David Tessein

February 20, 2011

Fish in Hudson River Rapidly Evolve Resistance to PCBs

A researcher recently discovered that the Atlantic tomcod has developed a resistance to PCBs, allowing the fish to accumulate higher than normal levels of the chemicals before showing any adverse effects. The change involves a single gene to prevent the chemical from binding to the fish's cells. However, this gene variant is only found in tomcod in the Hudson River.

Source:

Associated Press, Hudson River Fish Resist PCBs Through Gene Variant, N.Y. Times, Feb. 17, 2011, http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2011/02/17/science/AP-US-SCI-Hudson-Evolution.html?ref=earth.

Recession Contributed to Reduced Emission Numbers in 2009

In its annual inventory of emissions, the EPA found that levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases fell 6% to their lowest levels since 1995. While part of the reduction was attributed to a switch to cleaner-burning natural gas, the weakened economy helped to further stimulate reductions in both the industrial and transportation sectors.

Source:

John M. Broder, Emissions Fell in 2009, Showing Impact Of Recession, N.Y. Times, Feb. 16, 2011, http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/17/science/earth/17emit.html?ref=earth.

Japan Suspends Whale Harvest Due to Continued Protests

Citing safety concerns, Japan has suspended its annual Antarctic whaling program. Recently, Japan has been unable to meet its quota for the season as a result of the efforts of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. Japan still plans to resume their whaling operation, but offered no information as to how long the suspension would last.

Source:

Chased by protesters, Japan suspends whale hunt, Msnbc.com, Feb. 16, 2011, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41620372/ns/world_news-world_environment/.

Study Declares Wild Oysters Functionally Extinct

A study has revealed that 85% of oyster reefs worldwide have disappeared as a result of disease and overharvest. The study also states that oysters are functionally extinct, which means that population levels are so low that they have no ecological functionality. Ecologically, oysters normally act as a filter and can help to improve and maintain water quality.

Source:

Oysters disappearing worldwide: study, Yahoo.com, Feb. 3, 2011, http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110203/ts_alt_afp/environmentusfoodoceans.

House Republicans Attempt to Cut Funding for EPA Regulations

Republicans are seeking to add amendments to a spending bill in order to restrict the EPA's ability to regulate in certain areas. The amendments would prevent the EPA from tightening regulations for arsenic and other toxic chemicals originating from industrial plants until a two year study has been completed. The amendments would also block the EPA from further scrutinizing mountaintop mining operations.

Source:

Renee Schoof, House Republicans seek to block many EPA rules, Miami Herald, Feb. 16, 2011, http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/02/16/2070512/house-republicans-seek-to-block.html.