TOP STORY

'Clunkers' Program Is Running Out of Cash

"The government's "cash for clunkers" program, aimed at boosting stagnant auto sales, is almost out of money, putting its future in question, according to sources familiar with the effort.  Passed by Congress in late June to help the flagging U.S. auto industry and launched just a week ago, the $1 billion program gives vouchers worth up to $4,500 to consumers who trade in gas-guzzling cars for more fuel-efficient models. The highly publicized effort was scheduled to run until Nov. 1, or until money ran out. It was not expected to run out of cash so quickly. [Washington Post]

Related:

• Cash For Clunkers To Be Suspended [Associated Press - Huffington Post]

RECOMMENDED READING

Fish Stocks Recover as Conservation Measures Take Effect

"Global efforts to combat overfishing are starting to turn the tide to allow some fish stocks to recover, new analysis shows. Research from an international team of scientists shows that a handful of major fisheries across the world have managed to reduce the rate at which fish are exploited. The experts say their study offers hope that overfishing can be brought under control, but they warn that fishermen in Ireland and the North Sea are still catching too many fish to allow stocks to recover. Some 63% of assessed fish stocks worldwide still require rebuilding." [The Guardian]

Related Audio:

• Imperiled Fisheries Make A Comeback, Study Shows  [All Things Considered - NPR]

U.S. Court Approves Gulf of Mexico Oil Drilling Plan

"In a big win for oil companies, a federal appeals court said it will allow the U.S. Interior Department to move forward with oil and natural gas leasing plans for the Gulf of Mexico that were drawn up by the Bush administration...In a ruling on Tuesday, the U.S. District Court in Washington said leasing plans for the Gulf could continue, as could drilling off Alaska, but the department would have to conduct a review of the environmental risks before approving significant energy development activities."  [Reuters]

Scientists Untangle Multiple Causes of Bee Colony Disorder

"A microscopic pathogen and pesticides embedded in old honeycombs are two major contributors to the bee disease known as colony collapse disorder, which has wiped out thousands of beehives throughout the United States and Europe over the past three years, new research at Washington State University has confirmed...'One of the first things we looked at was the pesticide levels in the wax of older honeycombs,' Sheppard said. Using combs contributed by U.S. Department of Agriculture, Sheppard found 'fairly high levels of pesticide residue.'" [Environment News Service]