Articles by Grist staff

Nothing Could Be Refiner

Thanks to an EPA crackdown on the oil refining industry, two of the largest oil refiners in the U.S., BP Amoco and Koch Industries, have reached a breakthrough agreement with the government under which the companies will spend nearly $600 million to tackle air-pollution problems at 12 facilities around the nation. EPA Administrator Carol Browner […]

A Manatee of His Word

Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R) surprised enviros yesterday by taking a tougher stance on protecting manatees than had been expected. He announced that the state won’t approve any more boat slips unless counties have strong plans in place to protect the endangered sea animal, which Bush said is his favorite mammal. Ten years ago, under […]

Tanning Their Hides

For the first time, a Mexican factory yesterday was fined for violating a U.S. environmental law. Maquiladora Chambers de Mexico, a leather belt manufacturer south of the Arizona border, consented to pay a $3,164 penalty for improperly disposing of hazardous waste in the U.S. and agreed to train its personnel in waste disposal laws. Two […]

Beyond Belief

BP Amoco unveiled a plan yesterday to spiff up its image and portray itself as a progressive, eco-friendly energy company. A new motto, “Beyond Petroleum,” is accompanied by a new sunburst logo designed to evoke thoughts of the company’s investments in solar energy. The company will open up a line of new gas stations that […]