Environmental Issues: Environmental Law & Policy
Learn about key national and international environmenal policies that affect the earth, and the pros and cons of environmental laws in the U.S. and other countries. Find out what you can do to make your voice heard.
Does Congestion Pricing Reduce Traffic and Pollution?
International cities use congestion pricing - higher tolls for drivers during peak traffic times - to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. Will NYC be next for congestion pricing?
International cities use congestion pricing - higher tolls for drivers during peak traffic times - to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. Will NYC be next for congestion pricing?
Bush on Global Warming: Decider or Dissembler?
When President Bush unveiled his new strategy to stop the growth of greenhouse gase emissions and slow global warming, it sounded like the same old bait-and-switch. When it comes to global warming and other environmental issues, is Bush "the decider," as he once famously declared, or the dissembler?
When President Bush unveiled his new strategy to stop the growth of greenhouse gase emissions and slow global warming, it sounded like the same old bait-and-switch. When it comes to global warming and other environmental issues, is Bush "the decider," as he once famously declared, or the dissembler?
McCain Scores ZERO on Environment; Clinton and Obama Do Better
U.S. Sen. John McCain, frontrunner for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination, received a zero score from the League of Conservation Voters for his congressional voting record on environmental issues in 2007. McCain earned his zero score by missing every important vote on environmental issues.
U.S. Sen. John McCain, frontrunner for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination, received a zero score from the League of Conservation Voters for his congressional voting record on environmental issues in 2007. McCain earned his zero score by missing every important vote on environmental issues.
Tax Incentives for Green Living
Looking for tax incentives? Learn how to take advantage of green living tax incentives for individuals and businesses in the U.S. and Canada
Looking for tax incentives? Learn how to take advantage of green living tax incentives for individuals and businesses in the U.S. and Canada
Federal Employees Accuse Bush of Climate Science Censorship
Now federal employees are going on record to accuse George W. Bush of climate science censorship. Learn what these employees say about Bush and climate science censorship.
Now federal employees are going on record to accuse George W. Bush of climate science censorship. Learn what these employees say about Bush and climate science censorship.
U.S. Supreme Court Rules EPA Can Regulate Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions
In what may prove to be an historic turning point in the fight to reduce global warming, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a decision in a landmark environmental case that is being hailed as a victory for the environment and a setback for the Bush administration. In a 5-4 decision, the court ruled that carbon dioxide is a pollutant under the Clean Air Act and that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has the authority to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from automobiles and other vehicles.
In what may prove to be an historic turning point in the fight to reduce global warming, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a decision in a landmark environmental case that is being hailed as a victory for the environment and a setback for the Bush administration. In a 5-4 decision, the court ruled that carbon dioxide is a pollutant under the Clean Air Act and that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has the authority to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from automobiles and other vehicles.
Teach Your Children Well: Does U.S. Environmental Education Make the Grade?
Is America doing enough to educate its children about the environment? Congress declared environmental education a national priority in 1990, but since then has failed to provide sufficient funding for the environmental education programs it created. The task of environmental education has fallen to local schools, individual teachers, and non-governmental organizations.
Is America doing enough to educate its children about the environment? Congress declared environmental education a national priority in 1990, but since then has failed to provide sufficient funding for the environmental education programs it created. The task of environmental education has fallen to local schools, individual teachers, and non-governmental organizations.
U.S. House Votes to End Subsidies and Tax Breaks for Oil Companies
The U.S. House of Representatives yesterday voted to end more than $14 billion in subsidies and tax breaks for oil and gas companies and to reinvest that money in renewable energy, alternative fuels and conservation technologies and incentives. This new bill is the first major pro-environment legislation passed by Congress since the Democrats took control.
The U.S. House of Representatives yesterday voted to end more than $14 billion in subsidies and tax breaks for oil and gas companies and to reinvest that money in renewable energy, alternative fuels and conservation technologies and incentives. This new bill is the first major pro-environment legislation passed by Congress since the Democrats took control.
Congressional Interest in Global Warming Heats Up as 2007 Begins
One early sign of change in the new Democrat-controlled Congress is heightened congressional interest and action on global warming. Lawmakers have announced House and Senate hearings on the issue, and have introduced legislation that would set mandatory caps on greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.
