Articles by Grist staff

Old King Coal Reigns On

Pollution from coal-burning power plants is on the rise in the U.S., spurred by competition in the electric market that has encouraged utilities to rely more heavily on the cheaper power generation method of burning coal, two environmental groups charged in a report yesterday. Electricity production from coal-burning power plants rose 16 percent from 1992 […]

Swill Waters Run Deep

Much of the groundwater and many of the streams in the U.S. are contaminated with pesticides and fertilizers, according to a study released last month by the U.S. Geological Survey. The study examined 20 important river basins and geographic areas and found that in most them, water contaminants threaten the reproductive capacity of aquatic species […]

No Tax for Japanese Beetles?

A task force of Japan’s Environment Agency recommended yesterday that owners of old, heavily polluting cars be tapped for higher taxes and that those driving low-emission vehicles get tax reductions. The task force had initially intended to raise taxes on most cars but then limited its plan, in part because of pressure from automakers. Under […]

Miners: Take a Dump Somewhere Else!

The House voted yesterday to back Clinton administration efforts to limit the dumping of mine wastes on public land, with more than a third of Republicans breaking with their party to support the measure, attached to a Department of Interior spending bill. The Senate version of the bill contains an amendment by Sen. Slade Gorton […]