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| November 2, 2009 |
More challenges await climate-change measure in Senate
The Senate's climate-change legislation is expected to face more problems, as the measure has deeply divided Democrats and provoked opposition from key Republicans, dimming the prospects for its approval. This comes even as Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., supported the bill, which was co-written by Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass. The senators are scheduled Wednesday to talk with Energy Secretary Steven Chu, White House climate adviser Carol Browner and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar for a possible compromise on the proposal. The Washington Post (11/2)
DuPont board appoints CEO as its chairwoman
DuPont announced that its board of directors appointed CEO Ellen Kullman as its chairwoman, effective Dec. 31. Kullman will take over for Charles Holliday, who is set to retire after 11 years in the position. Forbes/The Associated Press (10/30)
BASF affirms commitment to safety at S.C. site event
BASF recently organized an environmental, health, safety and security event at its chemical site in Seneca, S.C., with state and local officials and industry leaders attending the event. The company has made significant strides as it remains committed to securing the safety of its workers, "but you can also see our journey isn't over," the site manager said. Upstate Today (South Carolina) (10/30)
1862-2009: Plastic innovations through history
The word "plastic" came into wide use after the trade journal Plastics was launched in 1925, according to this National Public Radio graphic timeline on the history of the material. The timeline begins in 1862, when Alexander Parkes introduced the first plastic to the Great International Exposition in London and notes the advent of such innovations as Bakelite in 1907, polyvinyl chloride in 1922 and Teflon in 1938. National Public Radio (10/30)
Other News
Cheaper way to cut emissions may mean less focus on coal plants
As lawmakers consider a cap-and-trade system to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions from major emitters such as coal-fired power plants, there are those who say sequestering carbon dioxide at chemical plants, refineries and cement factories might be cheaper because these facilities emit purer gases than coal-fueled plants. "If we have a cap-and-trade scheme, it will happen wherever it is the most cost-effective," a former federal official said. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (10/31)
Polystyrene takeout boxes are banned in California city
The City Council of Richmond, Calif., approved a measure that bans restaurants and food vendors from using carryout containers made of polystyrene. The policy instead requires the use of containers made of paper, aluminum and other biodegradable materials. PlasticsNews.com (10/30)
Some toys in Chicago area contain toxic chemicals, study finds
A number of toys and other children's products sold in or near Chicago violate safety standards for lead or contain illegal chemicals, according to a study. The study tested 87 children's products for lead and other toxic chemicals and found that two of those products contained "actionable levels of phthalates." ConsumerAffairs.com (10/30)
Americans set record in 2008 for recycling PET, HDPE
A report indicates Americans recycled record amounts of polyethylene terephthalate and high-density polyethylene plastic bottles last year. More than 2.4 billion pounds were recycled, up 75 million pounds from the previous year, according to data released by the American Chemistry Council and the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers. PlasticsToday.com (11/1)
Green groups increase spending on lobbying efforts
Organizations hoping to encourage U.S. climate-change legislation increased their spending on lobbying efforts 33% from July through September compared with the same period last year. Experts say the spending level is an indicator that environmental groups are confident climate-change legislation will be passed before a summit of U.N. negotiators meets in December in Cophehagen. The New York Times (tiered subscription model)/Greenwire (10/30)
Other News
Businesses, governments make green strategies a priority
Businesses, officials and planners in the Dallas area are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint. For example, a building code that became effective in Dallas is expected to eventually reduce power and water consumption for new buildings by 15%. Meanwhile, some corporations are enabling patented environmentally friendly innovations by allowing anyone to use them for free. Xerox, for exampled, has contributed a method for removing toxic waste from contaminated groundwater. The Dallas Morning News (free registration) (11/1) The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (10/31)
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