Government & Policy
Government & Policy Archives » 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999
December 24, 2007
A Giant Among Chemists
Nobel Laureate F. Sherwood Rowland discusses his almost six-decade-long career as researcher and public policy advocate.
Congress Lurches Ahead
Some science and technology legislation passed in 2007, but funding bills are still wanting.
Government & Policy Concentrates
- Energy Bill Signed Into Law — Last week, the House passed and President George W. Bush signed energy legislation raising vehicle fuel efficiency standards to 35 mpg by 2020. Read more
- Nuclear Weapons Staff To Be Cut — Saying the U.S. nuclear weapons complex is too big and costly, National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Administrator Thomas D'Agostino announced last week that over the next decade, the complex's size will be reduced by 30%. Read more
- Assessing Nanotech Exposure — The National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health is seeking input on its interim guidance for the medical screening of workers exposed to engineered nanoparticles. Read more
- Industry Priorities Are Gas, Rail Rates — ncreasing access to domestic supplies of natural gas and holding down the growing cost of freight railroad transportation are among the legislative priorities that chemical industry lobbyists will be working on in 2008. Read more
- Safety Board Probes Florida Explosion — Four workers were killed and 14 were injured in a fire and explosion at T2 Labs in Jacksonville, Fla., on Dec. 19. Read more
December 17, 2007
Group Science
After more than two decades, NSF's Chemistry Division adds a research center to its portfolio.
Government & Policy Concentrates
- Congress Passes Bill On Meth Lab Cleanup — Congress last week sent legislation on detecting and cleaning up illicit methamphetamine laboratories to President George W. Bush for his signature. Read more
- DOE Biofuels R&D Hits $1 billion For 2007 — With the recent announcement of $7.7 million for four biofuels research projects, the Department of Energy says it has allocated more than $1 billion in 2007 for multiyear biofuels R&D projects. Read more
- Congress Urged To Void TRI Changes — Congress should consider legislation to reverse EPA's recent changes to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). Read more
- NASA's Education Program Critiqued — NASA's elementary and secondary science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education program is not realizing its potential as an educational resource, according to a report from the National Research Council. Read more
- Nuclear Regulatory Oversight Challenged — Although the U.S. has strong regulations regarding nuclear power plant safety, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is failing to enforce them, charges the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). Read more
December 10, 2007
Cleaning Up The House
History, tradition, and politics meet energy efficiency under the Capitol dome.
Government & Policy Concentrates
- Business Groups Say Large CO2 Cuts Are Manageable — From one-third to one-half of projected U.S. greenhouse gas emissions could be eliminated with relatively small cost to the economy through prompt national action and heavy reliance on efficiency. Read more
- Report Encourages International S&E Partnerships — The National Science Board (NSB) completed its report on U.S. participation in international science and engineering (S&E) partnerships last week. Read more
- Chemicals Advisory Panel Dismantled — EPA has quietly terminated a committee that provided advice about chemical regulatory policy. Read more
- EPA Begins Review Of Standard For Lead In Air — Last week, EPA began a formal process to review the 1978 federal air quality standard for lead. Read more
- Study Says No Mileage Loss From Ethanol — Despite containing two-thirds of gasoline's energy content in Btu per gallon, ethanol does not lower vehicle miles per gallon when added to gasoline in blends of 20–30% ethanol. Read more
December 3, 2007
The End Of The Light Bulb
Global warming, ever-expanding energy demand pave way for new lighting technologies.
Government & Policy Concentrates
- Railroads Delay Tank Car Standards — The railroad industry has agreed to delay implementation of new design specifications for tank cars carrying chlorine and anhydrous ammonia until April 1, 2008. Read more
- More Data Sought For Boston Biolab — The construction of a controversial biocontainment laboratory in Boston faces more problems as the latest environmental impact statement for the project has been called "not sound and credible" in a report by the National Research Council. Read more
- Baldrige Awards Announced — Five organizations are being recognized by the Commerce Department with Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Awards for excellence in organizational performance. Read more
- Weapons Labs Hit In Worker Safety Report — Persistent safety problems stemming from long-standing management weaknesses were uncovered at the Department of Energy's three nuclear weapons laboratories in a Government Accountability Office report released last week. Read more
- Court Asked To NIx Right-To-Know Changes — A dozen states last week filed suit against EPA's December 2006 rule allowing companies to provide less right-to-know information about toxic releases. Read more
November 26, 2007
Risks From Foreign Drug Imports
Witnesses at House hearing express outrage over lack of FDA inspections.
Government & Policy Concentrates
- FDA Amends Disclosure Rules — FDA is proposing changes to several policies to improve its science advisory committee process. Read more
- Russia, U.S. Outline Plutonium Pact — Renewed support for a stalled agreement in which Russia and the U.S. each would dispose of 34 metric tons of plutonium after using it as reactor fuel was announced by top officials of the two countries last week. Read more
- NSF, NASA Test Inflatable Habitat — A prototype inflatable habitat is on its way to Antarctica for testing as a future home for scientists stationed at the South Pole and astronauts who visit the moon. Read more
- Cuts In Nutrients Called For Mississippi — States, the federal government, and farmers need to do more to reduce the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds entering the Mississippi River, concludes a draft report released last week. Read more
- Carbon Tax Best, Says Budget Office — A tax on carbon emissions, rather than a carbon-emissions trading system, would result in deeper CO2 reductions at lower cost, says a report by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. Read more
November 19, 2007
Congress Takes Aim At China
Multinationals fear retaliation as lawmakers step up pressure on Beijing's trade practices.