One early sign of change in the new Democrat-controlled Congress is heightened congressional interest and action on global warming. Lawmakers have announced House and Senate hearings on the issue, and have introduced legislation that would set mandatory caps on greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.
U.S. Supreme Court Hears Oral Arguments in Global Warming Case
On Wednesday, November 29, 2006, the U.S. Supreme Court began hearing oral arguments in a landmark environmental case that will determine whether the EPA has the authority and the responsibility to regulate greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming.
On Wednesday, November 29, 2006, the U.S. Supreme Court began hearing oral arguments in a landmark environmental case that will determine whether the EPA has the authority and the responsibility to regulate greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming.
Election 2006: Top 10 Potential Environmental Benefits of the 2006 Election
How will the results of the 2006 election, and the change of political leadership, affect the environment? This issue-by-issue analysis explores some of the potential benefits.
How will the results of the 2006 election, and the change of political leadership, affect the environment? This issue-by-issue analysis explores some of the potential benefits.
Why are Wetlands Important, and How are Wetlands Protected in the U.S. & Canada?
Wetlands play a critical role in our ecosystem, and wetlands in North America are threatened by development and pollution. Learn why wetlands are so important, and what governments and groups are doing to protect wetlands.
Wetlands play a critical role in our ecosystem, and wetlands in North America are threatened by development and pollution. Learn why wetlands are so important, and what governments and groups are doing to protect wetlands.
Poll: Americans Bash Bush on Environment
A majority of Americans disapprove of how President Bush is handling the environment, according to a Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg poll.
A majority of Americans disapprove of how President Bush is handling the environment, according to a Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg poll.
EPA Plan to Allow More Air Pollution Draws Friendly Fire
Learn about a proposal by the Environmental Protection Agency to weaken air emission standards and reporting requirements for industrial operations that spew tons of toxins into the atmosphere each year. The agency’s regional administrators are angry, saying they were never consulted about the proposed change and predict that the new rule would be "detrimental to the environment."
Learn about a proposal by the Environmental Protection Agency to weaken air emission standards and reporting requirements for industrial operations that spew tons of toxins into the atmosphere each year. The agency’s regional administrators are angry, saying they were never consulted about the proposed change and predict that the new rule would be "detrimental to the environment."
Six Ex-EPA Chiefs Urge Bush to Curb Global Warming
Six former heads of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, five of them Republicans, have called on the Bush Administration to stop talking about the weather and start doing something about it, by setting mandatory limits on greenhouse gas emissions that lead to widespread climate change and global warming.
Six former heads of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, five of them Republicans, have called on the Bush Administration to stop talking about the weather and start doing something about it, by setting mandatory limits on greenhouse gas emissions that lead to widespread climate change and global warming.
Bolivian President Seizes Oil and Natural Gas Fields
Bolivian President Evo Morales has placed his country's oil and natural gas production under state control. Learn why this raises concerns about the potential long-term effects on the energy and economic interests of other nations.
Bolivian President Evo Morales has placed his country's oil and natural gas production under state control. Learn why this raises concerns about the potential long-term effects on the energy and economic interests of other nations.
Energy and Environment Top Issues for World Economic Leaders
Energy and the environment head the list of concerns for the world’s leading economic policymakers at the spring session of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Learn how energy and the environment -- especially in developing countries -- have become hot topics for economic and financial leaders.
Energy and the environment head the list of concerns for the world’s leading economic policymakers at the spring session of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Learn how energy and the environment -- especially in developing countries -- have become hot topics for economic and financial leaders.
Federal Court Rules in Favor of Clean Air
A federal appeals court on Friday ruled in favor of a coalition of states and environmental groups that challenged a Bush administration regulation designed to permit factories, refineries and power plants nationwide to avoid installing new pollution controls to help offset increased emissions from equipment repairs and replacements. Learn how this is a legal victory for the Clean Air Act.
A federal appeals court on Friday ruled in favor of a coalition of states and environmental groups that challenged a Bush administration regulation designed to permit factories, refineries and power plants nationwide to avoid installing new pollution controls to help offset increased emissions from equipment repairs and replacements. Learn how this is a legal victory for the Clean Air Act.
