Roberts backs oil tax bid. Actress Julia Roberts has added her name to a growing list of celebrities and politicians supporting a proposal, to be put to voters next month, that would tax oil to fund alternative energy research. [News Source]

Shippingport citizens fear effects from blast of soot. Some concerned Pennsylvania citizens say the black soot that belched from a smokestack July 22 could cause serious health effects. [News Source]

Residents need to know open burning regulations. Ohio's residents should know their open burning regulations as well as their community's regulations before lighting that foliage on fire. [News Source]

Air clears federal hurdle in 2 north Valley cities. The San Joaquin Valley's shroud of smog lifted in Stockton and Modesto last year — both cities attained the federal health standard, air officials said Tuesday. [News Source]

Valley first: compliance with federal air standard. California's San Joaquin Valley hasn't violated particulate-matter limits since 2003, complying with federal rules that require three years of clean air to meet the standard. [News Source]

B.L. England sale plan applauded in Upper. Elected officials unanimously applauded the proposed sale of the B.L. England power plant, but some residents ex-pressed reservations about the plant's environmental and health effects. [News Source]

Few answers for an angry Apex. The chemical fire that cleared out much of Apex, NC, Oct. 5 was still generating noise and heat Tuesday night -- this time from more than 200 frustrated residents who wanted answers. [News Source]

Plan for asphalt plant on hold indefinitely. Flynn Brothers Contracting has put its plan for a new asphalt mixing plant in eastern Jefferson County on hold after nearby residents raised concerns. [News Source]

The environment enters the governor’s race. The candidates agree on the need for conservation leadership but differ on how to achieve their goals. [News Source]

EPA wants incinerator shut down. The federal EPA has filed suit to shut down and fine a medical waste incineration company in Wasilla, Alaska, alleging the incinerator exceeds pollution limits and is out of compliance with the federal Clean Air Act. [News Source]

God, country and global warming. Volatile gas prices, threats to our national security, economic instability and global warming are just some of the challenges we face because of our dependence on oil and other fossil fuels. [News Source]