Summary:  The EPA has given its preliminary approval of ineffective draft Florida regulations on sewage, manure and fertilizer pollution. This pollution has spawned outbreaks of toxic green slime all over the state, killing fish, closing drinking water plants and swimming areas, and causing illness in people exposed to the water and its fumes. EPA’s blessing of Florida’s polluter-friendly water quality rules is a loss for families who deserve clean water.

Earthjustice attorney David Guest said, “This is regulation drafted by the folks that will be regulated. Whenever the fox guard the chicken house, the chickens are going to be eaten.” Guest expects to file more legal challenges if Florida and EPA approve the rules next year.

  Full Article:  http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/11/02/2484522/environmentalists-cry-foul-on.html"

  Related Earthjustice Resources: 

• Federal and State Regulators Side with Polluters
• Photo Slideshow: Images Of Algae Outbreaks In Florida

  Summary:  Application of methyl iodide on a strawberry field in central California has been postponed amidst an outcry. Methyl iodide is a controversial and carcinogenic pesticide administered on farm fields. The county said it would review the controversial permit after Earthjustice challenged it.

  Full Article:  http://www.independent.com/news/2011/oct/27/pesticide-application-put-hold-amid-public-outcry/"

  Related Earthjustice Resources: 

• California's Approval of Methyl Iodide Challenged
• Campaign: Pesticides In The Air, Kids At Risk

  Summary:  The House approved a bill that blocks the European Union from imposing emission controls on U.S. airlines. Similar to cap-and-trade, the proposed Emissions Trading System would require airlines to trade credits for pollution emitted by flights to Europe.

Earthjustice attorney Sarah Burt stated that the bill “sets a very dangerous precedent and could seriously undermine U.S. efforts to keep Americans safe.” She also said, “Currently the U.S. requires European airlines to comply with U.S. health and safety regulations as a condition for doing business in the U.S. Now Congress is trying to say that if the Europeans impose conditions on our planes flying into Europe it’s an attack on American sovereignty.”

  Full Article:  http://thehill.com/blogs/transportation-report/aviation/189585-enviros-trade-war-possible-after-house-vote-on-eu-airline-emission-trading-"

  Related Earthjustice Resources: 

• European Court’s Preliminary Opinion Supports Legality of EU Law That Curbs Aviation Pollution
• Environmental Groups Defend European Efforts to Reduce Aircraft Emissions

  Summary:  Alaska Native and environmental groups have taken the next step to stop offshore oil drilling in the Arctic Ocean, at least until techniques are developed to control a spill. The groups filed an appeal challenging a permit allowing a Shell Oil drilling ship to operate. Shell wants to drill up to three exploratory wells in the Chukchi and Beaufort Sea off the Alaskan coast.

Earthjustice attorney Colin O’Brien said that the Discoverer and a fleet of support vessels would emit massive amounts of carbon dioxide and other toxic pollutants. He stated, “This is a fleet of vessels and a giant, floating industrial operation that dwarfs the collective emissions of the nearby towns.”

  Full Article:  http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/groups-appeal-shell-air-permit-granted-epa-14805867"

  Related Earthjustice Resources: 

• Groups Challenge EPA Approval of Shell Oil Pollution in the Arctic Ocean