National (U.S.)

"Fire chiefs from California, Idaho, Washington and other vulnerable states reinforced on Monday the Obama administration’s campaign against climate change."

"Smoking would be prohibited in public housing homes nationwide under a proposed federal rule to be announced on Thursday, a move that would affect nearly one million households and open the latest front in the long-running campaign to curb unwanted exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke."

"Large chemical companies and their major trade association and lobbying arm, the American Chemistry Council, say they can maintain high safety standards through self-regulation and voluntary actions. Our report finds this isn't the case. Voluntary standards don’t work, and existing regulations are not effectively enforced."

"A celebratory signing on Tuesday of a memorandum of understanding between the Interior Department and Energy Department formally established the Manhattan Project National Historical Park, one that will span three states and recount a pivotal moment in world history."

"Arch Coal, the nation's second largest coal company, this week told the Securities and  Exchange Commission that it may join other coal companies in filing for bankruptcy. The company said it may have to seek Chapter 11 relief because of 'extremely challenging current market conditions.'  The company, which is burdened by $5 billion in debt, said it did not see an upturn in sight."

"House Natural Resources Chairman Rob Bishop has received praise and criticism from his Republican colleagues over his proposal to overhaul the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a sign of potential headwinds as the Utahan seeks to advance his bill."

"Dispersants used to encourage the oil's breakdown actually hindered microbes that were helping clean-up the huge slick, says new research."

"In an era where staunch opposition to raising taxes on anything is a defining principle of the Republican Party, the GOP gubernatorial nominee in Louisiana found one industry he believes doesn’t pay enough in taxes: solar energy."

"Chemicals in hair relaxers and other products can have dangerous side effects—especially for salon workers. But a number of groups are trying to change that."