E.P.A. Seeks Stricter Rules to Curb Smog

The New York Times January 7, 2010 By John M Broder

On thursday, the environmental protection agency proposed a stricter standard for the pollutants that would bring great health benefits to millions of Ameriacans while imposing large costs on local governments. Regions with the worst smog pollution, such as Northeat, Souther and Central California, and the Chicago and Houston areas, would have more time that the other areas to come into compliance.
I think this is a huge problem if they don't pass this. These places should definitely get this moving fast and make sure Obama passes it. It's a shame how the air has become so bad and we have to figure out more plans to make sure our environment is safe.


http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/08/science/earth/08smog.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

In Cold Snap, Floridians Shiver, and Pray for the Strawberries

The New York Times January 6, 2010 By Damien Cave

Cold temperatures hit the Sunshine state. 25 degrees has been the tempurature in florida and the strawberries are suspended beneath hard icy, shiny icicles. It's been decent so far, but hopefully the weather remains constant in the 40 degree mark. Good thing it hasn't affected the fruits as much as people thought they would, but dozens have been destroyed. Prices have increased by $2 a pound since christmas.
I'm glad things haven't gotten too bad in florida, due to the weather. It would've been a shame if all the crops became destroyed after a horrible weather condition. The author wrote a great story about the topic.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/07/us/07cold.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

Large Oil Spill Reported in China

The New York Times January 3, 2010 By David Barboza

There has been a large oil spill in northwest China and has heavily polluted a tributary of the Yellow River, and threatens to reach one of the country's longest important sources of water. China's state-run media said that there has been a huge amount of diesel oil that leaked out of a pipeline last Thursday in Shaanxi Province. The damaged pipeline belongs to the China National Petroleum Corporation.
This is a huge problem amonst the people who live in China because they have a huge amount of diesel oil leaking. This is horrible for our global warming situation. This person has researched this topic very well.


http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/04/world/asia/04china.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

In California, a Scrub Oak Is an Old Pro at Cloning

The New York Times January 4, 2010 By Henry Fountain

In Southern California, there is a scrub oak that has been cloning itself for at least 13,000 years. The thickeet of the species was found about 10 years ago by scientists conducting a survey of plant diversity in the region. Palmer's oak is found at higher elevations and in areas with more moisture. Researchers couldn't find any mature acorns, all they found were small, green and incapable of germinating.
I think it's pretty sweet how we found this scrub oak that has been cloning itself for 1,000's of years now. I'm glad that researchers have conducted experiments to determine whether or not it will keeep cloning or if it's going to exist.


http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/05/science/05clone.html?partner=rss&emc=rss