Allegheny Front: The Environment Report Bio

The Environment Report

The GLRC's Environment Report is a news service committed to revealing the relationship between the natural world and the everyday lives of people. This is accomplished by thoughtful and provocative explorations of the environment in a way that reaches the widest possible audience.

Formerly known as the Great Lakes Radio Consortium.

Stories by The Environment Report:

Radon Continues to Plague Americans - There's an invisible, odorless gas that kills 21,000 Americans every year. We've known about radon gas for a long time. But as Mark Brush reports, experts say we're still a long way from fixing the problem. Aired week of 08/04/2010.

Overestimating The Organic Label - Researchers have known for a while that food labels, such as "low in fat," can mislead dieters into thinking they're eating healthy. Shawn Allee reports the "organic" label could lead dieters astray, too. Aired week of 07/28/2010.

Fixing The Organic Label - They cost more, but sales of organic foods are rising. Even in this down economy, organic food sales are going up 3-times faster than other foods. The Environment Report's Julie Grant has reports...that's happening as the government is working to make sure everything that's labeled organic actually is organic. Aired week of 07/28/2010.

Telecommuting A Greener Way to Work? Maybe Not - Telecommuting is becoming more popular in the U.S. There's an assumption that working from home saves energy. But some experts say whether it actually saves energy depends on how you do it. Rebecca Williams has more. Aired week of 07/21/2010.

Does Dirt Make Us Smarter? - Past research has found that bacteria found in dirt can ease allergic reactions, reduce anxiety, and improve a person's mood. Now, new research finds the bacteria might make us smarter. Mark Brush reports. Aired week of 07/21/2010.

Living Without Plastic - We use a lot of plastic. Every year some 30 million tons of plastic in the U.S. from diapers to bottles get tossed in landfills. One woman wants to change those numbers. She's trying to live her life without plastic. Sadie Babits caught up with her to find out if that's really possible. Aired week of 07/14/2010.

Bacteria Engineered to Destroy Pollutants - Scientists have engineered bacteria to seek out and destroy a chemical that pollutes drinking water. Rebecca Williams has more. Aired week of 06/30/2010.

Better LED Light Bulb On The Way - Buying a light bulb used to be a simple job. But in recent years with the explosion of choices of types, wattages and colors, it's gotten confusing. Lester Graham reports it's about to get more complicated. Aired week of 06/30/2010.

Chemical in Sunscreens a Potential Health Risk - An environmental group is critical of the claims by many sunscreen manufacturers. The group calls for better regulation of the industry by the government. New York Senator Charles Schumer also is pressing the Food and Drug Administration to release the results of studies possibly linking a chemical common in sunscreens and cancer. Lester Graham reports: Aired week of 06/16/2010.

Gulf Spill Raises Questions about Imported Seafood - The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is looming over the seafood industry. Prices for things like shrimp and crab are going up. It might mean we'll see even more imported seafood in the coming months. But as Tanya Ott reports, some people are questioning the safety of imported seafood. Aired week of 06/16/2010.

Water Lessons From Israel - A lot of fresh water goes to grow food. But as the population increases in the world so does the demand for that water. In the U.S., states like California and Arizona already face water shortages. In Israel, farmers are using short-term solutions until they can find long term answers. Sadie Babits reports farmers there are raising crops that don't necessarily need the best water Aired week of 06/09/2010.

New Air Pollution Rules - The Environmental Protection Agency has finalized new health standards for one kind of air pollution. Lester Graham reports. Aired week of 06/09/2010.

D.I.Y. Cleaning Products - Most people probably don't enjoy cleaning. But we've all got to do it. And if you've ever looked at the household cleaner aisle in the grocery store, you know there can be some pretty strong chemicals involved. Karen Kelly reports on a cheaper, chemical-free alternative. Aired week of 06/02/2010.

Coal Power Plants Go Up in Smoke - Many of the plans to build new coal-burning power plants have gone up in smoke. In early 2007, the Department of Energy noted there were 151 coal-fired electric generators on the drawing board. Lester Graham reports since then, nearly a hundred of them have been canceled or shelved. Aired week of 06/02/2010.

Predicting the Oil Spill With Supercomputers - Oil from the big spill in the Gulf of Mexico is starting to turn up in places people did not expect. That's making it tough for cleanup crews to stay one step ahead of the oil. Shawn Allee reports some scientists hope supercomputers might help. Aired week of 05/26/2010.

EPA Coal Ash Plan Criticized - More than a year ago - when an earthen wall broke at a power plant in Tennessee - 500-million gallons of toxic coal ash and water were spilled. If you compare it to other environmental tragedies – it was 50 times bigger than the Exxon Valdez spill. Half of the coal ash spill's been cleaned up, but crews are still working to get the rest of it. And as Tanya Ott reports there are concerns about a new plan to deal with the ash. Aired week of 05/26/2010.

More Oceanic Garbage Patches Found - A giant field of plastic debris is floating in the middle of the northern Pacific Ocean. Now researchers are finding more of these garbage patches in other Oceans. Mark Brush has more. Aired week of 05/19/2010.

Drilling for Climate Change - There's been lots of speculation about why President Obama is allowing expanded gas and oil drilling offshore. Many environmentalists don't like it. Lester Graham reports the move might be part of a larger strategy to get a climate bill passed in the Senate. Aired week of 04/07/2010.

New Gas Mileage Rules for Cars and Trucks - The Obama administration has set new rules requiring cars and trucks to get better gas mileage. Tracy Samilton reports that will make vehicles both greener and more expensive. Aired week of 04/07/2010.