Government & Policy Concentrates
- House Passes Ban on Mercury Exports — The House of Representatives last week passed a bill that would ban U.S. exports of elemental mercury beginning in 2010. Read more
- Advanced Coal Plant Canceled — A state-of-the-art integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) electrical power plant was canceled last week in Florida due to uncertainty over future carbon-capture requirements in the state. Read more
- WTO Raises Concerns On EU Law — The European Union's new law regulating chemicals is getting plenty of attention at the World Trade Organization. Read more
- Cryogenic Material Database Released —A new database of cryogenic material properties is now available online from NIST. Read more
- Overseeing Nanotechnology — Federal oversight of the environmental, health, and safety (EHS) impacts of nanotechnology should be cognizant of the potential benefits and the uncertainties associated with this emerging technology. Read more
November 12, 2007
Superfund Slowdown
Lagging pace of cleanups blamed on technical challenges and lack of money.
Government & Policy Concentrates
- Tougher Standard For Lead In Air Recommended — To protect children better, EPA should tighten the national standard for lead in the air, agency staff members suggested in a document released earlier this month. Read more
- Cellulosic Ethanol Breaks New Ground — The first of six new government-supported commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol biorefineries broke ground last week at a green-field site in Soperton, Ga. Read more
- Lawsuit Seeks To Protect Salmon From Pesticides — Environmental activists and commercial fishermen are asking a federal court in Washington state to force the Bush Administration to restrict the application of agricultural pesticides near rivers and streams in the Pacific Northwest and California. Read more
- Groups Seek Overhaul Of Federal Chemical Law — A coalition of national and regional environmental groups last week called for reform of the federal chemical control law, the Toxic Substances Control Act. Read more
- Cat Litter Finds Use In Drug Abuse Prevention — Americans are now being advised by federal officials to mix their leftover unused medicines with used kitty litter, coffee grounds, or sawdust and put the mixture in a plastic bag in the trash. Read more
November 5, 2007
U.S. Actions On Greenhouse Gases
Profound changes in U.S. policies are likely in the next year or two.
Government & Policy Concentrates
- DOE Weapons Labs Face 20–30% Cut — The three national nuclear weapons laboratories and five other major weapons facilities could face major changes. Read more
- Law Would Mandate Public Access At NIH — A provision to beef up the public access policy for research supported by NIH is in the 2008 Departments of Labor, Health & Human Services, Education & Related Agencies Appropriations Act (H.R. 3043 and S. 1710), which both houses of Congress have now passed. Read more
- U.S. Court Blocks New Patent Rules — A federal court in Virginia has temporarily blocked the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office from enforcing new rules intended to streamline the patent application process. Read more
- Application Filed For Nuclear Plant — The Tennessee Valley Authority applied last week to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to build and operate two new nuclear reactors at its Bellefonte site in Alabama. Read more
- Panel Approves Ban on Mercury Exports — U.S. exports of elemental mercury would be banned starting in 2010 under legislation approved last week by the House Energy & Commerce Committee. Read more
October 29, 2007
Capturing Carbon And Saving Coal
Electric utilities face a tangle of choices when figuring how to pull CO2 from coal-fired plants.
Government & Policy Concentrates
- California Sues EPA Overgreenhouse Gas Emissions — California is poised to sue EPA in federal court this week over the state's plans to limit greenhouse gas emissions from new cars and trucks. Read more
- UN Briefed On Chemical Arms Treaty — The United Nation's so-called First Committee on disarmament and related international security matters met the week of Oct. 19 to hear about implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, among other issues. Read more
- Carcinogen List Likely To Grow By Two — A now-banned fungicide and a high-production-volume commercial chemical should be included in the 12th federal "Report on Carcinogens," a panel of experts advised the National Toxicology Program (NTP) earlier this month. Read more
- House Votes To Regulate Ammonium Nitrate — The U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation last week requiring the Department of Homeland Security to create a regulatory system to help keep ammonium nitrate fertilizer out of the hands of terrorists and others with criminal intent. Read more
- Global Panel Offers Energy Advice — A greater worldwide emphasis on energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, and development of technologies to capture and sequester CO2 are among the recommendations in the report of an international science panel. Read more
October 22, 2007
Chemical Arms Disposal In Russia
Construction of critical chemical weapons destruction facility at Shchuch'ye is back on track.
Where is NIEHS headed?
Changes at the health agency are sharply criticized at congressional hearing.
Government & Policy Concentrates
- Science and Security Commission Touted — The National Research Council has recommended that the U.S. establish a high-level science and security commission to resolve conflicts that arise at the interface of open research and tighter national security. Read more
- Two Programs to Fight Climate Change — The World Bank will begin two programs to help developing countries protect their forests and reduce CO2 emissions from other sources. Read more
- House Approves Railroad Safety Bill — The House approved legislation last week that would nearly double the number of federal rail safety inspectors and limit the number of hours train crews may work. Read more
- PFOA Probe Ends Without Charges — The Justice Department will not pursue criminal charges against DuPont in connection with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) used at the company's facility near Parkersburg, W.Va., DOJ confirmed last week. Read more
- More Help Urged for Mississippi River — EPA needs to more aggressively implement the Clean Water Act to clean up the Mississippi River and shrink the oxygen-deficient dead zone in the northern Gulf of Mexico, the National Research Council said in a report released last week. Read more
October 15, 2007
Setting Priorities For Nanotech
The state of environmental, health, and safety research of engineered nanoparticles gets a critical exam.
Web Exclusive
Challenges of risk-based nanotech research.
Surfactant Scrutiny
EPA considers requiring tests on nonylphenol ethoxylates for long-term effects on aquatic life.
