Concerns raised over mercury output. Recent studies show that most emissions of mercury, a poisonous particulate that's been connected to developmental problems in children and infants, land closer to their sources than first thought. [News Source]

House oks bill to speed permits for new refineries; foes say measure guts environmental rules. The House passed legislation Wednesday aimed at streamlining permits for new refineries. [News Source]

Estimates of Ontario’s electricity reserves ‘miscalculated’: sources. Ontario will have much less electricity available this summer than previously thought and will have to continue using its smog-contributing coal plants longer than expected because the province's power system monitor "miscalculated" its forecasts, sources said Thursday. [News Source]

Coal-fired plants may get reprieve. The future of a coal-fired power plant near Sarnia, which employs more than 400, could become clearer after the expected release today of a long-awaited report on Ontario electricity needs. [News Source]

Air quality report due out in July. The Williams Lake Air Quality Roundtable in British Columbia is working on a plan to improve the air because it says that the current air could pose a health risk to local residents. [News Source]

China makes U-turn to embrace efficient cars. Pollution, traffic jams and a growing dependence on imported oil have forced a radical rethink that has made China an unlikely pioneer of some of the world's tightest fuel efficiency standards and stricter emissions limits. [News Source]

Better HK air could save 1,600 lives a year - study. Better air quality in Hong Kong could save as many as 1,600 lives and HK$21 billion (US$2.7 billion) a year, according to a study released on Thursday by three local universities and a think tank. [News Source]

Hong Kong study reveals cost of pollution. Failure to improve Hong Kong’s chronic air pollution claims at least 1,600 lives every year, a study has found. [News Source]

City clouds over in worst air pollution so far this year. Cape Town experienced one of its worst air pollution days of the year so far yesterday, because the city was virtually wind-free. [News Source]

Wind-free Capetown hit by heavy pollution. Cape Town experienced one of its worst air pollution days of the year so far yesterday, because the city was virtually wind-free. [News Source]

New fines for polluters intended to hurt. Turkey's Environment and Forestry Ministry has issued new fines that will be imposed on those found guilty of pollution. [News Source]