Burning Flame Retardant Fumes Hazardous for Firefighters - Flame retardant chemicals are added to hundreds of products in our homes and offices to slow the spread of fire. But during a fire, the fumes can cause problems for firefighters. Rebecca Williams reports that some firefighters say flame retardants can make their jobs more dangerous. This is part of a series of coverage on flame retardants from The Environment Report. Check our link below. Aired week of 03/31/2010.

What Household Toxins Could Mean for Our Health - You have flame retardant chemicals in your body. They're toxic. Americans have the highest levels of anyone in the world. The chemicals are in the dust in our homes and offices and schools. And they're showing up in our food. In a series on flame retardants, Rebecca Williams takes a look at what these exposures might mean for our health. Aired week of 03/24/2010.

Getting Chemicals Out of Drinking Water - Some chemicals are getting into drinking water, and it's not so easy to get them out. The Environmental Protection Agency says it's working on the problem. Lester Graham reports on the agency's plans. Aired week of 03/24/2010.

Energy Legislation Breeding Bipartisanship? - Members of Congress from fossil fuel states want to stop the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating greenhouse gases. Lester Graham reports, it's one of the few bi-partisan efforts in Washington, but it's not the only one. Aired week of 03/17/2010.

Birds Threatened by Warming Climate - Wildlife researchers say that many coastal birds and birds that live around the oceans are threatened by a warming climate. Mark Brush has more on the State of the Birds report. Aired week of 03/17/2010.

Stripping Politics Out of Science - President Barack Obama promised to protect scientific research from politics. He wanted guidelines in four months. It's been a year now and still there are no guidelines. Shawn Allee reports: Aired week of 03/17/2010.

Are Flame Retardants Putting Us at Risk? - Flame retardant chemicals are used in hundreds of products in our homes and offices and schools. The chemicals can slow the spread of fire. But certain kinds of these chemicals leach out of our couches, our TVs, our carpet padding and many other things in our homes. And they're getting into our bodies. Rebecca Williams tries to find out what's in the products in her own home. Aired week of 03/10/2010.

New Houses Get a Little Smaller - The American dream of home ownership has become a trend of bigger and bigger houses. The square footage of new, detached houses crept upwards for decades even though families shrank. Recent economic troubles have stopped the big house trend. Shawn Allee reports. Aired week of 03/03/2010.

Being Green and Being Bad - We might think it's virtuous to buy things that are environmentally- friendly: recycled paper saves trees, natural cleaners cause less pollution. But new research finds that when we're good, we sometimes use that to excuse being bad. Julie Grant reports. Aired week of 02/24/2010.

No Paperless Office -- or Bathroom -- Yet - When the computer-age took off in the 1990s, lots of people thought we'd use a lot less paper. But that hasn't happened. Julie Grant reports on why environmentalists are so concerned about all the paper we're still using in our offices and homes. Aired week of 02/17/2010.

Environment Report Documentary on Coal: Dirty Past, Hazy Future - The Environment Report has produced an in-depth look at the future of coal in this country. The Environment Report explores the role that coal plays in our lives and in the lives of those who depend on coal mining for a living. Can coal truly be a viable option in the new green economy? Support for this series comes from the Joyce Foundation. Aired week of 02/17/2010.

Road Salt Damage - Each year about 118,000 people are hurt and 1,300 people are killed on the roads during snowy and icy conditions. So, snowplows hit the roads, scraping snow and ice off the surface...and spreading incredible amounts of salt on highways, streets and roads to help keep them clear. Lester Graham reports there's some concern about the long-term effects of all that salt. Aired week of 02/10/2010.

Geothermal Growing And Wind Power Gets Boost - Geothermal power plants turn heat from under the Earth into electricity. It's a way of making power with practically no pollution. And, according to a new report, there are more companies investing in this kind of energy. Mark Brush has this news spot, as well as information about stimulus money and wind farms. Aired week of 02/03/2010.

States Start Regulating Computers, TVs, Other E-Waste - It used to be that when a company sold you a widget, they got your money, you got the widget, and that was the end of it. Now, that way of doing business is changing. Liam Moriarty reports that in Europe, and in the US, businesses are being required to take responsibility for their products in new ways. And The Allegheny Front's Jennifer Szweda Jordan follows up with regional information, including a Q and A with a Pennsylvania state representative pushing for an e-waste law. Aired week of 01/27/2010.

Chicken Surprise at Stores - A Consumer Reports study finds most of the chickens bought at the grocery store are contaminated with bacteria that can cause you to get sick. Lester Graham reports: Aired week of 01/06/2010.

Flushing Out Unwanted Stowaways - Invasive species like the zebra mussel have spread into lakes and rivers across the country. But scientists are cautiously optimistic they're on the right track to closing the front door to new invaders. David Sommerstein reports. Aired week of 12/09/2009.

EPA: Greenhouse Gases a Threat - The US Environmental Protection Agency has ruled CO2 is a dangerous pollutant. Lester Graham reports the finding gives President Obama something to take to the climate talks in Copenhagen: Aired week of 12/09/2009.

Slash-And-Burn in Indonesia - Officials from every country in the world have gathered in Copenhagen this week to build the framework for a global climate treaty. One of the goals is to slow the destruction of forests in developing countries. Those forests process and store massive amounts of carbon dioxide. Ann Dornfeld reports. Aired week of 12/09/2009.

Air Pollution at Schools - The US Environmental Protection Agency is wrapping up a 60-day initiative looking at toxic air pollution around schools, including 3 in the Pittsburgh area and 2 in eastern Pennsylvania. They're looking to gauge the health effects linked to pollution exposure. Many of the schools were chosen based on how close they were to heavy industry. Gigi Douban reports: Aired week of 11/18/2009.

Predicting the Next Outbreak - A new coalition wants to set up an early warning system for diseases that pass between animals and humans. Samara Freemark reports some research institutions and conservation groups are launching the PREDICT program. Aired week of 11/11/2009.