Government & Policy Concentrates
- EPA Rule Raises Concerns Of Environmental Justice — Many facilities that now can provide less information about their chemical releases due to a recent EPA rule are located in minority and low-income communities, triggering environmental justice concerns, according to a Government Accountability Office official. Read more
- Ethanol Linked to Water Problems — Increased production of ethanol from corn kernels is likely to significantly degrade U.S. water quality and lower water supplies, says a new report by the National Research Council. Read more
- NIH Institute Gets a New Division — The National Institute of Biomedical Imaging & Bioengineering at NIH will now be responsible for the Division of Bioengineering & Physical Science, an intramural research program that was formerly part of the Office of Research Services. Read more
- CO2 Injection Plans Announced — Three projects that will each inject more than 1 million tons of CO2 into deep saline geologic formations were announced last week by the Department of Energy. Read more
- Asbestos Ban Passes in Senate — Manufacture and importation of asbestos products would be banned under a bill the Senate passed on Oct. 4. Read more
October 8, 2007
Tax Break For Biofuel Targeted
Credit for fuel from fat sparks fight on Capitol Hill.
Hindsights: A Close Look At War
Ken Burns film tells hard and brutal tales from World War II and raises a host of personal memories.
Government & Policy Concentrates
- Supreme Court Urged to Cut High Damages Award — The American Chemistry Council is urging the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a ruling by a federal court of appeals upholding $17.5 million in punitive damages against Continental Carbon Co. Read more
- Final ATP Awards — The Advanced Technology Program, a Commerce Department grant program administered by the National Institute of Standards & Technology, has created 56 new awards for industrial research. Read more
- White House Holds Climate-Change Conference — A White House conference on climate change, held on Sept. 27 and 28 with the world's major carbon-emitting nations, was supposed to show that President George W. Bush is serious about tackling climate issues, but other participants criticized his voluntary approach to the problem. Read more
- Global Action Needed for CO2 — A recent EPA analysis finds that none of three bills presently before Congress to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S. will make much difference without significant international action to cut the greenhouse gas. Read more
- EPA Approves HCFC-22 Replacements — Three chemical products received approval from EPA last week for use as replacements for hydrochlorofluorocarbon-22 in new and existing refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. Read more
October 1, 2007
Banding Together To Manage Chemicals
Precedent-setting North American partnership could have international influence.
Government & Policy Concentrates
- Congress Passes Pesticide Bill — The House of Representatives passed the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA) (S. 1983) of 2007 on Sept. 24 by unanimous consent. Read more
- Better Security Of Nuclear Material — Although international progress has been made in securing plutonium and weapons- grade uranium, the effort still falls short, according to "Securing the Bomb 2007,". Read more
- House Pushes 'Popcorn Lung' Bill — The House of Representatives is set to pass legislation, the Popcorn Workers Lung Disease Prevention Act (H.R. 2693). Read more
- Nuclear Detection Research Gets Funding — NSF and the Department of Homeland Security awarded 12 grants to support basic research in nuclear science and engineering. Read more
- Multiple Principal Investigator Rule Finalized — Federal agencies will now have to recognize multiple principal investigators if appropriate on all federally funded research projects, according to a new rule issued by the White House Office of Science & Technology Policy and the Office of Management & Budget. Read more
September 24, 2007
Driving CO2 Underground
Despite many unknowns, hopes abound that carbon sequestration can stanch global warming.
Food Import Woes Weigh on FDA
Requests by private labs to take on some of the agency's burden go unanswered.
Government & Policy Concentrates
- White House Drops Risk Assessment Plan — The White House last week abandoned its controversial attempt to set government-wide standards for risk assessments. Read more
- Bill to Give FDA Broad New Powers — On Sept. 19, the House passed legislation that would give FDA broad new powers to monitor prescription drugs and medical devices. Read more
- Humans Increase Moisture Content Of Atmosphere — An article published online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reports the first quantitative data showing that global warming is elevating the moisture content of the atmosphere (DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0702872104). Read more
- NIH Issues New Awards — NIH has selected 41 scientists to receive five-year grants totaling more than $105 million to pursue groundbreaking research. Read more
- New DOE Website Compiles Patents — A website housing a collection of more than 20,000 patents that were supported by Department of Energy funding was launched last week. Read more
September 17, 2007
Renewable Fuels Face Bumpy Road
Officials say policy changes are needed to support widespread use of ethanol fuel.
Government & Policy Concentrates
- Court Says States May Regulate Greenhouse Gases — States may regulate greenhouse gas emissions from new cars and trucks, a federal trial court ruled last week. Read more
- New Strategy For Food Import Safety — The federal task force appointed by President George W. Bush to review the procedures for keeping food imports safe issued its initial report this week. Read more
- NIH, NASA Partner on Health Research — A memorandum of understanding between NIH and NASA establishes a new partnership of these two agencies to study human health and disease using the International Space Station. Read more
- OECD Questions Biofuel Expansion — Strong fears that an international "rush to energy crops" to reduce CO2 emissions and petroleum consumption will result in global food shortages in the near future were voiced in a recent report prepared by a panel of the Organization for Economic Cooperation & Development. Read more
- U.S. Climate-change Program Assessed — The first assessment of the U.S. climate-change science program finds that the program has done well in improving the understanding of atmospheric warming and the influence of human activities but has not devoted enough resources to understanding the impact on political systems and the economy or on greenhouse gas mitigation. Read more
September 10, 2007
Fakes And Forgeries
Museum, FBI, and materials scientist reveal ploys used to produce fraudulent art.
Hindsights: An Unexplained Pause
NSF probes the recent unexpected flat spot in the number of scientific journal articles from U.S. institutions.
