Wood fires spark Bay Area red alert.

Concentrations of fine particle pollution from wood fires were at unhealthy levels in the Bay Area on Christmas Day, fueling concern that the region faces trouble meeting stricter new federal air standards.

[News Source]

Environmentalists want to slow push for coal plants. A plan by TXU to build up to 19 new coal-burning power plants across the state continues to stir up debate. [News Source]

Coalition unveils state proposals. With the Texas Legislature kicking off a new session next week, clean-air advocates, public-health officials and outdoors groups want state lawmakers to focus on environmental issues -- particularly those involving new coal-fired power plants. [News Source]

Environmentalists want to slow push for coal plants. Environmental groups said Thursday they will ask the Legislature to slow down plans for up to 19 new coal-fired power plants that they worry will pump millions of tons of pollution into the air every year. [News Source]

‘Clean air is not free.’ New federal regulations will clean up diesel engine emissions in 2007 and will help the environment, but it won't be as beneficial to Bobby Dunn's bottom line. [News Source]

Xcel Energy plans expansion of Becker power plant. Xcel Energy Inc. wants to increase the amount of power generated at its coal-fired power plant here, the largest in Minnesota, while reducing its emissions. [News Source]

Governor offers environmental, technology agenda. Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas proposed a series of intiatives aimed at improving the state's communications infrastructure and reducing harmful automobile emissions. [News Source]

Harper drops Ambrose from environment. Prime Minister Stephen Harper finally put the rumours to rest and unveiled a new cabinet Thursday that sees Treasury Board president John Baird replace Environment Minister Rona Ambrose and several fresh faces added to the ministerial roster. [News Source]

Canada’s Ambrose shuffled from environment ministry. Canada's embattled Environment Minister Rona Ambrose was ousted from her post in a cabinet shuffle Thursday, signaling a reversal of the government's cautious environmental stand as elections loom. [News Source]

Group sees the environment as election issue. In its year-end report, made public Wednesday, the Indonesian Forum for the Environment said weak law enforcement had led to the development of environmental problems in the city. [News Source]

Harper Shuffles Cabinet Ahead of a Possible Election (Update3) (Bloomberg.com) Jan. 4 (Bloomberg) -- Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, criticized for being lax on global warming, demoted his environment minister and promised more action to curb air pollution, as the issue threatens to undermine his chances of retaining power in elections expected this year. [News Source]