Columbia University to pay pollution penalty of $135K. Columbia University will pay more than $100,000 to settle claims that its heating system polluted the air in violation of federal law. [News Source]

Amenia OKs cleanup settlement for ex-landfill. The Amenia town board Thursday approved a proposed settlement with the state Department of Environmental Conservation to clean up a former landfill without going to court. [News Source]

Smog blog takes flight. Pigeons beam back pollution info from the air above Los Angeles. [News Source]

Does incinerator foul air? In response to concerns from residents, the Utah Division of Air Quality is planning to take a closer look at the emissions from a medical-waste incineration plant in North Salt Lake. [News Source]

Friedman airs desire for energy agency. Kinky Friedman elaborated on his vision of biodiesel advocate Willie Nelson leading Texas toward greater renewable energy Thursday, saying an agency should be formed to champion wind, sun and other renewable sources. [News Source]

Friedman puts forth energy plan. Independent gubernatorial candidate Kinky Friedman rolled out his Texas energy proposal Thursday, saying he wants to substantially boost renewable energy production. [News Source]

Springdale : State setting up to keep tabs on the region’s air. Northwest Arkansas’ growth has the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality preparing to measure the region’s air quality. [News Source]

Filling up your car and lungs. Representatives from the American Lung Association were in Southern Minnesota Thursday dishing out E-85 for $1.85 a gallon. A lower price tag, for a fuel the Lung Association says can pay off big time for lung health. [News Source]

New grant to help open ‘green’ gas stations in Dane County. Dane County, Wisconsin could lead the country to cleaner air with a new effort to open more "green" gas stations. [News Source]

EPA grant funds gas-saving device. Fueled by a $50,000 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant, Wisconsin officials have launched an effort to improve the Madison area's air quality and save thousands of gallons of gas each year. [News Source]

A.C. Electric has buyer for problematic plant. Atlantic City Electric yesterday said it has found a buyer for its B.L. England power plant, an antiquated, mostly coal-burning facility that has come under fire from environmental authorities. [News Source]