Government & Policy Concentrates
CDC Slaps Texas A&M Over Lab Safety —Earlier this summer, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention banned Texas A&M University from conducting all biodefense research because of the university's failure to report lab workers' exposure to dangerous biological agents dubbed "select agents." Read more
- Health Effects Of NO2 Reviewed — Nitrogen dioxide causes adverse respiratory effects in people at exposure levels below the current federal air quality limit for this pollutant, EPA concludes in a draft report. Read more
- Study Compares U.S., China Energy Futures — A cooperative study by the U.S. National Academies and the Chinese Academy of Sciences has issued its report on the challenges facing the two countries in meeting energy needs and reducing urban pollution problems. Read more
- California has Strong Case on CO2 — California has made "a strong case" for getting permission from EPA to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from new cars, the Congressional Research Service (CRS) has concluded. Read more
- NIH Announces New Research Consortia — NIH Director Elias A. Zerhouni announced the establishment of nine new interdisciplinary research consortia under the NIH Roadmap for Medical Research. Read more
September 3, 2007
Bisphenol A Vexations
Two government-convened panels reach nearly opposite conclusions on compound's health risks.
Government & Policy Concentrates
- Patent Reform Bill Hits Snag — The latest attempt by Congress to overhaul the U.S. patent system has run into a new hurdle, with organized labor expressing concern that the legislation could damage U.S. leadership in innovation and the nation's ability to create new jobs. Read more
- Renewable Energy Consumption Up 7% — U.S. renewable energy use increased by 7% last year, while overall U.S. energy consumption dropped 1%, mostly due to declining fossil fuel use. Read more
- Pollution Controls On Refineries Deemed Sufficient — No further controls are needed on emissions of hazardous air pollutants from refineries. Read more
- Flexibility Proposed For Air Permits — Industrial facilities could increase or change the composition of their emissions to some extent without obtaining new air pollution permits. Read more
August 27, 2007
Early Warning On Chemical Regulations
U.S. businesses struggle to figure out how to track and influence emerging policies on chemicals.
Government & Policy Concentrates
- EPA To Assess 9,000 Chemicals By 2012 — By 2012, EPA will review and take action as needed on more than 9,000 industrial chemicals produced in amounts greater than 25,000 lb per year to minimize risks to health and the environment. Read more
- FDA Cancels Plan To Close Labs — FDA has decided to scrap plans to close seven of its 13 field laboratories as part of a reorganization effort. Read more
- USDA Supports Biofuels Projects — USDA has awarded $97 million in guaranteed loans to help finance renewable energy projects in Georgia, Illinois, and North Carolina. Read more
- Dioxin Survey On Meat And Poultry — The Food Safety & Inspection Service (FSIS) of USDA will begin a survey next month to determine the levels of dioxins and dioxinlike compounds in U.S. meat and poultry products. Read more
- EPA Reports On Tetrahydrofuran — Toxicology data show "suggestive evidence of carcinogenic potential" from exposure to the widely used solvent tetrahydrofuran, according to a draft assessment released by EPA last week. Read more
September 10, 2007
Fakes And Forgeries
Museum, FBI, and materials scientist reveal ploys used to produce fraudulent art.
Hindsights: An Unexplained Pause
NSF probes the recent unexpected flat spot in the number of scientific journal articles from U.S. institutions.
Government & Policy Concentrates
CDC Slaps Texas A&M Over Lab Safety —Earlier this summer, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention banned Texas A&M University from conducting all biodefense research because of the university's failure to report lab workers' exposure to dangerous biological agents dubbed "select agents." Read more
- Health Effects Of NO2 Reviewed — Nitrogen dioxide causes adverse respiratory effects in people at exposure levels below the current federal air quality limit for this pollutant, EPA concludes in a draft report. Read more
- Study Compares U.S., China Energy Futures — A cooperative study by the U.S. National Academies and the Chinese Academy of Sciences has issued its report on the challenges facing the two countries in meeting energy needs and reducing urban pollution problems. Read more
- California has Strong Case on CO2 — California has made "a strong case" for getting permission from EPA to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from new cars, the Congressional Research Service (CRS) has concluded. Read more
- NIH Announces New Research Consortia — NIH Director Elias A. Zerhouni announced the establishment of nine new interdisciplinary research consortia under the NIH Roadmap for Medical Research. Read more
September 3, 2007
Bisphenol A Vexations
Two government-convened panels reach nearly opposite conclusions on compound's health risks.
Government & Policy Concentrates
- Patent Reform Bill Hits Snag — The latest attempt by Congress to overhaul the U.S. patent system has run into a new hurdle, with organized labor expressing concern that the legislation could damage U.S. leadership in innovation and the nation's ability to create new jobs. Read more
- Renewable Energy Consumption Up 7% — U.S. renewable energy use increased by 7% last year, while overall U.S. energy consumption dropped 1%, mostly due to declining fossil fuel use. Read more
- Pollution Controls On Refineries Deemed Sufficient — No further controls are needed on emissions of hazardous air pollutants from refineries. Read more
- Flexibility Proposed For Air Permits — Industrial facilities could increase or change the composition of their emissions to some extent without obtaining new air pollution permits. Read more
August 27, 2007
Early Warning On Chemical Regulations
U.S. businesses struggle to figure out how to track and influence emerging policies on chemicals.
Government & Policy Concentrates
- EPA To Assess 9,000 Chemicals By 2012 — By 2012, EPA will review and take action as needed on more than 9,000 industrial chemicals produced in amounts greater than 25,000 lb per year to minimize risks to health and the environment. Read more
- FDA Cancels Plan To Close Labs — FDA has decided to scrap plans to close seven of its 13 field laboratories as part of a reorganization effort. Read more
- USDA Supports Biofuels Projects — USDA has awarded $97 million in guaranteed loans to help finance renewable energy projects in Georgia, Illinois, and North Carolina. Read more
- Dioxin Survey On Meat And Poultry — The Food Safety & Inspection Service (FSIS) of USDA will begin a survey next month to determine the levels of dioxins and dioxinlike compounds in U.S. meat and poultry products. Read more
- EPA Reports On Tetrahydrofuran — Toxicology data show "suggestive evidence of carcinogenic potential" from exposure to the widely used solvent tetrahydrofuran, according to a draft assessment released by EPA last week. Read more
August 20, 2007
Shippers Face Capacity Crunch
Chemical manufacturers urge Congress to fix 'broken system'.
