TOP STORY

Swine Flu: A Predictable Pandemic

The swine flu virus that is currently spreading across the globe has been known about for over a decade, and is tied to industrial pork-raising operations in the United States. "This type of virus emerged in the US in 1998 and has since become endemic on hog farms across North America. Equipped with a suite of pig, bird and human genes, it was also evolving rapidly." [New Scientist]

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Most Americans Live in Highly Polluted Areas

According to a study released yesterday by the American Lung Association, "sixty percent of Americans live in areas with unhealthy air pollution levels."  Based on the most current air quality data reported to the E.P.A., the study found "that air pollution hovers at unhealthy levels in almost every major city and that 186.1 million people live in those areas."  [The Associated Press]

Big Bucks For Renewable Energy Research

Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced yesterday $193 million for renewable energy and efficiency projets.  "The primary U.S. lab for renewable energy will receive $110 million in federal stimulus funds and another $83 million will go toward wind energy and other alternative power and efficiency projects"  [The Associated Press-Huffington Post]

Bush Rule Easing Endangered Species Protection Revoked

Overturning a Bush administration "11th hour" rule change, "officials at the Interior and Commerce departments...have reimposed the consultation requirement that assured the government's top biologists involved in species protection will have a say in federal action that could harm plants, animals and fish that are at risk of extinction."  [Washington Post]

ON THE BLOGS

• Green Jobs for America’s Youth - 100 Days of Progress [It's Getting Hot In Here]
• Why Vets Are Backing Clean Energy [Huffington Post]