November, 2001

BT Corn Pops Back Into News
Genetically engineered corn is once more the topic of debate as the EPA gives a 7-year extension of its approval of BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) corn. After conducting what it considers a comprehensive scientific review of the corn, the EPA says that it is not toxic to humans or other animals. "BT corn has been evaluated thoroughly by EPA", said Stephen Johnson, assistant administrator of EPAs Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances. "We are confident that it does not pose risks to human health or to the environment." Not everyone is as confident as Johnson. (see LEAF-let, May/June 2001, Starlink Corn and Its Global Impact.)

A Breath of Not-So-Fresh Air
After the American Lung Association released a report that said three of the four most ozone-polluted cities in the nation are in the San Joaquin Valley, a coalition of medical, community and environmental groups threatened to sue the Environmental Protection Agency unless it downgraded the air quality status of the area from serious to severe. The EPA did as it was asked, and the San Joaquin Valley Air District has until May 2002 to develop a plan that will reduce ozone pollution by 30 percent by the year 2005.

Postal Service to Zap Mail
In the wake of numerous terrorist attacks involving anthrax, the U.S. Postal Service began irradiating mail to get rid of the deadly bacteria. Irradiation is one of the steps in the new measures implemented by Postmaster General Jack Potter to protect postal workers and the public from anthrax in the mail. While exact methods have not been outlined, there are currently three different irradiation techniques: gamma rays, electron beams and x-rays.

Sittin At the Dock of the Bay
A report issued by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation says that development of open space, increased water pollution, and problems with the blue crab fishery have led to the first documented health decline of Chesapeake Bay, North America's largest estuary. A multi-state partnership is now working to restore the Bay's health by 2010, at a cost of $8.5 billion.

Going Batty Over Tequila
It's not just humans whove suffered from the recent tequila shortage. Due to high demand and not enough production of commercial-grade agave—the plant from which tequila is made—growers are harvesting wild agave, which may contribute to the decline of the Mexican Long-Tongued Bat. The bat, which feeds off the nectar of wild agave, is in danger of becoming extinct because the tequila- and mezcal-producing portion of the agave is cut before it can flower.

Sure It Is... We Believe You...
The EPA reports that air quality in the United States maintained steady improvement through the year 2000. It claims that it has taken steps this year toward cleaner air, including reducing allowable emissions from large trucks and buses, as well as sulfur levels in fuel.We suggest they tell that to the people who live in the San Joaquin Valley. See A Breath of Not So Fresh Air (above).