Terrorism And The Chemical Industry
The national debate on chemical plant security raises false alarms.
Government & Policy Concentrates
- DOE Takes Steps To Protect Groundwater — The Department of Energy has agreed to take additional steps to help prevent radioactive waste from former production of nuclear weapons at its Savannah River Site, near Aiken, S.C., from contaminating groundwater. Read more
- China To Inspect All Food Exports — At a hastily called news conference on Aug. 15, an official with the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., said China is planning to require that all food exports be inspected before they leave the country. Read more
- OSHA Plans Adoption Of Global System — Manufacturers would have to use a new international system to label chemicals used in U.S. workplaces, according to a rule OSHA intends to make final by the end of 2008. Read more
- CDC Charged With Ethics Violations — Two Centers for Disease Control & Prevention ethics committees have received a formal complaint alleging unethical activities by the agency's director and the director of the Oral Health Division concerning the health effects of fluoride exposure. Read more
- strong>New Land Imaging Program Planned — A new plan to improve the nation's satellite-imaging capabilities was released last week by the White House. Read more
August 13, 2007
Chemical Safety Board Chief Retires
Carolyn Merritt led five-year transformation of independent accident investigation board.
Nuclear Weapons: Back To The Future
Statement of Bush Administration’s nuclear weapons strategy calls on science and technology for a new arsenal of warheads to last through the century.
Government & Policy Concentrates
- VX hydrolysate shipments resume — A federal judge has denied a motion by environmental and community groups for a preliminary injunction to halt Army shipments of caustic wastewater from the hydrolysis of VX nerve agent from Indiana to Texas for final treatment. Read more
- DOE plans 30% cut in energy use — Energy consumed by the Department of Energy would be reduced by 30% through a plan announced by Energy Secretary Samuel W. Bodman last week. Read more
- Panel finds only some bisphenol A risks — A government-convened expert panel has expressed "some concern" that prenatal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), the monomer used to make polycarbonate plastic and some resins, causes neural and behavioral defects in infants and children. Read more
- Bush sets climate meeting date — In an invitation to world leaders, President George W. Bush set Sept. 27 and 28 and Washington, D.C., as the dates and place for an international meeting of nations. Read more
- High-throughput tests for pesticides — Hundreds of pesticides that have already undergone traditional toxicity studies will be among the first chemicals run through rapid computer tests under the new ToxCast program. Read more
August 13, 2007
Chemical Safety Board Chief Retires
Carolyn Merritt led five-year transformation of independent accident investigation board.
Nuclear Weapons: Back To The Future
Statement of Bush Administration’s nuclear weapons strategy calls on science and technology for a new arsenal of warheads to last through the century.
Government & Policy Concentrates
- VX hydrolysate shipments resume — A federal judge has denied a motion by environmental and community groups for a preliminary injunction to halt Army shipments of caustic wastewater from the hydrolysis of VX nerve agent from Indiana to Texas for final treatment. Read more
- DOE plans 30% cut in energy use — Energy consumed by the Department of Energy would be reduced by 30% through a plan announced by Energy Secretary Samuel W. Bodman last week. Read more
- Panel finds only some bisphenol A risks — A government-convened expert panel has expressed "some concern" that prenatal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), the monomer used to make polycarbonate plastic and some resins, causes neural and behavioral defects in infants and children. Read more
- Bush sets climate meeting date — In an invitation to world leaders, President George W. Bush set Sept. 27 and 28 and Washington, D.C., as the dates and place for an international meeting of nations. Read more
- High-throughput tests for pesticides — Hundreds of pesticides that have already undergone traditional toxicity studies will be among the first chemicals run through rapid computer tests under the new ToxCast program. Read more
August 6, 2007
Congress Boosts DOE Science FundS
Office of Science, other R&D programs fare well as agency’s 2008 appropriation moves through Congress.
Government & Policy Concentrates
- Asbestos Ban Allows Chlor-Alkali Use — A Senate committee last week approved legislation to ban most uses of asbestos, but included an exemption for some chlor-alkali plants. Read more
- Runaway Reaction Blamed For Accident — Inability to manage a reactive chemical process led to a deadly accident at Synthron chemical company, in Morganton, N.C., last year, according a Chemical Safety & Hazard Investigation Board report. Read more
- State Department Names New Science Adviser — Nina V. Federoff, a geneticist and molecular biologist and professor of biology at Pennsylvania State University, has been named the State Department's third science and technology adviser. Read more
- Agent Orange Linked To High Blood Pressure — Exposure to dioxin-laced agent orange and other defoliants during the Vietnam War may be raising the blood pressure of some veterans, according to a report by the Institute of Medicine (IOM). Read more
- Panel To Reassess Risks Of Bisphenol A — A second public meeting of a government-appointed panel to examine the risks of exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) is being held on Aug. 6–8 in Alexandria, Va. Read more
July 30, 2007
Wading Into The Muddle
Bush Administration and Congress respond to Supreme Court restrictions on Clean Water Act.
