March 2011 Archive
Can U.S. Nuclear Plants Handle a Major Natural Disaster?
Congressman Ed Markey has asked the Government Accountability Office to look into earthquake and flood protection at nuclear plants and questions whether the new AP1000 reactor design by Westinghouse is vulnerable to earthquakes.
Collective Bargaining, Explained: Why It's at the Center of Fights Now
Why is collective bargaining such a hot-button issue now -- and what are the basic facts?
Government Vows to Curb Banks' Foreclosure Practices, But Enforcement Still a Question Mark
Hosts of federal agencies and regulators, along with the 50 state attorneys general, are hard at work on laying out new rules for banks and mortgage servicers. But attempts to reform this process have failed before. Will banks abusing the system be held accountable?
PA Governor Gives Energy Executive Supreme Authority Over Environmental Permitting
Pennsylvania’s governor has appointed an energy industry executive to oversee the state’s job creation effort and wants to give him unusual authority to streamline state permits, including for gas drilling.
County Prosecutors Withheld Evidence About Doctor’s Credibility
A defense attorney has requested a new trial in a shooting case because prosecutors did not turn over information about forensic pathologist Thomas Gill
Former Bush EPA Official Says Fracking Exemption Went Too Far; Congress Should Revisit
Benjamin Grumbles, assistant administrator for water at the Environmental Protection Agency in the George W. Bush administration, ponders criticism leveled at a 2004 study on hydraulic fracturing and suggests that it's now time for Congress and the EPA to take another look at the practice.
Fort Bragg Infant Death Toll May Climb to Twelve
Another baby has died in military housing at Fort Bragg. Now investigators are examining the house for tainted drywall and other possible contaminants.
PA Environment Gets the Axe – Environmental Permitting To Be Streamlined
Governor’s proposed budget would cut environmental protections and streamline regulatory processes to encourage job creation.
Obama Makes Indefinite Detention and Military Commissions His Own
Prisoners held in indefinite detention at the Guantanamo Bay camp will periodically be reviewed by a board and have a “personal representative” to advocate for them. But the system, similar to what was in effect under the Bush administration, does not bring President Obama closer to shutting Gitmo.
Habitat for Humanity Buys Back House Built with Chinese Drywall
Habitat for Humanity has become the first builder to buy back a house built with Chinese drywall.
U.S. Considers Arming Libyan Rebels Months After Approving Major Arms Deal Sought by Qaddafi
Until congressional objections stopped it, the U.S. State Department had approved a $77 million deal to provide armored troop carriers that were highly sought after by Libyan dictator Muammar Qaddafi’s regime.