Fewer Americans See Evidence Of Global Warming - A new survey indicates fewer people think global warming is a serious problem. Lester Graham reports many still think companies should reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Aired week of 11/04/2009.

New Nukes Stalled - The power industry wants to create loads of low-carbon electricity. To make that happen, they want to build more than two dozen nuclear reactors. Shawn Allee reports there could be delays for at least half of those. Aired week of 10/28/2009.

BPA Making Little Girls Aggressive? - A study has found links between a chemical used in some plastics and aggressive behavior in girls. Lester Graham reports on the latest research on BPA. Aired week of 10/21/2009.

Atrazine in Our Water - People have been concerned about farm chemicals getting into drinking water supplies for a long time. A recent report showed that the chemical atrazine peaks, in many areas, in concentrations much higher than previously thought. Julie Grant reports there are things you can do to protect your family. But, finding out if you have a problem is harder. Aired week of 10/21/2009.

A Look into Coal Country - When the Senate picks up debate on the climate change bill, it will be - in part - deciding the future of coal as an energy source in the U.S. About half the nation's electricity currently comes from coal. And a lot of it comes from the Appalachian region. A new documentary film sets out to show how mining for coal affects the people who live in Coal Country. Julie Grant spoke with the film's producers. Aired week of 10/14/2009.

Green Roofs Offer More Benefits Than Expected - Green roofs are a popular, but expensive, way for building owners to prove their green credentials. Shawn Allee reports some researchers feel they might do even more environmental good than they thought. Aired week of 10/07/2009.

Are Rubber Playground Surfaces Safe? - Playgrounds are supposed to be safe places for kids to play. But Tamara Keith has the story of a leaked memo from the Environmental Protection Agency that indicates there might be a problem with crumb rubber. Aired week of 10/07/2009.

Is The Grid Ready for Electric Cars? - Some people are worried that lots of plug-in electric cars will cause brownouts or blackouts. At least two automakers will have plug-in electrics on the market next year. But utility companies say, don't worry. They're ready. Tracy Samilton reports. Aired week of 09/02/2009.

Where Nothing Can Survive - Every summer, thousands of square miles of the Gulf of Mexico die. The Dead Zone is caused by pollution that flows down the Mississippi River. It's runoff from factories, sewer plants, and farms. And it causes a lot of problems for fishermen in the area. This year, the Dead Zone is projected to be huge - maybe the largest ever. Samara Freemark explains. Aired week of 09/02/2009.

Energy Bill to Include Boost for Biomass? - Congress could wrap up a huge energy bill by this fall. It could include a minimum renewable energy standard for utilities. That'd mean more wind and solar-generated power. Shawn Allee reports biomass could get a boost, too. Aired week of 07/15/2009.

Wildlife Crisis Worse Than Economic Crisis, Says IUCN - There's a new report out on the state of the world's creatures. It's called the Red List of Threatened Species. And, as you can imagine, the Red List is not a good list to be on. Mark Brush has more. Aired week of 07/15/2009.

Tax Incentives Put Solar within Reach - Buying a solar system for your home still is not as simple or inexpensive as say picking up a new water heater. But solar energy advocates argue that the systems are affordable and obtainable for just about everyone - right now. Joyce Kryszak checked out that claim. Aired week of 06/24/2009.

Pitching Diesels as an Eco-Friendly Option - If you’re thinking about buying a cleaner, more fuel-efficient car, you might think a hybrid is your best option. But some automakers want people to look at an older technology when they’re looking for green cars: the diesel engine. Julie Grant reports. Aired week of 06/24/2009.

Stimulus Funds Give Steam a Boost - Steam plants haven't been en vogue since Thomas Edison's day. But now, they're back in the spotlight thanks to the Obama administration. The Department of Energy just got 106-million dollars worth of stimulus money to fund steam-related projects. Jennifer Guerra takes us back to the future. Aired week of 06/17/2009.

What Counts as Green Collar? - At the heart of President Obama's economic recovery plan is the promise of new green collar jobs. Workers concerned about being laid off from their blue collar jobs are starting to wonder what those new jobs will look like. Julie Grant reports. Aired week of 06/10/2009.

Is There Hope for Hydrogen? - Researchers and start-up companies are looking for new ways to power the country. There's been a lot of hope for hydrogen. But as Mark Brush reports there have been some bumps for companies on the road to the new hydrogen economy. Aired week of 06/10/2009.

FDA and Food Safety: Failing Grade - In the wake of this year’s tainted peanut butter scare, Congress is getting ready to approve changes to the Food and Drug Administration. Lawmakers want to give the American public more confidence in the safety of the food supply system. But some people doubt they will be able to make real change. Julie Grant reports. Aired week of 06/03/2009.

Saving Energy: Simple Changes, Big Impact - Solar panels and wind turbines get most of the buzz, but it's far easier and cheaper to save energy than it is to make more of it. Now, President Obama's economic stimulus package is pouring billions into energy-efficiency programs. As Amy Standen reports, it's shining a new spotlight on some of the simpler ways we can all reduce our energy use. Aired week of 06/03/2009.

How Green is the LEED Label? - The biggest energy users in America are not cars and trucks - they're buildings. In 2000, the US Green Building Council introduced a program that certifies "green" buildings. It's called LEED. That stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. A new version of the LEED standards was released at the end of April. But Samara Freemark reports some critics see serious flaws in the LEED program. Aired week of 05/13/2009.

Dirty Past, Hazy Future - You are being targeted by lobbyists. The coal industry and environmentalists are both trying to influence what you think. Lester Graham looks at the campaigns for-and-against coal. Aired week of 04/01/2009.