Government & Policy Concentrates
- Chemical testing program lags — Chemical producers have provided EPA with basic toxicity data for little more than half of the 1,899 industrial substances they agreed to test under a voluntary program begun nine years ago, says a report from the activist group Environmental Defense. Read more
- Off-site disposal of waste from chemical agent destruction — A National Research Council committee studying the disposal of wastes generated from the destruction of chemical warfare agents concludes that it is "technically feasible and advantageous" for the U.S. Army "to use off-site facilities to dispose of" these wastes. Read more
- FDA aims at nanotech safety — FDA's Nanotechnology Task Force on July 25 released a report recommending that the agency address nanotechnology risks. Read more
- DOE to assess new radioactivity class — The fate of "greater-than-Class C" radioactive waste generated through commercial activities will be determined through a review process announced by the Department of Energy last week. Read more
- DuPont makes deal on SO2 emissions — DuPont will spend at least $66 million on air pollution controls for sulfuric acid operations and pay a fine of $4.1 million under a settlement with EPA announced on July 20. Read more
July 23, 2007
Patent Reform Inches Ahead
Drugmakers fear the proposed changes will reduce incentives for costly R∓D.
Government & Policy Concentrates
- EPA Proposes Nanotech Policy — EPA has proposed a voluntary stewardship program for engineered nanoscale materials and a policy on regulating those materials under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Read more
- Albania Destroys Its Chemical Arsenal — Albania became the first country to completely eliminate its entire stockpile of chemical weapons. Read more
- USDA Acts To Halt Honeybee Decline — Government scientists have put together a plan to investigate the significant decline in the honeybee population in at least 22 states. Read more
- Chlorine Makers Want Out Of Asbestos Bill — Chlor-alkali makers are seeking an exemption in a Senate bill that would ban asbestos. Read more
- Chemical Safety Chair To Retire — Carolyn W. Merritt, chairman of the U.S. Chemical Safety & Hazard Investigation Board, announced on July 11 that she will retire from the board on Aug. 2. Read more
July 16, 2007
FBI Reaches Out To Campuses
Agency encourages schools to be more aware, communicative.
Government & Policy Concentrates
- Fake Business Buys Dirty Bomb Material — Posing as businessmen, auditors with the Government Accountability Office were able to get a license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for a phony company. Read more
- EPA Says Database Discrepancies Are Ok — EPA says there are valid reasons that values for physical and chemical properties for a substance may differ among the agency's publicly accessible databases. Read more
- Transformation Needed To Cut CO2 — EPA is proposing ways to control emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from facilities that apply certain types of coatings. Read more
- Coatings Facilities To Reduce VOCs — Three laboratories were selected last week by the Department of Energy to find natural enzymes and other biological means to efficiently and inexpensively break down cellulose to make ethanol and other biofuels. Read more
- Dow Begins Dioxin Cleanup Near Midland — Dow Chemical has begun work to remove contaminated sediments from the Tittabawassee River, downstream from its 1,900-acre manufacturing complex in Midland, Mich. Read more
July 9, 2007
DHS Speaks To Chemical Industry
Summit on security regulations gives instructions and advice on what to expect.
Agency's Actions Set Off Fireworks
Drive to eliminate illegal explosive devices has gone too far, fireworks hobbyists say.
Government & Policy Concentrates
- UN Iraq Weapons Inspection Team disbanded — More than four years after the U.S. invasion of Iraq, the United Nations Security Council has voted to disband its international monitoring group, the UN Monitoring, Verification & Inspections Commission.Read more
- Los Alamos Makes New Nuclear Trigger — The Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration says it has produced the first new replacement pit for a nuclear weapon in 18 years.Read more
- FDA Wants Tests On Chinese Seafood — FDA announced on June 28 that it is blocking all shipments of farm-raised shrimp, catfish, eel, basa (similar to catfish), and dace (similar to carp) from China until the importers prove the shipments are free of residues of drugs not approved in the U.S.Read more
- Bioenergy centers receive $375 million — Three laboratories were selected last week by the Department of Energy to find natural enzymes and other biological means to efficiently and inexpensively break down cellulose to make ethanol and other biofuels.Read more
- House Halts Funding For Bush Order — The House of Representatives has moved to stop the White House from boosting its sway over federal regulatory agencies. Read more
July 2, 2007
Mercury Excess
Congress and EPA probe possibility of long-term storage of liquid metal.
Government & Policy Concentrates
- Senate advances biogenerics bill — Legislation that would give FDA authority to approve less-expensive generic versions of biological medicines was approved last week.Read more
- Congress continues energy debates — Last week, at least five House committees debated, rejected, and passed bills they wish to see rolled into a broad energy package on the House floor after the July 4 recess.Read more
- House Acts To Block EPA Air Toxics Rule — The House last week moved to nix EPA's controversial plan to change its regulatory scheme for carcinogens and other hazardous air pollutants.Read more
- Bioenergy centers receive $375 million — Three laboratories were selected last week by the Department of Energy to find natural enzymes and other biological means to efficiently and inexpensively break down cellulose to make ethanol and other biofuels.Read more
- Green Chemistry Bill Introduced — The Green Chemistry Research & Development Act of 2007 was introduced in the House on June 25 by Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-Ga.). Read more
June 25, 2007
FDA Overhaul Gains Momentum
Lawmakers add drug safety provisions to bills reauthorizing industry user fees.
Government & Policy Concentrates
- House approves DHS spending bill — On June 15, the House approved a fiscal 2008 spending bill for the Department of Homeland Security.Read more
- Federal scientists are unclear on media policies — A survey by the Government Accountability Office of 1,811 researchers at three government science agencies found that many federal scientists are confused by their agency's policies on disseminating information.Read more
- U.S. coal reserves called uncertain — More research into the magnitude and characteristics of U.S. recoverable coal reserves is needed.Read more
- Bush vetoes stem cell bill-again — President George W. Bush has again vetoed legislation to expand the number of cell lines available for embryonic stem cell research.Read more
- Safer chlorine transfer — Emergency protective equipment at facilities that unload chlorine from tanker railcars is inadequate and should be changed.Read more
June 18, 2007
Reprocessing Key To Nuclear Plan
Nuclear waste impasse drives DOE to push for reprocessing spent fuel despite costs, technological hurdles.
