
US says Mexico ‘abandoned science’ in GM corn limitations
By Johnathan Hettinger
The United States has doubled down on allegations that Mexico is violating international trade rules by working to ban imports of genetically modified (GM) corn for human consumption, arguing in a filing made public this week that Mexico has “abandoned science” in expressing concerns about how GM corn impacts human and environmental health.

EPA action on nerve agent used in food applauded, but concerns persist
By Carey Gillam
A proposal by US regulators to issue a ban on most uses of a pesticide that acts as a nerve agent was applauded by health advocates this week, though some warned the proposal doesn’t go far enough.

Despite ban, EPA grants ’emergency’ approval for bee-killing insecticide for 10th straight year
By Johnathan Hettinger
US regulators have approved the emergency use of clothianidin on Florida citrus trees for the tenth straight year, once again allowing farmers to use the insecticide despite its known risk to endangered species and pollinators critical to the health of the food supply.

Controversial California power plant set to stay online after court decision
By Shannon Kelleher
A federal court on Monday cleared the way for California’s last nuclear power plant to keep operating for five years after its licenses expire, rejecting arguments from environmental advocates that the facility poses ongoing risks that could prove catastrophic, including the potential for a “nuclear meltdown”.

Postcard from California: State emits more of an obscure climate-heating gas than the entire rest of the US
By Bill Walker
Among US states, California is a leader in efforts to cut emissions of the greenhouse gases that fuel the climate crisis. But just three counties in Southern California emit far more of one little-known greenhouse gas than all other US states combined.

US health advocacy groups support Mexico in GMO trade dispute
By Johnathan Hettinger
More than a dozen North American organizations have weighed in to support Mexico in its trade dispute with the United States over Mexico’s ban of genetically modified (GM) corn, agreeing that the nation has the right to protect human health from food ingredients it considers hazardous.

Not just Mexico – US worries over barriers to agricultural trade across the world
By Johnathan Hettinger
From Algeria to Vietnam, Norway to Nigeria, and the European Union to China, regulation of agriculture biotechnology by countries around the world is creating increasingly concerning barriers to US agriculture and technology trade, according to a recent report from the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR).
EPA announces $7 billion to make solar more accessible
By Shannon Kelleher
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said on Monday that it will provide $7 billion to create or expand low-income residential solar programs across the country, a move the agency said will lower energy costs for roughly 900,000 households in communities that might otherwise struggle to access the alternative energy source.
EPA moves to make polluters foot the bill for PFAS cleanup
By Shannon Kelleher
US regulators on Friday finalized a rule designating two widespread PFAS chemicals as hazardous substances, a step they say will ensure polluters pay to clean up contamination and reduce Americans’ exposure to the toxic chemicals.
“Sustainable” company behind POM juice among California’s top paraquat sprayers
By Shannon Kelleher
The Wonderful Company, which has been recognized for its sustainability initiatives and owns POM pomegranate juice, Fiji Water, and other popular brands, was among California’s top sprayers of the toxic weedkiller paraquat in 2021, according to a new analysis.