New Fuel Economy Standards - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued new vehicle fuel economy standards for cars and trucks. As Tracy Samilton reports, it's the first change since 1985. Aired week of 04/01/2009.

The Legacy of the Exxon Valdez - Twenty years ago, an oil tanker ran aground on a rocky reef in Alaska's Prince William Sound. The Exxon Valdez spilled more than 11 million gallons of crude oil. Ann Dornfeld has this look at how oil spill prevention and preparedness have changed in the two decades since Valdez. Aired week of 03/25/2009.

Farmers to Help with Flooding - Some federal stimulus money will be used to help reduce flooding problems. Chuck Quirmbach reports the government wants farmers to store more water in floodplains. Aired week of 03/25/2009.

Farmland Goes Idle - The US is not farming as much land. Kyle Norris reports farmland equal to the size of the entire state of West Virginia has been taken out of production in the last few years. Aired week of 03/25/2009.

Recession Proof Construction - In the middle of a recession that's crippling the construction field, there's at least one sector of industry that's doing pretty well. That's "material reuse." Taking pieces of old buildings and using them in new ones. Advocates say used materials could save developers a heap of money. Samara Freemark has the story of one re-use company that's both green and in the black. Aired week of 03/11/2009.

Coal Ash Controversy - This past December a sludge of coal ash broke out of an impoundment at a power plant in Tennessee. It destroyed homes. It devastated a section of river. And it set off a firestorm about the problem of coal ash disposal. Now two US Senators and environmental groups are calling on the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate coal ash. Tamara Keith has the story. Aired week of 03/11/2009.

Science Funding in a Tanking Economy - The recession is hitting more than banks and homes these days. State budget cuts and no increases from the federal government are straining research labs and scientists. Adam Allington reports the effects might not be as obvious or immediate as the house foreclosures and the credit crisis, the effect on science jobs and innovation might be just as bad. Aired week of 03/04/2009.

Farming the White House Lawn - Some people think American agriculture needs a makeover. They question why we waste so much fuel moving food long distances. A growing movement is calling for farmers and everybody else to produce more locally-grown, organic food. Shawn Allee reports some people want the President to set a good example. Aired week of 02/25/2009.

Getting People to Stop Burning Trash - Getting rid of your trash in the city is easy. Take it to the curb on pickup day and the city does the rest. In rural areas, many people don't have garbage pickup. So they burn their trash. And that causes pollution. Todd Melby tells us about one place that's trying to change its burning habits. Aired week of 02/25/2009.

Investing in Cars of the Future - Recently two reports on the future of automobiles came out. They looked at cars and trucks from very different perspectives, but came to some similar conclusions. Lester Graham reports. Aired week of 02/18/2009.

The Dioxin Debate - A group of one-hundred organizations is calling on the government to release a twenty-year-old report on a toxic group of chemicals called dioxins. Kyle Norris reports. Aired week of 02/18/2009.

Two Fates for Coal River Mountain: Mountain Top Mine or Wind Turbines? - One of the last things the Bush administration did was change a rule to allow coal mining companies to dump debris into streams. In a two-part story, Sandra Sleight-Brennan reports that one mining company wants to remove one of the last mountaintops in a West Virginia county but activists hope wind turbines will mean more energy and less destruction. Aired week of 02/11/2009.

Makeover for Cosmetics Industry? - The cosmetics industry is bracing for some changes under the new Congress and Obama administration. Julie Grant reports that makeup and perfumes could come under greater government scrutiny. Aired week of 02/04/2009.

BPA in Your Body - There's a new study that indicates a chemical found in plastic is present in people's bodies more than previously thought. Past studies suggest even at very low levels bisphenol-A, or BPA, could be linked to health problems. The range from prostate and breast cancer to early puberty in kids. Rebecca Williams reports. Aired week of 02/04/2009.

Obama on Environmental Economy - President-elect Barack Obama is calling on Congress to get busy on his American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan. Lester Graham reports energy and environment are top items in the plan. Aired week of 01/14/2009.

Digital TVs Mean Analog Trash - In a couple of months, television signals will be going digital. Congress is requiring the switch. In February, if you have an analog TV with rabbit ears, it'll be useless unless you get a converter box. And even before the official transition, people have been buying up new digital TVs. Rebecca Williams reports the switch to DTV has some people worried about the growing pile of TV trash. Aired week of 12/17/2008.

Toxic Toys Still on Shelves - Millions of toys were recalled last year because of lead contamination. There were about half as many recalls this year, but lead in toys is still a problem. Rebecca Williams reports there's a new law that will limit the amount of lead in any toy or children's product, but it won't go into effect until after the holidays: Aired week of 12/10/2008.

Organics Rotting in Slow Economy - Watching paychecks shrink and retirement funds dissolve is making people change their buying habits. Many are skipping things like natural foods because they're seen as luxuries. But Julie Grant reports some analysts say this is just a short term trend. Aired week of 12/03/2008.

Perception of Pollution Way Off Base - A new study finds people are surprised to learn how much of their exposure to chemicals comes from the things they buy. Rebecca Williams reports. Aired week of 12/03/2008.

Economy Squeezes Environment Agenda - Many environmental advocates say they're excited about the upcoming Obama Administration. But the nation's economic woes could stall many federal programs. Chuck Quirmbach reports. Aired week of 12/03/2008.

Hotels Turning Green - When you're reserving a hotel room this holiday season, you're probably not thinking about whether your room has a low-flow toilet. Little by little, hotels are making changes like that to lighten their environmental impact. Rebecca Williams reports it's not always easy for travelers to know how green a hotel is. Aired week of 11/26/2008.

A Brave New Warmer World for Vintners - Farmers are starting to see signs of climate change. One crop that's more susceptible to change than most is the wine grape. Lester Graham reports not everybody thinks that's bad. Aired week of 11/12/2008.

