According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, toxic chemical pollution from the United States’ industrial plants and factories declined by 5 percent in 2007. Despite an overall decline, more mercury, dioxin and polychlorinated biphenyls entered the environment. These chemicals remain in the environment for long periods of time and accumulate in body tissues.

CO2 Proposal

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has sent a proposed rule to the White House’s Office of Management and Budget that says carbon dioxide is a danger to the public. The endangerment finding will trigger emission regulations across the country under the Clean Air Act.  While President Obama says he prefers Congress to create a system that caps greenhouse gas emissions and creates a market for businesses to buy and sell the right to emit, the administration is moving forward on CO2 regulations under the Clean Air Act as a back-stop strategy designed to pressure reluctant lawmakers into action.

Research Program Commitment

Monsanto has announced a $10 million grant to establish Monsanto’s Beachell-Borlaug International Scholars Program. This will help identify and support young scientists interested in improving research and production in rice and wheat through plant breeding techniques. The program will be administered by Texas AgriLife Research, an agency of the Texas A&M University System, for the next five years.

Plant Closure