Asbestos discovery results in fine, impacts Rookery Block demolition (KXLY-TV Spokane) SPOKANE -- There’s another twist in the ongoing saga of Spokane's historic Rookery Block as concerns over asbestos have landed the property owner a violation notice from the local air pollution control authority which could delay demolition long enough for a developer to strike a last-minute deal to save the buildings. [News Source]

Ozone Alert Announced For Thursday (ChannelOklahoma) OKLAHOMA CITY -- Weather conditions across Oklahoma have environmental officials calling for an ozone alert on Thursday. The Oklahoma City area has recorded some of the highest levels of air pollution ever recorded in June, officials said. Ozone pollution is usually at its worst in July and August. [News Source]

Pollution Tampering: Pipe Exec Gets a Year in Jail (RedNova) By Judy Fahys, The Salt Lake Tribune Jun. 13--A former pipe company executive was sentenced Monday to one year and one day in jail for tampering with air-pollution equipment at a Springville manufacturing company. U.S. [News Source]

South County agencies get funds to reduce air pollution (Arroyo Grande Times Press Recorder) Several South County agencies and others that serve the entire county were awarded nearly $1 million in grant funding recently by the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District. [News Source]

Air pollution is turning China dry (New Scientist) Belching chimneys and cars in China are making the skies dry up - smoke particles are preventing raindrops from forming [News Source]

Another Voice (Ukiah Daily Journal) Mendocino County is blessed with clean air and a public that is deeply concerned about protecting it for future generations. It is my pleasure to serve as the Air Pollution Control Officer for the Mendocino County Air Quality Management District. [News Source]

Mercury is poisoning N.C. At least six states have passed laws requiring power plants to cut mercury pollution by 85-95 percent within several years. Our state should require nothing less to protect its children. [News Source]

Delayed reaction. Our warming planet has huge implications for public health. But is the NHS too preoccupied with today's problems to address tomorrow's risks? [News Source]

The conservation connection. Seven million gallons. That's how much gasoline Massachusetts drivers use every day. [News Source]

Getting real on air pollution and health. The EPA attributes well over 90 percent of the benefits of its clean air programs to improvements in human health. Thus, a key policy question is whether EPA's health-benefit claims are credible. [News Source]

We cannot afford this extra pollution. The US Pacific Coast is increasingly on the front lines of a burgeoning global environmental crisis as China and India step up coal consumption to meet exploding consumer demand for cheap electricity. [News Source]