The Candidates on Nuclear Power - Both major party candidates for president are promising a much greener energy plan than the current administration. But there are big differences in the ways each would go about it. Julie Grant takes a look at the candidates' views on nuclear power. Aired week of 10/29/2008.

White House Bars Science - Wildlife scientists in government agencies have been ordered not to analyze whether greenhouse gases affect endangered animals. Lester Graham reports. Aired week of 10/22/2008.

15th Anniversary of Water Crisis - Fifteen years ago, 400,000 people got sick and more than 100 died from contaminated drinking water. It's still the biggest outbreak of waterborne disease ever in the United States. It happened because a parasite got into the water supply in Milwaukee. Since then, there have been major changes in water systems across the nation. Erin Toner reports. Aired week of 10/15/2008.

Study: 1/4 of World's Mammals at Risk - A new survey shows that at least one fourth of the world's wild mammal species are at risk of extinction. Julie Grant reports that scientists find human activities are largely to blame. Aired week of 10/15/2008.

Growing Food, Not Lawns - Many environmentalists knock the suburbs. They don't like how dependent suburbs are on cars. They don't like the sprawl, the large houses and huge lawns. They think it's a waste of land. Ashley Gross reports... one woman is on a campaign to see some of those expansive lawns turned into something a little more productive. Aired week of 09/03/2008.

Air Pollution and Classroom Performance - Scientists are investigating whether air pollution is affecting how well students perform. Lester Graham reports. Aired week of 08/13/2008.

Arctic Summer of Fire and Ice - The Arctic is melting this summer. But, that melting is not as severe as it could be. Lester Graham reports a haze filters out some of the sun's rays Aired week of 08/06/2008.

Off Shore Drilling Estimates Don't Add Up - President George Bush says Congress should remove the ban on offshore drilling because there might be a decade's worth of oil off the US coasts. Lester Graham reports that might be an optimistic estimate. Aired week of 08/06/2008.

Amtrak Gains Popularity as Gas Prices Soar - More people are riding the nation's passenger train service, Amtrak. It's to the point that Amtrak doesn't have enough train cars in some areas and the trains are sold out. Lester Graham reports Amtrak has some other issues to deal with before it can get on the right track.
Aired week of 07/30/2008.

Deep-Fried Road Trip - For many people, the summer road trip includes trips to the beach, and of course, frequent stops to the gas station. Two college students are driving across the country in a car that runs on used vegetable oil. So when most people pull in to the gas station this summer, they pull up to the grease traps. They say it's a way to raise awareness about alternative fuels, and save a bit of money. Katie Carey brings us this audio postcard. Aired week of 07/23/2008.

EPA Plans for CO2 Underground - The US Environmental Protection Agency is looking at ways to make sure carbon dioxide can be stored underground. The agency is proposing rules that would keep CO2 from seeping out of the ground or cause problems for ground water. Chuck Quirmbach reports. Aired week of 07/23/2008.

A New Approach To Dairy Farming - Some cutting edge farmers are stepping away from concentrating on only production of meat and milk on their farms. They're starting to focus on ways to give their animals healthy, long lives. And they're finding more benefits than they ever imagined. Kinna Ohman reports. Aired week of 07/09/2008.

Keeping A Big Fish From Butting In - There are invasive fish swimming their way toward the Great Lakes. If they get in, they could swallow up a multi-billion dollar sport fishing industry. Mark Brush reports, officials are investing millions of dollars to keep Asian Carp out of the Great Lakes. Aired week of 07/09/2008.

Great Lakes Call for Help - The Great Lakes might be the most ignored resource on the continent. Great Lakes advocates say they have not been able to get enough attention or money from Congress. Rebecca Williams reports one group is outlining what needs to be done to fix the Lakes before climate change makes things worse. Aired week of 06/04/2008.

Today's Signs of Warming Planet - Climate change is already affecting crops, forests, water and wildlife. That’s according to a new government report. Lester Graham reports. Aired week of 06/04/2008.

EPA Corrupted by Bush Administration? - The investigative arm of Congress says the government is taking too long to review safety data on chemicals. Rebecca Williams reports. Aired week of 05/07/2008.

New Wetland Replacement Regulations - Environmentalists say they don't like a new federal rule for replacing wetlands that lie in the path of a developer's bulldozer. But federal agencies say the rule clarifies what developers must do to keep damage to wetlands at a minimum. Tracy Samilton reports. Aired week of 04/09/2008.

Crop Prices Cut into Conservation - With grain prices hitting record highs, a lot of farmers are removing land from the federal Conservation Reserve Program. The CRP pays farmers to stop growing crops on poor land and instead grow trees or grass cover. The US Department of Agriculture, which runs the program, says the CRP is still in good shape. Katherine Glover reports some conservationists disagree. Aired week of 04/02/2008.

Report: EPA Limiting Info Access - A government watchdog group says the Environmental Protection Agency might be limiting the public's access to information. Rebecca Williams reports that could hurt future research on health and safety. Aired week of 03/26/2008.

A Closer Look at Chinese Organics - More companies are importing organic products from China and other countries. But contaminated pet food, tainted toothpaste, and unauthorized antibiotics in fish have been imported to the U.S. from China. Now, some people are concerned about organic foods from China. Julie Grant reports. Aired week of 03/12/2008.

National Parks Not So Pristine - Even our most remote national parks are polluted. That's according to a six-year government study of parks from the Arctic to the Mexican border. Rebecca Williams reports. Aired week of 03/12/2008.

Man v. Beast - More and more people are moving into areas that are natural habitats for animals. And a lot of people are finding that the animals don't want to move out of the neighborhood. Kyle Norris reports that this can make for some interesting interactions. Aired week of 03/05/2008.

