Exxon Mobil Must Pay $236 Million in NH Pollution Case
Exxon Mobil was found liable Tuesday in a long-running lawsuit over groundwater contamination, and the oil giant was ordered to pay $236 million to New Hampshire to clean it up.
environment
Crackdown on Sulfur Could Boost Gas Prices 9 Cents a Gallon
Reducing sulfur in gasoline and tightening emissions standards on cars beginning in 2017, as the Obama administration is proposing, would come with costs as well as rewards.
Big Retailers Fined for Pushing Phony Bamboo Fabrics
Macy's, Amazon and Sears have all agreed to fork over hundreds of thousands of dollars each in fines after the Federal Trade Commission busted them for passing off Rayon fabrics as genuine, environmentally friendly bamboo.
The World's Most Expensive Flip-Flops
Chipkos hopes its latest pair of fashionable flip-flops could help save the Costa Rican rainforests. One purchase will protect 100,000 square feet of the eco-rich land. But it's had no takers so far. Did we mention the sandals cost $18,000?
A Growing Role for Tourism in Sustainable Development
In a somewhat surprising report, The U.N. Environment Programme says one of the most promising green industries -- at least when it comes to creating economic growth, reducing poverty, fueling job creation and addressing major environmental challenges -- turns out to be tourism.
Vancouver Retains Title of World's Most Liveable City
For the fifth straight year, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, bested 139 other cities worldwide in ratings of "relative comfort" to hold onto the right to call itself the World's 'Most Liveable' City, according to new rankings by The Economist Intelligence Unit.
10 American Cities With the Worst Drinking Water
Unknown to most Americans, a surprising number of U.S. cities have drinking water with unhealthy levels of chemicals and contaminants. Using data collected from multiple sources for five years by Environmental Working Group, 24/7 Wall St. has compiled this list of the 10 worst.
It's Getting Hot in Here: 2010 Temperatures Hit Record High
Global temperatures in 2010 tied 2005 for the warmest on record and are likely to increase further as developing countries expand their economies and produce more greenhouse gases, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said in a report Wednesday.
Truth in Advertising: What Does 'Green' Really Mean?
Many companies and products claim to be green. But what does that actually mean? In some cases, labels can be misleading. As "greenwashing" increases, so does the need for greater consumer awareness.
Corning Earnings Jump 22% Despite Falling Glass Prices
Corning's (GLW) third-quarter profit rose 22% from a year earlier, as higher sales of the company's automotive and diesel-emission products more than offset the falling glass prices for flat-panel TVs.
FTC Proposes Tighter Standards for 'Green' Products
Companies that claim to be environmentally friendly or say their products have certain so-called "green" benefits may face more stringent requirements as far as showing proof of such claims, the Federal Trade Commission said today.
Will Peruvian Politics Shake Mining and Energy Investments?
Political upsets in Peruvian regional elections could indicate a national shift to the left -- and some business leaders worry that could discourage foreign investment in the country, which has rich natural resources such as oil, gas and gold.
Climate Change: Smart Businesses Are Preparing Now
From flooding in Pakistan to wildfires in Russia, something seems to be going on. Climate change? A growing number of businesses aren't waiting around to find out for sure. Instead, they're making pragmatic plans to get ready just in case.
Grainger's Global Supply Biz Still Looks Good
As the world's largest distributor of industrial and commercial supplies to major corporations, W.W. Grainger has been on a roll. Its stock has climbed from $58 in early 2009 to $120 now. And it could double again in the next five years.
Legal Briefing: Obama Backs Utilities in Climate Change Case
Eight states, New York City and three groups won the legal right to sue greenhouse-gas emitting utilities. The companies appealed to the Supreme Court, and the Obama administration has filed a brief supporting them. Find out the implications of this move.
Gulf Disaster Is Largest Accidental Spill Ever, Research Shows
At a total of nearly 5 million barrels, the spill from BP ruptured Macondo well easily outstrips the previous record of 3.3 million barrels released into the Bay of Campeche by Mexico's Ixtoc I rig in 1979.
The Inconvenient Truth About Gore's PR Problem
Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore was a leading voice in the fight against climate change just three years ago. Now, amid accusations of sexual misconduct, he faces an image problem. Is the environment losing a key spokesman?
Call for $5 Billion 'Down Payment' From BP
A coalition of three major environmental groups is requesting that BP immediately set aside this money in addition to the $20 billion it has already committed because that federal escrow fund is meant to pay for only economic damages.
How Long Will Dudley's Honeymoon Last?
BP's new CEO Bob Dudley has received a warm welcome in the U.S. press, in large part because he's an American born and raised near the Gulf. While Dudley's local roots may help soothe some nerves in the disaster-stricken region, it's only a matter of time before the harsh realities of the worst oil spill in American history come to the fore.
California's Revolt Against Smart Electric Meters
Despite promises of environmental benefits and lower costs to consumers, smart meters are running into stiff resistance in some areas where you'd least expect it. Among the concerns: More electromagnetic radiation and loss of privacy.