agenda Unclear

With yesterday's announcement that Interior Secretary Ken Salazar will soon step down, the three top environmental posts in the federal government are waiting to be filled. The vacancies are further muddling the administration's second term agenda.

January 17, 2013 - The Washington Post

And the Next EPA Administrator Will Be....

Several potential replacements for Lisa Jackson are said to be under consideration. One thing that person can count on is a very thorough, if not grueling, confirmation process. Unless the Senate changes the filibuster rules, 60 votes will be needed.

January 1, 2013 - The Hill's Energy & Environment Blog

Lisa Jackson Leaves Behind Mixed Legacy at EPA

This week Lisa Jackson made public her decision to step down as administrator of the EPA. Despite many hard-fought victories, Jackson's tenure is also associated with a lack of significant action to address climate change.

December 28, 2012 - The New York Times

Infill Development Picks Up Speed Across the U.S.

A report released this week by the U.S. EPA finds that 71 percent of the country's large metro regions saw an increase in the development of infill housing over the latter half of the last decade. Greenfield development still dominates, however.

December 21, 2012 - EPA

Under Pressure, EPA Tightens Soot Standard

In what could be viewed as a classic environmentalist vs. business showdown, the EPA tightened by 20% the annual standard for soot over the objection of industry and some in Congress who fear it will dampen economic growth.

December 17, 2012 - The Hill's Energy & Environment Blog

D.C. Debates How to Clean its Storm Water

The D.C. Water and Sewer Authority wants to revise a settlement reached eight years ago with environmental groups that would have seen the agency build three huge tunnels to manage storm water runoff. The Authority would like to build green systems.

December 4, 2012 - The Washington Post

EPA Smart Growth Award Winners Announced

Kaid Benfield shares the seven winners of this year's National Awards for Smart Growth Achievement, who were recognized by the EPA for protecting "the health and the environment of our communities while also strengthening local economies."

November 29, 2012 - NRDC Switchboard

How Swiftly Could Romney Gut Federal Environmental Protections?

John M. Broder looks at the obstacles that stand in the way of Mitt Romney's campaign pledge to “take a weed whacker” to a variety of federal pollution and public health rules.

October 9, 2012 - The New York Times

Should the Army Decide What Projects are Right for Your Neighborhood?

In an opinion piece for Bloomberg View, Edward Glaeser argues that the Army Corps of Engineers' influence on development in local communities is too far-reaching.

August 28, 2012 - Bloomberg

EPA to Announce Strict New Fuel-Efficiency Standards

By requiring the U.S. auto fleet to average 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025, the standards announced today by the Obama administration will significantly cut U.S. oil consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, reports Juliet Eilperin.

August 28, 2012 - The Washington Post

Court of Appeals Deals Second Blow to EPA on Clean Air Regs

For the second time, a court has thrown out EPA efforts to address pollution from power plants in 'clean-air' states that cause pollution downwind. This time, the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule was the victim.

August 25, 2012 - The New York Times - Environment

Is the Cleaning of Superfund Sites Causing More Harm than Good?

Three decades after it was established, the EPA's Superfund program is taking on some of the most complex and costly projects ever attempted. With many focused underwater, some worry the stirring up of polluted sediment will exacerbate the problem.

August 15, 2012 - The New York Times

New Jersey Charts its Future Growth, Angering Environmentalists

In producing updated sewer service maps, New Jersey's 21 counties have partnered to sketch out statewide development well into the future. Critics complain that the plans favor developers over the environment, reports Jill P. Capuzzo.

August 6, 2012 - The New York Times

Oil Spill in Michigan Still Affecting Town Two Years Later

Matt Pearce reports on the town of Marshall's road to recovery after a 2010 oil spill damaged the area's human and natural ecosystems, and describes how these long-term impacts should serve as a warning to other communities.

August 2, 2012 - The Los Angeles Times

Smart Growth Funding Under Attack

A new bill proposing major cuts to the EPA could rob cities across the country of a specialized set of programs created to boost economic well-being.

July 10, 2012 - Next American City

Federal Court Decision Dooms Most New Coal Power Plants

A unanimous decision by a 3-judge panel affirmed a central 2009 finding of the EPA that greenhouses gases pose a threat to public health, clearing the way for applying regulations controlling their emissions to stationary sources and vehicles.

June 28, 2012 - Reuters

Coal in the Doldrums: Is the EPA to Blame?

In a wide ranging interview with Grist reporters Chip Giller and Scott Rosenberg on her tenure at the helm of the EPA, Lisa Jackson discusses the administration’s position on coal. It’s been accused of waging a war on it by coal supporters.

June 13, 2012 - Grist

Showdown In Coal Country

The battleground is the Big Sandy coal power plant in eastern Kentucky. The owner, American Electric Power, under pressure from coal proponents, agreed to do a $1 billion retrofit rather than switching to natural gas. Victory was short-lived.

May 31, 2012 - The New York Times - Energy & Environment

Is the Obama Administration Playing Politics With Environmental Rules?

As the campaign season nears, many of the sweeping environmental regulations that the Obama administration made headlines for enacting are being held up over concerns about their effect on the President's election campaign, Juliet Eilperin reports.

February 14, 2012 - The Washington Post

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