The Encyclopedia of Life - A new online encyclopedia wants to give all living things on Earth their own web sites. Even the mosquitoes and leeches. Rebecca Williams reports. Aired week of 03/05/2008.

Many Household Chemicals Not Tested - Two government agencies are agreeing to work together to test chemicals in products we use. But Lester Graham reports there are still lots of hurdles and years of delays before products already on the shelves can be tested for safety. Aired week of 03/05/2008.

Phthalate Chemicals Found in Infants - Infants are widely exposed to a class of chemicals that might be harmful to their reproductive systems. That's according to new research published this month in the journal Pediatrics. Mark Brush reports - the chemicals are known as phthalates. Aired week of 02/13/2008.

What's Behind the Organic Milk Label? - Products labeled organic used to be associated with hippie culture. Ever since the National Organic Standards went into effect five years ago, organic has become big business. Sales of organic products now total about 20-billion dollars a year in the U.S. But that quick growth spurt is coming with some growing pains. Julie Grant reports. Aired week of 02/13/2008.

Farmers Work to Conserve Water - Some experts say water will be the oil of the next generation. As it become more scarce, prices are going to go up. For farmers, that's serious business. Kyle Norris recently spent time with several farmers who say they think about water constantly. Aired week of 02/06/2008.

FutureGen Project Scrapped by Feds - The United States Department of Energy is pulling the plug on a state-of-the-art power plant intended to demonstrate how coal could be burned cleanly. Amanda Vinicky reports. Aired week of 02/06/2008.

Making Green Mainstream - For a lot of people, the words "hybrid vehicle" bring to mind dinky little commuter cars that would get creamed in the fast lane. But red-blooded horsepower fans might soon be able to get speed, performance, and fuel efficiency in the same car. Sarah Hulett brings us this story about the marriage of mean and green. Aired week of 01/30/2008.

Govenment Drops Jaguar Recovery Plan - In a rare move, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says it won't try to save an endangered animal. Rebecca Williams reports critics say the government is giving up on the endangered jaguar. Aired week of 01/30/2008.

Rural Voter Want Clean Water - A new survey finds a majority of rural voters believe the federal government has not done enough to protect water quality. Rebecca Williams reports. Aired week of 01/23/2008.

Starbucks Drops Organic Milk - You won't be able to get organic milk in your latte at Starbucks anymore. Mark Brush reports the company says they're trying to meet consumer demands Aired week of 01/23/2008.

Six States Debating GL Pact - Another state is getting closer to signing the Great Lakes Compact. That's an agreement which limits water diversions out of the Great Lakes. Marianne Holland reports. Aired week of 01/16/2008.

Wolf Hunting Hurts Wolf Pack - This year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to officially remove the northern Rockies gray wolf from the federal Endangered Species List. The agency will hand over management of the wolves to states in the region. The states will allow hunters and ranchers to kill wolves during specific seasons, or even year-round. Kinna Ohman reports some conservationists think hunting could disrupt the way a wolf pack works, and even lead members to seek out easier prey such as livestock. Aired week of 01/09/2008.

Pennsylvania Joins Lawsuit for Greenhouse Gas Rules - OPEN: Pennsylvania has joined California in its suit against the Federal Environmental Protection Agency for its refusal to allow California to regulate its own greenhouse gas emissions. The Allegheny Front's Lisa Ann Pinkerton reports. Aired week of 01/09/2008.

Clean Coal to Use More Water? - Government researchers say more water will be needed for power plants in the future. Mark Brush reports. Aired week of 01/09/2008.

Food Shortages in a Warmer World? - Three new scientific studies find that agriculture could go into steep declines in some regions in the coming decades. Julie Grant reports that the authors of these studies say they're looking at complications that until now have not been adequately considered. Aired week of 12/12/2007.

Push for New 'Green Collar' Jobs - A new employment program is tying the need low-income people have for good-paying work to the imperative of meeting the nation's growing energy demands. The green jobs movement trains out-of-work people and former blue-collar workers to install solar, wind and other alternative energy systems at homes and businesses. Kristi Coale reports what started as a local program might soon be coming to the rest of the nation. Aired week of 12/05/2007.

Bird Group Calls for Immediate Action - A new report says more than one quarter of America's bird species are at risk of serious declines. In Pennsylvania, the six birds on the list include the wood thrush, cerulean warbler and the short-eared owl. Rebecca Williams reports most of the species are not protected under the Endangered Species Act. Aired week of 12/05/2007.

Report: Low Lead Levels Still Dangerous - A new study finds that exposure to even very low lead levels can cause brain damage in children. Rebecca Williams reports. Aired week of 11/28/2007.

Target Drops PVC - After a two year campaign against the retailer, Target says it will do what Wal-Mart and other retailers have already done. It will stop using PVC plastic in its products. Lisa Ann Pinkerton Reports. Aired week of 11/14/2007.

Protecting Migratory Birds - The government will be taking steps to help protect migratory birds. Five billion birds migrate from North America to the tropics every year. Land development is threatening the birds' stopover habitats. Kyle Norris has the story. Aired week of 10/31/2007.

Power Plants Dirtier than Claimed - Electric utility companies say they're reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. But according to a recent study the power companies are actually increasing their emissions. Kyle Norris has this report. Aired week of 10/17/2007.

Fish-Friendly Turbines - There's a strong push to develop clean energy sources. Dams can generate clean power, but they have a bad reputation for harming fish. Mark Brush reports a new water turbine design could help some dams become more fish friendly. Aired week of 09/26/2007.

Utilities and Wildlife - A new report says power, water, and sewage utilities can play a significant role in restoring wildlife habitat. That's because they own or control thousands of acres of land across the country. Mark Brush has more. Aired week of 09/26/2007.

