We must act for the bottom billion’s sake. Climate change and environmental degradation threaten the very future of our planet, while growing populations and rising wealth place unprecedented stress on the Earth's resources. [News Source]

Clean-air plan falls short. From the start, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has appeared more concerned with getting approval for its air quality plan than with actually improving the quality of North Texas air. [News Source]

Fayette court delays new anti-smoking rules. At the behest of several affected business owners, Fayette County’s Board of Health voted last week to extend by three months the implementation of an enhanced smoking ban. [News Source]

States slack off on snuffing out teen smoking. A funny thing happened on the way to stamping out teen smoking: The more the nation learned about how to do it, the less some states have done. [News Source]

Maryland’s bars and restaurants find ways to deal with smoking ban. Overall, the effect of the ban has been difficult to judge; even the statewide liquor and restaurant associations are having trouble setting the ban aside from other economic pressures. [News Source]

Green overhead. Even with climate challenges, Alaskans are sampling the trend toward planted roofs and interior walls [News Source]

Truckee apartment owner works to clear air. Spurred by an investigation into formaldehyde levels in Truckee's Henness Flats apartments, modifications are now being made to the neighboring Frishman Hollow complex to ensure safe air quality. [News Source]

Smoke drives inland residents west. After several days of wildland-fire-generated smoke, numerous Hoopa Valley residents with compromised respiratory systems are seeking a reprieve and heading for the coast. [News Source]

Most of Big Sur evacuated after wildfire spreads. Authorities ordered the remaining residents of this scenic coastal community to leave Wednesday because an out-of-control wildfire, one of hundreds in California, had jumped a fire line and was threatening more homes. [News Source]

Foothill Transit soon will have all natural-gas powered buses. A major area transit agency is on the verge of weaning itself from expensive diesel fuel. [News Source]

Big Sur evacuated as fire jumps line. Authorities ordered the remaining residents of this scenic coastal community to leave Wednesday because an out-of-control wildfire, one of hundreds in California, had jumped a fire line and was threatening more homes. [News Source]