EPA Promises More Accurate Gas Mileage Estimates
Learn how the Environmental Protection Agency plans to scrap the outdated testing procedures it uses to determine what kind of gas mileage automobile owners can expect, and to replace them with a new system that will factor in changes in automotive technology and how motorists actually drive.
Learn how the Environmental Protection Agency plans to scrap the outdated testing procedures it uses to determine what kind of gas mileage automobile owners can expect, and to replace them with a new system that will factor in changes in automotive technology and how motorists actually drive.
Food Safety Bill Passes; Lawmakers Have Ties to Food Industry
The U.S. House of Representatives approved a controversial bill -- backed by the food industry and supported by key lawmakers whose family or close friends are food-industry lobbyists -- which would wipe out more than 200 state laws mandating local inspections and safety labels to warn consumers about everything from mercury in fish to pesticides in vegetables.
The U.S. House of Representatives approved a controversial bill -- backed by the food industry and supported by key lawmakers whose family or close friends are food-industry lobbyists -- which would wipe out more than 200 state laws mandating local inspections and safety labels to warn consumers about everything from mercury in fish to pesticides in vegetables.
Senate Republicans Tie ANWR Oil Drilling to Budget Bill
By mid-May, the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will approve legislation to open Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling, according to Committee Chairman Sen. Pete Domenici (R-NM). Learn about the political machinations that allowed this controversial approval to happen.
By mid-May, the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will approve legislation to open Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling, according to Committee Chairman Sen. Pete Domenici (R-NM). Learn about the political machinations that allowed this controversial approval to happen.
Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Landmark Case on Global Warming
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal aimed at forcing the Bush administration and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to take action against global warming by regulating carbon dioxide emissions.
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal aimed at forcing the Bush administration and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to take action against global warming by regulating carbon dioxide emissions.
Senate Votes to Prevent Oil Drilling in ANWR
learn about the successful floor battle that blocked a provision to allow oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), led by U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, a freshman Democrat from Washington state.
learn about the successful floor battle that blocked a provision to allow oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), led by U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, a freshman Democrat from Washington state.
U.S. Interior Secretary Gale Norton Resigns
U.S. Interior Secretary Gale Norton today announced her resignation, ending a controversial five-year term in which she expanded drilling, logging and development on public lands in the Western United States and fought to open Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil exploration. Learn more about Norton's effect on the environment.
U.S. Interior Secretary Gale Norton today announced her resignation, ending a controversial five-year term in which she expanded drilling, logging and development on public lands in the Western United States and fought to open Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil exploration. Learn more about Norton's effect on the environment.
Steiner Elected to Lead United Nations Environment Programme
The United Nations General Assembly unanimously elected Achim Steiner of Germany as the new executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for a four-year term, effective June 15, 2006. Learn about Steiner's background and qualifications.
The United Nations General Assembly unanimously elected Achim Steiner of Germany as the new executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for a four-year term, effective June 15, 2006. Learn about Steiner's background and qualifications.
Environmental Satellites - Budget Cuts and Mismanagement Place Environmental Satellites at Risk
Budget cuts and cost overruns are threatening the current integrity and future existence of a network of U.S. environmental satellites that help scientists forecast hurricanes, droughts and floods, and predict global warming.
Budget cuts and cost overruns are threatening the current integrity and future existence of a network of U.S. environmental satellites that help scientists forecast hurricanes, droughts and floods, and predict global warming.
U.S., Australia Offer Weak Commitment to Environment
At the Asia-Pacific climate summit, the U.S. and Australia (two of the world's largest polluters) pledged some funds for lowering greenhouse gas emissions, recommending that the job be left to industry. Environmentalists criticized the funds as absurdly inadequate, and labeled the summit a stunt to divert attention from the U.S. and Australia refusals to support the Kyoto Protocol.
At the Asia-Pacific climate summit, the U.S. and Australia (two of the world's largest polluters) pledged some funds for lowering greenhouse gas emissions, recommending that the job be left to industry. Environmentalists criticized the funds as absurdly inadequate, and labeled the summit a stunt to divert attention from the U.S. and Australia refusals to support the Kyoto Protocol.