Why Are The Bees Dying?
As bee colonies collapse across the U.S. and other countries, researchers search for causes.
Government & Policy Concentrates
- Contractor can sue Pentagon for cleanups — The U.S. Supreme Court last week opened the door for federal contractors to seek money from the government.Read more
- Better biofuels coordination needed — The Department of Energy should develop a comprehensive approach to better coordinate its strategy to expand biofuels production.Read more
- Chemical managers meet on security rules — Several hundred plant operators and security managers for the nation's chemical industry met with officials of the Department of Homeland Security last week.Read more
- OSHA to inspect petroleum refineries — OSHA is beginning a new National Emphasis Program for the inspection of petrochemical plants to eliminate risks from the release of highly hazardous chemicals.Read more
- Appeals court vacates EPA incinerator rule — A panel of federal judges has reaffirmed that EPA violated the Clean Air Act.Read more
June 11, 2007
Weighing Obviousness
The U.S. Supreme Court issues a decision that may make it more difficult to patent some inventions.
Government & Policy Concentrates
- UN inspectors cite chlorine attacks in Iraq — In its most recent quarterly report to the United Nations Security Council, international inspectors of the UN Monitoring, Verification & Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) cite the increased number of attacks.Read more
- Warnings issued on diabetes drugs — On June 6, FDA revealed it has issued strict warnings of heart risks on two type 2 diabetes drugs.Read more
- Counterfeit trade is worldwide epidemic — Trade in counterfeit and pirated goods across national borders totaled at least $200 billion in 2005.Read more
- HHS buys new smallpox vaccine —The Department of Health & Human Services has awarded a $500 million contract to Bavarian Nordic A/S.Read more
- House bill boosts hydrogen research —The House voted 408-8 last week to approve legislation that would award cash prizes for hydrogen energy technology breakthroughs.Read more
June 4, 2007
Chemical Security Gone Awry?
Academics say their labs should not be regulated under a new DHS rule.
Government & Policy Concentrates
- Perchlorate In Food is In Safe Range — Americans' exposure to perchlorate in food is below the safe daily dose recommended by the National Research Council.Read more
- Unions Protest Cuts At EPA Labs — Unions representing scientists and engineers at EPA are calling on Congress to conduct more oversight of Bush Administration efforts to cut costs at the agency's laboratories.Read more
- Bush Calls For Global Emissions Strategy — In a May 31 speech explaining the U.S. agenda for the upcoming G-8 summit.Read more
- NIST issues Peptide Reference Material — NIST has released its first-ever reference material for peptide mass and concentration analysis.Read more
- EPA Raises Ethylene Oxide Concerns — Current workplace exposure limits for ethylene oxide, used for sterilizing or fumigating, may not be protective enough.Read more
May 28, 2007
Quicksilver Quandary
Mercury in aging chemical plants could end up in and on the hands of gold miners.
Government & Policy Concentrates
- Rail safety bill advances in House — Industry-supported legislation to improve rail safety was approved on May 22.Read more
- Montreal protocol easing climate change — On May 23, the House Committee on Oversight & Government Reform heard how the Montreal protocol can be used to tackle global warming.Read more
- Science and math bill clears House — A package of measures to improve the competitiveness of the U.S. in science and math cleared the House last week.Read more
- NIH conflict of interest rules lack clarity — NIH needs to clarify the recusal policies that senior employees follow to avoid conflicts of interest.Read more
- No funds for new nuclear warhead — Next year's funding for the first in a series of new nuclear weapons proposed by the Energy Department was eliminated last week.Read more
May 21, 2007
Supporting Science
AAAS science and technology policy forum focuses on R&D funding and science advocacy.
Government & Policy Concentrates
- Patent reform bill advances in House — A House subcommittee has taken the first step toward overhauling the U.S. patent system.Read more
- Methyl Bromide inventory shrinks — The U.S. is continuing its required phaseout of the ozone-depleting fumigant methyl bromide.Read more
- Senate mulls bills on power plant mercury — A Senate panel is considering legislation to reduce mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants.Read more
- EU posts drop in greenhouse gas — Among the 15 Western European countries that make up the original European Union, greenhouse gas emissions dropped 0.8% between 2004 and 2005.Read more
- DOE refines clean energy loan program — A federal loan guarantee program to encourage development of commercial-scale advanced clean-energy projects moved a step closer to reality recently.Read more
May 14, 2007
The Conundrum Of Autism
Institute of Medicine symposium examines genetics, environmental triggers, treatments for this baffling illness.
Hazmat Security Stirs Debate
Chemical shippers fight efforts to reroute rail tank cars away from large urban areas.
Perchlorate Pending
As pressure mounts for regulating a pervasive contaminant, EPA tells Congress it needs more data.
Government & Policy Concentrates
- DOE names Contractor for Livermore lab — The Department of Energy selected a consortium last week to run Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.Read more
- Unvented Solvents Led To Explosion — Trapped solvent vapors at a Massachusetts paint and ink factory led to an early-morning explosion on November 22, 2006.Read more
- Army is Sued To Halt Shipment Of Nerve Agent Waste — Residents of Indiana and Texas have filed a federal lawsuit against the Army to stop shipments to a hazardous waste incinerator in Port Arthur, Texas.Read more
- Pressure For Food Safety Reform — The pet food contamination incident has given rise to increasing pressure for creation of a single federal agency that would take over the food safety functions of FDA and USDA.Read more
- Drug Imports Blocked — The Senate has killed an effort to allow Americans to buy lower priced prescription drugs from abroad.Read more
May 7, 2007
Farm Energy
Ethanol and energy provisions in farm bill may help or hinder feedstock shift from corn to cellulose.