Fish Detectives - On television, the CSI detectives make forensic lab work look glamorous. It's a cinch for them to track a criminal by the DNA left behind at the scene. In real life, DNA is also a powerful tool for solving environmental crimes and mysteries. Rebecca Williams visits the Fish Detectives. Aired week of 09/19/2007.

Lower Lake Levels: Multiple Causes - There's more concern about lower water levels in the Great Lakes, both due to increased drainage, and possibly global climate change. Chuck Quirmbach reports. Aired week of 08/22/2007.

Imported Bottle Water - Environmentalists have been concerned about bottled water. They say it wastes plastic and uses a lot of fuel to transport it. But one group points toward a certain type of bottled water that's more wasteful than others. Lester Graham reports. Aired week of 08/22/2007.

The Dirt on Diaper Duty - There's a reason more than 90% of American parents choose disposable diapers over cloth. Nothing beats the convenience of disposable diapers. But what about their effect on the environment? Reporter Mark Brush has two little ones at home and decided to take a closer look at the question. Aired week of 08/15/2007.

Women and the Woods - Fairy tales and slasher films suggest that the woods can be a scary place. It's a place where someone or some thing could hurt us. Kyle Norris talks to one woman who has every reason to fear the woods, but has come to reject that notion. Aired week of 08/15/2007.

Plastic Ingredient a Health Hazard? - A common chemical in food and beverage containers could be harming human health, even at very low levels of exposure. That's the consensus of a panel of 38 scientists convened by the National Institutes of Health. Rebecca Williams reports the panel reviewed more than 700 research studies. Aired week of 08/15/2007.

Ethanol: Running the Well Dry? - Two main ingredients needed to make ethanol are corn and water. There's no shortage of corn of course, and in most places it's assumed there's also plenty of water. But as Rebecca Williams reports, even people in water-rich states are getting concerned about ethanol's thirst for groundwater. Aired week of 08/08/2007.

Pushing Chemical Plants to Cut Mercury - Environmental groups say it would make financial sense for chemical plants that emit a lot of mercury pollution to go mercury-free. Chuck Quirmbach reports.
Aired week of 08/01/2007.

Saving Historic City Parks - At one time, cities were little more than stone and brick. But in the mid-1800's Frederick Law Olmsted began changing all that. The landscape architect designed some of the most important park systems in the country, including Frick Park in Pittsburgh. But decades of neglect and nature's wrath are threatening Olmsted's largest park system. Joyce Kryszak has the story of plans to restore it. Aired week of 08/01/2007.

Who Gets Great Lakes Water? - For the first time, state legislatures in the Great Lakes region have a set of laws in front of them that could comprehensively define how and where they can use Great Lakes water. Melissa Ingells has a look at the document called the Great Lakes Compact. Aired week of 07/11/2007.

Disappearing Wilderness Areas - A new report says true wilderness is vanishing. The authors say we might need to rethink conservation. Rebecca Williams reports. Aired week of 07/11/2007.

After a Decade, EPA Looks at Pesticides - The US Environmental Protection Agency plans to begin testing hundreds of pesticides to see if they disrupt human hormones. Tracy Samilton reports that environmental groups aren't satisfied with the plan. They say the research is too little, too late. Aired week of 06/27/2007.

E-Waste Polluting Overseas - Someday, your old cell phone or CD player might end up right back where it started: in China. Ted Land visited a Chinese city where electronic waste, or e-waste, is shipped by the thousands of tons. Pollution from that waste is threatening the health of people who live there. Aired week of 06/27/2007.

Nanotech Nervousness - Nanotechnology is the science of the very, very small. Scientists are finding ways to shrink materials down to the scale of atoms. These tiny particles show a lot of promise for better medicines, faster computers and safer food. But Rebecca Williams reports some people are worried about harmful effects nano-size particles might have on people's health and the environment. Aired week of 06/27/2007.

Killing Eagles Approved - The federal government has a plan that it hopes will continue to protect the bald eagle. But the proposal would allow times when the bird could be killed or moved. Chuck Quirmbach reports. Aired week of 06/13/2007.

Great Lakes Water Levels Drop - A five year, 15 million dollar study will look at water levels of the Great Lakes. Chuck Quirmbach reports on some of the concerns. Aired week of 06/13/2007.

Protesters Target PVC - Polyvinyl chloride and the chemicals used to make it are thought to be linked to birth defects and cancers. So activists are urging companies to stop using the plastic. America's 6th largest retailer Target was recently handed 10,000 signatures at its annual shareholders meeting. The petition urges the company to phase out the use of PVC plastic in the products it sells. Lisa Ann Pinkerton reports. Aired week of 06/06/2007.

Eagles to Fly Off Endangered List? - Bald eagles could be taken off the endangered species list soon. Rebecca Williams reports bald eagles have reached their highest numbers since World War II. Aired week of 05/30/2007.

Adapting to Climate Change - Businesses are beginning to talk about climate change in different terms. Instead of debating whether humans are causing it, there's a lot more talk about what climate change might mean to the business climate. Lester Graham reports there are questions about what might happen to affect business as global temperatures and weather patterns change. Aired week of 05/16/2007.

Guidelines for Windmills - A new study says more planning and guidelines are needed to put wind energy farms in the right places. Chuck Quirmbach reports windmills are sometimes built in migrating bird flyways or block scenic views. Aired week of 05/16/2007.

Formaldehyde in Your Cabinets - Composite wood products are everywhere in the American home - in cabinets and shelves and doors. And almost all of it is made with formaldehyde, a carcinogen also known to aggravate the lungs of people with asthma. But as Tamara Keith reports, the widespread use of the chemical could be changing. Aired week of 05/09/2007.