Americans Would Support Higher Gas Tax to Reduce Global Warming
Americans are generally opposed to raising the federal tax on gasoline, but a majority would support a gasoline tax increase if they knew the money would be used to reduce global warming or to lessen United States dependence on foreign oil, according to a New York Times/CBS News poll.
Americans are generally opposed to raising the federal tax on gasoline, but a majority would support a gasoline tax increase if they knew the money would be used to reduce global warming or to lessen United States dependence on foreign oil, according to a New York Times/CBS News poll.
Performance Anxiety - EPA Rewards Polluters with Less Oversight
A U.S. EPA program that's supposed to give recognition and flexibility to companies that are good environmental citizens may in fact be giving a free pass to some firms that are heavy polluters and even lawbreakers, according to a coalition of environmentalists.
A U.S. EPA program that's supposed to give recognition and flexibility to companies that are good environmental citizens may in fact be giving a free pass to some firms that are heavy polluters and even lawbreakers, according to a coalition of environmentalists.
AP Poll: Americans Critical of Bush, Favor Democrats for Congress
Sixty-two percent of Americans disapprove of the way President Bush is handling the environment and other domestic issues, and 49 percent favor giving Democrats control of Congress in the next election, according to an AP-Ipsos poll conducted January 3-5, 2006. How will this affect the next election?
Sixty-two percent of Americans disapprove of the way President Bush is handling the environment and other domestic issues, and 49 percent favor giving Democrats control of Congress in the next election, according to an AP-Ipsos poll conducted January 3-5, 2006. How will this affect the next election?
Judge Tells Forest Service to Stop Playing Games
A federal judge has ruled that the U.S. Forest Service went overboard when it suspended more than a hundred small projects.The Forest Service response had been criticized by environmental groups as a "game playing" strategy to help the agency gain political support for limiting public involvement.
A federal judge has ruled that the U.S. Forest Service went overboard when it suspended more than a hundred small projects.The Forest Service response had been criticized by environmental groups as a "game playing" strategy to help the agency gain political support for limiting public involvement.
Environment Places High in Personal Values, but Low in Political Priorities for U.S. Voters
According to a survey commissioned by the Nicholas Institute at Duke University, most U.S. voters support stronger pro-environmental policies, but on election day far fewer voters allow those beliefs to influence their choice of candidates. This article includes the research results and some of the reasons behind those findings.
According to a survey commissioned by the Nicholas Institute at Duke University, most U.S. voters support stronger pro-environmental policies, but on election day far fewer voters allow those beliefs to influence their choice of candidates. This article includes the research results and some of the reasons behind those findings.
Rewriting the Rules
This thoughtful review of the Bush Administration's first-term environmental record by the National Resources Defense Council uses government data to trace the growing effects of government policies with serious environmental consequences.
This thoughtful review of the Bush Administration's first-term environmental record by the National Resources Defense Council uses government data to trace the growing effects of government policies with serious environmental consequences.
Chronology of the Roadless Area Conservation Policy
Published by The Wilderness Society, this chronology provides a brief history of the Bush Administration's efforts to reverse the federal rule banning logging and mineral exploration in roadless areas on national land, and the counter efforts of environmentalists and many elected officials to keep the rule in force.
Published by The Wilderness Society, this chronology provides a brief history of the Bush Administration's efforts to reverse the federal rule banning logging and mineral exploration in roadless areas on national land, and the counter efforts of environmentalists and many elected officials to keep the rule in force.
U.S. Bureau of Oceans
The Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, part of the U.S. State Department, coordinates a wide range of issues related to science, the environment and the world's oceans, from sustainable development to global climate change.
The Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, part of the U.S. State Department, coordinates a wide range of issues related to science, the environment and the world's oceans, from sustainable development to global climate change.
World Environmental Law
This international directory of online resources includes links to governments, organizations and measures related to environmental laws and policies worldwide.
This international directory of online resources includes links to governments, organizations and measures related to environmental laws and policies worldwide.
International Environmental Law and Policy
A comprehensive resource on international environmental law and policy from American University School of Law.
A comprehensive resource on international environmental law and policy from American University School of Law.