Encouraging Diversity
NSF Chemistry Division takes steps to increase presence of women and minorities in the discipline.
Government & Policy Concentrates
- Fertilizer Security Measure Advances — The government will have to regulate all sales and purchases of ammonium nitrate fertilizer under a House bill that could be on a fast track toward passage.Read more
- Supreme Court Leaves EPA Rule Overturned — The Supreme Court last week refused to hear the Bush Administration's defense of an EPA regulation easing emissions control requirements for chemical companies, refineries, and power plants.Read more
- Arctic Sea Ice Is Melting Fast — Arctic sea ice is melting at a much faster rate than projected by the most advanced computer models, says a government-funded study published online.Read more
- Panel To Review Nuclear Weapons — A House Armed Services subcommittee approved legislation on May 2 to create a congressionally appointed, bipartisan commission to begin a public discussion of U.S. nuclear weapons strategy and policies.Read more
April 30, 2007
Government & Policy Concentrates
Chemical Arms Treaty At 10
A decade after entry into force, successes mount, but challenges lie ahead.
EPA Boosts Ethanol
Air pollution is allowed to increase for new and expanding ethanol biorefineries.
April 23, 2007
Government & Policy Concentrates
Tracking The Chemicals In Us
Monitoring trace chemicals in people has benefited public health, but many challenges lie ahead.
Poor Performance
EPA's program to reward environmental excellence gets a bad review.
April 16, 2007
Government & Policy Concentrates
Understanding Nanotechnology
For effective rules and regulations to be set, science must play a key role.
Bisphenol A On Trial
Only an unbiased panel with appropriate expertise can resolve apparently conflicting results of health studies.
April 9, 2007
Government & Policy Concentrates
Trade At A Crossroads
Chemical manufacturers urge legislators to renew vital negotiating authority for international pacts.
Arsenic In Chicken Production
A common feed additive adds arsenic to human food and endangers water supplies.
April 2, 2007
Government & Policy Concentrates
William Jeffrey Talks Shop
NIST's director sees his agency playing a vital role in keeping America competitive.
Dealing With CO2 From Coal
The U.S. must lead the world in CO2 capture and sequestration technologies, and it must act quickly.
Mercury Battle
States are demanding faster cuts in mercury emissions than EPA requires.
March 26, 2007
Safety board hits OSHA, BP management
New tool designed to select greener chemicals
Jackson wins Vannevar Bush Award
EPA rules generate big cost, bigger benefits
EPA plans to cut lab costs
Tight Budget For Chemical Controls
EPA seeks ways to cut costs in reviewing new chemicals, protecting confidential data
March 19, 2007
Senate, House Divide Over Shipping Hazmats
NIH Rolls Out New Grant Program
DOE funds 13 solar projects
MIT coal study urges co2-control demos
NASA gets space station component
U.S. Presses For New Nuclear Weapons
Debate heats up over DOE plan to transform nuclear complex and produce new warheads.
Securing Chemical Facilities
Industry applauds DHS's proposed regulations, while lawmakers and environmentalists slam them.
March 12, 2007
DOE Resubmits Nuclear Waste Bill
Chemical Exposures
Unusual cross-disciplinary meeting explores effects of environmental compounds on human development and reproduction.
March 05, 2007
Government & Policy Concentrates
Boosting Generics
Congress targets high drug prices.
Cover Story: Shekels For Science In Israel
Modest government funds and private donations support basic science research.
February 26, 2007
Government & Policy Concentrates
Industry Adapts To New Congress
Business groups maintain ambitious agenda but face tough battles on Capitol Hill.
Power Struggle
Lawmakers probe Bush directive, fearing decrease in their influence on regulations.
February 19, 2007
Government & Policy Concentrates
2008 R&D Budget Holds No Surprises
Bush's proposed budget continues last year's programs, offers meager gains.
A Dubious Way Out Of CO2 Emissions
Paying to compensate for personal carbon dioxide emissions may not be as environmentally sound as it seems.
February 12, 2007
Government & Policy Concentrates
Dustup Over Pavement Coatings
Texas city tracks stream pollution to sealant, then bans coal-tar-based coating.
A Long-Term Revolution
The growing dominance of women at graduation ceremonies is starting to filter up through the workforce with profound impact, but it's a slow process.
February 5, 2007
Government & Policy Concentrates
NASA Gets Ready To Revisit The Moon
Agency sets groundwork for human lunar outpost, but leaves cost and science objectives up in the air.
Cover Story: NASA Gets Ready To Revisit The Moon
Agency sets groundwork for human lunar outpost, but leaves cost and science objectives up in the air
January 29, 2007
Government & Policy Concentrates
NRC blasts 'Flawed' guidelines
Report recommends that the White House withdraw its federal risk assessment policy.
January 22, 2007
Government & Policy Concentrates
Congressional Outlook 2007
Democrats pledge to tackle long-term budget challenges, increase oversight of Administration programs.
January 15, 2007
Government & Policy Concentrates
Food Irradiation
Recent E. coli outbreaks heighten interest in the technology.
Cover Story: Funding
Congress Targets Expanded Federal Policy
Those Were The Days
Gerald Ford presided over energy, environmental milestones.
January 8, 2007
Government & Policy Concentrates
Point/Counterpoint » Chemical Regulation
Michael P. Walls and Joel Tickner debate the strengths and limitations of the Toxic Substances Control Act.
No End in Sight
Completion of effort to make data on high-production-volume chemicals publicly available remains elusive.
The Economy, Demographics, And Jobs
The new economy, the leveling off of working-age adults, and the upsurge in new graduates will impinge on the future job market.
January 1, 2007
Government & Policy Concentrates
Ethanol—Is It Worth It?
Many opportunities, many unknowns in the new world of biofuels.
