In The News / Oct 30

• Toxic chemicals, carcinogens skyrocket near fracking sites.

  Oil and gas wells across the U.S. are spewing "dangerous" cancer-causing chemicals into the air, according to a new study that further corroborates reports of health problems around hydraulic fracturing sites. US News & World Report

• Pennsylvania congressman launches frack waste investigation as concern rises.

  In a reflection of growing national concern about the disposal of oil and gas waste, a Pennsylvania congressman launched an investigation Wednesday into the way his state regulates the discarding of the unwanted, often toxic material. InsideClimate News

• Are money and power changing the environmental movement?

  Not only are environmental groups spending record amounts of cash on the races, they are also trumpeting a common vision with what advocates call an unprecedented level of coordination. And they vow it will last through future elections. Greenwire

• Ship runs aground near Stockholm, spilling oil among pristine islands.

  A ship carrying 52 tons of oil in the Baltic Sea ran aground off Stockholm’s sprawling archipelago Wednesday morning and began leaking its cargo into the intricate network of islands and inlets, an online news agency reported. Los Angeles Times

• 'Pervasive' amounts of radioactive material found in Los Angeles, Long Beach harbors.

  Scientists studying kelp beds along the coast of Southern California have detected "pervasive" amounts of a radioactive isotope known as Iodine-131 in the waters off the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Los Angeles KPCC Radio, California

• Town divided after Sendai nuclear plant restart clears another hurdle.

  The city hosting the Sendai nuclear plant in Kagoshima Prefecture has decided to approve a resumption of operations at the facility, highlighting a conflict between people who benefit from the largesse of the industry and those who do not. Bloomberg News

• Gas wastewater likely triggered 2011 quake in Colorado: USGS.

  Underground disposal of wastewater from gas production likely triggered a moderate earthquake in Colorado in 2011, the U.S. Geological Survey said on Wednesday in a study that may fuel debate over the impact of the U.S. energy boom. Reuters

• Two years later, Sandy’s wrath still felt.

  The two-year anniversary of superstorm Sandy was marked across the region Wednesday by somber speeches and events that put a spotlight on the rebuilding projects happening since the devastating storm. Wall Street Journal

• Engineered plants, microbes mop up toxic waste, oil spills.

  Using genes from waste-munching microbes, plants may help clean up harmful chemicals in contaminated areas such as farm lands in the oil rich Delta Region of Nigeria. Scientists say engineered greenery may one day clean up the chemical fallout of oil spills and air pollution. Lagos Guardian, Nigeria

• Fed to give $4M in honey bee aid in Michigan, other states.

  Midwestern farmers and ranchers are getting $4 million in federal help to improve the health of honeybees, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Wednesday. Associated Press