·:[ Environmental News Bits ]:·
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Read the full story in Metal Finishing.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing that control techniques guidelines could be just as effective as national regulations in reducing emissions of VOCs in ozone national ambient air quality standard non-attainment areas from the following five product categories: miscellaneous metal products coatings; plastic parts coatings; auto and light-duty truck assembly coatings; fiberglass boat manufacturing materials; and miscellaneous industrial adhesives.

Read the press release.

Be Green Packaging, LLC (Be Green) is pleased to announce that their line of bulrush packaging has been awarded and certified “Silver” Cradle to Cradle by MBDC (McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry, LLC). MBDC is a leading environmental consulting firm focused on helping companies implement new approaches to sustainability and prosperity. Be Green Packaging’s certification comes after a ten-month study of its bulrush fiber and sustainable design. Be Green’s bulrush packaging has successfully met the certification criteria for: Materials, Material Reutilization/Design for Environment, Energy, Water and Social Responsibility.

The latest issue of Renewable Energy Weekly is now available. Highlights include:

• Solar and Semiconductor Industries Come Together In San Francisco
• Next Generation Dye Sensitive & Organic PV, Part 1
• Inside Renewable Energy podcast: Web 2.0: Connecting the Renewable Energy Community
• Heat is Power. Let’s Stop Throwing it Away!
• Will Offshore Drilling Help?
• Success in solar manufacturing: Challenges and opportunities

Read the full story in the San Francisco Chronicle.

Environmental groups Wednesday called on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to enforce a law that would control the thousands of pounds of toxic mercury discharged into the atmosphere every year by cement kilns in the United States.

Read the full story in the Washington Post.

The Environmental Protection Agency announced yesterday that it will no longer allow residue of the toxic pesticide carbofuran on domestic or imported food, a decision that would effectively remove the chemical from the U.S. market.

Via Librarians’ Internet Index.

Site for a “project funded by the City of San Francisco to support the transition of backyard, front yard, window boxes, rooftops, and unused land into organic food production areas. The SF Victory Garden program builds on the successful Victory Garden programs of WWI and WWII but redefines ‘Victory’ in the pressing context of urban sustainability.” Features information about the garden planted in front of San Francisco City Hall in 2008 and a FAQ.

Read the full story in the New York Times.

After years of false starts, a new industry selling motor fuel made from waste is getting a big push in the U.S., with the first commercial sales possible within months.