Rooftop Wind Power - The government wants 20% of the energy generated in the nation from renewable resources. Today, we're at a mere fraction of that goal. Lisa Ann Pinkerton reports experts believe the US could get there sooner if wind power technology can be moved successfully to where the electricity is actually consumed, America's cities. Aired week of 05/09/2007.

Wasp Kills Pines - Foresters are worried about a wasp that's killing pine trees. The insect is spreading through pine forests in northern states. Steve Carmody reports. Aired week of 05/02/2007.

Corn Ethanol: More Water Pollution - Government-funded programs that pay for conservation on farmland have done a lot to improve the environment over the past twenty years. The federal government has paid farmers to take some cropland and set it aside to protect waterways and wildlife habitat. Julie Grant reports that some of that conservation is being stalled. Aired week of 04/25/2007.

Corn Ethanol: Higher Food Prices - Some people are warning there are hidden costs to the drive for ethanol. The demand for corn-based ethanol for fuel has pushed the price of corn close to the highest price it's been in 10 years. Rebecca Williams reports that economists say the push for more ethanol will mean higher prices at the supermarket. Aired week of 04/25/2007.

Corn Ethanol: Study Says More Smog - New research out of Stanford University says ethanol-based fuels might not be any better for the environment than gasoline. But as Dustin Dwyer reports, that's not expected to stop the drive to increase ethanol use. Aired week of 04/25/2007.

Getting Gerber Organic Apples - A national baby food company is looking to increase its line of organic products. But first it has to find more organic apples. And, as Bob Allen reports, that might encourage some growers to put more acres into organic crops. Aired week of 04/18/2007.

Ruling Bans Mountaintop Mining - Environmentalists are praising a court ruling that makes blasting the tops off mountains to extract coal illegal in most cases. Fred Kight reports. Aired week of 04/11/2007.

Sports Teams Go Green - The world of sports is taking an abrupt turn toward more environmentally-friendly operations. Lester Graham reports teams from the NFL, NBA and Major League Baseball are all looking at ways to go green. Aired week of 03/28/2007.

Using Energy More Efficiently - More and mores states are establishing a renewable energy standard for their electric utilities. So far, wind power is producing the bulk of renewable energy. But there are other sources. Some are brand new. Others have been around for a long time. Stephanie Hemphill reports. Aired week of 03/14/2007.

Hydrogen Explodes onto Car Scene? - Within the next few years, you might see a new type of car in dealer showrooms - one that runs on hydrogen. Many engineers and car company officials predict that hydrogen vehicles will replace gasoline power in the next 10 to 15 years. But lots of people think hydrogen is too explosive and wonder if a hydrogen-based economy will be safe. Julie Grant reports. Aired week of 03/07/2007.

Winter Sledding Audio Postcard - There's a lot of talk about the effects of global warming. But on a recent frigid night, kids were thinking only of the cold and the thrill of sledding down a hill. Producer Kyle Norris squeezed into the back of a couple of sleds with the kids. She has this audio postcard of the experience. Aired week of 03/07/2007.

Hydrogen: A Pollution Shell Game? - Lots of people in the automotive industry expect hydrogen to be a major fuel source in the future. Cars that run on hydrogen don't emit greenhouse gases from the tailpipe. In fact, they don't emit anything except water. It might sound like magic, but there are some costs to fueling the future on hydrogen. Julie Grant reports. Aired week of 03/07/2007.

Plunging into Low-Flow Toilets - Low-flow toilets left some people flushed with anger when the products debuted in the 1990's. But the Environmental Protection Agency is pushing ahead with a voluntary program to create toilets that use even less water. Chuck Quirmbach reports some toilet manufacturers say they want to join the new water-saving market and hope consumers are ready to buy. Aired week of 02/21/2007.

Flex-Fuel Economy Questioned - If you plan to buy a new car or truck this year, you might find some showrooms filled with vehicles that run largely on ethanol instead of gasoline. Car companies are pushing these corn-fueled vehicles as environmentally friendly. Julie Grant takes a look at those claims. Aired week of 02/14/2007.

The Price of Global Warming - Global warming has prompted some people to look for ways to reduce their personal contribution to global warming. Rebecca Williams reports there are many new companies that claim to help you do that... for a price. Aired week of 02/07/2007.

Scientists Work to Save Odd Animals - Scientists at the London Zoo have launched an effort to save some of the oddest animals on Earth. Rebecca Williams reports most of them aren't well-protected. Aired week of 01/24/2007.

Scientists and Evangelicals in One Accord - A small group of scientists and Christian evangelicals have joined forces to convince politicians that global warming is a real threat. Chuck Quirmbach reports. Aired week of 01/24/2007.

Auto Show Shows More Green - This week, the North American International Auto Show in Detroit opens to the public. Every year, the event is a showcase for the newest trends for tomorrow's cars and trucks, and this year, the big trend is fuel-efficient vehicles. Cleaner cars have been promised before, but Dustin Dwyer reports that this year's green car concepts could be more than just an attempt to polish up a dirty image for the auto industry. Aired week of 01/17/2007.

Phased-Out Pesticide Needed for Apples? - The EPA has granted a six-year reprieve for fruit growers to continue to use a highly toxic pesticide. But the decision to eventually phase it out is an uneasy compromise. Environmental health advocates say the delay continues to put farm workers and their families at risk. But growers say they haven't yet found an effective replacement. Bob Allen reports. Aired week of 01/10/2007.

Ethanol Production Drives Up Food Prices - There are new questions about how much grain it will take to supply all the ethanol plants being built around the U.S. One group says more ethanol production will boost grain prices further. Chuck Quirmbach reports. Aired week of 01/10/2007.

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