Traffic pollution causing diseases across city (Khaleej Times) A STUDY recently undertaken by the Transport and Communication Department (TCD) and the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) has revealed that air pollution created mainly by traffic is spreading more than 24 different diseases across the city of Karachi. [News Source]

New fireplaces to go up in smoke. The crackling fire that warms so many hearts and homes this time of year is coming under regulation for the first time in Sacramento County. [News Source]

SMUD dams face changes. The U.S. Forest Service is demanding major changes at American River dams owned by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District, changes that could improve one of the Sierra Nevada's most popular recreation areas. [News Source]

TXU investment a step in right direction. TXU executives have long been tight-lipped on the subject of carbon dioxide. [News Source]

Why did voters buy the fossil-fuel pushers’ lies on Prop. 87? The only thing that surprised me about Tuesday's election was the failure, by 9 percentage points, of Proposition 87. [News Source]

Democrats’ victory seen as boost for environment. The Democrats' big win on Tuesday should boost efforts to rid the Meadowlands of toxins, save forests in the Highlands and clean up the state's Superfund sites. [News Source]

Fight looms over Texas air pollution regulations. In the next few months, lawsuits, administrative fights and demands for reform before the Legislature will challenge the way Texas regulates air pollution. [News Source]

Bay area group announces grant at global warming summit. A Bay Area ecological group announced a $3 million grant today in San Francisco to fund local climate protection projects and programs. [News Source]

Utilities take aim at sulfur emissions. Under federal pressure, Georgia Power and others are spending billions to cut back air pollution. [News Source]

Turbines tested in East River. Avoiding widespread blackouts like the ones that swept through Queens last summer knocking out power for a week to northwest residents, may soon be possible with the help of ocean tides. [News Source]

VC funds see opportunity in China environment woes. China's environmental woes and soaring energy demand offer a major long-term opportunity for global venture capital firms, industry players and academics said on Thursday. [News Source]